kanji

Meaning

Superior, Gentle

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)憂Anxious, Grief

Example Word

優秀: excellent. The Japanese adjectival noun '優秀 (ゆうしゅう)' means 'excellent' and is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, superior, or of high quality. It is often used to praise people, such as students, employees, or professionals, for their exceptional abilities or achievements. For example: He is an excellent student「彼は優秀な学生です」(かれはゆうしゅうながくせいです). This is an excellent product「これは優秀な製品です」(これはゆうしゅうなせいひんです). The term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in academic, professional, or evaluative contexts.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

640

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

Severe, Strict

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 敢Daring 厂Cliff

Example Word

厳密: strict. The Japanese adjectival noun '厳密 (げんみつ)' means 'strict' or 'precise'. It is used to describe something that is exact, meticulous, or rigorously accurate. This term is often used in contexts where attention to detail and adherence to rules or standards are emphasized. For example: The professor is strict about the rules「教授は規則に厳密です」(きょうじゅはきそくにげんみつです). We need a precise analysis「厳密な分析が必要です」(げんみつなぶんせきがひつようです). The word can also imply a sense of severity or rigor in application, such as in legal or scientific contexts.

Radical

厂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

920

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Darkness

Reading

Parts

門Gate 音Sound

Example Word

闇: darkness. The Japanese noun '闇 (やみ)' means 'darkness'. It refers to the absence of light, often used to describe physical darkness, such as in a room or at night. It can also metaphorically represent emotional or moral darkness, such as despair, ignorance, or evil. For example: The room was filled with darkness「部屋は闇に包まれていた」(へやはやみにつつまれていた). He fell into the darkness of despair「彼は絶望の闇に落ちた」(かれはぜつぼうのやみにおちた). The word can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '闇取引 (やみとりひき)' (black market dealings).

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

927

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lecture

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)冓

Example Word

講師: lecturer. The Japanese noun '講師 (こうし)' refers to a 'lecturer' or 'instructor', typically someone who teaches at educational institutions, seminars, or workshops. This term is often used in academic or professional settings to denote someone who delivers lectures or provides specialized instruction. For example: The lecturer explained the theory clearly「講師は理論をはっきりと説明した」(こうしはりろんをはっきりとせつめいした). She works as a part-time lecturer at the university「彼女は大学で非常勤講師として働いている」(かのじょはだいがくでひじょうきんこうしとしてはたらいている). Note that '講師' can also refer to instructors in non-academic contexts, such as fitness or art classes.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1050

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fresh, Vivid

Reading

Parts

魚Fish 羊Sheep

Example Word

朝鮮: Korea. The Japanese proper noun '朝鮮 (ちょうせん)' refers to 'Korea'. Historically, it was used to denote the Korean Peninsula and its people, particularly during the period of Japanese rule over Korea (1910-1945). In modern usage, it is often associated with North Korea, as South Korea is more commonly referred to as '韓国 (かんこく)'. Example sentences: Korea is a beautiful country「朝鮮は美しい国です」(ちょうせんはうつくしいくにです). I studied the history of Korea「私は朝鮮の歴史を勉強しました」(わたしはちょうせんのれきしをべんきょうしました).

Radical

魚

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Look, Perusal

Reading

Parts

臣Servant, Retainer

Example Word

御覧: look. The Japanese noun '御覧 (ごらん)' is a polite form of the verb '見る (みる)', meaning 'to look' or 'to see'. It is often used in formal or respectful contexts to ask someone to look at something or to indicate that someone is viewing something. For example: Please take a look at this「これを御覧ください」(これをごらんください). Have you seen this movie?「この映画を御覧になりましたか？」(このえいがをごらんになりましたか？). The term is also used in set phrases like '御覧の通り (ごらんのとおり)', meaning 'as you can see'. It carries a nuance of politeness and respect, making it suitable for formal conversations or when addressing someone of higher status.

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1129

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Apologize

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)射Shoot

Example Word

月謝: tuition. The Japanese noun '月謝 (げっしゃ)' refers to a monthly fee or payment, most commonly used in the context of tuition for lessons, classes, or training. It is often associated with extracurricular activities like music lessons, sports clubs, or language schools. For example: I pay monthly tuition for piano lessons「ピアノの月謝を払っています」(ぴあののげっしゃをはらっています). The monthly fee for the swimming club is expensive「スイミングクラブの月謝は高いです」(すいみんぐくらぶのげっしゃはたかいです). This term is specific to regular, recurring payments and is not used for one-time fees or general expenses.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1218

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Baron, Rank of nobility

Reading

Parts

⺤ 罒Net 艮Stopping 寸Measurement

Radical

爪

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1249

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shrink

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 宿Lodging

Example Word

縮む: shrink. The Japanese verb '縮む (ちぢむ)' means 'to shrink' or 'to contract'. It is used to describe something becoming smaller in size, length, or volume, often due to external factors like heat, cold, or pressure. For example: The sweater shrank in the wash「セーターが洗濯で縮んだ」(セーターがせんたくでちぢんだ). When scared, my body shrinks「怖いとき、体が縮む」(こわいとき、からだがちぢむ). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe someone becoming timid or withdrawn, as in 'He shrank back in fear'「彼は怖くて縮んだ」(かれはこわくてちぢんだ).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1277

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Receive

Reading

Example Word

頂戴: receive. The Japanese verbal noun '頂戴 (ちょうだい)' is a polite and humble way to say 'receive' or 'accept'. It is often used when asking for something politely or when receiving something from someone of higher status. It can also be used as a humble way to say 'eat' or 'drink'. For example: Please give me that book「その本を頂戴」(そのほんをちょうだい). I received a gift from my teacher「先生からプレゼントを頂戴しました」(せんせいからプレゼントをちょうだいしました). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or polite situations, and is not typically used in casual conversation.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1383

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ugly

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 鬼Demon, Ogre

Example Word

醜い: ugly. The Japanese adjective '醜い (みにくい)' means 'ugly'. It is used to describe something or someone that is unattractive in appearance or behavior. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe actions or situations that are morally reprehensible or disgraceful. For example: That painting is ugly「その絵は醜い」(そのえはみにくい). His actions were ugly「彼の行動は醜かった」(かれのこうどうはみにくかった). It's important to note that this adjective can carry a strong negative connotation, so it should be used with caution.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1406

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ring, Surround

Reading

Parts

王King 睘

Example Word

環境: environment. The Japanese noun '環境 (かんきょう)' primarily means 'environment'. It refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. This term is widely used in discussions about nature, ecology, and living conditions. For example: We need to protect the environment「環境を守る必要がある」(かんきょうをまもるひつようがある). The work environment is very important「仕事の環境はとても重要だ」(しごとのかんきょうはとてもじゅうようだ). It can also refer to the setting or context in which something exists or operates, such as a social or technological environment.

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1416

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Key

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)建Build

Example Word

鍵: key. The Japanese noun '鍵 (かぎ)' means 'key'. It refers to a physical object used to lock or unlock something, such as a door, a safe, or a car. This word is commonly used in everyday situations. For example: I lost my key「鍵をなくしました」(かぎをなくしました). Do you have the key to this door?「このドアの鍵を持っていますか？」(このドアのかぎをもっていますか？). Additionally, '鍵' can also metaphorically refer to something essential or crucial, as in 'the key to success' (成功の鍵, せいこうのかぎ).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1454

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cure, Heal

Reading

Parts

疒Sick 尞

Example Word

治療: treatment. The Japanese verbal noun '治療 (ちりょう)' means 'treatment' and is commonly used in medical or therapeutic contexts. It refers to the act of treating an illness, injury, or condition to improve or cure it. This word is often used in phrases like '治療を受ける (ちりょうをうける)' (to receive treatment) or '治療が必要 (ちりょうがひつよう)' (treatment is necessary). Example sentences: The doctor recommended treatment「医者は治療を勧めた」(いしゃはちりょうをすすめた). This disease requires immediate treatment「この病気はすぐに治療が必要だ」(このびょうきはすぐにちりょうがひつようだ).

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1517

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wing

Reading

Parts

羽Feather 異Rare, Different

Radical

羽

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1541

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Frost

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 相Mutual

Example Word

霜: frost. The Japanese noun '霜 (しも)' refers to 'frost', which is the thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. This word is often used in weather-related contexts or to describe the natural phenomenon of frost forming on plants, windows, or the ground. For example: The frost is beautiful this morning「今朝の霜は美しい」(けさのしもはうつくしい). The garden was covered in frost「庭が霜で覆われていた」(にわがしもでおおわれていた). Frost can also symbolize coldness or the arrival of winter in poetic or literary contexts.

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1560

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Age

Reading

Parts

歯Tooth 令Orders

Example Word

高齢: old age. The Japanese noun '高齢 (こうれい)' refers to 'old age' or 'advanced age'. It is commonly used to describe elderly people or the state of being elderly. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as in discussions about healthcare, social welfare, or demographics. For example: The population is aging「人口は高齢化している」(じんこうはこうれいかしている). Elderly care is important「高齢者のケアは重要です」(こうれいしゃのけあはじゅうようです). Note that '高齢' is typically used in a respectful or neutral tone when referring to older individuals.

Radical

齒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1574

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Frequently, Frequent

Reading

Parts

步 頁Page

Example Word

頻りに: frequently. The Japanese adverb '頻りに (しきりに)' means 'frequently' or 'repeatedly'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur often or persistently. This word often carries a nuance of intensity or earnestness, emphasizing the frequency or persistence of the action. For example: He frequently asked about her「彼は頻りに彼女のことを尋ねた」(かれはしきりにかのじょのことをたずねた). It rained frequently yesterday「昨日は頻りに雨が降った」(きのうはしきりにあめがふった). The adverb can also imply a sense of urgency or eagerness, depending on the context.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sacrifice

Reading

Parts

牛Cow 義Righteousness

Example Word

犠牲: sacrifice. The Japanese noun '犠牲 (ぎせい)' means 'sacrifice'. It refers to the act of giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or a greater cause. This word is often used in contexts involving personal loss, such as in war, accidents, or even in daily life when someone makes a significant compromise. For example: He made a great sacrifice for his family「彼は家族のために大きな犠牲を払った」(かれはかぞくのためにおおきなぎせいをはらった). The victims of the disaster were a tragic sacrifice「その災害の犠牲者は悲劇的な犠牲だった」(そのさいがいのぎせいしゃはひげきてきなぎせいだった).

Radical

牛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1626

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pot

Reading

Parts

金Gold 咼

Example Word

鍋: pot. The Japanese noun '鍋 (なべ)' refers to a 'pot', typically used for cooking. It can describe various types of pots, such as those used for boiling, stewing, or frying. In Japanese cuisine, '鍋' is also associated with hot pot dishes, where ingredients are cooked together in a communal pot. Example sentences: I bought a new pot「新しい鍋を買いました」(あたらしいなべをかいました). Let's make hot pot tonight「今夜は鍋を作りましょう」(こんやはなべをつくりましょう). The pot is on the stove「鍋がコンロの上にあります」(なべがコンロのうえにあります).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1632

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cowardice

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 意Idea ⺼

Example Word

臆病: cowardly. The Japanese adjectival noun '臆病 (おくびょう)' means 'cowardly'. It is used to describe someone who lacks courage or is easily frightened. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying timidity or fearfulness in situations where bravery is expected. For example: he is too cowardly to face the challenge「彼は臆病でその挑戦に立ち向かえない」(かれはおくびょうでそのちょうせんにたちむかえない). Don't be so cowardly!「そんなに臆病にならないで！」(そんなにおくびょうにならないで！). The word can also describe a cautious or overly timid approach to something, such as 'a cowardly attitude' (臆病な態度, おくびょうなたいど).

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1655

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pupil

Reading

Parts

目Eye 童Juvenile

Example Word

瞳: pupil. The Japanese noun '瞳 (ひとみ)' primarily refers to the 'pupil' of the eye, the black circular opening in the center of the iris. It can also poetically or metaphorically refer to the eyes themselves, often evoking a sense of beauty or depth. For example: Her pupils are beautiful「彼女の瞳は美しい」(かのじょのひとみはうつくしい). The child's eyes sparkled「子供の瞳が輝いていた」(こどものひとみがかがやいていた). This word is often used in literary or emotional contexts to emphasize the expressiveness or allure of someone's eyes.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1674

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Humble, Modesty

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)兼Combine, Concurrently

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

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1681

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Achievement

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 責Blame, Liability

Example Word

業績: achievement or performance. The Japanese noun '業績 (ぎょうせき)' refers to achievements or performance, particularly in the context of business, work, or academic endeavors. It is often used to describe measurable results, such as financial performance, sales figures, or academic accomplishments. For example: The company's performance improved this year「今年の業績は向上した」(ことしのぎょうせきはこうじょうした). His academic achievements are impressive「彼の学業成績は素晴らしい」(かれのがくぎょうせいせきはすばらしい). Note that '業績' is commonly used in formal or professional settings and emphasizes quantifiable results.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1692

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cordial, Courteous

Reading

Parts

心Heart 貇

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1694

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear

Reading

Parts

目Eye 尞

Example Word

明瞭: clear. The Japanese adjectival noun '明瞭 (めいりょう)' means 'clear' and is used to describe something that is easy to understand, distinct, or unambiguous. It is often used in contexts where clarity of speech, thought, or expression is emphasized. For example: His explanation was clear「彼の説明は明瞭だった」(かれのせつめいはめいりょうだった). The image on the screen is clear「画面の映像は明瞭だ」(がめんのえいぞうはめいりょうだ). This word is commonly used in formal or technical contexts to describe precision and clarity.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rub, Grate

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)察Guess

Example Word

擦る: rub. The Japanese verb '擦る (する)' means 'to rub'. This verb is used when describing the action of moving one object back and forth against another, often to clean, polish, or cause friction. It can also imply applying pressure while moving. For example: I rubbed my eyes「目を擦った」(めをすった). She rubbed the stain with a cloth「彼女はその染みを布で擦った」(かのじょはそのしみをぬのですった). Additionally, '擦る' can sometimes imply a sense of scraping or grinding, depending on the context. It is important to note that this verb is transitive and typically requires a direct object.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1729

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Forge, Train

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)段Step, Stairs

Example Word

鍛える: train. The Japanese verb '鍛える (きたえる)' primarily means 'to train' or 'to forge'. It is often used in the context of physical training, such as building strength or endurance, but can also refer to mental or skill-based training. For example: He trains his body every day「彼は毎日体を鍛える」(かれはまいにちからだをきたえる). She is training her mind through meditation「彼女は瞑想で心を鍛えている」(かのじょはめいそうでこころをきたえている). Additionally, '鍛える' can be used metaphorically to describe refining or honing a skill, such as '鍛える技術 (きたえるぎじゅつ)' (honing a skill).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1751

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discreet, Respectfully

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)堇

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1855

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Recompense, Reparation

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)賞Prize

Example Word

賠償: compensation. The Japanese noun '賠償 (ばいしょう)' refers to 'compensation', particularly in the context of legal or financial reparation for damages, losses, or injuries. It is commonly used in legal settings, such as lawsuits or insurance claims, where one party is required to compensate another for harm caused. For example: The company paid compensation for the damages「会社は損害の賠償を支払った」(かいしゃはそんがいのばいしょうをしはらった). He demanded compensation for the accident「彼は事故の賠償を要求した」(かれはじこのばいしょうをようきゅうした). This term is often associated with formal or serious situations where restitution is necessary.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1861

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wash, Rinse

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)翟Surname

Example Word

洗濯機: washing machine. The Japanese noun '洗濯機 (せんたくき)' means 'washing machine'. It refers to the household appliance used for washing clothes. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing household chores or appliances. For example: I bought a new washing machine「新しい洗濯機を買いました」(あたらしいせんたくきをかいました). The washing machine is broken「洗濯機が壊れています」(せんたくきがこわれています). It's important to note that this noun is often used in contexts related to home maintenance, laundry, or shopping for appliances.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1890

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Upbraid, Menacing

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 赤Red

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1937

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry, Parch, Dry up

Reading

Parts

火Fire 喿

Example Word

乾燥: drying or dryness. The Japanese verbal noun '乾燥 (かんそう)' primarily refers to the state of being dry or the process of drying. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather, food preservation, and materials. For example: The dryness of the air is intense「空気の乾燥が激しい」(くうきのかんそうがはげしい). Drying clothes in the sun「服を乾燥させる」(ふくをかんそうさせる). This word can also be used in scientific or technical contexts, such as in describing the drying process of paint or other substances.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1939

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Model, Imitate

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)疑Doubt, Suspect

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1941

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fine, Fiber

Reading

Parts

糸Thread

Example Word

繊維: fiber. The Japanese noun '繊維 (せんい)' refers to 'fiber', which can denote natural or synthetic threads used in textiles, or biological fibers in living organisms. It is commonly used in contexts related to materials, textiles, and biology. For example: cotton fiber「綿の繊維」(わたのせんい). This fabric is made from synthetic fibers「この布は合成繊維でできています」(このぬのはごうせいせんいでできています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something delicate or fine, like the fibers of a relationship.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1948

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dark, Not clear

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 愛Love

Example Word

曖昧: vague. The Japanese adjective '曖昧 (あいまい)' means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. It is used to describe something that is unclear, not well-defined, or open to interpretation. This word can be applied to statements, ideas, situations, or even feelings. For example: His explanation was vague「彼の説明は曖昧だった」(かれのせつめいはあいまいだった). The meaning of this sentence is ambiguous「この文の意味は曖昧だ」(このぶんのいみはあいまいだ). '曖昧' often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or precision. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1972

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Purchase, Subscription

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 冓

Example Word

購入: purchase. The Japanese verbal noun '購入 (こうにゅう)' means 'purchase'. It refers to the act of buying or acquiring something, typically in a formal or commercial context. This term is often used in business settings, online shopping, or when discussing transactions. For example: I purchased a new car「新しい車を購入しました」(あたらしいくるまをこうにゅうしました). The company purchased new equipment「会社は新しい設備を購入しました」(かいしゃはあたらしいせつびをこうにゅうしました). It is important to note that '購入' is more formal than the verb '買う (かう)', which also means 'to buy' but is used in more casual contexts.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1976

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct, Straighten

Reading

Parts

矢Arrow 喬High

Radical

矢

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2066

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reef

Reading

Parts

石Stone 焦Char, Scorch

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2073

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Control, Linchpin

Reading

Parts

車Car 害Harm

Radical

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2111

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Copy, Mimeograph

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 誊

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2124

Handwriting