Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Self, Ego

Reading

Parts

手Hand 戈

Example Word

我が国: our country. The Japanese noun '我が国 (わがくに)' means 'our country'. It is a formal and somewhat patriotic term used to refer to one's own nation, often in official or ceremonial contexts. The term carries a sense of pride and belonging. For example: We must protect our country「我が国を守らなければならない」(わがくにをまもらなければならない). Our country is beautiful「我が国は美しい」(わがくにはうつくしい). The term is often used in speeches, official documents, and news reports to emphasize national identity and unity.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

182

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

形成: formation. The Japanese verbal noun '形成 (けいせい)' refers to the act of forming, shaping, or creating something. It is often used in contexts related to the development or establishment of structures, systems, or ideas. For example: the formation of a new government「新しい政府の形成」(あたらしいせいふのけいせい). The shaping of public opinion「世論の形成」(よろんのけいせい). This term is commonly used in both abstract and concrete contexts, such as in discussions about social, cultural, or physical formations.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fight, War

Reading

Parts

単Simple, Single 戈

Example Word

戦争: war. The Japanese verbal noun '戦争 (せんそう)' means 'war'. It refers to a state of armed conflict between different nations, states, or groups. This term is often used in historical, political, or social contexts to describe large-scale conflicts. For example: The war ended in 1945「戦争は1945年に終わった」(せんそうは1945ねんにおわった). Many people suffered during the war「多くの人が戦争中に苦しんだ」(おおくのひとがせんそうちゅうにくるしんだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe intense competition or conflict in non-military contexts, such as 'price wars' or 'trade wars'.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

290

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Play, Frolic

Reading

Parts

虚Empty, Void 戈

Example Word

悪戯: mischief or prank. The Japanese noun '悪戯 (いたずら)' can mean 'mischief' or 'prank'. It refers to playful or harmless actions intended to cause amusement or minor trouble. It can also imply a sense of naughtiness or teasing. For example: The child's mischief made everyone laugh「子供の悪戯がみんなを笑わせた」(こどものいたずらがみんなをわらわせた). He played a prank on his friend「彼は友達に悪戯をした」(かれはともだちにいたずらをした). The word can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context, but it generally describes lighthearted behavior.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1057

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Receive

Reading

Example Word

頂戴: receive. The Japanese verbal noun '頂戴 (ちょうだい)' is a polite and humble way to say 'receive' or 'accept'. It is often used when asking for something politely or when receiving something from someone of higher status. It can also be used as a humble way to say 'eat' or 'drink'. For example: Please give me that book「その本を頂戴」(そのほんをちょうだい). I received a gift from my teacher「先生からプレゼントを頂戴しました」(せんせいからプレゼントをちょうだいしました). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or polite situations, and is not typically used in casual conversation.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1383

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Admonish, Commandment

Reading

Parts

廾Twenty 戈

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

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1421

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grieve, Relatives

Reading

Parts

戊 尗

Example Word

親戚: relative. The Japanese noun '親戚 (しんせき)' refers to a 'relative' or 'family member'. It is used to describe someone who is related by blood or marriage, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws. This term is broader than '家族 (かぞく)', which specifically refers to immediate family members like parents, siblings, or children. For example: I visited my relatives「親戚を訪ねた」(しんせきをたずねた). She has many relatives「彼女は親戚が多い」(かのじょはしんせきがおおい). The word can also be used in formal or casual contexts, depending on the situation.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1827

Handwriting