Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count

kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大: big. The Japanese noun '大 (だい)' means 'big' or 'large'. It is often used as a prefix to indicate something is large in scale, size, or importance. For example: big earthquake「大地震」(だいじしん). big sale「大売り出し」(だいうりだし). It can also be used in compound words to emphasize magnitude or significance. For instance: big success「大成功」(だいせいこう). Note that '大 (だい)' is a Sino-Japanese reading and is commonly used in formal or compound contexts, while '大きい (おおきい)' is the native Japanese adjective for 'big'.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Child

Reading

Parts

了Finish, Complete 一One

Example Word

お菓子: sweets or snack. The Japanese noun 'お菓子 (おかし)' refers to snacks or sweets, typically enjoyed between meals or as a treat. It encompasses a wide variety of confectioneries, from traditional Japanese sweets like '和菓子 (わがし)' to Western-style candies and pastries. For example: I bought some snacks「お菓子を買いました」(おかしをかいました). Children love sweets「子供はお菓子が大好きです」(こどもはおかしがだいすきです). The term is often used in casual contexts and is a common item in Japanese households.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

7

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

上げる: give or raise. The Japanese verb '上げる (あげる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to raise' or 'to lift up', which can refer to physically lifting something or increasing something like a price or status. For example: I raised my hand「手を上げた」(てをあげた). The second meaning is 'to give', often used when the giver is of equal or lower status than the receiver, or when the act of giving is done humbly. For example: I gave her a present「彼女にプレゼントを上げた」(かのじょにぷれぜんとをあげた). Note that '上げる' is often used in its te-form 'あげて' to indicate doing something for someone else, as in 'I'll do it for you「やってあげる」(やってあげる)'. The verb is versatile and context-dependent, so pay attention to the situation in which it is used.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

12

Radical Form

丄

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Woman

Reading

Parts

くHiragana ku 丿Katakana no 一One

Example Word

女将: innkeeper. The Japanese noun '女将 (おかみ)' refers to a female innkeeper or the proprietress of a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or restaurant. This term is often used to describe a woman who manages the establishment, overseeing its operations and ensuring the comfort of guests. The role of an 'おかみ' is highly respected in Japanese culture, as she is seen as the face of the establishment and plays a key role in maintaining its hospitality and traditions. Example sentences: The innkeeper welcomed us warmly「女将が私たちを温かく迎えてくれた」(おかみがわたしたちをあたたかくむかえてくれた). The proprietress prepared a delicious meal「女将が美味しい料理を作ってくれた」(おかみがおいしいりょうりをつくってくれた).

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

27

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Three

Reading

Parts

一One 二Two

Example Word

三流: third rate. The Japanese noun '三流 (さんりゅう)' means 'third-rate'. It is used to describe something of low quality, inferior, or not up to standard. This term is often used in contexts like ranking, performance, or quality, where things are categorized into first-rate (一流), second-rate (二流), and third-rate (三流). For example: That restaurant is third-rate「あのレストランは三流だ」(あのレストランはさんりゅうだ). His skills are third-rate「彼の技術は三流だ」(かれのぎじゅつはさんりゅうだ). Note that this term can carry a negative connotation, so it should be used carefully.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

28

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

下: under. The Japanese noun '下 (した)' means 'under' or 'below'. It refers to a position or location that is beneath something else. This word is commonly used to describe physical placement, such as objects or people being under something. For example: the cat is under the table「猫はテーブルの下にいる」(ねこはテーブルのしたにいる). The book is under the chair「本は椅子の下にある」(ほんはいすのしたにある). It can also be used metaphorically to describe hierarchical relationships, such as being under someone's authority or supervision. For example: he is under my supervision「彼は私の下で働いている」(かれはわたしのしたではたらいている).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Small

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 八Eight

Example Word

小指: pinkie. The Japanese noun '小指 (こゆび)' refers to the 'pinkie' or 'little finger,' which is the smallest and outermost finger on the hand. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also appear in idiomatic expressions or cultural contexts. For example: I hurt my pinkie「小指をけがした」(こゆびをけがした). She wears a ring on her pinkie「彼女は小指に指輪をはめている」(かのじょはこゆびにゆびわをはめている). In Japanese culture, the pinkie finger is sometimes associated with promises or oaths, as seen in the phrase 'pinkie promise' (小指の約束, こゆびのやくそく).

Radical

小

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

41

Radical Form

⺌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mountain

Reading

Parts

凵Open box 丨Stick

Example Word

山: mountain. The Japanese noun '山 (やま)' means 'mountain'. It refers to a large landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, typically with steep slopes and a peak. This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: I climbed the mountain「山に登った」(やまにのぼった). There is a beautiful mountain in the distance「遠くに美しい山がある」(とおくにうつくしいやまがある). In Japanese culture, mountains often hold spiritual significance and are associated with nature and tranquility. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a large pile or a challenging task, such as 'a mountain of work' (仕事の山, しごとのやま).

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

44

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mouth

Reading

Parts

冂Enclosure 一One

Example Word

裏口: backdoor. The Japanese noun '裏口 (うらぐち)' refers to a 'backdoor' or 'rear entrance'. It is commonly used to describe a secondary or less obvious entrance to a building, often used for practical or discreet purposes. In some contexts, it can also imply something done secretly or unofficially, such as '裏口入学 (うらぐちにゅうがく)', which refers to gaining admission through unofficial or unfair means. Example sentences: Please use the backdoor「裏口を使ってください」(うらぐちをつかってください). They entered through the backdoor「彼らは裏口から入った」(かれらはうらぐちからはいった).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

82

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

River

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 丨Stick

Example Word

天の川: Milky Way. The Japanese noun '天の川 (あまのがわ)' refers to the 'Milky Way', the galaxy that contains our solar system. In Japanese culture, it is often associated with the Tanabata festival, where the story of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, is celebrated. The Milky Way is seen as a river that separates the lovers, who are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. Example sentences: The Milky Way is beautiful tonight「今夜の天の川は美しい」(こんやのあまのがわはうつくしい). According to legend, the Milky Way separates the lovers「伝説によると、天の川が恋人たちを隔てている」(でんせつによると、あまのがわがこいびとたちをへだてている).

Radical

巛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

157

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Samurai

Reading

Example Word

同士: companion. The Japanese noun '同士 (どうし)' refers to people who share the same status, situation, or characteristics. It is often used to indicate a sense of camaraderie or mutual understanding among individuals. For example: fellow students「学生同士」(がくせいどうし). They are fellow travelers「彼らは旅人同士だ」(かれらはたびびとどうしだ). This term can also be used to describe a relationship where both parties are in the same position or have similar experiences, such as '戦友同士 (せんゆうどうし)' meaning 'comrades-in-arms'.

Radical

士

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

189

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Soil

Reading

Parts

一One 十Ten

Example Word

領土: territory. The Japanese noun '領土 (りょうど)' refers to 'territory', specifically the land or area that is under the control or jurisdiction of a particular country or ruler. It is often used in political, geographical, or historical contexts. For example: Japan's territory includes many islands「日本の領土には多くの島が含まれている」(にほんのりょうどにはおおくのしまがふくまれている). The dispute over the territory continues「領土をめぐる争いは続いている」(りょうどをめぐるあらそいはつづいている). This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

216

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thousand

Reading

Parts

十Ten 丿Katakana no

Example Word

七千: seven thousand. The Japanese noun '七千 (ななせん)' means 'seven thousand'. It is a numerical term used to denote the quantity of 7,000. This word is commonly used in contexts involving counting, measurements, or quantities. For example: The population is seven thousand「人口は七千です」(じんこうはななせんです). The price is seven thousand yen「値段は七千円です」(ねだんはななせんえんです). Note that '七千' is a specific number and is used in formal or written contexts more often than in casual speech.

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

261

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ten thousand

Reading

Parts

一One 勹Wrap

Example Word

万一: if. The Japanese adverb '万一 (まんいち)' means 'if' in the sense of 'in the unlikely event that' or 'just in case'. It is used to express a hypothetical or unlikely situation. This word is often used in formal or cautious contexts. For example: If something happens, please call me「万一何かあったら、電話してください」(まんいちなにかあったら、でんわしてください). In case of rain, the event will be canceled「万一雨が降ったら、イベントは中止です」(まんいちあめがふったら、イベントはちゅうしです). The word carries a nuance of preparing for an unlikely scenario, and it is often paired with conditional forms like '～たら' or '～ば'.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

331

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Construction

Reading

Parts

丅Down (下)一One

Example Word

工場: factory. The Japanese noun '工場 (こうじょう)' means 'factory'. It refers to a place where goods are manufactured or processed, often involving machinery and industrial operations. This word is commonly used in contexts related to industry, production, and manufacturing. For example: The factory is large「その工場は大きい」(そのこうじょうはおおきい). I work at a car factory「私は自動車工場で働いています」(わたしはじどうしゃこうじょうではたらいています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a place where something is produced or created in large quantities, such as 'a factory of ideas'.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

411

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Give, Involvement

Reading

Example Word

関与: involvement. The Japanese noun '関与 (かんよ)' means 'involvement'. It refers to the act of participating or being involved in a situation, event, or activity, often implying some level of responsibility or influence. This word is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, politics, or legal matters. For example: His involvement in the project was significant「彼のプロジェクトへの関与は大きかった」(かれのプロジェクトへのかんよはおおきかった). The company denied any involvement in the scandal「その会社はスキャンダルへの関与を否定した」(そのかいしゃはスキャンダルへのかんよをひていした). Note that '関与' often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

437

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Long time

Reading

Example Word

久しい: long. The Japanese adjective '久しい (ひさしい)' means 'long' in the sense of a considerable amount of time having passed. It is often used to describe a period that feels lengthy or to express that something has not happened for a long time. For example: It has been a long time since we last met「私たちが最後に会ってから久しい」(わたしたちがさいごにあったからひさしい). It's been a long time since it rained「雨が降ってから久しい」(あめがふってからひさしい). This adjective conveys a sense of nostalgia or the passage of time and is typically used in written or formal contexts.

Radical

丿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

459

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Evening

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丶Dot

Example Word

夕刊: evening newspaper. The Japanese noun '夕刊 (ゆうかん)' means 'evening newspaper.' This word refers to a newspaper that is published and distributed in the evening, typically containing the latest news and updates of the day. It is often contrasted with '朝刊 (ちょうかん)', which is the morning edition. Example sentences include: I read the evening newspaper every day 「私は毎日夕刊を読みます」 (わたしはまいにちゆうかんをよみます). The evening newspaper has more local news 「夕刊には地元のニュースが多い」 (ゆうかんにはじもとのニュースがおおい). Note that '夕刊' is specifically used to refer to newspapers and not other types of evening publications.

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

487

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Extend

Reading

Parts

ノ 乃

Example Word

及ぶ: reach. The Japanese verb '及ぶ (およぶ)' primarily means 'to reach' or 'to extend to'. It is often used to describe something that extends to a certain point, level, or degree. This verb can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: The damage reached the entire city「被害は全市に及んだ」(ひがいぜんしにおよんだ). His influence extends to many fields「彼の影響は多くの分野に及ぶ」(かれのえいきょうはおおくのぶんやにおよぶ). Additionally, '及ぶ' can also imply 'to amount to' or 'to come to' in certain contexts, such as in the phrase '及ばずながら' (およばずながら), which means 'though it may not be enough'.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

540

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Round

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 九Nine

Example Word

真ん丸: perfectly round. The Japanese adjectival noun '真ん丸 (まんまる)' means 'perfectly round.' It is used to describe something that is completely circular or round in shape, often with a positive connotation of cuteness or perfection. This word is commonly used to describe objects like balls, faces, or other round items. Example: The moon is perfectly round tonight 「今夜の月は真ん丸だ」 (こんやのつきはまんまるだ). The baby's face is perfectly round 「赤ちゃんの顔は真ん丸だ」 (あかちゃんのかおはまんまるだ). Note that '真ん丸' is a colloquial term and is often used in conversational contexts.

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

545

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oneself

Reading

Example Word

己: oneself. The Japanese noun '己 (おのれ)' refers to 'oneself' or 'self'. It is often used in a reflective or introspective context, emphasizing the speaker's own identity or actions. This term can carry a formal or archaic tone and is sometimes used in expressions of self-reproach or determination. For example: I must rely on myself「己を頼りにしなければならない」(おのれをたよりにしなければならない). He blamed himself「彼は己を責めた」(かれはおのれをせめた). Note that '己' can also appear in idiomatic expressions or proverbs, such as '己の欲せざる所は人に施す勿れ (おのれのほっせざるところはひとにほどこすなかれ)', which translates to 'Do not impose on others what you do not desire for yourself.'

Radical

己

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

548

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stout, Length

Reading

Example Word

大丈夫: okay. The Japanese adjectival noun '大丈夫 (だいじょうぶ)' means 'okay' or 'all right'. It is commonly used to express that something is fine, safe, or not a problem. It can also be used to reassure someone or to confirm that everything is going well. For example: Are you okay?「大丈夫ですか？」(だいじょうぶですか？). It's okay, don't worry「大丈夫、心配しないで」(だいじょうぶ、しんぱいしないで). This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as checking on someone's well-being, confirming the safety of a situation, or reassuring someone about a potential concern.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

653

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Measurement

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 丶Dot 一One

Example Word

一寸: a bit. The Japanese adverb '一寸 (ちょっと)' means 'a bit' or 'a little'. It is commonly used to indicate a small amount, degree, or extent of something. It can also be used to soften requests or statements, making them sound more polite or less direct. For example: Can you wait a bit?「ちょっと待ってくれますか？」(ちょっとまってくれますか？). I'm a bit busy「ちょっと忙しいです」(ちょっといそがしいです). Additionally, 'ちょっと' can be used to express hesitation or difficulty in answering a question, as in 'ちょっと難しいです (ちょっとむずかしいです) (It's a bit difficult).'

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

700

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Death, Deceased

Reading

Parts

亠Lid

Example Word

亡くなる: die. The Japanese verb '亡くなる (なくなる)' is a polite and respectful way to say 'to die'. It is commonly used when referring to the death of someone, especially in formal or sensitive contexts. This term is often preferred over the more direct '死ぬ (しぬ)' as it conveys a sense of respect and solemnity. For example: my grandfather passed away last year「私の祖父は去年亡くなりました」(わたしのそふはきょねんなくなりました). The famous author died at the age of 80「その有名な作家は80歳で亡くなりました」(そのゆうめいなさっかははちじゅっさいでなくなりました). Note that '亡くなる' is typically used for humans, not animals or objects.

Radical

亠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

770

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Common

Reading

Parts

几 丶Dot

Example Word

平凡: ordinary. The Japanese adjectival noun '平凡 (へいぼん)' means 'ordinary' or 'commonplace'. It is used to describe something that is not special, unique, or extraordinary, but rather typical or average. This word often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of distinction or excitement. For example: His life is ordinary「彼の人生は平凡だ」(かれのじんせいはへいぼんだ). This story is too commonplace「この物語は平凡すぎる」(このものがたりはへいぼんすぎる). Note that '平凡' is often used to describe situations, lifestyles, or characteristics that are unremarkable.

Radical

几

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

899

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Talent, Age

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 一One 丿Katakana no

Example Word

才能: talent. The Japanese noun '才能 (さいのう)' refers to a natural ability or talent that someone possesses. It is often used to describe innate skills or aptitudes in various fields such as arts, sports, or academics. For example: She has a talent for painting「彼女は絵を描く才能がある」(かのじょはえをかくさいのうがある). His talent in music is remarkable「彼の音楽の才能は素晴らしい」(かれのおんがくのさいのうはすばらしい). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe potential or capability in a particular area.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

916

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry

Reading

Example Word

若干: few or some. The Japanese noun '若干 (じゃっかん)' means 'some' or 'a few'. It is used to indicate a small or indefinite quantity of something. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to describe a modest amount or degree. For example: There are some problems「若干の問題がある」(じゃっかんのもんだいがある). A few people attended the meeting「若干の人が会議に出席した」(じゃっかんのひとがかいぎにしゅっせきした). Note that '若干' is more formal than alternatives like '少し (すこし)' or 'いくつか', and it is commonly used in reports, documents, or speeches.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1121

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beg

Reading

Example Word

乞食: beggar. The Japanese noun '乞食 (こじき)' refers to a 'beggar', someone who asks for money or food as charity. This term is often used in historical or literary contexts and can carry a somewhat archaic or harsh tone. It is important to note that this word is not commonly used in modern, polite conversation, as it may be considered derogatory. Example sentences: The beggar sat by the temple「乞食が寺のそばに座っていた」(こじきがてらのそばにすわっていた). He gave some money to the beggar「彼は乞食にお金をあげた」(かれはこじきにおかねをあげた).

Radical

乛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1165

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bow

Reading

Parts

㇉Bent hook コKatakana ko

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1402

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blade

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 刀Sword

Example Word

刃: blade. The Japanese noun '刃 (は)' refers to the 'blade' of a knife, sword, or any cutting tool. It specifically denotes the sharp, cutting edge of such objects. This word is often used in contexts involving weapons, tools, or anything with a sharp edge. For example: the blade of the sword is sharp「刀の刃は鋭い」(かたなのははするどい). Be careful with the blade of the knife「ナイフの刃に気をつけて」(ナイフのはにきをつけて). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something sharp or cutting in nature, though this is less common.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1539

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Towel

Reading

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1564

Handwriting