Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Against

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 文Sentence

Example Word

対照: contrast. The Japanese noun '対照 (たいしょう)' means 'contrast'. It refers to the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically in a way that highlights their differences. This word is often used in contexts where two or more things are compared to emphasize their dissimilarities. For example: the contrast between light and dark「光と闇の対照」(ひかりとやみのたいしょう). The contrast between the two cultures is striking「二つの文化の対照は際立っている」(ふたつのぶんかのたいしょうはきわだっている). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as contrasting ideas or theories.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

148

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temple

Reading

Parts

土Soil 寸Measurement

Example Word

寺: temple. The Japanese noun '寺 (てら)' refers to a Buddhist temple, a place of worship and religious practice in Buddhism. It is distinct from Shinto shrines, which are called '神社 (じんじゃ)'. Temples often house statues of Buddha, serve as centers for meditation, and host various religious ceremonies. For example: I visited a temple「寺を訪れました」(てらをおとずれました). There is an old temple in Kyoto「京都に古い寺があります」(きょうとにふるいてらがあります). The word is commonly used in contexts related to religion, history, and tourism.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

408

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Leader, Commander

Reading

Parts

丬 寽

Example Word

女将: innkeeper. The Japanese noun '女将 (おかみ)' refers to a female innkeeper or the proprietress of a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or restaurant. This term is often used to describe a woman who manages the establishment, overseeing its operations and ensuring the comfort of guests. The role of an 'おかみ' is highly respected in Japanese culture, as she is seen as the face of the establishment and plays a key role in maintaining its hospitality and traditions. Example sentences: The innkeeper welcomed us warmly「女将が私たちを温かく迎えてくれた」(おかみがわたしたちをあたたかくむかえてくれた). The proprietress prepared a delicious meal「女将が美味しい料理を作ってくれた」(おかみがおいしいりょうりをつくってくれた).

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

486

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Measurement

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 丶Dot 一One

Example Word

一寸: a bit. The Japanese adverb '一寸 (ちょっと)' means 'a bit' or 'a little'. It is commonly used to indicate a small amount, degree, or extent of something. It can also be used to soften requests or statements, making them sound more polite or less direct. For example: Can you wait a bit?「ちょっと待ってくれますか？」(ちょっとまってくれますか？). I'm a bit busy「ちょっと忙しいです」(ちょっといそがしいです). Additionally, 'ちょっと' can be used to express hesitation or difficulty in answering a question, as in 'ちょっと難しいです (ちょっとむずかしいです) (It's a bit difficult).'

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

700

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Respect, Revered

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 酋

Example Word

尊: honorific. The Japanese suffix '尊 (みこと)' is an honorific used to show deep respect, often attached to the names of deities, emperors, or other highly revered figures. It conveys a sense of sacredness or divinity. For example: the sun goddess Amaterasu is referred to as '天照大御神 (あまてらすおおみかみ)', where '大御神 (おおみかみ)' includes the honorific '御 (み)' and '神 (かみ)' meaning 'god'. Another example is the historical figure Prince Shōtoku, who is often called '聖徳太子 (しょうとくたいし)', but in more reverent contexts, '聖徳太子尊 (しょうとくたいしみこと)' might be used. This suffix is rarely used in modern everyday language and is mostly found in historical, religious, or literary contexts.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

788

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inquire

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 寸Measurement 工Construction ヨ

Example Word

尋ねる: inquire or ask. The Japanese verb '尋ねる (たずねる)' primarily means 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. It is used when someone is seeking information or clarification about something. This verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more formal or polite nuance compared to '聞く (きく)', which also means 'to ask'. For example: I asked the teacher a question「先生に質問を尋ねた」(せんせいにしつもんをたずねた). He inquired about the meeting time「彼は会議の時間を尋ねた」(かれはかいぎのじかんをたずねた). Additionally, '尋ねる' can also mean 'to visit' or 'to call on someone', though this usage is less common and typically more formal. For example: She visited her friend's house「彼女は友達の家を尋ねた」(かのじょはともだちのいえをたずねた).

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

868

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shoot

Reading

Parts

身Body, Self 寸Measurement

Example Word

反射: reflection or reaction. The Japanese verbal noun '反射 (はんしゃ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'reflection', which refers to the bouncing back of light, sound, or heat from a surface. For example: The light reflects off the mirror「光が鏡に反射する」(ひかりがかがみにはんしゃする). The second meaning is 'reaction', which refers to an automatic or involuntary response to a stimulus. For example: He reacted quickly to the sound「彼はその音に素早く反射した」(かれはそのおとにすばやくはんしゃした). It's important to note that the context in which '反射' is used will determine which meaning is intended.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

914

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lead, Guide

Reading

Parts

道Way 寸Measurement

Example Word

導く: guide. The Japanese verb '導く (みちびく)' means 'to guide' or 'to lead'. It is used to describe the act of showing someone the way, either physically or metaphorically. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as guiding someone through a process, leading a group, or even guiding someone to a conclusion. For example: The teacher guided the students to the correct answer「先生は生徒を正しい答えに導いた」(せんせいはせいとをただしいこたえにみちびいた). He guided the team to victory「彼はチームを勝利に導いた」(かれはチームをしょうりにみちびいた). The verb can also imply a sense of influence or direction, as in guiding someone's thoughts or actions.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1097

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exclusive, Specialty

Reading

Parts

叀 寸Measurement

Example Word

専ら: mainly. The Japanese adverb '専ら (もっぱら)' means 'mainly' or 'primarily'. It is used to indicate that something is done or focused on exclusively or predominantly. This adverb often implies that the subject is concentrating on one particular thing to the exclusion of others. For example: He mainly focuses on his studies「彼は専ら勉強に集中している」(かれはもっぱらべんきょうにしゅうちゅうしている). She mainly eats vegetables「彼女は専ら野菜を食べる」(かのじょはもっぱらやさいをたべる). The word can also carry a nuance of exclusivity or specialization, suggesting that the action or focus is not just primary but almost entirely so.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1132

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seal

Reading

Parts

圭 寸Measurement

Example Word

同封: enclosure. The Japanese verbal noun '同封 (どうふう)' refers to the act of enclosing something within a letter, package, or document. It is commonly used in formal or business contexts when sending additional materials along with the main content. For example: I enclosed a brochure with the letter「手紙にパンフレットを同封しました」(てがみにぱんふれっとをどうふうしました). Please find the document enclosed in the envelope「封筒に書類を同封しております」(ふうとうにしょるいをどうふうしております). The term emphasizes the inclusion of supplementary items and is often used in written communication.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1176

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Longevity, Congratulations

Reading

Parts

三Three 丿Katakana no 寸Measurement

Example Word

寿司: sushi. The Japanese noun '寿司 (すし)' refers to 'sushi', a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw fish, seafood, vegetables, or egg. Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide. It comes in many forms, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice). Example sentences: I ate sushi yesterday「昨日寿司を食べた」(きのうすしをたべた). This sushi is delicious「この寿司は美味しい」(このすしはおいしい). Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1414

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Company officer, Military officer

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 示Show, Indicate 寸Measurement

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1493

Handwriting