Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Gather

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 隹Bird

Example Word

集める: gather or collect. The Japanese verb '集める (あつめる)' primarily means 'to gather' or 'to collect'. It is used when bringing things or people together in one place. For example: I gathered information「情報を集めた」(じょうほうをあつめた). She collects stamps「彼女は切手を集める」(かのじょはきってをあつめる). The verb can also be used in abstract contexts, such as gathering attention or collecting ideas. Note that the nuance of 'gather' often implies bringing scattered items together, while 'collect' implies a more deliberate accumulation of items over time.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

322

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Difficult

Reading

Example Word

有り難い: rare or grateful. The Japanese adjective '有り難い (ありがたい)' has two primary meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'grateful' or 'thankful', expressing deep appreciation for something received or experienced. For example: I am grateful for your help「あなたの助けは有り難い」(あなたのたすけはありがたい). The second meaning is 'rare' or 'precious', referring to something that is uncommon or hard to come by. For example: Such kindness is rare「そのような親切は有り難い」(そのようなしんせつはありがたい). The word originates from the idea that something is so rare or precious that it feels like a blessing, hence the dual meanings. It is often used in formal or heartfelt contexts to express gratitude or acknowledge the rarity of a situation.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

337

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Detach, Separate

Reading

Parts

离 隹Bird

Example Word

分離: separation. The Japanese verbal noun '分離 (ぶんり)' means 'separation'. It refers to the act or process of dividing or disconnecting something from a whole. This term is often used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as separating objects, ideas, or relationships. For example: the separation of church and state「教会と国家の分離」(きょうかいとこっかのぶんり). The separation of waste is important for recycling「廃棄物の分離はリサイクルに重要です」(はいきぶつのぶんりはりさいくるにじゅうようです). Note that '分離' can also imply a sense of detachment or isolation, depending on the context.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

401

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Miscellaneous

Reading

Parts

杂 隹Bird

Example Word

複雑: complex. The Japanese adjectival noun '複雑 (ふくざつ)' means 'complex'. It is used to describe situations, systems, or problems that are intricate, complicated, or difficult to understand. It can also describe emotions or relationships that are tangled or not straightforward. For example: The situation is complex「状況は複雑だ」(じょうきょうはふくざつだ). This machine has a complex structure「この機械は複雑な構造をしている」(このきかいはふくざつなこうぞうをしている). The relationship between them is complex「彼らの関係は複雑だ」(かれらのかんけいはふくざつだ). Note that '複雑' is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe anything that is not simple or easy to grasp.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

534

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Male, Heroic

Reading

Parts

厷 隹Bird

Example Word

英雄: hero. The Japanese noun '英雄 (えいゆう)' means 'hero'. This word is used to describe a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It often refers to historical or legendary figures who have performed great deeds. For example: He is a hero「彼は英雄だ」(かれはえいゆうだ). The hero saved the village「英雄が村を救った」(えいゆうがむらをすくった). This term is commonly used in stories, history, and discussions about people who have made significant impacts.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

731

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Elegance, Elegant

Reading

Parts

牙Fang, Tusk 隹Bird

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1573

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employ, Hire

Reading

Parts

戸Door 隹Bird

Example Word

雇用: employment. The Japanese verbal noun '雇用 (こよう)' means 'employment'. It refers to the act of hiring or employing someone, or the state of being employed. This term is commonly used in contexts related to jobs, labor, and workforce. For example: The company is increasing employment「その会社は雇用を増やしている」(そのかいしゃはこようをふやしている). Stable employment is important「安定した雇用は重要だ」(あんていしたこようはじゅうようだ). Note that '雇用' can also be used in compound words like '雇用契約 (こようけいやく)' (employment contract) or '雇用主 (こようぬし)' (employer).

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1636

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Female

Reading

Parts

此 隹Bird

Example Word

雌: female. The Japanese noun '雌 (めす)' refers to the female of a species, particularly in animals. It is commonly used to distinguish the sex of animals, such as in '雌の猫 (めすのねこ)' meaning 'female cat'. This term is often used in biological contexts or when specifying the gender of animals. For example: That is a female bird「あれは雌の鳥です」(あれはめすのとりです). The female dog is gentle「雌の犬はおとなしい」(めすのいぬはおとなしい). Note that '雌' is less commonly used for humans; instead, '女性 (じょせい)' is preferred when referring to female humans.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1924

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

One of a pair, Ship counter

Reading

Parts

隹Bird 又Again

Example Word

隻: counter for ships. The Japanese suffix '隻 (せき)' is a counter used specifically for counting ships or vessels. It is a specialized counter and is not used for other objects. For example: one ship「一隻の船」(いっせきのふね). two ships「二隻の船」(にせきのふね). This counter is often used in contexts related to maritime activities, shipping, or naval discussions. It is important to note that '隻' is not a standalone word but a suffix that must be attached to a number to indicate the count of ships.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1933

Handwriting