Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Direction

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 万Ten thousand

Example Word

方: direction or side. The Japanese noun '方 (ほう)' can mean 'direction' or 'side'. It is often used to indicate a physical direction, a choice between options, or a comparison between two things. For example: that direction is dangerous「あの方は危ない」(あのほうはあぶない). I prefer this side「こちらの方が好きです」(こちらのほうがすきです). When used in comparisons, it often follows the structure 'Xの方がYより...' to mean 'X is more... than Y'. For example: apples are more delicious than oranges「りんごの方がオレンジより美味しい」(りんごのほうがオレンジよりおいしい). Note that '方' can also be used to refer to a person in a polite way, but this is a different word with the same kanji and reading, so it is not included here.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

22

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Travel

Reading

Parts

方Direction 𠂉Person (人)𧘇Garment (衣)

Example Word

旅館: inn. The Japanese noun '旅館 (りょかん)' refers to a traditional Japanese inn, often featuring tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other Japanese-style amenities. These inns are commonly found in hot spring areas and are known for their hospitality and traditional meals. For example: I stayed at a Japanese inn「私は旅館に泊まりました」(わたしはりょかんにとまりました). This inn serves delicious meals「この旅館は美味しい食事を提供します」(このりょかんはおいしいしょくじをていきょうします). The term is distinct from Western-style hotels and emphasizes a cultural experience.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

447

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Family

Reading

Parts

方Direction 矢Arrow 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

家族: family. The Japanese noun '家族 (かぞく)' means 'family'. It refers to a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, typically living together. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations to talk about one's own family or someone else's family. For example: My family is big「私の家族は大きいです」(わたしのかぞくはおおきいです). His family lives in Tokyo「彼の家族は東京に住んでいます」(かれのかぞくはとうきょうにすんでいます). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '家族旅行 (かぞくりょこう)' (family trip) or '家族写真 (かぞくしゃしん)' (family photo).

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

552

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flag

Reading

Parts

方Direction 其That

Example Word

国旗: flag or national flag. The Japanese noun '国旗 (こっき)' refers to a 'flag' or specifically a 'national flag'. It is used to denote the official flag of a country, symbolizing its identity and sovereignty. For example: The national flag of Japan is beautiful「日本の国旗は美しい」(にほんのこっきはうつくしい). I saw many national flags at the event「イベントでたくさんの国旗を見た」(イベントでたくさんのこっきをみた). The word is commonly used in contexts related to national identity, international events, and ceremonies.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1137

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Alms, Carry out

Reading

Parts

方Direction

Example Word

施す: apply or bestow. The Japanese verb '施す (ほどこす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to bestow' or 'to give', often used in the context of providing help, charity, or something beneficial to others. For example: He bestowed charity on the poor「彼は貧しい人々に施しをした」(かれはまずしいひとびとにほどこしをした). The second meaning is 'to apply' or 'to administer', such as applying a treatment or remedy. For example: The doctor applied a new treatment「医師は新しい治療を施した」(いしはあたらしいちりょうをほどこした). The verb carries a formal tone and is often used in contexts involving care, aid, or professional actions.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1496

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gyrate, Rotation

Reading

Parts

方Direction 疋

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1658

Handwriting