Page 1
kanji
石Meaning
Stone
Reading
kunyomiいしishi
onyomiせきseki
しゃくshaku
Parts
口Mouth 丆Cliff (厂)
Example Word
流石: as expected. The Japanese adjectival noun '流石 (さすが)' is used to express admiration or acknowledgment of someone's abilities, qualities, or actions, often implying that the outcome is as expected given their reputation or skill. It carries a nuance of respect and sometimes surprise. For example: As expected of you, you solved it quickly「さすがあなた、すぐに解決しましたね」(さすがあなた、すぐにかいけつしましたね). As expected of a professional, the work is flawless「さすがプロ、仕事が完璧だ」(さすがぷろ、しごとがかんぺきだ). Note that 'さすが' is often used in positive contexts to highlight someone's excellence or to acknowledge their efforts.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
1Frequency
197
Handwriting
kanji
確Meaning
Certain
Reading
kunyomiたしtashi
onyomiかくkaku
Parts
石Stone 隹Bird
Example Word
確り: firmly. The Japanese adverb '確り (しっかり)' means 'firmly' or 'steadily'. It is often used to describe actions done with care, attention, or reliability. It can also imply mental or emotional stability. For example: Hold it firmly「しっかり持って」(しっかりもって). She studies hard「彼女はしっかり勉強する」(かのじょはしっかりべんきょうする). Additionally, it can be used to encourage someone to stay strong or focused, as in 'Stay strong! (しっかりして！)'. This word conveys a sense of dependability and thoroughness in actions or attitudes.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
488
Handwriting
kanji
破Meaning
Break, Tear
Reading
kunyomiやぶyabu
onyomiはha
Parts
石Stone 皮Skin
Example Word
破産: bankruptcy. The Japanese noun '破産 (はさん)' means 'bankruptcy'. This term is used in legal and financial contexts to describe the state of being unable to pay outstanding debts. It can refer to both individuals and businesses. For example: he declared bankruptcy「彼は破産を宣告した」(かれははさんをせんこくした). The company went bankrupt「その会社は破産した」(そのかいしゃははさんした). In Japanese law, bankruptcy is a formal legal process that involves the liquidation of assets to pay off creditors. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a complete failure or collapse, though this usage is less common.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
566
Handwriting
kanji
研Meaning
Sharpen
Reading
kunyomiとto
onyomiけんken
Parts
石Stone 开Open
Example Word
研修: training. The Japanese noun '研修 (けんしゅう)' refers to 'training' or 'a training program'. It is commonly used in professional or educational contexts to describe a period of learning or skill development, often for employees or students. For example: I attended a training session「研修に参加しました」(けんしゅうにさんかしました). The company provides training for new employees「会社は新入社員の研修を行います」(かいしゃはしんにゅうしゃいんのけんしゅうをおこないます). This word is often associated with structured programs aimed at improving skills or knowledge in a specific field.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
618
Handwriting
kanji
砂Meaning
Sand
Reading
kunyomiすなsuna
onyomiさsa
しゃsha
Parts
石Stone 少Few
Example Word
砂糖: sugar. The Japanese noun '砂糖 (さとう)' means 'sugar'. It refers to the sweet crystalline substance used to flavor food and drinks. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as cooking or discussing food. For example: I put sugar in my coffee「コーヒーに砂糖を入れました」(コーヒーにさとうをいれました). This cake has a lot of sugar「このケーキは砂糖が多い」(このケーキはさとうがおおい). The word '砂糖' is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
940
Handwriting
kanji
砲Meaning
Gun, Cannon
Reading
onyomiほうhou
Parts
石Stone 包Wrap
Example Word
鉄砲: gun. The Japanese noun '鉄砲 (てっぽう)' refers to a 'gun' or 'firearm'. Historically, it specifically refers to matchlock guns introduced to Japan in the 16th century. In modern usage, it broadly refers to firearms. Example sentences: He bought a gun「彼は鉄砲を買った」(かれはてっぽうをかった). The samurai used guns「侍は鉄砲を使った」(さむらいはてっぽうをつかった). Note that this word is often associated with historical or traditional contexts, though it can also be used in modern settings.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1236
Handwriting
kanji
磨Meaning
Polish
Reading
kunyomiみがmiga
onyomiまma
Parts
麻Hemp, Numb 石Stone
Example Word
歯磨き: toothpaste or tooth brushing. The Japanese noun '歯磨き (はみがき)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'toothbrushing', referring to the act of cleaning one's teeth. The second is 'toothpaste', the substance used during toothbrushing. This word is commonly used in daily life and can refer to either the action or the product, depending on the context. For example: I do toothbrushing every morning「毎朝歯磨きをします」(まいあさはみがきをします). This toothpaste is mint-flavored「この歯磨きはミント味です」(このはみがきはみんとあじです). Note that the meaning is usually clear from the context, but it can sometimes be ambiguous without additional clarification.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1410
Handwriting
kanji
礎Meaning
Foundation stone, Foundation
Reading
kunyomiいしずえishizue
onyomiそso
Parts
石Stone 楚
Example Word
基礎: foundation. The Japanese noun '基礎 (きそ)' means 'foundation'. It refers to the base or underlying support of something, whether physical, conceptual, or abstract. This word is often used in contexts like education, construction, or skills development. For example: The foundation of this building is strong「この建物の基礎は強い」(このたてもののきそはつよい). Learning the basics is important「基礎を学ぶことは大切です」(きそをまなぶことはたいせつです). It can also refer to the fundamental principles or groundwork of a subject, as in '基礎知識 (きそちしき) (basic knowledge)'.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1642
Handwriting
kanji
砕Meaning
Smash
Reading
kunyomiくだkuda
onyomiさいsai
Parts
石Stone 卆
Example Word
砕ける: break. The Japanese verb '砕ける (くだける)' primarily means 'to break' or 'to be broken'. It is often used to describe something physically breaking into smaller pieces, such as glass or rocks. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something abstract, like a person's spirit or resolve, being broken. For example: The glass broke into pieces「ガラスが砕けた」(ガラスがくだけた). His spirit was broken by the harsh criticism「彼の精神は厳しい批判で砕けた」(かれのせいしんはきびしいひはんでくだけた). Additionally, '砕ける' can imply a sense of softening or becoming more approachable, as in '砕けた態度 (くだけたたいど)' (a relaxed or informal attitude).
Radical
石
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1680
Handwriting
kanji
硬Meaning
Hard, Stiff
Reading
kunyomiかたkata
onyomiこうkou
Parts
石Stone 更Renew, Grow late
Example Word
硬い: hard. The Japanese adjective '硬い (かたい)' means 'hard'. It describes something that is physically firm, rigid, or difficult to bend or break. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something strict, inflexible, or tense, such as a person's attitude or a situation. For example: this bread is hard「このパンは硬い」(このパンはかたい). His expression was hard「彼の表情は硬かった」(かれのひょうじょうはかたかった). When used metaphorically, it often conveys a sense of stiffness or lack of flexibility, as in '硬い態度 (かたいたいど) (stiff attitude)'.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1759
Handwriting