Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count

kanji

Meaning

Face

Reading

Parts

𦣻Neck (首)八Eight 立Stand 厂Cliff 彡Fur

Example Word

泣き顔: tearful face. The Japanese noun '泣き顔 (なきがお)' refers to a 'tearful face' or the expression someone has when they are crying or about to cry. It is often used to describe someone's appearance when they are emotionally distressed. For example: She showed a tearful face「彼女は泣き顔を見せた」(かのじょはなきがおをみせた). His tearful face made me feel sad「彼の泣き顔を見て悲しくなった」(かれのなきがおをみてかなしくなった). This word is commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese to convey emotional vulnerability.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

79

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Topic

Reading

Parts

是Right, Absolutely 頁Page

Example Word

課題: task or issue. The Japanese noun '課題 (かだい)' can mean 'task' or 'issue'. When referring to a 'task', it often implies a specific assignment or piece of work that needs to be completed, such as homework or a project. For example: I have a lot of tasks to do「たくさんの課題があります」(たくさんのかだいがあります). When referring to an 'issue', it can denote a problem or challenge that needs to be addressed. For example: We need to discuss this issue「この課題について話し合う必要があります」(このかだいについてはなしあうひつようがあります). The word is commonly used in both academic and professional settings.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

285

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

View

Reading

Parts

隹Bird 見See

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

有り難う: thanks. The Japanese interjection '有り難う (ありがとう)' is a common way to express gratitude, meaning 'thank you'. It is used in a wide range of situations to show appreciation, from casual to formal settings. The phrase can be modified to increase politeness, such as '有り難うございます (ありがとうございます)', which is more formal. Example sentences: Thank you for the gift「プレゼントを有り難う」(ぷれぜんとをありがとう). Thank you very much「どうも有り難うございます」(どうもありがとうございます). The term originates from the idea of something being rare or precious, hence deserving gratitude.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

337

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Type

Reading

Parts

类 頁Page

Example Word

類: type. The Japanese suffix '類 (るい)' is used to indicate a category, type, or class of things. It is often attached to nouns to group similar items together. For example: animal type「動物類」(どうぶつるい). This suffix is commonly used in scientific or formal contexts to classify objects, organisms, or concepts. Another example: plant type「植物類」(しょくぶつるい). It can also be used in everyday language to describe groups, such as 'this type of person'「この人たちの類」(このひとたちのるい). Note that '類' is often used in compound words and is not typically used standalone.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

407

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wisteria

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 滕

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

451

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Test

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 㑒

Example Word

体験: experience. The Japanese verbal noun '体験 (たいけん)' means 'experience'. It refers to the act of experiencing something firsthand or gaining knowledge through direct involvement. This word is often used in contexts where someone tries or undergoes something new, such as activities, events, or situations. For example: I want to experience Japanese culture「日本の文化を体験したい」(にほんのぶんかをたいけんしたい). He experienced a lot during his trip「彼は旅行中にたくさんのことを体験した」(かれはりょこうちゅうにたくさんのことをたいけんした). The word can also be used in educational or professional settings to describe hands-on learning or practical training, such as '体験学習 (たいけんがくしゅう) (experiential learning)'.

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employment

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 戠

Example Word

職務: duties. The Japanese noun '職務 (しょくむ)' refers to the duties or responsibilities associated with a particular job or position. It is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe the tasks one is expected to perform as part of their role. For example: He is focused on his duties「彼は職務に集中している」(かれはしょくむにしゅうちゅうしている). The manager explained the duties of the new position「マネージャーは新しいポジションの職務を説明した」(マネージャーはあたらしいポジションのしょくむをせつめいした). This term emphasizes the formal and obligatory nature of the tasks involved.

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 又Again 虫Insect

Example Word

騒ぐ: make noise or cause a fuss. The Japanese verb '騒ぐ (さわぐ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to make noise,' which refers to creating loud or disruptive sounds. The second is 'to cause a fuss,' which implies creating a disturbance or commotion, often due to excitement, worry, or agitation. This verb is commonly used in situations where there is a lot of activity or emotional intensity. For example: The children are making noise in the park「子供たちが公園で騒いでいる」(こどもたちがこうえんでさわいでいる). Don't cause a fuss over such a small matter「そんな小さなことで騒ぐな」(そんなちいさなことでさわぐな). Note that the verb can also imply restlessness or overreaction in certain contexts.

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

776

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blink, Flash

Reading

Parts

目Eye 舜

Example Word

一瞬: instant. The Japanese noun '一瞬 (いっしゅん)' means 'instant' or 'moment'. It refers to an extremely short period of time, often emphasizing how quickly something happens. This word is commonly used to describe fleeting moments or events that occur in a blink of an eye. For example: In an instant, the bird flew away「一瞬で鳥が飛び去った」(いっしゅんでとりがとびさった). I saw it for just a moment「一瞬だけ見えた」(いっしゅんだけみえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that feels brief or ephemeral, such as emotions or opportunities.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

924

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Amount, Forehead

Reading

Parts

客Guest, Customer 頁Page

Example Word

価額: value or price. The Japanese noun '価額 (かがく)' refers to the monetary value or price of something. It is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss the cost or valuation of goods, services, or assets. For example: the price of the product「その商品の価額」(そのしょうひんのかがく). The value of the property「その不動産の価額」(そのふどうさんのかがく). This term is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to words like '値段 (ねだん)' or '価格 (かかく)', which also mean 'price'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

929

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weekday

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 翟Surname

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

門Gate 豆Beans 寸Measurement

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

疒Sick 辟

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

艹Grass 潘

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

衤 禁Ban, Prohibition

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

貝Shellfish 曽Formerly

Example Word

贈る: give. The Japanese verb '贈る (おくる)' means 'to give' or 'to present'. It is specifically used when giving something as a gift, award, or token of appreciation. This verb carries a nuance of formality and is often used in contexts like giving presents, awards, or donations. For example: I will give a book as a gift「本を贈ります」(ほんをおくります). They gave her a medal「彼らは彼女にメダルを贈った」(かれらはかのじょにメダルをおくった). Note that '贈る' is distinct from other verbs like 'あげる', as it implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving.

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

金Gold 真Truth

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chin

Reading

Parts

咢 頁Page

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

疒Sick 愈

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

艹Grass 監Oversee

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1797

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chastise, Learn by mistakes

Reading

Parts

徵 心Heart

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

日韓: japan korea. The Japanese noun '日韓 (にっかん)' refers to the relationship or connection between Japan and Korea. It is often used in contexts discussing political, cultural, or economic ties between the two countries. For example: The Japan-Korea summit was held「日韓サミットが開催された」(にっかんサミットがかいさいされた). The Japan-Korea relationship is improving「日韓関係は改善している」(にっかんかんけいはかいぜんしている). This term is commonly used in news articles, diplomatic discussions, and historical contexts.

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