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JLPT N1 Vocabulary
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N1
画策
かくさく
「画」 means to plan a scheme, and 「策」 means a scheme; together they mean to plan out schemes. It refers to secretly devising a plan and acting on it for some purpose. It is mostly used with a negative connotation, carrying the sense of acting in the shadows, as in 「裏で画策する」.
AI-generated translation
N1
確執
かくしつ
「確」 means firm, and 「執」 means to grasp and not let go; together they mean firmly holding to one's claims without yielding to each other. It refers to not yielding one's opinions and continuing to be in opposition. It expresses situations in which a relationship has become tense within an organization or among relatives. Used in expressions like 「両者の確執が表面化する」.
AI-generated translation
N1
かけがえのない
かけがえのない
「かけがえ」 is 「掛け替え」, originally meaning something to substitute. 「かけがえのない」 means that it 「ない」 (does not exist), that is, the quality of being so precious that nothing else can replace it. Used in expressions like 「かけがえのない家族」 or 「かけがえのない時間」, expressing a unique and precious existence.
AI-generated translation
N1
かこつける
かこつける
It refers to hiding the true reason and using something else as a pretext. Used in expressions like 「病気にかこつけて休む」 or 「忙しさにかこつける」, in situations of using something as an excuse to hide one's true intent.
AI-generated translation
N1
寡作
かさく
「寡」 means few, and 「作」 means works; together they mean having few works. It refers to a writer or artist who produces only a small number of works in their lifetime. Used in expressions like 「寡作の作家」. The opposite is 「多作」. It is a word seen in contexts speaking of the volume of creative output.
AI-generated translation
N1
かさばる
かさばる
It refers to an object having a large volume and taking up space. Used in expressions like 「冬物がかさばる」 or 「荷物がかさばる」, in situations where it is the size of the volume, not the weight, that is the issue.
AI-generated translation
N1
かさむ
かさむ
It refers to an amount or quantity increasing and becoming large. Used in expressions like 「経費がかさむ」 or 「出費がかさむ」, mainly in situations where money or quantity of goods increases more than expected.
AI-generated translation
N1
寡少
かしょう
「寡」 means few, and 「少」 means few; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a number or amount that is extremely small. Used in expressions like 「寡少な資源」, it is a formal word used in contexts that emphasize being limited.
AI-generated translation
N1
霞む
かすむ
It refers to distant scenery looking blurry due to mist or haze. Used in expressions like 「山が霞む」 or 「目が霞む」, it expresses a state in which vision is not clear. By metaphor it is also used in the sense of becoming inconspicuous, as in 「主役が霞む」.
AI-generated translation
N1
かすめる
かすめる
It refers to passing by very close to the side of something, or lightly touching it. Used in expressions like 「鳥が水面をかすめる」 or 「ボールが頬をかすめる」, in situations of light contact.
AI-generated translation
N1
寡占
かせん
「寡」 means few, and 「占」 means to occupy; together they mean a few occupying things in a dominant manner. It refers to a state in which a small number of companies control most of a market. It is a specialized term used in economic articles in forms like 「寡占市場」 or 「寡占状態」. It refers to a situation with more participating companies than 「独占」(monopoly).
AI-generated translation
N1
頑な
かたくな
A manner of not changing one's own views and not accepting others' opinions. Used in expressions like 「頑なに拒む」 or 「頑なな態度」, in situations of closing one's heart and not yielding. It often carries a slightly negative evaluation.
AI-generated translation
N1
固唾
かたず
It refers to saliva that gathers in the mouth when one tenses up and holds one's breath. It is mostly used in the form 「固唾を呑む」 as a set phrase expressing the manner of watching tensely with concern over the outcome.
AI-generated translation
N1
語り継ぐ
かたりつぐ
It refers to continuing to tell and pass on a story or experience to later generations. Used in expressions like 「先人の知恵を語り継ぐ」 or 「地域の伝統を語り継ぐ」, in situations of passing things down orally across generations.
AI-generated translation
N1
傍ら
かたわら
Right beside, the area at the side. It also refers to doing another thing simultaneously while engaged in some activity. Used in expressions like 「母の傍らに座る」 or 「仕事の傍ら執筆する」.
AI-generated translation
N1
荷担
かたん
The character 「荷」 means luggage and 「担」 means to carry on the shoulder; the original meaning is to help someone carry their load. From this, the word came to express joining in and assisting with an action. Used in expressions like 「犯罪に荷担する」 or 「不正に荷担する」, it is mostly applied to involvement in undesirable acts.
AI-generated translation
N1
活況
かっきょう
「活」 means lively, and 「況」 means state; together they refer to a lively state. It refers to a state in which business or markets are bustling and energetic. Used in expressions like 「市場が活況を呈する」 or 「活況を示す」, in economic articles describing favorable conditions.
AI-generated translation
N1
喝采
かっさい
A word expressing praise through applause or cheers. Used in scenes depicting audience acclaim, as in「喝采を浴びる」「拍手喝采」.
AI-generated translation
N1
合戦
かっせん
The act of engaging in battle. In ancient times it referred to warfare; in modern usage it expresses competitive events such as「歌合戦」「雪合戦」. In this「〜合戦」form the reading becomes voiced as「がっせん」, distinguished from「かっせん」, the reading used when the word stands alone.
AI-generated translation
N1
葛藤
かっとう
「葛」 means kudzu, and 「藤」 means wisteria; both are names of climbing plants. From the image of vines becoming complexly entangled, the word came to refer to opposing feelings struggling within one's heart. Used in expressions like 「葛藤を抱える」 or 「内心の葛藤」, it expresses being torn between choices or emotions. By metaphor, it is also used for conflict in human relationships.
AI-generated translation
N1
渇望
かつぼう
It refers to strongly desiring something, like a thirsty person craving water. Used in expressions like 「平和を渇望する」 or 「自由を渇望する」, it is a formal word for an earnest yearning.
AI-generated translation
N1
過渡期
かとき
「過」 means to pass by, 「渡」 means to cross over, and 「期」 means period; together they refer to a period during which one is crossing over. It refers to the period during which something transitions from an old state to a new one. Used in expressions like 「過渡期にある産業」, it expresses an unstable transitional stage. It is used when speaking about phases of society, technology, or life.
AI-generated translation
N1
家督
かとく
「家」 means household, and 「督」 means to oversee or direct; together they refer to the position of the one who oversees the household. It refers to the position and property of the head of a household. In the former family system, it was what the heir of the household inherited. Used in expressions like 「家督を継ぐ」, it is used in historical novels and stories of old families.
AI-generated translation
N1
寡聞
かぶん
「寡」 means few, and 「聞」 means to hear or one's experience; together they mean to have little experience of seeing or hearing. It is mostly used in the form 「寡聞にして〜知らない」, as a fixed expression for humbly speaking about one's own lack of knowledge.
AI-generated translation
N1
噛み締める
かみしめる
Means to bite down hard. Also used figuratively to mean savoring and deeply feeling the significance of something or an emotion, often in emotional scenes such as 「喜びを噛み締める」 and 「幸せを噛み締める」. Also often written in hiragana as 「かみしめる」.
AI-generated translation
N1
上手
かみて
The upper side of a stage or river. On a stage it means the right side as seen from the audience; on a river it means the side the water flows from. Used as in "川の上手" or "上手から登場する". The opposite side is "下手（しもて）". The same "上手" read as "じょうず" means being good at something, and read as "うわて" means being superior to the other party; each is a separate word.
AI-generated translation
N1
寡黙
かもく
「寡」 means few, and 「黙」 means silent; together they mean few in words and prone to silence. It describes the manner of rarely opening one's mouth and speaking only when necessary. Used in expressions like 「寡黙な人」 or 「寡黙に働く」, it is often used positively to depict a calm and composed character.
AI-generated translation
N1
柄
がら
A pattern appearing on the surface of cloth, paper, and the like. Used as in「花柄」「柄物のシャツ」. It also expresses personality, dignity, or the nature of things, used in idioms and compounds that express the nature inherent to a person or thing, as in「柄が悪い」「柄にもない」「人柄」「家柄」.
AI-generated translation
N1
辛うじて
かろうじて
The manner of barely managing to come about, in a hair's-breadth state. Used in expressions like 「辛うじて間に合う」 or 「辛うじて合格する」, it is an adverb expressing a result that came about by a narrow margin.
AI-generated translation
N1
鑑みる
かんがみる
「鑑」 means a mirror or model. This verb expresses making a judgment by reflecting on past precedents or the current situation as if looking into a mirror. Used in expressions like 「前例に鑑みる」 or 「現状に鑑みる」. It is often used in official documents and formal contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
歓喜
かんき
「歓」 means to rejoice, and 「喜」 means to be glad; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a very great joy. Used in expressions like 「歓喜の声」 or 「歓喜に沸く」, it is a formal word for joy accompanied by strong emotion. It is used in formal situations such as sports victories and award ceremonies.
AI-generated translation
N1
甘受
かんじゅ
「甘」 means to acquiesce, and 「受」 means to receive; together they mean to acquiesce and receive. It refers to accepting disadvantage or suffering as something unavoidable. Used in expressions like 「批判を甘受する」 or 「責任を甘受する」, it is a formal word for situations of reluctantly taking something on.
AI-generated translation
N1
完遂
かんすい
A word meaning to carry out a plan or mission through to completion. A formal word used in contexts of accomplishing matters that involve difficulty, as in「任務を完遂する」.
AI-generated translation
N1
緩慢
かんまん
「緩」 means slack or slow, and 「慢」 means slow; the word combines two synonymous characters. It describes movement or progress that is slow and lacks momentum. Used in expressions like 「緩慢な動作」 or 「対応が緩慢だ」, it is often used to negatively evaluate slowness.
AI-generated translation
N1
感涙
かんるい
「感」 means to be moved, and 「涙」 means tears; together they refer to tears shed from being deeply moved. Used in expressions like 「感涙にむせぶ」 or 「感涙する」, it expresses situations where tears flow from strong joy or gratitude. It is used in formal contexts such as ceremonies, speeches, and novels.
AI-generated translation
N1
貫禄
かんろく
The solid, dignified presence that naturally comes to a person who has accumulated status and experience. It is often used in the form 「貫禄がある」.
AI-generated translation
N1
気鋭
きえい
「気」 means vigor, and 「鋭」 means sharp; together they mean sharp vigor. It refers to being young, energetic, and exhibiting outstanding talent. It is a somewhat formal word always used as a modifier for a person, as in 「新進気鋭」 or 「気鋭の研究者」.
AI-generated translation
N1
飢餓
きが
「飢」 means to starve, and 「餓」 means to starve; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a state of extreme hunger from having no food. Used in expressions like 「飢餓に苦しむ」 or 「飢餓状態」, it is a formal word used in contexts of war or poverty. It refers to a situation more serious than merely 「お腹がすく (being hungry)」.
AI-generated translation
N1
気概
きがい
「気」 means feeling or vigor, and 「概」 means demeanor or backbone; together they refer to backbone filled with vigor. It refers to a strong heart that confronts hardship. Used in expressions like 「気概がある」 or 「気概を見せる」, it expresses strength of will that does not yield to adversity or opposition, and is often used with praise.
AI-generated translation
N1
気兼ね
きがね
「気」 means feeling, and 「兼ねる」 means to hesitate or hold back; together they mean to hold back in one's feelings. It refers to feeling reserved out of consideration for others. Used in expressions like 「気兼ねなく話す」 or 「気兼ねする」. It is mostly used in the negative form to convey the wish for the other party to behave freely; a somewhat formal word.
AI-generated translation
N1
気構え
きがまえ
「気」 means feeling, and 「構える」 means to take a stance or to prepare; together they mean to ready one's heart. It refers to the mental preparation and posture for tackling a matter. Used in expressions like 「気構えができている」 or 「気構えを持つ」. It is a somewhat formal word expressing resolve and readiness.
AI-generated translation
N1
基幹
きかん
「基」 means foundation, and 「幹」 means trunk; together they refer to the foundation and trunk, that is, the central support of things. It refers to the foundation that supports an organization or industry. Used in expressions like 「基幹産業」 or 「基幹システム」, always in combination with another noun. It is a formal word frequently appearing in business and administrative documents.
AI-generated translation
N1, N2
機関
きかん
An organization or system created for a particular purpose. 教育機関 (educational institution), 報道機関 (news organization). Also refers to a device that converts energy into power (蒸気機関 "steam engine").
AI-generated translation
N1
聞き入る
ききいる
It refers to listening intently as if captivated. Used in expressions like 「演奏に聞き入る」 or 「話に聞き入る」. It is a somewhat formal verb with a literary tone, expressing 「listening」 accompanied by strong concentration.
AI-generated translation
N1
飢饉
ききん
「飢」 means to starve, and 「饉」 means to starve; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a state of extreme food shortage over a wide area due to crop failure or disaster. Used in expressions like 「飢饉に見舞われる」, it is a formal word used when speaking of historical events or serious food crises.
AI-generated translation
N1
危惧
きぐ
「危」 means dangerous, and 「惧」 means to fear or worry; together they mean to worry about danger. It refers to being concerned that something may lead to a bad outcome. Used in expressions like 「絶滅危惧種」 or 「事態を危惧する」, it is a formal expression frequently appearing in newspapers and news reports for expressing concerns about the future.
AI-generated translation
N1
気苦労
きぐろう
「気」 means feeling, and 「苦労」 means hardship; together they refer to mental hardship. It refers to one's heart being worn out by attending to small details. Used in expressions like 「気苦労が絶えない」 or 「気苦労を重ねる」. It is a somewhat formal word describing exhaustion from human relationships and the weight of responsibility.
AI-generated translation
N1
帰結
きけつ
「帰」 means to return or arrive at, and 「結」 means to tie or to conclude; together they refer to the conclusion finally reached. It refers to the place a matter finally arrives at after debate and processes. Used in expressions like 「論理的帰結」 or 「必然の帰結」. It is a formal word for the conclusion of argument or discussion, frequently appearing in academic papers and criticism.
AI-generated translation
N1
気心
きごころ
It refers to mutually understanding well the other person's way of thinking and personality. Used in expressions like 「気心の知れた仲」 or 「気心が知れる」, it is a somewhat formal word almost always used in combination with 「知れた」.
AI-generated translation
N1
気骨
きこつ
A strong spirit that does not bend its convictions. Used as「気骨のある人物」, expressing inner strength that yields to no one. The same kanji read as「きぼね」becomes a separate word meaning "hardship・worry."
AI-generated translation
Vocabulary data on this site is based on the JMdict/EDICT project (© Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group, CC BY-SA 4.0). JLPT level classification is our own assessment using AI (Claude) and is not an official JLPT standard.