Log in to save your learning history.
Sign up
ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
Search words across all levels
4,256words (N1–N5 total)
Searches word and reading by partial match. Tick the box below to search meanings too
Status
Filtered by N1・N5
·
1,908words
Clear filters
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
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
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
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
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
N5
服
ふく
clothes. Something worn on the body.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
N5
二つ
ふたつ
two. The number 2 when counting things.
AI-generated translation
N5
二人
ふたり
Being two people.
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
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
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
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
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
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
N5
風呂
ふろ
A place for washing the body or soaking in warm water. Example: 「お風呂に入る」 (to take a bath).
AI-generated translation
N5
分
ふん
minute. A unit of short time, one hour divided into 60. いっぷん・にふん・さんぷん・よんぷん・ごふん・ろっぷん・ななふん・はっぷん・きゅうふん・じゅっぷん, 「なんぷん」. With 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 it becomes 「ぷん」. When the same characters are read 「じゅうぶん」, they become a different word meaning that something is enough.
AI-generated translation
N1
憤慨
ふんがい
Refers to being intensely angry, with the feeling not subsiding. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「彼の発言に憤慨する (to be indignant at his remarks)」「憤慨に堪えない (to be unable to suppress one's indignation)」「憤慨の念 (a sense of indignation)」. It expresses strong anger toward injustice or what is contrary to reason, carrying a sense closer to "righteous indignation" than mere 「怒り (anger)」. 「憤」 means anger, 「慨」 means lament; together they express an emotion mingled with anger and lament. It is used widely in news reports, protests, and criticism.
AI-generated translation
N1
紛糾
ふんきゅう
Refers to a situation in which opinions or interests clash and the matter becomes tangled and unresolved. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「議論が紛糾する (a debate becomes tangled)」「会議が紛糾する (a meeting becomes turbulent)」「事態が紛糾する (the situation becomes confused)」. 「紛」 means to be tangled, 「糾」 means to be intertwined; together they express the appearance of an affair that cannot be untangled, like threads knotted together. It is used widely in scenes of impasse such as meetings, negotiations, and Diet deliberations.
AI-generated translation
N1
憤然
ふんぜん
Refers to the appearance of being intensely angry and openly displaying that emotion. Used in expressions like 「憤然と席を立つ (to rise from one's seat in fury)」「憤然たる態度 (an indignant attitude)」「憤然として抗議する (to protest indignantly)」. 「憤」 means anger, 「然」 is a suffix indicating manner; together they express "a manner full of anger". It is a written-language, hard-edged expression that depicts not suppressing one's anger but openly expressing it, used in scenes describing strong dissatisfaction or protest. It is hardly used in everyday conversation and appears in narrative prose of news reports and novels.
AI-generated translation
N1
踏ん張る
ふんばる
Refers to bracing one's legs and standing firm so as not to fall. Metaphorically, it also expresses enduring difficult circumstances and seeing things through. Used in expressions like 「最後まで踏ん張る (to hold out until the end)」「土俵際で踏ん張る (to dig in at the edge of the ring)」. It is used broadly, from physical bracing to mental endurance and tenacity. It is frequently used in contexts describing trying times in sports and business.
AI-generated translation
N1
墳墓
ふんぼ
Refers to a grave built by piling up earth. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「墳墓の地 (one's ancestral land)」「古代の墳墓 (an ancient burial mound)」「巨大な墳墓 (a colossal tomb)」. It often refers to the tombs of powerful figures of antiquity, and is widely used in archaeological and historical contexts. 「墳墓の地」 is an idiomatic expression that has shifted from "the land containing one's ancestral graves" to mean "homeland", and is often seen in literary works.
AI-generated translation
N1
弊害
へいがい
Refers to a harmful influence or outcome that arises along with some matter. It is a formal word used in expressions like 「制度の弊害 (the ill effects of a system)」「弊害が生じる (ill effects arise)」「弊害をもたらす (to bring about ill effects)」. It points to the negative side that an originally desirable mechanism or act brings about as a secondary consequence. It is used widely in contexts discussing reforms, systems, and customs in a critical light.
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.