Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Stroke Count
8 Strokes
kanji
依Meaning
Reliant, Depend on
Reading
yo
onyomiえe
いi
Parts
亻Person (人)衣Clothes
Example Word
依存: dependence. The Japanese noun '依存 (いぞん)' means 'dependence'. It refers to a state of relying on or being controlled by something or someone else. This term is often used in contexts such as addiction, reliance on substances, or emotional dependence. For example: He has a dependence on alcohol「彼はアルコールに依存している」(かれはアルコールにいぞんしている). The country's dependence on foreign oil is increasing「その国の外国産石油への依存が増えている」(そのくにのがいこくさんせきゆへのいぞんがふえている). It can also be used in psychological or social contexts to describe reliance on others for emotional support or decision-making.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
896
Handwriting
kanji
迫Meaning
Urge, Press
Reading
sema
onyomiはくhaku
Parts
辶Walk 白White
Example Word
迫る: press or approach. The Japanese verb '迫る (せまる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to approach,' often used to describe something coming closer in time, space, or situation. For example: The deadline is approaching「締め切りが迫っている」(しめきりがせまっている). The second meaning is 'to press' or 'to urge,' often used in contexts where someone is being pressured or compelled to act. For example: He pressed me for an answer「彼は私に答えを迫った」(かれはわたしにこたえをせまった). The verb can also imply a sense of urgency or inevitability, depending on the context.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
926
Handwriting
kanji
邪Meaning
Wicked
Reading
yokoshi
onyomiじゃja
Parts
牙Fang, Tusk ⻏Mound (阜)
Example Word
風邪薬: cold medicine. The Japanese noun '風邪薬 (かぜぐすり)' refers to 'cold medicine'. This term is used to describe medication specifically designed to treat symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, cough, and sore throat. It is commonly found in pharmacies and is a staple in Japanese households, especially during the colder months. Example sentences: I bought cold medicine at the pharmacy「薬局で風邪薬を買いました」(やっきょくでかぜぐすりをかいました). Take this cold medicine before bed「寝る前にこの風邪薬を飲んでください」(ねるまえにこのかぜぐすりをのんでください).
Radical
邑
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
928
Handwriting
kanji
泊Meaning
Overnight, Stay overnight
Reading
to
onyomiはくhaku
Parts
氵Water (水)白White
Example Word
泊める: accommodate. The Japanese verb '泊める (とめる)' means 'to accommodate' or 'to let someone stay overnight'. It is commonly used when referring to providing lodging or a place to stay for someone, such as in a home, hotel, or inn. For example: I will accommodate my friend at my house「友達を家に泊める」(ともだちをいえにとめる). This hotel accommodates many guests「このホテルは多くの客を泊める」(このホテルはおおくのきゃくをとめる). The verb can also imply a temporary stay, often for a night or a short period. It is important to note that '泊める' is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object (the person being accommodated).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
936
Handwriting
kanji
宜Meaning
Right, Best regards
Reading
yoro
onyomiぎgi
Parts
宀Roof 且Moreover, Also
Example Word
宜しく: properly. The Japanese adverb '宜しく (よろしく)' is a versatile word often used to convey a sense of proper handling, goodwill, or politeness. It can be used in various contexts, such as when asking someone to take care of something, expressing gratitude, or setting the tone for a relationship. For example: please take care of me「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). Please treat me well「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or semi-formal situations, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
937
Handwriting
kanji
油Meaning
Oil
Reading
abura
onyomiゆyu
Parts
氵Water (水)由Reason
Example Word
油: oil. The Japanese noun '油 (あぶら)' means 'oil'. This word is used to refer to various types of oil, including cooking oil, machine oil, or even oil in a metaphorical sense. It is a common word in everyday life and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: I use olive oil for cooking「オリーブ油を使って料理します」(おりーぶあぶらをつかってりょうりします). The machine needs oil「機械に油が必要です」(きかいにあぶらがひつようです). Additionally, '油' can be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '油を売る (あぶらをうる)', which means 'to dawdle' or 'to waste time'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
944
Handwriting
kanji
拠Meaning
Basis, Based on
Reading
yo
onyomiこko
きょkyo
Parts
扌Hand (手)処Deal with
Example Word
拠る: base or rely. The Japanese verb '拠る (よる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to base' or 'to be based on,' indicating that something is founded or established on a particular source or principle. For example: This theory is based on solid evidence「この理論は確かな証拠に拠る」(このりろんはたしかなしょうこによる). The second meaning is 'to rely' or 'to depend on,' suggesting that something or someone is dependent on another for support or existence. For example: We rely on your help「私たちはあなたの助けに拠る」(わたしたちはあなたのたすけによる). The verb is often used in formal or written contexts and can be combined with nouns to form compound expressions, such as '根拠 (こんきょ) (basis)' or '依拠 (いきょ) (reliance).'
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
946
Handwriting
kanji
姓Meaning
Surname, Family name
Reading
shou
せいsei
Parts
生Life 女Woman
Example Word
同姓: same surname. The Japanese noun '同姓 (どうせい)' refers to having the same surname or family name. It is often used in contexts where people share the same last name, whether by coincidence or through marriage. For example: They have the same surname「彼らは同姓です」(かれらはどうせいです). In Japan, it is common for married couples to share the same surname, so this term is relevant in discussions about family or legal matters. Another example: Many people in this village have the same surname「この村の多くの人が同姓です」(このむらのおおくのひとがどうせいです).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
949
Handwriting
kanji
侍Meaning
Attend to, Samurai
Reading
samurai
onyomiじji
Parts
亻Person (人)寺Temple
Example Word
侍: samurai. The Japanese noun '侍 (さむらい)' refers to a 'samurai', a member of the warrior class in feudal Japan. Samurai were known for their strict code of honor, discipline, and martial skills. The term is often associated with loyalty, bravery, and the bushido (the way of the warrior). Example sentences: The samurai fought bravely「侍は勇敢に戦った」(さむらいはゆうかんにたたかった). He is a descendant of a samurai family「彼は侍の家系の子孫です」(かれはさむらいのかけいのしそんです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who embodies the qualities of a samurai, such as honor and discipline.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
961
Handwriting
kanji
泥Meaning
Mud, Adhere to
Reading
doro
onyomiでいdei
Parts
氵Water (水)尼Nun, Priestess
Example Word
泥: mud. The Japanese noun '泥 (どろ)' refers to 'mud', which is a mixture of water and soil or dirt. It is commonly used to describe wet, soft earth, often found after rain or near bodies of water. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something messy or dirty. Example sentences: The car got stuck in the mud「車が泥にはまった」(くるまがどろにはまった). His shoes were covered in mud「彼の靴は泥だらけだった」(かれのくつはどろだらけだった). Additionally, '泥' can appear in compound words, such as '泥棒 (どろぼう)', meaning 'thief', where it metaphorically implies someone who 'drags through the mud'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
985
Handwriting
kanji
宝Meaning
Treasure
Reading
takara
onyomiほうhou
Parts
宀Roof 玉Ball, Jewel
Example Word
宝石: gem. The Japanese noun '宝石 (ほうせき)' means 'gem' or 'jewel'. It refers to precious or semi-precious stones that are often used in jewelry or as decorative items. This word is commonly used in contexts related to luxury, beauty, and value. For example: She loves wearing gems「彼女は宝石を身につけるのが好きです」(かのじょはほうせきをみにつけるのがすきです). This necklace has a beautiful gem「このネックレスには美しい宝石がついています」(このネックレスにはうつくしいほうせきがついています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as precious or valuable.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1018
Handwriting
kanji
延Meaning
Prolong
Reading
no
onyomiえんen
Parts
廴 正Correct
Example Word
延期: postponement. The Japanese verbal noun '延期 (えんき)' means 'postponement'. It refers to the act of delaying or rescheduling an event, meeting, or deadline to a later time. This term is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, academics, or public events. For example: The meeting was postponed「会議は延期されました」(かいぎはえんきされました). Due to the weather, the game has been postponed「天候のため、試合は延期されました」(てんこうのため、しあいはえんきされました). Note that '延期' is often used with verbs like する (to do) or される (to be done) to indicate the action of postponing.
Radical
廴
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1034
Handwriting
kanji
併Meaning
Join, Put together
Reading
awa
onyomiへいhei
Parts
亻Person (人)并
Example Word
合併: merger. The Japanese noun '合併 (がっぺい)' refers to the act of combining or merging two or more entities into one. This term is commonly used in business contexts to describe the merger of companies, but it can also apply to other types of organizations or even abstract concepts. For example: The merger of the two companies was successful「二つの会社の合併は成功した」(ふたつのかいしゃのがっぺいはせいこうした). The merger of the two towns created a larger city「二つの町の合併で大きな市ができた」(ふたつのまちのがっぺいでおおきないちができた). It's important to note that '合併' implies a formal and often legal process of unification.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1043
Handwriting
kanji
拝Meaning
Worship
Reading
oga
onyomiはいhai
Parts
扌Hand (手)一One 丰
Example Word
拝見: see. The Japanese verbal noun '拝見 (はいけん)' is a humble expression meaning 'to see' or 'to look at'. It is used to show respect or humility when referring to the act of seeing something, especially when the subject is something belonging to someone of higher status or when the speaker wants to be polite. For example: I will take a look at the document「書類を拝見します」(しょるいをはいけんします). May I see your work?「あなたの作品を拝見してもいいですか?」(あなたのさくひんをはいけんしてもいいですか?). This term is often used in formal or business settings to convey politeness and respect.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1051
Handwriting
kanji
版Meaning
Printing block, Edition
Reading
han
Parts
片Fragment, One sided 反Anti
Example Word
出版: publish. The Japanese verbal noun '出版 (しゅっぱん)' means 'publish'. It refers to the act of producing and distributing written or printed material, such as books, magazines, or newspapers, for public consumption. This term is commonly used in contexts related to the publishing industry. For example: The book will be published next month「その本は来月出版されます」(そのほんはらいげつしゅっぱんされます). He works in publishing「彼は出版業界で働いています」(かれはしゅっぱんぎょうかいではたらいています). The nuance of '出版' emphasizes the formal process of making content available to the public, often through established channels like publishers or media companies.
Radical
片
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1084
Handwriting
kanji
乳Meaning
Breasts, Milk
Reading
chi
ちちchichi
onyomiにゅうnyuu
Parts
孚 乚
Example Word
牛乳: milk. The Japanese noun '牛乳 (ぎゅうにゅう)' refers specifically to cow's milk. It is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as when buying milk at the store or drinking it. For example: I drink milk every morning「毎朝牛乳を飲みます」(まいあさぎゅうにゅうをのみます). This milk is delicious「この牛乳は美味しいです」(このぎゅうにゅうはおいしいです). It is important to note that '牛乳' specifically refers to cow's milk and not other types of milk, such as soy milk or almond milk, which have different names in Japanese.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1089
Handwriting
kanji
垂Meaning
Hang down
Reading
ta
onyomiす いsui
Parts
土Soil
Example Word
垂直: vertical. The Japanese adjectival noun '垂直 (すいちょく)' means 'vertical'. It is used to describe something that is perpendicular to the horizon or at a right angle to a horizontal plane. This term is commonly used in contexts such as geometry, architecture, and everyday descriptions. For example: the wall is vertical「壁は垂直です」(かべはすいちょくです). The tower stands vertically「塔は垂直に立っている」(とうはすいちょくにたっている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is straightforward or direct, though this usage is less common.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1115
Handwriting
kanji
枕Meaning
Pillow
Reading
makura
onyomiしんshin
Parts
木Tree, Wood 冘
Example Word
枕: pillow. The Japanese noun '枕 (まくら)' refers to a 'pillow', which is a cushion used to support the head while sleeping. It is a common household item and is essential for comfort during rest. The word can also be used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions, such as '枕を高くして寝る (まくらをたかくしてねる)', which means 'to sleep soundly without worries'. Example sentences: I bought a new pillow「新しい枕を買いました」(あたらしいまくらをかいました). This pillow is very soft「この枕はとても柔らかいです」(このまくらはとてもやわらかいです).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1117
Handwriting
kanji
卓Meaning
Eminent
Reading
taku
Parts
早Early, Fast 卜Divination
Example Word
食卓: dining table. The Japanese noun '食卓 (しょくたく)' refers to a 'dining table', the piece of furniture where meals are eaten. It is commonly used in contexts related to family meals, dining settings, or household furniture. For example: We gather around the dining table every evening「毎晩、食卓を囲みます」(まいばん、しょくたくをかこみま す). The dining table is set for dinner「食卓には夕食が並んでいます」(しょくたくにはゆうしょくがならんでいます). This word emphasizes the communal aspect of eating together, often highlighting family or social gatherings.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1118
Radical Form
龺
Handwriting
kanji
免Meaning
Excuse, Exempt
Reading
manuka
onyomiめんmen
Parts
⺈Wrap 儿Legs
Example Word
免疫: immunity. The Japanese noun '免疫 (めんえき)' means 'immunity'. It refers to the biological defense mechanism of an organism against diseases or infections. This term is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts. For example: he has strong immunity「彼は免疫が強い」(かれはめんえきがつよい). Vaccines help build immunity「ワクチンは免疫を作るのに役立つ」(ワクチンはめんえきをつくるのにやくだつ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe resistance to non-biological influences, such as stress or criticism, though this usage is less common.
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1120
Handwriting
kanji
邸Meaning
Residence
Reading
yashiki
onyomiていtei
Parts
氐 ⻏Mound (阜)
Example Word
邸: residence. The Japanese suffix '邸 (てい)' is used to denote a residence or mansion, often implying a certain level of grandeur or formality. It is commonly attached to family names to refer to someone's home in a respectful manner. For example: Mr. Tanaka's residence「田中邸」(たなかてい). The mansion of the wealthy family「裕福な家族の邸」(ゆうふくなかぞくのてい). This suffix is typically used in formal contexts and can be found in addresses or when referring to the homes of notable individuals.
Radical
邑
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1134
Handwriting
kanji
届Meaning
Report, Deliver
Reading
todo
Parts
尸Corpse 由Reason
Example Word
届け: delivery. The Japanese noun '届け (とどける)' refers to the act of delivering or submitting something, often used in contexts like delivering a package or submitting a formal document. It can also imply the completion of a delivery process. For example: I received the delivery「届けを受け取りました」(とどけをうけとりました). Please submit the application form「申請書を届けてください」(しんせいしょをとどけてください). This word is commonly used in both everyday and formal situations, emphasizing the action of bringing something to its intended recipient or destination.
Radical
尸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1154
Handwriting
kanji
抵Meaning
Resist, Match
Reading
tei
Parts
扌Hand (手)氐
Example Word
抵抗: resistance. The Japanese verbal noun '抵抗 (ていこう)' primarily means 'resistance'. It can refer to physical resistance, such as opposing a force or pressure, or metaphorical resistance, such as opposing an idea, authority, or change. For example: He showed resistance to the new policy「彼は新しい方針に抵抗した」(かれはあたらしいほうしんにていこうした). The material has high resistance to heat「その材料は熱に強い抵抗がある」(そのざいりょうはねつにつよいていこうがある). In some contexts, it can also imply reluctance or hesitation, as in 'I felt resistance to the idea'「その考えに抵抗を感じた」(そのかんがえにていこうをかんじた).
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1160
Handwriting
kanji
卒Meaning
Graduate
Reading
sotsu
Parts
十Ten 人Person
Example Word
卒業: graduation. The Japanese verbal noun '卒業 (そつぎょう)' means 'graduation'. It refers to the act of completing a course of study, typically from a school or university. This word is commonly used in contexts related to education, such as graduating from high school or university. For example: I graduated from university last year「私は去年大学を卒業しました」(わたしはきょねんだいがくをそつぎょうしました). She will graduate from high school next spring「彼女は来春高校を卒業します」(かのじょはらいしゅんこうこうをそつぎょうします). Additionally, '卒業' can sometimes be used metaphorically to indicate moving on from a phase or stage in life, such as '卒業する' meaning 'to graduate from' a particular habit or mindset.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1191
Handwriting
kanji
祈Meaning
Pray
Reading
ino
onyomiきki
Parts
礻Cult (示)斤Axe, Catty
Example Word
祈り: prayer. The Japanese noun '祈り (いのり)' means 'prayer'. It refers to the act of praying or a prayer itself, often in a religious or spiritual context. This word can be used to describe both the action of praying and the content of the prayer. For example: She offered a prayer for peace「彼女は平和を祈りました」(かのじょはへいわをいのりました). His prayer was answered「彼の祈りが叶いました」(かれのいのりがかないました). The word can also be used metaphorically to express a strong wish or hope, as in '祈りのような願い (いのりの ようなねがい) (a wish like a prayer)'.
Radical
示
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1205
Handwriting
kanji
招Meaning
Invite
Reading
mane
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
扌Hand (手)召Seduce, Summon
Example Word
招待: invitation. The Japanese verbal noun '招待 (しょうたい)' means 'invitation'. It refers to the act of inviting someone to an event, gathering, or occasion. This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, such as inviting someone to a party, meeting, or ceremony. For example: I received an invitation to the wedding「結婚式の招待を受けた」(けっこんしきのしょうたいをうけた). Please send an invitation to the guests「ゲストに招待状を送ってください」(ゲストにしょうたいじ ょうをおくってください). Note that '招待' can also be used as a verb in its stem form, such as '招待する (しょうたいする)', meaning 'to invite'.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
1209
Handwriting
kanji
典Meaning
Code, Rule
Reading
ten
Parts
八Eight
Example Word
古典: classic. The Japanese noun '古典 (こてん)' refers to something that is considered a classic, often in the context of literature, art, or music. It can denote works that have stood the test of time and are regarded as having significant historical or cultural value. For example: I enjoy reading classics「私は古典を読むのが好きです」(わたしはこてんをよむのがすきです). This museum has a collection of classical art「この美術館は古典美術のコレクションがあります」(このびじゅつかんはこてんびじゅつのコレクションがあります). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to traditional or ancient things in various fields.
Radical
八
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
1237
Handwriting