Page 1
kanji
間Meaning
Interval, Space
Reading
kunyomiまma
あいだaida
onyomiけんken
かんkan
Parts
日Day, Sun 門Gate
Example Word
間隔: interval. The Japanese noun '間隔 (かんかく)' refers to an 'interval' or 'gap' between objects, events, or points in time. It is commonly used to describe physical spaces, such as the distance between two objects, or temporal spaces, such as the time between events. For example: The interval between trains is 10 minutes「電車の間隔は10分です」(でんしゃのかんかくはじゅっぷんです). There is a gap between the two buildings「2つの建物の間に間隔がある」(ふたつのたてもののあいだにかんかくがある). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
21
Handwriting
kanji
無Meaning
Nothing
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiぶbu
むmu
Example Word
間も無く: soon. The Japanese adverb '間も無く (まもなく)' means 'soon' and is used to indicate that something will happen in the near future. It is often used in formal or written contexts, such as announcements or schedules. For example: The train will arrive soon「電車は間も無く到着します」(でんしゃはまもなくとうちゃくします). The meeting will start soon「会議は間も無く始まります」(かいぎはまもなくはじまります). This adverb conveys a sense of immediacy and is typically used when the event is expected to occur within a short period of time.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
12JLPT
UnknownGrade
4Frequency
52
Handwriting
kanji
御Meaning
Honorable, General honorific term
Reading
kunyomiおo
おんon
onyomiごgo
ぎょgyo
Parts
彳Stop 卸Wholesale
Example Word
御負け: bonus. The Japanese noun '御負け (おまけ)' refers to something extra or a bonus given to a customer, often as a promotional item or a free addition to a purchase. It is commonly used in retail and marketing contexts. For example: The store gave me a bonus「店が御負けをくれた」(みせがおまけをくれた). This product comes with a bonus「この商品には御負けがついている」(このしょうひんにはおまけがついている). The term can also imply a small gift or an additional benefit, enhancing the value of the main product.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
54
Handwriting
kanji
然Meaning
Sort of thing, In that case
Reading
kunyomiさsa
しかshika
onyomiねんnen
ぜんzen
Parts
火Fire 肰
Example Word
自然に: naturally. The Japanese adverb '自然に (しぜんに)' means 'naturally'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur in a natural, spontaneous, or unforced manner. This adverb can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from physical actions to emotional responses. For example: she smiled naturally「彼女は自然に笑った」(かのじょはしぜんにわらった). The flowers bloomed naturally「花が自然に咲いた」(はながしぜんにさいた). It can also imply something happening without human intervention, as in 'the wound healed naturally「傷が自然に治った」(きずがしぜんになおった)'. The nuance of '自然に' often conveys a sense of ease or lack of artificiality.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
73
Handwriting
kanji
場Meaning
Place
Reading
kunyomiばba
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
土Soil 旦Dawn 勿Must not
Example Word
広場: plaza. The Japanese noun '広場 (ひろば)' refers to a 'plaza' or 'open square', typically a public space in a city or town where people can gather. It is often used to describe a large, open area that is surrounded by buildings or other structures. For example: Let's meet at the plaza「広場で会いましょう」(ひろばであいましょう). The children are playing in the plaza「子供たちは広場で遊んでいます」(こどもたちはひろばであそんでいます). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe a space for open discussion or exchange of ideas, such as in a 'forum' or 'public square' context.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
84
Handwriting
kanji
道Meaning
Way
Reading
kunyomiみちmichi
onyomiどうdou
Parts
辶Walk 首Neck
Example Word
報道: reporting. The Japanese verbal noun '報道 (ほうどう)' means 'reporting' or 'news coverage'. It refers to the act of gathering and disseminating information, particularly through media outlets like newspapers, television, or online platforms. This term is often used in contexts related to journalism and mass communication. For example: The media is reporting on the incident「メディアはその事件を報道している」(メディアはそのじけんをほうどうしている). Accurate reporting is important「正確な報道が重要だ」(せいかくなほうどうがじゅうようだ). The word can also be used in compound terms like '報道機関 (ほうどうきかん)' (news organization) or '報道陣 (ほうどうじん)' (press corps).
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
89
Handwriting
kanji
葉Meaning
Leaf
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiようyou
Parts
艹Grass 枼Table
Example Word
言葉: word. The Japanese noun '言葉 (ことば)' refers to 'word' or 'language'. It encompasses spoken or written expressions used to communicate ideas, feelings, or information. This term is often used in contexts discussing communication, linguistics, or the power of language. For example: Her words were kind「彼女の言葉は優しかった」(かのじょのことばはやさしかった). I want to learn Japanese words「日本語の言葉を学びたい」(にほんごの ことばをまなびたい). The word can also imply deeper meanings, such as the essence of communication or the way something is expressed.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
127
Handwriting
kanji
落Meaning
Fall
Reading
kunyomiおo
onyomiらくraku
Parts
艹Grass 氵Water (水)各Each
Example Word
落ち着き: calmness. The Japanese noun '落ち着き (おちつき)' refers to a state of calmness, composure, or tranquility. It is often used to describe a person's demeanor, a situation, or an environment that is peaceful and free from disturbance. For example: She has a calm demeanor「彼女は落ち着きがある」(かのじょはおちつきがある). The room has a calming atmosphere「その部屋は落ち着きがある」(そのへやはおちつきがある). This word can also imply stability or a settled state, such as in: The situation has calmed down「状況が落ち着きを取り戻した」(じょうきょうがおちつきをとりもどした).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
152
Handwriting
kanji
最Meaning
Most
Reading
kunyomiもっとmotto
onyomiさいsai
Parts
曰 取Take
Example Word
最高: best. The Japanese noun '最高 (さいこう)' means 'best' or 'highest'. It is used to describe something that is of the utmost quality, excellence, or degree. This word can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as experiences, objects, or achievements. For example: This is the best day ever!「今日は最高の日だ!」(きょうはさいこうのひだ!). The view from here is the best「ここからの景色は最高だ」(ここからのけしきはさいこうだ). It can also be used to express extreme satisfaction or excitement, as in '最高!(さいこう!)' which translates to 'Awesome!' or 'The best!'.
Radical
曰
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
154
Handwriting
kanji
達Meaning
Attain, Plural
Reading
kunyomiたちtachi
onyomiたつtatsu
Parts
⻌Walk 羍
Example Word
配達: delivery. The Japanese verbal noun '配達 (はいたつ)' refers to the act of delivering goods, mail, or packages to a specified location. It is commonly used in contexts related to postal services, food delivery, or courier services. For example: The delivery arrived「配達が届きました」(はいたつがとどきました). I ordered pizza delivery「ピザの配達を注文しました」(ぴざのはいたつをちゅうもんしました). The word is often used in compound phrases like '配達員 (はいたついん)' (delivery person) or '配達サービス (はいたつサービス)' (delivery service).
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
160
Handwriting
kanji
等Meaning
Equal
Reading
kunyomiひとhito
らra
onyomiとうtou
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)寺Temple
Example Word
平等: equality. The Japanese adjectival noun '平等 (びょうどう)' means 'equality'. It refers to the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. This term is often used in social, legal, and ethical contexts to describe fairness and impartiality. For example: All people should have equality「すべての人は平等であるべきだ」(すべてのひとはびょうどうであるべきだ). The law guarantees equality「法律は平等を保証する」(ほうりつはびょうどうをほしょうする). Note that '平等' can also be used to describe equal treatment or fairness in various situations, such as in education or employment.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
164
Handwriting
kanji
着Meaning
Arrive, Wear
Reading
kunyomiきki
つtsu
onyomiちゃくchaku
Parts
目Eye ⺶Sheep (羊)
Example Word
厚着: heavy clothing. The Japanese verbal noun '厚着 (あつぎ)' refers to the act of wearing heavy or thick clothing, typically to keep warm in cold weather. It is often used to describe bundling up or layering clothes. For example: She is wearing heavy clothing to stay warm「彼女は厚着をして暖かくしている」(かのじょはあつぎをしてあたたかくしている). In winter, thick clothing is necessary「冬には厚着が必要だ」(ふゆにはあつぎがひつようだ). This term is commonly used in contexts related to cold weather preparation and comfort.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
168
Handwriting
kanji
結Meaning
Tie, Bind
Reading
kunyomiゆyu
むすmusu
onyomiけつketsu
Parts
糸Thread 吉Lucky, Good luck
Example Word
締結: conclusion or signing. The Japanese noun '締結 (ていけつ)' refers to the act of concluding or formalizing an agreement, contract, or treaty. It is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the finalization of a binding arrangement. For example: The two countries concluded a peace treaty「両国は平和条約を締結した」(りょうこくはへいわじょうやくをていけつした). The company signed a new contract with the supplier「会社はサプライヤーと新しい契約を締結した」(かいしゃはサプライヤーとあたらしいけいやくをていけつした). Note that '締結' emphasizes the formal and binding nature of the agreement, distinguishing it from casual or informal arrangements.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
186
Handwriting
kanji
朝Meaning
Morning
Reading
kunyomiあさasa
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
月Moon, Month 龺Eminent (卓)
Example Word
北朝鮮: North Korea. The Japanese proper noun '北朝鮮 (きたちょうせん)' refers to 'North Korea', the country officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This term is commonly used in Japanese media and everyday conversation to refer to the nation located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. For example: North Korea launched a missile「北朝鮮がミサイルを発射した」(きたちょうせんがミサイルをはっしゃした). The relationship between Japan and North Korea is complex「日本と北朝鮮の関係は複雑だ」(にほんときたちょうせんのかんけいはふくざつだ). The term is neutral in tone but carries geopolitical implications due to historical and political contexts.
Radical
月
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
210
Handwriting
kanji
過Meaning
Exceed, Error
Reading
kunyomiすsu
あやまayama
onyomiかka
Parts
⻌Walk 咼
Example Word
過程: process. The Japanese noun '過程 (かてい)' means 'process'. It refers to a series of actions, changes, or functions that lead to a particular result or outcome. This word is often used in contexts where the focus is on the steps or stages involved in achieving something, rather than just the end result. For example: the process of making bread「パンを作る過程」(パンをつくるかてい). The process of learning a new language「新しい言語を学ぶ過程」(あたらしいげんごをまなぶかてい). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as the process of personal growth「個人の成長の過程」(こじんのせいちょうのかてい).
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
223
Handwriting
kanji
開Meaning
Open
Reading
kunyomiあa
ひらhira
onyomiかいkai
Parts
門Gate 开Open
Example Word
開業: business or opening. The Japanese noun '開業 (かいぎょう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'opening', specifically referring to the act of opening a new business or establishment. The second meaning is 'business', referring to the operation or running of a business. This word is commonly used in contexts related to starting or managing a business. For example: The opening of the new store is next week「新しい店の開業は来週です」(あたらしいみせのかいぎょうはらいしゅうです). He is in the business of running a restaurant「彼はレストランの開業をしています」(かれはレストランのかいぎょうをしています).
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
244
Handwriting
kanji
覚Meaning
Remember, Awake
Reading
kunyomiさsa
おぼobo
onyomiかくkaku
Parts
見See
Example Word
覚え: skill or memory. The Japanese noun '覚え (おぼえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first is 'memory', referring to the ability to recall or retain information. For example: I have no memory of that event「その出来事の覚えがない」(そのできごとのおぼえがない). The second meaning is 'skill', referring to one's proficiency or ability in a particular area. For example: He has great skill in cooking「彼は料理の覚えがいい」(かれはりょうりのおぼえがいい). The context in which '覚え' is used will determine which meaning is intended. It is important to note that while '覚え' can mean 'memory', it is not used in the same way as '記憶 (きおく)', which is a more formal term for memory.
Radical
見
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
270
Handwriting
kanji
番Meaning
Turn
Reading
onyomiばんban
Parts
田Rice field 米Rice 丿Katakana no
Example Word
当番: duty. The Japanese noun '当番 (とうばん)' refers to a person's turn or duty to perform a specific task or responsibility, often in a rotational system. This term is commonly used in schools, workplaces, and households to assign tasks such as cleaning, monitoring, or organizing. For example: Today is my duty「今日は私の当番です」(きょうはわたしのとうばんです). The cleaning duty is shared among the students「掃除の当番は生徒たちで分担します」(そうじのとうばんはせいとたちでぶんたんします). The word emphasizes the temporary and shared nature of the responsibility.
Radical
田
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
300
Handwriting
kanji
程Meaning
Order, Extent
Reading
kunyomiほどhodo
onyomiていtei
Parts
禾Cereal 呈Display, Present
Example Word
先程: earlier. The Japanese noun '先程 (さきほど)' means 'earlier' or 'a short while ago'. It is used to refer to something that happened in the recent past, typically within a short timeframe. This word is often used in formal or polite contexts. For example: I saw him earlier「先程彼を見かけました」(さきほどかれをみかけました). The package arrived earlier「先程荷物が届きました」(さきほどにもつがとどきました). Note that '先程' is more formal than 'さっき', which also means 'a while ago' but is used in casual conversation.
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
307
Handwriting
kanji
運Meaning
Fortune
Reading
kunyomiはこhako
onyomiうんun
Parts
⻌Walk 軍Army
Example Word
運営: management. The Japanese verbal noun '運営 (うんえい)' refers to the act of managing, operating, or running an organization, event, or system. It is commonly used in contexts involving the administration or coordination of activities, such as businesses, schools, or events. For example: The management of the company is excellent「その会社の運営は素晴らしい」(そのかいしゃのうんえいはすばらしい). We are responsible for the operation of the event「私たちはイベントの運営を担当しています」(わたしたちはイベントのうんえいをたんとうしています). This term emphasizes the organized and systematic handling of responsibilities.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
314
Handwriting
kanji
集Meaning
Gather
Reading
kunyomiあつatsu
つどtsudo
onyomiしゅうshuu
Parts
木Tree, Wood 隹Bird
Example Word
集落: village or settlement. The Japanese noun '集落 (しゅうらく)' refers to a small community or group of houses, typically in a rural area. It can be translated as 'village' or 'settlement'. This term is often used to describe a small, clustered group of dwellings, often in a remote or less urbanized area. For example: The village is surrounded by mountains「その集落は山に囲まれている」(そのしゅうらくはやまにかこまれている). The settlement was established centuries ago「その集落は何世紀も前に作られた」(そのしゅうらくはなんせいきもまえにつくられた). Note that '集落' emphasizes the physical grouping of houses or buildings, rather than the administrative or cultural aspects of a community.
Radical
隹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
322
Handwriting
kanji
貴Meaning
Precious
Reading
kunyomiたっとtatto
とうとtouto
onyomiきki
Parts
貝Shellfish 中Center 一One
Example Word
貴い: precious. The Japanese adjective '貴い (とうとい)' means 'precious' or 'valuable'. It is often used to describe something of high value, importance, or rarity, whether it be physical objects, abstract concepts, or even people. This word carries a sense of reverence or respect. For example: Time is precious「時間は貴い」(じかんはとうとい). This is a precious gift「これは貴い贈り物です」(これはとうといおくりものです). The word can also imply something noble or sacred, as in '貴い使命 (とうといしめい)' (noble mission).
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
371
Handwriting
kanji
階Meaning
Storey
Reading
onyomiかいkai
Parts
皆All 阝Mound (阜)
Example Word
階: floor. The Japanese suffix '階 (かい)' is used to indicate the floor or level of a building. It is commonly attached to numbers to specify which floor something is on. For example: second floor「二階」(にかい). This suffix is essential for giving directions or describing locations within multi-story buildings. It is important to note that '階' is always used in combination with a number or counter, and it cannot stand alone to mean 'floor'. Additional examples include: third floor「三階」(さんかい), first floor「一階」(いっかい).
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
375
Handwriting
kanji
勝Meaning
Victory
Reading
kunyomiかka
かつkatsu
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
月Moon, Month 劵Fatigue
Example Word
勝敗: outcome. The Japanese noun '勝敗 (しょうはい)' refers to the outcome or result of a competition, match, or battle, specifically whether it is a win or a loss. It is commonly used in contexts involving sports, games, or any competitive scenario. For example: The outcome of the game was decided「試合の勝敗が決まった」(しあいのしょうはいがきまった). The team focused on the outcome「チームは勝敗に集中した」(チームはしょうはいにしゅうちゅうした). This word emphasizes the final result rather than the process of competing.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
377
Handwriting
kanji
渡Meaning
Cross, Transit
Reading
kunyomiわたwata
onyomiとto
Parts
氵Water (水)度Degrees, Times
Example Word
渡る: cross. The Japanese verb '渡る (わたる)' means 'to cross'. It is used when referring to physically crossing something, such as a street, river, or bridge. It can also be used metaphorically to describe crossing over into a different state or condition. For example: I crossed the street「道を渡った」(みちをわたった). The bird crossed the river「鳥は川を渡った」(とりはかわをわたった). In a metaphorical sense, it can be used as in 'to cross over to the other side'「向こう側に渡る」(むこうがわにわたる). The verb is often used with the particle 'を' to indicate the thing being crossed.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
381
Handwriting
kanji
奥Meaning
Core, Heart
Reading
kunyomiおくoku
onyomiおうou
Parts
米Rice 大Big
Example Word
奥さん: wife. The Japanese noun '奥さん (おくさん)' is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone else's wife. It is commonly used in formal or polite conversations. For example: His wife is very kind「彼の奥さんはとても親切です」(かれのおくさんはとてもしんせつです). I met your wife yesterday「昨日、奥さんに会いました」(きのう、おくさんにあいました). Note that '奥さん' is not used to refer to one's own wife; instead, '妻 (つま)' or '家内 (かない)' is used in such cases.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
382
Handwriting
kanji
答Meaning
Answer
Reading
kunyomiこたkota
onyomiとうtou
Parts
合Fit, Match 竹Bamboo
Example Word
答え: answer. The Japanese noun '答え (こたえ)' means 'answer'. It is used to refer to a response to a question, problem, or situation. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: What is the answer?「答えは何ですか?」(こたえはなんですか?). I know the answer「答えを知っています」(こたえをしっています). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a solution or resolution to a problem. For instance: The answer to this problem is simple「この問題の答えは簡単です」(このもんだいのこたえはかんたんです).
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
392
Handwriting
kanji
極Meaning
Extreme, Pole
Reading
kunyomiきわkiwa
onyomiきょくkyoku
ごくgoku
Parts
木Tree, Wood 亟
Example Word
消極的: passive. The Japanese adjective '消極的 (しょうきょくてき)' means 'passive'. It describes a lack of active involvement or initiative, often implying reluctance or hesitation to take action. This word is commonly used to describe behavior, attitudes, or approaches. For example: he has a passive attitude「彼は消極的な態度だ」(かれはしょうきょくてきなたいどだ). Her response was passive「彼女の反応は消極的だった」(かのじょのはんのうはしょうきょくてきだった). The term can also be used in contexts like '消極的な性格 (しょうきょくてきなせいかく)' (passive personality) or '消極的な選択 (しょうきょくてきなせんたく)' (passive choice).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
394
Handwriting
kanji
絶Meaning
Break off, Extinction
Reading
kunyomiたta
onyomiぜつzetsu
Parts
糸Thread 色Color
Example Word
絶望: despair. The Japanese noun '絶望 (ぜつぼう)' means 'despair'. It refers to a state of complete loss of hope or a feeling of utter hopelessness. This word is often used in serious or dramatic contexts, such as in literature, personal struggles, or emotional situations. For example: He fell into despair「彼は絶望に陥った」(かれはぜつぼうにおちいった). The news filled her with despair「その知らせは彼女を絶望で満たした」(そのしらせはかのじょをぜつぼうでみたした). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or outcomes that seem beyond repair or improvement.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
397
Handwriting
kanji
幾Meaning
Some, How many
Reading
kunyomiいくiku
onyomiきki
Parts
幺Slight 戈 人Person
Example Word
幾: how many. The Japanese noun '幾 (いく)' is an archaic or literary term meaning 'how many' or 'several'. It is often used in formal or poetic contexts to express an indefinite quantity or to ask about the number of something. For example: how many years have passed?「幾年の歳月が過ぎたか」(いくねんのさいげつがすぎたか). It can also be used in compound words like '幾何 (きか)' meaning 'geometry'. Note that this word is rarely used in modern conversational Japanese and is more common in written or classical contexts.
Radical
幺
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
414
Handwriting
kanji
悲Meaning
Sad
Reading
kunyomiかなkana
onyomiひhi
Parts
非Mistake, Negative 心Heart
Example Word
悲しみ: sadness. The Japanese noun '悲しみ (かなしみ)' means 'sadness'. It refers to the emotional state of feeling sorrow or grief. This word is often used to describe deep emotional pain or melancholy. For example: I feel sadness「悲しみを感じる」(かなしみをかんじる). Her sadness was evident「彼女の悲しみは明らかだった」(かのじょのかなしみはあきらかだった). The word can also be used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke a sense of profound emotional depth.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
415
Handwriting
kanji
越Meaning
Go across, Go beyond
Reading
kunyomiこko
onyomiえつetsu
Parts
走Run 戉
Example Word
追い越す: overtake. The Japanese verb '追い越す (おいこす)' means 'to overtake'. This verb is used when one vehicle or person passes another that is moving in the same direction. It is commonly used in the context of driving, cycling, or running. For example: The car overtook the truck「その車はトラックを追い越した」(そのくるまはトラックをおいこした). I overtook the runner in front of me「前のランナーを追い越した」(まえのランナーをおいこした). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe surpassing someone in a non-physical sense, such as in a competition or career.
Radical
走
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
420
Handwriting
kanji
遊Meaning
Play
Reading
kunyomiあそaso
onyomiゆうyuu
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
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
432
Handwriting
kanji
晩Meaning
Evening, Nightfall
Reading
onyomiばんban
Parts
日Day, Sun 免Excuse, Exempt
Example Word
毎晩: every night. The Japanese noun '毎晩 (まいばん)' means 'every night'. It is used to indicate that something happens or is done each night without exception. This word is often used in daily conversations to describe routines or habitual actions. For example: I read a book every night「毎晩本を読みます」(まいばんほんをよみます). She calls me every night「彼女は毎晩電話をくれます」(かのじょはまいばんでんわをくれます). The word '毎晩' is a combination of '毎' (every) and '晩' (night), and it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
448
Handwriting
kanji
買Meaning
Buy
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiばいbai
Parts
貝Shellfish 罒Net
Example Word
買収: acquisition or bribery. The Japanese verbal noun '買収 (ばいしゅう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'acquisition', referring to the act of buying or taking over something, such as a company or property. For example: The company announced the acquisition of a competitor「会社は競合他社の買収を発表した」(かいしゃはきょうごうたしゃのばいしゅうをはっぴょうした). The second meaning is 'bribery', referring to the act of offering money or favors to influence someone's actions or decisions. For example: The politician was accused of bribery「その政治家は買収の疑いで告発された」(そのせいじかはばいしゅうのうたがいでこくはつされた). It's important to note that the context in which '買収' is used will determine which meaning is intended.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
472
Handwriting
kanji
象Meaning
Elephant, Phenomenon
Reading
onyomiぞうzou
しょうshou
Parts
⺈Wrap 豕Pig
Example Word
気象: weather. The Japanese noun '気象 (きしょう)' refers to 'weather' or 'meteorological phenomena'. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather forecasts, climate studies, or atmospheric conditions. For example: The weather forecast is accurate「気象予報は正確です」(きしょうよほうはせいかくです). The study of weather is fascinating「気象の研究は魅力的です」(きしょうのけんきゅうはみりょくてきです). This word is often used in scientific or formal contexts, such as '気象庁 (きしょうちょう)' (Japan Meteorological Agency).
Radical
豕
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
484
Handwriting
kanji
喜Meaning
Rejoice
Reading
kunyomiよろこyoroko
onyomiきki
Parts
口Mouth 壴
Example Word
大喜び: delight. The Japanese verbal noun '大喜び (おおよろこび)' means 'delight' or 'great joy'. It is used to express a state of being extremely happy or overjoyed about something. This term often conveys a sense of visible excitement or celebration. For example: She was delighted with the gift「彼女はプレゼントに大喜びした」(かのじょはぷれぜんとにおおよろこびした). The children were overjoyed when they saw the cake「子供たちはケーキを見て大喜びした」(こどもたちはけーきをみておおよろこびした). The term is commonly used in situations where the joy is openly expressed and shared with others.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
492
Handwriting
kanji
満Meaning
Full
Reading
kunyomiみmi
onyomiまんman
Parts
氵Water (水)卄 両Both
Example Word
満員: full or crowded. The Japanese noun '満員 (まんいん)' refers to a state of being full or crowded, often used to describe places or vehicles that have reached their maximum capacity. It is commonly used in contexts like public transportation, events, or venues. For example: The train is full「電車は満員です」(でんしゃはまんいんです). The concert was crowded「コンサートは満員でした」(コンサートはまんいんでした). Note that '満員' emphasizes the idea of no more space being available, and it is often used in announcements or signs to indicate capacity limits.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
506
Handwriting
kanji
期Meaning
Time, Period
Reading
onyomiごgo
きki
Parts
月Moon, Month 其That
Example Word
新学期: new term. The Japanese noun '新学期 (しんがっき)' refers to the 'new term' or 'new semester' in an academic context. It is commonly used to describe the start of a new school or academic term, typically in spring (April) or autumn (September) in Japan. This word is often associated with fresh beginnings, new classes, and a sense of renewal. For example: The new term starts tomorrow「新学期は明日から始まります」(しんがっきはあしたからはじまります). I bought new notebooks for the new term「新学期のために新しいノートを買いました」(しんがっきのためにあたらしいノートをかいました). The word is frequently used in educational settings and is a key part of the academic calendar in Japan.
Radical
月
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
511
Handwriting
kanji
雲Meaning
Cloud
Reading
kunyomiくもkumo
onyomiうんun
Parts
雨Rain 云Say
Example Word
雲: cloud. The Japanese noun '雲 (くも)' means 'cloud'. It refers to the visible mass of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. This word is commonly used in weather-related contexts or to describe the sky. For example: There are many clouds in the sky「空に雲がたくさんある」(そらにくもがたくさんある). The clouds are white「雲は白い」(くもはしろ い). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something vague or unclear, such as 'a cloud of doubt'「疑いの雲」(うたがいのくも).
Radical
雨
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
517
Handwriting