Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Walk

Reading

Parts

止Stop 少Few

Example Word

歩行者: pedestrian. The Japanese noun '歩行者 (ほこうしゃ)' refers to a 'pedestrian', someone who is walking, especially in a city or town. This term is commonly used in contexts related to traffic, safety, and urban planning. For example: Pedestrians should use the crosswalk「歩行者は横断歩道を使うべきです」(ほこうしゃはおうだんほどうをつかうべきです). The road is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians「その道路は車両通行止めですが、歩行者は通行できます」(そのどうろはしゃりょうつうこうどめですが、ほこうしゃはつうこうできます). It is important to note that '歩行者' specifically refers to people walking, distinguishing them from drivers, cyclists, or other road users.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正月: new year. The Japanese noun '正月 (しょうがつ)' refers to the 'New Year' period, specifically the first few days of January. This term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is associated with various traditions, celebrations, and customs. During this time, people often visit shrines, eat special foods like 'おせち料理 (おせちりょうり)', and spend time with family. Example sentences include: We celebrate New Year in Japan「日本では正月を祝います」(にほんではしょうがつをいわいます). I will visit my grandparents during New Year「正月に祖父母を訪ねます」(しょうがつにそふぼをたずねます). The atmosphere during New Year is very festive「正月の雰囲気はとてもお祭り気分です」(しょうがつのふんいきはとてもおまつりきぶんです).

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

158

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Military

Reading

Parts

一One 弋Ceremony 止Stop

Example Word

武装: arms. The Japanese noun '武装 (ぶそう)' refers to 'arms' or 'weapons'. It is commonly used to describe the act of equipping oneself or a group with weapons, or the state of being armed. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as military or ideological 'arming'. For example: The soldiers were armed「兵士たちは武装していた」(へいしたちはぶそうしていた). The country is arming itself against threats「その国は脅威に対して武装している」(そのくにはきょういに対してぶそうしている). Note that '武装' can also imply preparation or readiness in a broader sense, such as '武装した思想' (ぶそうしたしそう) meaning 'armed ideology' or a well-prepared mindset.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

327

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stop

Reading

Parts

上Up 丨Stick

Example Word

立ち入り禁止: no entry. The Japanese noun '立ち入り禁止 (たちいりきんし)' means 'no entry' or 'off-limits'. It is commonly used to indicate areas where entry is prohibited, such as restricted zones, construction sites, or private property. This term is often seen on signs and warnings. For example: This area is off-limits「このエリアは立ち入り禁止です」(このエリアはたちいりきんしです). Do not enter, it's prohibited「立ち入り禁止です、入らないでください」(たちいりきんしです、はいらないでください). The term is a combination of '立ち入り (たちいり)' meaning 'entry' and '禁止 (きんし)' meaning 'prohibition'.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

365

Radical Form

龰

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Year, Years old

Reading

Parts

止Stop 戈 小Small

Example Word

歳: years old. The Japanese suffix '歳 (さい)' is used to indicate age, specifically meaning 'years old'. It is attached to numbers to express someone's age. For example: I am 20 years old「私は20歳です」(わたしはにじゅっさいです). He is 5 years old「彼は5歳です」(かれはごさいです). This suffix is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing age. It is important to note that the pronunciation of '歳' can change depending on the number it follows, such as 'いっさい' for 1 year old, 'はたち' for 20 years old, and 'さい' for most other numbers.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Curriculum, Continuation

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 日Day, Sun 止Stop

Example Word

履歴: history. The Japanese noun '履歴 (りれき)' refers to a record or history of events, actions, or experiences. It is commonly used in contexts such as job histories, academic records, or personal histories. For example: Please submit your job history「履歴を提出してください」(りれきをていしゅつしてください). His academic history is impressive「彼の学歴は素晴らしい」(かれのがくれきはすばらしい). This word can also be used in digital contexts, such as browser history 'ブラウザの履歴 (ぶらうざのりれき)'.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

634

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tooth

Reading

Parts

止Stop 米Rice 凵Open box

Example Word

歯ブラシ: toothbrush. The Japanese noun '歯ブラシ (はぶらし)' means 'toothbrush'. It refers to the tool used for cleaning teeth, typically consisting of a small brush on a handle. This word is commonly used in daily life when discussing personal hygiene or shopping for bathroom essentials. For example: I bought a new toothbrush「新しい歯ブラシを買いました」(あたらしいはぶらしをかいました). Don't forget to bring your toothbrush「歯ブラシを忘れないでください」(はぶらしをわすれないでください). The word is a compound of '歯 (は)' meaning 'tooth' and 'ブラシ (ぶらし)' meaning 'brush'.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1006

Handwriting