Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Commute, Pass

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 甬Path

Example Word

通貨: currency. The Japanese noun '通貨 (つうか)' refers to 'currency', which is the system of money used in a particular country or region. This term is commonly used in financial, economic, and everyday contexts when discussing money, exchange rates, or monetary systems. For example: The Japanese currency is the yen「日本の通貨は円です」(にほんのつうかはえんです). I exchanged foreign currency at the bank「私は銀行で外貨を交換しました」(わたしはぎんこうでがいかをこうかんしました). The word can also appear in compound terms like '外貨通貨 (がいかつうか)' (foreign currency) or '仮想通貨 (かそうつうか)' (virtual currency).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

72

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Way

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 首Neck

Example Word

国道: highway. The Japanese noun '国道 (こくどう)' refers to a 'national highway' or 'national road'. These are major roads in Japan that are maintained by the national government. They connect important cities and regions across the country. For example: This highway leads to Tokyo「この国道は東京に通じている」(このこくどうはとうきょうにつうじている). The national highway is very busy「国道はとても混んでいる」(こくどうはとてもこんでいる). It's important to note that '国道' specifically refers to roads that are part of the national highway system, as opposed to local or prefectural roads.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

89

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Near

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty ⻌Walk

Example Word

付近: vicinity. The Japanese noun '付近 (ふきん)' refers to the area or region near a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the surroundings or nearby area of a place. For example: There is a park in the vicinity「付近に公園があります」(ふきんにこうえんがあります). The store is located in the vicinity of the station「その店は駅の付近にあります」(そのみせはえきのふきんにあります). This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

122

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attain, Plural

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 羍

Example Word

達: plural. The Japanese suffix '達 (たち)' is used to indicate plurality or a group of people. It is commonly attached to nouns referring to people, such as names, pronouns, or titles, to denote a collective. For example: the children「子供達」(こどもたち). my friends「私達の友達」(わたしたちのともだち). It is important to note that '達' is not used for non-human objects or animals. The nuance is more about grouping or collectivity rather than strict grammatical plurality. This suffix is often used in formal or polite contexts.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

160

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Put in, Crowded

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 入Enter

Example Word

吸い込む: inhale. The Japanese verb '吸い込む (すいこむ)' primarily means 'to inhale' or 'to suck in'. It is used to describe the action of drawing something in, such as air, smoke, or even abstract concepts like emotions. For example: She inhaled the fresh air deeply「彼女は新鮮な空気を深く吸い込んだ」(かのじょはしんせんなくうきをふかくすいこんだ). The vacuum cleaner sucked in all the dust「掃除機がすべてのほこりを吸い込んだ」(そうじきがすべてのほこりをすいこんだ). This verb can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing being absorbed or engrossed in something, like a story or a situation.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

174

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Differ, Different

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 韋

Example Word

見違える: mistake or fail to recognize. The Japanese verb '見違える (みちがえる)' means 'to mistake' or 'to fail to recognize'. It is used when someone does not recognize or misidentifies something or someone, often due to a significant change in appearance or context. For example: I mistook him for someone else「彼を見違えた」(かれをみちがえた). She failed to recognize her old friend「彼女は昔の友達を見違えた」(かのじょはむかしのともだちをみちがえた). This verb is often used in situations where the change is so drastic that it leads to confusion or misidentification.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 反Anti

Example Word

振り返る: look back. The Japanese verb '振り返る (ふりかえる)' means 'to look back' or 'to reflect on the past'. It is commonly used to describe the act of turning one's head to look behind or to metaphorically reflect on past events or experiences. For example: He looked back at his childhood「彼は子供時代を振り返った」(かれはこどもじだいをふりかえった). Let's reflect on what we've learned「学んだことを振り返りましょう」(まなんだことをふりかえりましょう). This verb can be used both literally and figuratively, making it versatile in various contexts.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

199

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 咼

Example Word

昼過ぎ: afternoon. The Japanese noun '昼過ぎ (ひるすぎ)' refers to the time period in the early afternoon, specifically after midday. It is used to describe the time when the sun is past its highest point but still relatively early in the afternoon. For example: I will go shopping in the afternoon「昼過ぎに買い物に行きます」(ひるすぎにかいものにいきます). The meeting is scheduled for the afternoon「会議は昼過ぎに予定されています」(かいぎはひるすぎによていされています). This term is commonly used in daily conversations to indicate a specific time frame during the day.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

223

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Far

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 吉Lucky, Good luck 衣Clothes

Example Word

遠足: excursion. The Japanese noun '遠足 (えんそく)' refers to a school trip or excursion, typically involving students going to a place of interest, such as a park, museum, or historical site. It is often organized by schools as a recreational or educational activity. For example: We went on an excursion to the zoo「私たちは動物園に遠足に行きました」(わたしたちはどうぶつえんにえんそくにいきました). The students enjoyed the excursion to the mountains「生徒たちは山への遠足を楽しみました」(せいとたちはやまへのえんそくをたのしみました). This word is commonly used in the context of school activities and is associated with group outings.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

257

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Take along

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 車Car

Example Word

連れ: companion. The Japanese noun '連れ (つれ)' refers to a companion or someone who accompanies another person. It is often used to describe someone you are with, such as a friend, family member, or partner, in a specific context or situation. For example: She came with her companion「彼女は連れと来た」(かのじょはつれときた). I went to the park with my companion「私は連れと公園に行った」(わたしはつれとこうえんにいった). The word can also imply a sense of togetherness or shared experience. It is commonly used in casual and formal settings alike.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

279

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Advance

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 隹Bird

Example Word

進展: progress. The Japanese noun '進展 (しんてん)' means 'progress' or 'advancement'. It is used to describe the development or forward movement of a situation, project, or event. This word is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, research, or negotiations. For example: The project is making progress「プロジェクトは進展している」(ぷろじぇくとはしんてんしている). There has been significant progress in the negotiations「交渉に大きな進展があった」(こうしょうにおおきなしんてんがあった). Note that '進展' emphasizes measurable or noticeable progress, rather than gradual or subtle changes.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

301

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fortune

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 軍Army

Example Word

運動場: playground. The Japanese noun '運動場 (うんどうじょう)' refers to a 'playground' or 'sports field'. It is commonly used to describe an open area designated for physical activities, sports, or recreational play. This term is often associated with schools, parks, or community centers. For example: The children are playing on the playground「子供たちは運動場で遊んでいます」(こどもたちはうんどうじょうであそんでいます). The school's sports field is large「学校の運動場は広いです」(がっこうのうんどうじょうはひろいです). The word can also imply a space for organized sports or exercises, such as track and field events.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

314

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follow

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 𠂤Pile up

Example Word

追い掛ける: chase. The Japanese verb '追い掛ける (おいかける)' means 'to chase' or 'to pursue'. It is used to describe the action of following someone or something quickly in order to catch them. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The dog chased the cat「犬は猫を追い掛けた」(いぬはねこをおいかけた). He is chasing his dreams「彼は夢を追い掛けている」(かれはゆめをおいかけている). The verb often implies a sense of urgency or determination in the pursuit.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

385

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Make, Build

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 告Announce

Example Word

改造: modification. The Japanese verbal noun '改造 (かいぞう)' refers to the act of modifying or remodeling something, often to improve or change its function or appearance. It is commonly used in contexts such as modifying vehicles, machinery, or even software. For example: He modified his car「彼は車を改造した」(かれはくるまをかいぞうした). The company is remodeling the office「会社はオフィスを改造している」(かいしゃはオフィスをかいぞうしている). This word can also imply significant changes rather than minor adjustments, depending on the context.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

423

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Play

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 斿Move freely

Example Word

遊び: play. The Japanese noun '遊び (あそび)' means 'play' or 'playing'. It refers to the act of engaging in activities for enjoyment or recreation, often without a specific purpose. This word can be used to describe children playing, adults engaging in hobbies, or even playful interactions. For example: Children are playing in the park「子供たちは公園で遊んでいる」(こどもたちはこうえんであそんでいる). I enjoy playing games「私はゲームで遊ぶのが好きです」(わたしはゲームであそぶのがすきです). Additionally, '遊び' can sometimes imply a sense of leisure or free time, as in '遊びに行く (あそびにいく)' which means 'to go out for fun'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

432

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Escape

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 兆Omen, Trillion

Example Word

逃げ出す: flee or runaway. The Japanese verb '逃げ出す (にげだす)' means 'to flee' or 'to run away'. It is used to describe the action of escaping from a place or situation, often implying a sense of urgency or fear. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as escaping from danger, leaving a difficult situation, or even metaphorically escaping from responsibilities. For example: He fled from the burning building「彼は燃えている建物から逃げ出した」(かれはもえているたてものからにげだした). She ran away from home「彼女は家から逃げ出した」(かのじょはいえからにげだした). The verb '逃げ出す' often carries a connotation of leaving something behind, whether it be a physical location or a metaphorical situation.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

446

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Send

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 关Close

Example Word

送別会: farewell. The Japanese noun '送別会 (そうべつかい)' refers to a 'farewell party' or 'send-off gathering'. It is a common social event held to bid farewell to someone who is leaving, such as a colleague transferring to another location, a friend moving abroad, or a student graduating. The event typically involves speeches, gifts, and sometimes entertainment to express good wishes for the person's future. For example: We held a farewell party for our teacher「先生の送別会を開きました」(せんせいのそうべつかいをひらきました). I attended a farewell party last night「昨夜、送別会に出席しました」(さくや、そうべつかいにしゅっせきしました). The term emphasizes the communal aspect of saying goodbye and is deeply rooted in Japanese social customs.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

456

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Way, Route

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 余Excess

Example Word

用途: use. The Japanese noun '用途 (ようと)' refers to the purpose or intended use of something. It is commonly used to describe the function or application of an object, tool, or resource. For example: This machine has various uses「この機械は用途が広い」(このきかいはようとがひろい). The use of this material is limited「この材料の用途は限られている」(このざいりょうのようとはかぎられている). The word often appears in technical or practical contexts, emphasizing the specific function or role of an item.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

555

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boundary, Vicinity

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 刀Sword

Example Word

辺り: area. The Japanese noun '辺り (あたり)' refers to a general area or vicinity. It is often used to describe the surrounding area of a specific location. This word can be used in various contexts, such as indicating the area around a place, or the general vicinity of an event. For example: The area around the station is lively「駅の辺りは賑やかです」(えきのあたりはにぎやかです). I think I left my bag somewhere around here「カバンをこの辺りに置いたと思います」(かばんをこのあたりにおいたとおもいます). Note that '辺り' can also imply a sense of approximation or vagueness when referring to a location.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

567

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retreat

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 艮Stopping

Example Word

退職: retirement. The Japanese verbal noun '退職 (たいしょく)' refers to the act of retiring or resigning from a job or position. It is commonly used in professional or formal contexts to describe the process of leaving employment, often due to reaching retirement age or personal reasons. For example: He is planning his retirement「彼は退職を計画している」(かれはたいしょくをけいかくしている). She submitted her resignation letter「彼女は退職願を提出した」(かのじょはたいしょくねがいをていしゅつした). The term can also be used in phrases like '退職金 (たいしょくきん)', which means 'retirement bonus' or 'severance pay'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

633

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

State, Mention

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 朮

Example Word

述べる: state. The Japanese verb '述べる (のべる)' means 'to state' or 'to express'. It is used when someone is formally or clearly stating an opinion, fact, or explanation. This verb is often used in written or formal contexts, such as essays, reports, or speeches. For example: He stated his opinion clearly「彼は意見を述べた」(かれはけんをのべた). The professor explained the theory in detail「教授は理論を詳しく述べた」(きょうじゅはりろんをくわしくのべた). Note that '述べる' carries a nuance of formality and clarity, distinguishing it from more casual verbs like '言う (いう)' (to say).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

769

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Perplexed, Astray

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 米Rice

Example Word

迷信: superstition. The Japanese noun '迷信 (めいしん)' refers to 'superstition', which is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. It is often used to describe irrational beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence. For example: Many people still believe in superstitions「多くの人がまだ迷信を信じている」(おおくのひとがまだめいしんをしんじている). Breaking a mirror brings bad luck, according to superstition「迷信によると、鏡を割ると不運が訪れる」(めいしんによると、かがみをわるとふうんがおとずれる). This word is commonly used in discussions about cultural practices, folklore, or irrational beliefs.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

811

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quick

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 束Bundle, Bind

Example Word

迅速: quick. The Japanese adjectival noun '迅速 (じんそく)' means 'quick' or 'swift'. It is used to describe actions, processes, or responses that are done with speed and efficiency. This term often carries a positive connotation, implying not just speed but also effectiveness. For example: The response was quick「迅速な対応だった」(じんそくなたいおうだった). The delivery was swift「迅速な配達でした」(じんそくはいたつでした). It is commonly used in formal or professional contexts to praise efficiency.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

830

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Use, Dispatch

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 中Center 一One 㠯Terraced hill

Example Word

遣り取り: exchange. The Japanese noun '遣り取り (やりとり)' refers to an exchange or interaction, often involving communication, goods, or actions between two or more parties. It is commonly used to describe the back-and-forth nature of conversations, transactions, or even physical exchanges. For example: We had a lively exchange of ideas「活発な意見の遣り取りがあった」(かっぱつないけんのやりとりがあった). The exchange of gifts was heartfelt「贈り物の遣り取りは心温まるものだった」(おくりもののやりとりはこころあたたまるものだった). This word emphasizes the mutual and reciprocal nature of the interaction.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

831

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Welcome

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 卬

Example Word

歓迎: welcome. The Japanese verbal noun '歓迎 (かんげい)' means 'welcome'. It is used to express a warm reception or acceptance of someone or something. This term is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as welcoming guests, new members, or ideas. For example: We welcome your opinion「あなたの意見を歓迎します」(あなたのいけんをかんげいします). The new employee was warmly welcomed「新しい従業員は温かく歓迎されました」(あたらしいじゅうぎょういんはあたたかくかんげいされました). It can also be used in phrases like '歓迎会 (かんげいかい)', which means 'welcome party'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

870

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Choose

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 巽

Example Word

選: selection. The Japanese noun '選 (せん)' means 'selection' or 'choice'. It is often used in contexts where something is chosen or picked out from a group or set of options. This word can be part of compound words or used independently. For example: the selection of the winner「勝者の選」(しょうしゃのせん). The selection process is strict「選のプロセスは厳しい」(せんのぷろせすはきびしい). Note that '選' is often combined with other kanji to form words like '選挙 (せんきょ)' (election) or '選択 (せんたく)' (choice).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

875

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Leave behind

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 貴Precious

Example Word

遺族: bereaved. The Japanese noun '遺族 (いぞく)' refers to the family members or relatives left behind after someone's death. It is commonly used in contexts such as condolences, legal matters, or compensation for the deceased. For example: The bereaved family received condolences「遺族はお悔やみを受けました」(いぞくはおくやみをうけました). The government provided support to the bereaved「政府は遺族に支援を提供しました」(せいふはいぞくにしえんをていきょうしました). This term is often used in formal or official settings and carries a respectful tone.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

876

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Urge, Press

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 白White

Example Word

迫る: press or approach. The Japanese verb '迫る (せまる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to approach,' often used to describe something coming closer in time, space, or situation. For example: The deadline is approaching「締め切りが迫っている」(しめきりがせまっている). The second meaning is 'to press' or 'to urge,' often used in contexts where someone is being pressured or compelled to act. For example: He pressed me for an answer「彼は私に答えを迫った」(かれはわたしにこたえをせまった). The verb can also imply a sense of urgency or inevitability, depending on the context.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

926

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reverse

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 屰

Example Word

逆さ: upside down. The Japanese adjectival noun '逆さ (さかさ)' means 'upside down'. It is used to describe something that is inverted or in a reversed position. This term can be applied to physical objects, situations, or even abstract concepts. For example: the picture is upside down「その絵は逆さだ」(そのえはさかさだ). He hung the flag upside down「彼は旗を逆さに掛けた」(かれははたをさかさにかけた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations that are contrary to what is expected or normal.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

935

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Consummate, Accomplish

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 㒸

Example Word

遂に: finally. The Japanese adverb '遂に (ついに)' means 'finally' and is used to indicate that something has happened after a long wait or effort. It often carries a sense of culmination or achievement. For example: He finally arrived「彼は遂に到着した」(かれはついにとうちゃくした). The project is finally complete「そのプロジェクトは遂に完了した」(そのプロジェクトはついにかんりょうした). This word is typically used in contexts where there is a sense of relief or accomplishment after a long period of time or effort.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

975

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suitable

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 啇

Example Word

適度: moderate. The Japanese adjectival noun '適度 (てきど)' means 'moderate'. It is used to describe something that is neither too much nor too little, but just the right amount. This term is often used in contexts related to health, exercise, diet, and work-life balance. For example: moderate exercise is good for health「適度な運動は健康に良い」(てきどなうんどうはけんこうにいい). It's important to maintain a moderate pace「適度なペースを保つことが大切です」(てきどなぺーすをたもつことがたいせつです). The word can also be used to describe the intensity or degree of something, such as '適度な緊張 (てきどなきんちょう)' which means 'moderate tension'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1017

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Avoid, Dodge

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 辟

Example Word

回避: avoidance. The Japanese noun '回避 (かいひ)' means 'avoidance'. It refers to the act of avoiding or evading something, such as a problem, responsibility, or danger. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as legal, psychological, or strategic discussions. For example: avoidance of responsibility「責任の回避」(せきにんのかいひ). The company avoided the issue「会社は問題を回避した」(かいしゃはもんだいをかいひした). In some contexts, it can also imply a deliberate or strategic evasion, such as in 'risk avoidance' (リスク回避, りすくかいひ).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1127

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slow, Late

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 尸Corpse 羊Sheep

Example Word

乗り遅れる: miss. The Japanese verb '乗り遅れる (のりおくれる)' means 'to miss' in the context of missing a vehicle, such as a train, bus, or plane. It is often used when someone fails to board a vehicle before it departs. For example: I missed the train「電車に乗り遅れた」(でんしゃにのりおくれた). He missed the bus because he overslept「彼は寝坊してバスに乗り遅れた」(かれはねぼうしてバスにのりおくれた). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe missing out on opportunities or trends, such as '乗り遅れるな (のりおくれるな) (don't miss out)'. The nuance here is about failing to catch something in time, whether it's a physical vehicle or an abstract opportunity.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1133

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pass through, Transparent

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 秀Excel, Excellent

Example Word

透明: transparent. The Japanese adjectival noun '透明 (とうめい)' means 'transparent'. It is used to describe something that allows light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is clear or easily understood. For example: The glass is transparent「ガラスは透明だ」(ガラスはとうめいだ). Her intentions were transparent「彼女の意図は透明だった」(かのじょのいとはとうめいだった). This word is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing clarity and visibility.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1177

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Treat, Interview

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 禺

Example Word

待遇: treatment. The Japanese noun '待遇 (たいぐう)' refers to the way someone is treated, particularly in terms of their position, status, or conditions in a workplace or social setting. It often implies the level of respect, benefits, or privileges one receives. For example: The company offers good treatment to its employees「その会社は従業員に良い待遇を提供する」(そのかいしゃはじゅうぎょういんにいいたいぐうをていきょうする). She received unfair treatment at her previous job「彼女は前の職場で不公平な待遇を受けた」(かのじょはまえのしょくばでふこうへいなたいぐうをうけた). This word is commonly used in professional or formal contexts to discuss employment conditions or social treatment.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1183

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Week

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 周Circumference

Example Word

毎週: weekly. The Japanese noun '毎週 (まいしゅう)' means 'weekly'. It refers to something that occurs or is done every week. This word is commonly used to describe routines, schedules, or events that happen on a weekly basis. For example: I go to the gym weekly「毎週ジムに行きます」(まいしゅうジムにいきます). The meeting is held weekly「会議は毎週行われます」(かいぎはまいしゅうおこなわれます). It can also be used to specify the frequency of an action, as in '毎週のレッスン (まいしゅうのレッスン) (weekly lesson)'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Elude, Deviate

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 免Excuse, Exempt

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1314

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

All over, Everywhere

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 扁

Example Word

一遍に: all at once. The Japanese adverb '一遍に (いっぺんに)' means 'all at once' or 'all together'. It is used to describe when something is done completely or all in one single action, without gradual steps. For example: I finished all my homework all at once 「宿題を一遍に終わらせた」 (しゅくだじをいっぺんにおわらせた). He drank all the water all at once 「彼は水を一遍に飲んだ」 (かれはみずをいっぺんにのんだ). This adverb emphasizes the completeness or simultaneity of an action, often implying that there was no delay or partial execution.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1464

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return, Send back

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 睘

Example Word

返還: return or restoration. The Japanese noun '返還 (へんかん)' refers to the act of returning or restoring something to its original owner or place. It is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as the return of territory, property, or rights. For example: The return of the land to its original owner「土地の返還が行われた」(とちのへんかんがおこなわれた). The restoration of cultural artifacts to their country of origin「文化財の返還が決定した」(ぶんかざいのへんかんがけっていした). This term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in diplomatic, legal, or historical discussions.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1554

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Obstruct, Intercept

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 庶Commoner, Manifold

Example Word

遮る: block. The Japanese verb '遮る (さえぎる)' means 'to block' or 'to interrupt'. It is used to describe the act of obstructing something physically, such as blocking a path, or metaphorically, such as interrupting a conversation. For example: The wall blocks the view「壁が視界を遮る」(かべがしかいをさえぎる). He interrupted my speech「彼は私のスピーチを遮った」(かれはわたしのスピーチをさえぎった). This verb can also imply cutting off or hindering progress, as in 'The trees block the sunlight「木々が日光を遮る」(きぎがにっこうをさえぎる)'. It is often used in contexts where something is being prevented from continuing or being seen.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1742

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pursue, Drive out

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 豕Pig

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1786

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Encounter, Meet with

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 曹Official

Example Word

遭う: suffer or encounter. The Japanese verb '遭う (あう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to encounter' or 'to meet', often used in the context of encountering something unexpected or undesirable, such as an accident or misfortune. For example: I encountered a traffic jam「渋滞に遭った」(じゅうたいにあった). The second meaning is 'to suffer' or 'to experience', typically referring to experiencing something negative or unfortunate. For example: He suffered a great loss「彼は大きな損失に遭った」(かれはおおきなそんしつにあった). The verb is often used in situations where the encounter or experience is unplanned and usually negative. It is important to note that '遭う' is distinct from the more neutral verb '会う (あう)', which means 'to meet' in a general sense.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1789

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Transfer, Transition

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 䙴

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1896

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Humble

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 孫Grandchildren

Example Word

謙遜: modesty. The Japanese verbal noun '謙遜 (けんそん)' refers to the act of being modest or humble, often in the context of downplaying one's own abilities, achievements, or status. It is a valued trait in Japanese culture and is frequently used in social interactions to show politeness and respect. For example: He responded with modesty「彼は謙遜して答えた」(かれはけんそんしてこたえた). She always speaks with modesty「彼女はいつも謙遜して話す」(かのじょはいつもけんそんしてはなす). This term is often used in formal or professional settings to avoid appearing boastful.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1923

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Swift

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 卂

Example Word

迅速: quick. The Japanese adjectival noun '迅速 (じんそく)' means 'quick' or 'swift'. It is used to describe actions, processes, or responses that are done with speed and efficiency. This term often carries a positive connotation, implying not just speed but also effectiveness. For example: The response was quick「迅速な対応だった」(じんそくなたいおうだった). The delivery was swift「迅速な配達でした」(じんそくはいたつでした). It is commonly used in formal or professional contexts to praise efficiency.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1935

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Die, Pass on

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 折Bend, Fold

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2008

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Catch up with, Apprehend

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 隶

Example Word

逮捕: arrest. The Japanese verbal noun '逮捕 (たいほ)' means 'arrest'. It refers to the act of taking someone into custody by legal authority, typically in the context of law enforcement. This term is commonly used in legal, news, and everyday contexts when discussing criminal activities or police actions. For example: The police made an arrest「警察が逮捕した」(けいさつがたいほした). He was arrested for theft「彼は窃盗で逮捕された」(かれはせっとうでたいほされた). Note that '逮捕' is often used in formal or serious contexts and is not typically used in casual conversation.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2029

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retrace the past, Go upstream

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 朔

Example Word

遡る: go back or trace back. The Japanese verb '遡る (さかのぼる)' primarily means 'to go back' or 'to trace back' in time or to a point of origin. It is often used to describe retracing steps, revisiting past events, or exploring the origins of something. For example: Let's trace back the history of this tradition「この伝統の歴史を遡りましょう」(このでんとうのれきしをさかのぼりましょう). The river flows back to its source「その川は源まで遡る」(そのかわはみなもとまでさかのぼる). This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing time, history, or even physical paths.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2060

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Obey, Abide by

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 尊Respect, Revered

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2121

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Relay, Parcel post

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 乕

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Alternate

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 失Lose, Fault

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2133

Handwriting