字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Left

Reading

Parts

𠂇Cliff (厂)工Construction

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

工事: construction. The Japanese verbal noun '工事 (こうじ)' refers to 'construction' or 'construction work'. It is commonly used to describe the process of building or repairing structures, such as buildings, roads, or bridges. This term is often seen in signs or announcements related to ongoing construction projects. For example: The construction of the new bridge is underway「新しい橋の工事が進んでいます」(あたらしいはしのこうじがすすんでいます). Road construction is causing traffic delays「道路工事で渋滞が起きています」(どうろこうじでじゅうたいがおきています). The word can also be used in contexts like '工事中 (こうじちゅう)', which means 'under construction' and is often displayed at construction sites.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

411

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Difference

Reading

Parts

羊Sheep 左Left

Example Word

交差点: intersection. The Japanese noun '交差点 (こうさてん)' refers to an 'intersection', specifically a place where two or more roads cross each other. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when giving directions or discussing traffic. For example: Turn left at the next intersection「次の交差点を左に曲がってください」(つぎのこうさてんをひだりにまがってください). There was an accident at the intersection「交差点で事故がありました」(こうさてんでじこがありました). The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

547

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Skill, Adept

Reading

Parts

丂Breath obstruction 工Construction

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

巨大: huge. The Japanese adjectival noun '巨大 (きょだい)' means 'huge' or 'gigantic'. It is used to describe something of an exceptionally large size, often beyond the ordinary. This term can be applied to physical objects, structures, or even abstract concepts like influence or impact. For example: a huge building「巨大なビル」(きょだいなビル). The impact of the event was huge「そのイベントの影響は巨大だった」(そのイベントのえいきょうはきょだいだった). It's important to note that '巨大' often carries a connotation of something being impressively or overwhelmingly large, rather than just big.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1225

Handwriting