kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

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

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Child

Reading

Parts

了Finish, Complete 一One

Example Word

子育て: child rearing. The Japanese noun '子育て (こそだて)' refers to the act of raising or bringing up children. It encompasses all aspects of parenting, including physical, emotional, and educational care. This term is often used in discussions about family life, parenting challenges, and societal support for families. For example: Child rearing is a rewarding experience「子育てはやりがいのある経験です」(こそだてはやりがいのあるけいけんです). She is dedicated to child rearing「彼女は子育てに専念しています」(かのじょはこそだてにせんねんしています). The government provides support for child rearing「政府は子育て支援を提供しています」(せいふはこそだてしえんをていきょうしています).

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

7

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

頂上: summit. The Japanese noun '頂上 (ちょうじょう)' refers to the highest point or peak of a mountain or hill. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the pinnacle or climax of something, such as a career or event. For example: we reached the summit「頂上に着いた」(ちょうじょうについた). The summit of his career「彼のキャリアの頂上」(かれのキャリアのちょうじょう). This word is often used in the context of mountain climbing or hiking, but can also be applied to other situations where reaching the highest point is significant.

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

女らしい: feminine. The Japanese adjective '女らしい (おんならしい)' means 'feminine' and is used to describe qualities, behaviors, or appearances that are traditionally associated with women. It emphasizes traits such as grace, elegance, or gentleness. For example: She has a feminine way of speaking「彼女は女らしい話し方をする」(かのじょはおんならしいはなしかたをする). That dress looks very feminine「そのドレスはとても女らしい」(そのドレスはとてもおんならしい). The term can sometimes carry cultural expectations or stereotypes about gender roles, so it should be used with awareness of context.

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

下着: underwear. The Japanese noun '下着 (したぎ)' refers to 'underwear'. It is a general term used to describe clothing worn beneath outer garments, typically next to the skin. This includes items like bras, panties, undershirts, and boxers. The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and casual contexts. For example: I bought new underwear「新しい下着を買いました」(あたらしいしたぎをかいました). Please wash the underwear「下着を洗ってください」(したぎをあらってください). The term is commonly used in everyday conversations and is essential when discussing clothing or laundry.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Small

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 八Eight

Example Word

小雨: drizzle. The Japanese noun '小雨 (こさめ)' refers to a light rain or drizzle. It is used to describe a gentle, fine rain that falls softly and is not heavy or intense. This word is often used in weather forecasts or when describing the atmosphere of a scene. For example: The drizzle feels refreshing「小雨が気持ちいい」(こさめがきもちいい). It's drizzling outside「外は小雨が降っている」(そとはこさめがふっている). The word carries a poetic nuance and is often associated with a calm or serene mood.

Radical

小

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

41

Radical Form

⺌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mountain

Reading

Parts

凵Open box 丨Stick

Example Word

沢山: many. The Japanese adverb '沢山 (たくさん)' means 'many' or 'a lot'. It is used to indicate a large quantity of something, whether it be objects, people, or abstract concepts. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. For example: There are many books「本が沢山ある」(ほんがたくさんある). I ate a lot「沢山食べた」(たくさんたべた). Note that '沢山' is often used in casual conversation and can also imply 'enough' or 'plenty' in certain contexts, such as 'That's enough, thank you'「もう沢山です、ありがとう」(もうたくさんです、ありがとう).

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

川: river. The Japanese noun '川 (かわ)' means 'river'. It refers to a natural flowing watercourse, typically freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and place names. For example: The river is wide「川は広い」(かわはひろい). I crossed the river「川を渡った」(かわをわたった). The word '川' is often used in compound words, such as '川岸 (かわぎし)' meaning 'riverbank' or '川下り (かわくだり)' meaning 'river descent'.

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

お土産: souvenir. The Japanese noun 'お土産 (おみやげ)' refers to a 'souvenir' or a gift typically brought back from a trip or visit to a place. It is a common practice in Japan to bring back small gifts for family, friends, or colleagues when returning from a trip. These gifts often represent the local culture or specialties of the visited area. For example: I bought a souvenir from Kyoto「京都でお土産を買いました」(きょうとでおみやげをかいました). This is a souvenir from Hokkaido「これは北海道のお土産です」(これはほっかいどうのおみやげです). The term 'お土産' is often used in a polite or formal context, and it is customary to present these gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

216

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thousand

Reading

Parts

十Ten 丿Katakana no

Example Word

九千: nine thousand. The Japanese noun '九千 (きゅうせん)' means 'nine thousand'. It is a specific number used to denote the quantity of nine thousand. This word is typically used in contexts where large numbers are discussed, such as in finance, population statistics, or when counting items in large quantities. For example: The population of the town is nine thousand「その町の人口は九千です」(そのまちのじんこうはきゅうせんです). The cost of the project is nine thousand yen「そのプロジェクトの費用は九千円です」(そのプロジェクトのひようはきゅうせんえんです).

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

工学: engineering. The Japanese noun '工学 (こうがく)' refers to the field of 'engineering'. It encompasses the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes. This term is often used in academic and professional contexts. For example: he studies engineering at university「彼は大学で工学を勉強しています」(かれはだいがくでこうがくをべんきょうしています). This company specializes in mechanical engineering「この会社は機械工学を専門としています」(このかいしゃはきかいこうがくをせんもんとしています).

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

夕食: dinner. The Japanese noun '夕食 (ゆうしょく)' refers to the evening meal, commonly known as 'dinner'. It is used to describe the main meal eaten in the evening, typically after work or school. This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentences include: Let's have dinner together「一緒に夕食を食べましょう」(いっしょにゆうしょくをたべましょう). What are we having for dinner tonight?「今夜の夕食は何ですか？」(こんやのゆうしょくはなんですか？). The word is often paired with verbs like 食べる (たべる, to eat) or 作る (つくる, to make) to describe actions related to dinner.

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

丸: circle. The Japanese noun '丸 (まる)' primarily means 'circle'. It refers to a round shape or something that is circular in form. This word can be used in various contexts, such as describing shapes, objects, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: draw a circle「丸を描く」(まるをえがく). The moon is round「月は丸い」(つきはまるい). Additionally, '丸' can sometimes be used to indicate completeness or entirety, as in '丸ごと (まるごと)' meaning 'whole' or 'entire'. However, the primary and most common meaning is 'circle'.

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

凡そ: approximately. The Japanese adverb '凡そ (およそ)' means 'approximately' or 'roughly'. It is used to indicate an estimate or a general idea rather than an exact figure. This word is often used in contexts where precision is not required or when giving a rough overview. For example: The meeting will take approximately two hours「会議は凡そ二時間かかります」(かいぎはおよそにじかんかかります). Approximately 100 people attended the event「凡そ100人がイベントに参加しました」(およそひゃくにんがイベントにさんかしました). It can also be used to mean 'in general' or 'on the whole', as in: In general, his ideas are good「凡そ、彼のアイデアは良い」(およそ、かれのアイデアはよい).

Radical

几

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

899

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Talent, Age

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 一One 丿Katakana no

Example Word

天才: genius. The Japanese noun '天才 (てんさい)' refers to a person who possesses extraordinary intellectual or creative abilities, often described as a 'genius'. This term is used to highlight exceptional talent or brilliance in a specific field, such as art, science, or music. For example: he is a genius「彼は天才だ」(かれはてんさいだ). That child is a genius「あの子は天才だ」(あのこはてんさいだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something exceptionally well-made or innovative, though this usage is less common. It is important to note that '天才' carries a strong positive connotation and is often used to express admiration or awe.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

916

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry

Reading

Example Word

干す: dry. The Japanese verb '干す (ほす)' means 'to dry'. It is commonly used to describe the action of drying something, such as clothes, food, or other items. For example: I will dry the laundry「洗濯物を干します」(せんたくものをほします). She dried the fish in the sun「彼女は魚を干した」(かのじょはさかなをほした). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe leaving someone out or neglecting them, as in '彼は会議で干された (かれはかいぎでほされた) (He was left out of the meeting).' The verb is versatile and can be used in various contexts related to drying or exposure to air.

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