Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 一
kanji
一Meaning
One
Reading
hito
onyomiいちichi
いつitsu
Example Word
一人: alone or one person. The Japanese noun '一人 (ひとり)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'alone', referring to a state of being by oneself without others. The second meaning is 'one person', referring to a single individual. This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: I live alone「私は一人で暮らしています」(わたしはひとりでくらしています). Only one person came to the meeting「会議には一人しか来なかった」(かいぎにはひとりしかこなかった). The word can also be used in phrases like '一人で (ひとりで)' meaning 'by oneself' or 'on one's own'.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
1JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
2
Handwriting
kanji
上Meaning
Up
Reading
ue
あa
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
一One 卜Divination
Example Word
目上: superior. The Japanese noun '目上 (めうえ)' refers to someone who is of higher status, rank, or seniority, such as a boss, teacher, or elder. It is used in social or hierarchical contexts to show respect and acknowledge the position of the person being referred to. For example: I must be polite to my superiors「目上の人には丁寧にしなければならない」(めうえのひとにはていねいにしなければならない). My boss is my superior「私の上司は目上です」(わたしのじょうしはめうえです). The term is often used in workplace or formal settings to emphasize respect for hierarchy.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
12
Radical Form
丄
Handwriting
kanji
三Meaning
Three
Reading
mi
onyomiさんsan
Parts
一One 二Two
Example Word
三: three. The Japanese noun '三 (さん)' means 'three'. It is a number used to denote the quantity or position of something in a sequence. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as counting objects, indicating time, or specifying order. For example: there are three apples「りんごが三つあります」(りんごがみっつあります). It's the third of the month「今日は三日です」(きょうはみっかです). The word '三' can also be part of compound words, such as '三日月 (みかづき)' (crescent moon), where it retains its numerical meaning but contributes to a broader concept.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
28
Handwriting
kanji
下Meaning
Down
Reading
shita
くだkuda
onyomiげge
かka
Parts
一One 卜Divination
Example Word
下車: alighting. The Japanese verbal noun '下車 (げしゃ)' means 'alighting' or 'getting off' a vehicle, such as a train, bus, or car. It is commonly used in transportation contexts, particularly in announcements or signs. For example: Please get off at the next station「次の駅で下車してください」(つぎのえきでげしゃしてください). This term is often paired with '乗車 (じょうしゃ)' (boarding) to describe the complete process of getting on and off a vehicle. Another example: Alighting is prohibited here「ここでは下車禁止です」(ここではげしゃきんしです).
Radical
一
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
34
Radical Form
丅
Handwriting
kanji
不Meaning
Not
Reading
fu
ぶbu
Example Word
不必要: unnecessary. The Japanese adjectival noun '不必要 (ふひつよう)' means 'unnecessary'. It is used to describe something that is not needed or required. This term can be applied to objects, actions, or situations. For example: That step is unnecessary「そのステップは不必要です」(そのステップはふひつようです). Buying more is unnecessary「もっと買うのは不必要だ」(もっ とかうのはふひつようだ). The word is often used in formal or written contexts to emphasize that something can be omitted or avoided without consequence.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
61
Handwriting