Log in to save your learning history.
Sign up
ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
Search words across all levels
4,238words (N1–N5 total)
Searches word and reading by partial match. Tick the box below to search meanings too
Status
Filtered by N1・N2・N4
·
366words
Clear filters
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, N3
評価
ひょうか
evaluation. To judge and determine the value or quality of something. 「作品を評価する」「高い評価を受ける」. Going a step further from this, it is also used to mean recognizing something as good, or thinking highly of it. 「努力が評価される」「その点は評価できる」 do not mean judging whether something is good or bad, but recognizing its good points.
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
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)」.
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
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).
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
N4
昼間
ひるま
daytime. The bright hours from morning to evening.
AI-generated translation
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」.
AI-generated translation
N4
昼休み
ひるやすみ
The break time for eating lunch.
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
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.
AI-generated translation
N4
拾う
ひろう
To pick up something that has fallen with one's hand.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
N4
増える
ふえる
For a number or amount to grow larger. The antonym is「減る（へる）」(to decrease).
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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).
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
N2
普及
ふきゅう
To spread widely and become common among the general public.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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).
AI-generated translation
N4
復習
ふくしゅう
To study something one learned once again. The antonym is 「予習」 (preparing before a lesson).
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
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.
AI-generated translation
N1
覆面
ふくめん
Refers to covering and concealing one's face with cloth or the like, or such a covering itself. By extension, it refers to a state in which one's identity or whereabouts are hidden. Used in expressions like 「覆面強盗 (a masked robber)」「覆面取材 (undercover reporting)」. 「覆」 means to cover, 「面」 means the face; together they directly express "covering the face". It is used in diverse contexts such as crime, investigative journalism, and the covert operation of police patrol cars.
AI-generated translation
N2
武骨
ぶこつ
Refers to a rough, unrefined appearance. Used in expressions like 「武骨な男 (a rugged man)」「武骨な手 (rugged hands)」「武骨な作り (a plain build)」. Originally pointing to the unadorned manner befitting a warrior, in modern usage it is used both for a personality that is unrefined but sincere, and for items that are practical with little decoration. It is a neutral evaluative word that can be taken either negatively or positively, often used with the nuance of valuing sincerity and straightforwardness.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
不自由
ふじゆう
Lacking necessary things or freedom, and being troubled by it. Example: 「お金に不自由しない」 (not lacking money). Also used for the body not moving as one wishes, as in 「目が不自由だ」 (visually impaired).
AI-generated translation
N2
扶助
ふじょ
Refers to lending help to support someone. It is a formal word denoting economic or social assistance. Used in expressions like 「相互扶助 (mutual aid)」「生活扶助 (livelihood assistance)」. Both 「扶」 and 「助」 mean "to help", forming a compound that stacks two characters to emphasize the meaning. It is used widely in the names of legal, administrative, and other systems.
AI-generated translation
N1
不詳
ふしょう
Refers to something whose details are unknown. Used in expressions like 「身元不詳 (unknown identity)」「作者不詳 (author unknown)」. It is a formal expression used in news reports, official documents, and records for items whose information cannot be verified. 「詳」 means detailed, and 「不」 added to it indicates the state of "details unknown".
AI-generated translation
N1
不祥事
ふしょうじ
Refers to disgraceful incidents that damage trust or honor, caused by organizations or people in positions of responsibility. Used in expressions like 「企業の不祥事 (a corporate scandal)」「不祥事が発覚する (a scandal comes to light)」「相次ぐ不祥事 (a series of scandals)」. 「祥」 means "auspicious, fortunate", and the original sense is "an inauspicious event". It refers broadly to incidents involving legal or ethical violations, or matters drawing social criticism, and is used frequently when such matters are reported as organizational problems. It tends to point to misconduct in positions of public responsibility rather than to an individual's private failings.
AI-generated translation
N2
腐食
ふしょく
Refers to metals and the like gradually degrading and being damaged from the surface through chemical reactions. Used in expressions like 「金属の腐食 (the corrosion of metal)」「腐食が進む (corrosion progresses)」. It can also be used metaphorically for the degradation of organizations and institutions. 「腐」 means to rot, 「食」 means to erode; together they express the process of "rotting and being eaten away".
AI-generated translation
N2
侮辱
ぶじょく
Refers to looking down on another and committing words or acts that wound their personality and dignity. Used in expressions like 「侮辱を受ける (to be insulted)」「侮辱罪 (the crime of insult)」「公衆の面前で侮辱する (to insult someone in public)」. 「侮」 means to make light of, 「辱」 means to shame; together they express "to belittle and shame". It is established as a legal term (the crime of insult), and is an important word used widely from everyday conversation to legal documents.
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.