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
依然: still or unchanged. The Japanese adverb '依然 (いぜん)' means 'still' or 'unchanged'. It is used to indicate that a situation or condition remains the same as before, often implying a lack of progress or change. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts. For example: The problem is still unresolved「問題は依然として解決されていない」(もんだいはいぜんとしてかいけつされていない). The situation remains unchanged「状況は依然として変わらない」(じょうきょうはいぜんとしてかわらない). Note that '依然' is often paired with particles like 'として' to emphasize the continuity of a state.
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
無邪気: innocent. The Japanese adjectival noun '無邪気 (むじゃき)' means 'innocent' and is used to describe someone who is pure, naive, or free from malice. It often conveys a sense of childlike simplicity or lack of guile. For example: She has an innocent smile「彼女は無邪気な笑顔をしている」(かのじょはむじゃきなえがおをしている). Children are naturally innocent「子供は無邪気だ」(こどもはむじゃきだ). This word is commonly used to describe behavior, expressions, or attitudes that are free from deceit or ulterior motives.
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: nights. The Japanese suffix '泊 (はく)' is used to indicate the number of nights spent somewhere, particularly in the context of lodging or staying overnight. It is commonly used in phrases related to travel, accommodations, or trips. For example: a two-night stay「二泊」(にはく). We stayed for three nights「三泊しました」(さんぱくしました). This suffix is often paired with numbers to specify the duration of a stay, such as in hotel bookings or travel itineraries. It is important to note that '泊' is a counter and is typically used in formal or written contexts.
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
宜しい: fine. The Japanese adjective '宜しい (よろしい)' means 'fine' or 'acceptable'. It is a polite and formal way to express that something is suitable, appropriate, or agreeable. This word is often used in formal situations, such as business settings or when speaking to someone of higher status. For example: Is this time fine?「この時間で宜しいです か?」(このじかんでよろしいですか?). It is also commonly used to give permission or approval, as in: It's fine to leave now「今出発して宜しいです」(いましゅっぱつしてよろしいです). Note that '宜しい' is more formal than 'いい (ii)', which also means 'good' or 'fine'.
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
石油: oil. The Japanese noun '石油 (せきゆ)' refers to 'oil', specifically petroleum or crude oil. It is commonly used in contexts related to energy, fuel, and industrial applications. For example: This country imports a lot of oil「この国は石 油をたくさん輸入する」(このくにはせきゆをたくさんゆにゅうする). Oil is an important resource「石油は重要な資源だ」(せきゆはじゅうようなしげんだ). The word is often associated with discussions about energy production, environmental issues, and global markets.
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
証拠: evidence. The Japanese noun '証拠 (しょうこ)' means 'evidence'. It refers to information, objects, or facts that are used to prove or disprove something, often in legal, scientific, or investigative contexts. For example: The police found evidence「警察は証拠を見つけた」(けいさつはしょうこをみつけた). This document is important evidence「この書類は重要な証拠です」(このしょるいはじゅうようなしょうこです). The word is commonly used in formal or serious situations, such as court cases or academic discussions. It can also be used metaphorically to describe proof of abstract concepts, like trust or intentions.
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
姓: surname. The Japanese noun '姓 (せい)' refers to a person's surname or family name. It is used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official records, or when addressing someone respectfully. For example: What is your surname?「あなたの姓は何ですか?」(あなたのせいなんですか). His surname is Tanaka「彼の姓は田中です」(かれのせいはたなかです). The word '姓' is often paired with '名 (めい)', which means 'given name', to refer to a person's full name, as in '姓名 (せいめい)'. This term is more formal than the casual word for surname, '名字 (みょうじ)'.
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
延びる: stretch or postpone. The Japanese verb '延びる (のびる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to stretch', which refers to something physically extending in length or time. For example: the rubber band stretches「ゴムが延びる」(ゴムがのびる). The second meaning is 'to postpone', indicating a delay or extension of time. For example: the meeting was postponed「会議が延びた」(かいぎがのびた). The verb is often used in contexts involving time, deadlines, or physical extension. Note that the kanji 延 can also imply a sense of prolongation or delay, which is reflected in its usage.
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
出版社: publisher. The Japanese noun '出版社 (しゅっぱんしゃ)' refers to a 'publisher', specifically a company or organization that publishes books, magazines, or other written materials. It is commonly used in contexts related to the publishing industry. For example: This book was published by a famous publisher「この本は有名な出版社から出版されました」(このほんはゆうめいなしゅっぱんしゃからしゅっぱんされました). She works at a publishing company「彼女は出版社で働いています」(かのじょはしゅっぱんしゃではたらいています). The word is often used in professional or formal settings when discussing the production and distribution of written works.
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
乳: milk or breast. The Japanese noun '乳 (ちち)' can mean 'milk' or 'breast', depending on the context. When referring to 'milk', it is often used in a general sense, such as cow's milk or breast milk. For example: I drink milk every morning「私は毎朝乳を飲みます」(わたしはまいあさちちをのみます). When referring to 'breast', it is typically used in a biological or medical context. For example: The baby is feeding from the mother's breast「赤ちゃんが母親の乳を飲んでいます」(あかちゃんがははおやのちちをのんでいます). It's important to note that '乳 (ちち)' is a somewhat formal or literary term, and in everyday conversation, '牛乳 (ぎゅうにゅう)' is more commonly used for 'cow's milk', and 'おっぱい' is a more casual term for 'breast'.
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
免れる: escape. The Japanese verb '免れる (まぬがれる)' means 'to escape' or 'to avoid' something undesirable, such as danger, punishment, or an unfortunate situation. It implies narrowly avoiding something negative. For example: He escaped the accident「彼は事故を免れた」(かれはじこをまぬがれた). She avoided punishment「彼女は罰を免れた」(かのじょはばつをまぬがれた). This verb is often used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuance of relief or luck in avoiding the negative outcome.
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
届く: reach. The Japanese verb '届く (とどく)' means 'to reach' or 'to arrive'. It is commonly used to describe something physically reaching a destination, such as a package or letter. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something like a sound or message reaching someone. For example: The package reached my house「荷物が家に届いた」(にもつがいえにとどいた). My voice didn't reach her「私の声は彼女に届かなかった」(わたしのこえはかのじょにとどかなかった). Additionally, it can imply that something is within reach or achievable, as in 'The goal is within reach'「目標が届くところにある」(もくひょうがとどくところにある).
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
招く: cause or invite. The Japanese verb '招く (まねく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to invite,' which refers to asking someone to come to a place or event. For example: I invited my friend to the party「友達をパーティーに招いた」(ともだちをぱーてぃーにまねいた). The second meaning is 'to cause,' often implying the unintentional or indirect result of an action. For example: His actions caused trouble「彼の行動は問題を招いた」(かれのこうどうはもんだいをまねいた). The verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and its meaning depends on the situation. When used as 'invite,' it often involves hospitality or social gatherings, while 'cause' is more abstract and can refer to outcomes, consequences, or events.
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
kanji
効Meaning
Effective
Reading
ki
onyomiこうkou
Parts
交Mix 力Power
Example Word
効果: effect. The Japanese noun '効果 (こうか)' means 'effect'. It refers to the result or impact of an action, event, or condition. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as medicine, science, and everyday situations, to describe the outcome or influence of something. For example: The medicine had a good effect「薬は良い効果があった」(くすりはよいこうかがあった). The sound effects in the movie were impressive「映画の音響効果は印象的だった」(えいがのおんきょうこうかはいんしょうてきだった). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the effect of a policy or strategy.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1259
Handwriting
kanji
牧Meaning
Breed, Pasture
Reading
maki
onyomiぼくboku
Parts
牜 攵Strike
Example Word
牧場: pasture or ranch. The Japanese noun '牧場 (ぼくじょう)' refers to a place where livestock such as cows, horses, or sheep are raised. It can mean both a 'ranch' (a large farm for raising animals) and a 'pasture' (a field where animals graze). This word is commonly used in rural or agricultural contexts. Example sentences: I visited a ranch「牧場を訪れました」(ぼくじょうをおとずれました). The cows are grazing in the pasture「牛が牧場で草を食べています」(うしがぼくじょうでくさをたべています). The distinction between 'ranch' and 'pasture' depends on the context, but both meanings are closely related to animal husbandry.
Radical
牛
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
1263
Handwriting
kanji
虎Meaning
Tiger
Reading
tora
onyomiこko
Parts
虍 儿Legs
Example Word
虎: tiger. The Japanese noun '虎 (とら)' refers to a 'tiger', the large carnivorous feline animal. This word is used to describe the animal itself, often in contexts related to wildlife, zoos, or symbolic representations. Tigers are also culturally significant in Japan, often symbolizing strength and courage. Example sentences: The tiger is strong「虎は強い」(とらはつよい). I saw a tiger at the zoo「動物園で虎を見た」(どうぶつえんでとらをみた). In Japanese folklore and art, tigers are frequently depicted as powerful and majestic creatures.
Radical
虍
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1325
Handwriting
kanji
季Meaning
Season
Reading
ki
Parts
子Child 禾Cereal
Example Word
季節: season. The Japanese noun '季節 (きせつ)' refers to 'season', specifically one of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). It is used to describe the natural changes and characteristics associated with each period. For example: I love the autumn season「秋の季節が大好きです」(あきのきせつがだいすきです). The cherry blossoms are a symbol of the spring season「桜は春の季節の象徴です」(さくらははるのきせつのしょうちょうです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, poetry, and literature to evoke the beauty and atmosphere of each season.
Radical
子
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1341
Handwriting
kanji
宙Meaning
Midair
Reading
chuu
Parts
宀Roof 由Reason
Example Word
宇宙: universe. The Japanese noun '宇宙 (うちゅう)' means 'universe'. It refers to the entirety of space, including all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. This word is often used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe the vast expanse of the cosmos. For example: the universe is infinite「宇宙は無限だ」(うちゅうはむげんだ). I want to explore the universe「宇宙を探検したい」(うちゅうをたんけんしたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something vast or boundless, such as 'a universe of possibilities'.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1347
Handwriting
kanji
協Meaning
Cooperate
Reading
kyou
Parts
十Ten 劦
Example Word
協定: agreement. The Japanese noun '協定 (きょうてい)' refers to a formal agreement or pact between parties, often used in legal, political, or business contexts. It implies a mutual understanding or arrangement that has been officially established. For example: The two countries signed a trade agreement「両国は貿易協定に調印した」(りょうこくはぼうえききょうていにちょういんした). The company reached an agreement with the union「会社は労働組合と協定を結んだ」(かいしゃはろうどうくみあいときょうていをむ すんだ). This term is commonly used in formal settings and emphasizes the binding nature of the agreement.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1354
Handwriting
kanji
拘Meaning
Arrest
Reading
kaka
onyomiこうkou
Parts
扌Hand (手)句Phrase, Paragraph
Example Word
拘束: restraint or detention. The Japanese noun '拘束 (こうそく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'restraint', referring to the act of limiting or controlling someone or something. The second is 'detention', referring to the act of holding someone in custody, often by legal authorities. For example: The police imposed restraint on the suspect「警察は容疑者に拘束を加えた」(けいさつはようぎしゃにこうそくをくわえた). The suspect is under detention「容疑者は拘束されている」(ようぎしゃはこうそくされている). The word is often used in legal or formal contexts and carries a serious tone.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1389
Handwriting
kanji
拡Meaning
Expand, Broaden
Reading
hiro
onyomiかくkaku
Parts
扌Hand (手)広Wide
Example Word
拡大: expansion or magnification. The Japanese verbal noun '拡大 (かくだい)' can mean either 'expansion' or 'magnification', depending on the context. When referring to 'expansion', it is often used in contexts like business growth, territorial expansion, or increasing the scope of something. For example: the expansion of the company「会社の拡大」(かいしゃのかくだい). When referring to 'magnification', it is used in contexts like enlarging images or objects, such as in photography or microscopy. For example: the magnification of the image「画像の拡大」(がぞうのかくだい). The word is versatile and can be applied to both physical and abstract concepts.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1396
Handwriting
kanji
委Meaning
Committee
Reading
yuda
onyomiいi
Parts
禾Cereal 女Woman
Example Word
委ねる: entrust. The Japanese verb '委ねる (ゆだねる)' means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone else'. It is used when you delegate a task, responsibility, or decision to another person, often implying trust or reliance on their judgment or ability. For example: I entrusted the project to him「そのプロジェクトを彼に委ねた」(そのプロジェクトをかれにゆだねた). She left the decision to her manager「その決定をマネージャーに委ねた」(そのけっていをマネージャーにゆだねた). The verb can also carry a nuance of surrendering or yielding control, as in 'to leave one's fate to the gods'「運命を神に委ねる」(うんめいをかみにゆだねる).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
1424
Handwriting
kanji
担Meaning
Bear, Carry
Reading
katsu
になnina
onyomiたんtan
Parts
扌Hand (手)旦Dawn
Example Word
担ぐ: carry or hoax. The Japanese verb '担ぐ (かつぐ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to carry on the shoulder', often used when someone is physically carrying something heavy, like a load or a person. For example: He carried the luggage on his shoulder「彼は荷物を担いだ」(かれはにもつをかついだ). The second meaning is 'to hoax' or 'to trick someone', often used in a playful or deceptive context. For example: They hoaxed him into believing a fake story「彼らは彼を担いで偽の話を信じさせた」(かれらはかれをかついでにせのはなしをしんじさせた). These two meanings are unrelated, so both are included.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1433
Handwriting
kanji
拍Meaning
Clap, Beat
Reading
haku
ひょうhyou
Parts
扌Hand (手)白White
Example Word
拍手: clap. The Japanese verbal noun '拍手 (はくしゅ)' means 'clap' or 'applause'. It refers to the act of clapping one's hands together, often as a form of appreciation, approval, or celebration. This word is commonly used in contexts such as performances, speeches, or ceremonies. For example: let's give a round of applause「拍手をお願いします」(はくしゅをおねがいします). The audience clapped loudly「観客は大きな拍手を送りました」(かんきゃくはおおきなはくしゅをおくりました). It's important to note that '拍手' can also be used metaphorically to express approval or encouragement in a broader sense.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1446
Handwriting
kanji
昇Meaning
Ascend, Rise up
Reading
nobo
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
日Day, Sun 升Sho, Measuring box
Example Word
上昇: rise or ascent. The Japanese verbal noun '上昇 (じょうしょう)' primarily means 'rise' or 'ascent'. It is used to describe an upward movement or increase in level, status, or quantity. This word is often used in contexts such as economics, physics, or general descriptions of upward motion. For example: The balloon's rise was rapid「風船の上昇は速かった」(ふうせんのじょうしょうははやかった). The stock market experienced a sharp rise「株価が急激に上昇した」(かぶかがきゅうげきにじょうしょうした). Note that '上昇' can also be used metaphorically, such as in describing a person's rise in status or rank.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1470
Handwriting