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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
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4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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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
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
N3
防ぐ
ふせぐ
prevent. To keep a bad thing from happening. Example: 「事故を防ぐ」 (to prevent an accident). Also used for blocking an enemy or wind and rain, as in 「寒さを防ぐ」 (to keep out the cold).
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
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
N3
不足
ふそく
shortage. Not being enough. Example: 「睡眠不足」 (lack of sleep), 「人手不足」 (labor shortage).
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, 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
N3
双子
ふたご
twins. Two children born from the same mother at the same time.
AI-generated translation
N3
再び
ふたたび
again. Once more. Example: 「再び会う」 (to meet again). This is a literary word; in spoken language, 「また」 is normal.
AI-generated translation
N5
二つ
ふたつ
two. The number 2 when counting things.
AI-generated translation
N4
豚肉
ぶたにく
Pork meat. Also called 「ポーク」.
AI-generated translation
N5
二人
ふたり
Being two people.
AI-generated translation
N3
普段
ふだん
Always, usually. Example: 「普段の生活」 (everyday life), 「普段着」 (everyday clothes).
AI-generated translation
N4
部長
ぶちょう
At a company, etc., the person who leads a department.
AI-generated translation
N4
普通
ふつう
A state of being not special, the same as usual.
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
N3
筆
ふで
A tool for writing characters or painting, made by bundling hair together. Example: 「筆で書く」 (to write with a brush). 「筆が速い」 is also used as a metaphor for writing quickly.
AI-generated translation
N5
太い
ふとい
A state where the width of a round thing is large. The antonym is 「細い」 (thin).
AI-generated translation
N4
太る
ふとる
To gain weight. The antonym is 「痩せる」 (to lose weight).
AI-generated translation
N4
布団
ふとん
futon. Something laid out or draped over oneself when sleeping.
AI-generated translation
N4
舟
ふね
boat. A small vehicle that moves over water. The homophone「船」is also used for large ones, while「舟」is often used for small ones.
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
N3
部品
ぶひん
Each individual piece that makes up a machine, etc. Example: 「車の部品」 (car parts).
AI-generated translation
N3
部分
ぶぶん
part. A section within a whole. Example: 「壊れた部分」 (the broken part). The antonym is 「全体」 (the whole).
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
N4
不便
ふべん
A state of being hard to use and inconvenient. The antonym is「便利（べんり）」(convenient).
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
N3
不満
ふまん
Not being satisfied. Example: 「給料に不満がある」 (dissatisfied with one's salary). The antonym is 「満足」 (satisfaction).
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
N4
踏む
ふむ
To press down hard on top of something with one's foot. Example:「足を踏む」(to step on someone's foot).
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
N5
冬
ふゆ
winter. The coldest season of the year.
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
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
N4
降り出す
ふりだす
For rain or snow to start falling.
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
N5
降る
ふる
For rain or snow to fall from the sky. Example: 「雨が降る」 (rain falls).
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
N3
震える
ふるえる
tremble. To shake with small, repeated movements. Example: 「寒さで手が震える」 (hands tremble from the cold), 「声が震える」 (voice trembles).
AI-generated translation
N3
ふるさと
ふるさと
hometown. The land where one was born and raised. Written with the kanji 「故郷」, which can also be read 「こきょう」.
AI-generated translation
N1
古めかしい
ふるめかしい
Refers to an appearance that strongly feels old and is not contemporary. It expresses the state in which buildings, clothing, expressions, and the like look out of date. Used in expressions like 「古めかしい屋敷 (an old-fashioned mansion)」「古めかしい言い回し (an old-fashioned phrasing)」. It is a word formed by combining 「古い (old)」 and 「めかしい (looking as if ~)」, focusing on the impression of "evoking a sense of oldness" rather than the actual age. It also carries a slightly negative undertone.
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.