Page 1
kanji
即Meaning
Instant, Immediate
Reading
kunyomiすなわsunawa
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
艮Stopping 卩Seal
Example Word
即ち: namely. The Japanese conjunction '即ち (すなわち)' means 'namely' or 'in other words'. It is used to clarify or restate something that has been mentioned previously, often to provide a more precise or detailed explanation. This word is commonly used in both written and formal spoken Japanese. For example: He is my best friend, namely, my brother「彼は私の親友、即ち、私の兄です」(かれはわたしのしんゆう、すなわち、わたしのあにです). The solution is simple, namely, to work harder「解決策は簡単だ、即ち、もっと頑張ることだ」(かいけつさくはかんたんだ、すなわち、もっとがんばることだ).
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
701
Handwriting
kanji
印Meaning
Mark, Seal
Reading
kunyomiしるしshirushi
onyomiいんin
Parts
卩Seal
Example Word
印: mark. The Japanese noun '印 (しるし)' means 'mark' or 'sign'. It refers to a visible indication or symbol that represents something, such as a physical mark, a sign of recognition, or a symbol with a specific meaning. It can also imply evidence or proof of something. For example: This mark is a sign of good luck「この印は幸運のしるしです」(このしるしはこううんのしるしです). He left a mark on the wall「彼は壁に印をつけた」(かれはかべにしるしをつけた). The word is often used in contexts involving identification, symbolism, or evidence.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
738
Handwriting
kanji
危Meaning
Dangerous
Reading
kunyomiあやaya
あぶabu
onyomiきki
Parts
厃 㔾
Example Word
危うい: dangerous or uncertain. The Japanese adjective '危うい (あやうい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'dangerous', referring to something that poses a risk or threat. The second is 'uncertain', describing a situation or outcome that is not guaranteed or is precarious. This word is often used in contexts where there is a sense of instability or potential harm. For example: The bridge looks dangerous「その橋は危うい」(そのはしはあやうい). His plan seems uncertain「彼の計画は危うい」(かれのけいかくはあやうい). The nuance of '危うい' often conveys a sense of being on the edge or close to failure, making it a versatile word for describing both physical and abstract situations.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
757
Handwriting
kanji
却Meaning
Instead, Eliminate
Reading
kunyomiかえってkaette
onyomiきゃくkyaku
Parts
去Past 卩Seal
Example Word
却って: contrarily. The Japanese adverb '却って (かえって)' means 'contrarily' or 'on the contrary'. It is used to indicate that the result of an action or situation is the opposite of what was expected. This word often carries a nuance of surprise or irony. For example: I thought it would help, but it made things worse「助かると思ったが、却って悪くなった」(たすかるおもったが、かえってわるくなった). The medicine didn't make me feel better; on the contrary, it made me feel worse「薬を飲んだが、却って気分が悪くなった」(くすりをのんだが、かえってきぶんがわるくなった). This adverb is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to express unexpected outcomes.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
995
Handwriting
kanji
卵Meaning
Egg
Reading
kunyomiたまごtamago
onyomiらんran
Parts
卩Seal
Example Word
卵: egg. The Japanese noun '卵 (たまご)' refers to an egg, typically a bird's egg, and is commonly used in the context of food. It can refer to eggs in general, including those of chickens, which are widely consumed in Japan. The word is neutral and can be used in various contexts, from cooking to biology. For example: I ate a boiled egg「ゆで卵を食べた」(ゆでたまごをたべた). She bought eggs at the supermarket「彼女はスーパーで卵を買った」(かのじょはスーパーでたまごをかった). Note that '卵' can also metaphorically refer to something in its early stages, such as a plan or idea, but this usage is less common and typically requires additional context to be understood as such.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1639
Handwriting