Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

God

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)申Report

Example Word

神: god. The Japanese noun '神 (かみ)' refers to a 'god' or 'deity'. In Japanese culture, this term is used to describe a wide range of divine beings, from the gods of Shinto (kami) to deities in other religions. It can also refer to a spirit or a revered figure. For example: The god of this shrine is powerful「この神社の神は強い」(このじんじゃのかみはつよい). People pray to the gods for good fortune「人々は幸運を祈って神に祈る」(ひとびとはこううんをいのってかみにいのる). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with exceptional skill or talent, such as '彼は料理の神だ' (かれはりょうりのかみだ) (He is a god of cooking).

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

99

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Company

Reading

Parts

土Soil 礻Cult (示)

Example Word

社長: president or CEO. The Japanese noun '社長 (しゃちょう)' refers to the president or CEO of a company. It is a formal title used to address or refer to the highest-ranking executive in a business organization. This term is commonly used in professional settings and carries a sense of respect and authority. For example: The president of the company is very busy「社長はとても忙しい」(しゃちょうはとてもいそがしい). I met the CEO yesterday「昨日社長に会いました」(きのうしゃちょうにあいました). Note that '社長' is often used in combination with honorifics, such as '社長さん' or '社長様', to show additional respect.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

240

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Show, Indicate

Reading

Parts

二Two 小Small

Example Word

提示: presentation. The Japanese noun '提示 (ていじ)' refers to the act of presenting or showing something, often in a formal or official context. It is commonly used when providing evidence, documents, or information to support a claim or request. For example: Please present your ID「提示してください」(ていじしてください). The lawyer presented new evidence「弁護士は新しい証拠を提示した」(べんごしはあたらしいしょうこをていじした). This word is often used in legal, business, or academic settings where formal presentation of information is required.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

574

Radical Form

礻

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blessing

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)畐Fill

Example Word

幸福: happiness. The Japanese adjectival noun '幸福 (こうふく)' means 'happiness'. It refers to a state of well-being, contentment, or joy. This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a deep or lasting sense of happiness. For example: I wish you happiness「あなたに幸福を願います」(あなたにこうふくをねがいます). True happiness is hard to find「真の幸福を見つけるのは難しい」(しんのこうふくをみつけるのはむずかしい). Note that '幸福' is more profound and less casual than other words for happiness like '幸せ (しあわせ)', which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

590

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bow, Salute

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)乙Second, Latter

Example Word

礼: thanks. The Japanese noun '礼 (れい)' primarily means 'thanks' or 'gratitude'. It is often used in formal contexts to express appreciation or acknowledgment. This word can also refer to a bow or gesture of respect, which is a common way to show gratitude in Japanese culture. For example: He expressed his thanks「彼は礼を言った」(かれはれいをいった). She bowed in gratitude「彼女は礼をした」(かのじょはれいをした). The word is deeply tied to cultural practices of politeness and respect, making it essential in formal interactions.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

605

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ancestor

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)且Moreover, Also

Example Word

先祖: ancestor. The Japanese noun '先祖 (せんぞ)' refers to one's ancestors or forebears. It is commonly used to describe family lineage or those who came before in a family's history. This word carries a sense of respect and is often used in contexts related to family traditions, genealogy, or cultural practices honoring ancestors. For example: I respect my ancestors「私は先祖を尊敬する」(わたしはせんぞをそんけいする). Our ancestors lived here「私たちの先祖はここに住んでいた」(わたしたちのせんぞはここにすんでいた). The term is also used in phrases like '先祖代々 (せんぞだいだい)', meaning 'for generations'.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

737

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ritual

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 又Again 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

祭日: holiday. The Japanese noun '祭日 (さいじつ)' refers to a 'holiday' or 'festival day'. It is commonly used to denote national holidays or days of celebration in Japan. These days are often associated with traditional festivals, ceremonies, or public events. For example: Today is a holiday「今日は祭日です」(きょうはさいじつです). We have a holiday tomorrow「明日は祭日です」(あしたはさいじつです). It's important to note that '祭日' is often used interchangeably with '祝日 (しゅくじつ)', though '祭日' can carry a slightly more traditional or ceremonial connotation.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

955

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Celebrate

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)兄Older brother

Example Word

祝う: celebrate. The Japanese verb '祝う (いわう)' means 'to celebrate'. It is used to express the act of celebrating an event, occasion, or achievement. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or cultural festivals. For example: We celebrated the New Year「新年を祝った」(しんねんをいわった). They celebrated their wedding anniversary「彼らは結婚記念日を祝った」(かれらはけっこんきねんびをいわった). The verb can also be used in more formal or ceremonial contexts, such as celebrating a company milestone or a national holiday. It is important to note that '祝う' often implies a sense of joy and festivity.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1182

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pray

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

祈り: prayer. The Japanese noun '祈り (いのり)' means 'prayer'. It refers to the act of praying or a prayer itself, often in a religious or spiritual context. This word can be used to describe both the action of praying and the content of the prayer. For example: She offered a prayer for peace「彼女は平和を祈りました」(かのじょはへいわをいのりました). His prayer was answered「彼の祈りが叶いました」(かれのいのりがかないました). The word can also be used metaphorically to express a strong wish or hope, as in '祈りのような願い (いのりのようなねがい) (a wish like a prayer)'.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1205

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ban, Prohibition

Reading

Parts

示Show, Indicate 林Grove

Example Word

立ち入り禁止: no entry. The Japanese noun '立ち入り禁止 (たちいりきんし)' means 'no entry' or 'off-limits'. It is commonly used to indicate areas where entry is prohibited, such as restricted zones, construction sites, or private property. This term is often seen on signs and warnings. For example: This area is off-limits「このエリアは立ち入り禁止です」(このエリアはたちいりきんしです). Do not enter, it's prohibited「立ち入り禁止です、入らないでください」(たちいりきんしです、はいらないでください). The term is a combination of '立ち入り (たちいり)' meaning 'entry' and '禁止 (きんし)' meaning 'prohibition'.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1233

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Zen

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)単Simple, Single

Example Word

禅: Zen. The Japanese noun '禅 (ぜん)' refers to 'Zen', a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and intuition. Zen is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is often associated with simplicity, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. It has influenced various aspects of Japanese life, including art, tea ceremonies, and martial arts. Example sentences: He practices Zen meditation「彼は禅の瞑想をします」(かれはぜんのめいそうをします). Zen teaches the importance of being present「禅は今を大切にすることを教えます」(ぜんはいまをたいせつにすることをおしえます).

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1634

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calamity

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)咼

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1826

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Auspicious

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)羊Sheep

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1995

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Vote, Ballot

Reading

Parts

覀 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

票: vote. The Japanese noun '票 (ひょう)' primarily means 'vote'. It refers to a formal expression of preference or opinion in a decision-making process, such as an election or a ballot. This word is commonly used in political or organizational contexts. For example: I cast my vote「私は票を投じた」(わたしはひょうをとうじた). The majority of votes decided the outcome「票の多数が結果を決めた」(ひょうのたすうがけっかをきめた). Note that '票' can also refer to a ballot or a voting slip, depending on the context.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2054

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blessedness, Welfare

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)止Stop

Example Word

福祉: welfare. The Japanese noun '福祉 (ふくし)' refers to 'welfare' or 'well-being'. It is commonly used in contexts related to social welfare, public health, and the overall well-being of individuals or communities. This term is often associated with government programs, social services, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. For example: The government is improving welfare services「政府は福祉サービスを改善しています」(せいふはふくしサービスをかいぜんしています). Welfare is important for a healthy society「福祉は健康な社会にとって重要です」(ふくしはけんこうなしゃかいにとってじゅうようです). The word can also appear in compound terms like '社会福祉 (しゃかいふくし)' (social welfare) or '福祉施設 (ふくししせつ)' (welfare facilities).

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2134

Handwriting