Page 1
kanji
合Meaning
Fit, Match
Reading
kunyomiあa
あいai
onyomiがga
ごうgou
Parts
口Mouth 一One 人Person
Example Word
合い: mutual. The Japanese suffix '合い (あい)' is used to indicate mutual or reciprocal action between two or more parties. It is often attached to verbs to form nouns that describe a shared or joint activity. For example: helping each other「助け合い」(たすけあい), or mutual understanding「分かり合い」(わかりあい). This suffix emphasizes the idea of interaction or cooperation between individuals. Another example: love between two people「愛し合い」(あいしあい). It is important to note that '合い' is not used independently but always as a suffix to modify verbs into nouns.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
48
Handwriting
kanji
同Meaning
Same
Reading
kunyomiおなona
onyomiどうdou
Parts
冂Enclosure 一One 口Mouth
Example Word
同性: same sex. The Japanese noun '同性 (どうせい)' means 'same-sex'. It is used to refer to people of the same gender or sex. This term is often used in contexts related to relationships, communities, or discussions about gender. For example: They are in a same-sex relationship「彼らは同性の関係です」(かれらはどうせいのかんけいです). The event is for same-sex couples only「そのイベントは同性のカップルのみです」(そのイベントはどうせいのかっぷるのみです). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '同性愛 (どうせいあい)' meaning 'homosexuality'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
60
Handwriting
kanji
君Meaning
Ruler, You
Reading
kunyomiきみkimi
onyomiくんkun
Parts
口Mouth 尹Official rank
Example Word
君: you. The Japanese pronoun '君 (きみ)' is an informal way to say 'you'. It is typically used by males and can carry a sense of familiarity or intimacy, often used among friends, peers, or when addressing someone of lower status. However, it can also sound condescending if used inappropriately, so caution is advised. Example sentences: You are kind「君は優しい」(きみはやさしい). I like you「君が好きだ」(きみがすきだ). Note that '君' is less formal than 'あなた' and is rarely used in polite or professional settings.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
75
Handwriting
kanji
口Meaning
Mouth
Reading
kunyomiくちkuchi
onyomiくku
こうkou
Parts
冂Enclosure 一One
Example Word
改札口: ticket gate. The Japanese noun '改札口 (かいさつぐち)' refers to the 'ticket gate' or 'ticket barrier' at train stations, subways, or other transit systems. It is the point where passengers pass through after inserting or scanning their tickets or transit cards. This term is commonly used in daily life, especially in urban areas with extensive public transportation systems. For example: The ticket gate is crowded「改札口は混雑している」(かいさつぐちはこんざつしている). Please meet me at the ticket gate「改札口で会いましょう」(かいさつぐちであいましょう). The word is a combination of '改札 (かいさつ)', meaning 'ticket inspection', and '口 (ぐち)', meaning 'entrance' or 'exit'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
82
Handwriting
kanji
名Meaning
Name
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
夕Evening 口Mouth
Example Word
仮名遣い: kana usage. The Japanese noun '仮名遣い (かなづかい)' refers to the rules or conventions for using kana (the Japanese syllabaries, hiragana and katakana) in writing. It specifically deals with how kana are used to represent sounds and words in the Japanese language. Historically, there have been different systems of kana usage, such as historical kana usage (歴史的仮名遣い, れきしてきかなづかい) and modern kana usage (現代仮名遣い, げんだいかなづかい). Example sentences: Correct kana usage is important「正しい仮名遣いが大切です」(ただしいかなづかいがたいせつです). Learning historical kana usage is difficult「歴史的仮名遣いを学ぶのは難しい」(れきしてきかなづかいをまなぶのはむずかしい).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
90
Handwriting
kanji
向Meaning
Facing, Yonder
Reading
kunyomiむmu
むかいmukai
onyomiこうkou
Parts
丿Katakana no 冋Desert
Example Word
動向: trend. The Japanese noun '動向 (どうこう)' refers to the direction or trend in which something is developing or moving. It is often used in contexts such as politics, economics, or social movements to describe the general direction or tendency of events or opinions. For example: the trend of the market「市場の動向」(しじょうのどうこう). The political trend is unclear「政治の動向は不透明だ」(せいじのどうこうはふとうめいだ). This word is commonly used in formal or analytical contexts to discuss shifts or patterns in various fields.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
103
Handwriting
kanji
味Meaning
Flavor
Reading
kunyomiあじaji
onyomiみmi
Parts
口Mouth 未Not yet
Example Word
趣味: hobby. The Japanese noun '趣味 (しゅみ)' means 'hobby'. It refers to activities or interests that one enjoys doing in their free time. This word is commonly used to describe personal interests, such as sports, arts, or collecting items. For example: My hobby is reading books「私の趣味は本を読むことです」(わたしのしゅみはほんをよむことです). What is your hobby?「あなたの趣味は何ですか?」(あなたのしゅみはなんですか?). The word can also imply a sense of personal taste or preference, as in '趣味が良い (しゅみがいい)' meaning 'to have good taste'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
117
Handwriting
kanji
問Meaning
Question, Problem
Reading
kunyomiとto
onyomiもんmon
Parts
門Gate 口Mouth
Example Word
問い合わせ: inquiry. The Japanese noun '問い合わせ (といあわせ)' refers to an 'inquiry' or 'query'. It is commonly used in formal or business contexts to describe a request for information or clarification. For example: I made an inquiry about the product「製品について問い合わせをしました」(せいひんについてといあわせをしました). Please contact us for any inquiries「ご質問はお問い合わせください」(ごしつもんはおといあわせください). This term is often seen in customer service settings, websites, or official communications.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
167
Handwriting
kanji
吉Meaning
Lucky, Good luck
Reading
kunyomiよしyoshi
onyomiきつkitsu
きちkichi
Parts
士Samurai 口Mouth
Example Word
吉: luck. The Japanese noun '吉 (きち)' primarily means 'luck' or 'good fortune'. It is often used in contexts related to auspiciousness or favorable outcomes. This term is commonly seen in traditional settings, such as in fortune-telling (omikuji) or in names of places and people to convey a sense of prosperity. For example: This is a lucky day「今日は吉の日だ」(きょうはきちのひだ). The fortune slip says good luck「おみくじは吉と言っている」(おみくじはきちといっている). Note that '吉' can also appear in compound words or names, where it retains its connotation of positivity and good fortune.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
175
Handwriting
kanji
命Meaning
Command, Life
Reading
kunyomiいのちinochi
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
令Orders 口Mouth
Example Word
革命: revolution. The Japanese noun '革命 (かくめい)' means 'revolution'. It refers to a fundamental and often sudden change in political power or organizational structures, typically brought about by the governed population. It can also refer to a dramatic and wide-reaching change in conditions, attitudes, or operations. For example: The industrial revolution changed society「産業革命は社会を変えた」(さんぎょうかくめいわしゃかいをかえた). The revolution brought freedom to the people「革命は人々に自由をもたらした」(かくめいわひとびとにじゆうをもたらした). This term is often used in historical, political, and technological contexts to denote significant transformations.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
203
Handwriting
kanji
古Meaning
Old
Reading
kunyomiふるfuru
onyomiこko
Parts
十Ten 口Mouth
Example Word
古典: classic. The Japanese noun '古典 (こてん)' refers to something that is considered a classic, often in the context of literature, art, or music. It can denote works that have stood the test of time and are regarded as having significant historical or cultural value. For example: I enjoy reading classics「私は古典を読むのが好きです」(わたしはこてんをよむのがすきです). This museum has a collection of classical art「この美術館は古典美術のコレクションがあります」(このびじゅつかんはこてんびじゅつのコレクションがあります). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to traditional or ancient things in various fields.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
208
Handwriting
kanji
呼Meaning
Invite, Call
Reading
kunyomiよyo
onyomiこko
Parts
口Mouth 乎
Example Word
呼吸: breathing. The Japanese verbal noun '呼吸 (こきゅう)' means 'breathing'. It refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling air, which is essential for life. This word is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: deep breathing is important for relaxation「深呼吸はリラックスに重要です」(しんこきゅうはりらっくすにじゅうようです). The athlete focused on his breathing during the race「その選手はレース中に呼吸に集中した」(そのせんしゅはれーすちゅうにこきゅうにしゅうちゅうした). In a metaphorical sense, it can also describe the rhythm or flow of something, such as in music or teamwork.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
256
Handwriting
kanji
右Meaning
Right
Reading
kunyomiみぎmigi
onyomiゆうyuu
うu
Parts
𠂇Cliff (厂)口Mouth
Example Word
右側: right side. The Japanese noun '右側 (みぎがわ)' means 'rightside' or 'right side'. It refers to the side that is to the right of a person or object. This word is commonly used in directions, descriptions of locations, or when giving instructions. For example: Please stand on the right side「右側に立ってください」(みぎがわにたってください). The store is on the right side of the street「その店は通りの右側にあります」(そのみせはとおりのみぎがわにあります). It is important to note that '右側' is often used in contrast to '左側 (ひだりがわ)' (left side).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
272
Handwriting
kanji
可Meaning
Possible
Reading
onyomiかka
Parts
丁Street 口Mouth
Example Word
不可能: impossible. The Japanese adjectival noun '不可能 (ふかのう)' means 'impossible'. It is used to describe situations, tasks, or events that cannot be achieved or realized. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts to emphasize the unfeasibility of something. For example: It is impossible to finish this task today「このタスクを今日中に終わらせるのは不可能だ」(このタスクをきょうじゅうにおわらせるのはふかのうだ). Climbing that mountain without equipment is impossible「その山を装備なしで登るのは不可能だ」(そのやまをそうびなしでのぼるのはふかのうだ). Note that '不可能' is often used in conjunction with verbs or nouns to express the impossibility of an action or state.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
UnknownGrade
5Frequency
277
Handwriting
kanji
品Meaning
Product
Reading
kunyomiしなshina
onyomiひんhin
Parts
口Mouth
Example Word
商品: product. The Japanese noun '商品 (しょうひん)' refers to a 'product' or 'goods' that are manufactured or produced for sale. It is commonly used in contexts related to commerce, retail, and business. For example: This store sells high-quality products「この店は高品質の商品を売っています」(このみせはこうひんしつのしょうひんをうっています). The new product will be released next month「新しい商品は来月発売されます」(あたらしいしょうひんはらいげつはつばいされます). The term can also refer to items available for purchase in a store or online, emphasizing their commercial value.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
299
Handwriting
kanji
和Meaning
Peace
Reading
kunyomiなごnago
よりyori
onyomiわwa
おo
Parts
禾Cereal 口Mouth
Example Word
違和: discomfort. The Japanese noun '違和 (いわ)' refers to a sense of discomfort, unease, or incongruity. It is often used to describe a feeling that something is out of place or not quite right, whether physically, emotionally, or situationally. For example: I felt a sense of discomfort in the new environment「新しい環境に違和を感じた」(あたらしいかんきょうにいわをかんじた). There was an incongruity in his explanation「彼の説明に違和があった」(かれのせつめいにいわがあった). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express a subtle sense of something being off or not harmonious.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
313
Handwriting
kanji
台Meaning
Pedestal, Machine
Reading
onyomiだいdai
たいtai
Parts
厶Private 口Mouth
Example Word
台風: typhoon. The Japanese noun '台風 (たいふう)' refers to a 'typhoon', which is a tropical cyclone occurring in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. This term is specifically used in the context of weather and natural disasters. For example: The typhoon is approaching「台風 が近づいている」(たいふうがちかづいている). We should prepare for the typhoon「台風に備えるべきだ」(たいふうにそなえるべきだ). It's important to note that '台風' is a common term in Japan due to the country's geographical location, which makes it prone to such weather phenomena.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
364
Handwriting
kanji
史Meaning
History
Reading
onyomiしshi
Parts
口Mouth
Example Word
歴史: history. The Japanese noun '歴史 (れきし)' means 'history'. It refers to the study or record of past events, particularly those involving human affairs. This word is commonly used in academic, cultural, and everyday contexts to discuss historical events, periods, or the development of societies. For example: I study Japanese history「私は日本の歴史を勉強します」(わたしはにほんのれきしをべんきょうします). This town has a long history「この町は長い歴史があります」(このまちはながいれきしがあります). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the background or development of something, such as a person's life or an organization.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
457
Handwriting
kanji
喜Meaning
Rejoice
Reading
kunyomiよろこyoroko
onyomiきki
Parts
口Mouth 壴
Example Word
喜ぶ: rejoice. The Japanese verb '喜ぶ (よろこぶ)' means 'to rejoice' or 'to be delighted'. It is used to express happiness or joy in response to something positive, such as good news, a gift, or an achievement. This verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: She rejoiced at the news「彼女はその知らせを喜んだ」(かのじょはそのしらせをよろこんだ). We were delighted with the gift「私たちはその贈り物を喜んだ」(わたしたちはそのおくりものをよろこんだ). The verb can also be used to describe someone's general state of happiness, as in 'He is always rejoicing'「彼はいつも喜んでいる」(かれはいつもよろこんでいる).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
492
Handwriting
kanji
吹Meaning
Breathe out, Blow
Reading
kunyomiふfu
onyomiすいsui
Parts
囗Box 欠Lack
Example Word
吹く: blow. The Japanese verb '吹く (ふく)' primarily means 'to blow'. This verb is used to describe the action of air or wind moving, such as 'the wind is blowing'「風が吹く」(かぜがふく). It can also be used metaphorically or in other contexts, such as blowing a musical instrument like a flute 'flute is blowing'「フルートを吹く」(ふるーとをふく). Additionally, '吹く' can be used to describe something that suddenly appears or occurs, like a rash or a rumor, though this usage is less common. For example: a rumor is spreading「噂が吹く」(うわさがふく).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
512
Handwriting
kanji
句Meaning
Phrase, Paragraph
Reading
onyomiくku
Parts
勹Wrap 口Mouth
Example Word
慣用句: idiom. The Japanese noun '慣用句 (かんようく)' refers to an 'idiom' or a set phrase that has a meaning not deducible from the individual words. These expressions are deeply rooted in the language and culture, often carrying nuances and connotations that are unique to Japanese. For example: He used an idiom to explain his point「彼は自分のポイントを説明するために慣用句を使った」(かれはじぶんのポイントをせつめいするためにかんようくをつかった). Learning idioms is essential for understanding Japanese culture「慣用句を学ぶことは日本文化を理解するために不可欠だ」(かんようくをまなぶことはにほんぶんかをりかいするためにふかけつだ). Idioms often reflect historical events, folklore, or common experiences, making them a rich area of study for language learners.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
549
Handwriting
kanji
告Meaning
Announce
Reading
kunyomiつtsu
onyomiこくkoku
Parts
⺧Cow 口Mouth
Example Word
告白: confession. The Japanese noun '告白 (こくはく)' means 'confession'. It is commonly used to describe the act of confessing one's feelings, such as love, guilt, or a secret. This word is often used in romantic contexts, where someone confesses their love to another person. For example: He made a confession of love to her「彼は彼女に愛の告白をした」(かれはかのじょにあいのこくはくをした). She confessed her feelings to him「彼女は彼に自分の気持ちを告白した」(かのじょはかれにじぶんのきもちをこくはくした). The word can also be used in other contexts, such as confessing a crime or a mistake, but it is most frequently associated with romantic confessions.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
564
Handwriting
kanji
員Meaning
Member
Reading
onyomiいんin
Parts
貝Shellfish 口Mouth
Example Word
動員: mobilization. The Japanese noun '動員 (どういん)' refers to the act of mobilizing or assembling resources, people, or forces for a specific purpose. It is commonly used in contexts such as military mobilization, workforce mobilization, or organizing people for an event. For example: The government ordered the mobilization of troops「政府は軍隊の動員を命じた」(せいふはぐんたいのどういんをめいじた). The company conducted a mobilization of employees for the project「会社はそのプロジェクトのために従業員の動員を行った」(かいしゃはそのプロジェクトのためにじゅうぎょういんのどういんをおこなった). This term can also imply a sense of urgency or large-scale coordination.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
596
Handwriting
kanji
器Meaning
Vessel
Reading
kunyomiうつわutsuwa
onyomiきki
Parts
口Mouth 大Big
Example Word
兵器: weapon. The Japanese noun '兵器 (へいき)' refers to 'weapon' or 'armament'. It is commonly used to describe tools or devices designed for combat or warfare, such as guns, missiles, or tanks. This term can also be used in a broader sense to include any equipment or technology used in military contexts. For example: The country developed new weapons「その国は新しい兵器を開発した」(そのくにはあたらしいへいきをかいはつした). Modern weapons are highly advanced「現代の兵器は非常に進んでいる」(げんだいのへいきはひじょうにすすんでいる). The word can also appear in compound terms like '核兵器 (かくへいき)' (nuclear weapons) or '生物兵器 (せいぶつへいき)' (biological weapons).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
611
Handwriting
kanji
叫Meaning
Shout
Reading
kunyomiさけsake
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
口Mouth 丩
Example Word
叫び: scream. The Japanese noun '叫び (さけび)' means 'scream' or 'shout'. It refers to a loud, sharp cry, often expressing strong emotion such as fear, anger, or excitement. This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: a scream of terror「恐怖の叫び」(きょうふのさけび). The artist's painting was a scream of despair「その画家の絵は絶望の叫びだった」(そのがかのえはぜつぼうのさけびだった). Note that '叫び' can also be used to describe a cry for help or a passionate outcry, as in '助けを求める叫び (たすけをもとめるさけび) (a cry for help)'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
623
Handwriting
kanji
商Meaning
Trade, Deal
Reading
kunyomiあきなakina
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
立Stand 冏Bright
Example Word
商店: shop. The Japanese noun '商店 (しょうてん)' refers to a 'shop' or 'store', typically a small to medium-sized retail establishment. It is commonly used to describe local businesses or family-run shops that sell goods directly to consumers. The term often carries a sense of community and tradition, as many 商店 are long-standing businesses in neighborhoods. Example sentences: There is a small shop near my house「私の家の近くに商店があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにしょうてんがあります). The shop sells fresh vegetables「その商店は新鮮な野菜を売っています」(そのしょうてんはしんせんなやさいをうっています).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
642
Handwriting
kanji
善Meaning
Good, Virtuous
Reading
kunyomiよyo
onyomiぜんzen
Parts
口Mouth
Example Word
善: good. The Japanese noun '善 (ぜん)' means 'good'. It refers to moral goodness, virtue, or that which is right and beneficial. This term is often used in philosophical, ethical, or religious contexts to describe actions, intentions, or states of being that are morally positive. For example: doing good is important「善を行うことは大切です」(ぜんをおこなうことはたいせつです). He is a person of good character「彼は善の人です」(かれはぜんのひとです). The concept of '善' is frequently contrasted with '悪 (あく)' (evil) in discussions about morality.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
672
Handwriting
kanji
唯Meaning
Only, Solely
Reading
kunyomiただtada
onyomiいi
ゆいyui
Parts
口Mouth 隹Bird
Example Word
唯一: only. The Japanese noun '唯一 (ゆいいつ)' means 'only' or 'sole'. It is used to emphasize that something is unique, singular, or unparalleled in a given context. This word often carries a sense of exclusivity or rarity. For example: This is the only chance「これは唯一のチャンスです」(これはゆいいつのチャンスです). He is the only person who knows the truth「彼は唯一真実を知っている人です」(かれはゆいいつしんじつをしっているひとです). The word can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as 'the only solution'「唯一の解決策」(ゆいいつのかいけつさく). Note that '唯一' is often used in formal or written contexts, and it conveys a strong sense of uniqueness.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
702
Handwriting
kanji
周Meaning
Circumference
Reading
kunyomiまわmawa
onyomiしゅうshuu
Parts
口Mouth 冂Enclosure
Example Word
周り: surroundings. The Japanese noun '周り (まわり)' refers to the area or environment around something or someone. It can be used to describe physical surroundings, such as the area around a house, or more abstract contexts, like the people around you. For example: The surroundings are quiet「周りは静かです」(まわりはしずかです). I looked around「周りを見回した」(まわりをみまわした). This word is often used to indicate proximity or the immediate environment of a subject.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
732
Handwriting
kanji
呉Meaning
Give, Wu China
Reading
kunyomiくku
くれkure
onyomiごgo
Example Word
呉れる: give. The Japanese verb '呉れる (くれる)' means 'to give' and is used when someone gives something to the speaker or someone close to the speaker. It implies a sense of favor or kindness from the giver's side. This verb is often used in casual speech and is conjugated differently from other verbs. For example: He gave me a book「彼は私に本をくれた」(かれはわたしにほんをくれた). My friend gave me a ride「友達が車で送ってくれた」(ともだちがくるまでおくってくれた). Note that 'くれる' is used when the action benefits the speaker or someone in the speaker's in-group, and it is often accompanied by a sense of gratitude.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
800
Handwriting
kanji
号Meaning
Number
Reading
onyomiごうgou
Parts
口Mouth 丂Breath obstruction
Example Word
番号: number. The Japanese noun '番号 (ばんごう)' means 'number'. It refers to a numerical identifier used for various purposes, such as phone numbers, identification numbers, or serial numbers. For example: What is your phone number?「あなたの電話番号は何ですか?」(あなたのでんわばんごうはなんですか?). Please write your student number here「ここに学生番号を書いてください」(ここにがくせいばんごうをかいてください). This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to refer to any kind of numerical identifier.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
804
Handwriting