Page 1
kanji
引Meaning
Pull
Reading
kunyomiひhi
onyomiいんin
Parts
弓Bow 丨Stick
Example Word
引き算: subtraction. The Japanese verbal noun '引き算 (ひきざん)' refers to the mathematical operation of subtraction. It is commonly used in educational contexts, such as in math classes or when explaining basic arithmetic. For example: I am practicing subtraction「引き算を練習しています」(ひきざんをれんしゅうしています). Subtraction is easier than addition「引き算は足し算より簡単です」(ひきざんはたしざんよりかんたんです). This term is often used alongside other arithmetic operations like '足し算 (たしざん) (addition)' and '掛け算 (かけざん) (multiplication)'.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
138
Handwriting
kanji
張Meaning
Spread, Stretch
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
弓Bow 長Long, Leader
Example Word
矢張り: still or as expected. The Japanese adverb '矢張り (や はり)' can mean 'still' or 'as expected'. It is often used to express that something remains unchanged or that a situation has turned out as one anticipated. This word can convey a sense of inevitability or confirmation of one's expectations. For example: I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it did「雨が降ると思ったら、やはり降った」(あめがふるとおもったら、やはりふった). Even after all these years, he is still the same「何年たっても、彼はやはり変わらない」(なんねんたっても、かれはやはりかわらない). '矢張り' is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to emphasize that something is consistent with what was previously thought or known.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
255
Handwriting
kanji
強Meaning
Strong
Reading
kunyomiしshi
つよtsuyo
onyomiきょうkyou
ごうgou
Parts
虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow
Example Word
強める: strengthen. The Japanese verb '強める (つよめる)' means 'to strengthen' or 'to make stronger'. It is used to describe the act of increasing the intensity, power, or force of something. This verb can be applied to physical strength, emotional resolve, or even abstract concepts like arguments or policies. For example: We need to strengthen our team「私たちはチームを強める必要がある」(わたしたちはチームをつよめるひつようがある). The government is strengthening its policies「政府は政策を強めている」(せいふはせいさくをつよめている). Note that '強める' is often used in contexts where there is a deliberate effort to enhance or reinforce something.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
258
Handwriting
kanji
弟Meaning
Younger brother
Reading
kunyomiおとうとotouto
onyomiだいdai
ていtei
Parts
丿Katakana no 弓Bow 丨Stick 丷Divide
Example Word
弟子: disciple. The Japanese noun '弟子 (でし)' refers to a 'disciple' or 'apprentice'. It is used to describe someone who is learning under the guidance of a master or teacher, often in a specific art, skill, or discipline. This term is commonly associated with traditional arts, martial arts, or religious contexts. For example: He is my disciple「彼は私の弟子です」(かれはわたしのでしです). The master taught his disciple the art of calligraphy「師匠は弟子に書道を教えた」(ししょうはでしにしょどうをおしえた). The word carries a sense of respect and dedication, emphasizing the relationship between the teacher and the student.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
518
Handwriting
kanji
弱Meaning
Weak
Reading
kunyomiよわyowa
onyomiじゃくjaku
Parts
冫Ice (水)弓Bow
Example Word
弱み: weakness. The Japanese noun '弱み (よわみ)' means 'weakness'. It refers to a point of vulnerability or a flaw in someone or something. This term is often used in contexts discussing personal characteristics, strategies, or structures. For example: Everyone has their own weaknesses「誰にでも弱みがある」(だれにでもよわみがある). He exploited her weakness「彼は彼女の弱みにつけこんだ」(かれはかのじょ のよわみにつけこんだ). It's important to note that '弱み' can be used both in a physical sense, such as a weak point in a structure, and in a metaphorical sense, such as a character flaw.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
643
Handwriting
kanji
弾Meaning
Bullet, Projectile
Reading
kunyomiひhi
たまtama
はずhazu
onyomiだんdan
Parts
弓Bow 単Simple, Single
Example Word
弾: bullet. The Japanese noun '弾 (たま)' primarily means 'bullet'. It refers to the projectile fired from a gun. This word is commonly used in contexts related to firearms, shooting, or ammunition. For example: The bullet hit the target「弾が的に当たった」(たまがまとにあたった). He loaded the gun with bullets「彼は銃に弾を込めた」(かれはじゅうにたまをこめた). While '弾' can also mean 'ball' in some contexts (e.g., 玉/たま), this meaning is less common and typically written with a different kanji (玉). The focus here is on the 'bullet' meaning, as it is the primary and most distinct usage of '弾 (たま)'.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
981
Handwriting
kanji
弧Meaning
Arc, Arch
Reading
onyomiこko
Parts
弓Bow 瓜
Example Word
括弧: parentheses. The Japanese verbal noun '括弧 (かっこ)' refers to 'parentheses' or 'brackets'. It is used to indicate a pair of punctuation marks that enclose additional information or asides within a sentence. In Japanese, there are different types of brackets, such as 丸括弧 (まるかっこ) for round brackets (), 角括弧 (かくかっこ) for square brackets [], and 波括弧 (なみかっこ) for curly brackets {}. Example sentences: Please put the word in parentheses「その言葉を括弧に入れてください」(そのことばをかっこにいれてください). The explanation is in brackets「説明は括弧内にあります」(せつめいはかっこないにあります).
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2096
Handwriting