字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

門Gate 耳Ear

Example Word

聞く: listen or ask. The Japanese verb '聞く (きく)' has two primary meanings: 'to ask' and 'to listen'. When used to mean 'to ask', it refers to inquiring or seeking information from someone. For example: I asked the teacher「先生に聞いた」(せんせいにきいた). When used to mean 'to listen', it refers to the act of hearing or paying attention to sounds or speech. For example: I listened to music「音楽を聞いた」(おんがくをきいた). The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended. Note that '聞く' is often used in polite requests, such as '聞いてください (きいてください)' (please listen/ask).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

68

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ear

Reading

Parts

三Three 丨Stick 一One

Example Word

耳: ear. The Japanese noun '耳 (みみ)' means 'ear'. This word refers to the organ of hearing in humans and animals. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: my ear hurts「耳が痛い」(みみがいたい). She whispered in my ear「彼女は私の耳に囁いた」(かのじょはわたしのみみにささやいた). Additionally, '耳' can be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles an ear in shape, such as the handle of a cup, referred to as '耳' in Japanese. It is a versatile word that appears in various idiomatic expressions and compound words.

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

465

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employment

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 戠

Example Word

就職: employment. The Japanese verbal noun '就職 (しゅうしょく)' refers to the act of obtaining employment or starting a job, typically after completing education or training. It is commonly used in contexts related to job hunting, career beginnings, or transitioning into the workforce. For example: I found employment at a big company「大きな会社に就職しました」(おおきなかいしゃにしゅうしょくしました). She is looking for employment「彼女は就職を探しています」(かのじょはしゅうしょくをさがしています). The term is often associated with formal or full-time positions and is a significant milestone in Japanese society.

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

671

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

心Heart 罒Net 十Ten 耳Ear

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

口Mouth 王King 耳Ear

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