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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
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4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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N1
まばら
まばら
A state in which things or people are scattered here and there, with low density. Expresses a sparse state of something that ought to gather or be continuous, as in 「まばらに生えた木々」, 「客足がまばら」, 「観客はまばらだった」. Basically refers to a state where gaps are visually conspicuous, used for people, things, vegetation, hair, and so on. Also written 「疎ら」 in kanji, but the hiragana spelling is common. Often used with a negative, lonely nuance.
AI-generated translation
N2
麻痺
まひ
A state in which the function of nerves or muscles is lost, and sensation or movement becomes impossible. Both 「麻」 and 「痺」 are characters meaning to go numb, together expressing a state in which sensation or movement has been taken away. Medically it refers to a symptom in which part of the body cannot move due to stroke, nerve damage, and the like, used as in 「半身麻痺」, 「顔面麻痺」, 「下肢の麻痺」. Figuratively it is also used to mean that an organization or system stops functioning normally, as in 「交通麻痺」, 「機能麻痺」, 「都市機能の麻痺」. It is also used to mean that sensitivity is dulled by repetition, as in 「感覚が麻痺する」.
AI-generated translation
N2
間引く
まびく
To remove some items from a crowded group in order to improve the growth or efficiency of what remains. It is originally an agricultural term referring to the work of pulling out some seedlings from densely grown vegetables to create space, so that the remaining seedlings can grow larger. Its original meaning is seen in expressions like 「大根を間引く」. From there, it is also used figuratively, as in 「人員を間引く」 and 「運行本数を間引く」, to mean removing part of an overcrowded state in order to make the whole more efficient. It also appears frequently in the context of reducing the number of train or bus services.
AI-generated translation
N1
瞼
まぶた
The part of skin that covers the eye. It protects the eyeball and carries out the actions of blinking and closing the eyes. Used as in 「瞼を閉じる」, 「瞼が腫れる」, 「瞼が重い」. Also used in compound forms such as 「上瞼」, 「下瞼」, 「一重瞼」, 「二重瞼」. Figuratively, it is also used in contexts of visually recalling memories or recollections, as in 「瞼に焼き付く」, 「瞼に浮かぶ」. Also written 「目蓋」, but the spelling 「瞼」 is common.
AI-generated translation
N2
幻
まぼろし
Something that is seen or sensed even though it does not actually exist. It originally referred to "something that appears as a dream or hallucination but has no substance," used in expressions like 「幻を見る」 and 「目の前に幻が現れる」. From there, its usage extended figuratively to express "something that ended without being realized" or "something lost that can never be obtained again." It appears frequently in contexts describing something extremely rare and hard to obtain, or something whose existence is legendary, as in 「幻のチャンピオン」, 「幻の名作」, 「幻の銘酒」, and 「幻に終わる」.
AI-generated translation
N3
間もなく
まもなく
soon. Right away, in a little while. 「間もなく電車が参ります」. A formal expression often used in announcements. In the forms 「〜して間もなく」「〜して間もない」 it expresses being just after a certain event. 「引っ越して間もなく」 means the time when not much has passed since moving, and 「入社して間もない」 means having only just joined the company.
AI-generated translation
N3
守る
まもる
To protect against danger. Example: 「家族を守る」 (to protect one's family). Also used to mean keeping to a promise or rule exactly, as in 「約束を守る」 (to keep a promise). The antonym in the sense of rules is 「破る」 (to break).
AI-generated translation
N1
繭
まゆ
A covering of thread that the larva of a silkworm or the like makes around itself before metamorphosis. To protect itself until it becomes an adult (a moth), the larva wraps its body in thread spun from its mouth. The silkworm's cocoon is the raw material for silk thread and has historically played a central role as a material in the silk-reeling industry. Used as in 「繭を作る」, 「繭から糸を取る」, 「白い繭」. There is also a figurative usage expressing a state shut off from the outside, as in 「繭にこもる」.
AI-generated translation
N3
迷う
まよう
Not being able to decide what to do. Example: 「買うかどうか迷う」 (uncertain whether to buy it). Also used to mean losing one's way, as in 「道に迷う」 (to lose one's way).
AI-generated translation
N2
丸暗記
まるあんき
Memorizing sentences, formulas, and the like exactly as they are, without thinking about their meaning or the reasons behind them. Used as in 「公式を丸暗記する」 (to learn a formula by rote), 「教科書を丸暗記する」. The 「丸」 at the front means "whole, entirely," and 「丸写し」 and 「丸覚え」 are formed in the same way. Unlike simply saying 「暗記」, this word is sometimes used with the negative view that the content has not been understood.
AI-generated translation
N5
丸い
まるい
round. A shape like a circle or a ball.
AI-generated translation
N1
丸腰
まるごし
The state of not carrying any weapon. Originally meaning "not having a sword at one's hip," derived from the historical background that for a samurai, carrying a sword was called 「腰に差す」. In modern Japanese, beyond the literal sense of being unarmed, it is used figuratively for "facing a matter with no preparation or countermeasures." Used as in 「丸腰で交渉に臨む」「丸腰の状態で警察に出頭する」. It carries the nuance of confronting a situation defenselessly, with nothing to shield oneself.
AI-generated translation
N1
丸っきり
まるっきり
An adverb meaning "completely / entirely," accompanied by a following negative or negative content. 「丸」 expresses complete or whole, and 「っきり」 is a suffix-like element adding emphasis. Used as in 「丸っきり知らない」, 「丸っきり違う」, 「丸っきり駄目だ」, emphasizing that the degree of something is complete. A somewhat colloquial and slangy word; in writing 「全く」 or 「全然」 are more often chosen. Also written 「丸きり」, 「まるきり」.
AI-generated translation
N2
丸々
まるまる
An adverb meaning "completely, entirely, the whole." It is a reduplicated form that emphasizes the completeness and undiminished nature of an amount or condition. There is a use that indicates that some unit extends in full from beginning to end, as in 「丸々一週間休む」「丸々一冊を読み終える」, and another use that depicts something plump and round, as in 「丸々太った赤ん坊」「丸々と肥える」. The former is adverbial; the latter is used adverbially in the form 「丸々と〜」.
AI-generated translation
N2
稀
まれ
Something that rarely happens, that almost never occurs. Expresses low frequency or rarity, used as in 「稀な現象」, 「稀に見る才能」, 「ごく稀に」, 「稀にしか起こらない」. Used both as an adjectival noun in the form 「稀な〜」 and adverbially in the form 「稀に〜」. Also written 「希」, which is likewise a common spelling. A bookish, somewhat hard word, used in more writing-oriented settings than the everyday 「めったに」. Used for both positive and negative matters, but there are also many usages emphasizing positive evaluation, as in 「稀に見る才能」.
AI-generated translation
N3
満員
まんいん
A state of being full of people, with no more room. Example: 「満員電車」 (a packed/crowded train).
AI-generated translation
N1
蔓延
まんえん
The spreading of something undesirable over a wide range. 「蔓」 is the vine of a plant, 「延」 means to extend and spread, together giving the original meaning of "spreading like a vine growing." Mostly used in contexts where illnesses, bad trends, or social problems spread over a wide range, as in 「感染症の蔓延」, 「悪習の蔓延」, 「不正の蔓延」. Its characteristic is that, unlike the neutral 「広がる」 or 「普及する」, its object is limited to undesirable things. A bookish, hard word, frequently appearing in journalism, argument, and public settings.
AI-generated translation
N2
満喫
まんきつ
To savor and enjoy something fully, until one is satisfied.
AI-generated translation
N2
満場
まんじょう
Everyone present at the venue. 「満」 means "full," and 「場」 means "that place"; together the word denotes "the state in which the venue is filled with those present," and by extension "all the people there." Used as in 「満場一致」「満場の拍手」「満場が沸く」 in contexts where the entire venue shows a single response. It is a written-language term used in formal settings such as conferences, ceremonies, theaters, and parliaments; it is not used to describe the number of people in everyday conversation.
AI-generated translation
N2
慢性
まんせい
A state in which a symptom or condition continues for a long time and does not readily change. 「慢」 means taking time, dragging on. Originally a medical term, paired with 「急性」 (acute, suddenly occurring), referring to an illness that persists over a long period. Figuratively, it is also used for social phenomena or organizational problems that go unresolved over a long period, as in 「慢性的な人手不足」, 「慢性的な渋滞」, 「慢性の赤字」. Mostly used as the adjectival noun 「慢性的な」, carrying a negative implication.
AI-generated translation
N1
漫然
まんぜん
A state of being vague, without a clear purpose or attention. 「漫」 means as one feels, without discipline, and 「然」 is a suffix expressing "the appearance of ~." Basically used adverbially in the 「〜と」 form, as in 「漫然と過ごす」, 「漫然と眺める」, 「漫然と聞く」. It expresses a state of scattered awareness lacking concentration or sense of purpose, mostly used in critical or reflective contexts. A bookish, hard word, appearing more frequently in writing and argument than in everyday conversation.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
満足
まんぞく
satisfaction. A state where one's wishes are fulfilled and the heart is content. Example: 「結果に満足する」 (to be satisfied with the result). The antonym is 「不満」 (dissatisfaction).
AI-generated translation
N1
漫談
まんだん
A genre of light storytelling performed for an audience, taking the events of the day and everyday life as material and weaving in humor. It is one of the yose variety arts; the basic form is a single performer addressing the audience and freely unfolding their talk. 「漫」 means "as the mood takes one," and 「談」 means a talk; together the word denotes a relaxed, free-form story. Used as in 「漫談を披露する」「漫談家」「政治漫談」. It is a traditional speech art alongside rakugo and kōdan; its distinguishing feature is that it does not center on a specific narrative but rather on topical material and light banter.
AI-generated translation
N5
万年筆
まんねんひつ
A writing tool that uses ink placed inside it.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
磨く
みがく
To rub something to make it clean. Example: 「歯を磨く」 (to brush one's teeth).
AI-generated translation
N3
味方
みかた
ally. A person who stands on one's own side and helps. Example: 「味方につける」 (to win someone over as an ally). The antonym is 「敵」 (enemy).
AI-generated translation
N5
右
みぎ
right. One of the directions. The antonym is 「左」 (left).
AI-generated translation
N2
見込み
みこみ
A prediction of how things will turn out in the future, or a possibility one can expect.
AI-generated translation
N5
短い
みじかい
short. A state where the length from end to end is small. Also used for a short amount of time. The antonym is 「長い」 (long).
AI-generated translation
N2
未熟
みじゅく
A fruit or the like not being fully ripe; also, one's skill or experience not being sufficient.
AI-generated translation
N5
水
みず
water. A clear substance that falls from the sky or flows in rivers.
AI-generated translation
N1
水気
みずけ
The moisture contained in something. Its objects are wide-ranging: the moisture in vegetables and fruit, the droplets left on washed dishes or hair, the dampness felt in humid air or soil, and so on. Used as in 「水気を切る」, 「水気を拭き取る」, 「水気を含んだ髪」. In cooking it frequently appears as an instruction for a cooking step, as in 「茹でた野菜の水気を切る」. Close in meaning to 「水分」, but whereas 「水分」 refers to water in a quantitative or compositional sense, 「水気」 tends to be used in more sensory, practical contexts, such as water left on the surface or a moist feel.
AI-generated translation
N5
店
みせ
shop. A place where things are sold.
AI-generated translation
N3, N5
見せる
みせる
To make it so a person can see something. Example: 「写真を見せる」 (to show a photo).
AI-generated translation
N1
未曽有
みぞう
Something so rare that it has never happened before. A word expressing 「未だ曽て有らず」 (never yet having existed) in classical Chinese word order, meaning literally "without precedent in the past." A hard word expressing an extremely grave and unprecedented situation, as in 「未曽有の災害」, 「未曽有の危機」, 「未曽有の大事件」. Used in journalism, historical writing, and public settings, rarely used in everyday conversation. Also written 「未曾有」. The reading is 「みぞう」, with the 「ゆう」 not lengthened.
AI-generated translation
N1
見損なう
みそこなう
To misjudge the value of a person or thing. 「損なう」 originally means "to fail to bring something off well," so the original sense is "to fail at seeing correctly." It is most often used in contexts such as 「あの人を見損なった」「君を見損なったよ」 to express disappointment when someone whom one had trusted or thought well of betrays that expectation through their words or actions. It can also mean "to miss seeing something," as in 「映画の最後を見損なう」, though this usage is comparatively rare in modern Japanese.
AI-generated translation
N5
道
みち
road. A place where people or cars pass through.
AI-generated translation
N2
密接
みっせつ
Having a deep connection, a relationship so close that it cannot be separated.
AI-generated translation
N1
密談
みつだん
To talk together secretly so that others will not find out. 「密」 means hidden from view, and 「談」 means a discussion; combined, the word denotes a secret deliberation. Used as in 「密談を交わす」「密談の場を持つ」「密室で密談する」. It is often used in political, diplomatic, business, or conspiratorial settings, implying that the content of the talk is confidential. Unlike the neutral 「打ち合わせ」「協議」, the word carries the implication that there are circumstances that cannot be made public.
AI-generated translation
N5
三つ
みっつ
three. The number 3 when counting things.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
見つめる
みつめる
To look intently without taking one's eyes away. Example: 「相手の目を見つめる」 (to gaze into the other person's eyes).
AI-generated translation
N2
見通し
みとおし
To see far into the distance; also, to predict how things will unfold in the future.
AI-generated translation
N1, N3
認める
みとめる
To accept something as correct or true. Example: 「失敗を認める」 (to admit a failure). Also used to mean evaluating something as having value (「実力が認められる」, to have one's ability recognized), or to notice or confirm something by observation (「変化が認められる」, a change is observed).
AI-generated translation
N3, N5
緑
みどり
green. A color like that of tree leaves.
AI-generated translation
N1
見とれる
みとれる
To be so taken by the beauty or excellence of something that one becomes absorbed in gazing at it. Also written 「見惚れる」. 「惚れる」 means "to have one's heart taken," capturing a state in which consciousness is drawn into the appeal of an object. Used as in 「夕日に見とれる」「演技に見とれる」「美しさに見とれる」. The object is limited to things beautiful, excellent, or moving; the word is not used for staring at something critical or negative. It carries the nuance of unconsciously gazing on without noticing how long one has been looking.
AI-generated translation
N5
皆さん
みなさん
Everyone who is present, or everyone who is listening. A polite way of speaking.
AI-generated translation
N2
見なす
みなす
To judge or treat something as being so, when in reality it is not. Used in the form 「AをBと見なす」, expressing that while something is objectively A, it is treated as B for purposes of judgment, rules, or convenience. Used as in 「欠席を遅刻と見なす」, 「返答がない場合は同意と見なす」. Frequently appears in contexts such as law, rules, contracts, and academic definitions, a hard word expressing formal equation or legal fiction. It carries the nuance of "treating as such" through artificial judgment, rather than the recognition of fact.
AI-generated translation
N5
南
みなみ
south. One of the directions. The antonym is 「北」 (north).
AI-generated translation
N2
見習い
みならい
A beginner learning the trade by watching how seniors work; also that very position or period itself. A noun formed from the conjunctive form of the verb 「見習う」, referring to a stage of vocational training resembling an apprenticeship. Used as in 「見習い職人」「見習い期間」「見習い中の身」. It frequently appears in trades where skills are acquired through hands-on work, such as cooks, carpenters, craftsmen, and nurses. Compared with the general term 「初心者」, it carries a stronger nuance of designating a formal training stage within a specific profession or organization.
AI-generated translation
N2
峰
みね
The raised part near the top of a mountain. Refers to the highest part of a mountain or the ridge running along the crest. Used as in 「山の峰」, 「峰々が連なる」, 「峰を越える」. A word frequently appearing in mountain and climbing contexts; whereas 「山頂」 refers to the pinpoint summit, 「峰」 refers broadly to the high area around and including the summit. Figuratively, the back of a sword blade (the side opposite the edge) is also called 「峰」, used as in 「峰打ち」. A word with a bookish, literary ring.
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.