Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Year

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 午Noon

Example Word

毎年: every year. The Japanese noun '毎年 (まいとし)' means 'every year'. It is used to describe something that happens or occurs annually, without fail. This word is often used in contexts where regularity or repetition on a yearly basis is emphasized. For example: I visit my grandparents every year「毎年、祖父母を訪ねます」(まいとし、そふぼをおとずれます). The festival is held every year「その祭りは毎年行われます」(そのまつりはまいとしおこなわれます). Note that '毎年' is a noun and can be used as an adverb in sentences without requiring additional particles.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

37

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flat

Reading

Parts

干Dry 丷Divide

Example Word

水平: horizontal or level. The Japanese adjectival noun '水平 (すいへい)' primarily means 'horizontal' or 'level'. It is used to describe something that is flat, even, or parallel to the horizon. This term is often used in contexts related to physical orientation, such as construction, design, or nature. For example: The table is perfectly level「テーブルは完全に水平です」(テーブルはかんぜんにすいへいです). The horizon looks so wide and horizontal「水平線がとても広く水平に見える」(すいへいせんがとてもひろくすいへいにみえる). Note that '水平' can also imply balance or equilibrium in certain contexts, such as in '水平な関係 (すいへいなかんけい) (a balanced relationship)'.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

111

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Happiness

Reading

Parts

土Soil 𢆉Sheep (羊)

Example Word

幸福: happiness. The Japanese adjectival noun '幸福 (こうふく)' means 'happiness'. It refers to a state of well-being, contentment, or joy. This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a deep or lasting sense of happiness. For example: I wish you happiness「あなたに幸福を願います」(あなたにこうふくをねがいます). True happiness is hard to find「真の幸福を見つけるのは難しい」(しんのこうふくをみつけるのはむずかしい). Note that '幸福' is more profound and less casual than other words for happiness like '幸せ (しあわせ)', which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

380

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry

Reading

Example Word

干渉: interference or meddling. The Japanese noun '干渉 (かんしょう)' primarily means 'interference' or 'meddling'. It refers to the act of involving oneself in someone else's affairs without being asked, often in a way that is unwelcome. This word can be used in various contexts, such as politics, personal relationships, or even physics (e.g., wave interference). For example: His interference caused more problems「彼の干渉が問題を引き起こした」(かれのかんしょうがもんだいをひきおこした). Stop meddling in my business「私のことに干渉しないで」(わたしのことにかんしょうしないで). The term carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the interference is unwanted or disruptive.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1121

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trunk, Main

Reading

Parts

車Car 干Dry

Example Word

新幹線: bullet train. The Japanese noun '新幹線 (しんかんせん)' refers to the high-speed railway system in Japan, commonly known as the 'bullet train'. It is a network of trains that operate at very high speeds, connecting major cities across Japan. The term is often used to describe the trains themselves, as well as the system as a whole. For example: I took the bullet train to Osaka「新幹線で大阪に行きました」(しんかんせんでおおさかにいきました). The bullet train is very fast「新幹線はとても速いです」(しんかんせんはとてもはやいです). The 新幹線 is a symbol of Japan's technological advancement and efficiency in transportation.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1480

Handwriting