People & society

Tap an example word to hear it pronounced.

Blue - the main radical the kanji is filed under in dictionaries.

Green - a component that hints at the meaning.

Orange - a component that hints at the reading (sound).

?

Grey - another building block, with no clear meaning or sound role.

#1

Meaning

private; I, me

Components

Example words
りつ

private (institution)

てつ

private railway

こう

public and private

#2

Meaning

masses, multitude

Components

Example words
たいしゅう

the masses, general public

かんしゅう

spectators, audience

みんしゅう

the people, populace

#3

Meaning

obey, follow; subordinate

Components

Example words
じゅうぎょういん

employee

ふくじゅう

obedience, submission

したが

to follow, to obey

#4

Meaning

take up (a post); settle into

Components

Example words
しゅうしょく

finding employment

しゅうにん

taking office

to take up (a position)

#5

Meaning

hometown, village

Components

Example words
きょう

hometown

きょう

local, native place

きょう

one’s hometown

#6

Meaning

revere, respect; noble

Components

Example words
そんけい

respect, esteem

そんちょう

respect, valuing

とうと

precious, noble

#7

Meaning

holy, sacred; sage

Components

Example words
せいしょ

the Bible, scripture

しんせい

holy, sacred

せい

sacred flame (Olympic)

#8

Meaning

various, several

Components

Example words
しょこく

various countries

しょくん

everyone, gentlemen

しょとう

archipelago

#9

Meaning

haiku; actor

Components

Example words
はい

haiku poem

はいゆう

actor, actress

はいじん

haiku poet

#10

Meaning

superior; gentle; actor

Components

Example words
ゆうしょう

victory, championship

ゆうしゅう

excellent, superior

やさしい

gentle, kind

Practice

Test yourself on this lesson's kanji.