Page 1
kanji
言Meaning
Say
Reading
kunyomiいi
ことkoto
onyomiげんgen
ごんgon
Parts
口Mouth 亠Lid 二Two
Example Word
無言: silence. The Japanese noun '無言 (むごん)' means 'silence' or 'wordlessness'. It refers to the state of not speaking or communicating verbally. This word is often used to describe situations where people choose not to speak, either due to discomfort, tension, or as a form of non-verbal communication. For example: the room was filled with silence「部屋は無言に包まれた」(へやはむごんにつつまれた). They exchanged a silent glance「彼らは無言で視線を交わした」(かれらはむごんでしせんをかわした). It can also imply a deliberate choice to remain silent, such as in a protest or to avoid conflict.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
25
Radical Form
訁
Handwriting
kanji
話Meaning
Talk
Reading
kunyomiはなhana
はなしhanashi
onyomiわwa
Parts
言Say 舌Tongue
Example Word
話す: talk or speak. The Japanese verb '話す (はなす)' primarily means 'to speak' or 'to talk'. It is used to describe the act of communicating verbally with someone. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations, formal discussions, or storytelling. For example: I speak Japanese「私は日本語を話す」(わたしはにほんごをはなす). Let's talk about it「それについて話しましょう」(それについてはなししましょう). Note that '話す' often requires a particle like 'を' or 'と' to indicate the object of the conversation or the person being spoken to, as in '友達と話す (ともだちとはなす) (talk with a friend)'.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
57
Handwriting
kanji
語Meaning
Language, Word
Reading
kunyomiかたkata
onyomiごgo
Parts
口Mouth 五Five 言Say
Example Word
言語: language. The Japanese noun '言語 (げんご)' refers to 'language', specifically the system of communication used by a particular community or country. It encompasses spoken, written, and signed forms of communication. This term is often used in academic, technical, or formal contexts. For example: He studies foreign languages「彼は外国語を勉強しています」(かれはがいこくごをべんきょうしています). The evolution of language is fascinating「言語の進化は魅力的です」(げんごのしんかはみりょくてきです). Note that '言語' is more formal than the more commonly used '言葉 (ことば)', which can also mean 'language' but often refers to words or speech in a more general sense.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
183
Handwriting
kanji
論Meaning
Theory, Argument
Reading
onyomiろんron
Parts
言Say 侖
Example Word
評論: critique or commentary. The Japanese noun '評論 (ひょうろん)' refers to a critical analysis or commentary on a subject, often used in the context of literature, art, politics, or social issues. It implies a detailed and thoughtful examination, often with an evaluative or analytical perspective. For example: His critique of the novel was insightful「彼の小説の評論は洞察に富んでいた」(かれのしょうせつのひょうろんはどうさつにとんでいた). The professor's commentary on the political situation was widely read「教授の政治状況に関する評論は広く読まれた」(きょうじゅのせいじじょうきょうにかんするひょうろんはひろくよまれた). This word is often used in formal or academic contexts.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
185
Handwriting
kanji
説Meaning
Theory, Explanation
Reading
kunyomiとto
onyomiせつsetsu
ぜいzei
Parts
訁Say (言)兑
Example Word
仮説: hypothesis. The Japanese noun '仮説 (かせつ)' means 'hypothesis'. It refers to a proposed explanation or assumption made on the basis of limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation. This term is commonly used in scientific, academic, or analytical contexts. For example: The scientist proposed a new hypothesis「科学者は新しい仮説を提案した」(かがくしゃはあたらしいかせつをていあんした). Testing the hypothesis is the next step「仮説を検証することが次のステップだ」(かせつをけんしょうすることがつぎのステップだ). The word can also be used in everyday contexts to describe a tentative idea or theory.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
194
Handwriting
kanji
誰Meaning
Who
Reading
kunyomiだれdare
Parts
言Say 隹Bird
Example Word
誰か: someone. The Japanese noun '誰か (だれか)' means 'someone'. It is used to refer to an unspecified person, often when the speaker does not know or does not specify who the person is. It can be used in questions or statements. For example: Is someone there?「誰かいますか?」(だれかいますか?). I need someone to help me「誰か助けてくれる人が必要です」(だれかたすけてくれるひとがひつようです). Note that '誰か' is often used in contexts where the speaker is seeking assistance or trying to identify an unknown person.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
222
Handwriting
kanji
記Meaning
Record
Reading
kunyomiしるshiru
onyomiきki
Parts
己Oneself 言Say
Example Word
暗記: memorization. The Japanese verbal noun '暗記 (あんき)' refers to the act of memorizing or committing something to memory. It is often used in academic or educational contexts, such as memorizing vocabulary, formulas, or historical facts. For example: I memorized the poem「詩を暗記した」(しをあんきした). He is good at memorization「彼は暗記が得意だ」(かれはあんきがとくいだ). The word can also be used to describe the process of rote learning, where information is repeated until it is firmly retained in memory.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
246
Handwriting
kanji
調Meaning
Investigate, Tune
Reading
kunyomiしらshira
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
言Say 周Circumference
Example Word
調べる: investigate. The Japanese verb '調べる (しらべる)' primarily means 'to investigate' or 'to examine'. It is used when someone is looking into something thoroughly, such as researching information, checking details, or inspecting something. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: I will investigate the cause of the problem「問題の原因を調べます」(もんだいのげんいんをしらべます). She is checking the schedule「彼女はスケジュールを調べている」(かのじょはスケジュールをしらべている). Additionally, '調べる' can also imply looking up information, as in: I looked up the word in the dictionary「その単語を辞書で調べた」(そのたんごをじしょでしらべた).
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
274
Handwriting
kanji
読Meaning
Read
Reading
kunyomiよyo
onyomiどくdoku
Parts
言Say 売Sell
Example Word
読み取る: read or interpret. The Japanese verb '読み取る (よみとる)' can mean both 'interpret' and 'read'. When used to mean 'interpret', it refers to understanding or extracting meaning from something, such as data, emotions, or situations. For example: he interpreted the data「彼はデータを読み取った」(かれはデータをよみとった). When used to mean 'read', it often implies reading and understanding written or visual information, such as text or symbols. For example: she read the ancient script「彼女は古代文字を読み取った」(かのじょはこだいもじをよみとった). The verb is commonly used in contexts where deeper understanding or analysis is required.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
296
Handwriting
kanji
議Meaning
Deliberation
Reading
onyomiぎgi
Parts
訁Say (言)義Righteousness
Example Word
議長: chairperson. The Japanese noun '議長 (ぎちょう)' refers to a 'chairperson' or 'presiding officer', typically in the context of a meeting, assembly, or committee. This person is responsible for leading discussions, maintaining order, and ensuring that procedures are followed. For example: The chairperson opened the meeting「議長が会議を開きました」(ぎちょうがかいぎをひらきました). The chairperson made an important decision「議長は重要な決定をしました」(ぎちょうはじゅうようなけっていをしました). The term is commonly used in formal settings, such as government, corporate, or organizational meetings.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
20JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
319
Handwriting
kanji
識Meaning
Knowledge, Discernment
Reading
onyomiしきshiki
Parts
訁Say (言)戠
Example Word
非常識: unreasonable. The Japanese adjectival noun '非常識 (ひじょうしき)' means 'unreasonable' or 'lacking common sense'. It is used to describe actions, behaviors, or ideas that are considered illogical, inappropriate, or contrary to societal norms. This term often carries a negative connotation and is used to criticize someone's behavior or judgment. For example: His behavior is unreasonable「彼の行動は非常識だ」(かれのこうどうはひじょうしきだ). It's very unreasonable to be late without notice「連絡なしに遅れるのは非常識だ」(れんらくなしにおくれるのはひじょうしきだ). The word can also be used in a more general sense to describe situations or systems that defy logic or common sense.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
19JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
355
Handwriting
kanji
計Meaning
Measure, Plan
Reading
kunyomiはかhaka
onyomiけいkei
Parts
十Ten 言Say
Example Word
会計: bill or accounting. The Japanese noun '会計 (かいけい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'accounting', which refers to the systematic recording, reporting, and analysis of financial transactions. For example: I work in accounting「私は会計の仕事をしています」(わたしはかいけいのしごとをしています). The second meaning is 'bill', referring to the amount of money owed for goods or services, especially in a restaurant or store. For example: Can I have the bill, please?「会計をお願いします」(かいけいをおねがいします). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
422
Handwriting
kanji
談Meaning
Discuss
Reading
onyomiだんdan
Parts
訁Say (言)炎Flame, Blaze
Example Word
冗談: joke. The Japanese noun '冗談 (じょうだん)' means 'joke'. It refers to something said or done to provoke laughter or amusement, often in a playful or lighthearted manner. This word is commonly used in casual conversations and can be part of phrases like '冗談を言う (じょうだんをいう)', which means 'to tell a joke'. For example: That was just a joke「それはただの冗談だった」(それはただのじょうだんだった). Don't take it seriously, it's a joke「真剣に受け取らないで、冗談だよ」(しんけんにうけとらないで、じょうだんだよ). The word can also imply teasing or sarcasm depending on the context.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
475
Handwriting
kanji
諸Meaning
Many, Various
Reading
kunyomiもろmoro
onyomiしょsho
Parts
訁Say (言)者Someone
Example Word
諸国: countries. The Japanese noun '諸国 (しょこく)' refers to 'countries' or 'nations', often used in a plural sense to denote multiple countries collectively. It is commonly used in formal or historical contexts to refer to various nations or regions. For example: trade relations with various countries「諸国との貿易関係」(しょこくとのぼうえきかんけい). The cultures of many countries「諸国の文化」(しょこくのぶんか). This term is often seen in historical texts or discussions about international relations, emphasizing a collective or comparative perspective on nations.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
477
Handwriting
kanji
許Meaning
Permit, Allow
Reading
kunyomiゆるyuru
onyomiきょkyo
Parts
訁Say (言)午Noon
Example Word
免許証: license. The Japanese noun '免許証 (めんきょしょう)' refers to a 'license' or 'certificate' that grants official permission to perform a specific activity, such as driving or operating machinery. It is commonly used in contexts like driver's licenses or professional certifications. For example: I got my driver's license「私は免許証を取得しました」(わたしはめんきょしょうをしゅとくしました). Please show your license「免許証を見せてください」(めんきょしょうをみせてください). This word is often associated with legal or official documents and is essential in many professional and personal contexts.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
499
Handwriting
kanji
詩Meaning
Poetry
Reading
kunyomiうたuta
onyomiしshi
Parts
訁Say (言)寺Temple
Example Word
詩: poem. The Japanese noun '詩 (し)' means 'poem'. It refers to a piece of writing that expresses emotions, ideas, or experiences in a rhythmic and often metaphorical way. This word is commonly used in literary contexts and can refer to both traditional and modern forms of poetry. For example: I wrote a poem「詩を書いた」(しをかいた). This poem is beautiful「この詩は美しい」(このしはうつくしい). The term can also be used to describe the art or practice of writing poems, as in '詩を書く (しをかく) (to write poetry)'.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
508
Handwriting
kanji
警Meaning
Warn
Reading
onyomiけいkei
Parts
言Say 敬Respect
Example Word
警戒: caution. The Japanese verbal noun '警戒 (けいかい)' means 'caution' or 'vigilance'. It refers to the act of being watchful or alert to potential danger or trouble. This word is often used in contexts where one needs to be careful or on guard, such as in security, safety, or even interpersonal relationships. For example: The police are on high alert「警察は警戒を強めている」(けいさつはけいかいをつよめている). We must be cautious of natural disasters「自然災害に警戒しなければならない」(しぜんさいがいにけいかいしなければならない). The word can also be used in phrases like '警戒心 (けいかいしん)', which means 'sense of caution' or 'wariness'.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
19JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
592
Handwriting
kanji
訳Meaning
Reason, Translation
Reading
kunyomiわけwake
onyomiやくyaku
Parts
言Say 尺Foot
Example Word
通訳: interpretation. The Japanese verbal noun '通訳 (つうやく)' refers to the act of interpreting, particularly spoken language, between two parties who do not share a common language. It is commonly used in contexts such as international conferences, business meetings, or any situation where real-time language translation is required. For example: She is good at interpretation「彼女は通訳が上手です」(かのじょはつうやくがじょうずです). We need an interpreter for the meeting「会議に通訳が必要です」(かいぎにつうやくがひつようです). The term is distinct from '翻訳 (ほんやく)', which refers to written translation.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
597
Handwriting
kanji
認Meaning
Recognize, Admit
Reading
kunyomiみとmito
onyomiにんnin
Parts
言Say 忍Endure, Stealth
Example Word
確認: confirmation. The Japanese verbal noun '確認 (かくにん)' means 'confirmation'. It refers to the act of verifying or checking something to ensure its accuracy, correctness, or existence. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business, daily conversations, or instructions. For example: Please confirm the schedule「スケジュールを確認してください」(スケジュールをか くにんしてください). I confirmed the reservation「予約を確認しました」(よやくをかくにんしました). It can also be used in compound verbs like '確認する (かくにんする)' to mean 'to confirm'.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
612
Handwriting
kanji
評Meaning
Evaluate
Reading
onyomiひょうhyou
Parts
言Say 平Flat
Example Word
評判: rumor or reputation. The Japanese noun '評判 (ひょうばん)' can mean either 'reputation' or 'rumor', depending on the context. When referring to 'reputation', it describes the general opinion or esteem that people have about someone or something. For example: This restaurant has a good reputation「このレストランは評判がいい」(このレストランはひょうばんがいい). When referring to 'rumor', it describes information or stories that are spread informally, often without verification. For example: There is a rumor about him「彼についての評判がある」(かれについてのひょうばんがある). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
614
Handwriting
kanji
証Meaning
Evidence
Reading
kunyomiあかしakashi
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
訁Say (言)正Correct
Example Word
保証人: guarantor. The Japanese noun '保証人 (ほしょうにん)' refers to a 'guarantor', someone who takes responsibility for another person's obligations, such as debts or contractual agreements. This role is often required in situations like renting an apartment or securing a loan. For example: He became my guarantor「彼は私の保証人になりました」(かれはわたしのほしょうにんになりました). The guarantor must sign the contract「保証人は契約に署名しなければなりません」(ほしょうにんはけいやくにしょめい しなければなりません). The term emphasizes legal and financial responsibility, and the guarantor is typically held accountable if the primary party fails to meet their obligations.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
616
Handwriting