Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

One

Reading

Example Word

一部分: part. The Japanese noun '一部分 (いちぶぶん)' means 'part' or 'portion'. It refers to a segment or section of a whole, often used to describe a fraction or a specific portion of something larger. For example: I read only a part of the book「私は本の一部分だけを読んだ」(わたしはほんのいちぶぶんだけをよんだ). This is just a part of the problem「これは問題の一部分に過ぎない」(これはもんだいのいちぶぶんにすぎない). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a subset of a larger entity.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

海上: sea. The Japanese noun '海上 (かいじょう)' refers to the surface of the sea or ocean. It is often used in contexts related to maritime activities, such as shipping, navigation, or events occurring on the water. For example: The ship is sailing on the sea「船は海上を航行している」(ふねはかいじょうをこうこうしている). There was an accident at sea「海上で事故があった」(かいじょうでじこがあった). This term is distinct from '海 (うみ)', which simply means 'sea' or 'ocean', as '海上' specifically emphasizes the surface or area above the water.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

12

Radical Form

丄

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Three

Reading

Parts

一One 二Two

Example Word

三千: 3000. The Japanese noun '三千 (さんぜん)' means '3000'. It is a numerical term used to represent the number three thousand. This word is often used in contexts involving counting, quantities, or measurements. For example: there are 3000 people in the stadium「スタジアムには三千人がいます」(スタジアムにはさんぜんにんがいます). The price is 3000 yen「値段は三千円です」(ねだんはさんぜんえんです). It's important to note that '三千' is a specific numerical term and is used in formal or written contexts more often than in casual speech.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

28

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

見下ろす: look down. The Japanese verb '見下ろす (みおろす)' means 'to look down'. This verb is used when someone is physically looking down from a higher position to a lower one. It can also imply a sense of superiority or condescension when used metaphorically. For example: He looked down from the mountain「彼は山から見下ろした」(かれはやまからみおろした). She looked down on him with disdain「彼女は彼を見下ろすように見た」(かのじょはかれをみおろすようにみた). The verb is often used in contexts involving physical elevation or social hierarchy.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不完全: incomplete. The Japanese adjectival noun '不完全 (ふかんぜん)' means 'incomplete'. It is used to describe something that is not fully developed, finished, or perfect. This term can be applied to objects, ideas, systems, or processes. For example: The plan is incomplete「その計画は不完全だ」(そのけいかくはふかんぜんだ). His understanding of the topic is incomplete「彼のその話題の理解は不完全だ」(かれのそのわだいのりかいはふかんぜんだ). The word can also imply a sense of imperfection or deficiency, often used in contexts where something is lacking or not fully realized.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

61

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

World, Generation

Reading

Parts

廿Twenty 𠃊Second (乙)

Example Word

中世: middle ages. The Japanese noun '中世 (ちゅうせい)' refers to the 'Middle Ages', a historical period typically spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century in Europe. In Japan, it specifically refers to the medieval period, roughly from the late 12th century to the late 16th century, characterized by the rise of the samurai class and feudal systems. This term is used in historical and academic contexts to describe this era. For example: The Middle Ages were a time of great change「中世は大きな変化の時代だった」(ちゅうせいはおおきなへんかのじだいだった). Many castles were built during the Middle Ages「中世に多くの城が建てられた」(ちゅうせいにおおくのしろがたてられた).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

81

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seven

Reading

Parts

一One ⺃Second (乙)

Example Word

七千: seven thousand. The Japanese noun '七千 (ななせん)' means 'seven thousand'. It is a numerical term used to denote the quantity of 7,000. This word is commonly used in contexts involving counting, measurements, or quantities. For example: The population is seven thousand「人口は七千です」(じんこうはななせんです). The price is seven thousand yen「値段は七千円です」(ねだんはななせんえんです). Note that '七千' is a specific number and is used in formal or written contexts more often than in casual speech.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

159

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Both

Reading

Parts

一One 冂Enclosure 山Mountain

Example Word

両: both. The Japanese suffix '両 (りょう)' means 'both' and is used to refer to two items or groups collectively. It is often attached to nouns to indicate that both of the items or groups mentioned are included. For example: both parents「両親」(りょうしん). both countries「両国」(りょうこく). This suffix is commonly used in formal or written contexts and can also be found in compound words. It is important to note that '両' is typically used when referring to two distinct but related entities, emphasizing their combined consideration.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

306

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ten thousand

Reading

Parts

一One 勹Wrap

Example Word

万歳: hurrah or long live. The Japanese verbal noun '万歳 (ばんざい)' is used to express joy, celebration, or triumph. It is often shouted to cheer or celebrate something, similar to 'hurrah' or 'hooray' in English. Additionally, it can be used to wish someone or something a long life, akin to 'long live'. For example: Hurrah! We won!「万歳！勝った！」(ばんざい！かった！). Long live the king!「王様万歳！」(おうさまばんざい！). The word is commonly used in celebratory contexts, such as festivals, victories, or significant achievements.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

331

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Give, Involvement

Reading

Example Word

関与: involvement. The Japanese noun '関与 (かんよ)' means 'involvement'. It refers to the act of participating or being involved in a situation, event, or activity, often implying some level of responsibility or influence. This word is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, politics, or legal matters. For example: His involvement in the project was significant「彼のプロジェクトへの関与は大きかった」(かれのプロジェクトへのかんよはおおきかった). The company denied any involvement in the scandal「その会社はスキャンダルへの関与を否定した」(そのかいしゃはスキャンダルへのかんよをひていした). Note that '関与' often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

437

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Line, Row

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 业Business (業)

Example Word

並ぶ: equal or lineup. The Japanese verb '並ぶ (ならぶ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to line up' or 'to stand in a row', referring to physical alignment. For example: people are lining up for the bus「人々がバスに並んでいる」(ひとびとがバスにならんでいる). The second meaning is 'to be equal to' or 'to rival', indicating a comparison of ability or status. For example: his skill equals that of a professional「彼の技術はプロに並ぶ」(かれのぎじゅつはプロにならぶ). The verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, and its meaning depends on the situation.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

525

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Street

Reading

Parts

一One 亅Barb

Example Word

丁度: exactly. The Japanese adverb '丁度 (ちょうど)' means 'exactly' or 'just'. It is used to indicate precision in time, quantity, or condition. It can also imply that something happens at the perfect moment or fits perfectly. For example: It's exactly 3 o'clock「ちょうど3時です」(ちょうどさんじです). This shirt fits me just right「このシャツはちょうどいい」(このシャツはちょうどいい). The train arrived exactly on time「電車はちょうど時間通りに到着した」(でんしゃはちょうどじかんどおりにとうちゃくした). Note that 'ちょうど' is often used in casual and formal contexts alike, making it a versatile word in Japanese.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stout, Length

Reading

Example Word

丈夫: strong or durable. The Japanese adjectival noun '丈夫 (じょうぶ)' primarily means 'strong' or 'durable'. It is used to describe objects, materials, or even people that are sturdy, robust, or resistant to damage. For example: This bag is durable「このカバンは丈夫です」(このかばんはじょうぶです). He is strong and healthy「彼は丈夫です」(かれはじょうぶです). The word can also imply reliability or resilience, such as in the phrase '丈夫な建物 (じょうぶなたてもの)' (a sturdy building). Note that while 'strong' and 'durable' are closely related, they are distinct enough to warrant separate meanings in this context.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

653

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hill

Reading

Parts

一One 斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

丘: hill. The Japanese noun '丘 (おか)' means 'hill'. This word refers to a naturally raised area of land, not as high as a mountain, often with a rounded top. It is commonly used to describe geographical features in landscapes. For example: There is a small hill near my house「私の家の近くに小さな丘があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにちいさなおかがあります). We had a picnic on the hill「丘の上でピクニックをしました」(おかのうえでぴくにっくをしました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a gentle rise or elevation in various contexts.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Moreover, Also

Reading

Example Word

且つ: and. The Japanese conjunction '且つ (かつ)' is used to connect two statements or ideas, similar to the English 'and'. However, it is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It emphasizes that both connected elements are true or applicable. For example: He is intelligent and diligent「彼は賢く且つ勤勉だ」(かれはかしこくかつきんべんだ). This method is effective and safe「この方法は効果的且つ安全だ」(このほうほうはこうかてきかつあんぜんだ). Note that '且つ' is less common in casual conversation, where 'そして' or 'そして' might be used instead.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Third, Third class

Reading

Parts

一One 内Inside

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2064

Handwriting