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ALL LEVELS・N1–N5
Search words across all levels
4,238words (N1–N5 total)
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Status
N1
気兼ね
きがね
「気」 means feeling, and 「兼ねる」 means to hesitate or hold back; together they mean to hold back in one's feelings. It refers to feeling reserved out of consideration for others. Used in expressions like 「気兼ねなく話す」 or 「気兼ねする」. It is mostly used in the negative form to convey the wish for the other party to behave freely; a somewhat formal word.
AI-generated translation
N1
気構え
きがまえ
「気」 means feeling, and 「構える」 means to take a stance or to prepare; together they mean to ready one's heart. It refers to the mental preparation and posture for tackling a matter. Used in expressions like 「気構えができている」 or 「気構えを持つ」. It is a somewhat formal word expressing resolve and readiness.
AI-generated translation
N1
基幹
きかん
「基」 means foundation, and 「幹」 means trunk; together they refer to the foundation and trunk, that is, the central support of things. It refers to the foundation that supports an organization or industry. Used in expressions like 「基幹産業」 or 「基幹システム」, always in combination with another noun. It is a formal word frequently appearing in business and administrative documents.
AI-generated translation
N1, N2
機関
きかん
An organization or system created for a particular purpose. 教育機関 (educational institution), 報道機関 (news organization). Also refers to a device that converts energy into power (蒸気機関 "steam engine").
AI-generated translation
N1
聞き入る
ききいる
It refers to listening intently as if captivated. Used in expressions like 「演奏に聞き入る」 or 「話に聞き入る」. It is a somewhat formal verb with a literary tone, expressing 「listening」 accompanied by strong concentration.
AI-generated translation
N1
飢饉
ききん
「飢」 means to starve, and 「饉」 means to starve; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a state of extreme food shortage over a wide area due to crop failure or disaster. Used in expressions like 「飢饉に見舞われる」, it is a formal word used when speaking of historical events or serious food crises.
AI-generated translation
N1
危惧
きぐ
「危」 means dangerous, and 「惧」 means to fear or worry; together they mean to worry about danger. It refers to being concerned that something may lead to a bad outcome. Used in expressions like 「絶滅危惧種」 or 「事態を危惧する」, it is a formal expression frequently appearing in newspapers and news reports for expressing concerns about the future.
AI-generated translation
N1
気苦労
きぐろう
「気」 means feeling, and 「苦労」 means hardship; together they refer to mental hardship. It refers to one's heart being worn out by attending to small details. Used in expressions like 「気苦労が絶えない」 or 「気苦労を重ねる」. It is a somewhat formal word describing exhaustion from human relationships and the weight of responsibility.
AI-generated translation
N1
帰結
きけつ
「帰」 means to return or arrive at, and 「結」 means to tie or to conclude; together they refer to the conclusion finally reached. It refers to the place a matter finally arrives at after debate and processes. Used in expressions like 「論理的帰結」 or 「必然の帰結」. It is a formal word for the conclusion of argument or discussion, frequently appearing in academic papers and criticism.
AI-generated translation
N1
気心
きごころ
It refers to mutually understanding well the other person's way of thinking and personality. Used in expressions like 「気心の知れた仲」 or 「気心が知れる」, it is a somewhat formal word almost always used in combination with 「知れた」.
AI-generated translation
N1
気骨
きこつ
A strong spirit that does not bend its convictions. Used as「気骨のある人物」, expressing inner strength that yields to no one. The same kanji read as「きぼね」becomes a separate word meaning "hardship・worry."
AI-generated translation
N1
兆し
きざし
A small initial sign that something is about to happen. 「兆」 originally referred to the shape of cracks that appeared on a turtle's shell during divination, and from this it came to mean a foretoken of events. Used in expressions like 「春の兆し」 or 「回復の兆し」 to indicate the early signs of something that is about to begin.
AI-generated translation
N1
気質
きしつ
「気」 means temperament, and 「質」 means innate nature; together they refer to one's innate temperament. It refers to the disposition and mental tendency one is born with. Used in expressions like 「職人気質」 or 「学者気質」, it is a somewhat formal word for the character common to a particular group or occupation.
AI-generated translation
N1
既成
きせい
「既」 means already, and 「成」 means to come into being; together they mean already established. It refers to something that has already taken shape and become rooted in society. Used in expressions like 「既成概念」 or 「既成事実」, in combination with a following noun. It is a formal word used in contrast with what is new, frequently appearing in essays and criticism.
AI-generated translation
N1
帰属
きぞく
It refers to a person or thing belonging to the affiliation or possession of a particular organization or region. Used in expressions like 「○○に帰属する」 or 「帰属意識」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in legal, administrative, and organizational theory contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
擬態
ぎたい
It refers to a living creature making its appearance similar to surrounding objects or other creatures. Used in expressions like 「擬態する」 or 「保護擬態」. It is a formal specialized term frequently appearing in biology contexts, indicating a survival strategy for protecting oneself from enemies.
AI-generated translation
N1
気立て
きだて
「気」 means feeling, and 「立て」 means manner of holding; together they refer to the way one holds one's feelings. It refers to the disposition and character one shows when relating to others. Used in expressions like 「気立てがよい」 or 「気立てがやさしい」, it is a somewhat formal word used in positive personality evaluation.
AI-generated translation
N1
忌憚
きたん
「忌」 means to be reserved or cautious, and 「憚」 means to hold back; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to holding back. It is mostly used in negative forms like 「忌憚のない意見」, as a fixed expression when wanting the other party to speak frankly. It is used in formal situations such as meetings and greetings.
AI-generated translation
N1
基調
きちょう
「基」 means foundation, and 「調」 means tone or rhythm; together they refer to the foundational tone. It refers to the basic tone or direction running through the whole. Used in expressions like 「基調講演」, 「基調を成す」, or 「青を基調とした」. It is a somewhat formal word used in broad fields including color, music, economic trends, and speeches.
AI-generated translation
N1
喫緊
きっきん
「喫」 means to undergo or feel keenly, and 「緊」 means urgent; together they mean to feel urgency keenly upon oneself. It refers to being pressing and important. It is a fixed expression used in forms like 「喫緊の課題」 or 「喫緊の問題」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in political, economic, and administrative documents, referring to matters that must be dealt with immediately.
AI-generated translation
N1
詰問
きつもん
「詰」 means to press in or to corner, and 「問」 means to ask; together they mean to press in and ask. It refers to severely questioning someone in a reproachful manner. Used in expressions like 「詰問する」 or 「詰問を受ける」. Unlike simply asking a question, it is a formal word with a nuance of pressing the other party.
AI-generated translation
N1
既定
きてい
「既」 means already, and 「定」 means to determine; together they mean already determined. It refers to something already decided. Used in expressions like 「既定路線」 or 「既定の方針」, in combination with a following noun. It is a formal word frequently appearing in meetings and administrative documents, indicating that there is no room for change.
AI-generated translation
N1
既得
きとく
It refers to having already obtained something as one's own. Used in expressions like 「既得権」 or 「既得権益」, it is used in combination with a following noun, and is a formal word frequently appearing in political and economic contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1, N2
気の毒
きのどく
Feeling sympathy for another person's misfortune or suffering. 気の毒に思う (feel sorry for someone). Also used for feeling apologetic about troubling someone (わざわざ来てもらって気の毒なことをした "I felt bad for making them come all this way").
AI-generated translation
N1
気迫
きはく
「気」 means vigor, and 「迫」 means pressing in or pressing momentum; together they refer to vigor that presses upon the other party. It refers to a feeling so strong that it overwhelms others. It is a somewhat formal word for momentum in competitive or performance contexts, as in 「気迫がこもる」 or 「気迫に満ちた演技」.
AI-generated translation
N1
忌避
きひ
「忌」 means to abhor, and 「避」 means to avoid; together they mean to avoid out of dislike. Used in expressions like 「責任を忌避する」 or 「裁判官を忌避する」. It is a formal word often used in legal and social-system contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
気品
きひん
「気」 means atmosphere, and 「品」 means dignity; together they refer to dignity that naturally emanates. It refers to the elegance that naturally emanates from one's appearance or attitude. It is a somewhat formal word used positively for people, gestures, and artworks, as in 「気品がある」 or 「気品にあふれる」.
AI-generated translation
N1
欺瞞
ぎまん
To deceive and trick someone. Used in expressions like 「欺瞞に満ちた」, it is often said to strongly criticize an attitude of covering something up with a false appearance.
AI-generated translation
N1
肝煎り
きもいり
「肝」 means liver, here as a metaphor for enthusiasm and concern, and 「煎り」 means to roast; together they convey caring for something to the point of putting one's heart into it as if roasting it. It refers to an influential person actively taking care and putting in effort to realize something. Used in expressions like 「社長の肝煎りで始まったプロジェクト」, it is a formal expression indicating the existence of a backer, used in business and political contexts.
AI-generated translation
N1
逆境
ぎゃっきょう
「逆」 means contrary, and 「境」 means boundary or situation; together they refer to a situation that goes against one's wishes. It refers to an unfortunate situation or hard environment in which things do not go as one wishes. Used in expressions like 「逆境に立ち向かう」 or 「逆境を乗り越える」. It is a somewhat formal word frequently appearing when speaking of figures who face difficulties.
AI-generated translation
N1
窮する
きゅうする
「窮」 means to come to an end or to reach a dead end. It refers to being stuck in a matter and struggling to know how to respond. Used in expressions like 「答えに窮する」 or 「返答に窮する」. It is also used for money or livelihood becoming unsustainable, as in 「生活に窮する」 or 「資金に窮する」. A formal verb that often takes a fixed set of objects.
AI-generated translation
N1
旧態
きゅうたい
「旧」 means old, and 「態」 means appearance or condition; together they refer to a state that remains as old as ever. It refers to an old state that has not progressed at all from the past. Almost always used in the form 「旧態依然」, it is a formal word critically referring to an unchanged old constitution.
AI-generated translation
N1
窮地
きゅうち
「窮」 means to come to an end or be cornered, and 「地」 means place; together they refer to a situation of being cornered. It refers to a painful situation in which there is no way out and one is driven to the wall. Used in expressions like 「窮地に陥る」 or 「窮地を脱する」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in contexts of being cornered, in politics, economy, and sports.
AI-generated translation
N1
旧知
きゅうち
「旧」 means old, and 「知」 means an acquaintance; together they refer to an acquaintance from long ago. It refers to a person whom one has known for a long time. Used in expressions like 「旧知の仲」 or 「旧知の友」. It is a somewhat formal word for a longtime acquaintance in formal contexts, often used in writing.
AI-generated translation
N1
急騰
きゅうとう
「急」 means sudden, and 「騰」 means to leap up; the latter character originally depicted a horse rearing up. Because it means to suddenly leap up, the word refers to prices or numerical values rising sharply and suddenly. Used in expressions like 「株価が急騰する」 or 「物価が急騰する」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in economic news, referring to sudden upward change.
AI-generated translation
N1
旧弊
きゅうへい
「旧」 means old, and 「弊」 means bad practice; together they mean old bad practice. It refers to bad customs or ways of thinking that have continued from old times. Used in expressions like 「旧弊を打破する」 or 「旧弊にとらわれる」, it is used negatively in contexts speaking of reform or modernization. It is a formal word.
AI-generated translation
N1
窮乏
きゅうぼう
「窮」 means to be cornered, and 「乏」 means to be scarce; together they mean to fall into a state of being cornered and lacking. It refers to a state of being severely in trouble due to lack of money or goods. Used in expressions like 「窮乏生活」 or 「家計が窮乏する」. It is a formal word used in newspapers and editorials rather than everyday conversation, indicating serious economic distress.
AI-generated translation
N1
急務
きゅうむ
「急」 means urgent, and 「務」 means duty; together they refer to a duty that must be undertaken urgently. It refers to a task that must be tackled as soon as possible. Used in expressions like 「急務である」 or 「○○は急務だ」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in policy and management contexts, indicating high priority.
AI-generated translation
N1
究明
きゅうめい
「究」 means to investigate to the utmost, and 「明」 means to make clear; together they mean to investigate thoroughly and make clear. It refers to deeply investigating the cause or truth of a matter and making it plain. Used in expressions like 「原因究明」 or 「真相究明」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in public contexts such as accident reports and investigation findings.
AI-generated translation
N1
丘陵
きゅうりょう
「丘」 means hill, and 「陵」 means a mound or low hill; the word combines two synonymous characters. It refers to a low mountainous area with gentle undulations. It refers to terrain that lies between plains and mountains. Used in expressions like 「丘陵地帯」 or 「多摩丘陵」, it is a formal word used in geographical and nature descriptions.
AI-generated translation
N1
仰々しい
ぎょうぎょうしい
It describes a manner that is exaggerated beyond necessity, trying to appear grander than reality. Used in expressions like 「仰々しい身ぶり」 or 「仰々しい言い方」, it is an adjective with a slightly critical tone toward affected attitudes or expressions.
AI-generated translation
N1
凝視
ぎょうし
「凝」 means to concentrate on one point, and 「視」 means to look; together they mean to concentrate one's gaze on one point. It refers to staring without averting one's eyes. Used in expressions like 「凝視する」 or 「凝視を続ける」. It is a formal, literary, observational word expressing looking with strong attention or concern.
AI-generated translation
N1
享受
きょうじゅ
「享」 means to receive and savor, and 「受」 means to receive; together they mean to receive and savor. It refers to accepting something good and enjoying it as one's own. Used in expressions like 「自由を享受する」 or 「恩恵を享受する」, in the sense of receiving and enjoying rights, benefits, or arts. It is a formal word.
AI-generated translation
N1
強靭
きょうじん
「強」 means strong, and 「靭」 means tough and supple; together they mean strong and resilient. It refers to not easily breaking or losing. Used in expressions like 「強靭な肉体」 or 「強靭な精神力」. It is a somewhat formal word used for both physical and mental strength.
AI-generated translation
N1
矯正
きょうせい
「矯」 means to straighten what is bent, and 「正」 means to correct; together they mean to straighten distortion. It refers to correcting a bad state or habit into a good one. Used in expressions like 「歯列矯正」, 「視力矯正」, or 「矯正施設」. It is a formal word used in the sense of returning the body, character, or behavior to a normal state.
AI-generated translation
N1
驚嘆
きょうたん
「驚」 means to be amazed, and 「嘆」 means to exclaim in admiration; together they mean to be amazed and admire. It refers to being deeply impressed and amazed. Used in expressions like 「驚嘆に値する」 or 「驚嘆の声を上げる」. It is a formal word with a sense of praise, expressing deep emotion at something excellent.
AI-generated translation
N1
仰天
ぎょうてん
「仰」 means to look up, and 「天」 means the sky or heaven; the original meaning is being so astonished that one looks up to the sky. From this, it came to mean being so amazed that one cannot even speak. Used in expressions like 「びっくり仰天」 or 「仰天する」. It is a somewhat archaic word expressing amazement of a greater degree than ordinary surprise.
AI-generated translation
N1
共謀
きょうぼう
「共」 means together, and 「謀」 means to plot or scheme; together they mean to plot together. It refers to two or more people conspiring to carry out a wrongful act. Used in expressions like 「共謀して犯行に及ぶ」 or 「共謀罪」. It is a formal word frequently appearing in legal and crime news, always used in a negative sense.
AI-generated translation
N1
極限
きょくげん
「極」 means to reach the extreme, and 「限」 means a limit; together they mean a limit pushed to the utmost. It refers to a state from which one can go no further. Used in expressions like 「極限状態」 or 「極限まで追求する」. It is a somewhat formal word for physical or mental limits, used broadly in academic papers, novels, and sports.
AI-generated translation
N1
極致
きょくち
「極」 means to reach the extreme, and 「致」 means to arrive; together they mean a state of arriving at the extreme. It refers to the highest state reached by pursuing something to its end. Used in expressions like 「美の極致」 or 「贅沢の極致」, it is a formal word expressing a quality having reached its limit, carrying praise or criticism.
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.