Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Walk

Reading

Parts

止Stop 少Few

Example Word

歩: step. The Japanese suffix '歩 (ほ)' is used to indicate a unit of measurement for steps or walking distance. It is often used in contexts related to walking, such as counting steps or measuring distances in terms of steps. For example: I walked 10,000 steps today「今日は1万歩歩きました」(きょうはいちまんほあるきました). The park is about 500 steps away from here「公園はここから約500歩です」(こうえんはここからやくごひゃくほです). This suffix is commonly used in health and fitness contexts to track physical activity.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正規: regular. The Japanese noun '正規 (せいき)' means 'regular' or 'standard'. It is often used to describe something that follows official rules, standards, or norms. For example, it can refer to regular employees (as opposed to part-time or temporary workers) or standard procedures. Example sentences: He is a regular employee「彼は正規の社員です」(かれはせいきのしゃいんです). This is the standard procedure「これは正規の手順です」(これはせいきのてじゅんです). The word can also imply legitimacy or formality in certain contexts.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

158

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Military

Reading

Parts

一One 弋Ceremony 止Stop

Example Word

武士: samurai. The Japanese noun '武士 (ぶし)' refers to a 'samurai', a member of the warrior class in feudal Japan. Samurai were known for their strict adherence to the code of bushido, which emphasized honor, discipline, and loyalty. They were skilled in martial arts and often served as retainers to daimyo (feudal lords). Example sentences: The samurai was very brave「武士はとても勇敢だった」(ぶしはとてもゆうかんだった). The samurai carried a sword「武士は刀を持っていた」(ぶしはかたなをもっていた). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who embodies the qualities of a samurai, such as bravery and honor.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

327

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stop

Reading

Parts

上Up 丨Stick

Example Word

禁止: prohibition. The Japanese verbal noun '禁止 (きんし)' means 'prohibition' or 'ban'. It is used to indicate that something is not allowed or is forbidden. This word is commonly seen on signs and in rules, such as 'No Smoking' or 'No Entry'. For example: Smoking is prohibited here「ここでは喫煙が禁止されています」(ここではきつえんがきんしされています). Photography is prohibited in this area「このエリアでは撮影が禁止されています」(このエリアではさつえいがきんしされています). The word '禁止' is often used in formal or official contexts to indicate rules or regulations that must be followed.

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

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

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

634

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tooth

Reading

Parts

止Stop 米Rice 凵Open box

Example Word

虫歯: cavity. The Japanese noun '虫歯 (むしば)' refers to a dental cavity or tooth decay. It is commonly used in medical or everyday contexts to describe a condition where a tooth has been damaged by decay. For example: I have a cavity「虫歯があります」(むしばがあります). You should go to the dentist for your cavity「虫歯を治すために歯医者に行くべきです」(むしばをなおすためにはいしゃにいくべきです). The term is often associated with poor dental hygiene or excessive sugar consumption.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1006

Handwriting