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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
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4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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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.
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
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
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
N1
腐心
ふしん
Refers to wearing out one's mind in continual contrivance in order to accomplish something. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「資金繰りに腐心する (to rack one's brains over financing)」「経営再建に腐心する (to rack one's brains over corporate restructuring)」「対応に腐心する (to wrestle with how to respond)」. 「腐」 conveys the image of "worrying until one's mind rots", expressing effort accompanied by mental anguish. It is a formal word stating in measured fashion the appearance of grappling earnestly with difficulty, and is used widely in business and political contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
風情
ふぜい
Refers to a deeply felt charm or flavor. It is a word expressing traditional Japanese aesthetics, referring to feelings drawn from natural scenery, old townscapes, gestures, or the changing seasons. Used in expressions like 「秋の風情 (the charm of autumn)」「風情のある宿 (an inn with character)」「風情を楽しむ (to enjoy the atmosphere)」. In addition, when attached to a word referring to a person, as in 「私風情 (someone like me)」「子供風情 (a mere child)」, it has a secondary usage carrying the meaning "a worthless person like ~", expressing either humility or contempt.
AI-generated translation
N1
伏字
ふせじ
Refers to concealing portions of text that cannot be expressed and indicating them with symbols such as 〇 or ×. Used in expressions like 「伏字にする (to render as bowdlerized text)」「実名を伏字で表記する (to indicate a real name with placeholder symbols)」. 「伏」 means to conceal, 「字」 means character; together they express "concealing characters". It is a specialized term in printing and editing, used for reasons of censorship, discretion, or editorial considerations, in contexts of news reporting and publishing.
AI-generated translation
N2
武装
ぶそう
To equip oneself with weapons and gear for fighting.
AI-generated translation
N1
不測
ふそく
Refers to something that cannot be foreseen. Used in expressions like 「不測の事態 (an unforeseen situation)」「不測の事故 (an unforeseen accident)」. 「測」 means to measure or predict, and 「不」 added to it expresses the state of "cannot be predicted". It refers to sudden, unexpected events, and is used widely in crisis management and news reporting.
AI-generated translation
N2
附属
ふぞく
Refers to being attached to and belonging to a main entity, or such an attached thing. Used in expressions like 「附属品 (an accessory)」「附属病院 (an attached hospital)」. Both 「附」 and 「属」 mean "to be attached", expressing a relationship of "being incidental to the main entity". It can also be written 「付属」 with the same meaning. It is a formal word expressing the relationship between schools, institutions, and components.
AI-generated translation
N1
不遜
ふそん
Refers to lacking modesty and being arrogant. Used in expressions like 「不遜な態度 (an arrogant attitude)」「不遜極まりない (utterly arrogant)」. 「遜」 means to be modest, and 「不」 added to it expresses the state of "not being modest". It is often used as a critical, negative evaluation.
AI-generated translation
N2
札
ふだ
A small piece of paper or board on which a name, number, price, or the like is written and attached as a marker. Used as in "番号の書かれた札を受け取る" (to receive a tag with a number on it), "荷札", or "名札". The same "札" read as "さつ" is a different word meaning paper money.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
舞台
ぶたい
stage. A raised platform for presenting plays, dances, etc. Example: 「舞台に立つ」 (to stand on stage). Also used to mean the setting/background of a story, as in 「京都を舞台にした小説」 (a novel set in Kyoto).
AI-generated translation
N1
不退転
ふたいてん
Refers to seeing through to the end a resolve once made, never turning back. Originally a Buddhist term meaning not retreating from a stage attained in spiritual practice. As in 「不退転の決意 (a resolve never to retreat)」「不退転の覚悟 (steadfast determination)」, it combines with words emphasizing resolve and readiness. It is used widely in politicians' policy speeches and in important public commitments.
AI-generated translation
N2
物価
ぶっか
The general level of prices for goods and services in society. Used for overall price movements across society, as in 物価が上がる (prices rise), not for the price of a single item.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
ぶつかる
ぶつかる
To collide with force. Example: 「車が壁にぶつかる」 (a car crashes into a wall). Also used when opinions conflict or schedules overlap, as in 「意見がぶつかる」 (opinions clash), 「日程がぶつかる」 (schedules conflict). 「ぶつかる」 is used when something strikes against something else, while 「ぶつける」 is used when a person makes something strike: compare 「車が壁にぶつかる」 with 「車を壁にぶつける」.
AI-generated translation
N1
払拭
ふっしょく
Refers to wiping something clean and removing it. Rather than physical situations of wiping away stains, it is used much more often metaphorically for completely dispelling distrust, anxiety, doubts, or bad impressions. As in 「不信感を払拭する (to dispel distrust)」「イメージを払拭する (to dispel an image)」「疑念を払拭する (to dispel doubts)」, it typically takes abstract objects. Both 「払」 and 「拭」 mean "to wipe away, to remove", forming a compound that stacks two characters to emphasize the meaning.
AI-generated translation
N1
払底
ふってい
Refers to a state in which supplies, funds, or personnel have hit bottom and almost nothing remains. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「人材が払底する (talent runs out)」「在庫が払底する (stock runs out)」「資金が払底する (funds are exhausted)」. 「払」 means to sweep away, 「底」 means the bottom or the point where something runs out; together they create the image of "sweeping right down to the bottom". It is rarely used in everyday conversation, and is biased toward formal styles such as reports on the economy, industry, or administration.
AI-generated translation
N2
赴任
ふにん
Refers to going to one's assigned post and taking up duty. Used in expressions like 「海外赴任 (overseas posting)」「単身赴任 (a posting away from one's family)」. 「赴」 means to go off to, 「任」 means duty; together they express "going to one's post". It is widely used in contexts describing transfers of employees, public officials, teachers, and the like.
AI-generated translation
N1
腐敗
ふはい
Refers to things rotting. Or, it refers to organizations or politics becoming corrupt through moral decay. Used in expressions like 「政治の腐敗 (political corruption)」「腐敗した食品 (rotten food)」「腐敗が進む (corruption advances)」. The original meaning is the spoiling of food and other things by microbial action, but from there the word is also used broadly as a metaphor for the collapse of an organization from within due to private greed. In the metaphorical sense, it is used widely in contexts that criticize bribery, abuse of authority, and moral decline.
AI-generated translation
N1
不抜
ふばつ
Refers to a will that is extremely strong and does not waver no matter what. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「堅忍不抜 (firm endurance and steadfastness)」「不抜の精神 (an indomitable spirit)」, almost always as a component of four-character idioms. 「抜」 means to pull out; its original sense is "cannot be pulled out". It expresses a state in which one's will or conviction is firm and not easily moved, and is used in formal styles, speeches, and personal mottoes.
AI-generated translation
N1
侮蔑
ぶべつ
Refers to looking down on and despising another. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「侮蔑のまなざし (a contemptuous gaze)」「侮蔑を込めた言葉 (words steeped in contempt)」「侮蔑の対象 (an object of contempt)」. Both 「侮」 and 「蔑」 mean "to belittle", and the compound expresses a strong feeling of contempt. It is synonymous with 「軽蔑」 and 「侮辱」, but 「侮蔑」 is more written-language in character, combining strength of feeling with hardness of style. It is used widely in literary works, criticism, and the narrative prose of novels.
AI-generated translation
N1
普遍
ふへん
Refers to applying in common to all things — a quality of validity that holds broadly regardless of era, region, or subject. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「普遍的な真理 (a universal truth)」「普遍の原理 (a universal principle)」「普遍性 (universality)」. 「普」 means widely spreading, 「遍」 means reaching everywhere; together they emphasize "extending broadly over the whole". It appears frequently in contexts of philosophy, ethics, and science where universality is discussed, and is an important concept that forms a pair with 「特殊 (the particular)」.
AI-generated translation
N1
不偏
ふへん
Refers to not leaning toward either side, being neutral and impartial. Used in expressions like 「不偏不党 (impartial and non-partisan)」「不偏の立場 (an impartial stance)」. 「偏」 means to be biased, and the prefix 「不」 expresses the state of "not being biased". It is used in contexts where neutrality is required, such as journalism, education, and the judiciary.
AI-generated translation
N1
不本意
ふほんい
Refers to something being contrary to one's wishes or true intention. It is used in cases where one must reluctantly accept something, or for unsatisfactory results. Used in expressions like 「不本意な結果 (an unsatisfactory result)」「不本意ながら承諾する (to consent reluctantly)」「不本意な異動 (a transfer against one's wishes)」. 「本意」 means "true intention, original wish", and the prefix 「不」 makes it "not what one had hoped for". It is a formal expression used often in the form 「不本意ながら」 as a preface when accepting a conclusion that differs from one's wishes.
AI-generated translation
N1
踏み込む
ふみこむ
Refers to taking a strong step forward and entering inside. Or, metaphorically, to going deeply into a domain or the core of an issue where one ordinarily should not. Used in expressions like 「敷地に踏み込む (to enter the premises)」「議論に踏み込む (to delve into a discussion)」. It is used broadly, from physical intrusion to deep involvement in discussions, investigations, or private matters. It carries a nuance of "boldly" or "without hesitation".
AI-generated translation
N1
踏みにじる
ふみにじる
Refers to trampling something underfoot and crushing it. Metaphorically, it expresses cruelly wounding another's feelings, dignity, efforts, or rights. Used in expressions like 「人の善意を踏みにじる (to trample on someone's goodwill)」「夢を踏みにじる (to trample on a dream)」. It is used broadly, from the physical sense of crushing underfoot to spiritual or moral acts of trampling on others. It carries a strong sense of condemnation.
AI-generated translation
N1
不明瞭
ふめいりょう
Refers to being unclear — the appearance of the outline of an object, sound, intention, or description being indistinct. Used in expressions like 「不明瞭な発音 (unclear pronunciation)」「不明瞭な指示 (vague instructions)」「責任の所在が不明瞭だ (responsibility lies unclearly)」. 「明瞭」 means "clear and distinct", and the prefix 「不」 indicates the state of "not being clear". It can apply both to physical indistinctness and to the vagueness of logic or intention, and often carries a critical evaluation.
AI-generated translation
N1
浮揚
ふよう
Refers to rising up in water or in the air. By extension, it expresses recovering upward from a depressed state. Used in expressions like 「景気浮揚 (an economic upturn)」「浮揚力 (lift / buoyancy)」. 「浮」 means to float, 「揚」 means to raise up; together they express "to rise up". It is used widely from physical rising to economic and moral recovery.
AI-generated translation
N2
扶養
ふよう
Refers to taking care of someone's livelihood and supporting them, namely sustaining their life through economic means. Used in expressions like 「扶養家族 (dependent family members)」「扶養義務 (the duty to support)」. 「扶」 means to help, 「養」 means to nurture; together they express "to help and nurture". It is a formal word appearing frequently in legal, tax, and social-security contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
不履行
ふりこう
Refers to the failure to perform an obligation set out in a contract or promise. It is a formal word used widely in legal and economic contexts. Used in expressions like 「契約不履行 (breach of contract)」「債務不履行 (default on a debt)」. 「履」 means to carry out, 「行」 means to perform; 「履行」 means "to fulfill a promise", and the prefix 「不」 indicates the state of "not performing".
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
振る
ふる
To shake or swing something. Example: 「手を振る」 (to wave a hand), 「首を振る」 (to shake one's head). Also used to mean rejecting a romantic partner, as in 「彼女に振られる」 (to be dumped by one's girlfriend).
AI-generated translation
N2, N3, N5
古い
ふるい
A state of much time having passed since something was made. The antonym is 「新しい」 (new).
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.