Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count

kanji

Meaning

Potato

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 于

Example Word

芋: potato or tuber. The Japanese noun '芋 (いも)' refers to a type of root vegetable, commonly translated as 'potato'. However, it can also refer to other tuberous plants such as sweet potatoes or yams. This word is often used in cooking and agriculture contexts. For example: I planted potatoes「芋を植えた」(いもをうえた). This soup has sweet potatoes「このスープには芋が入っている」(このスープにはいもがはいっている). Note that while '芋' often refers to potatoes, the specific type of tuber can vary depending on the context.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1762

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crude, Simple

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 卜Divination

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1787

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Irrational, Reckless

Reading

Parts

亡Death, Deceased 女Woman

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1798

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Empress

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

皇后: empress. The Japanese noun '皇后 (こうごう)' refers to the 'empress', specifically the wife of the reigning emperor. This term is used in the context of the Japanese imperial family and carries a formal and respectful tone. For example: The empress attended the ceremony「皇后は式典に出席しました」(こうごうはしきてんにしゅっせきしました). The empress is known for her charity work「皇后は慈善活動で知られています」(こうごうはじぜんかつどうでしられています). This term is distinct from other titles like '皇太子妃 (こうたいしひ)' (crown princess) or '女帝 (じょてい)' (female emperor), as it specifically denotes the consort of the emperor.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1834

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deed

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)支Branch, Support

Example Word

歌舞伎: kabuki. The Japanese noun '歌舞伎 (かぶき)' refers to 'kabuki', a traditional form of Japanese theater known for its stylized drama, elaborate makeup, and costumes. Kabuki performances often depict historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, and other dramatic themes. It is one of Japan's most iconic cultural arts, dating back to the early 17th century. Example sentences: I watched kabuki yesterday「昨日、歌舞伎を見ました」(きのう、かぶきをみました). Kabuki is fascinating「歌舞伎は魅力的です」(かぶきはみりょくてきです). Kabuki actors are highly skilled「歌舞伎の役者は非常に熟練しています」(かぶきのやくしゃはひじょうにじゅくれんしています).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1840

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Decameron

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 勹Wrap

Example Word

上旬: first ten days of the month. The Japanese noun '上旬 (じょうじゅん)' refers to the first 10 days of a month. It is commonly used in contexts where specifying a time period within a month is necessary, such as scheduling, planning, or reporting. For example: The event will be held in the first 10 days of March「イベントは3月上旬に開催されます」(イベントはさんがつじょうじゅんにかいさいされます). I will submit the report by the first 10 days of next month「来月上旬までにレポートを提出します」(らいげつじょうじゅんまでにレポートをていしゅつします).

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1858

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rot, Decay

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 丂Breath obstruction

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1867

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Princess, Queen

Reading

Parts

女Woman 己Oneself

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1905

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Omen, Trillion

Reading

Example Word

兆: trillion or sign. The Japanese noun '兆 (ちょう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'sign', referring to an indication or omen of something that might happen in the future. For example: there are signs of rain「雨の兆がある」(あめのちょうがある). The second meaning is 'trillion', used in the context of numbers. For example: the national debt is over 100 trillion yen「国の借金は100兆円を超えている」(くにのしゃっきんはひゃくちょうえんをこえている). It's important to note that '兆' as 'trillion' is used in the Japanese numbering system, which differs from the Western system where 'trillion' represents a different numerical value.

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1907

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Swift

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 卂

Example Word

迅速: quick. The Japanese adjectival noun '迅速 (じんそく)' means 'quick' or 'swift'. It is used to describe actions, processes, or responses that are done with speed and efficiency. This term often carries a positive connotation, implying not just speed but also effectiveness. For example: The response was quick「迅速な対応だった」(じんそくなたいおうだった). The delivery was swift「迅速な配達でした」(じんそくはいたつでした). It is commonly used in formal or professional contexts to praise efficiency.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1935

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mortar

Reading

Radical

臼

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1953

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Can, Tin can

Reading

Example Word

缶: can. The Japanese noun '缶 (かん)' refers to a 'can', typically a metal container used for storing food, beverages, or other items. It is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as when referring to canned drinks or food. For example: I bought a can of coffee「コーヒーの缶を買いました」(コーヒーのかんをかいました). Please throw away the empty can「空き缶を捨ててください」(あきかんをすててください). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '缶詰 (かんづめ)' meaning 'canned food'.

Radical

缶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1991

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pan

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)凡Common

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2063

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Two

Reading

Parts

一One 弍

Radical

弋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2069

Handwriting