Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Pull

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 丨Stick

Example Word

引っ張る: pull or stretch. The Japanese verb '引っ張る (ひっぱる)' primarily means 'to pull' or 'to stretch'. It is used to describe physically pulling something, such as pulling a rope or dragging an object. It can also metaphorically mean to stretch something, like stretching the truth or extending a deadline. For example: He pulled the rope「彼はロープを引っ張った」(かれはロープをひっぱった). The boss stretched the deadline「上司は締め切りを引っ張った」(じょうしはしめきりをひっぱった). Note that this verb often implies a continuous or forceful action, and it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

138

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spread, Stretch

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 長Long, Leader

Example Word

主張: claim or assertion. The Japanese verbal noun '主張 (しゅちょう)' means 'claim' or 'assertion'. It refers to the act of stating or declaring something firmly, often in the context of expressing an opinion, belief, or position. This word is commonly used in discussions, debates, or when someone is emphasizing their point of view. For example: He made a strong claim about the policy「彼はその政策について強く主張した」(かれはそのせいさくについてつよくしゅちょうした). Her assertion was supported by evidence「彼女の主張は証拠によって裏付けられていた」(かのじょのしゅちょうはしょうこによってうらづけられていた). Note that '主張' can also imply a sense of insistence or determination in one's stance.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

255

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

心強い: reassuring. The Japanese adjective '心強い (こころづよい)' means 'reassuring' or 'heartening'. It is used to describe a feeling of confidence, support, or relief, often because someone or something provides a sense of security or encouragement. This word is commonly used in situations where one feels bolstered by the presence or actions of others. For example: It's reassuring to have you here「あなたがここにいてくれると心強い」(あなたがここにいてくれるとこころづよい). His words were very reassuring「彼の言葉はとても心強かった」(かれのことばはとてもこころづよかった). The nuance of this word often implies emotional support or a sense of being uplifted in challenging situations.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

258

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Younger brother

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 弓Bow 丨Stick 丷Divide

Example Word

兄弟: siblings. The Japanese noun '兄弟 (きょうだい)' refers to siblings, including both brothers and sisters. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used to describe a group of siblings or to refer to one's own brothers and sisters collectively. For example: I have three siblings「私には兄弟が三人います」(わたしにはきょうだいがさんにんいます). My siblings are kind「私の兄弟は優しいです」(わたしのきょうだいはやさしいです). Note that '兄弟' can also be used in a broader sense to refer to close friends or comrades, implying a bond similar to that of siblings, though this usage is less common and context-dependent.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

518

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weak

Reading

Parts

冫Ice (水)弓Bow

Example Word

弱: weakness. The Japanese noun '弱 (じゃく)' refers to 'weakness' or 'a weak point'. It is often used to describe a lack of strength, either physically, mentally, or in terms of ability. For example: his weakness is his lack of confidence「彼の弱は自信のなさだ」(かれのじゃくはじしんのなさだ). This team's weakness is their defense「このチームの弱はディフェンスだ」(このチームのじゃくはディフェンスだ). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '弱点 (じゃくてん)' (weak point) or '弱気 (よわき)' (timidity).

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

643

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bullet, Projectile

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

981

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Increasing

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 尔

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1024

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bow

Reading

Parts

㇉Bent hook コKatakana ko

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1402

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

String, Bowstring

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 玄Profound, Mysterious

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1780

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mourn, Condolence

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 丨Stick

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2026

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Arc, Arch

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2096

Handwriting