Page 1
kanji
見Meaning
See
Reading
kunyomiみmi
onyomiけんken
Parts
儿Legs 目Eye
Example Word
見当たる: found. The Japanese verb '見当たる (みあたる)' means 'to be found' or 'to be located'. It is used when something is discovered or located after searching. This verb often implies that the object or person was being looked for and has now been found. For example: I found my keys「鍵が見当たる」(かぎがみあたる). The book was found in the library「その本は図書館に見当たる」(そのほんはとしょかんにみあたる). Note that this verb is often used in the context of searching for something that was previously lost or missing.
Radical
見
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
3
Handwriting
kanji
来Meaning
Come
Reading
kunyomiきたkita
くku
onyomiらいrai
Parts
米Rice 一One
Example Word
来る: come. The Japanese verb '来る (くる)' means 'to come'. It is used to indicate movement towards the speaker or the location of the speaker. This verb is highly versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as inviting someone, indicating arrival, or expressing future events. For example: Please come to my house「私の家に来てください」(わたしのいえにきてください). He will come tomorrow「彼は明日来ます」(かれはあしたきます). The verb '来る' is irregular and conjugates differently from other verbs, so it's important to pay attention to its forms in different tenses and politeness levels.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
5
Handwriting
kanji
何Meaning
What
Reading
kunyomiなにnani
なんnan
Parts
亻Person (人)可Possible
Example Word
何しろ: anyway. The Japanese adverb '何しろ (なにしろ)' is used to emphasize a reason or situation, often translated as 'anyway', 'after all', or 'in any case'. It is commonly used to introduce a justification or explanation for something. For example: Anyway, it's too late now「何しろ、もう遅い」(なにしろ、もうおそい). After all, he's the boss「何しろ、彼は上司だ」(なにしろ、かれはじょうしだ). This word is often used in conversational contexts to stress a point or to acknowledge a situation before moving forward.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
13
Handwriting
kanji
私Meaning
Private, Me
Reading
kunyomiわたしwatashi
わたくしwatakushi
onyomiしshi
Parts
禾Cereal 厶Private
Example Word
私たち: we. The Japanese noun '私たち (わたしたち)' means 'we'. It is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to a group that includes the speaker. This word is gender-neutral and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: we are friends「私たちは友達です」(わたしたちはと もだちです). We went to the park「私たちは公園に行きました」(わたしたちはこうえんにいきました). It is important to note that '私たち' is often used to emphasize inclusivity, as it explicitly includes the speaker in the group being referred to.
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
6Frequency
15
Handwriting
kanji
言Meaning
Say
Reading
kunyomiいi
ことkoto
onyomiげんgen
ごんgon
Parts
口Mouth 亠Lid 二Two
Example Word
言語: language. The Japanese noun '言語 (げんご)' refers to 'language', specifically the system of communication used by a particular community or country. It encompasses spoken, written, and signed forms of communication. This term is often used in academic, technical, or formal contexts. For example: He studies foreign languages「彼は外国語 を勉強しています」(かれはがいこくごをべんきょうしています). The evolution of language is fascinating「言語の進化は魅力的です」(げんごのしんかはみりょくてきです). Note that '言語' is more formal than the more commonly used '言葉 (ことば)', which can also mean 'language' but often refers to words or speech in a more general sense.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
25
Radical Form
訁
Handwriting
kanji
身Meaning
Body, Self
Reading
kunyomiみmi
onyomiしんshin
Parts
自Self 亅Barb 丿Katakana no
Example Word
刺身: sashimi. The Japanese noun '刺身 (さしみ)' refers to 'sashimi', a dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, often served with garnishes like shredded daikon radish and shiso leaves, and accompanied by soy sauce and wasabi. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and highlights the freshness and quality of the seafood. Example sentences: I love sashimi「刺身が大好きです」(さしみがだいすきです). This restaurant serves delicious sashimi「このレストランは美味しい刺身を出します」(このレストランはおいしいさしみをだします). Sashimi is often eaten with soy sauce and wasabi「刺身は醤油とわさびと一緒に食べます」(さしみはしょうゆとわさびといっしょにたべます).
Radical
身
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
3Frequency
64
Handwriting
kanji
君Meaning
Ruler, You
Reading
kunyomiきみkimi
onyomiくんkun
Parts
口Mouth 尹Official rank
Example Word
君主: monarch. The Japanese noun '君主 (くんしゅ)' refers to a 'monarch', a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor. This term is used in historical, political, and formal contexts to denote a ruler with supreme authority over a state or territory. For example: The monarch ruled the country wisely「君主は国を賢く治めた」(くんしゅはくにをかしこくおさめた). The power of the monarch was absolute「君主の権力は絶対的だった」(くんしゅのけんりょくはぜったいてきだった). The term can also be used metaphorically in literature or discussions about leadership and authority.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
75
Handwriting
kanji
男Meaning
Man
Reading
kunyomiおとこotoko
onyomiだんdan
なんnan
Parts
田Rice field 力Power
Example Word
次男: second son. The Japanese noun '次男 (じなん)' refers to the 'second son' in a family. It is used to specify the birth order of sons, with '次男' being the second male child. This term is often used in formal or familial contexts to describe family structure or inheritance. For example: His second son is a doctor「彼の次男は医者です」(かれのじなんはいしゃです). The second son inherited the family business「次男が家業を継ぎました」(じなんがかぎょうをつぎました). Note that '次男' is distinct from '長男 (ちょうなん)', which refers to the eldest son.
Radical
田
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
86
Handwriting
kanji
作Meaning
Make
Reading
kunyomiつくtsuku
onyomiさsa
さくsaku
Parts
亻Person (人)𠂉Person (人)二Two 丨Stick
Example Word
創作: creation or fiction. The Japanese noun '創作 (そうさく)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'creation', referring to the act of creating something, such as art, literature, or other creative works. For example: This painting is my creation「この絵は私の創作です」(このえはわたしのそうさくです). The second meaning is 'fiction', referring to works of imaginative storytelling, such as novels or short stories. For example: I enjoy reading fiction「私は創作を読むのが好きです」(わたしはそうさくをよむのがすきです). The word is often used in contexts related to art, literature, and creative expression.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
96
Handwriting
kanji
声Meaning
Voice
Reading
kunyomiこわkowa
こえkoe
Parts
士Samurai 尸Corpse 丨Stick
Example Word
声: voice. The Japanese noun '声 (こえ)' means 'voice'. It refers to the sound produced by a person or animal when speaking, singing, or making noise. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing someone's voice, expressing emotions through voice, or referring to vocal sounds in general. For example: Her voice is beautiful「彼女の声は美しい」(かのじょのこえはうつくしい). I heard a loud voice「大きな声が聞こえた」(おおきなこえがきこえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to represent opinions or support, as in 'the voice of the people'「人々の声」(ひとびとのこえ).
Radical
士
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
110
Handwriting
kanji
体Meaning
Body
Reading
kunyomiからだkarada
onyomiたいtai
ていtei
Parts
亻Person (人)本Book, Origin
Example Word
自体: itself. The Japanese noun '自体 (じたい)' means 'itself' or 'in itself'. It is used to emphasize the subject or object being discussed, often to indicate that something is being considered independently or inherently. For example: The problem itself is not difficult「問題自体は難しくない」(もんだいじたいはむずかしくない). The book itself is interesting「本自体は面白い」(ほんじたい はおもしろい). This word is often used to shift focus to the core nature of something, excluding external factors or influences.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
115
Handwriting
kanji
足Meaning
Foot, Sufficient
Reading
kunyomiあしashi
たta
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
龰Stop (止)口Mouth
Example Word
足し算: addition. The Japanese verbal noun '足し算 (たしざん)' refers to the mathematical operation of addition. It is used to describe the process of adding numbers together to find their total. This term is commonly used in educational settings, such as in math classes or when teaching children basic arithmetic. For example: Let's do addition「足し算をしましょう」(たしざんをしましょう). I am good at addition「私は足し算が得意です」(わたしはたしざんがとくいです). The term can also be used in everyday contexts when discussing calculations or sums.
Radical
足
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
121
Radical Form
⻊
Handwriting
kanji
近Meaning
Near
Reading
kunyomiちかchika
onyomiきんkin
Parts
斤Axe, Catty ⻌Walk
Example Word
近年: recent. The Japanese noun '近年 (きんねん)' means 'recent years' or 'recently'. It is used to refer to a period of time that is close to the present, typically within the last few years. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to discuss trends, changes, or events that have occurred in the recent past. For example: In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly「近年、技術が急速に進歩した」(きんねん、ぎじゅつがきゅうそくにしんぽした). The population has increased in recent years「近年、人口が増加した」(きんねん、じんこうがぞうかした). Note that '近年' is often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to set the temporal context.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
122
Handwriting
kanji
対Meaning
Against
Reading
onyomiたいtai
Parts
寸Measurement 文Sentence
Example Word
対策: countermeasure. The Japanese noun '対策 (たいさく)' means 'countermeasure' or 'measure'. It refers to actions or plans taken to prevent or deal with a problem or situation. This word is often used in contexts related to safety, security, or problem-solving. For example: We need to take countermeasures against cyber attacks「サイバー攻撃に対する対策が必要だ」(サイバーこうげきにたいするたいさくがひつようだ). The company implemented measures to reduce costs「会社はコスト削減の対策を実施した」(かいしゃはコストさくげんのたいさくをじっしした).
Radical
寸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
148
Handwriting
kanji
村Meaning
Village
Reading
kunyomiむらmura
onyomiそんson
Parts
木Tree, Wood 寸Measurement
Example Word
村: village. The Japanese noun '村 (むら)' means 'village'. It refers to a small community or settlement, typically in a rural area, smaller than a town or city. This word is often used to describe a place with a close-knit community and a simpler way of life. For example: I live in a small village「私は小さな村に住んでいます」(わたしはちいさなむらにすんでいます). The village is surrounded by mountains「その村は山に囲まれています」(そのむらはやまにかこまれています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a group of people with shared characteristics, such as 'the village of artists' (芸術家の村, げいじゅつかのむら).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
1Frequency
180
Handwriting
kanji
別Meaning
Separate
Reading
kunyomiわかwaka
onyomiべつbetsu
Parts
叧 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
区別: distinction. The Japanese verbal noun '区別 (くべつ)' means 'distinction' or 'differentiation'. It refers to the act of distinguishing or differentiating between two or more things, ideas, or categories. This word is often used in contexts where clarity or separation is needed, such as in discussions about differences between concepts, objects, or groups. For example: It's important to make a distinction between right and wrong「正しいことと間違っていることの区別が重要です」(ただしいこととまちがっていることのくべつがじゅうようです). Can you distinguish between these two colors?「この二つの色の区別ができますか?」(このふたつのいろのくべつができますか?). The word can also be used in formal or academic contexts to describe clear categorization or separation.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
181
Handwriting
kanji
我Meaning
Self, Ego
Reading
kunyomiわwa
われware
onyomiがga
Parts
手Hand 戈
Example Word
怪我: injury. The Japanese verbal noun '怪我 (けが)' means 'injury'. It refers to physical harm or damage to the body, such as cuts, bruises, or sprains. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and medical contexts. For example: I got a minor injury「軽い怪我をした」(かるいけがをした). Be careful not to get injured「怪我をしないように気をつけて」(けがをしないようにきをつけて). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological harm, though this usage is less common. It is important to note that '怪我' specifically refers to injuries caused by accidents or external factors, not illnesses or diseases.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
182
Handwriting
kanji
車Meaning
Car
Reading
kunyomiくるまkuruma
onyomiしゃsha
Parts
二Two 申Report
Example Word
列車: train. The Japanese noun '列車 (れっしゃ)' refers to a 'train', specifically a railway vehicle that transports passengers or goods. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: The train is late「列車が遅れています」(れっしゃがおくれています). I took the train to Tokyo「東京まで列車に乗りました」(とうきょうまでれっしゃにのりました). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '急行列車 (きゅうこうれっしゃ)' (express train) or '夜行列車 (やこうれっしゃ)' (night train).
Radical
車
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
190
Handwriting
kanji
花Meaning
Flower
Reading
kunyomiはなhana
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 化Change
Example Word
花火: fireworks. The Japanese noun '花火 (はなび)' means 'fireworks'. This word is commonly used to describe the colorful explosive displays often seen during festivals, celebrations, or special events in Japan. Fireworks are a significant part of Japanese culture, especially during summer festivals. Example sentences: The fireworks were beautiful「花火がきれいでした」(はなびがきれいでした). We watched the fireworks at the festival「祭りで花火を見ました」(まつりではなびをみました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something fleeting or spectacular, though this usage is less common.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
195
Handwriting
kanji
返Meaning
Return
Reading
kunyomiかえkae
onyomiへんhen
Parts
辶Walk 反Anti
Example Word
振り返る: look back. The Japanese verb '振り返る (ふりかえる)' means 'to look back' or 'to reflect on the past'. It is commonly used to describe the act of turning one's head to look behind or to metaphorically reflect on past events or experiences. For example: He looked back at his childhood「彼は子供時代を振り返った」(かれはこどもじだいをふりかえった). Let's reflect on what we've learned「学んだことを振り返りましょう」(まなんだことをふりかえりましょう). This verb can be used both literally and figuratively, making it versatile in various contexts.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
199
Handwriting