Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 心
kanji
思Meaning
Think
Reading
omo
onyomiしshi
Parts
心Heart 田Rice field
Example Word
思い出す: remember. The Japanese verb '思い出す (おもいだす)' means 'to remember' or 'to recall'. It is used when something that was forgotten or not thought about for a while comes back to one's mind. This verb is often used in contexts where a memory, thought, or feeling is brought back to consciousness. For example: I remembered my childhood「私は子供の頃を思い出した」(わたしはこどものころをおもいだした). He suddenly remembered the promise「彼は突然その約束を思い出した」(かれはとつぜんそのやくそくをおもいだした). The verb can also be used in the form '思い出して (おもいだして)' to mean 'remember to do something', as in 'Remember to call me「私に電話するのを思い出して」(わたしにでんわするのをおもいだして)'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
9
Handwriting
kanji
心Meaning
Heart
Reading
kokoro
onyomiしんshin
Parts
⺃Second (乙)丶Dot 丿Katakana no
Example Word
安心: relief. The Japanese verbal noun '安心 (あんしん)' means 'relief' or 'peace of mind'. It refers to a state of being free from worry, anxiety, or fear. This word is often used to express a sense of security or comfort, either for oneself or others. For example: I felt relief when I heard the news「その知らせを聞いて安心した」(そのしらせをきいてあんしんした). It's important to reassure children so they feel safe「子供たちが安心するように安心させることが大切だ」(こどもたちがあんしんするようにあんしんさせることがたいせつだ). The word can also be used in phrases like '安心してください (あんしんしてください)' meaning 'please rest assured' or 'don't worry'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
33
Handwriting
kanji
意Meaning
Idea
Reading
i
Parts
音Sound 心Heart
Example Word
不意: suddenness. The Japanese noun '不意 (ふい)' refers to something happening suddenly or unexpectedly. It is often used to describe events or actions that catch someone off guard. For example: He was taken by surprise「彼は不意をつかれた」(かれはふいをつかれた). The suddenness of the storm surprised everyone「嵐の不意さに皆驚いた」(あらしのふいさにみな おどろいた). This word is commonly used in contexts where the unexpected nature of an event is emphasized.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
59
Handwriting
kanji
感Meaning
Feeling, Sensation
Reading
kan
Parts
心Heart 咸Same
Example Word
感動: emotion or impression. The Japanese verbal noun '感動 (かんどう)' refers to a deep emotional response or being deeply moved by something. It can also mean being impressed or touched by an experience, event, or piece of art. This word is often used to describe the feeling one gets when witnessing something profoundly moving or inspiring. For example: I was deeply moved by the movie「映画に感動した」(えいがにかんどうした). The speech left a strong impression on me「スピーチに感動した」(スピーチにかんどうした). Note that '感動' is commonly used in contexts involving art, performances, speeches, or personal experiences that evoke strong emotions.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
83
Handwriting
kanji
情Meaning
Feeling, Emotion
Reading
nasake
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
Parts
忄 青Blue
Example Word
表情: expression. The Japanese noun '表情 (ひょうじょう)' refers to the 'expression' on someone's face, conveying emotions or feelings. It is commonly used to describe how someone's face looks when they are happy, sad, angry, or surprised. For example: Her expression was very sad「彼女の表情はとても悲しそうだった」(かのじょのひょうじょうはとてもかなしそうだった). I couldn't read his expression「彼の表情が読めなかった」(かれのひょうじょうがよめなかった). This word is often used in contexts involving emotions, communication, or interpersonal interactions.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
156
Handwriting
kanji
性Meaning
Gender, Sex
Reading
shou
せいsei
Parts
忄 生Life
Example Word
個性: individuality. The Japanese noun '個性 (こせい)' refers to 'individuality' or the unique characteristics that distinguish one person or thing from others. It is often used in contexts discussing personal traits, creativity, or the distinct qualities of a person or object. For example: She has a strong individuality「彼女は強い個性を持っている」(かのじょはつよいこせいをもっている). This artist's work reflects his individuality「このアーティストの作品は彼の個性を反映している」(こ のアーティストのさくひんはかれのこせいをはんえいしている). The word is commonly used in educational, artistic, and professional settings to emphasize the importance of uniqueness.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
162
Handwriting
kanji
悪Meaning
Evil
Reading
waru
onyomiあくaku
Parts
心Heart 亜Asia
Example Word
最悪: worst. The Japanese adjectival noun '最悪 (さいあく)' means 'worst'. It is used to describe a situation, condition, or outcome that is extremely bad or unfavorable. This term is often used in casual and formal contexts to express strong dissatisfaction or disappointment. For example: This is the worst「これは最悪だ」(これはさいあくだ). The weather today is the worst「今日の天気 は最悪だ」(きょうのてんきはさいあくだ). It can also be used to describe a person's mood or state, as in 'I feel the worst today'「今日は最悪の気分だ」(きょうはさいあくのきぶんだ). Note that '最悪' can also function as a noun, as in 'the worst case scenario'「最悪のケース」(さいあくのケース).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
171
Handwriting
kanji
想Meaning
Concept
Reading
omo
onyomiそうsou
Parts
心Heart 相Mutual
Example Word
連想: association. The Japanese noun '連想 (れんそう)' means 'association'. It refers to the mental connection or link between ideas, memories, or concepts. This word is often used in contexts where one thing reminds you of another, such as in psychology, creative thinking, or everyday conversation. For example: This song brings back memories「この曲は連想を呼び起こす」(このきょくはれんそうをよびおこす). The word 'red' often leads to the association of 'apple'「『赤』という言葉は『りんご』の連想を引き起こす」(『あか』ということばは『りんご』のれんそうをひきおこす). It can also be used in phrases like '連想ゲーム (れんそうゲーム)' (association game), where participants connect words based on their associations.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
206
Handwriting
kanji
愛Meaning
Love
Reading
mana
いとito
onyomiあいai
Parts
心Heart 爪Claw 冖Crown 夂Late
Example Word
可愛がる: dote. The Japanese verb '可愛がる (かわいがる)' means 'to dote on' or 'to treat with affection'. It is used to describe the act of showing love, care, or fondness towards someone or something, often in a nurturing or protective way. This verb is commonly used when referring to how someone treats a child, a pet, or even a close friend. For example: She dotes on her cat「彼女は猫を可愛がる」(かのじょはねこをかわいがる). The teacher dotes on her students「先生は生徒たちを可愛がる」(せんせいはせいとたちをかわいがる). The nuance of this verb often implies a sense of indulgence or pampering, and it is typically used in positive contexts.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
209
Handwriting
kanji
必Meaning
Inevitable, Certain
Reading
kanara
onyomiひつhitsu
Parts
心Heart 丿Katakana no
Example Word
必ずしも: not always. The Japanese adverb '必ずしも (かならずしも)' is used to express that something is not necessarily or always the case. It is often used in negative sentences to indicate that a general statement does not apply universally. For example: rich people are not always happy「お金持ちは必ずしも幸せではない」(おかねもちはかならずしもしあわせではない). Success does not always mean happiness「成功は必ずしも幸せを意味しない」(せいこうはかならずしもしあわせをいみしない). This adverb is commonly paired with negative forms like 'ない' or 'とは限らない (とはかぎらない)' to emphasize that a situation is not absolute.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
264
Handwriting
kanji
恐Meaning
Fear
Reading
oso
こわkowa
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
工Construction 心Heart 凡Common
Example Word
恐らく: probably. The Japanese adverb '恐らく (おそらく)' means 'probably' and is used to express a high degree of likelihood or assumption about something. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate that the speaker believes something is true but is not entirely certain. For example: He will probably come tomorrow「彼は恐らく明日来るでしょう」(かれはおそらくあしたくるでしょう). It will probably rain「恐らく雨が降るでしょう」(おそらくあめがふるでしょう). This word conveys a sense of cautious certainty and is commonly used in predictions or when making educated guesses.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
281
Handwriting
kanji
念Meaning
Thought
Reading
nen
Parts
今Now 心Heart
Example Word
概念: concept. The Japanese noun '概念 (がいねん)' refers to an abstract idea or a general notion, often used in academic, philosophical, or technical contexts. It represents a mental construct that helps in understanding or categorizing something. For example: The concept of time is complex「時間の概念は複雑です」(じかんのがいねんはふくざつです). He explained the concept clearly「彼はその概念を明確に説明した」(かれはそのがいねんをめいかくにせつめいした). The word is commonly used in discussions about theories, ideas, or frameworks, and it carries a formal tone.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
282
Handwriting
kanji
急Meaning
Urgent
Reading
iso
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
心Heart 刍Mow
Example Word
急度: surely. The Japanese adverb '急度 (きっと)' means 'surely' or 'certainly'. It is used to express a strong belief or conviction about something happening or being true. This word is often used when the speaker is confident about a future event or outcome. For example: He will surely come「彼はきっと来る」(かれはきっとくる). It will surely rain tomorrow「明日はきっと雨が降る」(あしたはきっとあめがふる). The nuance of 'きっと' often implies a sense of hope or expectation, and it is commonly used in positive contexts. It can also be used to reassure someone, as in 'きっと大丈夫 (きっとだいじょうぶ) (Surely, it will be okay).'
Radical
心
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
283
Handwriting
kanji
息Meaning
Breath
Reading
iki
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
心Heart 自Self
Example Word
息子: son. The Japanese noun '息子 (むすこ)' means 'son'. It refers to a male child in relation to his parents. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: My son is studying「私の息子は勉強しています」(わたしのむすこはべんきょうしています). He is my only son「彼は私の一人息子です」(かれはわたしのひとりむすこです). The word '息子' is often used in family-related conversations and is a respectful way to refer to one's own son or someone else's son.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
358
Handwriting
kanji
態Meaning
Appearance, Condition
Reading
waza
onyomiたいtai
Parts
心Heart 能Ability
Example Word
態と: intentionally. The Japanese adverb '態と (わざと)' means 'intentionally' or 'on purpose'. It is used to describe actions that are done deliberately, often with a specific intention or motive. This word can carry a slightly negative nuance, implying that the action was done with some ulterior motive or to cause a reaction. For example: He intentionally broke the vase「彼は態と花瓶を壊した」(かれはわざ とかびんをこわした). She pretended not to know, even though she did「彼女は知っているのに態と知らないふりをした」(かのじょはしっているのにわざとしらないふりをした). The adverb is often used in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize that the action was not accidental.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
393
Handwriting
kanji
悲Meaning
Sad
Reading
kana
onyomiひhi
Parts
非Mistake, Negative 心Heart
Example Word
悲しい: sad. The Japanese adjective '悲しい (かなしい)' means 'sad'. It is used to describe a feeling of sorrow, unhappiness, or grief. This word can be applied to situations, events, or personal emotions. For example: I feel sad「私は悲しい」(わたしはかなしい). That movie was sad「その映画は悲しかった」(そのえいがはかなしかった). It can also be used to describe something that evokes sadness, such as a sad story「悲しい話」(かなしいはなし). The nuance of '悲しい' often implies a deeper, more emotional sadness compared to other words like '寂しい (さびしい)', which can mean 'lonely' or 'lonesome'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
415
Handwriting
kanji
忘Meaning
Forget
Reading
wasu
onyomiぼうbou
Parts
亡Death, Deceased 心Heart
Example Word
忘年会: year end party. The Japanese noun '忘年会 (ぼうねんかい)' refers to a 'year-end party'. This is a traditional event held in Japan at the end of the year, typically in December, where colleagues, friends, or groups gather to celebrate the passing year and forget the hardships or troubles of the past year. The word itself combines '忘年' (forgetting the year) and '会' (gathering/party). These parties often involve food, drinks, and sometimes karaoke. Example sentences: Let's have a year-end party「忘年会をしましょう」(ぼうねんかいをしましょう). The company's year-end party was fun「会社の忘年会は楽しかった」(かいしゃのぼうねんかいはたのしかった).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
441
Handwriting
kanji
怪Meaning
Weird, Suspicious
Reading
aya
onyomiけke
かいkai
Parts
忄 圣Holy
Example Word
怪しむ: suspect. The Japanese verb '怪しむ (あやしむ)' means 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. It is used when someone has a feeling of distrust or suspicion towards something or someone. This verb often implies a sense of unease or skepticism. For example: I suspect his intentions「彼の意図を怪しむ」(かれのいとをあやしむ). She doubted the truth of his story「彼女は彼の話の真実を怪しんだ」(かのじょはかれのはなしのしんじつをあやしんだ). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as suspecting something is wrong or out of place.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
455
Handwriting
kanji
志Meaning
Intention
Reading
kokoroza
こころざしkokorozashi
onyomiしshi
Parts
心Heart 士Samurai
Example Word
志向: orientation. The Japanese noun '志向 (しこう)' refers to a person's orientation, inclination, or tendency towards a particular goal, direction, or way of thinking. It is often used in contexts related to psychology, education, or personal development to describe someone's focus or aspirations. For example: His orientation is towards art「彼の志向は芸術に向かっている」(かれのしこうはげいじゅつにむかっている). The company's orientation is innovation「その会社の志向は革新だ」(そのかいしゃのしこうはかくしんだ). This word can also imply a deliberate or conscious choice in pursuing a specific path or ideal.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
568
Handwriting
kanji
応Meaning
Answer, Respond
Reading
kota
onyomiおうou
Parts
广Dotted cliff 心Heart
Example Word
応ずる: respond. The Japanese verb '応ずる ( おうずる)' means 'to respond' or 'to comply with'. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate a reaction or reply to a request, demand, or situation. This verb can also imply fulfilling an expectation or meeting a requirement. For example: He responded to the request「彼はその要請に応じた」(かれはそのようせいにおうじた). The company complied with the regulations「会社は規制に応じた」(かいしゃはきせいにおうじた). Note that '応ずる' is the more formal or literary form of '応じる (おうじる)', which is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
606
Handwriting
kanji
快Meaning
Pleasant
Reading
kokoroyo
onyomiかいkai
Parts
忄 夬Decide
Example Word
不愉快: unpleasant. The Japanese adjectival noun '不愉快 (ふゆかい)' means 'unpleasant'. It is used to describe situations, feelings, or experiences that cause discomfort, displeasure, or annoyance. This word often conveys a sense of emotional or psychological discomfort rather than physical discomfort. For example: I felt very unpleasant「とても不愉快に感じた」(とてもふゆかいにかんじた). His attitude was unpleasant「彼の態度は不愉快だった」(かれのたいどはふゆかいだった). It can also be used to describe something that is disagreeable or offensive, such as an unpleasant smell「不愉快な匂い」(ふゆかいなにおい).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
607
Handwriting