kanji

Meaning

Alone

Reading

Parts

犭 虫Insect

Example Word

独立: independence. The Japanese verbal noun '独立 (どくりつ)' means 'independence'. It refers to the state or condition of being free from external control or influence, often used in contexts such as political independence, economic independence, or personal independence. For example: The country gained independence「その国は独立を勝ち取った」(そのくにはどくりつをかちとった). He lives in independence「彼は独立して生活している」(かれはどくりつしてせいかつしている). This term can also be used in business contexts to describe a company or entity operating independently, as in '独立した会社 (どくりつしたかいしゃ) (independent company)'.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

504

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Form, Condition

Reading

Parts

丬 犬Dog

Example Word

状況: situation. The Japanese noun '状況 (じょうきょう)' means 'situation' or 'circumstances'. It refers to the state or condition of things at a particular time, often used to describe the context or environment in which something occurs. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to discuss current events, conditions, or states of affairs. For example: The situation is serious「状況は深刻です」(じょうきょうはしんこくです). I need to understand the situation better「状況をもっと理解する必要があります」(じょうきょうをもっとりかいするひつようがあります). It can also be used in phrases like '状況を把握する (じょうきょうをはあくする)' which means 'to grasp the situation'.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

507

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dog

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

Example Word

犬: dog. The Japanese noun '犬 (いぬ)' means 'dog'. This word is used to refer to the domesticated animal known for its loyalty and companionship. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be found in various contexts, such as describing pets, breeds, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: That dog is cute「あの犬はかわいい」(あのいぬはかわいい). I have a dog「私は犬を飼っています」(わたしはいぬをかっています). The word '犬' can also be used metaphorically in phrases like '犬猿の仲 (けんえんのなか)', which means 'like cats and dogs' or 'having a bad relationship'.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

681

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crazy, Lunatic

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 王King

Example Word

狂う: crazy or broken. The Japanese verb '狂う (くるう)' can have two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'crazy', referring to a state of mental instability or irrational behavior. For example: he went crazy「彼は狂った」(かれはくるった). The second meaning is 'broken', referring to something that is out of order or not functioning correctly. For example: the clock is broken「時計が狂っている」(とけいがくるっている). The context in which this verb is used will determine which meaning is intended. It's important to note that '狂う' can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or plans that have gone awry.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

715

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crime

Reading

Parts

犭 㔾

Example Word

犯罪: crime. The Japanese noun '犯罪 (はんざい)' means 'crime'. It refers to an act that is against the law and punishable by the legal system. This word is commonly used in legal, social, and everyday contexts to describe illegal activities. For example: The police are investigating the crime「警察は犯罪を調査しています」(けいさつははんざいをちょうさしています). He was arrested for committing a crime「彼は犯罪を犯して逮捕された」(かれははんざいをおかしてたいほされた). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as discussing crime rates or societal issues related to crime.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

893

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cat

Reading

Parts

犭 苗Seedling

Example Word

猫: cat. The Japanese noun '猫 (ねこ)' means 'cat'. This word refers to the domestic feline animal, commonly kept as a pet. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a pet, talking about cats in general, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: I have a cat「猫を飼っています」(ねこをかっています). The cat is sleeping「猫が寝ている」(ねこがねている). Cats are cute「猫はかわいい」(ねこはかわいい). The word '猫' is straightforward and widely used in everyday conversation.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1031

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prison, Litigation

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 訁Say (言)

Example Word

地獄: hell. The Japanese noun '地獄 (じごく)' means 'hell'. It refers to the concept of a place of punishment or suffering after death, often associated with religious or mythological beliefs. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation of extreme suffering or difficulty. For example: He went through hell「彼は地獄を経験した」(かれはじごくをけいけんした). This place is like hell「この場所は地獄のようだ」(このばしょはじごくのようだ). The word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, and it carries a strong connotation of suffering or torment.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1140

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Narrow

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 夹

Example Word

狭める: narrow. The Japanese verb '狭める (せばめる)' means 'to narrow' or 'to make something narrower'. It is used to describe the action of reducing the width, scope, or extent of something. This verb can be applied to physical spaces, such as narrowing a road, or abstract concepts, such as narrowing down options. For example: He narrowed the gap between the two cars「彼は車の間の距離を狭めた」(かれはくるまのあいだのきょりをせばめた). We need to narrow down the list of candidates「候補者のリストを狭める必要がある」(こうほしゃのリストをせばめるひつようがある). The verb is often used in contexts where precision or focus is required.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Monkey

Reading

Parts

犭 袁

Example Word

猿: monkey. The Japanese noun '猿 (さる)' refers to a monkey. This word is commonly used to describe primates, particularly those found in Japan, such as the Japanese macaque. It can be used in various contexts, from literal descriptions of animals to metaphorical expressions. For example: The monkey is eating a banana「猿がバナナを食べている」(さるがバナナをたべている). There are many monkeys in the mountains「山には猿が多い」(やまにはさるがおおい). In Japanese culture, monkeys are sometimes associated with mischief or cleverness, and they appear in folklore and proverbs.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1207

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fierce

Reading

Parts

犭 孟

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1316

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beast, Animal

Reading

Parts

畄 一One 口Mouth 犬Dog

Example Word

獣: beast. The Japanese noun '獣 (けもの)' refers to a 'beast' or 'wild animal'. It is often used to describe animals that are untamed, dangerous, or live in the wild. This word carries a slightly negative or primal connotation, emphasizing the wild and untamed nature of the animal. For example: The forest is full of beasts「森には獣がたくさんいる」(もりにはけものがたくさんいる). He fought like a beast「彼は獣のように戦った」(かれはけもののようにたたかった). Note that this word is distinct from more neutral terms like '動物 (どうぶつ)' (animal), as it specifically highlights the wild or untamed aspect.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1343

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Waver, Delay

Reading

Parts

犭 酋

Example Word

猶: still or furthermore. The Japanese adverb '猶 (なお)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'still', which is used to indicate that a situation or condition continues unchanged. For example: He is still working「彼は猶働いている」(かれはなおはたらいている). The second meaning is 'furthermore', which is used to add information or emphasize a point. For example: Furthermore, we need to consider the budget「猶、予算を考慮する必要がある」(なお、よさんをこうりょするひつようがある). This word is often used in formal or written contexts and can carry a nuanced tone depending on the situation.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1452

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Offer, Offering

Reading

Parts

南South 犬Dog

Example Word

貢献: contribution. The Japanese noun '貢献 (こうけん)' means 'contribution'. It refers to the act of contributing to something, such as a cause, project, or society. This word is often used in contexts where someone or something has made a significant positive impact or provided valuable input. For example: His research made a great contribution to science「彼の研究は科学に大きな貢献をした」(かれのけんきゅうはかがくにおおきなこうけんをした). We aim to contribute to the community「私たちは地域に貢献することを目指しています」(わたしたちはちいきにこうけんすることをめざしています). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe any form of support or assistance that leads to progress or improvement.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1501

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seize, Catch game

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 蒦

Example Word

獲得: acquisition. The Japanese verbal noun '獲得 (かくとく)' means 'acquisition'. It refers to the act of obtaining or gaining something, often through effort or competition. This word is commonly used in contexts such as acquiring skills, rights, or resources. For example: the acquisition of new technology「新しい技術の獲得」(あたらしいぎじゅつのかくとく). The team worked hard for the acquisition of the championship「チームは優勝の獲得に一生懸命取り組んだ」(チームはゆうしょうのかくとくにいっしょうけんめいとりくんだ). It can also be used in abstract contexts, such as acquiring knowledge or rights.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1580

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hunting, Hunt

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 守Protect

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1609

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Aim

Reading

Parts

犭 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

狙う: target or aim. The Japanese verb '狙う (ねらう)' primarily means 'to aim' or 'to target'. It is used when focusing on a specific goal, object, or outcome. This verb can be applied in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, in sports, it can mean aiming for a target: He aimed for the goal「彼はゴールを狙った」(かれはゴールをねらった). In a strategic context, it can mean targeting an opportunity: The company is targeting the overseas market「その会社は海外市場を狙っている」(そのかいしゃはかいがいしじょうをねらっている). Note that '狙う' often implies a deliberate and focused effort toward achieving something.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1661

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hunting

Reading

Parts

犭 鼡

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1672

Handwriting