ALL LEVELS・N1–N5

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4,256words (N1–N5 total)

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N2 隔てるへだてる

Refers to placing something between two things and separating them in terms of distance, space, or time. Used in expressions like 「川を隔てる (to be separated by a river)」「歳月を隔てる (to be separated by years)」「壁を隔てて声がする (a voice is heard through the wall)」. It is used for physical partitions, intervals of time, and even psychological distance. It is often used adverbially in the form 「〜を隔てて (separated by ~)」, appearing frequently in contexts that describe the relationship between two things.

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N4 別べつ

Being different from others. Example:「それは別の話だ」(that is a separate matter). In the form 「別に」 it becomes a different word: used together with a negative, as in 「別に用事はない」, it means "nothing in particular".

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N1 別個べっこ

Refers to things being separate and independent of one another. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「別個の問題 (separate problems)」「別個に検討する (to examine separately)」「別個に扱う (to handle separately)」. It is used in contexts that explicitly distinguish two or more matters that are easily confused, indicating that "they are not the same" or "they should be considered separately". It is used widely in discussions, analyses, and administrative documents.

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N1 蔑視べっし

Refers to looking down on and despising another as a thing of low value. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「人種蔑視 (racial contempt)」「女性蔑視 (contempt for women)」「蔑視のまなざし (a contemptuous gaze)」. It often refers to a discriminatory view directed at a particular group or attribute, and appears frequently in contexts discussing social problems. Whereas 「軽蔑」 is often directed at an individual target, 「蔑視」 tends to be used in the sense of collective, structural discrimination.

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N2 別段べつだん

Refers to anything especially noteworthy to mention. Used in expressions like 「別段の事情 (any particular circumstances)」「別段気にしていない (not particularly bothered)」. It is mostly used together with negative expressions such as 「ない」「なかった」, and its central use is adverbial, expressing the sense of "nothing in particular". It is used in formal styles; in everyday conversation it is usually replaced with 「特に (in particular)」.

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N2 別途べっと

Refers to being separate from the main thread or main body, and added on. Used in expressions like 「別途請求 (to be billed separately)」「別途連絡する (to contact separately)」「別途料金がかかる (a separate fee applies)」. It indicates that something is handled separately from a certain item or main body, and is a formal word appearing widely in business documents, contracts, and notices. In everyday conversation it can be replaced with 「別に」 or 「別で」, but in writing 「別途」 has become standard.

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N4 別にべつに

not particularly. Used together with a negative to express "not especially". Used as in "別に用事はない" (I have nothing in particular to do) or "別にきらいじゃない" (I don't particularly dislike it), to softly deny what was asked. In conversation, "別に。" on its own can also mean "it's nothing". The same character read only as "べつ" is a different word meaning being different from others.

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N5 部屋へや

room. A single space within a house, divided off by walls.

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N3 減らすへらす

To make a number or amount smaller. Example: 「体重を減らす」 (to lose weight). 「減らす」 is used when a person makes it smaller, while 「減る」 is used when it decreases on its own: compare 「体重を減らす」 with 「体重が減る」. The word with the opposite meaning is 「増やす」 (to increase).

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N1 へりくだるへりくだる

Refers to elevating the other party while lowering one's own status or standing and adopting a modest attitude. Used in expressions like 「へりくだった物言い (a humble manner of speaking)」「相手にへりくだる (to humble oneself before the other party)」. It is closely tied to Japanese honorific expression, appearing through the use of humble forms and reserved conduct. Excessive practice can border on 「卑屈」, but within an appropriate range it is evaluated positively as politeness.

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N2 経るへる

Refers to passing through time, places, or stages. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「歳月を経る (years pass)」「審査を経て採用される (to be hired after passing a screening)」「東京を経て大阪に向かう (to go via Tokyo to Osaka)」. It has three meanings — the passage of time, passing through a place, and going through procedures or stages — and the reading must be distinguished by context. The adverbial usage in the form 「〜を経て (after passing through)」, indicating a preceding stage, is especially common, and appears frequently in formal styles.

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N3 減るへる

For a number or amount to become smaller. Example: 「人口が減る」 (the population decreases). 「おなかが減る」 means "to become hungry." 「減る」 is used when something decreases on its own, while 「減らす」 is used when a person makes it smaller: compare 「体重が減る」 with 「体重を減らす」. The word with the opposite meaning is 「増える」 (to increase).

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N4 変へん

strange. A state of being unusual and odd.

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N3, N5 辺へん

The area, the vicinity of a place. Example: 「この辺」 (around here).

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N3 変化へんか

change. A state or quality of something changing. Example: 「気温の変化」 (change in temperature).

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N2 変革へんかく

Refers to fundamentally changing the structures of society, organizations, or systems. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「意識の変革 (a change in consciousness)」「構造変革 (structural reform)」「社会変革 (social transformation)」. It expresses change that reaches the structure itself, rather than surface-level adjustment or partial improvement, and is often discussed from a long-term, historical perspective. It appears frequently in political, business, and social-theory contexts.

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N2 返還へんかん

Refers to returning something one has borrowed or been entrusted with to its original owner. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「土地の返還 (the return of land)」「優勝旗の返還 (the return of the championship flag)」. It is used in situations where ownership or possession reverts to its former place, and is often discussed in connection with public or symbolic objects such as national treasures, prizes, or items in trust. For the everyday returning of objects, 「返す」 is used.

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N1 便宜べんぎ

Refers to arranging things conveniently as the situation calls for, or such an arrangement itself. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「便宜を図る (to give favorable consideration)」「便宜上 (for convenience)」「便宜的な措置 (an expedient measure)」. In 「便宜を図る」 the meaning is to grant benefit to a particular party, and is sometimes used in contexts that criticize illicit favoritism. 「便宜上」 is an adverbial expression meaning "not officially, but as a present-day convenience".

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N3, N5 勉強べんきょう

study. To learn and remember something one doesn't know.

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N2 偏見へんけん

Refers to a biased view of a particular target held without sufficient grounds. It generally points to negative assumptions. Used in expressions like 「偏見を持つ (to have prejudice)」「偏見を捨てる (to abandon prejudice)」「偏見に満ちた発言 (a prejudiced remark)」. Whereas 「先入観 (preconception)」 can be used positively or negatively, 「偏見」 is used almost always negatively. It is an important word appearing frequently in contexts of discrimination and social problems.

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N1 偏向へんこう

Refers to thinking, reporting, education, etc. leaning from neutrality toward a particular direction. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「偏向報道 (biased reporting)」「思想の偏向 (ideological bias)」「偏向した教育 (biased education)」. It is used widely in contexts that point out and criticize the unfairness of what should originally be impartial and neutral. It is often used in fields where neutrality is institutionally required, such as journalism, education, and the judiciary.

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N3 変更へんこう

To change something that had been decided. Example: 「予定を変更する」 (to change a plan). While 「変化」 includes natural change, 「変更」 refers to a change made intentionally by a person.

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N3 弁護士べんごし

lawyer. A legal expert who helps resolve disputes and assists in court trials.

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N4 返事へんじ

To respond to being called or asked something. It also refers to what one sends back as an answer after receiving a letter or an email. Examples: 「返事を書く」 (to write a reply), 「返事が来る」 (a reply arrives).

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N1 変遷へんせん

Refers to things gradually shifting and changing with the flow of time. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「時代の変遷 (the changes of an era)」「制度の変遷をたどる (to trace the development of a system)」「言葉の変遷 (the evolution of language)」. Rather than a single dramatic change, it refers to gradual progression over a long period, and is widely used in contexts describing the historical flow from past to present.

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N1 偏重へんちょう

Refers to placing excessive importance on one aspect of something while neglecting the other aspects. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「学歴偏重 (overemphasis on educational background)」「結果偏重 (overemphasis on results)」「成績偏重の教育 (education that overemphasizes grades)」. It is used frequently in contexts where biased emphasis is treated as problematic in matters that ought to maintain balance. It appears often in discussions of education, personnel evaluation, and journalistic style, and carries critical connotations.

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N5 弁当べんとう

A meal packed in a box, etc., to be eaten away from home. A polite form of 「弁当」.

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N1 変貌へんぼう

Refers to a great change in appearance or form. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「変貌を遂げる (to undergo a transformation)」「街が変貌する (the city is transformed)」「変貌ぶり (the extent of transformation)」. Its focus is on outward, overall change — the look or atmosphere of a building, townscape, or person — and is distinguished from 「変容」, which refers to inner change. It is often used in contexts emphasizing dramatic change over a short period.

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N2 弁明べんめい

Refers to explaining one's circumstances and reasons in response to criticism, suspicion, or accusation, in an attempt to clear up misunderstanding. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「弁明の機会 (an opportunity to explain oneself)」「弁明に努める (to make efforts to defend oneself)」「弁明の余地がない (no room for excuse)」. It is synonymous with 「釈明」「弁解」, but tends to refer to explanation in more public, formal settings. It appears frequently in contexts discussing law, politics, and organizational scandals.

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N5 便利べんり

convenient. Easy to use, being helpful. The antonym is 「不便」 (inconvenient).

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N1 某ぼう

A word that vaguely refers to a person, place, or time without specifying the name. It is a formal written word used in a prefix-like manner, as in 「某氏 (a certain Mr. X)」「某社 (a certain company X)」「某月某日 (on a certain date)」. It is used both when one wishes to anonymize intentionally and when the details are not clearly known. It appears frequently in news reports, official documents, and historical writings; in spoken language it is usually replaced with 「ある〜 (some...)」 or 「どこかの〜 (a certain...)」.

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N4 方ほう

direction, side. A word that points to one of two things. Used when comparing two things, as in "こちらの方が大きい" (this one is bigger). It can also express direction, as in "駅の方へ歩く" (to walk toward the station). It is often written in kana as "ほう". The same "方" read as "かた" becomes a different word, a polite way of saying "人" (person).

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N2 法案ほうあん

Refers to a draft being deliberated in the Diet at a stage where it has not yet become law. Used in expressions like 「法案を提出する (to submit a bill)」「法案が可決される (a bill is passed)」「法案を撤回する (to withdraw a bill)」. It is a formal word related to politics and legislation, appearing frequently in news reports. Once passed, it becomes a 「法律 (law)」, and at that point is no longer called a 「法案」.

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N4 貿易ぼうえき

To buy and sell goods between countries.

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N1 忘恩ぼうおん

Refers to forgetting a kindness received and not trying to repay it. It is a formal written word used in expressions like 「忘恩の徒 (an ingrate)」「忘恩の行為 (an act of ingratitude)」, hardly used in everyday modern conversation. Against a background of Confucian and moral values, it is used in contexts that strongly denounce acts that turn one's back on indebtedness. It is a word often seen in literary works, biographies, and historical writings.

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N1 崩壊ほうかい

Refers to a building, organization, relationship, or system being broken and losing its original form. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「家庭の崩壊 (the collapse of a family)」「制度が崩壊する (a system collapses)」「ベルリンの壁の崩壊 (the fall of the Berlin Wall)」. It is used both for physical collapse and for abstract disintegration of organizations, nations, human relationships, or order. Rather than a temporary downturn, it expresses a decisive change in which the very structure ceases to be tenable.

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N2 妨害ぼうがい

Refers to deliberately interfering with another's actions or the progress of an affair. Used in expressions like 「業務を妨害する (to obstruct business operations)」「電波妨害 (radio jamming)」「公務執行妨害 (obstruction of public duties)」. Rather than mere careless interference, it points to intentional acts of obstruction, and has become established as a legal term. It is a formal word frequently used in news reports, legal documents, and business writing.

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N1 傍観ぼうかん

Refers to remaining inactive and merely watching from the sidelines despite being in a position where one ought to be directly involved. Used in expressions like 「事態を傍観する (to look on at events)」「傍観者 (a bystander)」. Rather than neutral "looking", the word often carries a critical implication, pointing to an attitude of inaction in situations where intervention is called for. It appears frequently in contexts that denounce indifference to social problems or incidents.

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N1 放棄ほうき

Refers to voluntarily abandoning and not exercising one's rights, responsibilities, or possessions. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「権利を放棄する (to renounce one's rights)」「育児を放棄する (to abandon child-rearing)」「試合を放棄する (to forfeit a match)」. It refers to the intentional act of letting go of a right one holds or a duty one ought to perform, and is widely used in legal, sports, and administrative contexts. It is distinguished from 「喪失 (loss)」 and 「剥奪 (deprivation)」 in that the cause of loss lies in one's own will.

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N2 忘却ぼうきゃく

Refers to something completely disappearing from memory. Used in expressions like 「忘却の彼方 (the far side of oblivion)」「歴史の忘却 (the forgetting of history)」「忘却される (to be forgotten)」. Unlike 「ど忘れ (a momentary lapse of memory)」, which simply means being unable to recall, this word denotes the process by which something is lost from memory through the long passage of time or deliberate neglect. It is a formal written word, frequently used in historical, philosophical, or literary contexts.

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N1 暴挙ぼうきょ

Refers to violent, reckless conduct that ignores common sense and reason. Used in expressions like 「暴挙に出る (to resort to a reckless act)」「許されざる暴挙 (an unpardonable outrage)」. It is a formal word that strongly condemns acts unacceptable in social or moral terms, and is more often used for acts by organizations or states than for private acts of violence by individuals. The style is biased toward news reports, editorials, and protest statements.

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N2 防御ぼうぎょ

Refers to protecting oneself or one's charge from attack or harm. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「敵の攻撃を防御する (to defend against an enemy attack)」「防御を固める (to strengthen one's defense)」「防御率 (earned run average)」. It refers to the act of defense against the attacking side in fields such as sports (especially as the performance index of baseball pitchers), the military, and cybersecurity. It is distinguished from 「防護」, which refers to protection from accidents, disasters, and hazardous substances; 「防御」 refers to defense against intentional attacks.

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N2 暴言ぼうげん

Refers to violent, rude speech that wounds or insults another person. Used in expressions like 「暴言を吐く (to spew abusive language)」「暴言を浴びせる (to hurl abusive words at someone)」. Heavier than merely 「ひどい言葉 (terrible words)」, it points to extreme remarks that society regards as problematic. It is a word that appears frequently in contexts where statements by politicians or public figures are reported in the news, and such remarks often become the subject of accountability demands.

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N1, N2 冒険ぼうけん

Boldly taking on something with an uncertain outcome despite danger; an adventure. 冒険小説 (adventure novel). Also used for an attempt whose success is uncertain (その計画は冒険だ "that plan is a gamble").

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N2 防護ぼうご

Refers to protecting one's body or possessions from dangers such as accidents, disasters, or hazardous substances. Used in expressions like 「防護服 (protective clothing)」「防護柵 (protective fence)」「放射線防護 (radiation protection)」. Unlike 「防御」, which refers to defending against attacks, 「防護」 is more often used for protection against unintentional harm such as accidents, pollution, or natural disasters, rather than against intentional, hostile attacks. It appears frequently in specialized contexts such as safety engineering, occupational hygiene, and the nuclear field.

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N2, N3 方向ほうこう

direction. Which way something faces. Example: 「駅の方向」 (the direction of the station). Also used to mean the course/policy of something, as in 「話の方向が変わる」 (the direction of the conversation changes).

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N1 方策ほうさく

Refers to concrete methods or means for solving a problem and achieving a goal. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「方策を講じる (to devise measures)」「対応方策 (response measures)」「方策を練る (to work out a plan)」. Compared to the vague 「方法 (method)」, it is a word that includes planning and concreteness, and is used widely in administrative, managerial, and policy contexts. It carries the nuance of presupposing a problem and indicating a prescription-like response to it.

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N1 忙殺ぼうさつ

Refers to the state of being so overwhelmed by work or errands that one has no time at all for anything else. As in 「仕事に忙殺される (to be swamped by work)」「雑務に忙殺される日々 (days buried under miscellaneous tasks)」, it is almost always used in the passive form 「忙殺される」, and is a formal word. Active usage is rare; the word expresses a passive situation of being overwhelmed by sheer workload rather than by one's own will. It is used in formal styles such as reports, letters, and newspaper articles.

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N2 奉仕ほうし

Refers to working for society or others without seeking any return. Used in expressions like 「地域に奉仕する (to serve the community)」「奉仕活動 (volunteer activity)」, it is a formal word. Originally meaning to serve the gods, Buddha, or one's lord, it has selflessness and devotion at its core. In commercial settings there is a derivative usage like 「ご奉仕価格 (special service price)」 referring to a special discount, but this is a secondary usage.

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N5 帽子ぼうし

hat. Something worn on the head.

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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.