The Top 100 Most Common (and Useful) Kanji To Learn For Everyday Japanese Language Learners

Learning kanji can be one of the most challenging parts of learning Japanese, especially for beginners. This post introduces 100 of the most useful and commonly seen kanji in everyday Japanese. These are foundational characters you’ll encounter in signs, menus, labels, dates, and basic vocabulary. Mastering them will give you a strong start in reading Japanese.

Each kanji entry below includes its meaning, common On’yomi (Chinese-origin reading) and Kun’yomi (Japanese-origin reading) pronunciations, an example word (with translation) showing the kanji in context, and a mnemonic or memory tip to help you remember it. We’ve organized the kanji into practical categories (numbers, time, people/things, places/directions, verbs, and adjectives) so that you can see related characters together. Let’s dive in!

Numbers and Counting

Numbers are a fundamental place to start. In daily life you’ll use them for counting, telling time, dates, prices, and more. The kanji for 1, 2, 3 are very simple (one line, two lines, three lines), and the rest build on common patterns. Knowing these will help with reading things like dates (e.g. 2025年12月31日) or counting items. Note: In modern Japan, Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, …) are often used, but you still need to know these kanji, especially for things like yen currency or formal writing.

1. 一 (One): This kanji means “one” — a single unit. It’s included because it’s the simplest kanji and the basis for all other numbers.

   
   

   On’yomi: イチ (ichi); Kun’yomi: ひと (hito), ひとつ (hitotsu)

   
   

   Example word: 一人 (ひとり, hitori) – one person, alone

   
   

   Mnemonic: 一 is just one horizontal line — it looks like the number 1. Imagine it as one stick or one pencil. It’s so simple that it’s easy to remember as “one.”

   
   

2. 二 (Two): The kanji for “two.” Two is fundamental for counting and appears in dates and quantities.

   
   

   On’yomi: ニ (ni); Kun’yomi: ふた (futa), ふたつ (futatsu)

   
   

   Example word: 二人 (ふたり, futari) – two people, a pair

   
   

   Mnemonic: 二 is two horizontal lines, one on top of the other. Think “two equals lines = two.” Also, ni sounds like “knee” – you have two knees.

   
   

3. 三 (Three): The kanji for “three.” Another basic number you’ll use everywhere.

   
   

   On’yomi: サン (san); Kun’yomi: み (mi), みっつ (mittsu)

   
   

   Example word: 三日 (みっか, mikka) – third day of the month / three days

   
   

   Mnemonic: 三 is three lines. It’s basically just like one (一) and two (二) with an extra line. You can remember san by thinking of a tricycle (three wheels) and saying “three, two, one, sun!” (a bit of wordplay with “san” sounding like “sun”).

   
   

4. 四 (Four): The kanji for “four.” This one is important and also culturally interesting (the sound “shi” is avoided by some because it sounds like the word for death).

   
   

   On’yomi: シ (shi); Kun’yomi: よん (yon), よっ (yo)

   
   

   Example word: 四月 (しがつ, shigatsu) – April (the 4th month) (note: uses the “shi” reading)

   
   

   Mnemonic: 四 looks a bit like a window divided into four panes. Imagine looking out a window split into four sections – that’s “four.” Remember that shi (4) sounds like the word for “death” in Japanese, so people often say yon instead when counting – perhaps to avoid “deathly” connotations!

   
   

5. 五 (Five): The kanji for “five.” Halfway to ten, and used in dates (May is 五月) and counting.

   
   

   On’yomi: ゴ (go); Kun’yomi: いつ (itsu), いつつ (itsutsu)

   
   

   Example word: 五月 (ごがつ, gogatsu) – May (the 5th month)

   
   

   Mnemonic: 五 doesn’t obviously resemble the numeral 5, but here’s a trick: The On’yomi go sounds like the English “go.” Think of a race countdown: “5-4-3-2-1… go!” This can remind you that 5 = go. You might also imagine giving a “high five” and telling someone “go!”

   
   

6. 六 (Six): The kanji for “six.” Common in dates (June = 六月) and other counts.

   
   

   On’yomi: ロク (roku); Kun’yomi: むっつ (muttsu), むい (mui)

   
   

   Example word: 六つ (むっつ, muttsu) – six (things) (generic counting)

   
   

   Mnemonic: 六 looks a little like a roof or a hat on top (^) with something underneath. You can imagine six people under one roof (like a family of six) – a house full of six people. Another way: roku sounds like “rock.” Think of a six-sided die made of rock to remember 6.

   
   

7. 七 (Seven): The kanji for “seven.” Used in dates (July = 七月) and counts.

   
   

   On’yomi: シチ (shichi); Kun’yomi: なな (nana), ななつ (nanatsu)

   
   

   Example word: 七夕 (たなばた, Tanabata) – Tanabata festival on July 7 (literally “Evening of the Seventh”)

   
   

   Mnemonic: 七 looks a bit like the number 7 with a small slash through it. In fact, if you tilt it, it’s similar to how some people write 7. To recall shichi, you might think “seven-inch (shichi) tape” (sounds silly, but it rhymes). Also remember that Japanese often say nana for 7 in daily counting, even though the Chinese reading is shichi.

   
   

8. 八 (Eight): The kanji for “eight.” Used in dates (August = 八月) and many expressions (like 八百屋 for greengrocer, literally “800 store”).

   
   

   On’yomi: ハチ (hachi); Kun’yomi: や (ya), やっつ (yattsu)

   
   

   Example word: 八日 (ようか, youka) – 8th day of the month / eight days

   
   

   Mnemonic: 八 looks like two lines spreading apart, almost like an upside-down letter V. You can imagine it as two wide-open gates or arms, as if saying “welcome all eight directions.” Another hint: The katakana ハ (ha) looks exactly like 八, and hachi starts with “ha.” Think “八 (ハ) for hachi.”

   
   

9. 九 (Nine): The kanji for “nine.” Appears in dates (September = 九月) and counts.

   
   

   On’yomi: キュウ (kyū), ク (ku); Kun’yomi: ここのつ (kokonotsu)

   
   

   Example word: 九時 (くじ, ku-ji) – nine o’clock (9:00) (uses the “ku” reading)

   
   

   Mnemonic: 九 looks a bit like a stylized “9.” It’s almost as if someone started to draw the number 9 and then curved off. To remember the reading kyū, think of a cat with nine lives saying, “Thank you (kyū) for my lives!” Alternatively, note that ku (another reading for 9) sounds like the Japanese word for “pain” or “distress” (苦), so some people consider 9 slightly unlucky as well – but not as much as 4.

   
   

10. 十 (Ten): The kanji for “ten.” A very common number (October = 十月, etc.) and used in combinations like 100 (百) or 1000 (千) as a component.

    
    

    On’yomi: ジュウ (jū); Kun’yomi: とお (tō)

    
    

    Example word: 十日 (とおか, tōka) – 10th day of the month / ten days

    
    

    Mnemonic: 十 looks like a plus sign or a cross. It’s like you’ve counted to ten and made a cross mark to complete a tally. You can think of it as two hands (five fingers each) crossing to give you ten. It’s simple: a cross for the number ten (the Roman numeral X is also ten).

    
    

11. 百 (Hundred): The kanji for “hundred.” Used in numbers like 100 (百), 300 (三百), etc., and in words like 百貨店 (department store).

    
    

    On’yomi: ヒャク (hyaku); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 百円 (ひゃくえん, hyaku-en) – 100 yen

    
    

    Mnemonic: 百 looks a bit like the kanji 白 (white) with an extra line on top. A popular mnemonic: if you live to be a hundred, your hair turns white! So 百 (100) is “white (白) + one (一)” – think of a 100-year-old person with one white hair. Remember hyaku by imagining “hyak!” as the sound of surprise when you see 100 of something.

    
    

12. 千 (Thousand): The kanji for “thousand.” Used in prices (千円 = 1000 yen), years (千年 = a thousand years), etc.

    
    

    On’yomi: セン (sen); Kun’yomi: ち (chi)

    
    

    Example word: 千円 (せんえん, sen-en) – 1000 yen

    
    

    Mnemonic: 千 looks like the kanji for ten (十) with a little extra stroke at the top. Imagine ten (10) with something small added to make it a thousand. It also closely resembles the katakana character チ (“chi”). Don’t get confused – the katakana “chi” (チ) and this kanji for thousand (千, pronounced sen) look almost the same. A trick: 千 has that tiny upward flick on the top line, representing an extra “zero” on ten. Picture the number 1000 as 10 with an extra 0.

    
    

13. 万 (Ten thousand): The kanji for “10,000” (ten thousand). In Japanese, 10,000 is a unit (called man), so you’ll see this kanji in large numbers and prices (e.g., 一万円 = 10,000 yen). It also symbolizes “many” in some words.

    
    

    On’yomi: マン (man), バン (ban); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 一万円 (いちまんえん, ichi-man en) – 10,000 yen (ten thousand yen)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 万 might look complex, but you can see it as a combination of 一 (one) and a shape like 夕 (evening). Imagine an evening sky full of countless stars – “ten thousand” of them. Also remember, Japanese counts in units of 10,000. So 20,000 is 2万, 30,000 is 3万, etc. A fun fact: 万年筆 (mannenhitsu, literally “ten-thousand year brush”) means “fountain pen.” They say a fountain pen lasts so long it could write for 10,000 years!

    
    

14. 円 (Yen / Circle): This kanji means “yen” (the Japanese currency) and also “circle” or “round.” You’ll see it on price tags and receipts all the time (often written after a number, e.g., 500円).

    
    

    On’yomi: エン (en); Kun’yomi: まる (maru) [as 丸い, round]

    
    

    Example word: 百円 (ひゃくえん, hyaku-en) – 100 yen (literally “100 yen”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 円 is basically a round shape (a small box with a line), fitting since it means “circle.” Think of a coin – coins are round, and yen are the currency. You can remember the pronunciation en by the word “yen” itself (which is pronounced “en” in Japanese). So 円 = yen = a round coin.

    
    

Time and Dates

These kanji relate to time: days, months, years, and general time words. They often combine with numbers to form dates and time expressions. For example, you’ll combine numbers with 月 to make months (一月 = January, 二月 = February, etc.), or with 日 to make days of the month. Knowing these helps you read calendars, schedules, and talk about time (today, tomorrow, next week, last year, etc.). We include them here right after numbers because you frequently use them together (e.g., “3月14日” for March 14th).

15. 日 (Day; Sun): Means “day” or “sun.” This is one of the most common kanji in Japanese. You’ll see it in words for days of the week, dates, and anything related to the sun or day.

    
    

    On’yomi: ニチ (nichi), ジツ (jitsu); Kun’yomi: ひ (hi), か (ka)

    
    

    Example word: 日本 (にほん, Nihon) – Japan (lit. “Sun origin”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 日 looks like a square with a line in the middle – it resembles the sun. You can imagine it as the sun as seen through a window. It’s easy to remember as a picture of the sun, meaning “day/sun.” Japan (日本) is called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” and indeed the kanji 日 is right there in its name.

    
    

16. 週 (Week): Means “week.” You’ll use this in words like “this week,” “next week,” etc., and to count weeks.

    
    

    On’yomi: シュウ (shū); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 来週 (らいしゅう, raishū) – next week (来 means “coming/next”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 週 is made up of 周 (which means “to go around”) with a movement radical on the side (辶, like a road). Think of a week as something that “goes around” in a cycle. Imagine running laps for seven days – that’s a week going around. The shape can remind you of an enclosure (周) being circled, symbolizing one week.

    
    

17. 月 (Month; Moon): Means “month” or “moon.” Used for the months of the year and also literally the moon.

    
    

    On’yomi: ゲツ (getsu), ガツ (gatsu); Kun’yomi: つき (tsuki)

    
    

    Example word: 月 (つき, tsuki) – the moon

    
    

    Mnemonic: 月 looks a bit like a crescent moon with two vertical lines. In fact, it originates from a pictograph of the moon. You can remember that it means both “month” and “moon” because traditionally months were tied to the lunar cycle. Picture the shape as a moon in the sky and you’ll recall tsuki (moon).

    
    

18. 年 (Year): Means “year” (as in 2025年 for year 2025, or 年 as a counter for years). This kanji appears in dates and ages (like 二十年 = 20 years).

    
    

    On’yomi: ネン (nen); Kun’yomi: とし (toshi)

    
    

    Example word: 来年 (らいねん, rainen) – next year

    
    

    Mnemonic: 年 looks a little complex. You can break it down: the top part resembles a roof or a crop, and the bottom looks like a person (人). One way to remember it: imagine a farmer harvesting rice once a year. The kanji can be seen as a person carrying a harvest on their back – a yearly harvest. To remember nen, think of “new year” – both words start with an “ne” sound.

    
    

19. 時 (Time; Hour): Means “time” or “o’clock/hour” when paired with numbers. You’ll see it on clocks (時刻) and in words like 時間 (time span) or 時代 (era).

    
    

    On’yomi: ジ (ji); Kun’yomi: とき (toki)

    
    

    Example word: 時間 (じかん, jikan) – time, hours (時間 literally “time interval”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 時 is composed of 日 (sun/day) on the left and 寺 (temple) on the right. Think: “the time is told by the sun at the temple.” In old Japan, temples would ring bells to announce the time of day. So if you remember sun + temple = time, you’ll remember 時. Also, when you see a number + 時 (like 5時), read it as “5 o’clock” (go-ji).

    
    

20. 間 (Interval; Between): Means “interval,” “span,” or “between.” It often appears as a suffix to mean a span of time (～間), or literally a space between things.

    
    

    On’yomi: カン (kan), ケン (ken); Kun’yomi: あいだ (aida), ま (ma)

    
    

    Example word: 間 (あいだ, aida) – interval, gap, between

    
    

    Mnemonic: 間 has 門 (gate) on the outside and 日 (sun) in the middle. Picture the sun peeking through the slats of a gate or door. The sun between the gates suggests the idea of “between” or an “interval of time” (like sunlight between two doors). So 間 is literally “sun between gates” – an interval. This should remind you of the meaning “between/time span.”

    
    

21. 分 (Minute; To divide): Means “minute” (as in time) or “to divide/part.” It’s used for minutes in time (e.g., 5分 = 5 minutes) and in words like 自分 (oneself) or 分かる (wakaru, to understand, literally to separate meaning).

    
    

    On’yomi: ブン (bun), フン (fun) [often pronounced -pun/-fun after numbers]; Kun’yomi: わ・ける (wa(keru))

    
    

    Example word: 五分 (ごふん, go-fun) – five minutes

    
    

    Mnemonic: 分 contains the knife/cut radical (刂) on the right. Think of cutting or dividing something. A minute is a “fraction” of an hour, a tiny part that you cut out from 60. So 分 = a knife dividing time or things into smaller parts. It also helps to know that when telling time, 1分 (いっぷん), 2分 (にふん), 5分 (ごふん) etc., use the fun/pun reading.

    
    

22. 午 (Noon): Means “noon.” You’ll see it in 午前 (A.M., literally “before noon”) and 午後 (P.M., “after noon”). It’s also the Chinese zodiac sign for “horse,” which corresponds to the hour of noon.

    
    

    On’yomi: ゴ (go); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 午前 (ごぜん, gozen) – A.M., morning (literally “before noon”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 午 is a bit abstract looking. One way to remember it is through words: 午前 (gozen) and 午後 (gogo) use 午. So if you remember those words for AM and PM, you’ll remember 午 means “noon” as the dividing point. As a shape, 午 slightly resembles the top of a clock hand pointing at 12. Think of the clock striking noon.

    
    

23. 前 (Before; Front): Means “before” or “in front.” It’s used for time (e.g., before now) and space (the front of something). Common in words like 午前 (gozen, A.M., “before noon”) and 名前 (namae, “name,” literally “front of name” or given name).

    
    

    On’yomi: ゼン (zen); Kun’yomi: まえ (mae)

    
    

    Example word: 前 (まえ, mae) – front, before (as a noun, e.g., “店の前” means “in front of the store”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 前 is composed of 止 (a foot/stop) and 刂 (knife/cut) components. You might imagine someone coming to a stop in front of a line where a knife marks “stop here.” It’s a bit abstract, but think of 前 as anything that comes before. To recall the reading mae, you can use a phrase: “Step mae (my) front door, that’s before entering.” It sounds like “my,” which can remind you of “in front of me.”

    
    

24. 後 (After; Behind): Means “after,” “later,” or “behind.” It’s the opposite of 前. You see it in 午後 (gogo, P.M., “afternoon” = after noon) and 後で (atode, “later”).

    
    

    On’yomi: ゴ (go), コウ (kō); Kun’yomi: あと (ato), うし・ろ (ushiro)

    
    

    Example word: 午後 (ごご, gogo) – P.M., afternoon (literally “after noon”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 後 has a step or stride radical (彳) on the left, suggesting movement, and a smaller element on the right (幺) which can look like a small person lagging behind. Think of 後 as someone walking behind you – that’s “behind/after.” For ato, just remember the common phrase また後で (mata ato de) meaning “see you later.” It’s the word for “later.”

    
    

25. 今 (Now): Means “now” or “the present.” Extremely common in words like 今週 (konshū, this week), 今日 (kyō, today), and 今 (ima, now).

    
    

    On’yomi: コン (kon), キン (kin); Kun’yomi: いま (ima)

    
    

    Example word: 今 (いま, ima) – now, right now

    
    

    Mnemonic: 今 looks like it has a person (人) under a roof with a line. You can imagine someone spreading their arms saying “Right now!” under a roof. To remember the meaning, think “今すぐ” (ima sugu) which means “right now, immediately.” The reading ima is itself a very common word for “now.” So just remember 今 = ima = now.

    
    

26. 先 (Ahead; Previous): Means “ahead,” “previous,” or “former.” You find it in words like 先生 (sensei, teacher – literally “earlier born”), 先週 (senshū, last week), 先に (saki ni, ahead/first).

    
    

    On’yomi: セン (sen); Kun’yomi: さき (saki)

    
    

    Example word: 先生 (せんせい, sensei) – teacher (literally “previous-born,” one who came before in knowledge)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 先 shows a character that looks like a person moving forward (the lower part looks like legs, 儿). Think of someone at the front of the line – that’s “ahead.” A teacher (先生) is someone who goes ahead of you in life or knowledge, which is why 先 is in that word. To recall sen, remember that sensei (teacher) starts with sen-, and a teacher is ahead of students.

    
    

27. 来 (To come; Next): Means “to come” or indicates future (as a prefix meaning “next…”). As a verb 来る (kuru) means “to come.” As an prefix like 来週 (raishū) it means “next” (next week).

    
    

    On’yomi: ライ (rai); Kun’yomi: く・る (ku(ru))

    
    

    Example word: 来る (くる, kuru) – to come

    
    

    Mnemonic: 来 looks like a plant or tree with more strokes (it was originally a pictograph of wheat). You can imagine it as a plant that will come to bloom in the future. Think “the time to come, the upcoming future.” To remember the word, note that 来週 (raishū) is next week, 来年 (rainen) is next year. The kun’yomi kuru (to come) is a very common verb. Maybe think “Come here, Kurt!” (sounds like kuru) as a silly sound mnemonic.

    
    

28. 半 (Half): Means “half.” You’ll see it in 半分 (hanbun, half) and time expressions like 二時半 (ni-ji han, 2:30, literally “2 o’clock half”).

    
    

    On’yomi: ハン (han); Kun’yomi: なか・ば (naka(ba))

    
    

    Example word: 半分 (はんぶん, hanbun) – half

    
    

    Mnemonic: 半 looks like it’s been cut in half! The top part is 八 (which means “eight” or can imply splitting) and the bottom is a small element. Think of 半 as literally a thing split into two halves. An easy example: “half past two” is 2時半 (にじはん), so you’ll often hear han for “half” in time. To remember 半, think of slicing a pie in half — the kanji itself looks a bit like something split.

    
    

29. 毎 (Every): Means “every” or “each.” Common in words like 毎日 (mainichi, every day), 毎週 (maishū, every week), 毎年 (maitoshi or mainen, every year).

    
    

    On’yomi: マイ (mai); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 毎日 (まいにち, mainichi) – every day

    
    

    Mnemonic: 毎 looks similar to the kanji for “mother” (母) but without the bottom dot. You can imagine that a mother (母) is there every day, every week, doing things for the family – take off a bit (the bottom dot) and you have 毎, meaning “every.” Another way: just memorize 毎日 (every day) and 毎週 (every week). Seeing 毎 in those common words will remind you that 毎 means “every.”

    
    

30. 何 (What): This kanji means “what.” You see it in the question word 何? (What?) as well as combinations like 何時 (nanji, what time), 何人 (nannin, how many people / also nanijin, what nationality, depending on context).

    
    

    On’yomi: カ (ka) [used in compounds/question particle]; Kun’yomi: なに (nani), なん (nan)

    
    

    Example word: 何 (なに, nani) – what

    
    

    Mnemonic: 何 has the radical 亻 (person) on the left and 可 (possible) on the right. You might think of it as “what is a person capable of?” which is a bit philosophical. Instead, imagine a person with a big question mark next to them. The shape 可 looks like an open mouth, as if saying “Eh? What?” Remember the phrase 何ですか (nan desu ka?) – “What is it?” The sound nani or nan is familiar from anime (“Nani?!” meaning “What?!”). That’s this kanji.

    
    

People & Common Things

This category covers kanji for people, family, basic elements of nature, and everyday objects or concepts. These are very frequently used characters. Many of them are radicals or building blocks for more complex kanji, so learning them will pay off later. You’ll also notice some kanji here double as the names of the days of the week (火, 水, 木, 金, 土 correspond to Tuesday through Saturday), as well as basics like “person,” “tree,” “water,” etc. We include body parts like “hand” and “eye” too, since those appear often in compound words and signs (e.g., “exit” has mouth 口). Each of these kanji is included because you’ll encounter it regularly in daily life or in beginner-level vocabulary.

31. 人 (Person): Means “person” or “people.” This is one of the most essential kanji. It appears in countless words: nationalities (日本人 – Japanese person), populations (人口), counters for people (～人), etc.

    
    

    On’yomi: ジン (jin), ニン (nin); Kun’yomi: ひと (hito)

    
    

    Example word: 日本人 (にほんじん, Nihon-jin) – Japanese person

    
    

    Mnemonic: 人 looks like a simple stick figure or someone standing/walking (like two legs). It literally is a pictograph of a human being. That makes it easy to remember: it’s a person! When you see “～人” at the end of a country name, it means a person of that country (e.g., アメリカ人 for American). Just visualize the kanji as a little person icon.

    
    

32. 男 (Man; Male): Means “male” or “man.” You see it in words like 男性 (dansei, male gender), 男の子 (otoko-no-ko, boy), 長男 (chōnan, eldest son).

    
    

    On’yomi: ダン (dan), ナン (nan); Kun’yomi: おとこ (otoko)

    
    

    Example word: 男の子 (おとこのこ, otoko-no-ko) – boy (male child)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 男 is made up of 田 (rice field) on top and 力 (power/strength) on bottom. Think of a man working powerfully in the rice field – traditionally, men did heavy field labor. The image of strength (力) under a rice paddy connects to “male.” Also, おとこ sounds like “oh! Toko!” (just a silly phrase) but you can remember the word 男の人 (otoko no hito) means “man.” The kanji itself kind of looks like a person (力 resembles a muscular arm) under the sun, toiling in a field.

    
    

33. 女 (Woman; Female): Means “female” or “woman.” Found in words like 女性 (josei, female), 女の子 (onna-no-ko, girl), 彼女 (kanojo, she or girlfriend).

    
    

    On’yomi: ジョ (jo), ニョ (nyo); Kun’yomi: おんな (onna), め (me [in compounds])

    
    

    Example word: 女の子 (おんなのこ, onna-no-ko) – girl (female child)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 女 looks like a person kneeling or a woman with her arms crossed. It’s actually a simplified drawing of a woman. Imagine a woman kneeling in a kimono. That’s literally the shape. So remembering 女 as “woman” is straightforward. For the reading, think of おんな – maybe “Oh, nah, it’s a girl.” It’s a stretch, but the shape itself will remind you it means woman/female.

    
    

34. 子 (Child): Means “child.” Appears in many words: 子供 (kodomo, child), 息子 (musuko, son), 女の子 (onnanoko, girl), 男の子 (otokonoko, boy). It’s also used as a suffix in many female given names (e.g., Keiko, Yuko end in ～子).

    
    

    On’yomi: シ (shi), ス (su); Kun’yomi: こ (ko)

    
    

    Example word: 子供 (こども, kodomo) – child

    
    

    Mnemonic: 子 looks like a swaddled baby. The top part is round like a baby’s head, and the bottom part could be the wrapped legs. It’s a pictograph of an infant. An easy association: many children’s names or words end with ～子 (like -ko for girl names meaning “child of”). Just think of 子 as a cute little kid bundled up. The reading ko is literally the word for “child” (as in kodomo, where ko means child).

    
    

35. 母 (Mother): Means “mother.” You’ll see it in 母親 (hahaoya, mother), お母さん (okaasan, mom), 母国 (bokoku, motherland).

    
    

    On’yomi: ボ (bo); Kun’yomi: はは (haha)

    
    

    Example word: お母さん (おかあさん, okāsan) – mother (honorific, as addressed)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 母 looks like a person with two breasts (two curved strokes) – which is an old mnemonic hinting at a mother nursing a child. If that’s too cheeky, imagine it as a mother kneeling with arms open wide for a hug. The shape has a nurturing feel. Remember that when you talk about your own mother, you might say 母 (haha) in formal contexts, but when addressing your mom, you say お母さん (okaasan). To recall the kanji, think “my mother is always comforting (with open arms like the kanji 母).”

    
    

36. 父 (Father): Means “father.” Appears in 父親 (chichioya, father), お父さん (otōsan, dad), 父兄 (fukei, guardians – lit. fathers and older brothers).

    
    

    On’yomi: フ (fu); Kun’yomi: ちち (chichi)

    
    

    Example word: お父さん (おとうさん, otōsan) – father (honorific, as addressed)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 父 looks like a person with two little horns or perhaps two arms raised (the two diagonal strokes at the top). You can imagine a father playfully carrying a child on his shoulders with arms up. Another association: it’s like two “^” shapes on top of a stick figure – maybe a father’s proud horns or a fancy hat. The important part is to recall it means “dad.” When speaking of your own father to others you use 父 (chichi), but when calling him or talking about someone’s father, it’s お父さん (otōsan). Picture 父 as a man with arms up saying “I’m Dad!”

    
    

37. 友 (Friend): Means “friend.” Seen in 友達 (tomodachi, friend/s), 友情 (yūjō, friendship), 親友 (shinyū, close friend).

    
    

    On’yomi: ユウ (yū); Kun’yomi: とも (tomo)

    
    

    Example word: 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) – friend(s) (達 is a pluralizing suffix here)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 友 looks like two hands clasping or two people supporting each other. If you break it down, it has two strokes that could represent two individuals side by side. Think of the saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed” – two people next to each other. Also tomo in Japanese means companion (like ともに, together). So 友, pronounced tomo, inherently means friend. Just remember Tom and Jerry – Tomo sounds like “Tom,” and imagine Tom and Jerry as friends (even if they fight!). That might be silly, but whatever helps you recall 友 = friend.

    
    

38. 火 (Fire): Means “fire.” It’s one of the basic elements and also stands for Tuesday when combined with 曜 (火曜日). You’ll see it in words like 火事 (kaji, fire incident), 花火 (hanabi, fireworks), 火山 (kazan, volcano).

    
    

    On’yomi: カ (ka); Kun’yomi: ひ (hi)

    
    

    Example word: 火曜日 (かようび, kayōbi) – Tuesday (literally “Fire Day” in the Japanese weekly naming)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 火 looks like a little flame or campfire with sparks coming off. The vertical stroke is like the main flame and the short strokes are like flickers or sparks. It clearly represents fire. To remember the reading, note that 火曜日 (Tuesday) uses カ (ka). You might know the word 火山 (kazan, volcano) – that’s fire + mountain. Picture the kanji 火 as a bonfire and you’ll never forget it means fire.

    
    

39. 水 (Water): Means “water.” Also stands for Wednesday (水曜日). Appears in words like 水道 (suido, water supply), 水泳 (suiei, swimming), 香水 (kōsui, perfume – literally “fragrant water”).

    
    

    On’yomi: スイ (sui); Kun’yomi: みず (mizu)

    
    

    Example word: 水曜日 (すいようび, suiyōbi) – Wednesday (“Water Day”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 水 looks like water splashing. The three drops on the left side and the flowing shape on the right give the impression of a stream or fountain. It’s quite pictorial for water. Remember mizu means water (like the brand “Mizuno” as a mnemonic). You can also think of the chemical symbol H₂O – two hydrogen (二) and one oxygen (O). Just kidding – better to stick with the image of flowing water. For the On’yomi sui, think “sui-sui” as a sound of swimming through water.

    
    

40. 木 (Tree; Wood): Means “tree” or “wood.” It represents Thursday (木曜日) and appears in words like 木曜日, 木材 (mokuzai, lumber), 木陰 (kokage, shade of a tree).

    
    

    On’yomi: モク (moku), ボク (boku); Kun’yomi: き (ki)

    
    

    Example word: 木曜日 (もくようび, mokuyōbi) – Thursday (“Wood Day”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 木 looks exactly like a tree: a vertical line for the trunk, two diagonal lines for branches, and a short line at the bottom for roots. It’s a perfect little tree drawing. So remembering that 木 means tree/wood is easy. To remember the reading ki, think of “key” hanging on a tree (if that helps). Or note words like 木村 (Kimura, a common surname meaning “wood village”) use 木. The elemental connection: 木曜日 (Thursday) is “wood day” in Japanese.

    
    

41. 土 (Earth; Ground): Means “earth,” “soil,” or “ground.” Represents Saturday (土曜日) and is found in 土地 (tochi, land), 土足 (dosoku, with shoes on, literally “earth on feet”), 土産 (miyage as in omiyage, souvenir, originally meaning local product of the land).

    
    

    On’yomi: ド (do), ト (to); Kun’yomi: つち (tsuchi)

    
    

    Example word: 土曜日 (どようび, doyōbi) – Saturday (“Earth Day”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 土 looks like a sprout coming out of the ground or a mound of dirt. The horizontal line at the bottom represents the ground, and the vertical line with a little cross could be a plant emerging or simply a pile of soil. It’s an earthy shape. Remember 土 means earth by thinking of planting something in soil. For tsuchi, note that tsunami starts with “tsu” (completely unrelated meaning, but if you know the word 土砂崩れ – dosha kuzure – landslide, you see soil context). Maybe just memorize that 土 = ground (imagine touching soil: “tsuchi” sounds like “touchy,” as in touching dirt).

    
    

42. 金 (Gold; Money): Means “gold,” “metal,” or “money.” It’s used for Friday (金曜日) and in words like お金 (okane, money), 金色 (kin’iro, golden color), 金属 (kinzoku, metal).

    
    

    On’yomi: キン (kin), コン (kon); Kun’yomi: かね (kane)

    
    

    Example word: 金曜日 (きんようび, kin’yōbi) – Friday (“Gold Day”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 金 is a bit intricate: imagine a structure like a mine entrance or a house with something shining underneath. The top looks like a roof or umbrella, and below it there are crossed lines like shafts of ore and a small treasure. You can picture 金 as a nugget of gold under a roof. To recall that it means money, just remember お金 (o-kane) is the common word for money (which uses this kanji). 金曜日 being Friday can remind you of “payday” for some—money day. The On’yomi kin is in “kin” like kinship with gold (or think King Midas for gold).

    
    

43. 本 (Book; Origin): Means “book” or “origin/root.” Famously appears in 日本 (Nihon, Japan, “sun origin”) as the second character, and in 本屋 (honya, bookstore), 本当 (hontō, real/true), 基本 (kihon, basic).

    
    

    On’yomi: ホン (hon); Kun’yomi: もと (moto)

    
    

    Example word: 本 (ほん, hon) – book

    
    

    Mnemonic: 本 is literally the kanji 木 (tree) with an extra little line at the bottom. That extra line indicates the “root” or base of the tree. So 本 means the root or origin of something. How does that relate to “book”? One theory is books were seen as the origin of knowledge, or simply that books were made from wood/paper. In any case, you can remember: a book comes from a tree. The kanji looks like a tree with a line under it (the base) = origin. And since books are kind of the origin of learning, 本 also came to mean “book.” Remember that 日本 (Japan) literally uses 日 (sun) + 本 (origin) to mean “origin of the sun.”

    
    

44. 気 (Spirit; Air; Energy): A bit abstract, 気 means “spirit,” “energy,” or “air.” It’s seen in 気持ち (kimochi, feeling), 天気 (tenki, weather), 元気 (genki, healthy/energetic), 電気 (denki, electricity, literally “electric spirit”), 人気 (ninki, popularity, “people energy”).

    
    

    On’yomi: キ (ki), ケ (ke); Kun’yomi: (none standalone)

    
    

    Example word: 元気 (げんき, genki) – healthy, lively, in good spirits

    
    

    Mnemonic: 気 is like a pictograph of steam or vapor rising (you can see a little cloud-like shape). In fact, the top part 气 by itself represents vapor or breath. That gives the sense of something invisible like air or spirit. To remember, think of the concept of “ki” in martial arts or meditation – it’s the inner energy or spirit. Japanese phrases like 元気 (genki, literally “origin spirit”) mean healthy or energetic. When someone asks “お元気ですか” (ogenki desu ka), they mean “Are you well?” So 気 is that vital spirit or energy inside us and around us (air). Just associate 気 with “ki” energy.

    
    

45. 生 (Life; To live; Birth): Has meanings related to life, birth, growth, raw, etc. It’s used in many words: 生活 (seikatsu, life/livelihood), 生まれる (umareru, to be born), 生きる (ikiru, to live), 学生 (gakusei, student), 先生 (sensei, teacher, one who lived earlier), 生魚 (namazakana, raw fish).

    
    

    On’yomi: セイ (sei), ショウ (shō); Kun’yomi: い・きる (i(kiru) to live), う・まれる (u(mareru) to be born), なま (nama raw)

    
    

    Example word: 学生 (がくせい, gakusei) – student (lit. “learning life”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 生 looks like a plant sprouting from the ground with leaves on top. That’s very appropriate, since it represents life or birth. Think of a new plant shooting up – that’s life beginning. 生 is in the word 先生 (sensei) which can be broken down as 先 (before) + 生 (born) – a teacher is “born before” you in knowledge. It’s also in 生徒 (seito, pupil) and 学生 (student). To remember the shape, picture the kanji as a little sprout (life). And the sound sei appears in words related to life/birth (生命 seimei = life, 生年月日 seinengappi = birthdate). Also, 生ビール (namabīru) is “draft beer” (raw beer) – cheers to life!

    
    

46. 魚 (Fish): Means “fish.” You’ll see it on menus, maybe on supermarket signs (魚売り場 – fish section), and in words like 金魚 (kingyo, goldfish), 魚市場 (uoichiba or sakana ichiba, fish market).

    
    

    On’yomi: ギョ (gyo); Kun’yomi: さかな (sakana)

    
    

    Example word: 魚 (さかな, sakana) – fish (the animal, or as food)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 魚 is a pictograph of a fish. If you look closely, it has elements that resemble a fish’s features: the left part looks like a fish head and gills, the right part has a shape like a tail. In fact, the kanji has the “fish” radical (魚) built-in, since it is the kanji itself. It’s quite recognizable once you know it. To memorize: just remember that the word for fish, sakana, is almost always written with this kanji (or sometimes in kana in menus, but often you’ll see the kanji at markets). Picture a fish swimming – that’s 魚.

    
    

47. 天 (Heaven; Sky): Means “heaven” or “sky.” Common in 天気 (tenki, weather), 天国 (tengoku, heaven/paradise), 天ぷら (tempura – fun fact: the 天 here originally meant “heaven” as an honorific for the food).

    
    

    On’yomi: テン (ten); Kun’yomi: あま (ama), あめ (ame [in compounds, different from 雨’s ame])

    
    

    Example word: 天気 (てんき, tenki) – weather (literally “heaven’s spirit/air”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 天 has 大 (big) with a line above it. Think of a big person or a big shape under the sky (the top line). It’s like something big reaching up to the heavens. One common explanation: a large person reaching toward heaven. To recall the meaning, remember 天気 (weather) – that’s literally “heaven’s mood” in a way. Also 天国 (tengoku) is heaven (the country of heaven). The kanji is simple and evocative: big + sky = the heavens.

    
    

48. 空 (Sky; Empty): Means “sky” or “empty.” Used in words like 空 (sora, sky), 空気 (kūki, air), 空っぽ (karappo, empty), 空港 (kūkō, airport).

    
    

    On’yomi: クウ (kū); Kun’yomi: そら (sora), あ・く/あ・ける (a(ku)/a(keru) to become empty/to empty)

    
    

    Example word: 空 (そら, sora) – the sky

    
    

    Mnemonic: 空 has 宀 (roof) on top and 工 (work) on bottom, plus a small line. One way to see it: imagine a roof with nothing under it – just emptiness or sky. Or think of peeking through a hole in the roof at the sky. 空 is both “sky” and “empty,” as in 空席 (kūseki, empty seat) or 空車 (kūsha, empty taxi – i.e., available). To remember sora means sky, you might recall the name “Sora” (often used in anime/games for a character meaning sky). The kanji’s shape looks a bit like a house with no walls – just empty space under a roof – which links to “empty/sky.”

    
    

49. 山 (Mountain): Means “mountain.” Appears in 山 (yama, mountain), 火山 (kazan, volcano, “fire mountain”), 富士山 (Fuji-san, Mt. Fuji), 登山 (tozan, mountain climbing).

    
    

    On’yomi: サン (san); Kun’yomi: やま (yama)

    
    

    Example word: 山 (やま, yama) – mountain

    
    

    Mnemonic: 山 looks like a mountain! It has three peaks, like a little sketch of a mountain range (a tall peak in the middle and two smaller peaks on the sides). It’s a very intuitive pictograph. To remember the On’yomi san, note that many mountains in Japan are named with 山 but read as “-san” or “-zan” (e.g., 富士山 Fuji-san). And the Kun’yomi yama is literally the word for mountain (yama). So this one’s easy: the shape = mountain, and yama means mountain.

    
    

50. 雨 (Rain): Means “rain.” Used in 天雨 (ama, rainfall – though usually just 雨 by itself), 大雨 (ooame, heavy rain), 雨季 (uki, rainy season), 雨天 (uten, rainy weather).

    
    

    On’yomi: ウ (u) [in compound words]; Kun’yomi: あめ (ame)

    
    

    Example word: 雨 (あめ, ame) – rain

    
    

    Mnemonic: 雨 is another clear pictograph: it looks like a cloud with raindrops falling from it. The top line is the sky or cloud, and the four dots underneath are raindrops. It’s perhaps the easiest weather kanji to identify. Just think of an umbrella when you see it. The word ame itself means rain (like the song “Ame ame, fure fure” – “rain, rain, fall, fall”). So remembering 雨 = rain = ame is usually no problem, especially if you live in a place where it rains often and you hear “あめだ…” (It’s raining) a lot!

    
    

51. 電 (Electricity): Means “electric” or “electricity.” You’ll see it in 電気 (denki, electricity or light), 電車 (densha, electric train), 電話 (denwa, telephone, literally “electric talk”), 電子 (denshi, electron or electronic).

    
    

    On’yomi: デン (den); Kun’yomi: (none common by itself)

    
    

    Example word: 電話 (でんわ, denwa) – telephone (lit. “electric talk”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 電 has the rain radical (雨) on top and underneath is a field-like component. This is because it originally depicted lightning (electricity coming from the sky during rain). Think of thunderclouds raining down lightning bolts onto a rice field. That’s electricity from the heavens. So 電 = lightning = electricity. It’s in super common words like 電気 (lights/electricity) – remember when you leave a room you might say “電気を消して” (denki o keshite – turn off the light). And 電話 – literally “electric speech” – is a telephone. If you imagine a lightning bolt, you’ll link the shape of 電 to electricity.

    
    

52. 車 (Car; Vehicle): Means “vehicle” or “car.” Appears in 電車 (densha, train), 車 (kuruma, car), 自動車 (jidōsha, automobile), 車椅子 (kuruma-isu, wheelchair).

    
    

    On’yomi: シャ (sha); Kun’yomi: くるま (kuruma)

    
    

    Example word: 電車 (でんしゃ, densha) – train (lit. “electric vehicle”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 車 looks a bit like a top-down view of a wagon or car: the middle box could be the body of the vehicle and the four corners like wheels. It’s another pictograph – an old-style cart with wheels. To recall that it means car/vehicle, just think of the word 車 itself, which is read kuruma and means car. Or the brand “Acura” (sounds like kuruma) – just a thought. Also, picture the kanji as a little cart or chariot. It even kind of resembles a simplified steering wheel or axle. Once you imagine a car in it, you won’t forget 車.

    
    

53. 語 (Language; Word): Means “language” or “to talk/word.” Very common in language names (～語 like 日本語, Nihongo, Japanese language; 英語, Eigo, English). Also in 単語 (tango, word/vocabulary) and 語る (kataru, to talk about/tell a story).

    
    

    On’yomi: ゴ (go); Kun’yomi: かた・る (kata(ru) to speak, tell)

    
    

    Example word: 日本語 (にほんご, Nihon-go) – Japanese language

    
    

    Mnemonic: 語 has the speech radical 言 on the left, which gives the clue that it’s about words or speaking. On the right side is the component 吾 (ware, meaning “I” archaically, which has the element 五 = five and 口 = mouth). You can think of 語 as “words from five mouths” or “five people talking” – basically, conversation or language. It’s perfect that 語’s On’yomi is go, which literally means “language” (e.g., Nihon-go, E-go for English, etc.). So whenever you see a country name + 語, it means that country’s language. The combination of the speech radical and “five mouths” can help you picture a bunch of people chattering – thus, language.

    
    

54. 手 (Hand): Means “hand.” Used in many words: 手 (te, hand), 上手 (jōzu, skilled, literally “upper hand”), 下手 (heta, unskilled, “lower hand”), 手紙 (tegami, letter, literally “hand paper”), 歌手 (kashu, singer, “song hand”).

    
    

    On’yomi: シュ (shu); Kun’yomi: て (te)

    
    

    Example word: 手 (て, te) – hand (also used in compound words to mean worker or skill, e.g., 選手 = athlete)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 手 looks like a hand. It has a main stroke and then three shorter strokes on the side, reminiscent of fingers. In fact, it’s often drawn as if showing the palm with three fingers (since in kanji art, three strokes often represent five fingers). If you imagine those three short strokes as the fingers and the longer diagonal as the wrist or thumb, you can see a hand shape. The word 手 itself is just “te,” which is easy to remember (think of a tennis player’s backhand, maybe? or simply that you use your hand to drink tea – punny way: “tea” sounds like te). In compounds, 手 can also mean a person skilled at something (like 選手 “selected hand” = player). But as a standalone, picture your own hand – that’s 手.

    
    

55. 足 (Foot; Leg; To be sufficient): Means “foot” or “leg,” and also “to suffice” (as a verb 足りる, tariru, to be enough). Appears in words like 足 (ashi, foot/leg), 満足 (manzoku, satisfaction, “full sufficiency”), 足りない (tarinai, not enough).

    
    

    On’yomi: ソク (soku); Kun’yomi: あし (ashi), た・りる (ta(riru) to suffice)

    
    

    Example word: 足 (あし, ashi) – foot; leg

    
    

    Mnemonic: 足 kind of looks like a leg with a foot. The top part could be a body or knee, and the bottom part extends like a limb with a foot. In fact, the kanji 足 originally had a more foot-like shape. To recall the meaning, just remember the word あし (ashi) means both foot and leg in Japanese. You might visualize 足 as a person’s leg kicking. Also note, 足りる (tariru) uses this kanji to mean “to be enough” – maybe from the idea of “footing” or “to add up.” But stick with the image of a foot – the kanji’s bottom part looks like toes. If you see a sign like “二足” that literally means “two pairs” (of shoes or socks), since 足 also is a counter for footwear (two feet). Just think foot = 足.

    
    

56. 目 (Eye): Means “eye.” Also used to denote an order (～目 as a suffix means -th, like 1st, 2nd). Appears in 目 (me, eye), 目的 (mokuteki, purpose, “eye-target”), 目薬 (megusuri, eye drops), 科目 (kamoku, school subject).

    
    

    On’yomi: モク (moku), ボク (boku); Kun’yomi: め (me)

    
    

    Example word: 目 (め, me) – eye (also used as “item” or order, e.g., 一つ目 = first one)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 目 is a straightforward pictograph of an eye. It’s drawn like a vertical eye shape with a pupil. Imagine a big eyeball – the horizontal lines are like eyelids and the vertical line in the middle is like the pupil (though 目 is usually drawn with four strokes, it ends up looking like a rectangular eye). It’s very easy to recognize. To remember the reading me, just remember that “me” (目) means eye, and you use your eyes to look at me! (Cheesy, but might stick.) Also note, you’ll often see it as a suffix like ～目 (me) to indicate an ordinal: for example, 一つ目 (hitotsu-me, “the first one”), 二人目 (futari-me, “the second person”). It’s like saying “first item” or “second person,” using 目 as a counter meaning “in order.” That comes from eye as a point or item on a list.

    
    

57. 口 (Mouth): Means “mouth” or “opening.” Found in 口 (kuchi, mouth), 入口/出口 (iriguchi/deguchi, entrance/exit – literally “enter mouth” and “exit mouth”), 口語 (kōgo, spoken language), 人口 (jinkō, population, “people mouth” originally meaning number of people’s mouths to feed).

    
    

    On’yomi: コウ (kō), ク (ku); Kun’yomi: くち (kuchi)

    
    

    Example word: 出口 (でぐち, deguchi) – exit (lit. “exit mouth,” as in an opening for exiting)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 口 is literally a square shape that represents an open mouth. It’s like a big square “O” for an open mouth or a gate. If you imagine a face, 口 is the mouth. It’s one of the simplest kanji. You will see it on signs: 入口 (entrance) and 出口 (exit) are very common on buildings and train stations. 口 by itself as くち means mouth (like 口を開けて – open your mouth). It’s impossible to miss: the kanji is shaped like a mouth, and it means mouth or opening. So just picture a mouth whenever you see 口.

    
    

58. 名 (Name): Means “name” or “fame.” It appears in 名前 (namae, name), 有名 (yūmei, famous), 名刺 (meishi, business card), 名物 (meibutsu, famous product/specialty).

    
    

    On’yomi: メイ (mei), ミョウ (myō); Kun’yomi: な (na)

    
    

    Example word: 名前 (なまえ, namae) – name

    
    

    Mnemonic: 名 is composed of 夕 (evening) on top and 口 (mouth) on bottom. One story is that in old times, people would call names out in the evening (perhaps to call children home or to do roll call). So an “evening mouth” suggests calling out a name. Another way: think of a night party where someone’s name is called out. 名 means name, and the kun’yomi na is exactly the common word for name (名前 = name, where 前 we know is “before,” but together namae is just name). You might remember the English word “name” sounds a bit like “na-mei,” which are the two readings of 名 (na / mei). So 名 = name. If you see a form in Japanese, “名前” labels where you write your name, so that can reinforce it for you.

    
    

Places & Directions

These kanji cover common places and directional terms. As a beginner in Japan, reading signs for “station,” “exit,” or understanding words like “outside” and “school” is very useful. We include these because they often appear on maps, signboards, or in everyday conversations about locations. Pay attention to kanji like 上 (up) and 下 (down) which are also used in arrows on elevators, or 右 (right) and 左 (left) which you might see on doors or directions. Many of these kanji have multiple readings, but we’ve picked them because of how frequently they are encountered. For example, 店 (shop) might be read as みせ (mise) in isolation or てん (ten) in compounds – and both are common. Learning each reading in context will help. Here we provide one reading and example for each to illustrate its use.

59. 店 (Shop; Store): Means “shop” or “store.” You see this on storefront signs and in words like 喫茶店 (kissaten, coffee shop), 店員 (ten’in, store clerk), 店長 (tenchō, store manager).

    
    

    On’yomi: テン (ten); Kun’yomi: みせ (mise)

    
    

    Example word: 店 (みせ, mise) – shop, store (also used as a noun by itself meaning “store”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 店 has 广 (a dotted cliff/roof radical) on top and 占 (to occupy) below. Imagine a shop as a place under a roof where someone occupies space to sell goods. It’s like a little building shape. To remember it, think of mise – if you’ve watched anime or drama, you might have heard 「いい店だね」 (ii mise da ne, “It’s a nice shop”). The On’yomi ten is in words like 店員 (store employee) and is the same as the “ten” in coffee shop (喫茶店). Picture a store with a roof and merchandise inside – that’s 店.

    
    

60. 駅 (Station): Means “station” (usually train station). Everywhere you go in Japan, you’ll see ___駅 at train stations (e.g., 東京駅 Tokyo Station). Also in 駅前 (ekimae, in front of the station), 駅員 (ekiin, station staff).

    
    

    On’yomi: エキ (eki); Kun’yomi: (none common)

    
    

    Example word: 駅 (えき, eki) – station

    
    

    Mnemonic: 駅 has the horse radical 馬 on the left, because historically a station was where you changed horses. On the right is a shape that might hint at “proper” or “to arrive.” Think of it as: in olden days, a stagecoach station with horses. Now it means train station, but you can still see the horse in it. Luckily, 駅 is almost always read as eki, which is exactly the word for station. So if you know “Shinjuku Eki” means Shinjuku Station, you already know the reading and meaning. Just remember the horse to identify the kanji. When you see a sign with [Kanji]駅, you can read it as “[Kanji] Station.”

    
    

61. 道 (Road; Way): Means “road,” “street,” or “path,” and by extension “way” or “method.” It appears in 道 (michi, road), 道路 (dōro, road), 歩道 (hodō, sidewalk), 書道 (shodō, way of writing/calligraphy), 合気道 (aikidō, martial art – “way of harmony”).

    
    

    On’yomi: ドウ (dō); Kun’yomi: みち (michi)

    
    

    Example word: 道 (みち, michi) – road, street; path

    
    

    Mnemonic: 道 has the movement/walk radical (辶) on the left, which gives the clue of something to do with going or a path. The right part is 首 (neck/head). You can imagine “following your head” down a road, or that the road leads to where heads of people go. But simpler: The left side’s ⻌ looks like a road or trail. So 道 = something to do with roads or ways. In Japanese culture, “～道” (dō) is often “the way of” a discipline (茶道 sadō, the way of tea; 剣道 kendō, the way of the sword). But for daily use, just know 道 = road. The word みち is very common (e.g., 「この道をまっすぐ」 – “straight down this road”). Picture a road curving off, and remember the kanji with the “road” radical means road.

    
    

62. 社 (Shrine; Company): Means “shrine” (as in 神社, jinja) or “company” (as in 会社, kaisha). It has the sense of a gathering place or society. Common in 会社 (company), 社会 (shakai, society), 神社 (jinja, shrine).

    
    

    On’yomi: シャ (sha); Kun’yomi: やしろ (yashiro – archaic, shrine)

    
    

    Example word: 会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) – company, corporation (lit. “meeting shrine/association”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 社 has 礻 (the “altar” or “spirit” radical, related to worship) on the left, and 土 (earth) on the right. Originally, 社 referred to a god of the earth or a shrine for the earth deity. You can think of it as a shrine (a spiritual place on the earth). Now, how does that relate to “company”? In Japanese, companies are called 会社, where 社 carries the meaning of gathering or organization (maybe from the idea of a communal group like a religious community). To remember, think of 神社 (jinja) which clearly means shrine (with 神 = god and 社 = shrine). And then 会社 (meet + shrine) – people meet together in an organization. The shape with the little “ネ” radical and 土 is unique, so recognize that as the “company/shrine” kanji. It often is read as sha in compounds (e.g., 社長 shachō, company president) and as ja in jinja. But the Kun reading やしろ is rarely used except in old names. Focus on seeing 社 and thinking “community or company.”

    
    

63. 国 (Country): Means “country” or “nation.” You’ll see it in country names (中国 Chūgoku for China, 韓国 Kankoku for Korea, 英国 Eikoku for Britain, etc.), 外国 (gaikoku, foreign country), 国際 (kokusai, international).

    
    

    On’yomi: コク (koku); Kun’yomi: くに (kuni)

    
    

    Example word: 中国 (ちゅうごく, Chūgoku) – China (lit. “middle kingdom”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 国 is a square enclosing the jewel 玉 (or 王 which means king). So think of a country as a territory enclosed by borders, with a treasure or ruler inside. It’s literally like a box (land) containing a king or precious thing – a “kingdom.” Many country names in kanji end with 国, meaning nation (e.g., 中国, 韓国). The Kun’yomi くに is the word for country (as in 「私の国」 “my country”). To remember the shape, see the big box as the border of a country. The jewel or king inside shows it’s an important land. And since Japan was historically 「中国」 (“Middle Kingdom”) before that term moved to China, you know 国 = country/kingdom.

    
    

64. 外 (Outside; Foreign): Means “outside” or “external.” Common in 外国 (gaikoku, foreign country), 外国人 (gaikokujin, foreigner), 屋外 (okugai, outdoors), 外 (soto, outside), 外出 (gaishutsu, going out).

    
    

    On’yomi: ガイ (gai), ゲ (ge); Kun’yomi: そと (soto), はず・れる (hazu(reru) to come off), ほか (hoka other)

    
    

    Example word: 外国 (がいこく, gaikoku) – foreign country (“outside country”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 外 is composed of 夕 (evening) and 卜 (divination stick). How to make sense of that? One story: in the evening, the magician takes his wand outside. Or, think of stepping outside in the evening to do fortune-telling. But a simpler image: The kanji looks like something sticking out (the 卜 looks like a crack or something protruding from under a cover). 外 = outside. To remember, just drill in that soto means outside (e.g., 「外に出る」 soto ni deru = go outside). And 外国人 (gaikokujin) means foreigner – literally outside-country person. The concept of “outside” vs “inside” (内) is big in Japanese culture (inside group vs outsiders). So 外 is outside. You might also note 外食 (gaishoku) is eating out. See that pattern “gai-” as “outside.” And physically, imagine opening a door to go 外 (outside) at dusk (夕).

    
    

65. 学 (Study; Learn): Means “learning” or “to study.” It’s seen in 学校 (gakkō, school), 学生 (gakusei, student), 大学 (daigaku, university), 留学 (ryūgaku, study abroad).

    
    

    On’yomi: ガク (gaku); Kun’yomi: まな・ぶ (mana(bu))

    
    

    Example word: 大学 (だいがく, daigaku) – university (lit. “big learning”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 学 shows a child (子) under a roof or cover (the top part is like “⼍”). It literally depicts a child in a schoolhouse or under the tutelage of something. Think of it as a kid (子) learning under a roof – that’s school or learning. Another view: the top looks like a scholar’s cap or maybe some stylized representation of knowledge pouring in, and the bottom is the child. To recall meaning, remember that in Japanese, “school” is 学校 (gakkō) and “student” is 学生 (gakusei). Both start with 学 (learning). The verb 学ぶ (manabu) means to learn (though 勉強する is more common for “to study,” 学ぶ has a broader “learn” nuance). So 学 = to learn. The character’s image should evoke “someone learning under a roof.”

    
    

66. 校 (School): Means “school.” It specifically refers to a school (institution/building). Always found in compounds, not usually alone. For example 学校 (gakkō, school in general), 校長 (kōchō, principal), 校庭 (kōtei, schoolyard).

    
    

    On’yomi: コウ (kō); Kun’yomi: (none standalone)

    
    

    Example word: 学校 (がっこう, gakkō) – school

    
    

    Mnemonic: 校 contains 木 (tree) and 交 (to intersect or mix). One way to think of it: traditionally, children might have studied under a tree or a place where paths cross (like a village school under a big tree). Or think of it as a place where many lives (represented by lines crossing) come together around knowledge (wooden desks?). Honestly, the easiest is to remember that 学校 is spelled with 学 and 校 – two kanji, both pronounced “kō” in that word, making the word for school. We’ve learned 学 is learning, and 校 completes “school.” The kanji 校 by itself might remind you of a school building with a tree (木) in the courtyard. Many school grounds in Japan have a big tree. So 木 = tree, and you can imagine 交 as children crossing paths or interacting during recess. That’s a school.

    
    

67. 上 (Up; Above): Means “above,” “up,” or “on top.” You’ll see it as directional indicator (↑) or in words like 上 (ue, above), 上手 (jōzu, skilled “upper hand”), 上着 (uwagi, jacket “upper wear”), 屋上 (okujō, rooftop).

    
    

    On’yomi: ジョウ (jō, also ショウ shō in some cases); Kun’yomi: うえ (ue), うわ (uwa as prefix), あ・げる (a(geru) to raise), のぼ・る (nobo(ru) to go up)

    
    

    Example word: 上 (うえ, ue) – above, on, up

    
    

    Mnemonic: 上 is a simple kanji: a little line above a longer line. It literally depicts something above. The small stroke is placed above the main line (ground), indicating “up.” If it were below, it would be 下. So remember, the one with the extra stroke at the top is “up/above.” A quick mnemonic: the word “ue” sounds like “way up.” So 上 = ue = up. Also, you might recall Mario saying “1-UP” (one extra life), though that’s more English. In any case, 上 in diagrams or elevator buttons (「上↑」) means up. It’s intuitive once you see the shape.

    
    

68. 下 (Down; Below): Means “below,” “down,” or “under.” It’s in words like 下 (shita, below), 地下 (chika, underground), 下手 (heta, unskilled “lower hand”), ください (kudasai uses the kanji 下 as part of 下さい – meaning “please give [me]”).

    
    

    On’yomi: カ (ka), ゲ (ge); Kun’yomi: した (shita), さ・げる (sa(geru) to lower), お・りる (o(riru) to descend)

    
    

    Example word: 下 (した, shita) – under, below, beneath

    
    

    Mnemonic: 下 is the opposite of 上. It has a short line below the longer line. Think of it as a mark below the ground line, indicating “down.” The shape literally screams “this part is under.” To recall the reading, した (shita) means below. Perhaps think “sheet ah, dropped down” – or simpler, just memorize that SHITA means under (kids often learn “ue = up, shita = down” as a pair). The kanji on signs for basement or underground will often be 地下 (地下１階 = basement level 1, etc.). 下 on an arrow or elevator = go down. Just remember: the extra stroke on the bottom = lower, under.

    
    

69. 中 (Middle; Inside): Means “middle,” “center,” or “inside.” Found in 中国 (Chūgoku, China, “middle kingdom”), 中心 (chūshin, center), 中 (naka, inside/middle), 一日中 (ichinichijū, all day long, “throughout the day”).

    
    

    On’yomi: チュウ (chū); Kun’yomi: なか (naka)

    
    

    Example word: 中 (なか, naka) – inside, middle

    
    

    Mnemonic: 中 is a box with a vertical line through the middle. It literally looks like something going through the center of a box or target. So it clearly signifies “middle” or “center.” Think of a bullseye with an arrow hitting the middle – that arrow is the vertical line in 中. To remember the reading, note that 中国 (China) uses チュウ for 中. Also, 中学校 (chūgakkō) is middle school. The kun’yomi なか is a super common word for “inside” or “in the middle of.” For example, 「箱の中」 (hako no naka) = inside the box. The kanji’s form, with the line centered, will remind you it means center.

    
    

70. 北 (North): Means “north.” Used in 北 (kita, north), 北海道 (Hokkaidō, northern sea circuit – Hokkaido prefecture), 東北 (Tōhoku, region in north-east Japan), 北極 (hokkyoku, North Pole).

    
    

    On’yomi: ホク (hoku); Kun’yomi: きた (kita)

    
    

    Example word: 北 (きた, kita) – north (also as a direction: 北へ行く – go north)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 北 looks like two people sitting back to back. In ancient mnemonic tradition, two people back to back were said to be feeling cold (like in the north’s cold climate). You can imagine huddling back to back in the cold north wind. Another way: the character kind of has two shapes like bent figures. Just remember the story: “North is cold, so two people turn their backs to shield from the wind.” The reading きた (kita) is just the word for north. If you know the phrase 北海道 (Hokkaidō, the northernmost island), that has 北. Or 北風 (kitakaze, north wind). Connect “kita” with the idea of the North star or Santa (who lives in the north). That should fix it in memory.

    
    

71. 西 (West): Means “west.” Found in 西 (nishi, west), 関西 (Kansai, Kansai region of Japan, “west of the barrier”), 西洋 (seiyō, the West/Occident), 西日 (nishi-bi, westering sun which means afternoon sun).

    
    

    On’yomi: セイ (sei), サイ (sai); Kun’yomi: にし (nishi)

    
    

    Example word: 西 (にし, nishi) – west

    
    

    Mnemonic: 西 looks a bit like a stylized container or a setting sun descending to the west. Some see it as a pictograph of a bird perched at dusk or an enclosure with one side open (the west). Honestly, it might not resemble anything obvious at first glance. You could remember it by elimination: we know north (北) has people back-to-back, south (南) has more parts, east (東) is sun + tree. 西 is the one that remains for west. Or use this story: the west is where the sun sets; imagine the horizontal lines as the horizon, and the little shapes inside as the sun getting low in the sky. The reading にし (nishi) is just the word for west (e.g., 西口 nishi-guchi = west exit). And 西洋 (Seiyō) means Western world – with 西 read as “sei.” Kansai (関西) has 西 as “sai.” If you think of “the Wild West,” maybe think “SAIgon is in the west relative to something” – hmm. Let’s stick with the sun setting: a golden west with a square shape like a setting sun.

    
    

72. 東 (East): Means “east.” Seen in 東 (higashi or azuma, east), 東京 (Tōkyō, “Eastern capital”), 東海 (Tōkai, eastern sea region), 中東 (Chūtō, Middle East).

    
    

    On’yomi: トウ (tō); Kun’yomi: ひがし (higashi)

    
    

    Example word: 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) – Tokyo (lit. “Eastern capital”)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 東 is made of 木 (tree) and 日 (sun) embedded in it. You can interpret it as “the sun rising behind a tree.” The sun rises in the east, so pictographically, sun + tree = east (sun coming up through trees). This is a classic mnemonic for 東. It’s very effective: see the sun (the middle part) stuck in a tree (the outer frame) – that’s sunrise in the east. Tokyo’s kanji 東京 uses 東 for “east” and 京 for “capital,” since Tokyo is the eastern capital (as opposed to Kyoto in the west historically). The reading ひがし (higashi) might be remembered by “he gash-ed eastward” (silly), or note that some names like Higashiyama (東山, Eastern Mountain) use it. But the On’yomi トウ appears in Tokyo (とうきょう). So just think Tokyo = Eastern Capital, that’s East = 東.

    
    

73. 南 (South): Means “south.” Appears in 南 (minami, south), 南極 (nankyoku, South Pole), 東南 (tōnan, southeast), 南米 (Nanbei, South America).

    
    

    On’yomi: ナン (nan); Kun’yomi: みなみ (minami)

    
    

    Example word: 南 (みなみ, minami) – south

    
    

    Mnemonic: 南 looks a bit complex. One way to break it down: the top part looks like the kanji for ten (十) and an extra stroke, and the bottom part is similar to the katakana メ or a cross shape. There’s an old mnemonic: imagine an ornate signpost pointing the way to the sunny south, or think of it as an umbrella (the top) under which two people are sunbathing (just a wild image). Alternatively, you could remember it by elimination: you’ve learned east, west, north; the one with a more complex shape is south. Another association: the word みなみ (minami) sounds like “Miami,” which is in the south (Florida). Not historically relevant, but it might stick: Miami is warm and to the south – みなみ means south. Also, 南 is in the name “Minami” often (e.g., Minami Ward in cities). If you can recall at least that minami = south, you’ll be set, and reading 南 on a compass or map will be easier. The kanji shape might come with more familiarity; for now, pair it with something like “the south (南) is where it’s warm and everyone says ‘mi-na-mi!’ in excitement.”

    
    

74. 右 (Right (side)): Means “right” (direction). You find it in 右 (migi, right), 右手 (migite, right hand), 右折 (usetsu, right turn), 右翼 (uyoku, right wing).

    
    

    On’yomi: ウ (u), ユウ (yū); Kun’yomi: みぎ (migi)

    
    

    Example word: 右 (みぎ, migi) – right (side/direction)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 右 contains 口 (mouth) on the left side of the character and a small radical on the top right (essentially “ナ” or a shortened version of the hand radical 寸). A common mnemonic: “The mouth (口) is to the right of the hand (in the kanji).” Think of someone facing you – their right hand is on your left side visually, but imagine on your own body: your right hand is typically your dominant hand that feeds your mouth. The ancient origin of 右 was a hand holding something, but a simpler trick: write 左 (left) and 右 (right) next to each other. 右 has the “口” (which looks like a mouth) – recall that the phrase “drink with your right hand” or “your right hand brings food to your mouth.” So 右 is the right side. The reading みぎ should be straightforward – that’s the word for right. You might know “右に曲がる” (migi ni magaru) from driving directions meaning “turn right.” Or a more visual: 右 looks kind of like a person bowing to the right with their mouth open? If you squint… but stick with the mouth-hand idea.

    
    

75. 左 (Left (side)): Means “left” (direction). Found in 左 (hidari, left), 左手 (hidarite, left hand), 左折 (sasetsu, left turn), 左翼 (sayoku, left wing).

    
    

    On’yomi: サ (sa); Kun’yomi: ひだり (hidari)

    
    

    Example word: 左 (ひだり, hidari) – left (side/direction)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 左 contains 工 (craft/skill radical) on the left, and a short stroke on top right. One story: In ancient times, the left hand was considered “unclean” or used for less sacred tasks, like manual labor (工). Meanwhile, the right hand was used for eating and rituals (hence 右 has a mouth). So 左 has the work/tool radical, implying the left hand is the one that does work (tools). If that doesn’t stick, just memorize ひだり = left. Perhaps think “HIDARI -> HIDe your RIng on your left hand” (if someone hides a ring on their left hand? Hmm). Another easy trick: The kanji 左 and 右 – one of them has 口 (mouth). Which side of your body is the mouth on? Neither, it’s center. But think: 右 uses mouth to remind you of feeding, so that was right. 左 doesn’t have mouth; instead it has a work tool. So left is the one with 工. Also, the word 左利き (hidarikiki) means left-handed – maybe you know someone who is left-handed. All in all, ひだり = left, and the kanji without the “mouth” is left.

    
    

Basic Verbs

Here we have some of the most common action kanji – verbs you’ll use or see often. Even though the verb “to do” (する) has no kanji and “to be” (いる/ある) are usually kana, these covered here include actions like see, go, eat, drink, etc. For a beginner, recognizing these kanji in texts means you can pick up the gist of sentences. In conjugated forms, the kanji part stays the same and the ending changes in kana. For example, 見る (miru, to see) might appear as 見ました (mimashita, saw) – still the kanji 見 indicates “see.” We list the dictionary form (plain present tense) of each verb as the example. Generally, the Kun’yomi (Japanese reading) is used when these verbs stand alone (e.g., 見る = miru), whereas the On’yomi appears in compound words (like 見学 ken-gaku, study visit). Focus on connecting the kanji to the idea of the action.

76. 見 (To see; To be visible; To show): This kanji relates to vision. As a verb 見る (miru) means “to see” or “to watch.” It also appears in 見える (mieru, to be visible) and 見せる (miseru, to show). It’s extremely common.

    
    

    On’yomi: ケン (ken); Kun’yomi: み・る (mi(ru)), み・える (mi(eru)), み・せる (mi(seru))

    
    

    Example word: 見る (みる, miru) – to see, to watch

    
    

    Mnemonic: 見 looks like an eye (目) with legs. Imagine an eye on legs going around to see things. It’s actually literally that: 目 (eye) plus 儿 (legs) at the bottom. So think of “seeing” as your eyes walking around. That perfectly captures the meaning. For reading, you probably already know the verb みる (miru) – “to see/watch.” Words like 見物 (kenbutsu, sightseeing) use the On’yomi ken, but focus on the basic: 見る, 見える (something “can be seen”), 見せる (“to show” – cause someone to see something). If you can link the little leggy eye pictogram to “see,” you’re set.

    
    

77. 聞 (To hear; To listen; To ask): Relates to hearing (and sometimes asking, since “to ask” in Japanese can use the verb 聞く). 見る was for eyes, 聞く (kiku) is for ears. You’ll see it in 聞こえる (kikoeru, be audible) and 新聞 (shinbun, newspaper, “new hearing” literally).

    
    

    On’yomi: ブン (bun), モン (mon); Kun’yomi: き・く (ki(ku) to hear/ask), き・こえる (ki(koeru) to be heard)

    
    

    Example word: 聞く (きく, kiku) – to listen; to hear; to ask

    
    

    Mnemonic: 聞 has the “ear” 耳 inside a “gate” 門. So it’s literally an ear at the door or ear at the gate – as if you’re pressing your ear to a door to hear what’s going on inside. This nicely encapsulates “to listen/hear.” So just remember ear (耳) + gate (門) = listen (聞). The verb 聞く (kiku) means both “to hear/listen” and “to ask” – context tells which (like 音楽を聞く = listen to music, 先生に聞く = ask the teacher). The kanji doesn’t change for those meanings. To recall that, think that to “ask” is to “listen” for an answer. Also, 新聞 (new + hear) is newspaper, which you “hear” the news from (old naming convention). The shape of 聞 should remind you strongly of an ear at a door – so that’s hearing or eavesdropping!

    
    

78. 書 (To write; Writing): Means “to write,” and also refers to writings (as in 図書館, toshokan, library). The verb is 書く (kaku, to write). Also in 書道 (shodō, calligraphy), 教科書 (kyōkasho, textbook).

    
    

    On’yomi: ショ (sho); Kun’yomi: か・く (ka(ku))

    
    

    Example word: 書く (かく, kaku) – to write

    
    

    Mnemonic: 書 has 日 (sun/day) and a radical that looks like 聿 (a brush or writing pen) at the bottom. In fact, the bottom part is the classical “brush” component. So imagine someone holding a brush beneath the sun (maybe writing under daylight). It kind of looks like someone writing on a notebook. To remember it means “write,” focus on that brush-like shape. You might even see it as a hand holding a brush with ink. The reading かく (kaku) is a basic verb. If you know 書道 (shodō – the art of calligraphy), that has 書 = writing. Also 図書 (tosho) means books (図書館 library). So 書 = writing/documents. Just picture a pen or brush – that’s 書 every time.

    
    

79. 読 (To read): Means “to read.” The verb is 読む (yomu, to read). Seen in 読書 (dokusho, reading as a hobby), 読み物 (yomimono, reading material).

    
    

    On’yomi: ドク (doku); Kun’yomi: よ・む (yo(mu))

    
    

    Example word: 読む (よむ, yomu) – to read

    
    

    Mnemonic: 読 has the speech/word radical 言 on the left (since reading involves words), and the right side is 売 (to sell) without the final stroke at bottom. A story: “selling words” is basically what writers do, and we read them. But a simpler approach: notice that both 読む (yomu, to read) and 読書 (dokusho, reading books) use this kanji. The presence of 言 (words) hints it’s language-related. The On’yomi, as in 読書 (どくしょ, dokusho), sounds like “doku,” which might help you link to “book” (no pun intended). To recall the shape, you could think of a merchant (売) calling out words to sell books. But perhaps just flashcard it: 読 = read (with speech radical). And remember “yomu” – you likely have encountered that if you studied basic verbs.

    
    

80. 話 (To talk; Conversation): Means “to speak” or “to talk,” and also “a story” or “conversation.” As a verb, 話す (hanasu, to speak). Also seen in 会話 (kaiwa, conversation), 電話 (denwa, telephone, “electric talk”), 話 (hanashi, a story/tale).

    
    

    On’yomi: ワ (wa); Kun’yomi: はな・す (hana(su)), はなし (hanashi – talk, tale)

    
    

    Example word: 話す (はなす, hanasu) – to speak, to talk

    
    

    Mnemonic: 話 has the speech radical 言 on the left (again, something to do with words) and 舌 (tongue) on the right. Indeed, the right component is literally “tongue.” So words + tongue = to speak. Perfect! It’s hard to forget that visual: imagine a tongue wagging words. The kanji thereby means to talk or a talk. For readings: はなす (hanasu) is the verb, and 話 by itself as a noun is usually はなし (hanashi), meaning a tale or what someone said. The On’yomi ワ appears in 電話 (denwa, telephone) and 会話 (kaiwa, conversation). But since talking is such a fundamental action, just remember the friendly phrase: 「日本語で話してください。」 (Nihongo de hanashite kudasai – Please speak in Japanese.) 話す = to speak, with a tongue radical to remind you.

    
    

81. 買 (To buy): Means “to buy” or “to purchase.” The verb is 買う (kau, to buy). You also see it in 買い物 (kaimono, shopping or items bought) and 売買 (baibai, buying and selling).

    
    

    On’yomi: バイ (bai); Kun’yomi: か・う (ka(u))

    
    

    Example word: 買う (かう, kau) – to buy

    
    

    Mnemonic: 買 has the element 貝 (shell/money) at the bottom and a net-like thing 罒 on top. In ancient times, shells were used as currency in some cultures, and net implies catching. So think of “catching shells” to trade – basically obtaining goods. Or an easier one: imagine a shopping bag (the top part could look like a bag or eye looking for goods) and the shell at bottom as money. 買 = buy. It’s also just 売 (sell, which we’ll encounter soon) with a net added, interestingly. The reading is straightforward: かう (kau) is the verb “to buy.” If you know the phrase 買い物 (kaimono) meaning shopping (literally “buy things”), that’s this kanji. You might link bai in 買 to “buy” as an English pun (sounds like “buy”). In fact, 売買 (baibai) literally means buying and selling, and it’s funny because it’s basically “buy-buy” in pronunciation. So remember the shell – money – at the bottom and you’ll recall this has to do with purchase.

    
    

82. 行 (To go; To carry out): Means “to go” or “to carry out/do.” As a verb 行く (iku, to go). Also seen in 行う (okonau, to carry out/perform), 銀行 (ginkō, bank, “silver going” sort of meaning), 旅行 (ryokō, travel).

    
    

    On’yomi: コウ (kō), ギョウ (gyō); Kun’yomi: い・く (i(ku)), ゆ・く (yu(ku)), おこな・う (okonau)

    
    

    Example word: 行く (いく, iku) – to go

    
    

    Mnemonic: 行 looks like a crossroad or a set of parallel paths. It has a somewhat symmetrical pattern that gives the sense of lines or rows (in fact, in Japanese prints, column text is called 行). The idea is movement or going. One way: see it as two parallel lines (like road lanes) connected by two strokes – like the markings of a crosswalk. That might be a stretch, but it does look like a road or street in a city plan. For meaning, just remember 行く (iku) – one of the first verbs you learn, meaning “to go.” The kanji appears in common phrases like 行ってきます (“I’m off [to go somewhere]”). Also in the word 銀行 (bank) because originally a bank is a “money go-between” or something. If you imagine the kanji as a street intersection, it’ll stick as “go.”

    
    

83. 出 (To go out; To leave; To put out): Means “to exit, to go out” (and also “to put out something”). The verb 出る (deru, to exit/go out) and 出す (dasu, to take out/put out) use it. Found in 出口 (deguchi, exit), 出かける (dekakeru, to go out [for an outing]), 思い出 (omoide, a memory, lit. “a thing that comes out of thought”).

    
    

    On’yomi: シュツ (shutsu); Kun’yomi: で・る (de(ru)), だ・す (da(su))

    
    

    Example word: 出る (でる, deru) – to exit, to come out

    
    

    Mnemonic: 出 looks like two mountain shapes stacked, one pushing out of the other. In fact, it’s often described as “mountain emerging.” The bottom 山 could be ground level, and the top 山 is coming out of it. That gives the sense of something coming out or leaving. Another way: picture two doors being slightly opened (though it’s not literally drawn like that). The shape is unique: basically 山 with an extra one. So it’s like something is being pulled out. 出口 (exit) uses 出 and 口 (mouth/opening) – literally “exit mouth.” You’ll see 出 on exit signs combined with 口. For readings, 出る (deru) is to go out, 出す (dasu) is to take something out (or to turn in, as in “hand in homework”). Both share the root “de/da.” Think “de- part” as in depart (to leave) – 出 = de. The shape of 出 should evoke exiting a cave or a mountain emerging from the ground = something coming out.

    
    

84. 入 (To enter; To insert): Means “to enter” or “to put in.” It’s basically the opposite of 出. The verb is 入る (hairu, to enter) and 入れる (ireru, to put in). Also seen in 入口 (iriguchi, entrance), 入学 (nyūgaku, entering school), 輸入 (yunyū, import).

    
    

    On’yomi: ニュウ (nyū); Kun’yomi: はい・る (hai(ru)), い・れる (i(reru))

    
    

    Example word: 入り口 (いりぐち, iriguchi) – entrance (入口 is often written without the okurigana)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 入 looks like a person entering through a door or a funnel shape. It’s like an upside-down V, or imagine an arrow pointing inward. A common mnemonic: it resembles someone walking into a room (from left to right). It’s a very simple kanji. Be careful not to confuse it with 人 (person) – 入 is a bit more angled and open at top. Think of 入 as an open gate. And indeed 入口 is entrance (with 口 opening). For reading: 入る can be はいる (hairu, to enter) or いる (iru, an older form especially in compound like 押し入れ oshi-ire, closet). 入れる (ireru) is to put in. The On’yomi nyū is seen in 入学 (entry to school) or 入院 (nyūin, hospital admission). You might remember “ニューヨーク (Nyūyōku)” which ironically starts with nyū, but that’s just “New York” in katakana – unrelated, but a funny coincidence to spark memory: New York, new, nyū – entering something new. Probably stick with visual: the kanji looks like an entering action.

    
    

85. 休 (To rest; Holiday): Means “to rest” or “break/holiday.” The verb is 休む (yasumu, to rest or take a day off). As a noun, 休み (yasumi) means holiday or break. Seen in 休日 (kyūjitsu, holiday), 休憩 (kyūkei, break), 休校 (kyūkō, school closure day).

    
    

    On’yomi: キュウ (kyū); Kun’yomi: やす・む (yasu(mu)), やす・み (yasu(mi))

    
    

    Example word: 休む (やすむ, yasumu) – to rest, to take a break; to take time off

    
    

    Mnemonic: 休 is made of 人 (person) next to 木 (tree). It literally looks like a person leaning against a tree, which is a perfect image of “rest.” Imagine someone resting under a tree’s shade. That’s exactly what 休 conveys. Because of that pictograph, this kanji is very easy to recall: person + tree = take a rest (like on a hike, you stop and lean on a tree). The word 休み (yasumi) you likely know as “holiday/break.” And 休む (yasumu) as “to rest” or “skip work/school.” The On’yomi kyū shows up in words like 休暇 (kyūka, vacation) and 連休 (renkyū, consecutive holidays). But the mnemonic power is in the shape: you see that person by a tree – think “taking a break.”

    
    

86. 食 (To eat; Food): Means “to eat” and also “food.” The verb is 食べる (taberu, to eat). In compounds, it can carry the meaning of “food” or “meal” (e.g., 食事 shokuji, meal). Also in 食べ物 (tabemono, food), 食堂 (shokudō, cafeteria), 食欲 (shokuyoku, appetite).

    
    

    On’yomi: ショク (shoku); Kun’yomi: た・べる (ta(beru))

    
    

    Example word: 食べる (たべる, taberu) – to eat

    
    

    Mnemonic: 食 in its full form looks like a roof with something inside (the top part is a roof or lid) and the bottom part is a bit like a fork or spoon if you use imagination. Actually, it’s supposed to depict a person opening their mouth wide under a roof, meaning they are about to eat. Another perspective: imagine a dining table with a cover. There’s also the idea that it’s someone kneeling and opening mouth to receive food. For ease, note that the katakana for eat “taberu” is nothing like it, but “shoku” you see in terms like 食品 (shokuhin, food products). To remember taberu, you likely already do since it’s basic. Just connect that verb with this kanji. The kanji appears in signs for restaurants often as part of phrases, and obviously in menus for “set meal” (定食 teishoku). If the shape doesn’t stick initially, remember the story: roof + food = to eat, like a family eating under a roof. Or see it as a combination of 人 (person) and 良 (good) – good person eats well? Perhaps stick to: the kanji kind of looks like a fork and something being placed under a cover, as if serving a meal. In any case, know 食べる is written with 食.

    
    

87. 飲 (To drink; A drink): Means “to drink” (verb 飲む, nomu) and also “drink” as noun in compounds (飲料 inryō, beverage). Appears in 飲み物 (nomimono, a drink/beverage), 飲酒 (inshu, drinking alcohol), 飲食店 (inshokuten, restaurant/bar, “drinking and eating establishment”).

    
    

    On’yomi: イン (in); Kun’yomi: の・む (no(mu))

    
    

    Example word: 飲む (のむ, nomu) – to drink

    
    

    Mnemonic: 飲 has the 食 (eat) radical on the left, and on the right a component 欠 which looks like a person yawning or opening mouth (this radical often implies “to lack” or “yawn”). Combine them: eating radical + open mouth = drink. More specifically, imagine someone drinking soup – the left side is food/drink, the right side is a mouth slurping. Or think of it as “to eat (食) and then a person tilting their head back (欠) to drink.” Since we just learned 食, seeing it inside 飲 helps: add “eat” plus something to do with mouth, you get “drink.” The verb 飲む (nomu) you likely know for “to drink.” So just associate that with this kanji. 飲み物 (drink) is a common noun every beginner learns too. So memorize that spelling: 飲み物 (both kanji mean “drink thing” literally). The shape of 欠 looks like someone raising a cup to their mouth. So yeah – drink!

    
    

88. 言 (To say; Word): Means “to say” (verb 言う, iu) and “word” or “speech” in compounds. It’s the root of the words we saw in 語 and 話. Appears in 言語 (gengo, language), 発言 (hatsugen, a remark), 言葉 (kotoba, word or language).

    
    

    On’yomi: ゲン (gen), ゴン (gon); Kun’yomi: い・う (i(u)), こと (koto as in “thing said”)

    
    

    Example word: 言う (いう, iu) – to say

    
    

    Mnemonic: 言 looks like a stack of lines (words) coming out of a mouth (the little dot or short line at bottom could be the mouth). Indeed, it’s often called the “speech” radical, and many kanji related to speech have this component. On its own, 言 means “to say” or “words.” You can remember it by seeing it as a kind of speech bubble or sound waves. Another idea: it looks a bit like the kanji for “tongue” (舌) plus an extra line at top – an emphasized tongue = speaking. Either way, Japanese kids often learn this by associating it with lines of words. The reading いう (iu) is irregular because you’d think it might be “yuu” from spelling, but it’s pronounced “iu.” It’s a very common verb (“to say” or “to call”). The noun 言葉 (kotoba) uses 言 to mean word or language (葉 = leaf, so “word leaves” kind of poetic). You might also know 言って (itte, “say ~” or as part of phrase “itte kudasai”). Given its recurring presence in compound words, the shape will get familiar. Just think of the horizontal lines as words flowing.

    
    

89. 立 (To stand; To establish): Means “to stand” (verb 立つ, tatsu) and also “to establish” in compounds (like 立法 rippō, legislation). You’ll see it on signs like 立入禁止 (tachiiri kinshi, “No Entry” literally “standing-enter forbidden”), 国立 (kokuritsu, national, “country-established”), 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu, to be useful, “stand to role”).

    
    

    On’yomi: リツ (ritsu), リュウ (ryū); Kun’yomi: た・つ (ta(tsu))

    
    

    Example word: 立つ (たつ, tatsu) – to stand (up)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 立 looks like a person standing upright on the ground. It has a base and something upright with a little top. Or think of it as a plant sprouting up (but we already used that for 生). Better: picture someone standing with arms slightly out (the top part like a hat or arms). It’s quite straightforward. It’s often drawn like it has little legs at the bottom. So I see a person standing with arms akimbo. The verb 立つ (tatsu) is basic for “to stand (up).” The kanji is also used metaphorically for “to start/establish,” like 立春 (risshun, start of spring) or 私立大学 (shiritsu daigaku, private university – established privately). But stick with the image of standing. Fun note: the sumo referee will shout “たって！” (Tatte! Stand up!) similarly written with this kanji. Not that you need sumo to recall it – the shape’s clear enough.

    
    

90. 会 (To meet; Meeting): Means “to meet” or “meeting.” The verb is 会う (au, to meet). It’s in 会社 (kaisha, company, literally “meeting society”), 会社員 (kaishain, company employee), 会話 (kaiwa, conversation), 会場 (kaijō, meeting site).

    
    

    On’yomi: カイ (kai), エ (e); Kun’yomi: あ・う (a(u))

    
    

    Example word: 会う (あう, au) – to meet

    
    

    Mnemonic: 会 has the roof radical 宀 on top and underneath is the character for “to assemble” or a variant of “meet” (like 人 with a squiggle). I always see 会 as a picture: a few people meeting under one roof. It’s like an umbrella covering people gathering. This clearly suggests a meeting or gathering. So think: under the roof (a meeting hall), people meet. That’s 会. The verb 会う (au) is common for “meet” – e.g., 友達に会う (tomodachi ni au, meet a friend). Also, this kanji appears in the word for party/association – e.g., 教会 (kyōkai, church, “teaching meeting”), 協会 (kyōkai, association). For On’yomi, in 会社 (kaisha) it’s かい, and in 会議 (kaigi, meeting) it’s かい again, etc. But with the mnemonic of “people under one roof gathering,” you’ll tie it to “meeting” easily. And you can recall that company (会社) is literally “meeting of people” plus “shrine/office” (社). So business folks are those who meet at the company. That fits our earlier 社 explanation too. Anyway, 会 = meet/gather, and looks like it too!

    
    

Common Adjectives (Descriptions)

Finally, here are basic descriptive kanji (mostly adjectives). These kanji are used to describe size, quantity, and basic qualities (new/old, cheap/expensive, etc.). In their Kun’yomi forms, they usually pair with い to form i-adjectives (e.g., 大きい, ookii, big). The On’yomi often appears when these kanji form part of compound nouns (e.g., 大学, daigaku, university). For a beginner, learning these will help you read simple descriptions like “big dog” (大きい犬) or “cheap price” (安い値段), and recognize words like 大人 (adult, literally “big person”) or 長男 (eldest son, “long/eldest male”). Pay attention to context for meaning; for example, 大 can mean “big” but also “great” or “a lot” in compounds. We include a mnemonic to help recall each kanji’s meaning and look.

91. 多 (Many; A lot): Means “many” or “much.” Used as an adjective 多い (ooi, many/numerous) and in compounds like 多少 (tashō, more or less/somewhat), 多分 (tabun, probably, literally “many part,” but functionally an adverb meaning maybe/probably).

    
    

    On’yomi: タ (ta); Kun’yomi: おお・い (oo(i))

    
    

    Example word: 多い (おおい, ooi) – many, much (adjective)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 多 looks like two+ evening radicals 夕 sort of stacked or overlapping. Think of “many evenings.” If you have many nights of work or many evenings out, that’s a lot. Another way: it slightly resembles the kanji for evening (夕). Two evenings could imply many things happening. It’s a bit abstract, but remember the adjective おおい sounds like “oh oy” (just kidding) but it’s simply the word for many. Maybe connect おおい with 大きい (big) since both start with おお – something that is big or in large quantity. To recall the shape, just think that it has multiple strokes going in different directions, giving a sense of plurality. 多 = a lot. (If it helps: imagine the top as a person with arms out, and the bottom as an extra leg – a mutant with many limbs?)

    
    

92. 少 (Few; A little): Means “few” or “a little.” As an adjective 少ない (sukunai, few) and adverb 少し (sukoshi, a little). Also in 少年 (shōnen, boy/youngster), 少々 (shōshō, a little bit / polite term).

    
    

    On’yomi: ショウ (shō); Kun’yomi: すく・ない (suku(nai)), すこ・し (suko(shi))

    
    

    Example word: 少し (すこし, sukoshi) – a little, slightly

    
    

    Mnemonic: 少 has the small radical 小 with an extra stroke (it looks like a small plus a tiny dot or hook). Think of it as “small (小) and then even a bit more small (the extra tick).” So it’s like emphasizing smallness – hence few or little. The shape itself is minimal, appropriately. 少ない (sukunai) means few/scarce, and 少し (sukoshi) means a little. If you remember sukoshi from phrases like 少しわかります (sukoshi wakarimasu, “I understand a little”), that’s this kanji. A trick: 少し sounds like “skosh” – which English actually borrowed as “skosh” meaning a smidge. And that comes from this Japanese word! So 少 = a small amount. Just envision the kanji 小 (small), and then think that 少 is small with something extra small — ironically making the total meaning “small in number.”

    
    

93. 古 (Old): Means “old” (not for people’s age, but for things). As an adjective 古い (furui, old, used for objects), and in 古代 (kodai, ancient times), 中古 (chūko, secondhand). Note: for people you use 年寄り (toshiyori) or 老いた, not 古い.

    
    

    On’yomi: コ (ko); Kun’yomi: ふる・い (furu(i))

    
    

    Example word: 古い (ふるい, furui) – old (for objects, ideas, etc., not age of people)

    
    

    Mnemonic: 古 is 十 (ten) over 口 (mouth). One interpretation: something that has been said by ten generations of mouths is old. Or “ten mouths ago” (a silly phrase) – basically antiquity. Another view: a mouth that has been open for ten (whatever units) – maybe a yawning old person? The more standard mnemonic: ten (十) and mouth (口) suggests something that’s been around for a long time (as if a story told by ten mouths, passed down). So 古 = old. The reading ふる (furu) you know from 古い. Think “furui = old,” maybe “old things gather fur (furui) from dust”? Actually, the sound “furui” might remind you of “fur” like an old coat. Slight connection but anyway. When you see 古 in compound like 古本 (furuhon, used book) or 古着 (furugi, used clothing), it still has that reading “furu” as a prefix meaning secondhand/old. So it’s consistent. The kanji’s look (十 above 口) is unique – once you tie it to “old,” you’ll recall the “ten mouths” legend or something to justify it.

    
    

94. 新 (New): Means “new.” As an adjective 新しい (atarashii, new) and in compounds like 新聞 (shinbun, newspaper, “new hearing”), 新年 (shinnen, New Year), 新幹線 (Shinkansen, bullet train, “new trunk line”).

    
    

    On’yomi: シン (shin); Kun’yomi: あたら・しい (atara(shii))

    
    

    Example word: 新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) – new

    
    

    Mnemonic: 新 is a combo of 亲 (which looks like 親 minus something, meaning parent or “to be intimate”) and 斤 (axe). One explanation: to make something new, you cut the old with an axe. Another: think of a newly chopped tree (wood + axe). The left part resembles a standing tree, the right part is an axe. So an axe cutting wood yields fresh timber = new. It’s a bit of a stretch, but if you see the shape as “standing tree” and “axe,” that can cue “newly cut.” The adjective atarashii you likely know as opposite of 古い. And interestingly 新聞 (newspaper) uses 新 (new) + 聞 (hear) = “new hear” i.e., news. So 新 = new. The kanji has a clear vertical structure with something that looks like 立 (stand) and 木 (tree) fused on left, and 斤 (axe) on right. Use the “new wood” story to solidify meaning. Also, remember the phrase 新しい (Atari’s new console? Atarashii = new). Maybe “A tall, lush tree stands newly cut by an axe” – whatever helps.

    
    

95. 大 (Big; Large; Great): Means “big” or “large.” As an adjective 大きい (ōkii, big). Also in 大人 (otona, adult, literally “big person”), 大学 (daigaku, university, “big learning”), 大使館 (taishikan, embassy, “big use building” sort of literal meaning).

    
    

    On’yomi: ダイ (dai), タイ (tai); Kun’yomi: おお・きい (ōkii), おお- (oo- prefix)

    
    

    Example word: 大きい (おおきい, ōkii) – big, large

    
    

    Mnemonic: 大 is literally a person with arms and legs stretched out wide – like saying “THIS BIG!” It’s one of the simplest kanji: a stick figure standing with arms up. That clearly means “large.” You can’t forget that shape. It’s like a kid saying “I caught a fish thiiiis big” with arms apart. The reading おお (ō) is literally the prefix for big (e.g., 大雨 ōame, heavy rain). The On’yomi dai appears in words like 大学生 (daigakusei, university student) and 大丈夫 (daijōbu, okay/alright – original meaning “big man” as in reliable). But at beginner level, 大きい is key. Just one look at 大 and you think “big person stretching out” – so it’s memorable as “big.”

    
    

96. 小 (Small; Little): Means “small.” Adjective 小さい (chīsai, small). Also in 小学校 (shōgakkō, elementary school, “small school”), 小説 (shōsetsu, novel, “small talk” originally), 小犬 (koinu, puppy, “small dog”).

    
    

    On’yomi: ショウ (shō); Kun’yomi: ちい・さい (chii(sai)), こ (ko prefix), お (o prefix, old usage)

    
    

    Example word: 小さい (ちいさい, chiisai) – small, little

    
    

    Mnemonic: 小 looks like three little drops or a small object. It’s basically three strokes converging downward, giving the impression of something tiny. If 大 was a person with arms out, 小 could be seen as a person with arms down, or just three little marks. Think of the phrase “small but precious” and imagine three small droplets of something valuable. Or simply remember: it’s the opposite of 大 in visual weight – 大 is broad, 小 is narrow. The reading ちいさい (chiisai) you certainly have encountered meaning small. Also, the kun-prefix “小(さい)” often appears as こ or お in some words: e.g., 小川 (ogawa, small stream) and 小鳥 (kotori, little bird). On’yomi shō is used in 小学生 (shōgakusei, elementary student). The kanji’s shape is minimal and suggests smallness, which matches perfectly.

    
    

97. 安 (Cheap; Peaceful; Safe): This kanji carries meanings of “cheap” (in price) and “safe/peaceful.” Adjective 安い (yasui, cheap/inexpensive). In compounds, it can mean safety (安全 anzen) or peace (安定 antei, stability). Also in 安心 (anshin, relief/peace of mind).

    
    

    On’yomi: アン (an); Kun’yomi: やす・い (yasu(i))

    
    

    Example word: 安い (やすい, yasui) – cheap, inexpensive

    
    

    Mnemonic: 安 has the roof radical 宀 on top and 女 (woman) underneath. A common mnemonic: a woman under a roof is at peace (safe and content). Traditional sexist aside, it’s an easy image: at home (roof) the woman is safe = peace. Also historically, maybe indicates a peaceful household. Anyway, from “peace” came also the idea of “ease” and “cheap” (affordable things put you at ease?). For our use, 安い (yasui) means cheap. So think: under the roof, price goes down because overhead is low? Eh. Alternatively, remember 安 as an antonym to 高 (expensive/tall). 安 just looks like a calm symbol with a roof – so maybe think “low” or “cheap.” Also 安全 (anzen) is safety, and 安心 (anshin) is relief. So the underlying concept is safety/peace. And when you bargain for a cheap item, you want a safe/peaceful feeling on your wallet. The image of a woman under a roof = safe can help recall that double meaning: safe & cheap (like “rest easy, it’s cheap!”). In any case, yasui is such a common word (stores often have 安い on sale tags) that linking it to this kanji will be natural after a few exposures.

    
    

98. 高 (Tall; High; Expensive): Means “tall,” “high,” or “expensive.” Adjective 高い (takai) can mean both “tall/high” (like height) or “expensive” (high price). Appears in 高校 (kōkō, high school), 最高 (saikō, highest or “awesome!” colloquially), 高速 (kōsoku, high-speed).

    
    

    On’yomi: コウ (kō); Kun’yomi: たか・い (taka(i))

    
    

    Example word: 高い (たかい, takai) – high or expensive (depending on context; e.g., 高い山 takai yama = a tall mountain, 値段が高い nedan ga takai = the price is high [expensive])

    
    

    Mnemonic: 高 looks like a tall structure like a tall building or perhaps a fancy tall hat on a mouth? It has a roof and something like the character for mouth (口) in it and a little legs. You can imagine it as a tall tower with a window. It definitely conveys height more than width. If 安 was woman under a roof, 高 is maybe a tall roof with something ornate below. Honestly, I always just brute memorized 高 because it’s distinctive. It kind of resembles a ladder or multi-story building. For price, think: high building, high price. The reading たか is known from words like 高さ (takasa, height) or the name Takashi (often written with this kanji meaning “prosper” or “tall”). Remember that 高い can mean physically high or pricey – context needed. But if someone says 「高いです！」 they usually mean “That’s expensive!” The On’yomi shows in 高校 (kōkō for high school, short for 高等学校) and 高級 (kōkyū, high class). Connect it with tall height or high cost in your mind. The shape’s complexity relative to others might imply “high level.”

    
    

99. 長 (Long; Leader): Means “long” (as in length or time) and also “chief/leader” (as in 部長 buchō, section chief). As an adjective 長い (nagai, long). Also used for eldest or senior: 長男 (chōnan, eldest son), 社長 (shachō, company president, “company chief”).

    
    

    On’yomi: チョウ (chō); Kun’yomi: なが・い (naga(i))

    
    

    Example word: 長い (ながい, nagai) – long

    
    

    Mnemonic: 長 looks a bit like a squiggly hair or a person with long hair trailing. In fact, some see it as a person with a big head and long hair or long legs. If you use your imagination, the top can be a head, and the downward strokes like flowing hair. That’s one classic mnemonic: the kanji depicts a person with long hair, indicating “long.” For the leader meaning, think of length as longevity or seniority. The oldest (longest time served) person becomes chief. So 長 also means leader in compounds. But as a beginner, focus on 長い = long. A sentence like 髪が長い (kami ga nagai – hair is long) uses this. The On’yomi chō appears in words for leaders (社長, school principal 校長) or in length units (延長 enchō, extension). To memorize the shape, picture Rapunzel (with long hair) or a long snake. Another hint: the left part is like hair comb (彡), which is often associated with hair or decorative stuff. So think of combing long hair. That will get you to “long.”

    
    

100. 白 (White): Means “white.” Adjective 白い (shiroi, white). Also in 白紙 (hakushi, blank paper), 面白い (omoshiroi, interesting, literally “face white” originally meaning blank face i.e. curious), 白鳥 (hakuchō, swan “white bird”).

     
     

     On’yomi: ハク (haku), ビャク (byaku); Kun’yomi: しろ (shiro), しろ・い (shiro(i))

     
     

     Example word: 白い (しろい, shiroi) – white (adjective)

     
     

     Mnemonic: 白 looks like a little sun or a flame with a tiny stroke at the top. It’s actually the character for “white” derived from a pictograph of sunlight or something pure. One common explanation: it’s like the kanji 日 (sun) with one less stroke, representing a faint sun or clear light = white. Or think of it as a white candle with a small flame (the top stroke could be a wick). Either way, it’s fairly straightforward to recognize. 白 is used in words for innocence or blankness (白紙 blank page). And the reading しろ (shiro) you know from the adjective and maybe the noun (城 shiro is castle, but spelled differently). In context, “shiro” alone as a noun means the color white. The On’yomi haku is in words like 白色 (hakushoku, white color) and 白夜 (byakuya, white night). To not overcomplicate: see 白, think “white.” If it helps, picture an empty white box – that dot or short line at top might signify emptiness leaving the box (like an open lid). Eh, simpler: It’s basically 日 missing one stroke – the sun without a dot of sunspot – a clear bright sun = white.

     
     

These 100 kanji (with a slight emphasis on the first ~100 taught in beginner levels) form the core of everyday written Japanese. By learning their meanings, readings, and seeing them in common words, you’ll be able to recognize a huge chunk of basic Japanese text. Keep practicing by reading simple sentences or signs; you’ll soon find these characters popping out everywhere, from the ￥100 円 coin (yen) to the 出口 (exit) sign, to the pages of your first Japanese storybook.

Practice writing them to reinforce memory, but also practice seeing them in context – for example, read menus, labels, or children’s books. Many have additional meanings or use in compounds beyond what’s listed, but this guide hits their core daily-life usage.

Study Tips: Focus on the kanji in groups (like numbers first, then days, etc.) rather than all at once. Use flashcards for readings and meanings.
Try to connect the shape of the kanji with something memorable (as we did with mnemonics) – making a story or image in your mind greatly helps recall. And remember to revisit them regularly (spaced repetition).

With these kanji under your belt, you’ll find you can make sense of a surprising amount of written Japanese in everyday life – a rewarding payoff for your studies

When memorizing, use the mnemonics provided or make your own personal connections – silly or serious, whatever sticks in your memory. And don’t hesitate to consult kanji dictionaries like Jisho.org for more example words and stroke order if you start writing them. With time and practice, these kanji will go from intimidating symbols to familiar friends on your Japanese learning journey. 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai – do your best) and happy studying!

Ready to test your kanji knowledge? Give our Random Joyo Kanji Generator a try here!