Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Left

Reading

Parts

工Construction 𠂇Cliff (厂)

Example Word

左: left. The Japanese noun '左 (ひだり)' means 'left'. It refers to the direction or side that is opposite of right. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts to indicate direction, position, or orientation. For example: turn left「左に曲がってください」(ひだりにまがってください). The book is on the left「本は左にあります」(ほんはひだりにあります). It can also be used in compound words, such as '左手 (ひだりて)' meaning 'left hand'. Note that '左' is often used in contrast with '右 (みぎ)' meaning 'right'.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

266

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Construction

Reading

Parts

丅Down (下)一One

Example Word

人工: artificial. The Japanese noun '人工 (じんこう)' means 'artificial'. It refers to something that is made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally. This term is often used in contexts related to technology, science, and nature. For example: artificial intelligence「人工知能」(じんこうちのう). artificial lake「人工湖」(じんこうこ). It can also be used to describe something that is man-made or synthetic, such as artificial flowers「人工の花」(じんこうのはな). The term emphasizes the contrast between natural and human-created elements.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

411

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Difference

Reading

Parts

左Left 羊Sheep

Example Word

交差: crossing. The Japanese noun '交差 (こうさ)' means 'crossing'. It refers to the point or place where two or more things intersect or cross each other, such as roads, lines, or paths. This term is commonly used in contexts involving transportation, geometry, or any scenario where paths or lines intersect. For example: the crossing of two roads「二つの道路の交差」(ふたつのどうろのこうさ). The railway crossing is ahead「鉄道の交差が先です」(てつどうのこうさがさきです). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the intersection of ideas or events.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

547

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Skill, Adept

Reading

Parts

工Construction 丂Breath obstruction

Example Word

巧み: skillful. The Japanese adjectival noun '巧み (たくみ)' means 'skillful'. It describes someone or something that is adept, clever, or masterful in performing a task or creating something. It often carries a nuance of artistry or finesse. For example: His skillful speech moved the audience「彼の巧みなスピーチは聴衆を感動させた」(かれのたくみなすぴーちはちょうしゅうをかんどうさせた). The artist's skillful brushwork is amazing「その画家の巧みな筆遣いは素晴らしい」(そのがかのたくみなふでづかいはすばらしい). This word is often used to describe craftsmanship, strategy, or performance.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1069

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Huge, Giant

Reading

Example Word

巨人: giant. The Japanese noun '巨人 (きょじん)' means 'giant'. It refers to a being or creature of enormous size, often found in myths, legends, or fantasy stories. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone of great importance or influence. For example: the giant in the story was very strong「物語の巨人はとても強かった」(ものがたりのきょじんはとてもつよかった). That company is a giant in the industry「あの会社は業界の巨人だ」(あのかいしゃはぎょうかいのきょじんだ). The word can also refer to the Yomiuri Giants, a famous Japanese baseball team.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1225

Handwriting