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

社内: in company. The Japanese noun '社内 (しゃない)' refers to something that is within a company or organization. It is commonly used to describe activities, communications, or matters that occur inside a company. For example: in-company training「社内研修」(しゃないけんしゅう). The email is for internal use only「このメールは社内専用です」(このメールはしゃないせんようです). This term is often used in business contexts to distinguish between internal and external affairs.

Radical

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Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

240

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Show, Indicate

Reading

Parts

二Two 小Small

Example Word

示唆: hint. The Japanese noun '示唆 (しさ)' means 'hint' or 'suggestion'. It refers to an indirect indication or clue that implies something without stating it explicitly. This word is often used in formal or intellectual contexts, such as academic discussions, literature, or professional advice. For example: The professor gave a hint about the exam questions「教授は試験問題について示唆を与えた」(きょうじゅはしけんもんだいについてしさをあたえた). Her words contained a subtle suggestion「彼女の言葉には微妙な示唆が含まれていた」(かのじょのことばにはびみょうなしさがふくまれていた). Note that '示唆' is more formal than other words like 'ヒント' (hint) or '暗示' (あんじ, implication), and it often carries a nuanced or sophisticated tone.

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

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

590

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bow, Salute

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)乙Second, Latter

Example Word

礼儀: manners. The Japanese noun '礼儀 (れいぎ)' refers to 'manners' or 'etiquette'. It is used to describe proper behavior, politeness, and respect in social interactions. This word is often associated with traditional Japanese customs and the importance of showing respect to others. For example: Good manners are important「礼儀は大切です」(れいぎはたいせつです). He has no manners「彼は礼儀を知らない」(かれはれいぎをしらない). The concept of '礼儀' is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is often emphasized in both personal and professional settings.

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

祖父: grandfather. The Japanese noun '祖父 (そふ)' refers to one's paternal grandfather. It is a formal term used to denote the father of one's father. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese when referring to or addressing one's grandfather. For example: My grandfather is kind「私の祖父は優しい」(わたしのそふはやさしい). I visited my grandfather「祖父を訪ねた」(そふをたずねた). It's important to note that '祖父' specifically refers to the paternal grandfather, while '外祖父 (がいそふ)' is used for the maternal grandfather, though '祖父' can sometimes be used more generally in casual contexts.

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

祝日: holiday. The Japanese noun '祝日 (しゅくじつ)' refers to a national holiday or public holiday in Japan. These are days officially recognized by the government, during which many businesses and schools are closed. Examples include New Year's Day (元日), Coming of Age Day (成人の日), and Culture Day (文化の日). For example: Tomorrow is a national holiday「明日は祝日です」(あしたはしゅくじつです). We have a day off because it's a public holiday「祝日なので休みです」(しゅくじつなのでやすみです). Note that '祝日' specifically refers to holidays established by law, as opposed to '休日 (きゅうじつ)', which can refer to any day off, including weekends.

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

祈る: pray. The Japanese verb '祈る (いのる)' means 'to pray'. It is used when someone is making a wish or request to a higher power, such as a deity or the universe, often for the well-being of oneself or others. It can also be used in a more general sense to express a strong hope or desire for something to happen. For example: I pray for your happiness「あなたの幸せを祈ります」(あなたのしあわせをいのります). She prayed for good weather「彼女は良い天気を祈った」(かのじょはよいてんきをいのった). The verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often carries a sense of earnestness or sincerity.

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

禁ずる: forbid. The Japanese verb '禁ずる (きんずる)' means 'to forbid' or 'to prohibit'. It is a formal or literary term often used in legal, official, or authoritative contexts to indicate that something is not allowed. For example: The law forbids smoking here「法律はここで喫煙を禁ずる」(ほうりつはここできつえんをきんずる). The school prohibits students from using phones「学校は生徒が携帯を使うことを禁ずる」(がっこうはせいとがけいたいをつかうことをきんずる). Note that '禁ずる' is less commonly used in everyday conversation, where '禁止する (きんしする)' is more typical.

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

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1826

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Auspicious

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)羊Sheep

Radical

示

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