Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

門Gate 耳Ear

Example Word

聞こえる: audible. The Japanese verb '聞こえる (きこえる)' means 'to be audible' or 'to be heard'. It describes the ability to hear something naturally, often without intentional effort. This verb is often used to express sounds that reach one's ears, such as music, voices, or noises. For example: I can hear the birds singing「鳥の鳴き声が聞こえる」(とりのなきごえがきこえる). The sound of the waves is audible from here「ここから波の音が聞こえる」(ここからなみのおとがきこえる). Note that '聞こえる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object, unlike its transitive counterpart '聞く (きく)' (to listen).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

68

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ear

Reading

Parts

一One 三Three 丨Stick

Example Word

耳鼻科: otolaryngology. The Japanese noun '耳鼻科 (じびか)' refers to the medical field of otolaryngology, which deals with conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. This term is commonly used in medical contexts and is often seen on signs or in hospital departments. For example: I went to the otolaryngology department「耳鼻科に行きました」(じびかにいきました). The otolaryngology clinic is on the third floor「耳鼻科の診察室は3階です」(じびかのしんさつしつはさんかいです). This word is a combination of three kanji: 耳 (ear), 鼻 (nose), and 科 (department or field).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

465

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employment

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 戠

Example Word

職員: staff. The Japanese noun '職員 (しょくいん)' refers to 'staff' or 'employees' of an organization, institution, or company. It is commonly used to describe people who work in a professional capacity, such as school staff, hospital staff, or office workers. For example: The staff is very helpful「職員はとても親切です」(しょくいんはとてもしんせつです). The hospital staff works hard「病院の職員は一生懸命働いています」(びょういんのしょくいんはいっしょうけんめいはたらいています). This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

671

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 十Ten 罒Net 心Heart

Example Word

視聴: viewing. The Japanese noun '視聴 (しちょう)' refers to the act of watching or viewing something, often used in the context of media such as TV programs, videos, or broadcasts. It can also imply listening, especially in contexts where both visual and auditory elements are involved. For example: The viewing rate of the program was high「その番組の視聴率は高かった」(そのばんぐみのしちょうりつはたかかった). I watched the live broadcast「生放送を視聴した」(なまほうそうをしちょうした). This term is commonly used in discussions about media consumption and audience metrics.

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

802

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Saint, Holy

Reading

Parts

王King 耳Ear 口Mouth

Example Word

聖: holy. The Japanese prefix '聖 (せい)' means 'holy' or 'sacred'. It is often used in religious or spiritual contexts to denote something revered or divine. This prefix is commonly attached to nouns to form compound words, such as '聖地 (せいち)' (holy place) or '聖書 (せいしょ)' (holy book/Bible). For example: This is a holy place「ここは聖地です」(ここはせいちです). The Bible is a holy book「聖書は聖なる本です」(せいしょはせいなるほんです). The prefix can also be used in secular contexts to emphasize something exceptional or revered, such as '聖域 (せいいき)' (sacred ground or sanctuary).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

923

Handwriting