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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
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4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
N2, N3
実る
みのる
For a plant to bear fruit. Example: 「稲が実る」 (rice ripens). Also used to mean a good result coming about, as in 「努力が実る」 (effort bears fruit).
AI-generated translation
N2
見晴らし
みはらし
The ability to look out far and wide from an elevated place; also the scenery that comes into view at such a time. 「晴らす」 means to clear away things that obstruct, representing a state in which the view is opened up and one can see into the distance. Used as in 「見晴らしの良い場所」「見晴らしが利く」「見晴らし台」. It often appears in contexts that evaluate the view from a building, terrain, or tourist spot. The meaning is close to 「眺め」, but 「見晴らし」 places greater emphasis on the breadth and distance of the view.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
見本
みほん
sample. A model or example shown for reference. Example: 「商品の見本」 (a product sample).
AI-generated translation
N1
耳障り
みみざわり
A sound or words felt unpleasant to the ear. A combination of 「耳」 and 「障り (something that hinders or harms)」, expressing something that unpleasantly disturbs hearing. Used as an adjectival noun, as in 「耳障りな音」, 「耳障りな言い方」, 「耳障りな騒音」. It is a word paired with 「目障り」, both expressing sensory discomfort. Note that 「耳触り (the feel something gives to the ear)」 is a different word, which can be used both positively and negatively, as in 「耳触りの良い言葉」.
AI-generated translation
N2
見物
みもの
Something worth seeing, something entertaining to watch. Often said with the expectation that it will be interesting to watch, as in "今年の決勝戦は見物だ" or "彼の慌てぶりは見物だった". The same "見物" read as "けんぶつ" is a different word meaning to go and see something rare or famous.
AI-generated translation
N1
脈絡
みゃくらく
The connection or logical thread of things. 「脈」 is the connection of blood vessels, 「絡」 means to link together, together expressing "a thread running continuously like blood vessels." It refers to the relationship between the parts of speech or writing, the flow of logic, and the causal connection between events. Mostly used in the negative as in 「脈絡がない」, 「脈絡を欠く」, 「脈絡なく話す」, frequently appearing in contexts criticizing a state where the thread of speech does not hold together. Whereas 「文脈」 refers to the connection of preceding and following words, 「脈絡」 refers more broadly to logical and causal connections.
AI-generated translation
N2
魅了
みりょう
To attract a person's heart strongly and make them enthralled. 「魅」 means to captivate the heart, 「了」 means to do completely, together expressing a state of completely capturing the heart. Used for objects evaluated positively, such as beauty, talent, performance, or character, used in both active and passive forms as in 「観客を魅了する」, 「歌声に魅了される」. Close in meaning to 「魅惑」, but 「魅了」 differs in having little nuance of allure or temptation, used as pure admiration.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
見る
みる
See; look. Perceiving things with the eyes.
AI-generated translation
N2
未練
みれん
The state of being unable to give up, with one's heart still lingering. It refers to a condition in which one's feelings or attachments toward a lost person, thing, or chance remain. 「練」 carries the sense of "kneading or refining over and over," expressing a heart that cannot cut itself away from the past. Used as in 「未練がある」「未練を残す」「未練を断ち切る」「未練たらしい」. It frequently appears in contexts where a matter should already be settled — heartbreak, leaving a job, defeat — but the heart is drawn back to it.
AI-generated translation
N1
魅惑
みわく
To attract and bewitch a person's heart. 「魅」 means to captivate the heart, 「惑」 means to confuse and lead the heart astray, together expressing a state of attracting so strongly as to captivate the heart and cloud judgment. Whereas 「魅了」 simply means to attract strongly, 「魅惑」 has a stronger nuance of allure and temptation, expressing a charm that shakes the other's reason. Often used adjectivally as in 「魅惑的な香り」, 「魅惑の眼差し」, 「魅惑のメロディ」, frequently appearing in literary and sensual contexts.
AI-generated translation
N2
無我夢中
むがむちゅう
A state of being so completely absorbed in something that one forgets oneself. A four-character compound combining 「無我」 (forgetting oneself) and 「夢中」 (being engrossed as if in a dream), doubling words of the same import to emphasize the degree of absorption. Used as in 「無我夢中で逃げる」, 「無我夢中で取り組む」, 「無我夢中になって戦う」. Used both in situations of being desperate in a crisis and in situations of forgetting oneself out of enjoyment or excitement, expressing a state of being concentrated on one thing to the point of having no room to consider oneself.
AI-generated translation
N2
報いる
むくいる
To give a fitting return for an action one has received.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
向ける
むける
To turn a face or object toward a certain direction. Example: 「カメラを向ける」 (to point a camera). Also used to mean directing one's feelings or attention that way, as in 「注意を向ける」 (to direct one's attention). 「向ける」 is used when a person turns a face or object that way, while 「向く」 is used when one's face or body turns that way: compare 「顔を右に向ける」 with 「右を向く」.
AI-generated translation
N2
無効
むこう
Having no effect or validity.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
向こう
むこう
The far side, as seen from oneself. Example: 「川の向こう」 (the far side of the river).
AI-generated translation
N1
無惨
むざん
A state so pitiful and tragic that it is unbearable to watch. Originally a Buddhist term meaning "without a sense of shame or contrition," but it came to be used to mean "exceedingly pitiful." Used for states in which the original form has been damaged, such as accidents, destruction, defeat, and death, as in 「無惨な姿」, 「無惨に踏みにじられる」, 「無惨な最期」. Also written 「無残」, which is likewise common as a modern spelling. A bookish word, frequently appearing in literary and journalistic contexts.
AI-generated translation
N2
蒸し暑い
むしあつい
Hot with a lot of humidity. Example: 「蒸し暑い夜」 (a humid, sultry night).
AI-generated translation
N2
矛盾
むじゅん
Two things not being consistent with each other and conflicting.
AI-generated translation
N1
無尽蔵
むじんぞう
The state of being so abundant in quantity that it never runs out no matter how much is used. 「無尽」 means not running out, 「蔵」 means a store, together expressing "an inexhaustible store." Originally a Buddhist term meaning "inexhaustible merit," but in modern usage it expresses a state in which something that ought to be finite—goods, resources, stamina, affection—is extremely abundant. A hard word used as in 「無尽蔵の資源」, 「体力が無尽蔵だ」, 「無尽蔵のエネルギー」, often used in contrast with finiteness.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
難しい
むずかしい
difficult. Not able to be done easily. The antonym is 「易しい」 (easy).
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
結ぶ
むすぶ
To tie things together with a string, etc., and fasten them. Example: 「くつのひもを結ぶ」 (to tie one's shoelaces). Also used to mean establishing a promise or relationship, as in 「契約を結ぶ」 (to conclude a contract).
AI-generated translation
N1
無造作
むぞうさ
A state of doing something easily without taking trouble; or, a state of handling something carelessly without paying attention. 「造作」 originally means "trouble or effort," and 「無造作」 has the original meaning of "taking no trouble." Used as in 「無造作に置く」, 「無造作に髪を結ぶ」, 「無造作な仕草」. It is sometimes used with a positive connotation of being unpretentious and natural, and sometimes with a negative connotation of being careless and inconsiderate, with the nuance changing by context.
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
夢中
むちゅう
Being so absorbed in one thing that one forgets everything else. Example: 「ゲームに夢中になる」 (to be absorbed in a game).
AI-generated translation
N2
空しい
むなしい
A state in which there is no content or substance, and no value or meaning can be felt. Originally meaning "empty inside," it broadened from there to the nuances of "without substance" and "unrewarded." A representative usage expresses the feeling when effort or expectations go unrewarded, as in 「空しい努力」, 「空しく終わる」, 「空しい気持ち」. It also frequently appears in philosophical and literary contexts expressing a state of having lost the meaning of life or existence. Also written 「虚しい」, which is likewise common as a modern spelling.
AI-generated translation
N2
無念
むねん
A feeling of frustration and regret because something one had hoped for did not come true. Originally a Buddhist term meaning "a state free of worldly thoughts," but in modern usage it means "regretful and frustrated because a wish was not fulfilled." Used in contexts expressing strong frustration, as in 「無念の涙」, 「無念を晴らす」, 「無念の思い」, 「無念な最期」. A hard word frequently appearing in situations where effort or hopes went unrewarded, such as matches, contests, and turning points in life. The intensity of emotion is greater than mere 「残念」, carrying a nuance of bitter regret.
AI-generated translation
N2
無闇
むやみ
A state of acting thoughtlessly and recklessly without proper consideration. 「闇」 originally means "dark and unable to see ahead," carrying the nuance of "pushing forward without thinking about what lies ahead." Mostly used adverbially in the form 「無闇に」, as in 「無闇に動く」, 「無闇に信じる」, 「無闇に薬を飲む」, in contexts criticizing carelessness or lack of judgment. Also frequently appears in the doubled form 「無闇やたらに」, further emphasizing lack of discretion. A bookish word carrying a negative evaluation.
AI-generated translation
N2, N5
目
め
eye. The part of the body for seeing things.
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.