word

Meaning

Steam train

Reading

Kanji

汽Steam 車Car

Explanation

The Japanese noun '汽車 (きしゃ)' refers to a 'steam train'. This word is often used to describe old-fashioned trains powered by steam engines, which were common in Japan during the early to mid-20th century. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and is frequently used in literature, songs, and historical contexts. For example: The steam train is coming「汽車が来る」(きしゃがくる). I saw a steam train at the museum「博物館で汽車を見た」(はくぶつかんできしゃをみた). Note that while modern trains are referred to as '電車 (でんしゃ)', '汽車' specifically refers to steam-powered trains.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6468

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Genius

Reading

Kanji

天Heaven 才Talent, Age

Explanation

The Japanese noun '天才 (てんさい)' refers to a person who possesses extraordinary intellectual or creative abilities, often described as a 'genius'. This term is used to highlight exceptional talent or brilliance in a specific field, such as art, science, or music. For example: he is a genius「彼は天才だ」(かれはてんさいだ). That child is a genius「あの子は天才だ」(あのこはてんさいだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something exceptionally well-made or innovative, though this usage is less common. It is important to note that '天才' carries a strong positive connotation and is often used to express admiration or awe.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6495

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Strengthen

Reading

Kanji

強Strong

Explanation

The Japanese verb '強める (つよめる)' means 'to strengthen' or 'to make stronger'. It is used to describe the act of increasing the intensity, power, or force of something. This verb can be applied to physical strength, emotional resolve, or even abstract concepts like arguments or policies. For example: We need to strengthen our team「私たちはチームを強める必要がある」(わたしたちはチームをつよめるひつようがある). The government is strengthening its policies「政府は政策を強めている」(せいふはせいさくをつよめている). Note that '強める' is often used in contexts where there is a deliberate effort to enhance or reinforce something.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6497

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Clerk

Reading

Kanji

書Write 記Record

Explanation

The Japanese noun '書記 (しょき)' refers to a clerk or secretary, someone who is responsible for recording or managing written documents and administrative tasks. This term is often used in formal or organizational contexts, such as in offices, government institutions, or associations. For example: He works as a clerk in the city office「彼は市役所で書記として働いています」(かれはしやくしょでしょきとしてはたらいています). The clerk prepared the meeting minutes「書記が会議の議事録を準備しました」(しょきがかいぎのぎじろくをじゅんびしました). Note that '書記' can also refer to a scribe or someone who writes down information, but this usage is less common in modern contexts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6522

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Reading

Reading

Kanji

読Read

Explanation

The Japanese noun '読み (よみ)' refers to the act or process of reading, or the way something is read. It can denote the pronunciation of a word or kanji, or the interpretation of a text. For example: the reading of this kanji is difficult「この漢字の読みは難しい」(このかんじのよみはむずかしい). I enjoy reading books「本を読むのが好きです」(ほんをよむのがすきです). The word can also be used in contexts like fortune-telling, where it refers to the interpretation of signs or omens, as in 'the reading of the cards was accurate'「カードの読みは正確だった」(カードのよみはせいかくだった).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6534

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Sale

Reading

Kanji

売Sell

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '売り (うり)' means 'sale' and is used to indicate the act of selling or something being sold. It is often attached to nouns to describe the type of sale or the item being sold. For example: book sale「本売り」(ほんうり). This suffix is commonly used in commercial contexts and can be found in words like '魚売り (さかなうり)' (fish seller) or '野菜売り (やさいうり)' (vegetable seller). It is important to note that '売り' can also imply the act of selling as a profession or trade. For instance: He is a fruit seller「彼は果物売りです」(かれはくだものうりです). The store specializes in flower sales「その店は花売りを専門にしています」(そのみせははなうりをせんもんにしています).

Part Of Speech

suffix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6536

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Power, Electricity

Reading

Kanji

電Electricity 力Power

Explanation

The Japanese noun '電力 (でんりょく)' primarily refers to 'electricity' or 'electric power'. It is commonly used in contexts related to energy, such as electricity generation, consumption, or supply. For example: The electricity supply was cut off「電力の供給が止まった」(でんりょくのきょうきゅうがとまった). We need to save electricity「電力の節約が必要だ」(でんりょくのせつやくがひつようだ). In some cases, it can also refer to 'power' in a broader sense, such as the capacity or ability to perform work, though this usage is less common.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6546

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Best friend

Reading

Kanji

親Parent 友Friend

Explanation

The Japanese noun '親友 (しんゆう)' means 'best friend'. It refers to a very close friend with whom one shares a deep bond of trust and affection. This term is often used to describe a lifelong friend or someone who is like family. For example: He is my best friend「彼は私の親友です」(かれはわたしのしんゆうです). We have been best friends since childhood「私たちは子供の頃から親友です」(わたしたちはこどものころからしんゆうです). The term emphasizes a strong, enduring friendship and is not used casually for acquaintances.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6558

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Force

Reading

Kanji

強Strong

Explanation

The Japanese verb '強いる (しいる)' means 'to force' or 'to compel'. It is used when someone is made to do something against their will or when a situation imposes a burden or obligation. This verb often carries a nuance of coercion or pressure. For example: He forced me to work overtime「彼は私に残業を強いた」(かれはわたしにざんぎょうをしいた). The circumstances forced her to make a difficult decision「状況が彼女に難しい決断を強いた」(じょうきょうがかのじょにむずかしいけつだんをしいた). Note that this verb is transitive and typically requires an object to indicate what is being forced.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6576

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Foreign

Reading

Kanji

外Outside 来Come

Explanation

The Japanese noun '外来 (がいらい)' primarily means 'foreign' or 'from outside'. It is often used in contexts related to things or concepts that originate from outside Japan or a specific system. For example, it is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to 'outpatient care' or 'external patients', as in '外来患者 (がいらいかんじゃ)' (outpatient). Another example is '外来語 (がいらいご)', which refers to 'loanwords' or words borrowed from foreign languages. Example sentences: This hospital has an outpatient department「この病院には外来がある」(このびょういんにはがいらいがある). Loanwords are common in Japanese「日本語には外来語が多い」(にほんごにはがいらいごがおおい).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6582

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Directions

Reading

Kanji

四Four 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese noun '四方 (しほう)' refers to the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. It is often used to describe the concept of all directions or the surrounding area. For example: He looked in all directions「彼は四方を見回した」(かれはしほうをみまわした). The wind blows from all directions「風が四方から吹く」(かぜがしほうからふく). This term can also be used metaphorically to indicate a comprehensive or all-encompassing view, as in 'considering all aspects'.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6586

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Battery

Reading

Kanji

電Electricity 池Pond

Explanation

The Japanese noun '電池 (でんち)' means 'battery'. It refers to a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy, commonly used to power electronic devices. This word is widely used in everyday contexts, such as discussing household items or electronics. For example: The battery is dead「電池が切れた」(でんちがきれた). I need to buy a new battery「新しい電池を買う必要がある」(あたらしいでんちをかうひつようがある). The word can also appear in compound terms, such as '乾電池 (かんでんち)' (dry cell battery) or '充電池 (じゅうでんち)' (rechargeable battery).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6601

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Minutes

Reading

Kanji

分Minute, Part 間Interval, Space

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '分間 (ぶんかん)' is used to indicate a duration of time in minutes. It is attached to a number to specify how many minutes something lasts or takes. For example: 10 minutes「10分間」(じゅっぷんかん). I waited for 30 minutes「30分間待った」(さんじゅっぷんかんまった). This suffix is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about time durations, such as in schedules, cooking times, or waiting periods.

Part Of Speech

suffix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6606

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

True form, Identity

Reading

Kanji

正Correct 体Body

Explanation

The Japanese noun '正体 (しょうたい)' refers to someone's true form or identity, often used in contexts where something or someone is not what they appear to be. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as revealing the true nature of a person, creature, or situation. For example: The monster revealed its true form「その怪物は正体を現した」(そのかいぶつはしょうたいをあらわした). I finally discovered his identity「彼の正体をついに突き止めた」(かれのしょうたいをついにつきとめた). This word is commonly used in mystery, fantasy, or dramatic contexts to emphasize the unveiling of hidden truths.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6642

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Night

Reading

Kanji

夜Night 間Interval, Space

Explanation

The Japanese noun '夜間 (やかん)' refers to the time period of 'night'. It is commonly used to describe activities, services, or events that occur during the nighttime. For example: The library is open at night「図書館は夜間開いています」(としょかんはやかんあいています). Nighttime security is important「夜間の警備は重要です」(やかんのけいびはじゅうようです). This word is often used in formal or specific contexts, such as '夜間営業 (やかんえいぎょう)' (nighttime business hours) or '夜間学校 (やかんがっこう)' (night school).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6676

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Own company

Reading

Kanji

自Self 社Company

Explanation

The Japanese noun '自社 (じしゃ)' refers to 'one's own company' or 'the company one belongs to'. It is commonly used in business contexts to distinguish one's own company from others, such as competitors or partners. For example: We will use our own company's products「自社の製品を使います」(じしゃのせいひんをつかいます). The decision was made by our own company「その決定は自社で行われました」(そのけっていはじしゃでおこなわれました). This term is often used in corporate discussions, marketing, and internal communications to emphasize actions or decisions made internally.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6685

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Climate

Reading

Kanji

風Wind, Style 土Soil

Explanation

The Japanese noun '風土 (ふうど)' refers to the natural environment and climate of a particular region, including its weather, geography, and how these factors influence the local culture and lifestyle. It is often used in discussions about regional characteristics or how the environment shapes traditions. For example: The climate of this region is unique「この地域の風土は独特だ」(このちいきのふうどはどくとくだ). The local culture is deeply connected to its climate「その土地の文化は風土と深く結びついている」(そのとちのぶんかはふうどとふかくむすびついている).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6689

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Subject

Reading

Kanji

科Section, Department 目Eye

Explanation

The Japanese noun '科目 (かもく)' refers to a 'subject' in the context of academic studies or a specific field of learning. It is commonly used in educational settings to describe different areas of study, such as mathematics, science, or history. For example: My favorite subject is math「私の好きな科目は数学です」(わたしのすきなかもくはすうがくです). This school offers many subjects「この学校は多くの科目を提供しています」(このがっこうはおおくのかもくをていきょうしています). The word can also be used in broader contexts to refer to categories or divisions within a system, such as in accounting or law.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6703

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Highway

Reading

Kanji

国Country 道Way

Explanation

The Japanese noun '国道 (こくどう)' refers to a 'national highway' or 'national road'. These are major roads in Japan that are maintained by the national government. They connect important cities and regions across the country. For example: This highway leads to Tokyo「この国道は東京に通じている」(このこくどうはとうきょうにつうじている). The national highway is very busy「国道はとても混んでいる」(こくどうはとてもこんでいる). It's important to note that '国道' specifically refers to roads that are part of the national highway system, as opposed to local or prefectural roads.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6705

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Rear, Back

Reading

Kanji

後After, Behind 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese noun '後方 (こうほう)' refers to the rear or back part of something. It is often used to describe a position or direction that is behind or at the back of a specific reference point. This word is commonly used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: the enemy is approaching from the rear「敵が後方から接近している」(てきがこうほうからせっきんしている). Please move to the back of the room「部屋の後方に移動してください」(へやのこうほうにいどうしてください). Note that '後方' can also be used in military or strategic contexts to describe positions or movements.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6721

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Sunlight

Reading

Kanji

日Day, Sun 光Light

Explanation

The Japanese noun '日光 (にっこう)' primarily means 'sunlight'. It refers to the light that comes from the sun, often emphasizing its brightness or warmth. This word is commonly used in contexts related to nature, weather, or describing the atmosphere created by sunlight. For example: The sunlight is warm「日光が暖かい」(にっこうがあたたかい). The room is filled with sunlight「部屋に日光が差し込んでいる」(へやににっこうがさしこんでいる). Additionally, '日光' can also refer to the famous city 'Nikko' in Japan, known for its historical temples and natural beauty, but this usage is context-dependent and less common in everyday conversation.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6728

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Picture book

Reading

Kanji

絵Picture 本Book, Origin

Explanation

The Japanese noun '絵本 (えほん)' refers to a 'picture book', which is a book that combines illustrations and text, often aimed at children. These books are widely used for storytelling and early education in Japan. Example sentences: I bought a picture book for my niece「姪のために絵本を買いました」(めいのためにえほんをかいました). This picture book is very popular among children「この絵本は子供たちにとても人気です」(このえほんはこどもたちにとてもにんきです). The word is commonly used in contexts involving children's literature, education, and storytelling.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6768

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Half

Reading

Kanji

半Half 数Number

Explanation

The Japanese noun '半数 (はんすう)' means 'half' in the sense of a numerical or proportional division. It is often used to refer to half of a group, quantity, or percentage. For example: half of the participants agreed「半数の参加者が賛成した」(はんすうのさんかしゃがさんせいした). The company lost half of its employees「会社は半数の従業員を失った」(かいしゃははんすうのじゅうぎょういんをうしなった). This word is commonly used in formal or statistical contexts to describe a division into two equal parts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6777

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Every time

Reading

Kanji

毎Every 回Revolve, Times

Explanation

The Japanese noun '毎回 (まいかい)' means 'every time' or 'each time'. It is used to indicate that something happens on every occasion or instance. This word is often used in contexts where an action or event is repeated consistently. For example: He is late every time「彼は毎回遅れる」(かれはまいかいおくれる). I learn something new every time「毎回新しいことを学ぶ」(まいかいあたらしいことをまなぶ). The word can be used in both formal and informal settings, and it is commonly seen in both spoken and written Japanese.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6851

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Mutual

Reading

Kanji

合Fit, Match

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '合い (あい)' is used to indicate mutual or reciprocal action between two or more parties. It is often attached to verbs to form nouns that describe a shared or joint activity. For example: helping each other「助け合い」(たすけあい), or mutual understanding「分かり合い」(わかりあい). This suffix emphasizes the idea of interaction or cooperation between individuals. Another example: love between two people「愛し合い」(あいしあい). It is important to note that '合い' is not used independently but always as a suffix to modify verbs into nouns.

Part Of Speech

suffix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6853

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Fit, Apply

Reading

Kanji

当Hit, Appropriate

Explanation

The Japanese verb '当てはまる (あてはまる)' means 'to apply' or 'to fit'. It is used to describe a situation where something corresponds to or matches a certain condition, rule, or description. For example: This rule applies to everyone「このルールは全員に当てはまる」(このルールはぜんいんにあてはまる). The description fits him perfectly「その説明は彼にぴったり当てはまる」(そのせつめいはかれにぴったりあてはまる). The verb is often used in contexts where a general rule or condition is being applied to a specific case or individual.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6854

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Inclusion

Reading

Kanji

計Measure, Plan 上Up

Explanation

The Japanese noun '計上 (けいじょう)' refers to the act of including something in a calculation, budget, or report. It is often used in financial or business contexts to indicate that an amount or item has been accounted for. For example: The expenses were included in the budget「その費用は予算に計上された」(そのひょうはよさんにけいじょうされた). The company included the new project in its annual report「会社は新しいプロジェクトを年次報告書に計上した」(かいしゃはあたらしいプロジェクトをねんじほうこくしょにけいじょうした). This term is commonly used in formal or professional settings.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6866

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Heal, Fix

Reading

Kanji

直Straight, Repair

Explanation

The Japanese verb '直る (なおる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to be fixed' or 'to get repaired', referring to objects or situations. For example: The broken clock is fixed「壊れた時計が直った」(こわれたとけいがなおった). The second meaning is 'to heal' or 'to recover', referring to health or emotional states. For example: My cold has healed「風邪が直った」(かぜがなおった). The verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is often used to describe something returning to its proper or original state.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6871

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Seawater

Reading

Kanji

海Sea 水Water

Explanation

The Japanese noun '海水 (かいすい)' means 'seawater'. It refers to the saltwater found in oceans and seas. This word is commonly used in contexts related to the ocean, marine life, or activities involving the sea. For example: The seawater is cold today「今日の海水は冷たい」(きょうのかいすいはつめたい). We collected seawater for the experiment「実験のために海水を集めた」(じっけんのためにかいすいをあつめた). The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '海水浴 (かいすいよく)', which means 'sea bathing'.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6879

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Open

Reading

Kanji

明Bright

Explanation

The Japanese verb '明く (あく)' means 'to open'. This verb is used to describe the action of something becoming open, such as a door, window, or container. It is often used in contexts where something transitions from a closed state to an open state. For example: the door opened「ドアが明いた」(ドアがあいた). The store opens at 9 AM「店は午前9時に明く」(みせはごぜんくじにあく). Note that '明く' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. If you want to express the action of opening something, you would use the transitive verb '開ける (あける)' instead.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6887

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Slender

Reading

Kanji

細Slender 長Long, Leader

Explanation

The Japanese adjective '細長い (ほそながい)' means 'slender' or 'long and thin'. It is used to describe objects, shapes, or even body parts that are elongated and narrow. For example: a slender river「細長い川」(ほそながいかわ). She has slender fingers「彼女は細長い指をしている」(かのじょはほそながいゆびをしている). This adjective is often used to describe natural features like rivers, valleys, or branches, as well as man-made objects like pencils or roads. It carries a neutral connotation and is commonly used in everyday conversation.

Part Of Speech

adjective

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6889

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Wrist

Reading

Kanji

手Hand 首Neck

Explanation

The Japanese noun '手首 (てくび)' refers to the 'wrist', the joint connecting the hand to the forearm. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and medical contexts. For example: My wrist hurts「手首が痛い」(てくびがいたい). She wore a bracelet on her wrist「彼女は手首にブレスレットをしていた」(かのじょはてくびにぶれすれっとをしていた). The word is straightforward and does not carry additional meanings or nuances beyond its literal definition.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6908

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Listing

Reading

Kanji

上Up 場Place

Explanation

The Japanese noun '上場 (じょうじょう)' refers to the act of listing a company's shares on a stock exchange, making them available for public trading. This term is commonly used in financial and business contexts. For example: The company is planning a stock exchange listing「その会社は上場を計画しています」(そのかいしゃはじょうじょうをけいかくしています). The stock was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange「その株は東京証券取引所に上場されました」(そのかぶはとうきょうしょうけんとりひきじょにじょうじょうされました). It's important to note that '上場' specifically refers to the process or state of being listed on a stock exchange, and is not used in other contexts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6925

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Press conference

Reading

Kanji

会Meet 見See

Explanation

The Japanese noun '会見 (かいけん)' refers to a 'press conference' or a formal meeting where information is shared with the media or the public. It is commonly used in contexts involving politicians, celebrities, or organizations addressing the public. For example: The prime minister held a press conference「首相が会見を行った」(しゅしょうがかいけんをおこなった). The company announced the new product at the press conference「会社は新製品を会見で発表した」(かいしゃはしんせいひんをかいけんではっぴょうした). The term emphasizes the formal and public nature of the event.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7005

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Innermost

Reading

Kanji

内Inside 心Heart

Explanation

The Japanese noun '内心 (ないしん)' refers to one's innermost thoughts, feelings, or true intentions that are not openly expressed. It is often used to describe what someone is truly thinking or feeling beneath their outward appearance or behavior. For example: He smiled, but his innermost feelings were different「彼は笑ったが、内心は違った」(かれはわらったが、ないしんはちがった). She was nervous, but her innermost thoughts were calm「彼女は緊張していたが、内心は落ち着いていた」(かのじょはきんちょうしていたが、ないしんはおちついていた). This word is commonly used in contexts where there is a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7040

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Inside outside, Domestic foreign

Reading

Kanji

内Inside 外Outside

Explanation

The Japanese noun '内外 (ないがい)' can mean both 'inside and outside' and 'domestic and foreign'. When referring to 'inside and outside', it is often used to describe the physical or conceptual boundaries of something, such as a building or an organization. For example: The company is known both inside and outside the industry「その会社は業界の内外で知られている」(そのかいしゃはぎょうかいのないがいでしられている). When referring to 'domestic and foreign', it is used to describe something that pertains to both within a country and outside of it. For example: The policy affects both domestic and foreign markets「その政策は内外の市場に影響を与える」(そのせいさくはないがいのしじょうにえいきょうをあたえる). The context in which '内外' is used will determine which meaning is intended.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7058

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Main body

Reading

Kanji

本Book, Origin 体Body

Explanation

The Japanese noun '本体 (ほんたい)' refers to the 'main body' or 'main unit' of something. It is often used to describe the central or primary part of an object, system, or entity. For example, in the context of electronics, it refers to the main unit of a device, excluding accessories. In other contexts, it can refer to the main body of an organization or the core part of a structure. Example sentences: The main body of the camera is compact「カメラの本体はコンパクトです」(カメラのほんたいはコンパクトです). The main body of the organization is located in Tokyo「組織の本体は東京にあります」(そしきのほんたいはとうきょうにあります).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7061

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Yellow

Reading

Kanji

黄Yellow

Explanation

The Japanese noun '黄 (き)' means 'yellow'. It refers to the color yellow and is often used in contexts related to colors, such as describing objects, nature, or art. For example: The leaves turn yellow in autumn「秋には葉が黄色になる」(あきにははがきいろになる). She wore a yellow dress「彼女は黄色のドレスを着ていた」(かのじょはきいろのドレスをきていた). While '黄' can sometimes be used in compound words or names, its primary meaning is the color yellow.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7076

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Guardianship

Reading

Kanji

後After, Behind 見See

Explanation

The Japanese noun '後見 (こうけん)' refers to the concept of guardianship or legal protection, often in the context of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs, such as a minor or an incapacitated adult. This term is commonly used in legal and formal settings. For example: he was appointed as a guardian「彼は後見人に任命された」(かれはこうけんにんににんめいされた). The court granted guardianship「裁判所が後見を認めた」(さいばんしょがこうけんをみとめた). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who provides guidance or support, though this usage is less common.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7094

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Combine

Reading

Kanji

合Fit, Match

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '合 (ごう)' is used to indicate combining, joining, or matching. It often appears in compound words to convey the idea of things coming together or working in unison. For example: teamwork「チームワークの合」(チームワークのごう). This suffix is commonly used in contexts where collaboration or synchronization is emphasized, such as in sports, business, or social activities. Another example: a good match「良い合」(よいごう). It's important to note that this suffix is typically attached to nouns or other suffixes to form new compound words.

Part Of Speech

suffix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7108

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Weakness

Reading

Kanji

弱Weak

Explanation

The Japanese noun '弱 (じゃく)' refers to 'weakness' or 'a weak point'. It is often used to describe a lack of strength, either physically, mentally, or in terms of ability. For example: his weakness is his lack of confidence「彼の弱は自信のなさだ」(かれのじゃくはじしんのなさだ). This team's weakness is their defense「このチームの弱はディフェンスだ」(このチームのじゃくはディフェンスだ). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '弱点 (じゃくてん)' (weak point) or '弱気 (よわき)' (timidity).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7131

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Voice

Reading

Kanji

話Talk 声Voice

Explanation

The Japanese noun '話し声 (はなしごえ)' refers to the sound of someone's voice when they are speaking. It specifically emphasizes the auditory aspect of speech rather than the content. This word is often used to describe the tone, volume, or quality of someone's voice during conversation. For example: I heard a soft voice「優しい話し声が聞こえた」(やさしいはなしごえがきこえた). The loud voices of the children could be heard from outside「子供たちの大きな話し声が外から聞こえた」(こどもたちのおおきなはなしごえがそとからきこえた). Note that '話し声' is distinct from '声 (こえ)', which is a more general term for 'voice' and does not necessarily imply speech.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7228

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Japan flag

Reading

Kanji

日Day, Sun 丸Round

Explanation

The Japanese noun '日の丸 (ひのまる)' refers to the national flag of Japan, which features a red circle (representing the sun) on a white background. This term is often used to symbolize Japan itself or Japanese identity. For example: The Japanese flag is called '日の丸'「日本の国旗は日の丸と呼ばれます」(にほんのこっきはひのまとよばれます). The '日の丸' fluttered in the wind「日の丸が風にはためいていた」(ひのまるがかぜにはためいていた). The term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, and it is commonly seen at official events, schools, and during national holidays.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7250

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Wheat

Reading

Kanji

麦Wheat

Explanation

The Japanese noun '麦 (むぎ)' refers to 'wheat', a cereal grain widely cultivated for its seed. It is a staple food used in various forms such as flour, bread, and noodles. In Japan, wheat is also used to make products like udon noodles and beer. Example sentences: I eat bread made from wheat「小麦で作ったパンを食べます」(こむぎでつくったパンをたべます). The field is full of wheat「畑は麦でいっぱいです」(はたけはむぎでいっぱいです). Note that '麦' can sometimes refer to barley in certain contexts, but its primary meaning is wheat.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7301

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Hometown

Reading

Kanji

古Old 里Hometown

Explanation

The Japanese noun '古里 (ふるさと)' refers to one's hometown or birthplace, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotional attachment. It is commonly used to describe the place where someone grew up or has deep roots. For example: I miss my hometown「古里が懐かしい」(ふるさとがなつかしい). He returned to his hometown「彼は古里に帰った」(かれはふるさとにかえった). The word carries a sentimental tone and is often associated with memories of childhood or family.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7417

Composition

kanji

Handwriting