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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
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4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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N1
卑近
ひきん
Refers to an appearance of being familiar, commonplace, and easily understandable by anyone. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「卑近な例 (a familiar example)」「卑近な話題 (a familiar topic)」「卑近な比喩 (a familiar metaphor)」. 「卑」 means low, 「近」 means near; together they express "something at a low, near position". As opposed to the abstract and difficult, it refers to the concrete and close at hand, and is widely used as an introductory phrase in explanation, as in 「卑近な例で言えば (to give a familiar example)」.
AI-generated translation
N2〜N5
引く
ひく
pull. To move something toward oneself by applying force. Example: 「戸を引く」 (to pull a door). The antonym is 「押す」 (to push). There is also the homophone 「弾く」 (to play a musical instrument), among others.
AI-generated translation
N3, N5
低い
ひくい
low. A state where the length from bottom to top is small. The antonym is 「高い」 (high).
AI-generated translation
N1
卑屈
ひくつ
Refers to viewing oneself lower than necessary, becoming dejected or fawning. Used in expressions like 「卑屈な態度 (a servile attitude)」「卑屈になる (to become servile)」「卑屈な笑い (a fawning smile)」. 「卑」 means low, 「屈」 means to bend; together they express a posture of lowering and bending oneself. It refers to a negative posture arising from failure, inferiority complexes, or differences in status, distinguished from appropriate modesty ('「謙虚」'). Whereas 「謙虚」 is a virtue, 「卑屈」 is excessive self-deprecation that becomes the object of criticism.
AI-generated translation
N1
秘訣
ひけつ
Refers to a knack or method, little known to others, for doing something well. Used in expressions like 「成功の秘訣 (the secret of success)」「長寿の秘訣 (the secret of long life)」「秘訣を伝授する (to pass on a secret)」. 「秘」 means secret, 「訣」 means the heart of a mystery; together they express "the secret essence". It is a word for essential know-how hard to see from the surface, appearing frequently in self-help books, interview articles, and contexts that discuss the skills of artisans.
AI-generated translation
N3
膝
ひざ
knee. The bendable joint in the middle of the leg. Example: 「膝をつく」 (to kneel down).
AI-generated translation
N3
肘
ひじ
elbow. The bendable joint in the middle of the arm. Example: 「肘をつく」 (to rest on one's elbow).
AI-generated translation
N3
非常
ひじょう
An unusual, urgent situation. It is used on its own as a noun, as in 「非常の際」 (in an emergency), 「非常の場合」 (in case of emergency). It is also often combined with other words, as in 「非常口」 (emergency exit), 「非常ベル」 (emergency bell), 「非常階段」 (emergency stairs), 「非常食」 (emergency rations). Adding 「に」 gives 「非常に」, an adverb meaning the same as 「とても」 (very); the part of speech and the meaning both change, as in 「非常の際に備える」 versus 「非常に寒い」.
AI-generated translation
N3, N4
非常に
ひじょうに
Expresses that the degree of something is very strong. It has the same meaning as 「とても」 and 「たいへん」, and is often used in written language. It is formed by adding 「に」 to the noun 「非常」 (an unusual, urgent situation; 「非常口」「非常ベル」); 「非常」 on its own does not mean 「とても」. Compare 「非常の場合」, which means in an emergency, with 「非常に寒い」, which means very cold.
AI-generated translation
N3
額
ひたい
forehead. The part of the face from above the eyebrows to the hairline. Also called おでこ. When read as 「がく」, it means a sum of money or a frame for holding a picture.
AI-generated translation
N1
ひた隠し
ひたがくし
Refers to thoroughly concealing something so that others will not learn of it. Used in expressions like 「過去をひた隠しにする (to keep one's past tightly hidden)」「真相をひた隠す (to keep the truth tightly hidden)」「ひた隠しに隠す (to hide thoroughly)」. 「ひた」 is a prefix meaning 「ひたすら (single-mindedly) / もっぱら (entirely)」, expressing consistent dedication. It is mostly used for serious matters or the concealment of inconvenient information, and is used in news reports and the narrative prose of novels.
AI-generated translation
N1
ひたむき
ひたむき
Refers to the appearance of devoting oneself to a single thing without looking aside. Used in expressions like 「ひたむきな努力 (single-minded effort)」「ひたむきに取り組む (to tackle wholeheartedly)」「ひたむきな姿勢 (a wholehearted attitude)」. 「ひた」 is a prefix meaning 「ひたすら (single-mindedly)」, expressing a pure and earnest posture, used in contexts of positive evaluation. It carries praise for pure, unselfish effort without calculation or expectation of return, and appears frequently in contexts of youth, sports, and depictions of artisans.
AI-generated translation
N3
ぴったり
ぴったり
A state of fitting together without any gap. Example: 「サイズがぴったりだ」 (the size fits perfectly). Also used to mean "exactly," as in 「3時ぴったり」 (exactly 3 o'clock).
AI-generated translation
N1
匹敵
ひってき
Refers to capacity, value, or scale being at a level equal to the object of comparison. It is a formal word used in the form 「Aに匹敵するB (a B that matches A)」, or in expressions like 「世界に匹敵する技術 (technology that matches that of the world)」「彼に匹敵する選手はいない (there is no player who matches him)」. Both 「匹」 and 「敵」 mean "counterpart, equal"; together they express "to stand shoulder to shoulder". It expresses a relationship in which it is hard to rank one above the other, and carries the nuance that the evaluator acknowledges "taking A's level as the standard, B is equal to that level".
AI-generated translation
N2, N3
引っ張る
ひっぱる
To pull something toward oneself with force. Example: 「ロープを引っ張る」 (to pull a rope). Also used to mean leading a group from the front, as in 「チームを引っ張る」 (to lead the team).
AI-generated translation
N1
一頃
ひところ
Refers to a certain past period of time. Used in expressions like 「一頃の勢いを失う (to lose the momentum one once had)」「一頃は流行した (was once in fashion)」「一頃に比べて (compared with a former time)」. It is a noun referring to a past period in which conditions differed from the present, used when speaking of past circumstances in contrast with the present. It is a word with a specific period of time in mind rather than a vague past, used widely in contexts that look back on changes.
AI-generated translation
N1
一筋縄
ひとすじなわ
A set phrase used in the form 「一筋縄ではいかない」, meaning that something is so difficult to handle that ordinary means will not work. Used in expressions like 「彼は一筋縄ではいかない相手だ (he is no easy opponent)」「一筋縄ではいかない問題 (a tricky problem)」. The original meaning is "a single rope", and the phrase was born from the metaphor that the target is too tough to be caught with simple equipment. 「一筋縄」 is hardly used on its own, and almost always appears within this idiomatic expression.
AI-generated translation
N1
ひねくれる
ひねくれる
Refers to losing one's natural straightforwardness and coming to receive things in a twisted way. Used in expressions like 「ひねくれた性格 (a warped disposition)」「ひねくれた解釈 (a twisted interpretation)」「ひねくれた物の見方 (a contrarian way of seeing things)」. It expresses the appearance of taking goodwill or kindness in reverse, or deliberately adopting an oppositional attitude, and carries a negative evaluation. 「捻」 means to twist, expressing the nuance of being unstraight, not earnest. It is a word for everyday use in character description.
AI-generated translation
N1
響き渡る
ひびきわたる
Refers to a sound or voice traveling so strongly that it reaches every corner of a wide area. It is a compound verb used in expressions like 「鐘の音が響き渡る (the sound of the bell rings out)」「歓声が響き渡る (cheers ring out)」「号砲が響き渡る (the starting signal rings out)」. It expresses the appearance of sound reaching every corner of a space; in addition to the physical propagation of sound, it is also used as a metaphor for the spread of fame, as in 「名声が響き渡る」. It implies a wider scope and stronger impression than 「響く」.
AI-generated translation
N1
微々たる
びびたる
Refers to an appearance of being so small in quantity or degree as to be insignificant. It is an adnominal used in expressions like 「微々たる金額 (a trifling sum)」「微々たる成果 (paltry results)」「微々たる差 (a negligible difference)」. It must modify a following noun, emphasizing smallness of scale. As a reduplicated form stacking 「微」, it carries the nuance of "scant, barely worth mentioning", expressing self-deprecation or dismissiveness rather than mere "smallness".
AI-generated translation
N3
皮膚
ひふ
What covers the surface of the body. A medical/formal term; in daily conversation, 「肌」 is more commonly used.
AI-generated translation
N1
疲弊
ひへい
Refers to organizations, economies, or physical strength growing tired and weakened, losing their natural vitality. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「経済が疲弊する (the economy is exhausted)」「現場が疲弊する (the front lines are exhausted)」「国土が疲弊する (the country is depleted)」. 「疲」 means to be tired, 「弊」 means to weaken or break down; together they express "becoming tired and worn out". It expresses a state of weakening as the result of long-lasting burden, indicating a state more serious and structural than the temporary tiredness of 「疲労」.
AI-generated translation
N1
美貌
びぼう
Refers to a person whose appearance is strikingly beautiful. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「美貌の持ち主 (a person of beauty)」「美貌を誇る (to be proud of one's beauty)」「絶世の美貌 (peerless beauty)」. 「美」 means beautiful, 「貌」 means face or appearance; together they express "a beautiful appearance". It is mostly used in contexts that praise the appearance of women or young men, pointing to the beauty of well-proportioned features. The focus is on outward beauty rather than inner attractiveness, and it is used in literary works, biographies, and entertainment journalism.
AI-generated translation
N1
備忘録
びぼうろく
Refers to a document or notebook in which one records key points so as not to forget them. Used in expressions like 「備忘録に記す (to write in one's memorandum)」「備忘録として残す (to leave as a memorandum)」「備忘録代わりのメモ (a memo serving as a memorandum)」. 「備」 means to prepare, 「忘」 means to forget, 「録」 means a record; together they express "something recorded in preparation for forgetting". A typical example is a document briefly summarizing the key points of a meeting or daily observations, and it is a word used in formal and business contexts.
AI-generated translation
N3
秘密
ひみつ
secret. Something kept hidden from others. Example: 「秘密を守る」 (to keep a secret).
AI-generated translation
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
N3
ひも
ひも
A long, thin thing used for tying or binding items. Thicker than thread but thinner than rope. Written with the kanji 「紐」, but since this kanji is not used in daily life, it is usually written in hiragana.
AI-generated translation
N3
冷やす
ひやす
To lower the temperature of something to make it cold. Example: 「ビールを冷やす」 (to chill beer). 「頭を冷やす」 means "to calm down." 「冷やす」 is used when a person lowers the temperature, while 「冷える」 is used when it drops on its own: compare 「ビールを冷やす」 with 「ビールが冷える」.
AI-generated translation
N3
費用
ひよう
expense. Money required to do something. Example: 「旅行の費用」 (travel expenses).
AI-generated translation
N3
表
ひょう
table, chart. Something in which figures or items are arranged vertically and horizontally so they are easy to read. Used as in "調査の結果を表にまとめる" (to compile survey results into a table), "成績表", or "時刻表". The same "表" read as "おもて" is a different word meaning the side of an object seen from the front or outside.
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
N3
表現
ひょうげん
expression. To express one's thoughts or feelings in words or in some form. 「気持ちを言葉で表現する」「絵で表現する」. It also refers to the form of words expressed in that way, that is, the wording itself. As in 「丁寧な表現」「わかりにくい表現を直す」, it is used in the sense of what manner of speaking is used.
AI-generated translation
N3
評判
ひょうばん
reputation. Public evaluation or rumor about something. Example: 「評判がいい店」 (a shop with a good reputation).
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
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
N3
昼寝
ひるね
nap. Sleeping for a short time during the daytime. Example: 「昼寝をする」 (to take a nap).
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
N3, N5
広い
ひろい
A state where a place is large. The antonym is 「狭い」 (narrow).
AI-generated translation
N3
広がる
ひろがる
For an area or range to become larger. Example: 「うわさが広がる」 (a rumor spreads), 「景色が広がる」 (a view opens up/spreads out). 「広がる」 is used when something becomes larger on its own, while 「広げる」 is used when a person makes it larger: compare 「うわさが広がる」 with 「うわさを広げる」.
AI-generated translation
N3
広げる
ひろげる
To make an area or range larger. To open and stretch something out. Example: 「地図を広げる」 (to spread out a map), 「店を広げる」 (to expand a shop). 「広げる」 is used when a person makes something larger, while 「広がる」 is used when it becomes larger on its own: compare 「うわさを広げる」 with 「うわさが広がる」.
AI-generated translation
N3
瓶
びん
bottle. A container made of glass or similar material, used for holding liquids. Example: 「ジュースの瓶」 (a juice bottle).
AI-generated translation
N3
貧乏
びんぼう
Having no money and living a hard life. Example: 「貧乏な暮らし」 (a poor life). The antonym is 「金持ち」 (rich person).
AI-generated translation
N3
不安
ふあん
anxiety. Feeling worried and unable to settle down. Example: 「将来が不安だ」 (the future is uncertain/worrying). The antonym is 「安心」 (peace of mind).
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
N3
風
ふう
manner, style. The way something is done or appears. Expresses that something is in such a manner or style, as in "そんな風に言わないで" (don't say it like that), "日本風の部屋" (a Japanese-style room), or "昔風の建物" (an old-style building). The same "風" read as "かぜ" is a different word meaning moving air.
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
N3
風景
ふうけい
scenery. The natural or town scenery visible to the eye. Example: 「美しい風景」 (beautiful scenery). Nearly synonymous with 「景色」.
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
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.