Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count
8 Strokes
kanji
事Meaning
Thing
Reading
koto
onyomiじji
Parts
⺕Hand 亅Barb 一One 口Mouth
Example Word
家事: housework. The Japanese noun '家事 (かじ)' refers to 'housework' or 'domestic chores'. It encompasses tasks typically done to maintain a household, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other daily chores. This word is commonly used in contexts related to managing a home or discussing responsibilities within a household. For example: I do housework every day「私は毎日家事をします」(わたしはまいにちかじをします). Housework is tiring「家事は疲れます」(かじはつかれます). The term can also be used in phrases like '家事の分担 (かじのぶんたん)' (division of housework) to discuss sharing responsibilities.
Radical
亅
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
16
Handwriting
kanji
彼Meaning
Third person pronoun, He
Reading
kare
かのkano
onyomiひhi
Parts
彳Stop 皮Skin
Example Word
彼方: yonder. The Japanese pronoun '彼方 (かなた)' refers to a distant place or direction, often implying something far away or beyond immediate sight. It carries a poetic or literary nuance and is commonly used in formal or artistic contexts. For example: the stars in yonder sky「彼方の空の星」(かなたのそらのほし). The mountains in the distance「彼方の山々」(かなたのやまやま). This word is often used to evoke a sense of mystery or longing for something unreachable.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
19
Handwriting
kanji
者Meaning
Someone
Reading
mono
onyomiしゃsha
Parts
日Day, Sun 耂Old (老)
Example Word
お医者さん: doctor. The Japanese noun 'お医者さん (おいしゃさん)' means 'doctor'. It is a polite and respectful term used to refer to a medical doctor or physician. The prefix 'お' adds politeness, and 'さん' is an honorific suffix, making the term more formal and respectful. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to doctors. For example: I went to the doctor「お医者さんに行きました」(おいしゃさんにいきました). The doctor is kind「お医者さんは優しいです」(おいしゃさんはやさしいです). It is important to note that 'お医者さん' is more commonly used in spoken language, while '医者 (いしゃ)' is a more neutral term that can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
Radical
老
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
29
Handwriting
kanji
物Meaning
Thing
Reading
mono
onyomiぶつbutsu
もつmotsu
Parts
牛Cow 勿Must not
Example Word
物体: object. The Japanese noun '物体 (ぶったい)' refers to a physical object or material entity. It is commonly used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts to describe tangible things that occupy space and have mass. For example: The object is moving「物体が動いている」(ぶったいがうごいている). This object is heavy「この物体は重い」(このぶったいはおもい). The word can also be used in philosophical discussions to distinguish physical entities from abstract concepts. It is neutral in tone and does not carry any specific emotional or cultural connotations.
Radical
牛
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
38
Handwriting
kanji
知Meaning
Know
Reading
shi
onyomiちchi
Parts
矢Arrow 口Mouth
Example Word
知識: knowledge. The Japanese noun '知識 (ちしき)' means 'knowledge'. It refers to the understanding, information, or awareness acquired through experience, study, or education. This word is often used in academic, professional, or everyday contexts to describe a person's grasp of facts, concepts, or skills. For example: He has a lot of knowledge about history「彼は歴史について多くの知識を持っている」(かれはれきしについておおくのちしきをもっている). Knowledge is power「知識は力である」(ちしきはちからである). The word can also be used in compound terms like '専門知識 (せんもんちしき)' (specialized knowledge) or '知識人 (ちしきじん)' (intellectual).
Radical
矢
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
40
Handwriting
kanji
的Meaning
Target
Reading
mato
onyomiてきteki
Parts
白White
Example Word
的確: accurate. The Japanese adjectival noun '的確 (てきかく)' means 'accurate' or 'precise'. It is used to describe something that is correct, appropriate, or exactly right in a given context. This word is often used to describe judgments, decisions, or actions that are well-suited to the situation. For example: His analysis was accurate「彼の分析は的確だった」(かれのぶんせきはてきかくだった). She gave a precise answer「彼女は的確な答えを出した」(かのじょはてきかくなこたえをだした). The word can also be used to describe someone's ability to make accurate assessments or decisions, as in '彼は的確な判断をする (かれはてきかくなはんだんをする) (He makes accurate judgments).'
Radical
白
Stroke Count
8JLPT
UnknownGrade
4Frequency
42
Handwriting
kanji
学Meaning
Learn
Reading
mana
onyomiがくgaku
Parts
子Child 冖Crown ⺍Small
Example Word
学費: tuition. The Japanese noun '学費 (がくひ)' refers to the fees or costs associated with education, specifically tuition. It is commonly used when discussing the expenses for attending school, college, or university. For example: I need to pay my tuition「学費を払わなければならない」(がくひをはらわなければならない). The tuition for this university is expensive「この大学の学費は高い」(このだいがくのがくひはたかい). This word is often used in formal or academic contexts and is essential when discussing educational finances.
Radical
子
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
50
Handwriting
kanji
居Meaning
Reside, Be
Reading
i
onyomiきょkyo
Parts
尸Corpse 古Old
Example Word
芝居: play or act. The Japanese noun '芝居 (しばい)' primarily refers to a theatrical play or drama performed on stage. It can also mean 'acting' or 'pretending' in a broader sense, often used to describe someone's behavior when they are putting on an act or being insincere. For example: I watched a play at the theater「劇場で芝居を見た」(げきじょうでしばいをみた). He's just putting on an act「彼はただ芝居をしている」(かれはただしばいをしている). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being dramatic or exaggerating their emotions.
Radical
尸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
51
Handwriting
kanji
明Meaning
Bright
Reading
aka
あa
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
日Day, Sun 月Moon, Month
Example Word
打ち明ける: confess. The Japanese verb '打ち明ける (うちあける)' means 'to confess' or 'to reveal something honestly and openly'. It is often used when someone shares a secret, a personal feeling, or a hidden truth with another person. This verb carries a nuance of vulnerability and trust, as it implies opening up about something that was previously kept private. For example: She confessed her feelings to him「彼女は彼に気持ちを打ち明けた」(かのじょはかれにきもちをうちあけた). He revealed his secret to his friend「彼は友達に秘密を打ち明けた」(かれはともだちにひみつをうちあけた). The verb is commonly used in emotional or personal contexts, emphasizing sincerity and openness.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
63
Handwriting
kanji
所Meaning
Place
Reading
tokoro
onyomiしょsho
Parts
戸Door 斤Axe, Catty
Example Word
名所: famous place. The Japanese noun '名所 (めいしょ)' refers to a 'famous place' or 'notable spot', typically one that is well-known for its scenic beauty, historical significance, or cultural importance. It is often used in the context of tourism or travel. For example: Kyoto is full of famous places「京都には名所がたくさんある」(きょうとにはめいしょがたくさんある). We visited a famous place in Nara「奈良の名所を訪れました」(ならのめいしょをおとずれました). The term can also be used to describe landmarks or attractions within a city or region.
Radical
戶
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
65
Handwriting
kanji
実Meaning
Fruit, Truth
Reading
mi
みのmino
onyomiじつjitsu
Parts
宀Roof 𡗗Folded hands
Example Word
実績: achievement. The Japanese noun '実績 (じっせき)' refers to 'achievement' or 'track record'. It is commonly used to describe accomplishments, results, or proven performance in a professional, academic, or personal context. For example: His achievements are impressive「彼の実績は素晴らしい」(かれのじっせきはすばらしい). The company has a strong track record「その会社は実績がある」(そのかいしゃはじっせきがある). This word is often used in business settings to highlight past successes or to evaluate performance.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
69
Handwriting
kanji
長Meaning
Long, Leader
Reading
naga
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
衣Clothes 丨Stick 三Three
Example Word
長男: eldest son. The Japanese noun '長男 (ちょうなん)' refers to the 'eldest son' in a family. This term is used to denote the firstborn male child, often carrying cultural significance in terms of inheritance, family responsibilities, and traditional roles. For example: His eldest son is a doctor「彼の長男は医者です」(かれのちょうなんはいしゃです). The eldest son inherited the family business「長男は家業を継ぎました」(ちょうなんはかぎょうをつぎました). In Japanese society, the eldest son may traditionally be expected to take care of aging parents or manage family affairs.
Radical
長
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
71
Handwriting
kanji
取Meaning
Take
Reading
to
onyomiしゅshu
Parts
又Again 耳Ear
Example Word
受け取り: receipt. The Japanese noun '受け取り (うけとり)' primarily means 'receipt'. It refers to the act of receiving something or the document that confirms receipt of an item or payment. It is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, such as when receiving packages, documents, or payments. For example: Please confirm the receipt of the package「パッケージの受け取りを確認してください」(パッケージのうけとりをかくにんしてください). I received the receipt for the payment「支払いの受け取りを受けました」(しはらいのうけとりをうけました). Note that '受け取り' can also imply the act of accepting or acknowledging something, depending on the context.
Radical
又
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
93
Handwriting
kanji
国Meaning
Country
Reading
kuni
onyomiこくkoku
Parts
玉Ball, Jewel 口Mouth
Example Word
国: country. The Japanese noun '国 (くに)' primarily means 'country' or 'nation'. It refers to a sovereign state or a land with its own government, culture, and people. It can also be used in a broader sense to refer to one's homeland or native country. For example: I love my country「私は国が大好きです」(わたしはくにがだいすきです). This country is beautiful「この国は美しい」(このくにはうつくしい). In some contexts, it can also refer to a region or province, especially in historical or literary settings. For instance, in ancient Japan, '国' was used to denote feudal domains or provinces.
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
97
Handwriting
kanji
夜Meaning
Night
Reading
yo
よるyoru
onyomiやya
Parts
亠Lid 亻Person (人)夂Late 丶Dot
Example Word
夜明け: dawn. The Japanese noun '夜明け (よあけ)' refers to the time of day when the sun begins to rise, marking the transition from night to day. It is often associated with the first light of the morning and the beginning of a new day. This word carries a poetic and serene nuance, often used in literature or to describe peaceful moments. For example: The dawn was beautiful「夜明けが美しかった」(よあけがうつくしかった). We arrived at dawn「夜明けに到着した」(よあけにとうちゃくした). It can also symbolize new beginnings or hope, as in '夜明け前 (よあけまえ) (before dawn)'.
Radical
夕
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
105
Handwriting
kanji
金Meaning
Gold
Reading
kane
かなkana
onyomiきんkin
こんkon
Parts
全Whole, All 丷Divide
Example Word
現金: cash. The Japanese adjectival noun '現金 (げんきん)' primarily means 'cash'. It refers to physical money in the form of bills or coins, as opposed to digital or credit-based transactions. This term is commonly used in contexts involving payments, transactions, or financial discussions. For example: I paid in cash「現金で払いました」(げんきんではらいました). Do you accept cash?「現金で払えますか?」(げんきんではらえますか?). It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is 'practical' or 'pragmatic', but this usage is less common and context-dependent.
Radical
金
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
113
Radical Form
釒
Handwriting
kanji
味Meaning
Flavor
Reading
aji
onyomiみmi
Parts
口Mouth 未Not yet
Example Word
調味料: seasoning. The Japanese noun '調味料 (ちょうみりょう)' refers to 'seasoning' or 'condiments' used in cooking to enhance the flavor of food. It encompasses a wide range of items, including salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and more. For example: I bought some seasoning at the store「店で調味料を買いました」(みせでちょうみりょうをかいました). This dish needs more seasoning「この料理はもっと調味料が必要です」(このりょうりはもっとちょうみりょうがひつようです). The term is commonly used in culinary contexts and is essential for discussing cooking and food preparation.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
117
Handwriting
kanji
歩Meaning
Walk
Reading
aru
あゆayu
onyomiほho
ぶbu
Parts
止Stop 少Few
Example Word
進歩: progress. The Japanese verbal noun '進歩 (しんぽ)' means 'progress'. It refers to the act of moving forward or improving, particularly in terms of development, technology, or personal growth. This word is often used in contexts related to advancements in science, society, or individual skills. For example: The progress of technology is remarkable「技術の進歩は目覚ましい」(ぎじゅつのしんぽはめざましい). She has made great progress in her studies「彼女は勉強で大きな進歩を遂げた」(かのじょはべんきょうでおおきなしんぽをとげた). Note that '進歩' is typically used in formal or neutral contexts and is not interchangeable with casual terms like '進む (すすむ)', which simply means 'to move forward'.
Radical
止
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
150
Handwriting
kanji
空Meaning
Sky, Empty
Reading
sora
すsu
onyomiくうkuu
Parts
穴Hole 工Construction
Example Word
航空券: air ticket. The Japanese noun '航空券 (こうくうけん)' means 'air ticket'. This term refers to a ticket that allows a passenger to travel on an airplane. It is commonly used when discussing travel plans, booking flights, or checking in at airports. For example: I bought an air ticket to Tokyo「東京行きの航空券を買いました」(とうきょうゆきのこうくうけんをかいました). Please show your air ticket at the counter「カウンターで航空券を見せてください」(かうんたーでこうくうけんをみせてください). The word is a combination of '航空 (こうくう)' meaning 'aviation' and '券 (けん)' meaning 'ticket'.
Radical
穴
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
161
Handwriting
kanji
性Meaning
Gender, Sex
Reading
shou
せいsei
Parts
忄 生Life
Example Word
特性: characteristic. The Japanese noun '特性 (とくせい)' means 'characteristic' or 'property'. It refers to a distinctive feature or quality that defines something or someone. This word is often used in scientific, technical, or descriptive contexts to highlight specific attributes. For example: the characteristics of this material are unique「この材料の特性はユニークです」(このざいりょうのとくせいはユニークです). Each animal has its own characteristics「それぞれの動物には独自の特性がある」(それぞれのどうぶつにはどくじのとくせいがある). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as describing personality traits or inherent qualities.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
162
Handwriting
kanji
直Meaning
Straight, Repair
Reading
tada
なおnao
onyomiちょくchoku
じきjiki
Parts
十Ten 目Eye 𠃊Second (乙)
Example Word
直す: correct or fix. The Japanese verb '直す (なおす)' has two primary meanings: 'fix' and 'correct'. When used to mean 'fix', it refers to repairing something that is broken or not functioning properly. For example: I will fix the broken chair「壊れた椅子を直します」(こわれたちすをなおします). When used to mean 'correct', it refers to making something right or accurate, such as correcting a mistake. For example: Please correct the error in the document「書類の誤りを直してください」(しょるいのあやまりをなおしてください). The verb is versatile and can be applied to physical objects, situations, or even behaviors. It is often used in both casual and formal contexts.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
166
Handwriting
kanji
法Meaning
Law, Method
Reading
hou
ほho
はha
Parts
氵Water (水)去Past
Example Word
魔法: magic. The Japanese noun '魔法 (まほう)' means 'magic'. It refers to supernatural powers or abilities that can influence events, objects, or people in ways that defy natural laws. This word is commonly used in fantasy contexts, such as in stories, games, or folklore. For example: She used magic to heal the wound「彼女は魔法で傷を治した」(かのじょはまほうできずをなおした). The wizard cast a powerful spell「魔法使いは強力な魔法をかけた」(まほうつかいはきょう りょくなまほうをかけた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that feels enchanting or extraordinary, like 'the magic of music'「音楽の魔法」(おんがくのまほう).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
169
Handwriting
kanji
門Meaning
Gate
Reading
kado
onyomiもんmon
Parts
丨Stick 亅Barb 日Day, Sun
Example Word
部門: department. The Japanese noun '部門 (ぶもん)' refers to a 'department' or 'division' within an organization, company, or institution. It is commonly used to describe a specific section or branch that handles a particular function or area of responsibility. For example: the sales department「営業部門」(えいぎょうぶもん). The research and development department「研究開発部門」(けんきゅうかいはつぶもん). This term is often used in business and organizational contexts to categorize different areas of operation.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
176
Handwriting
kanji
若Meaning
Young
Reading
mo
わかwaka
onyomiじゃくjaku
にゃくnyaku
Parts
艹Grass 右Right
Example Word
若者: youth. The Japanese noun '若者 (わかもの)' refers to 'young people' or 'youth'. It is commonly used to describe individuals in their late teens to early thirties, emphasizing their youthful energy and inexperience. This term is often used in discussions about societal trends, employment, or generational differences. For example: The youth are the future of society「若者は社会の未来です」(わかものはしゃかいのみらいで す). Many young people are looking for jobs「多くの若者が仕事を探しています」(おおくのわかものがしごとをさがしています). The word carries a neutral tone and is widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
178
Handwriting
kanji
命Meaning
Command, Life
Reading
inochi
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
令Orders 口Mouth
Example Word
命令: order. The Japanese verbal noun '命令 (めいれい)' means 'order' or 'command'. It is used to describe an authoritative directive given by someone in a position of authority, such as a boss, teacher, or military officer. This term is often used in formal or hierarchical contexts. For example: The boss gave an order「上司が命令を出した」(じょうしがめいれいをだした). The soldier followed the command「兵士は命令に従った」(へいしはめいれいにしたがった). It can also be used in legal or technical contexts, such as in programming, where it refers to a command given to a computer. For example: Execute the command「命令を実行しなさい」(めいれいをじっこうしなさい).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
203
Handwriting
kanji
苦Meaning
Suffer
Reading
kuru
にがniga
onyomiくku
Parts
艹Grass 古Old
Example Word
目茶苦茶: chaotic or absurd. The Japanese adjectival noun '目茶苦茶 (めちゃくちゃ)' is used to describe something that is extremely chaotic, disordered, or absurd. It can refer to physical states, situations, or even abstract concepts. For example: The room was in complete chaos「部屋は目茶苦茶だった」(へやはめちゃくちゃだった). His explanation was completely absurd「彼の説明は目茶苦茶だった」(かれのせつめいはめちゃくちゃだった). This word is often used in casual conversation and carries a strong emphasis on the extreme nature of the disorder or absurdity.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
230
Handwriting
kanji
東Meaning
East
Reading
higashi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 日Day, Sun
Example Word
東: east. The Japanese noun '東 (ひがし)' means 'east'. It refers to one of the four cardinal directions and is commonly used in geographical contexts, such as describing locations or directions. For example: The sun rises in the east「太陽は東から昇る」(たいようはひがしからのぼる). Kyoto is east of Osaka「京都は大阪の東にある」(きょうとはおおさかのひがしにある). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '東日本 (ひがしにほん)' meaning 'eastern Japan'.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
233
Handwriting
kanji
定Meaning
Determine
Reading
sada
onyomiじょうjou
ていtei
Parts
宀Roof 正Correct
Example Word
定食: set meal. The Japanese noun '定食 (ていしょく)' refers to a 'set meal' or 'meal set' commonly served in Japanese restaurants. It typically includes a main dish (such as fish, meat, or tofu), rice, miso soup, and a small side dish or pickles. This term is widely used in casual dining settings and is a convenient option for a balanced meal. For example: I ordered a grilled fish set meal「焼き魚の定食を注文しました」(やきさかのていしょくをちゅうもんしました). The lunch set meal comes with miso soup「ランチの定食には味噌汁が付きます」(ランチのていしょくにはみそしるがつきます). The word emphasizes the completeness and fixed nature of the meal, making it a popular choice for quick and satisfying dining.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
237
Handwriting
kanji
青Meaning
Blue
Reading
ao
onyomiしょうshou
せいsei
Parts
月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)
Example Word
青年: youth. The Japanese noun '青年 (せいねん)' refers to a 'youth' or 'young man', typically in the age range of late teens to early thirties. It is often used to describe someone in the prime of their youth, emphasizing their energy, potential, and the transitional phase of life. This term carries a slightly formal tone and is commonly used in literature, news, or formal discussions. For example: The youth is full of dreams「青年は夢でいっぱいだ」(せいねんはゆめでいっぱいだ). He is a promising young man「彼は有望な青年だ」(かれはゆうぼうなせいねんだ). Note that '青年' is gender-neutral in meaning but is often associated with males in practice.
Radical
青
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
238
Handwriting
kanji
供Meaning
Accompany, Offer
Reading
tomo
そなsona
onyomiくku
きょうkyou
Parts
亻Person (人)共Together
Example Word
供える: offer. The Japanese verb '供える (そなえる)' means 'to offer' or 'to present'. It is commonly used in the context of offering something, often in a religious or ceremonial setting, such as offering food, flowers, or other items to deities, spirits, or ancestors. For example: They offered flowers to the altar「彼らは祭壇に花を供えた」(かれらはさいだんにはなをそなえた). We offered rice to the gods「私たちは神々に米を供えた」(わたしたちはかみがみにこめをそなえた). The verb carries a respectful and formal tone, often implying a sense of reverence or ritual.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
239
Handwriting
kanji
表Meaning
Surface, Express
Reading
arawa
おもてomote
onyomiひょうhyou
Parts
𧘇Garment (衣)龶Life (生)
Example Word
表記: writing or notation. The Japanese noun '表記 (ひょうき)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'notation', referring to the system or method of representing something in written form, such as musical notation or mathematical notation. The second meaning is 'writing', which refers to the act or style of writing something down, such as the way a word is written in kanji, hiragana, or katakana. For example: The notation for this formula is complicated「この式の表記は複雑だ」(このしきのひょうきはふくざつだ). The writing of this word in kanji is difficult「この言葉の表記は難しい」(このことばのひょうきはむずかしい).
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
251
Handwriting
kanji
呼Meaning
Invite, Call
Reading
yo
onyomiこko
Parts
口Mouth 乎
Example Word
呼び掛ける: callout. The Japanese verb '呼び掛ける (よびかける)' primarily means 'to call out' or 'to appeal to someone'. It is often used when addressing a group of people or making a public appeal. This verb can also imply a sense of urgency or importance in the call. For example: The teacher called out to the students「先生は生徒に呼び掛けた」(せんせいはせいとによびかけた). The politician appealed to the citizens for support「政治家は市民に支援を呼び掛けた」(せいじかはしみんにしえんをよびかけた). The nuance of this verb often involves reaching out to others, whether for attention, help, or action.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
256
Handwriting
kanji
始Meaning
Begin
Reading
haji
onyomiしshi
Parts
女Woman 台Pedestal, Machine
Example Word
年始: new year. The Japanese noun '年始 (ねんし)' refers to the beginning of the new year, typically encompassing the first few days or weeks of January. It is often associated with traditional celebrations, greetings, and customs. For example: I will visit my relatives at the beginning of the year「年始に親戚を訪ねます」(ねんしにしんせきをたずねます). The company holds a meeting at the start of the year「会社は年始に会議を開きます」(かいしゃはねんしにかいぎをひらきます). This term is commonly used in formal contexts and is distinct from '正月 (しょうがつ)', which specifically refers to the New Year's holiday period.
Radical
女
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
267
Handwriting
kanji
使Meaning
Use
Reading
tsuka
onyomiしshi
Parts
亻Person (人)吏Officer, Official
Example Word
使う: use. The Japanese verb '使う (つかう)' means 'to use'. It is a common verb that describes the action of utilizing something for a purpose. It can be applied to objects, tools, money, time, or even abstract concepts like methods or strategies. For example: I use a pen to write「ペンを使って書く」(ペンをつかってかく). She uses her time wisely「彼女は時間を上手に使う」(かのじょはじかんをじょうずにつかう). The verb can also imply the act of spending or consuming, such as in 'お金を使う (おかねをつかう) (to spend money)'. It is important to note that '使う' is often used in combination with other verbs to express the means or method of doing something, as in '使ってみる (つかってみる) (to try using)'.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
271
Handwriting
kanji
京Meaning
Capital
Reading
miyako
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
亠Lid 口Mouth 小Small
Example Word
京: Kyoto. The Japanese proper noun '京 (きょう)' primarily refers to Kyoto, a city in Japan known for its historical and cultural significance. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years before the capital moved to Tokyo. The term can also be used in historical contexts or literary works to evoke the image of Kyoto. Example sentences: I visited Kyoto last year「去年、京を訪れました」(きょねん、きょうをおとずれました). Kyoto is famous for its temples「京はお寺で有名です」(きょうはおてらでゆうめいです).
Radical
亠
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
275
Handwriting