Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count

kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大抵: usually. The Japanese adverb '大抵 (たいてい)' means 'usually' or 'generally'. It is used to indicate that something happens most of the time or is typical in a given situation. This word is often used to describe habitual actions or general tendencies. For example: I usually go to bed early「大抵早く寝ます」(たいていはやくねます). He usually takes the train to work「彼は大抵電車で仕事に行きます」(かれはたいていでんしゃでしごとにいきます). Note that '大抵' can also imply a sense of 'most likely' or 'in most cases', but the primary meaning is 'usually'.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Child

Reading

Parts

了Finish, Complete 一One

Example Word

弟子: disciple. The Japanese noun '弟子 (でし)' refers to a 'disciple' or 'apprentice'. It is used to describe someone who is learning under the guidance of a master or teacher, often in a specific art, skill, or discipline. This term is commonly associated with traditional arts, martial arts, or religious contexts. For example: He is my disciple「彼は私の弟子です」(かれはわたしのでしです). The master taught his disciple the art of calligraphy「師匠は弟子に書道を教えた」(ししょうはでしにしょどうをおしえた). The word carries a sense of respect and dedication, emphasizing the relationship between the teacher and the student.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

7

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

計上: inclusion. The Japanese noun '計上 (けいじょう)' refers to the act of including something in a calculation, budget, or report. It is often used in financial or business contexts to indicate that an amount or item has been accounted for. For example: The expenses were included in the budget「その費用は予算に計上された」(そのひょうはよさんにけいじょうされた). The company included the new project in its annual report「会社は新しいプロジェクトを年次報告書に計上した」(かいしゃはあたらしいプロジェクトをねんじほうこくしょにけいじょうした). This term is commonly used in formal or professional settings.

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

女子: girl. The Japanese noun '女子 (じょし)' means 'girl' or 'young woman'. It is commonly used to refer to female individuals, typically in their youth or adolescence. This term is often used in contexts such as schools, sports teams, or events specifically for girls. For example: She is a high school girl「彼女は高校の女子です」(かのじょはこうこうのじょしです). The girls' soccer team won the match「女子サッカーチームが試合に勝った」(じょしサッカーチームがしあいにかった). Note that '女子' can also be used in compound words, such as '女子学生 (じょしがくせい)' (female student) or '女子校 (じょしこう)' (girls' school).

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

27

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Three

Reading

Parts

一One 二Two

Example Word

三日: three days or third. The Japanese noun '三日 (みっか)' can mean 'third' when referring to the third day of the month, or 'three days' when referring to a duration. For example: today is the third of the month「今日は三日です」(きょうはみっかです). I will stay for three days「三日間滞在します」(みっかかんたいざいします). The meaning depends on the context in which it is used, so it's important to pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

28

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

廊下: hallway. The Japanese noun '廊下 (ろうか)' refers to a 'hallway' or 'corridor'. It is used to describe a long, narrow passage inside a building that connects rooms. This word is commonly used in both residential and public buildings. For example: The hallway is long「廊下が長い」(ろうかがながい). Please walk quietly in the hallway「廊下では静かに歩いてください」(ろうかではしずかにあるいてください). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a passage or pathway, but this usage is less common.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Small

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 八Eight

Example Word

大小: size or importance. The Japanese noun '大小 (だいしょう)' can mean 'size' or 'importance'. When referring to 'size', it is used to describe the relative dimensions or magnitude of something, often in terms of large and small. For example: The size of the houses varies「家の大小はさまざまだ」(いえのだいしょうはさまざまだ). When referring to 'importance', it is used to describe the relative significance or priority of matters. For example: We must consider the importance of each issue「各問題の大小を考えなければならない」(かくもんだいのだいしょうをかんがえなければならない). The word is often used in contexts where comparison or relative assessment is involved.

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

人口: population. The Japanese noun '人口 (じんこう)' means 'population'. It refers to the number of people living in a specific area, such as a city, country, or region. This word is commonly used in discussions about demographics, statistics, or social issues. For example: The population of Tokyo is large「東京の人口は多い」(とうきょうのじんこうはおおい). The population of this town is decreasing「この町の人口は減っている」(このまちのじんこうはへっている). It can also be used in compound words like '人口密度 (じんこうみつど)' (population density).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

82

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

River

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 丨Stick

Example Word

小川: stream. The Japanese noun '小川 (おがわ)' means 'stream'. It refers to a small, narrow body of flowing water, typically smaller than a river. This word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. For example: there is a stream near my house「私の家の近くに小川があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにおがわがあります). The sound of the stream is soothing「小川の音は心地よいです」(おがわのおとはここちよいです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that flows gently or continuously, like a stream of thoughts or time.

Radical

巛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

157

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Samurai

Reading

Example Word

紳士: gentleman. The Japanese noun '紳士 (しんし)' refers to a 'gentleman'. This term is used to describe a man who is polite, well-mannered, and refined, often adhering to traditional standards of behavior and appearance. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in the names of establishments (e.g., '紳士服 (しんしふく)' meaning 'men's clothing') or to address a group of men respectfully. For example: The gentleman is waiting「紳士が待っています」(しんしがまっています). This is a gentlemen's club「ここは紳士のクラブです」(ここはしんしのクラブです). The word carries a connotation of sophistication and respectability.

Radical

士

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

189

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Soil

Reading

Parts

一One 十Ten

Example Word

浄土: paradise. The Japanese noun '浄土 (じょうど)' refers to 'paradise' or 'pure land', particularly in the context of Buddhism. It signifies a realm of purity and bliss, often associated with the afterlife or a spiritual destination free from suffering. This term is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and is frequently used in religious or philosophical discussions. For example: He wishes to be reborn in the Pure Land「彼は浄土に生まれ変わりたいと願っている」(かれはじょうどにうまれかわりたいとねがっている). The Pure Land is a place of eternal peace「浄土は永遠の平和の場所です」(じょうどはえいえんのへいわのばしょです).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

216

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thousand

Reading

Parts

十Ten 丿Katakana no

Example Word

千: thousand. The Japanese noun '千 (せん)' means 'thousand'. It is used to denote the number 1,000. This word is commonly used in counting, dates, and quantities. For example: one thousand yen「千円」(せんえん). There are a thousand people「千人がいます」(せんにんがいます). It is also used in compound words like 'thousands of years'「千年」(せんねん). Note that '千' is often combined with other numbers to form larger numbers, such as '二千 (にせん)' for 2,000.

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

261

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ten thousand

Reading

Parts

一One 勹Wrap

Example Word

万歳: hurrah or long live. The Japanese verbal noun '万歳 (ばんざい)' is used to express joy, celebration, or triumph. It is often shouted to cheer or celebrate something, similar to 'hurrah' or 'hooray' in English. Additionally, it can be used to wish someone or something a long life, akin to 'long live'. For example: Hurrah! We won!「万歳！勝った！」(ばんざい！かった！). Long live the king!「王様万歳！」(おうさまばんざい！). The word is commonly used in celebratory contexts, such as festivals, victories, or significant achievements.

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

給与: salary. The Japanese noun '給与 (きゅうよ)' refers to 'salary' or 'wages'. It is commonly used in professional or formal contexts to describe the payment an employee receives for their work. This term is often used in business settings, contracts, or official documents. For example: The company pays a high salary「その会社は高い給与を支払う」(そのかいしゃはたかいきゅうよをしはらう). My salary increased this year「今年、給与が上がった」(ことし、きゅうよがあがった). Note that '給与' is a formal term and is typically used in written or official contexts, while '給料 (きゅうりょう)' is a more casual term for salary.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

437

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Long time

Reading

Example Word

久しぶり: longtime. The Japanese adjectival noun '久しぶり (ひさしぶり)' is used to express that something is happening after a long time or that it has been a while since something last occurred. It often conveys a sense of nostalgia or excitement about re-engaging with something familiar. For example: It's been a long time since I saw you「久しぶりに会いました」(ひさしぶりにあいました). It's been a while since I ate sushi「久しぶりに寿司を食べました」(ひさしぶりにすしをたべました). This word is commonly used in casual conversations and can also stand alone as an exclamation, such as '久しぶり！' to mean 'Long time no see!' or 'It's been a while!'.

Radical

丿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

459

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Evening

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丶Dot

Example Word

夕日: sunset. The Japanese noun '夕日 (ゆうひ)' refers to the 'sunset', specifically the sun as it is setting in the evening. This word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to evoke the beauty of the evening sky. For example: The sunset is beautiful「夕日がきれいだ」(ゆうひがきれいだ). We watched the sunset together「一緒に夕日を見た」(いっしょにゆうひをみた). The word '夕日' is commonly used in literature and everyday conversation to describe the visual phenomenon of the sun descending below the horizon.

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

487

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Extend

Reading

Parts

ノ 乃

Example Word

及ぼす: exert. The Japanese verb '及ぼす (およぼす)' means 'to exert' or 'to have an influence on'. It is often used to describe the effect or impact that something has on another thing, whether positive or negative. This verb is typically used in formal or written contexts. For example: The new policy will exert a significant influence on the economy「新しい政策は経済に大きな影響を及ぼすでしょう」(あたらしいせいさくはけいざいにおおきなえいきょうをおよぼすでしょう). His actions exerted a negative impact on the team「彼の行動はチームに悪影響を及ぼした」(かれのこうどうはチームにあくえいきょうをおよぼした). Note that '及ぼす' is often followed by the particle 'に' to indicate the target of the influence.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

540

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Round

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 九Nine

Example Word

丸で: completely. The Japanese adverb '丸で (まるで)' means 'completely' or 'entirely'. It is often used to emphasize that something is wholly or utterly a certain way, often in a figurative sense. It can also be used to draw comparisons, similar to the English phrase 'just like'. For example: It's completely different「丸で違う」(まるでちがう). It's just like a dream「丸で夢のようだ」(まるでゆめのようだ). The word can carry a nuance of surprise or exaggeration, depending on the context.

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

545

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oneself

Reading

Example Word

自己: self. The Japanese noun '自己 (じこ)' means 'self'. It refers to one's own identity, personality, or being. This term is often used in contexts related to psychology, philosophy, or self-reflection. For example: self-introduction「自己紹介」(じこしょうかい). He is reflecting on himself「彼は自己を反省している」(かれはじこをはんせいしている). The term can also be used in compound words to express concepts related to the self, such as 'self-control' (自己制御, じこせいぎょ) or 'self-esteem' (自己評価, じこひょうか).

Radical

己

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

548

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stout, Length

Reading

Example Word

丈夫: strong or durable. The Japanese adjectival noun '丈夫 (じょうぶ)' primarily means 'strong' or 'durable'. It is used to describe objects, materials, or even people that are sturdy, robust, or resistant to damage. For example: This bag is durable「このカバンは丈夫です」(このかばんはじょうぶです). He is strong and healthy「彼は丈夫です」(かれはじょうぶです). The word can also imply reliability or resilience, such as in the phrase '丈夫な建物 (じょうぶなたてもの)' (a sturdy building). Note that while 'strong' and 'durable' are closely related, they are distinct enough to warrant separate meanings in this context.

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