Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 大
kanji
大Meaning
Big
Reading
oo
onyomiだいdai
たいtai
Parts
一One 人Person
Example Word
大体: mostly. The Japanese adverb '大体 (だいたい)' means 'mostly' or 'generally'. It is used to indicate that something is true in most cases or to a large extent, but not completely. It can also be used to give an approximate or rough estimate. For example: I mostly understand Japanese「大体日本語がわかります」(だいたいにほんごがわかります). It's mostly finished「大体終わりました」(だいたいおわりました). The meeting will start at around 10 o'clock「会議は大体10時に始まります」(かいぎはだいたい10じにはじまります).
Radical
大
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
6
Handwriting
kanji
夫Meaning
Man, Husband
Reading
fu
ふうfuu
Parts
人Person 二Two
Example Word
夫婦: married couple. The Japanese noun '夫婦 (ふうふ)' means 'married couple'. This word refers to two people who are married to each other, regardless of gender. It is used to describe the relationship between the spouses. For example: They are a married couple 「彼らは夫婦です」 (かれらはふうふです). The married couple went on a trip 「夫婦は旅行に行きました」 (ふうふはりょこうにいきました). Note that this word is neutral and does not imply any particular marital status other than being married.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
133
Handwriting
kanji
天Meaning
Heaven
Reading
ama
onyomiてんten
Parts
一One 大Big
Example Word
天: sky or heaven. The Japanese noun '天 (てん)' can mean either 'heaven' or 'sky', depending on the context. When referring to 'heaven', it often carries a spiritual or religious connotation, such as in the context of the afterlife or divine realms. When referring to 'sky', it is used to describe the physical expanse above the earth. Example sentences: The heavens are vast「天は広大だ」(てんはこうだいだ). The sky is clear today「今日の天は晴れている」(きょうのてんははれている). Note that '天' can also appear in compound words, such as '天国 (てんごく)' (paradise) or '天気 (てんき)' (weather), where its meaning is contextually derived.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
136
Handwriting
kanji
太Meaning
Thick, Fat
Reading
futo
onyomiたいtai
たta
Parts
大Big 丶Dot
Example Word
太鼓: drum. The Japanese noun '太鼓 (たいこ)' refers to a traditional Japanese drum. It is a percussion instrument that is often used in various traditional Japanese music and performances, such as festivals, theater, and religious ceremonies. The drum is typically made of wood and animal skin, and it is played with sticks called 'bachi'. Example sentences: The sound of the drum is loud「太鼓の音は大きい」(たいこのおとはおおきい). They played the drum at the festival「彼らは祭りで太鼓を叩いた」(かれらはまつりでたいこをたたいた).
Radical
大
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
147
Handwriting
kanji
失Meaning
Lose, Fault
Reading
ushina
onyomiしつshitsu
Parts
大Big 丿Katakana no 夫Man, Husband
Example Word
喪失: loss. The Japanese noun '喪失 (そうしつ)' means 'loss'. It refers to the state of losing something important, such as a person, object, or abstract concept like hope or identity. This word is often used in emotional or serious contexts, such as grief or significant life changes. For example: the loss of a loved one「愛する人を喪失する」(あいするひとをそうしつする). A sense of loss「喪失感」(そうしつかん). It can also be used in broader contexts, such as the loss of trust「信頼の喪失」(しんらいのそうしつ).
Radical
大
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
335
Handwriting
kanji
奥Meaning
Core, Heart
Reading
oku
onyomiおうou
Parts
米Rice 大Big
Example Word
奥さん: wife. The Japanese noun '奥さん (おくさん)' is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone else's wife. It is commonly used in formal or polite conversations. For example: His wife is very kind「彼の奥さんはとても親切です」(かれのおくさんはとてもしんせつです). I met your wife yesterday「昨日、奥さんに会いました」(きのう、おくさんにあいました). Note that '奥さん' is not used to refer to one's own wife; instead, '妻 (つま)' or '家内 (かない)' is used in such cases.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
382
Handwriting
kanji
奇Meaning
Strange, Unusual
Reading
ki
Parts
大Big 可Possible
Example Word
奇麗: beautiful or clean. The Japanese adjectival noun '奇麗 (きれい)' can mean both 'clean' and 'beautiful', depending on the context. When used to describe cleanliness, it refers to something being free from dirt or clutter. For example: The room is clean「部屋は奇麗です」(へやはきれいです). When used to describe beauty, it refers to something or someone being aesthetically pleasing. For example: She is beautiful「彼女は奇麗です」(かのじょはきれいです). The word can also be used to describe something as neat or tidy, such as handwriting: Your handwriting is neat「あなたの字は奇麗です」(あなたのじはきれいです). It's important to note that '奇麗' is often written in hiragana as 'きれい' in modern Japanese.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
630
Handwriting
kanji
奉Meaning
Dedicate, Observance
Reading
matsu
たてまつtatematsu
ほうhou
onyomiほうhou
ぶbu
Example Word
奉行: magistrate. The Japanese noun '奉行 (ぶぎょう)' refers to a magistrate or a high-ranking official in feudal Japan, typically responsible for administrative or judicial duties. This term is historically significant and often associated with the Edo period, where such officials played crucial roles in governance. For example: The magistrate issued a new decree「奉行が新しい法令を出した」(ぶぎょうがあたらしいほうれいをだした). The magistrate's decision was final「奉行の決定は最終的だった」(ぶぎょうのけっていはさいしゅうてきだった). It's important to note that this term is largely historical and may not be commonly used in modern contexts, except when referring to historical settings or figures.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
813
Handwriting
kanji
奪Meaning
Take by force, Rob
Reading
uba
onyomiだつdatsu
Parts
大Big 奞
Example Word
奪う: take or rob. The Japanese verb '奪う (うばう)' primarily means 'to take' or 'to rob'. It is used when someone forcibly takes something away from someone else, often implying a sense of loss or deprivation. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as physically taking an object, or metaphorically taking something intangible like time or opportunities. For example: The thief took my wallet「泥棒が私の財布を奪った」(どろぼうがわたしのさいふをうばった). The accident robbed him of his happiness「その事故は彼の幸せを奪った」(そのじこはかれのしあわせをうばった). Note that '奪う' carries a strong connotation of force or violence, and is not used for casual or neutral taking.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1167
Handwriting
kanji
奮Meaning
Invigorated
Reading
furu
onyomiふんfun
Parts
奞 田Rice field
Example Word
興奮: excitement. The Japanese verbal noun '興奮 (こうふん)' refers to a state of excitement, agitation, or arousal. It is often used to describe emotional or physical excitement, such as the thrill of an event or the agitation caused by a situation. For example: I felt excitement at the concert「コンサートで興奮を感じた」(コンサートでこうふんをかんじた). The crowd was in a state of excitement「群衆は興奮状態だった」(ぐんしゅうはこうふんじょうたいだった). This word can also be used in contexts like sports, debates, or even scientific discussions to describe heightened energy or tension.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1215
Handwriting
kanji
奏Meaning
Play music
Reading
kana
onyomiそうsou
Parts
禾Cereal
Example Word
演奏: performance. The Japanese verbal noun '演奏 (えんそう)' refers to the act of performing music, typically on an instrument or as part of an ensemble. It is commonly used in contexts involving concerts, recitals, or any musical presentation. For example: The piano performance was beautiful「ピアノの演奏は美しかった」(ぴあののえんそうはうつくしかった). I will attend a violin performance tomorrow「明日、バイオリンの演奏を聴きに行きます」(あした、ばいおりんのえんそうをききにいきます). This word is often associated with formal or artistic settings and emphasizes the act of playing music rather than just listening to it.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1324
Handwriting
kanji
央Meaning
Center
Reading
ou
Parts
大Big 口Mouth
Example Word
中央: center or middle. The Japanese noun '中央 (ちゅうおう)' primarily means 'center' or 'middle'. It refers to the central part of something, whether it's a physical space, an organization, or a concept. For example: the center of the city「街の中央」(まちのちゅうおう). The middle of the room「部屋の中央」(へやのちゅうおう). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the central government「中央政府」(ちゅうおうせいふ). The word is versatile and can be applied to various contexts where the concept of centrality is relevant.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
1349
Handwriting
kanji
契Meaning
Pledge
Reading
chigi
onyomiけいkei
Parts
㓞 大Big
Example Word
契機: opportunity or turning point. The Japanese noun '契機 (けいき)' refers to a significant event or moment that serves as a catalyst for change or action. It can mean 'opportunity' when referring to a chance to start something new, or 'turning point' when describing a pivotal moment that leads to a major shift. For example: This meeting was the opportunity to start a new project「この会議が新しいプロジェクトの契機となった」(このかいぎがあたらしいぷろじぇくとのけいきとなった). The accident became a turning point in his life「その事故が彼の人生の契機となった」(そのじこがかれのじんせいのけいきとなった). The word is often used in formal or written contexts to describe moments of transformation or initiation.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1778
Handwriting
kanji
奨Meaning
Urge, Encourage
Reading
shou
Parts
大Big 将Leader, Commander
Example Word
奨学金: scholarship. The Japanese noun '奨学金 (しょうがくきん)' refers to a 'scholarship', which is financial aid awarded to students to help pay for their education. This term is commonly used in academic contexts and can refer to both merit-based and need-based scholarships. For example: I received a scholarship「奨学金をもらいました」(しょうがくきんをもらいました). She applied for a scholarship「彼女は奨学金に申し込んだ」(かのじょはしょうがくきんにもうしこんだ). It is important to note that '奨学金' is often associated with higher education, such as university or graduate school, and can cover tuition, living expenses, or both.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1957
Handwriting
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1 - 16 of 16
- Radical 水
- Radical 人
- Radical 手
- Radical 木
- Radical 心
- Radical 口
- Radical 言
- Radical 糸
- Radical 辵
- Radical 土
- Radical 艸
- Radical 肉
- Radical 日
- Radical 女
- Radical 宀
- Radical 貝
- Radical 金
- Radical 刀
- Radical 阜
- Radical 火
- Radical 竹
- Radical 力
- Radical 禾
- Radical 頁
- Radical 衣
- Radical 目
- Radical 田
- Radical 彳
- Radical 犬
- Radical 广
- Radical 巾
- Radical 一
- Radical 大
- Radical 山
- Radical 石
- Radical 攴
- Radical 玉
- Radical 車
- Radical 示
- Radical 尸
- Radical 疒
- Radical 酉
- Radical 雨
- Radical 囗
- Radical 十
- Radical 寸
- Radical 食
- Radical 邑
- Radical 足
- Radical 弓
- Radical 門
- Radical 馬
- Radical 穴
- Radical 虫
- Radical 儿
- Radical 又
- Radical 米
- Radical 子
- Radical 隹
- Radical 八
- Radical 月
- Radical 舟
- Radical 欠
- Radical 皿
- Radical 乛
- Radical 見
- Radical 止
- Radical 冫
- Radical 曰
- Radical 戈
- Radical 网
- Radical 立
- Radical 方
- Radical 戶
- Radical 牛
- Radical 羽
- Radical 行
- Radical 走
- Radical 殳
- Radical 羊
- Radical 卩
- Radical 二
- Radical 白
- Radical 工
- Radical 干
- Radical 耳
- Radical 冂
- Radical 夕
- Radical 彡
- Radical 亠
- Radical 斤
- Radical 厂
- Radical 士
- Radical 歹
- Radical 虍
- Radical 巛
- Radical 凵
- Radical 文
- Radical 丶
- Radical 矢
- Radical 西
- Radical 里
- Radical 鳥
- Radical 亅
- Radical 冖
- Radical 匸
- Radical 幺
- Radical 鬼
- Radical 小
- Radical 音
- Radical 角
- Radical 毋
- Radical 老
- Radical 魚
- Radical 丿
- Radical 斗
- Radical 辛
- Radical 豕
- Radical 廴
- Radical 廾
- Radical 骨
- Radical 勹
- Radical 鹿
- Radical 丨
- Radical 生
- Radical 入
- Radical 赤
- Radical 青
- Radical 自
- Radical 匕
- Radical 麥
- Radical 色
- Radical 黑
- Radical 彐
- Radical 厶
- Radical 癶
- Radical 甘
- Radical 氏
- Radical 玄
- Radical 豆
- Radical 辰
- Radical 臼
- Radical 己
- Radical 几
- Radical 弋
- Radical 疋
- Radical 血
- Radical 至
- Radical 釆
- Radical 革
- Radical 片
- Radical 臣
- Radical 耒
- Radical 瓦
- Radical 爪
- Radical 气
- Radical 長
- Radical 高
- Radical 父
- Radical 毛
- Radical 首
- Radical 夊
- Radical 谷
- Radical 風
- Radical 黃
- Radical 用
- Radical 支
- Radical 夂
- Radical 飛
- Radical 比
- Radical 身
- Radical 艮
- Radical 面
- Radical 尢
- Radical 非
- Radical 矛
- Radical 缶
- Radical 无
- Radical 卜
- Radical 皮
- Radical 舛
- Radical 齒
- Radical 髟
- Radical 舌
- Radical 鼻
- Radical 麻
- Radical 而
- Radical 香
- Radical 鼓
- Radical 隶
- Radical 聿
- Radical 屮
- Radical 匚
- Radical 牙
- Radical 爻
- Radical 鬯
- Radical 韋
- Radical 豸