Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Kill

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

殺す: kill. The Japanese verb '殺す (ころす)' means 'to kill'. It is used to describe the act of causing the death of a living being, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This verb can be applied to humans, animals, or even metaphorically to ideas or emotions. For example: he killed the insect「彼は虫を殺した」(かれはむしをころした). The harsh words killed her enthusiasm「厳しい言葉が彼女の熱意を殺した」(きびしいことばがかのじょのねついをころした). Note that this verb carries a strong and often negative connotation, so it should be used with care in conversation.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Step, Stairs

Reading

Parts

殳Pike

Example Word

段: step. The Japanese noun '段 (だん)' primarily means 'step' or 'stair'. It refers to a single level in a staircase or a stage in a process. This word is commonly used in contexts involving physical steps or metaphorical stages. For example: Please be careful on the steps「段に気をつけてください」(だんにきをつけてください). We are now at the final stage of the project「プロジェクトの最終段階です」(プロジェクトのさいしゅうだんかいです). Additionally, '段' can also refer to a rank or level in a hierarchy, though this usage is less common. For example: He has reached a high rank in the company「彼は会社で高い段に達しました」(かれはかいしゃでたかいだんにたっしました).

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

387

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Palace, Formal honorific title

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 共Together 殳Pike

Example Word

殿: lord. The Japanese suffix '殿 (との)' is a formal and respectful title used to address or refer to someone of high status, such as a lord, master, or superior. It is often used in historical contexts or in formal writing, such as letters or official documents. For example: addressing a lord「殿、お願いがあります」(との、おねがいがあります). In modern usage, it is less common but can still be found in certain formal or ceremonial contexts. It is important to note that this suffix conveys a high level of respect and should be used appropriately.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

474

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shell, Husk

Reading

Parts

壳 殳Pike

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1804

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beat, Assault

Reading

Parts

区District 殳Pike

Example Word

殴る: hit. The Japanese verb '殴る (なぐる)' means 'to hit' or 'to strike', specifically with a fist or hand. It is often used to describe physical violence or a punch. This verb carries a strong connotation of aggression and is typically used in contexts involving conflict or physical altercations. For example: He hit the man「彼はその男を殴った」(かれはそのおとこをなぐった). Don't hit people「人を殴るな」(ひとをなぐるな). The verb can also be used metaphorically, but this is less common. It is important to note that this word is informal and can sound harsh or violent depending on the context.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1892

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Break

Reading

Parts

臼Mortar 殳Pike 土Soil

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1967

Handwriting