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).
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N1肥沃ひよく
Refers to land being fertile and crops growing well. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「肥沃な土壌 (fertile soil)」「肥沃な大地 (a fertile earth)」「肥沃な三日月地帯 (the Fertile Crescent)」. 「肥」 means to be plump and rich, 「沃」 means to be moistened with water; together they express "land rich in nutrients and well-watered". It is widely used in agricultural, geographical, and historical contexts, appearing frequently in geographical descriptions such as the birthplaces of civilizations. There is also a metaphorical use expressing rich creativity, as in 「肥沃な想像力 (a fertile imagination)」.
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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".
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N4開くひらく
To open something that was closed, such as a door, a book, or one's eyes. It is also used to mean holding an event, as in 『かいぎを開く』 (to hold a meeting), and to start a new business, as in 『店を開く』 (to open a shop).
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N1非力ひりき
Refers to lacking strength. Used in expressions like 「非力ながら全力を尽くす (lacking power, but doing one's utmost)」「非力な自分を恥じる (to be ashamed of one's powerlessness)」「非力さを痛感する (to keenly feel one's powerlessness)」. 「非」 is a negative, 「力」 means capability or physical strength; together they express the state in which "one's power does not reach". It is used both for modestly saying that one's own ability falls short and for objectively pointing to a lack of capability, and is often used as an expression of humility.
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N1翻すひるがえす
Refers to quickly changing direction or attitude to the opposite. Used in expressions like 「身を翻す (to turn one's body)」「前言を翻す (to retract a previous statement)」「旗を翻す (to wave a flag)」. It is used both for the physical reversal of the body or a flag and for the retraction of promises, assertions, or decisions, accompanied by the nuance of a sudden change that catches the other party off guard. In metaphorical use it shares its root with 「翻意」, referring to the act of overturning what has once been decided, and often carries the nuance of damaging trust.
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N3昼寝ひるね
nap. Sleeping for a short time during the daytime. Example: 「昼寝をする」 (to take a nap).
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N4昼間ひるま
daytime. The bright hours from morning to evening.
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N1ひるむひるむ
Refers to one's spirit being broken and one shrinking back in the face of an opponent's momentum or a difficult situation. Used in expressions like 「敵の威圧にひるむ (to flinch at the enemy's intimidation)」「批判にひるまず立ち向かう (to confront criticism without flinching)」「ひるむことなく (without flinching)」. It is a word focused on psychological wavering and retreat rather than physical withdrawal, and is used both in positive contexts that show strength of will through the negative form 「ひるまず」 and in contexts that depict weakness through the positive form 「ひるんだ」.
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N4昼休みひるやすみ
The break time for eating lunch.
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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.
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N3, N5広いひろい
A state where a place is large. The antonym is 「狭い」 (narrow).
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N2披露ひろう
Refers to showing or announcing something to others for the first time. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「新作を披露する (to unveil a new work)」「腕前を披露する (to display one's skills)」「結婚披露宴 (a wedding reception)」. 「披」 means to open, 「露」 means to reveal; together they express "opening and bringing out". It refers to the act of publicly disclosing one's works, skills, or new information to others, and appears frequently in formal occasions such as weddings, stage performances, and product launches.
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N4拾うひろう
To pick up something that has fallen with one's hand.
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N3広がるひろがる
For an area or range to become larger. Example: 「うわさが広がる」 (a rumor spreads), 「景色が広がる」 (a view opens up/spreads out). 「広がる」 is used when something becomes larger on its own, while 「広げる」 is used when a person makes it larger: compare 「うわさが広がる」 with 「うわさを広げる」.
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N3広げるひろげる
To make an area or range larger. To open and stretch something out. Example: 「地図を広げる」 (to spread out a map), 「店を広げる」 (to expand a shop). 「広げる」 is used when a person makes something larger, while 「広がる」 is used when it becomes larger on its own: compare 「うわさを広げる」 with 「うわさが広がる」.
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N3瓶びん
bottle. A container made of glass or similar material, used for holding liquids. Example: 「ジュースの瓶」 (a juice bottle).
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N3貧乏びんぼう
Having no money and living a hard life. Example: 「貧乏な暮らし」 (a poor life). The antonym is 「金持ち」 (rich person).
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N3不安ふあん
anxiety. Feeling worried and unable to settle down. Example: 「将来が不安だ」 (the future is uncertain/worrying). The antonym is 「安心」 (peace of mind).
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N1吹聴ふいちょう
Refers to bragging about one's own achievements or information all around in a triumphant tone. As in 「自慢話を吹聴する (to brag everywhere)」「手柄を吹聴する (to boast of one's exploits)」「噂を吹聴して回る (to go around spreading rumors)」, it is used in scenes that critically describe the appearance of oneself proudly spreading word. It mostly carries negative connotations and is evaluated as a lack of modesty. 「吹」 means to spread as if blowing, 「聴」 means to make others hear.
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N3風ふう
manner, style. The way something is done or appears. Expresses that something is in such a manner or style, as in "そんな風に言わないで" (don't say it like that), "日本風の部屋" (a Japanese-style room), or "昔風の建物" (an old-style building). The same "風" read as "かぜ" is a different word meaning moving air.
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N1風格ふうかく
Refers to the dignity and gravitas naturally inherent in a person or object. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「風格のある建物 (a building of dignified bearing)」「大物の風格 (the air of a great figure)」「横綱の風格 (the dignity of a yokozuna)」. It refers to the dignity that emerges naturally from long-cultivated experience or essential quality, and is spoken of as something unattainable through surface decoration. It is often used with praise, in evaluations of people, architecture, and works of art.
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N3風景ふうけい
scenery. The natural or town scenery visible to the eye. Example: 「美しい風景」 (beautiful scenery). Nearly synonymous with 「景色」.
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N1風采ふうさい
Refers to the outward impression of a person received from their dress and bearing. Used in expressions like 「風采が上がらない (one's bearing is unimpressive)」「立派な風采 (a fine appearance)」. 「采」 means coloring or manner, and together the two characters express "a manner viewed from outside". Rather than physical features alone, it refers to overall appearance including clothing and demeanor.
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N2風刺ふうし
Refers to criticizing the faults or contradictions of society or persons indirectly by mocking them. Used in expressions like 「風刺画 (a satirical cartoon)」「社会風刺 (social satire)」「風刺の効いた作品 (a sharply satirical work)」. 「風」 means indirectly, 「刺」 means to pierce; together they express a method of criticism that is not direct. It is established as an expressive technique in literature, manga, drama, and comedy, and is used widely in critical contexts.
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N1風潮ふうちょう
Refers to a trend in views or behavior spreading throughout an era or society. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「最近の風潮 (recent trends)」「悪しき風潮 (an unfortunate trend)」「世の風潮 (the prevailing trend)」. 「風」 means the movement of the times, 「潮」 means a current; together they form a metaphor expressing the flow of society as a whole. The word includes a sense of being temporary and fashion-like in character, and is often referred to critically. Compared to 「傾向 (tendency)」, it is more fleeting, and is widely used in news reports and editorials as a term that captures the spirit of the times.
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N3夫婦ふうふ
A married couple, one man and one woman. Example: 「夫婦げんか」 (a couple's quarrel).
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N1風貌ふうぼう
Refers to the outward impression of a person received from their face, build, and dress. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「異様な風貌 (a strange appearance)」「学者らしい風貌 (a scholarly appearance)」「貫禄のある風貌 (an appearance of authority)」. 「風」 means manner, 「貌」 means face; rather than referring to appearance itself, the word refers to the overall impression including atmosphere. It is a stylistic expression in character description, widely used in novels, criticism, and profiles.
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N4増えるふえる
For a number or amount to grow larger. The antonym is「減る(へる)」(to decrease).
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N1不穏ふおん
Refers to an appearance that is not peaceful, in which something dangerous is likely to happen. Used in expressions like 「不穏な空気 (an uneasy atmosphere)」「不穏な動き (an ominous movement)」. 「穏」 means calm, and 「不」 added to it expresses the state of "not being calm". It is used in situations where tension or conflict lies beneath the surface in society, politics, or human relations.
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N4深いふかい
A state where the distance from the surface to the bottom is great. The antonym is「浅い(あさい)」(shallow).
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N1不可解ふかかい
Refers to a matter whose reason or meaning cannot be understood no matter how one tries. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不可解な行動 (incomprehensible behavior)」「不可解な事件 (an inscrutable case)」「不可解な発言 (an inscrutable remark)」. 「解」 means "to solve, to understand", with the original sense being "cannot be solved". It is used for matters that cannot be explained within the bounds of logic or common sense, and is widely used in mystery novels, crime reports, and character assessments.
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N1不覚ふかく
Refers to a failure caused by negligence or unexpected circumstances, or to the appearance of failing to suppress one's emotions. Used in expressions like 「不覚を取る (to suffer an unintended defeat)」「不覚にも涙ぐむ (to find oneself tearing up unawares)」. 「覚」 means to be aware or self-conscious, with the original sense being a state in which "self-awareness is lacking". It is used broadly, from the defeats of warriors to ordinary lapses in attention.
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N2不可欠ふかけつ
Refers to what cannot be done without — what is necessary to such a degree that without it the whole cannot stand. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不可欠な要素 (an indispensable element)」「不可欠の存在 (an indispensable presence)」「必要不可欠 (absolutely indispensable)」. 「可」 means "able", 「不可」 means "unable", and the word can be read as "cannot be lacking". It is used widely in contexts emphasizing importance, appearing frequently in academic papers, business documents, and explanatory articles.
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N1不可侵ふかしん
Refers to something that cannot be encroached upon from outside, or that must not be encroached upon. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不可侵条約 (a non-aggression treaty)」「基本的人権は不可侵だ (basic human rights are inviolable)」「不可侵の領域 (an inviolable domain)」. 「侵」 means "to encroach", with the original sense being "cannot be encroached upon". It is used for territory and sovereignty between states, and for important rights such as human rights and dignity, appearing frequently in contexts of international law, constitutions, and ethics.
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N2不可避ふかひ
Refers to what cannot be avoided — what will happen no matter what, or what one has no choice but to face. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不可避な事態 (an unavoidable situation)」「衝突は不可避だ (a clash is inevitable)」「不可避の運命 (an inescapable fate)」. 「避」 means "to avoid", and the word can be read as "cannot be avoided". It is mostly used in scenes describing the arrival of negative events, appearing frequently in news reports, analyses, and forecasts.
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N1不可分ふかぶん
Refers to two or more things being so closely connected that they cannot be separated. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不可分の関係 (an inseparable relationship)」「権利と義務は不可分だ (rights and duties are inseparable)」「不可分一体 (an indivisible whole)」. 「分」 means "to divide", with the original sense being "cannot be divided". It is used broadly for not only physical separation but also for the indivisibility of concepts and relationships, and appears frequently in legal, philosophical, and policy contexts.
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N1俯瞰ふかん
Refers to looking down from a high place. By extension, it refers to grasping a matter holistically from a wide-angle perspective. Used in expressions like 「町を俯瞰する (to overlook the town)」「俯瞰的な視点 (a bird's-eye view)」. 「俯」 means to bow one's face, to face downward; 「瞰」 means to look down. It is used widely, from geographical looking down to the comprehensive grasp of discussions or situations.
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N1不朽ふきゅう
Refers to remaining without decay forever, an appearance in which value or fame is not lost even with the long passage of time. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不朽の名作 (an immortal masterpiece)」「不朽の名声 (undying fame)」「不朽の業績 (an imperishable achievement)」. 「朽」 means to rot and collapse, and the original sense is "not rotting". It is used widely in contexts that praise the enduring value of works of art, accomplishments, and monumental figures. It is often used for evaluations that continue to be passed down even after death.
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N2普及ふきゅう
To spread widely and become common among the general public.
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N3拭くふく
wipe. To remove dirt or moisture using cloth or paper. Example: 「机を拭く」 (to wipe a desk), 「汗を拭く」 (to wipe off sweat).
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N4, N5吹くふく
blow. For wind to move. Example: 「風が吹く」 (the wind blows). Also used to mean blowing air out from the mouth.
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N1不遇ふぐう
Refers to being in an unfortunate position in which one cannot obtain status or treatment that matches one's talents and efforts. Used in expressions like 「不遇な晩年 (an unfortunate later life)」「不遇をかこつ (to lament one's misfortunes)」. 「遇」 means to meet or be received, and the word refers to a state of "not being able to encounter favorable circumstances". It is used widely in contexts describing the sorrow of capable people who are not recognized by the world.
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N4複雑ふくざつ
A state where things are intricate and hard to understand. The antonym is「簡単(かんたん)」(simple).
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N4復習ふくしゅう
To study something one learned once again. The antonym is 「予習」 (preparing before a lesson).
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N3複数ふくすう
Being two or more. Example: 「複数の意見」 (multiple opinions). The antonym is 「単数」 (singular).
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N1服するふくする
Refers to obeying rules, orders, or duties and acting accordingly, or to placing oneself in a certain state. Used in expressions like 「刑に服する (to serve a sentence)」「喪に服する (to be in mourning)」. The character 「服」 carries the sense "to obey", expressing the act of accepting an order, norm, or situation. It is used in formal contexts such as law, ceremony, and the military.
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N2伏線ふくせん
Refers to something subtly arranged in advance to prepare for later developments in a story or discussion. Used in expressions like 「伏線を張る (to lay a foreshadowing)」「伏線を回収する (to pay off the foreshadowing)」. 「伏」 means to conceal, 「線」 means a line; together they express a thread that is not visible on the surface but supports later developments. It is used in contexts discussing the structure of novels and films, or the strategy of negotiations and debates.
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N1不屈ふくつ
Refers to not yielding to any hardship or adversity. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「不屈の精神 (an indomitable spirit)」「不屈の闘志 (an indomitable fighting spirit)」「不屈の意志 (an indomitable will)」. 「屈」 means to bend or submit, and the original sense is "not bending". It is used widely in contexts that praise figures who endure adversity to pursue their goals, appearing frequently in biographies, sports reports, and memorial writings. It is an evaluative word strongly tinged with praise.
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N1伏兵ふくへい
Refers to soldiers hiding and lying in wait so as not to be detected by the enemy. Used in expressions like 「伏兵に襲われる (to be attacked by an ambush)」「予選の伏兵 (a dark horse in the preliminaries)」「思わぬ伏兵 (an unexpected dark horse)」. Originally a military term, it is also used in daily life in the metaphorical sense of "an unexpected strong opponent or obstacle". It is used widely in contexts of competition such as sports, elections, and business, in situations where an unknown entity displays unexpected strength.
This word has different meanings and uses at each level
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