字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Self, Ego

Reading

Parts

手Hand 戈

Example Word

我々: we. The Japanese pronoun '我々 (われわれ)' means 'we'. It is a formal and somewhat literary way to refer to a group that includes the speaker. It is often used in speeches, formal writing, or when emphasizing a collective identity. For example: We must work together「我々は共に働かなければならない」(われわれはともにはたらかなければならない). We are responsible「我々は責任がある」(われわれはせきにんがある). Note that '我々' is less commonly used in casual conversation, where '私たち (わたしたち)' is more typical.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

182

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

成る: become. The Japanese verb '成る (なる)' means 'to become'. It is used to indicate a change in state, condition, or quality. This verb is highly versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as describing natural changes, personal transformations, or the outcome of events. For example: I want to become a teacher「先生になりたい」(せんせいになりたい). The leaves have turned red「葉っぱが赤くなった」(はっぱがあかくなった). It's important to note that 'なる' is often used with adjectives or nouns to describe the resulting state, as in '大きくなる (おおきくなる) (to become big)' or '静かになる (しずかになる) (to become quiet)'.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fight, War

Reading

Parts

単Simple, Single 戈

Example Word

戦後: postwar. The Japanese noun '戦後 (せんご)' refers to the period after a war, specifically the time following World War II in Japan. It is often used to describe the era of reconstruction, economic growth, and social change that occurred in Japan after the war. For example: Japan experienced rapid economic growth in the postwar period「日本は戦後に急速な経済成長を経験した」(にほんはせんごにきゅうそくなけいざいせいちょうをけいけんした). The postwar generation has a different perspective on life「戦後世代は人生に対する異なる視点を持っている」(せんごせだいはじんせいにたいすることなるしてんをもっている). This term is deeply tied to Japanese history and culture, often evoking a sense of transformation and renewal.

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