Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count

kanji

Meaning

Face

Reading

Parts

立Stand 八Eight 厂Cliff 𦣻Neck (首)彡Fur

Example Word

顔: face. The Japanese noun '顔 (かお)' means 'face'. It refers to the front part of a person's head, from the forehead to the chin, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also be used metaphorically to represent one's expression, appearance, or reputation. For example: She has a beautiful face「彼女は顔がきれいです」(かのじょはかおがきれいです). I can't show my face there「私はそこに顔を出せない」(わたしはそこにかおをだせない). The word '顔' can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '顔を出す (かおをだす)', which means 'to show up' or 'to make an appearance'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

79

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Topic

Reading

Parts

是Right, Absolutely 頁Page

Example Word

問題: question or problem. The Japanese noun '問題 (もんだい)' can mean either 'problem' or 'question', depending on the context. As 'problem', it refers to an issue or difficulty that needs to be resolved. For example: there is a problem with the computer「コンピューターに問題がある」(コンピューターにもんだいがある). As 'question', it refers to a query or an item on a test. For example: I have a question「問題があります」(もんだいがあります). This word is commonly used in both academic and everyday situations, and its meaning is usually clear from the context.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

285

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

View

Reading

Parts

見See 隹Bird

Example Word

観: view. The Japanese suffix '観 (かん)' is used to express a perspective, view, or way of thinking about something. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words that describe a particular outlook or interpretation. For example: world view「世界観」(せかいかん). life view「人生観」(じんせいかん). This suffix is commonly used in philosophical or abstract contexts to discuss how one perceives or interprets a concept. It can also imply a subjective or personal perspective, as in '彼の人生観は独特だ (かれのじんせいかんはどくとくだ) (His view on life is unique).'

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

321

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Difficult

Reading

Example Word

難い: difficult. The Japanese suffix '難い (がたい)' is used to express that something is difficult or hard to do. It is often attached to the stem of verbs to convey that the action is challenging or nearly impossible to achieve. This suffix carries a nuance of something being not just difficult, but also rare or unlikely. For example: it's hard to believe「信じがたい」(しんじがたい). It's difficult to refuse「断りがたい」(ことわりがたい). Note that '難い (がたい)' is typically used in written or formal contexts, and it is less common in casual conversation.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

337

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Type

Reading

Parts

类 頁Page

Example Word

種類: kind or type. The Japanese noun '種類 (しゅるい)' refers to a 'kind' or 'type' of something. It is used to categorize or classify things based on their characteristics. For example: there are many kinds of flowers「花の種類はたくさんあります」(はなのしゅるいはたくさんあります). What type of music do you like?「どんな種類の音楽が好きですか？」(どんなしゅるいのおんがくがすきですか？). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can apply to a wide range of contexts, such as food, animals, products, or ideas.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

407

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wisteria

Reading

Parts

滕 艹Grass

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

451

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Test

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 㑒

Example Word

試験: test or exam. The Japanese verbal noun '試験 (しけん)' primarily means 'exam' or 'test'. It refers to a formal assessment of knowledge, skills, or abilities, often conducted in educational or professional settings. This word is commonly used in contexts like school exams, job entrance tests, or experiments. For example: I have an exam tomorrow「明日は試験があります」(あしたはしけんがあります). He passed the entrance test「彼は入学試験に合格した」(かれはにゅうがくしけんにごうかくした). Note that '試験' can also refer to trials or experiments in scientific or technical contexts, such as '試験管 (しけんかん)' (test tube).

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employment

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 戠

Example Word

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

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

671

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weave

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 戠

Example Word

組織: organization. The Japanese verbal noun '組織 (そしき)' primarily means 'organization'. It refers to a structured group of people working together towards a common goal, such as a company, institution, or association. It can also refer to the act of organizing or structuring something. For example: The organization is growing「組織が成長している」(そしきがせいちょうしている). He is in charge of organizing the event「彼はイベントの組織を担当している」(かれはイベントのそしきをたんとうしている). Additionally, in a biological context, '組織' can refer to 'tissue', such as in the human body. For example: This tissue is damaged「この組織は損傷している」(このそしきはそんしょうしている).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

766

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clamor, Boisterous

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 虫Insect 又Again

Example Word

騒がしい: noisy. The Japanese adjective '騒がしい (さわがしい)' means 'noisy'. It is used to describe situations, environments, or sounds that are loud, chaotic, or disruptive. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the noise is bothersome or overwhelming. For example: The classroom is noisy「教室が騒がしい」(きょうしつがさわがしい). The city streets are noisy at night「夜の街は騒がしい」(よるのまちはさわがしい). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a tumultuous or unsettled situation, such as 'a noisy political climate'「騒がしい政治状況」(さわがしいせいじじょうきょう).

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

776

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blink, Flash

Reading

Parts

舜 目Eye

Example Word

瞬間: moment. The Japanese noun '瞬間 (しゅんかん)' means 'moment'. It refers to a very brief period of time, often emphasizing the fleeting nature of an event or experience. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts to describe a specific instant or a critical point in time. For example: That was the decisive moment「それが決定的な瞬間だった」(それがけっていてきなしゅんかんだった). I captured the moment in a photo「その瞬間を写真に収めた」(そのしゅんかんをしゃしんにおさめた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant or emotional instant, such as 'the moment of truth' or 'a moment of realization'.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

924

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Amount, Forehead

Reading

Parts

客Guest, Customer 頁Page

Example Word

額: forehead. The Japanese noun '額 (ひたい)' refers to the 'forehead', the part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also appear in idiomatic expressions or descriptive contexts. For example: She has a wide forehead「彼女は額が広い」(かのじょはひたいがひろい). He wiped the sweat from his forehead「彼は額の汗を拭いた」(かれはひたいのあせをぬぐった). The word is straightforward and primarily used in its literal sense.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

929

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weekday

Reading

Parts

翟Surname 日Day, Sun

Example Word

曜日: day. The Japanese noun '曜日 (ようび)' refers to the days of the week. It is commonly used to specify or inquire about a particular day, such as Monday, Tuesday, etc. For example: What day is it today?「今日は何曜日ですか？」(きょうはなんようびですか？). Monday is the first day of the week「月曜日は週の最初の日です」(げつようびはしゅうのさいしょのひです). The word '曜日' is often preceded by the specific day's name, like '月曜日 (げつようび)' for Monday, '火曜日 (かようび)' for Tuesday, and so on.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1007

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Simplicity

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)間Interval, Space

Example Word

簡単: easy. The Japanese adjectival noun '簡単 (かんたん)' means 'easy'. It is used to describe tasks, problems, or situations that are not difficult to understand or accomplish. This word is often used in casual and formal contexts alike. For example: This problem is easy「この問題は簡単です」(このもんだいはかんたんです). Cooking rice is easy「ご飯を炊くのは簡単です」(ごはんをたくのはかんたんです). Note that '簡単' can also imply simplicity or straightforwardness, as in '簡単な説明 (かんたんなせつめい) (simple explanation)'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and is a versatile term for describing ease or simplicity.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1022

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fight, Struggle

Reading

Parts

豆Beans 寸Measurement 門Gate

Example Word

戦闘: battle. The Japanese noun '戦闘 (せんとう)' means 'battle' or 'combat'. It refers to a fight or conflict between armed forces, often in a war or military context. This word is commonly used in discussions about military operations, historical battles, or even metaphorical battles in non-physical contexts. For example: The battle was intense「戦闘は激しかった」(せんとうははげしかった). They engaged in combat「彼らは戦闘に参加した」(かれらはせんとうにさんかした). Note that '戦闘' is a formal term and is typically used in serious or professional contexts.

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1108

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Habit

Reading

Parts

辟 疒Sick

Example Word

癖: habit or quirk. The Japanese noun '癖 (くせ)' refers to a habit, mannerism, or quirk. It can describe both positive and negative habits, as well as unique or peculiar traits in a person's behavior or appearance. For example: She has a habit of biting her nails「彼女は爪を噛む癖がある」(かのじょはつめをかむくせがある). His quirk is that he always tilts his head when thinking「彼の癖は、考えるときにいつも頭を傾けることだ」(かれのくせは、かんがえるときにいつもあたまをかたむけることだ). The word can also describe a characteristic of objects, such as a 'bend' or 'tendency' in something, like a bent spoon「スプーンに癖がついている」(スプーンにくせがついている).

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1113

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fief, Fiefdom

Reading

Parts

潘 艹Grass

Example Word

藩: domain. The Japanese noun '藩 (はん)' refers to a 'domain' or 'feudal domain' during the Edo period in Japan. It was a territory controlled by a daimyo (feudal lord) under the shogunate system. The term is historically significant and is often used in discussions about Japan's feudal era. For example: The domain was prosperous「その藩は繁栄していた」(そのはんははんえいしていた). He governed the domain「彼はその藩を治めた」(かれはそのはんをおさめた). The word is primarily used in historical contexts and is less common in modern everyday language.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1283

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Face, Confront

Reading

Parts

臣Servant, Retainer

Example Word

臨時: temporary. The Japanese noun '臨時 (りんじ)' means 'temporary' and is often used to describe something that is not permanent or is arranged for a specific, short-term purpose. It is commonly used in contexts like temporary jobs, events, or measures. For example: They hired temporary staff「彼らは臨時のスタッフを雇った」(かれらはりんじのスタッフをやとう). A temporary meeting was held「臨時の会議が開かれた」(りんじのかいぎがひらかれた). This word is frequently used in formal or business settings to indicate something that is not part of the regular schedule or routine.

Radical

臣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1386

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sickle, Scythe

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)兼Combine, Concurrently

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1430

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neck, Collar

Reading

Parts

禁Ban, Prohibition 衤

Example Word

襟: collar. The Japanese noun '襟 (えり)' refers to the collar of a piece of clothing, such as a shirt, jacket, or coat. It is commonly used in fashion and everyday conversation to describe the part of clothing that fits around the neck. For example: This shirt has a stiff collar「このシャツは襟が硬い」(このシャツはえりがかたい). I like the design of this collar「この襟のデザインが好きです」(このえりのデザインがすきです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles a collar in shape or position, though this usage is less common.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1450

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cover, Capsize

Reading

Parts

覀 復Restore

Example Word

覆う: cover. The Japanese verb '覆う (おおう)' means 'to cover'. It is used to describe the action of placing something over or around an object, area, or surface to conceal, protect, or enclose it. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The snow covered the ground「雪が地面を覆った」(ゆきがじめんをおおった). She covered her face with her hands「彼女は手で顔を覆った」(かのじょはてでかおをおおった). In a figurative sense, it can also describe situations where something is hidden or obscured, such as 'The truth was covered by lies'「真実は嘘に覆われていた」(しんじつはうそにおおわれていた).

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1462

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appear, Manifest

Reading

Parts

显 頁Page

Example Word

顕著: remarkable. The Japanese adjectival noun '顕著 (けんちょ)' means 'remarkable' or 'notable'. It is used to describe something that is clearly visible, noticeable, or stands out due to its significance or impact. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to highlight something that is particularly striking or evident. For example: The progress in technology is remarkable「技術の進歩は顕著だ」(ぎじゅつのしんぽはけんちょだ). The difference between the two groups was notable「二つのグループの違いは顕著だった」(ふたつのグループのちがいはけんちょだった). Note that '顕著' is typically used in written or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1477

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Horse, Ride

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 奇Strange, Unusual

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1521

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flip, Render

Reading

Parts

番Turn 羽Feather

Example Word

翻訳: translation. The Japanese verbal noun '翻訳 (ほんやく)' means 'translation'. It refers to the act of translating text or speech from one language to another. This term is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. For example: I am doing a translation「翻訳をしています」(ほんやくをしています). This book is a translation of a French novel「この本はフランスの小説の翻訳です」(このほんはフランスのしょうせつのほんやくです). The word can also be used to describe the translated work itself, such as 'a translation of a poem' (詩の翻訳, しのほんやく).

Radical

羽

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1593

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Present, Presents

Reading

Parts

曽Formerly 貝Shellfish

Example Word

贈り物: gift. The Japanese noun '贈り物 (おくりもの)' means 'gift'. It refers to something given to someone as a present, often to show appreciation, celebrate an occasion, or express goodwill. This word is commonly used in contexts like birthdays, weddings, or holidays. For example: I received a gift from my friend「友達から贈り物をもらった」(ともだちからおくりものをもらった). She prepared a gift for her mother「彼女は母親に贈り物を用意した」(かのじょはははおやにおくりものをよういした). The word can also imply thoughtfulness or care in choosing the gift.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chain

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)貝Shellfish

Example Word

鎖: chain. The Japanese noun '鎖 (くさり)' means 'chain'. It refers to a series of connected links, typically made of metal, used for fastening, securing, or pulling objects. This word can also metaphorically represent something that binds or restricts, such as in the context of emotional or societal constraints. Example sentences: The dog is tied with a chain「犬は鎖でつながれている」(いぬはくさりでつながれている). The chain of events led to the accident「一連の出来事が事故につながった」(いちれんのできごとがじこにつながった).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1621

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Foundation stone, Foundation

Reading

Parts

石Stone 楚

Example Word

基礎: foundation. The Japanese noun '基礎 (きそ)' means 'foundation'. It refers to the base or underlying support of something, whether physical, conceptual, or abstract. This word is often used in contexts like education, construction, or skills development. For example: The foundation of this building is strong「この建物の基礎は強い」(このたてもののきそはつよい). Learning the basics is important「基礎を学ぶことは大切です」(きそをまなぶことはたいせつです). It can also refer to the fundamental principles or groundwork of a subject, as in '基礎知識 (きそちしき) (basic knowledge)'.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1642

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suppress, Tranquilize

Reading

Parts

真Truth 金Gold

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chin

Reading

Parts

頁Page 咢

Example Word

顎: jaw. The Japanese noun '顎 (あご)' refers to the 'jaw', the bony structure that forms the framework of the mouth and holds the teeth. It is commonly used in both anatomical and everyday contexts. For example: my jaw hurts「顎が痛い」(あごがいたい). He has a strong jaw「彼は顎が強い」(かれはあごがつよい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's determination or stubbornness, as in '顎が外れるほど笑う (あごがはずれるほどわらう)', which means 'to laugh so hard one's jaw might fall off'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1654

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Heal, Healing

Reading

Parts

愈 疒Sick

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1706

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Provisions, Food

Reading

Parts

米Rice 量Measure, Quantity

Example Word

食糧: food. The Japanese noun '食糧 (しょくりょう)' refers to 'food' in the sense of provisions or sustenance, often used in contexts related to supply, storage, or distribution. It is commonly used in discussions about food security, emergency supplies, or large-scale food resources. For example: The country imports food「その国は食糧を輸入する」(そのくにはしょくりょうをゆにゅうする). We need to secure enough food for the winter「冬のための十分な食糧を確保する必要がある」(ふゆのためのじゅうぶんなしょくりょうをかくほするひつようがある). This term is more formal and is often used in official or serious contexts, distinguishing it from everyday terms like '食べ物 (たべもの)'.

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1765

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Indigo

Reading

Parts

監Oversee 艹Grass

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1797

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chastise, Learn by mistakes

Reading

Parts

心Heart 徵

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1888

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mend, Darning

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 善Good, Virtuous

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1930

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Korea

Reading

Parts

龺Eminent (卓)韋

Example Word

韓国: Korea. The Japanese proper noun '韓国 (かんこく)' refers to 'Korea', specifically South Korea. It is used to denote the country, its culture, people, or anything related to it. For example: I want to visit Korea「韓国に行きたい」(かんこくにいきたい). Korean food is delicious「韓国料理は美味しい」(かんこくりょうりはおいしい). The term is commonly used in everyday conversation and media when discussing South Korea. Note that '韓国' specifically refers to South Korea, while North Korea is referred to as '北朝鮮 (きたちょうせん)'.

Radical

韋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1951

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Overflow, Excessive

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)監Oversee

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1952

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harvest

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 蒦

Example Word

収穫: harvest. The Japanese verbal noun '収穫 (しゅうかく)' primarily means 'harvest'. It refers to the process or result of gathering crops from the fields. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe the fruits of one's labor or efforts in a broader sense. For example: The harvest this year was abundant「今年の収穫は豊かだった」(ことしのしゅうかくはゆたかだった). We are looking forward to the harvest of our hard work「私たちの努力の収穫を楽しみにしている」(わたしたちのどりょくのしゅうかくをたのしみにしている). It is important to note that '収穫' is often used in agricultural contexts but can extend to other areas where results or outcomes are gathered.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1963

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ball, Sphere

Reading

Parts

辟 玉Ball, Jewel

Example Word

完璧: perfection. The Japanese noun '完璧 (かんぺき)' means 'perfection'. It is used to describe something that is flawless, complete, or without any defects. This word is often used to emphasize the high quality or ideal state of something. For example: Her performance was perfect「彼女のパフォーマンスは完璧だった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはかんぺきだった). This plan is flawless「このプランは完璧だ」(このプランはかんぺきだ). The word can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that something is too perfect or unrealistic. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2075

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cocoon

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 虫Insect 冂Enclosure 艹Grass

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2110

Handwriting