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JLPT N2 Vocabulary
1,210words ・ 0Learned
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N2
把握
はあく
To firmly understand and grasp the content or circumstances of something.
AI-generated translation
N2
配置
はいち
To assign and place people or things in their appropriate positions.
AI-generated translation
N2
配布
はいふ
To distribute something so that it reaches many people.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
ばか
ばか
Dull-witted. A word used to insult someone. Example: 「ばかなことをするな」 (don't do something stupid). Also used to mean "extremely," as in 「ばかに寒い」 (unusually cold). Written with the kanji 「馬鹿」, but usually written in hiragana or katakana.
AI-generated translation
N2
破棄
はき
Refers to canceling contracts, promises, or documents, or making them invalid. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「契約を破棄する (to terminate a contract)」「文書を破棄する (to destroy a document)」「判決を破棄する (to overturn a judgment)」. 「破」 means to break, 「棄」 means to discard; together they express "to break and discard". It is used for both physical disposal and the cancellation of legal effect, used widely in legal and business contexts such as contract cancellation, data deletion, and the reversal of judgments by higher courts.
AI-generated translation
N2
歯切れ
はぎれ
Refers to the clarity and decisiveness of speech or attitude. Used in expressions like 「歯切れの悪い返事 (a vague reply)」「歯切れよく話す (to speak crisply)」「歯切れの良い文章 (a clear-cut piece of writing)」. It is a derivative usage from the sensation of biting through food with the teeth, and has been established as a metaphor for the clarity of remarks, writing, or attitude. Its central use is in the form 「歯切れが悪い」, used to negatively describe a vague, indistinct manner. It is used widely in news reports, criticism, and character assessment.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
爆発
ばくはつ
explosion. For gunpowder, gas, etc., to suddenly burst violently. Example: 「ガス爆発」 (a gas explosion). Also used to mean pent-up emotion suddenly bursting out, as in 「怒りが爆発する」 (anger explodes).
AI-generated translation
N2, N4, N5
走る
はしる
run. To move forward by moving one's legs quickly.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
外す
はずす
To remove something that is attached. Example: 「ボタンを外す」 (to undo a button), 「眼鏡を外す」 (to take off one's glasses). Also used to mean leaving a place, as in 「席を外す」 (to step away from one's seat). 「外す」 is used when a person removes something, while 「外れる」 is used when it comes off on its own: compare 「ボタンを外す」 with 「ボタンが外れる」.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
畑
はたけ
Land used for growing vegetables and fruits. As opposed to a 「田」 (paddy field), which is flooded to grow rice, this refers to land that is not flooded.
AI-generated translation
N2
肌触り
はだざわり
Refers to the feel of an object's surface when it touches the skin. Used in expressions like 「肌触りのよいシャツ (a shirt with a pleasant feel)」「優しい肌触り (a soft touch)」「ざらついた肌触り (a rough texture)」. It is a daily-use word for expressing the texture of fabrics, materials, or products, appearing frequently in introductions and reviews for clothing, bedding, and cosmetics. There is also a metaphorical usage expressing the sensory impression received from prose or expressions, as in 「言葉の肌触り (the texture of words)」.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
働く
はたらく
work. To do a job.
AI-generated translation
N2
場違い
ばちがい
Refers to being unsuited to the atmosphere or situation of a place. Used in expressions like 「場違いな服装 (out-of-place attire)」「場違いな発言 (an out-of-place remark)」「場違いな所に来てしまった (to have ended up in the wrong place)」. It expresses an appearance that stands out from one's surroundings, used in contexts that critically or self-deprecatingly comment on the mismatch with time, place, and occasion. It is a word usable widely in everyday conversation, a typical expression for the mismatch between formal settings and casual behavior.
AI-generated translation
N2
発覚
はっかく
Refers to wrongdoing or secrets that have been concealed coming to light. Used in expressions like 「不正が発覚する (corruption comes to light)」「事件が発覚する (an incident comes to light)」「発覚を恐れる (to fear exposure)」. 「発」 means to appear, 「覚」 means to be perceived; together they express "to be perceived and come out into the open". It is mostly used in contexts of facts that one wished to hide being exposed, and is a news-reporting term widely used in scenes where scandals, crimes, or secret relationships become public knowledge.
AI-generated translation
N2
発掘
はっくつ
Refers to digging out something buried in the ground. By extension, it refers to finding talent or ability that is not yet known to the world. Used in expressions like 「遺跡を発掘する (to excavate ruins)」「新人を発掘する (to discover new talent)」「埋もれた名作を発掘する (to unearth a buried masterpiece)」. 「発」 means to bring forth, 「掘」 means to dig; together they express "to dig out and bring forth". It is used broadly in both physical excavation (archaeology) and metaphorical discovery (talent, ability, hidden value).
AI-generated translation
N2
発散
はっさん
Something accumulated inside dispersing outward; also, releasing it to relieve oneself.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
発展
はってん
When the momentum of something grows and it becomes bigger or more active. Example: 「経済の発展」 (economic development), 「町が発展する」 (a town develops).
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
派手
はで
A manner in which colors or behavior stand out and are showy. Example: 「派手な服」 (flashy clothes). The antonym is 「地味」 (plain/subdued).
AI-generated translation
N2
歯止め
はどめ
Refers to the function of stopping the progress or worsening of something. Used in expressions like 「価格上昇に歯止めをかける (to put a brake on rising prices)」「歯止めが利かない (the brakes do not work)」「歯止めを失う (to lose all check)」. It is a derivative usage from the original meaning of a device that stops the motion of a wheel, established as a metaphor for restraint and control. It is mostly used in the forms 「歯止めをかける」「歯止めが利く／利かない」, used widely in scenes of curbing undesirable movements in the economy, society, or organizations.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
幅
はば
width. The length across something. Example: 「道の幅」 (the width of a road). Also used to mean breadth of range, as in 「幅広い知識」 (broad knowledge).
AI-generated translation
N2
阻む
はばむ
Refers to blocking something that is trying to advance and not allowing it to proceed further. Used in expressions like 「行く手を阻む (to block one's way)」「進出を阻む (to block an advance)」「優勝を阻む (to block a championship)」. It is used broadly, from physical obstruction of a path to scenes in which abstract realization is hindered, such as plans, advances, or achievements, expressing the sense of halting partway a movement toward a goal or success. It appears frequently in diverse contexts such as sports, business, and geographical description.
AI-generated translation
N2
破門
はもん
Refers to expelling a disciple or follower from a master-disciple relationship or a religious order. Used in expressions like 「師匠から破門される (to be expelled by one's master)」「破門状 (a letter of expulsion)」「破門に処する (to mete out expulsion)」. 「破」 means to break, 「門」 means the master's gate or sect; together they express "expelling from the gate". Originally a word concerning master-disciple relationships in Buddhism, martial arts, and traditional arts, it refers to the severe punishment of stripping away one's status as a disciple. In modern usage it is often encountered in contexts of the entertainment world and traditional performing arts.
AI-generated translation
N2
早々
はやばや
The manner of getting something done earlier than usual. Mostly used in the form "早々と", as in "早々と帰り支度を始める" or "早々と売り切れる". The same "早々" read as "そうそう" attaches to a noun, as in "新年早々" or "開店早々", and is a different word expressing that something happens right after that point.
AI-generated translation
N2
腹立たしい
はらだたしい
Refers to the appearance of feeling anger and unpleasantness. It is an adjective used in expressions like 「腹立たしい言い方 (an irritating way of putting it)」「腹立たしい思いをする (to feel resentful)」「実に腹立たしい (truly infuriating)」. It expresses strong dissatisfaction or anger at the words, actions, or situation of another party, and is the adjective form of 「腹が立つ」. It is usable widely in everyday conversation and can express a wide range of intensity, from mild annoyance to strong anger.
AI-generated translation
N2
反映
はんえい
The influence of one thing appearing in another.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
半分
はんぶん
half. One of the two equal parts into which a whole is divided. 「ケーキを半分に切る」「半分だけたべる」. 「半」 also means half, but it attaches to numbers or times, as in 「三時半」「一個半」, and is not used by itself.
AI-generated translation
N2
汎用
はんよう
Refers to not being limited to a single use, but being usable broadly for various purposes. Used in expressions like 「汎用性が高い (highly versatile)」「汎用品 (general-purpose goods)」「汎用エンジン (a general-purpose engine)」. 「汎」 means widely spreading, 「用」 means to use; together they express "usable widely". As the antonym of 「専用 (dedicated)」, it is used in contexts evaluating versatility and a wide range of applicability not limited to special purposes, used widely in technology, industry, and IT.
AI-generated translation
N2
反論
はんろん
To argue back against another person's opinion from an opposing standpoint.
AI-generated translation
N2
悲願
ひがん
Refers to a strong heartfelt wish that has been held for many years. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「悲願の優勝 (a long-desired victory)」「悲願達成 (the fulfillment of a long-held wish)」「悲願の初出場 (a first appearance long aspired to)」. 「悲」 was originally a Buddhist term, the 「悲」 of 「慈悲 (compassion)」, meaning the deep wish to save all beings. It is used for goals not easily attained and wishes aimed at realization through overcoming difficulty, and is widely used in sports reporting, biographies, and historical accounts.
AI-generated translation
N2〜N5
引く
ひく
pull. To move something toward oneself by applying force. Example: 「戸を引く」 (to pull a door). The antonym is 「押す」 (to push). There is also the homophone 「弾く」 (to play a musical instrument), among others.
AI-generated translation
N2
否決
ひけつ
Refers to a proposal not being approved and being rejected in a meeting or parliament. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「議案が否決される (a bill is rejected)」「動議を否決する (to vote down a motion)」「否決される見込みだ (it is likely to be rejected)」. It refers to the failure of a proposal as the result of a formal voting procedure, and is widely used in legal, political, and organizational contexts. Paired with 「可決」, it is an institutional term implying not mere 「反対 (opposition)」 but a formal decision by vote.
AI-generated translation
N2
微細
びさい
Refers to an appearance of being very small and fine. It is a formal na-adjective used in expressions like 「微細な粒子 (fine particles)」「微細な傷 (a minute scratch)」「微細な変化 (a minute change)」. Both 「微」 and 「細」 mean "small, fine"; the two characters together emphasize the meaning. It expresses physical smallness on the verge of being barely visible to the naked eye, or fine details one notices only on closer attention, and is used widely in science, technology, and analysis. It is nearly synonymous with 「細微」.
AI-generated translation
N2
筆頭
ひっとう
Refers to occupying the top position in a list or ranking, or to the person in that position. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「候補者の筆頭 (the foremost candidate)」「筆頭株主 (the largest shareholder)」「筆頭格 (top-ranking class)」. Originally meaning the person whose name was written first on a list (literally "head of the brush"), it came to refer to the entity regarded as most important or highest in a list. It is a word that indicates ranking within an organization or order, and is widely used in business, news reporting, and historical writing.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
引っ張る
ひっぱる
To pull something toward oneself with force. Example: 「ロープを引っ張る」 (to pull a rope). Also used to mean leading a group from the front, as in 「チームを引っ張る」 (to lead the team).
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
人
ひと
person. A human being. It is also used as a word for counting people. ひとり・ふたり・さんにん・よにん・ごにん・ろくにん・しちにん・はちにん・きゅうにん・じゅうにん, and 「なんにん」. For 1 and 2 it becomes 「ひとり」 and 「ふたり」, and for 4 it becomes 「よにん」.
AI-generated translation
N2
微動
びどう
Refers to moving only very slightly. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「微動だにしない (not stirring at all)」「微動の気配 (signs of slight movement)」. Most uses are the idiomatic form 「微動だにしない」, emphasizing the appearance of being entirely still. It is used in expressions of small tremors picked up by seismographs and the like, or states of stiffening with tension, and is biased toward written language rather than everyday conversation.
AI-generated translation
N2
一際
ひときわ
An adverb expressing the appearance of standing out conspicuously in degree above the rest. Used in expressions like 「一際目立つ (to stand out conspicuously)」「一際輝く (to shine conspicuously)」「一際大きな歓声 (a particularly loud cheer)」. It refers to standing out especially among many, and is often used with positive evaluation. Synonymous with 「一段と」, but 「一際」 is more written-language in character, and tends to be used especially for visually impressive objects, as in 「目立つ」「美しい」「光る」.
AI-generated translation
N2
人質
ひとじち
Refers to a person whose body is held as a means in negotiation or threat. Used in expressions like 「人質を取る (to take a hostage)」「人質を解放する (to release a hostage)」「人質事件 (a hostage incident)」. It is a word used for incidents in which kidnappers, armed groups, and the like restrain people as bargaining chips to push their demands through, appearing frequently in incident reports, historical writings, and international news. By extension, it is also used in scenes where one seizes another's weak point to gain leverage in negotiation, as in 「データを人質にする (to hold data hostage)」.
AI-generated translation
N2
一筋
ひとすじ
Refers to the appearance of focusing on and devoting oneself to a single thing. Used in expressions like 「研究一筋 (devoted solely to research)」「仕事一筋に生きる (to live solely for one's work)」「料理一筋四十年 (forty years devoted solely to cooking)」. It expresses a long-term commitment to a particular target, and is often used with positive, respectful evaluation. There is also a counter-like usage for things forming a thin extended line, as in 「一筋の光 (a single ray of light)」「一筋の涙 (a single trail of tears)」, distinguished by context.
AI-generated translation
N2
一握り
ひとにぎり
A noun expressing the fact that the number or quantity of something is extremely small. Used in expressions like 「一握りの人々 (a handful of people)」「一握りの成功者 (a handful of successful people)」「一握りの土 (a handful of earth)」. It is a derivative usage from the metaphor of a quantity that fits in the palm of the hand, and is used in contexts emphasizing a very small portion relative to the whole. It mostly refers to "an extreme minority within a whole", often carrying nuances like "a privileged minority" or "exceptional winners".
AI-generated translation
N2
ひとまず
ひとまず
An adverb expressing the appearance of provisionally drawing a line and proceeding forward, although the matter is not fully resolved. Used in expressions like 「ひとまず安心する (to be relieved for now)」「ひとまず合意する (to come to a tentative agreement)」「ひとまず保留にする (to put on hold for now)」. It is a word indicating provisional, stepwise measures, used widely in contexts that describe postponement of fundamental resolution or immediate responses. It is a versatile adverb usable both in everyday conversation and business writing.
AI-generated translation
N2
批判
ひはん
To discern and discuss whether something is good or bad; in particular, to point out its errors or flaws.
AI-generated translation
N2
批評
ひひょう
To discuss and evaluate the worth or quality of something.
AI-generated translation
N2
日増しに
ひましに
An adverb expressing the appearance of degree increasing gradually day by day. Used in expressions like 「日増しに寒くなる (it grows colder by the day)」「日増しに回復する (to recover day by day)」「日増しに人気が高まる (popularity grows day by day)」. It is used in situations where change progresses with the passage of time, and is a neutral word usable for both positive change (recovery, growth, improvement) and negative change (deterioration, decline). It carries the nuance of change accumulating gradually and steadily.
AI-generated translation
N1, N2
微妙
びみょう
Having fine differences that are hard to state clearly; subtle. 微妙な色の違い (a subtle difference in color). In conversation, also used as an indirect way of saying something is not good (味は微妙だった "the taste was so-so").
AI-generated translation
N2
冷ややか
ひややか
Refers to the appearance of being cool to the touch, slightly chilly. Or, the appearance of an attitude, gaze, or reaction being cold and devoid of sympathy or empathy. Used in expressions like 「冷ややかな目 (a cold gaze)」「冷ややかな反応 (a chilly reaction)」「冷ややかな笑い (a cold laugh)」. Compared with the physical use for low temperature, the metaphorical use for psychological distance or coldness is more frequent. It contains critical, negative emotion, depicting an attitude of looking down on or rejecting the other party.
AI-generated translation
N2
描写
びょうしゃ
To depict the state of things or one's feelings through words, pictures, or the like.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
表面
ひょうめん
surface. The outermost side of an object. Example: 「水の表面」 (the surface of water). Also used to mean outward appearance, as in 「表面上は仲がいい」 (on the surface, they get along well).
AI-generated translation
N2
開き直る
ひらきなおる
Refers to suddenly switching one's attitude and turning defiant when cornered. Used in expressions like 「失敗を指摘されて開き直る (to brazen it out when one's failure is pointed out)」「開き直った態度 (a defiant attitude)」. It expresses the appearance of casting aside one's previously weak or cringing stance and turning bold and shameless, often with a critical, negative evaluation. The original meaning was "to straighten one's posture and face things squarely", but in modern usage it has settled into the sense of "shamelessly brazening it out".
AI-generated translation
N2
比例
ひれい
A relationship in which, when one thing increases or decreases, the other increases or decreases by the same proportion accordingly.
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.