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
間違える: mistake. The Japanese verb '間違える (まちがえる)' means 'to mistake' or 'to make an error'. It is used when someone does something incorrectly or confuses one thing for another. This verb is often used in situations where a person takes the wrong action, chooses the wrong item, or misunderstands something. For example: I mistook the salt for sugar「塩を砂糖と間違えた」(しおをさとうとまちがえた). He mistook the date of the meeting「彼は会議の日付を間違えた」(かれはかいぎのひづけをまちがえた). The verb can also be used in the potential form to express the possibility of making a mistake, as in '間違えやすい (まちがえやすい)' (easy to make a mistake).
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
21
Handwriting
kanji
無Meaning
Nothing
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiぶbu
むmu
Example Word
無限: infinite. The Japanese adjectival noun '無限 (むげん)' means 'infinite'. It is used to describe something that has no limits, boundaries, or end. This word can be applied to abstract concepts like time, space, or possibilities, as well as physical entities. For example: the universe is infinite「宇宙は無限だ」(うちゅうはむげんだ). His patience seems infinite「彼の忍耐は無限のようだ」(かれのにんたいはむげんのようだ). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '無限ループ (むげんループ)' (infinite loop) or '無限大 (むげんだい)' (infinity).
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: honorific. The Japanese prefix '御 (お)' is an honorific prefix used to show respect or politeness. It is commonly attached to nouns, particularly in formal or polite contexts. This prefix does not change the core meaning of the word but elevates its tone. For example: tea「お茶」(おちゃ), money「お金」(おかね). It is also used in set phrases like 'thank you'「ありがとうございます」(ありがとうございます), where '御' is implied in the politeness of the expression. Note that '御' can also be read as 'ご' in some cases, such as 'ご飯 (ごはん)' (meal/rice), but the meaning remains the same.
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
天然: nature. The Japanese noun '天然 (てんねん)' primarily means 'nature' or 'natural'. It refers to things that exist or occur in the natural world, without human intervention. This term can also be used to describe someone who is naturally talented or has an innate quality. For example: This park is full of natural beauty「この公園は天然の美しさに満ちている」(このこうえんはてんねんのうつくしさにみちている). She has a natural talent for singing「彼女は歌うことが天然の才能だ」(かのじょはうたうことがてんねんのさいのうだ).
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
駐車場: parking lot. The Japanese noun '駐車場 (ちゅうしゃじょう)' means 'parking lot'. It refers to a designated area where vehicles can be parked. This word is commonly used in everyday situations, such as when looking for a place to park a car. For example: The parking lot is full「駐車場がいっぱいです」(ちゅうしゃじょうがいっぱいです). Where is the parking lot?「駐車場はどこですか?」(ちゅうしゃじょうはどこですか?). The word is often seen on signs and maps, indicating the location of parking facilities.
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
道: road or way. The Japanese noun '道 (みち)' primarily means 'road' or 'path', referring to a physical route for traveling. It can also mean 'way' in a more abstract sense, such as a method, principle, or journey. For example: This road is long「この道は長い」(このみちはながい). The way to success is hard「成功への道は難しい」(せいこうへのみちはむずかしい). The word is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It is also commonly found in compound words, such as '歩道 (ほどう)' (sidewalk) or '武道 (ぶどう)' (martial arts).
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
紅葉: autumn leaves. The Japanese verbal noun '紅葉 (こうよう)' refers to the phenomenon of leaves changing color in autumn, often specifically to the vibrant reds and yellows seen in Japanese maple trees. It is also used to describe the act of leaves changing color. This word is deeply tied to the appreciation of seasonal beauty in Japanese culture. Example sentences: The autumn leaves are beautiful「紅葉がきれいです」(こうようがきれいです). Let's go see the autumn leaves「紅葉を見に行きましょう」(こうようをみにいきましょう).
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
落ち込む: depressed. The Japanese verb '落ち込む (おちこむ)' means 'to feel depressed' or 'to be down'. It is used to describe a state of low spirits or emotional distress, often due to disappointment, failure, or sadness. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as personal feelings, work-related stress, or general life situations. For example: I feel depressed after failing the exam「試験に落ちて落ち込んでいる」(しけんにおちておちこんでいる). He was down after losing his job「彼は仕事を失って落ち込んでいた」(かれはしごとをうしなっておちこんでいた). The verb can also imply a temporary state, suggesting that the person might recover from their low mood.
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
最終: last. The Japanese noun '最終 (さいしゅう)' means 'last' or 'final'. It is commonly used to refer to the last or final instance of something, such as the last train, the final episode of a series, or the ultimate conclusion of an event. For example: the last train「最終電車」(さいしゅうでんしゃ). This is the final episode「これは最終回です」(これはさいしゅうかいです). The final decision will be made tomorrow「最終的な決定は明日行われます」(さいしゅうてきなけっていはあしたおこなわれます). Note that '最終' often carries a sense of definitiveness or conclusion, and it is frequently used in formal or structured contexts.
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
高等: high level. The Japanese adjectival noun '高等 (こうとう)' means 'high-level' or 'advanced'. It is often used to describe something of a higher grade, rank, or complexity. For example, it is commonly used in educational contexts to refer to advanced studies or institutions, such as high schools or higher education. Example sentences: This is a high-level course「これは高等なコースです」(これはこうとうなコースです). He attends a high-level school「彼は高等な学校に通っています」(かれはこうとうながっこうにかよっています). The term can also be used in other contexts to describe advanced or sophisticated things, such as technology or skills.
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
着替える: change clothes. The Japanese verb '着替える (きがえる)' means 'to change clothes'. It is used when someone changes their outfit, typically from one set of clothes to another. This verb is commonly used in daily life, such as when getting dressed in the morning, changing into work clothes, or switching to pajamas. For example: I will change clothes before going out「出かける前に着替えます」(でかけるまえにきがえます). She changed into a beautiful dress「彼女はきれいなドレスに着替えた」(かのじょはきれいなどれすにきがえた). Note that '着替える' is often used in contexts where the act of changing clothes is intentional and complete.
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
朝日: morning sun. The Japanese noun '朝日 (あさひ)' refers to the 'morning sun'. It is commonly used to describe the sun as it rises in the morning, often evoking a sense of freshness, hope, or beauty. This word is frequently used in poetry, literature, and everyday conversation to describe the early sunlight. For example: The morning sun is beautiful「朝日がきれいだ」(あさひがきれいだ). I woke up to the morning sun「朝日で目が覚めた」(あさひでめがさめた). The word can also be used metaphorically to symbolize new beginnings or optimism.
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
通り過ぎる: pass. The Japanese verb '通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる)' means 'to pass by' or 'to go past'. It is used to describe the action of moving past a certain point or location without stopping. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as passing by a place, a person, or even time. For example: The train passed by the station「電車が駅を通り過ぎた」(でんしゃがえきをとおりすぎた). Time passes by quickly「時間が通り過ぎるのが早い」(じかんがとおりすぎるのがはやい). The nuance of this verb often implies that the subject is moving beyond something without lingering or stopping.
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
展開: development. The Japanese verbal noun '展開 (てんかい)' primarily means 'development' or 'unfolding'. It is used to describe the progression or evolution of events, situations, or ideas. This word is often used in contexts such as storylines, plans, or discussions. For example: The story's development was unexpected「物語の展開は予想外だった」(ものがみのてんかいはよそうがいだった). The plan's development is proceeding smoothly「計画の展開は順調に進んでいる」(けいかくのてんかいはじゅんちょうにすすんでいる). It can also refer to the deployment or spreading out of something, such as troops or resources, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation.
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
見覚え: recognition. The Japanese noun '見覚え (みおぼえ)' refers to the sense of recognition or familiarity one feels upon seeing something or someone. It is often used when you feel like you have seen something before but may not remember the exact details. For example: I have a sense of recognition about this place「この場所に見覚えがある」(このばしょにみおぼえがある). She looks familiar, but I can't recall where I saw her「彼女に見覚えがあるけど、どこで会ったか思い出せない」(かのじょにみおぼえがあるけど、どこであったかおもいだせない). This word is commonly used in situations where you are trying to recall a memory or identify something based on visual familiarity.
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
番: number. The Japanese noun '番 (ばん)' primarily means 'number' and is often used to indicate order, sequence, or ranking. It can also refer to one's turn or shift in a rotation. For example: What is your number?「あなたの番号は何番ですか?」(あなたのばんごうはなんばんですか?). It's my turn「私の番です」(わたしのばんです). Additionally, '番' can be used in contexts like sports to denote a match or game, such as in 'soccer match'『サッカーの試合の番』(サッカーのしあいのばん). This word is versatile and context-dependent, so its exact meaning can shift slightly based on usage.
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
余程: considerably or very. The Japanese adverb '余程 (よほど)' is used to express a high degree or extent of something, often implying that the situation is unusual or noteworthy. It can be translated as 'very' or 'considerably' and is often used in contexts where the speaker is emphasizing how much something stands out or differs from the norm. For example: He must be very tired「彼は余程疲れているのだろう」(かれはよほどつかれているのだろう). It must have been considerably cold「余程寒かったのだろう」(よほどさむかったのだろう). The word can also carry a nuance of surprise or emphasis, suggesting that the degree of something is beyond what is typical or expected.
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
不運: misfortune. The Japanese adjectival noun '不運 (ふうん)' means 'misfortune'. It is used to describe a state of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances. This word can be used to describe events, situations, or even a person's fate. For example: it was a misfortune「不運だった」(ふうんだった). He had a streak of misfortune「彼は不運が続いた」(かれはふうんがつづいた). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as 'the misfortune of war'「戦争の不運」(せんそうのふうん). Note that '不運' is often used in formal or literary contexts, and it carries a slightly more serious tone than other words for bad luck, such as '運が悪い (うんがわるい)'.
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
集団: group. The Japanese noun '集団 (しゅうだん)' means 'group'. It refers to a collection of people or things gathered together, often with a common purpose or characteristic. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as social groups, organizations, or even inanimate objects grouped together. For example: a group of students「学生の集団」(がくせいのしゅうだん). A group of buildings「建物の集団 」(たてもののしゅうだん). The word can also imply a sense of unity or collective action within the group.
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
貴族: nobility. The Japanese noun '貴族 (きぞく)' refers to 'nobility' or 'aristocracy'. It describes a social class of people who hold hereditary titles or ranks, often associated with wealth, power, and privilege. This term is commonly used in historical or formal contexts to refer to the elite class in feudal or monarchical societies. For example: The nobility lived in grand castles「貴族は大きな城に住んでいた」(きぞくはおおきなしろにすんでいた). She comes from a family of nobility「彼女は貴族の家系です」(かのじょはきぞくのかけいです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with refined or elegant qualities, though this usage is less common.
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
階級: rank or class. The Japanese noun '階級 (かいきゅう)' refers to a social or hierarchical class or rank. It is often used in contexts discussing social stratification, military ranks, or organizational hierarchies. For example: He belongs to the upper class「彼は上流階級に属している」(かれはじょうりゅうかいき ゅうにぞくしている). She was promoted to a higher rank「彼女はより高い階級に昇進した」(かのじょはよりたかいかいきゅうにしょうしんした). The term can also be used in a more abstract sense to denote levels or grades within a system.
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
勝つ: win. The Japanese verb '勝つ (かつ)' means 'to win'. It is used to describe achieving victory in a competition, game, or any situation where there is a contest or struggle. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as sports, battles, or even personal challenges. For example: I won the game「試合に勝った」(しあいにかつった). He always wins「彼はいつも勝つ」(かれはいつもかつ). The verb can also imply overcoming difficulties or prevailing in a situation, as in '困難に勝つ (こんなんにかつ) (to overcome difficulties)'.
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
渡す: hand or cross. The Japanese verb '渡す (わたす)' primarily means 'to hand over' or 'to pass something to someone'. It is used when transferring an object from one person to another, such as handing over a document or passing a tool. For example: Please hand me the book「本を渡してください」(ほんをわたしてください). He handed the keys to the manager「彼はマネージャーに鍵を渡した」(かれはマネージャーにかぎをわたした). Additionally, '渡す' can also mean 'to cross', as in crossing a river or a bridge. For example: They crossed the river「彼らは川を渡った」(かれらはかわをわたった). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
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
奥様: wife. The Japanese noun '奥様 (おくさま)' is a polite and respectful term used to refer to someone else's wife. It is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as when addressing or referring to the wife of a superior, a customer, or someone of higher social status. The term carries a sense of deference and respect. For example: His wife is very kind「奥様はとても優しいです」(おくさまはとてもやさしいです). Please give my regards to your wife「奥様によろしくお伝えください」(おくさまによろしくおつたえください). It is important to note that '奥様' is not typically used to refer to one's own wife; instead, terms like '妻 (つま)' or '家内 (かない)' are more commonly 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
絶対: absolutely. The Japanese adverb '絶対 (ぜったい)' means 'absolutely' or 'definitely'. It is used to emphasize certainty or to express that something is unconditional or without exception. This word is often used in both positive and negative contexts to stress the speaker's conviction. For example: I will absolutely come「絶対に行きます」(ぜったいにいきます). You must absolutely not tell anyone「絶対に誰にも言わないで」(ぜったいにだれにもいわないで). It can also be used to describe something that is absolute or unconditional, such as '絶対的な信頼 (ぜったいてきなしんらい) (absolute trust)'.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
397
Handwriting