Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Eight

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 乀Stretch

Example Word

八: eight. The Japanese noun '八 (はち)' means 'eight'. It is used to denote the number eight in various contexts, such as counting, age, or quantity. For example: I have eight apples「りんごを八つ持っています」(りんごをやっつもっています). She is eight years old「彼女は八歳です」(かのじょははっさいです). The word can also be part of compound words or phrases, such as '八月 (はちがつ)' meaning 'August' or '八日 (ようか)' meaning 'the eighth day of the month'.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

108

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Six

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 八Eight

Example Word

六日: six days or sixth. The Japanese noun '六日 (むいか)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'sixth', referring to the sixth day of the month. For example: today is the sixth「今日は六日です」(きょうはむいかです). The second meaning is 'six days', referring to a duration of six days. For example: I will stay for six days「六日間滞在します」(むいかかんたいざいします). It's important to note that the context in which '六日' is used will determine whether it refers to a date or a duration.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

140

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Soldier

Reading

Parts

丘Hill 八Eight

Example Word

兵隊: soldier. The Japanese noun '兵隊 (へいたい)' refers to a 'soldier'. It is commonly used to describe a member of the military, particularly in the context of ground forces. The term can be used in both historical and modern contexts, but it often carries a slightly informal or colloquial tone compared to more formal terms like '軍人 (ぐんじん)'. Example sentences: The soldiers marched through the town「兵隊が町を行進した」(へいたいがまちをこうしんした). He became a soldier「彼は兵隊になった」(かれはへいたいになった).

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

218

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Public

Reading

Parts

八Eight 厶Private

Example Word

公園: park. The Japanese noun '公園 (こうえん)' means 'park'. It refers to a public area of land with grass, trees, and often playgrounds or walking paths, where people can relax, play, or enjoy nature. This word is commonly used to describe urban parks, national parks, or any designated recreational area. For example: Let's go to the park「公園に行きましょう」(こうえんにいきましょう). The park is beautiful in spring「公園は春に美しい」(こうえんははるにうつくしい). It can also be used in compound words like '動物公園 (どうぶつこうえん)' (zoo) or '国立公園 (こくりつこうえん)' (national park).

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

295

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Together

Reading

Parts

龷Twenty (廿)八Eight

Example Word

共に: together. The Japanese adverb '共に (ともに)' means 'together'. It is used to indicate that two or more people or things are doing something jointly or simultaneously. It can also imply a sense of shared experience or mutual involvement. For example: we will grow old together「私たちは共に年老いていく」(わたしたちはともにとしをとっていく). They fought together against the enemy「彼らは共に敵と戦った」(かれらはともにてきとたたかった). The word can also carry a nuance of unity or solidarity, as in '共に生きる (ともにいきる) (to live together in harmony)'.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tool

Reading

Parts

目Eye 兀Lofty

Example Word

筆記用具: stationery. The Japanese noun '筆記用具 (ひっきようぐ)' refers to 'stationery' or 'writing utensils'. It is a general term used to describe tools or instruments used for writing, such as pens, pencils, erasers, and notebooks. This word is commonly used in educational or office settings. For example: I bought new stationery「新しい筆記用具を買いました」(あたらしいひっきようぐをかいました). Please bring your stationery to the meeting「会議に筆記用具を持ってきてください」(かいぎにひっきようぐをもってきてください). The term emphasizes items specifically used for writing or taking notes, distinguishing it from other types of office supplies.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

528

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Combine, Concurrently

Reading

Example Word

兼ねる: unable. The Japanese verb '兼ねる (かねる)' is often used to express the idea of being unable to do something or finding it difficult to do something, usually due to circumstances or conflicting factors. It conveys a sense of hesitation or reluctance. For example: I cannot agree with that「それには賛成しかねる」(それにはさんせいしかねる). It is hard to accept that explanation「その説明は受け入れがたい」(そのせつめいはうけいれがたい). This verb is commonly used in formal or polite contexts and often appears in phrases like '～しかねる' to express difficulty or inability.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1079

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Code, Rule

Reading

Parts

八Eight

Example Word

典型的: typical. The Japanese adjective '典型的 (てんけいてき)' means 'typical'. It is used to describe something that is representative of a particular type, group, or category. This word often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying that something is predictable or lacks uniqueness. For example: That's a typical Japanese dish「それは典型的な日本料理です」(それはてんけいてきなにほんりょうりです). His reaction was typical of him「彼の反応は典型的だった」(かれのはんのうはてんけいてきだった). The adjective is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe behaviors, characteristics, or events that are considered standard or expected.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1237

Handwriting