N1 extended
vocabulary

Formal pronouncement, order, or verdict from an authority

It’s the term for a memorial portrait of a deceased person. You’ll see it at a funeral or on a family altar.

This is the hereditary grand master. They are the ultimate authority for a school of traditional Japanese art.

The state of being alive, or freshness and vitality.

Within the region

This is a formal term for supporting talented young people, especially with money, like scholarships.

The formal process of decision-making, typically in business or official contexts.

Formal expression of one’s intention or will

This word means “one’s lifetime.” It’s almost always used in the famous phrase 一期一会 (ichigo ichie).

一門 is a professional “family” or group of students who follow the same master or school of thought.

List or table for at-a-glance reference

This is a formal word that shows someone is just an ordinary person in a certain role. People often use it to express humility.

A single battle, game, or match.

It’s mainly a counter for single servings of food, like tofu or ramen. But it’s also an energetic exclamation that means “Alright, let’s do it!”

one loss or defeat in a competition

This is a poetic and literary word for ‘ancient times’ or ‘days of yore’.

A public ceremony that honors and consoles the spirits of people who died in a big tragedy, like a war or disaster.

The formal act of drinking alcohol, used primarily in legal, medical, or regulatory contexts.

Inside the premises of a hospital or parliament.

The eve of a holiday (especially Christmas) or the name Eve.

A reward or bonus designed to motivate specific performance.

Interactive; describing a system or event that allows for a two-way flow of information or action.

Index (in books, finance, or computing)

Intonation; the melody and pitch variation of speech

Short for “introduction,” typically referring to the opening section of a song or performance.

It’s about a very important first experience, like a soldier’s first battle or an athlete’s debut in a major game.

Rainy season or wet season.

Exchange of blows, shots, or arguments

宇宙空間 refers to the physical void of outer space, unlike the broader concept of the universe.

羽毛 is the Japanese word for ‘down’ feathers. These are the soft, fluffy kind used as a warm filling in things like jackets and blankets.

Reverse side or back surface

Seller or vendor

Ranking of top-selling products

English letters; the alphabet.

Japan’s long-distance team relay race, where runners pass a sash instead of a baton.

越年 means to go past the end of the year. You use it for people celebrating, animals hibernating, or issues that carry over.

This is an old Japanese art form. It tells a story with pictures and text on a long, horizontal scroll.

An 演出家 is a director, but specifically for live performances like plays, musicals, or operas.

This refers to a round table. You use it literally for the furniture, and figuratively for a meeting where everyone is equal.

It’s a raised platform where a speaker stands to address an audience.

円盤 is the Japanese word for a “disk” or “disc.” You can use it for many things, like sports equipment, UFOs, and Blu-rays.

Expert; a specialist with practical, up-to-date skills, often used in business or IT contexts.

Selfishness or egotism, implying a negative attitude rather than the neutral psychological concept.

To escalate or worsen, typically applied to negative situations or conflicts.

Refers to food, fashion, and decor specifically from Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America.

Social etiquette, manners, or a wine bottle label.

エディション is the Japanese word for “edition.” You use it for specific versions of books, movies, games, and other creative works.

Area or designated zone

Elite or high-achiever, often characterized by prestigious education or superior social status.

This Japanese word means “elegant.” You use it for sophisticated style, refined design, and graceful behavior.

This is the Japanese loanword for “electronics.” It refers to the technology or industry as a whole.

Registration for an event or job, or a single record such as a blog post.

An emblem is a symbol or badge. It represents a group or brand, like a car’s logo or a school’s crest.

agent; representative; spy; software agent

緒 (お) is a cord or strap. It’s often used figuratively to mean the ‘thread’ that starts something.

It’s about the monarch’s position and right to rule. People often translate it as “the throne.”

Throne; the championship or top position.

A simple, direct word for a flood, literally meaning “big water.”

A physical push, pressure, or forceful assertiveness

尾根 is the high, narrow path along the top of a mountain, like its spine.

親方 is a title for a master who leads and trains others. This usually refers to a foreman in a trade or the head of a sumo stable.

檻 is the Japanese word for a cage, pen, or cell. It’s usually made of strong bars to hold an animal or person.

織り means weaving: the act, the resulting pattern, or the fabric itself.

織物 means fabric or cloth. It especially refers to the craft of weaving.

オゾン is the Japanese word for ‘ozone.’ People use it in science and environmental discussions, just like in English.

Option or add-on feature

Short for operation; refers to medical surgery or system management.

Orientation; an introductory session for newcomers to a school or company.

Standard, conventional, or following established traditions.

Audition or tryout

All night; an all-nighter

Defined area of the sea or waters

It’s a Buddhist term for the anniversaries of a person’s death. Memorial services are held on these days.

This Japanese word means “strait” or “channel.” It refers to a narrow waterway between two pieces of land.

It’s the formal opening of a public office or station. This is especially for broadcasting, like TV or radio.

海藻 is the general word for seaweed.

A buyer or purchasing party.

This is a formal word for the seashore or coast. You’ll most often see it in place names, like parks, resorts, and official areas.

Sea surface or sea level

Repurchasing or buying back previously sold items

This Japanese term means man-made, synthetic “chemical fertilizer.”

Nuclear family consisting of parents and children.

歌劇 is the formal Japanese word for Western-style “opera.” You’ll usually see it in writing and official names.

Lower limit or minimum value

This word means “river mouth”, the place where a river flows into the sea or a lake.

Formal addition of numbers, points, or charges to a total

It’s the wide, open land next to a river. People often use it for parks, sports fields, and public events.

This is the standard Japanese word for cremation. It means burning a body after death.

It’s the standard Japanese word for a one-sided crush.

This word means a big, historical battle. But now people often use it to describe any intense competition.

Acting exactly as one pleases without regard for others

Adding points to a score.

Operating rate or utilization rate

Overheating; becoming physically hot or metaphorically intense.

寡婦 is the formal, legal, or literary word for a widow.

Skin rash from contact; superficial obsession or being a wannabe

The lower part, bottom section, or downward direction.

Loan, debt, or borrowings (formal business term)

刈り込む means to trim. You can trim a garden hedge, a long speech, or a company budget.

This is the wide, pebbly area next to a river. People often go there for things like barbecues and fireworks.

It’s the formal word for irrigation, the system of bringing water to farmland to help crops grow.

管区 is an official term for an area or district that a specific authority controls, such as a police force or a court.

This is the formal Japanese term for orchestral music.

Matter of interest or concern

This term praises someone’s spirit when they fought hard and bravely, even if they lost.

Cold wave or cold snap

Chaos, disorder, or a total mess.

Caffeine; the stimulant found in coffee and tea.

Cafeteria or self-service restaurant

A comeback, return to a former field, or recovery from a disadvantage.

This Japanese word means ‘camouflage.’ You can use it for things that literally blend into an environment, or for figuratively hiding the truth.

カルト is the Japanese word for “cult.” It describes dangerous, manipulative groups. It also describes niche media with a passionate fanbase.

Shopping cart or go-kart

季刊 refers to publications, like magazines or journals, that come out quarterly, or once a season.

You listen to someone speak and write down their exact words. This is often done to save personal stories or history.

貴金属 is the Japanese word for precious metals, like gold, silver, and platinum. It comes up in discussions about jewelry and finance.

It’s the word for when a ship stops at a port during a longer voyage.

In Japanese, 奇数 means ‘odd number’.

Japan’s specialized “riot police” handle large public disturbances.

A monument or plaque built so people remember an important person or event.

Old style, old model, or outdated type

This term refers to Japan’s old systems from before World War II, especially its former education system.

Truce, ceasefire, or temporary suspension of hostilities

宮殿 is a palace. It’s where royalty, like a king or emperor, officially lives.

Sudden change or turn for the worse

Lifesaving or the act of saving a life during an emergency.

丘陵 means rolling hills. It’s a larger area than a single 丘 (hill), but not as rugged as 山 (mountains).

Direct competitor or rival company

A strong person, powerhouse, or dominant figure

Compulsory, mandatory, or done by force.

Mighty or powerful, referring to large-scale entities like nations or organizations.

A strong, dramatic word for a state of wild frenzy or madness, often caused by extreme emotion or chaos.

The right to veto or reject a proposal.

霧雨 is a fine, misty rain. In English, you can call it ‘drizzle’.

近眼 is the standard Japanese word for being nearsighted. This means you can’t see distant objects clearly.

近視 is Japanese for nearsightedness, a common vision problem that makes distant objects look blurry.

Abstinence from alcohol or a ban on drinking.

This term describes someone or a way of life marked by strict self-denial and deliberately avoiding worldly pleasures.

Caster wheels or news anchor

Professional career, mobile phone service provider, or elite government official.

Air route or travel by air

People often decide things by chance this way, like pulling a name from a hat or drawing a numbered ticket.

This term describes a nation’s unique character, spirit, and dignity, all of which are shaped by its history and culture.

This kanji means ‘crimson’ when read as kurenai. It also means ‘lipstick’ or ‘rouge’ when read as beni.

クライシス is the Japanese loanword for “crisis.” It refers to big, dramatic problems, like ones you’d see in the news or business.

渓谷 is a deep valley with a river running through it. It’s like a gorge or a canyon.

Economic blockade or embargo

A formal term for payment method or means of settling a transaction.

A decisive battle or final showdown that determines the victor.

It’s the Japanese word for a sword, especially the straight, double-edged kind. And it’s also the art of using one.

Founding of a nation

Public Prosecutors Office

To publicly honor someone for their achievements.

It’s a formal word for a high rank or an important position.

行員 means a bank employee. People mostly use it in writing or formal situations. It’s a shorter way to say 銀行員.

公海 refers to international waters. These are the parts of the ocean that don’t belong to any single country.

High salary; good pay

Public funds or taxpayer money managed by the government.

The business of organizing public entertainment events or an industrial enterprise

鉱業 is the formal Japanese word for the mining industry.

高裁 is the everyday word for Japan’s “High Court.” You’ll often hear it in news and conversation.

工作員 is the formal Japanese word for a spy, a secret agent, or a covert operative.

Public health and community sanitation.

It means people walk together in an organized way, like in a parade, a demonstration, or a military procession.

香辛料 is the formal or technical Japanese word for spices, especially those that are pungent and aromatic.

Formal term for snowfall, often used in weather forecasts.

It means “publicly established.” This refers to things the government sets up and pays for.

This is the formal title for the reigning emperor’s son who is next in line for the throne.

It was originally a government-run corporation. But now it usually means the large public housing complexes they built.

高地 means “highlands” or “high-altitude land.” You’ll often see it in geography, weather, or agriculture.

This is a pre-trial detention center for people who have been arrested but not yet convicted of a crime.

High and low; rise and fall; fluctuations.

Fine weather

The specific legal term for the public hearing phase of a criminal trial.

Purchasing power or buying power

Public expense or government funds

rear part; back section

Official document issued by a public body

広葉樹 is the Japanese word for broadleaf trees. These are trees with wide, flat leaves, like maples and oaks, unlike conifers.

公論 is the public’s fair and impartial judgment. It’s like a final verdict on an important issue.

戸外 is a slightly formal or literary word for “outdoors.” It literally means “outside the door.”

小切手 is the Japanese word for a bank check. It’s used almost only for business or other big payments.

Extreme severity, cruelty, or harshness that is unreasonable or merciless.

黒煙 is the thick, black smoke that billows from a fire, factory, or old vehicle.

National politics or administration of state affairs

National tax levied by the central government

State affairs or official government business.

State ownership or national property.

小口 (こぐち) can mean the cut edge of an object. It can also mean a small business transaction.

故国 is a formal, often emotional word for your home country. You’d use it especially when you’re far away or haven’t been there in a long time.

In Japanese, こぶ means a rounded bump or lump that you can easily see on a surface.

It’s the formal word for going door-to-door, usually for sales, surveys, or political campaigns.

It’s a formal term for a person of mixed race. But people often consider it outdated and sensitive now.

Contemporary or relevant to the present day

Kombu is an edible kelp. It’s used in Japanese cooking to give many dishes their savory umami flavor.

Community; a group of people sharing a location, interest, or identity.

Consultant; a professional who provides expert advice.

General agreement or shared understanding among a group.

コンテナ means ‘container’ in Japanese. It’s often used for big shipping containers or strong plastic storage bins.

A formal competition or contest

Coating; the application of a protective or decorative layer to a surface.

The air outside a building or room.

外信 is the formal term for news and reports from foreign countries.

foreign affairs

A musical composition or piece of music.

画廊 is a commercial art gallery. It’s where art is sold.

This is the scientific or academic word for “rock.” You’d use it in geology or when talking about rock as a material.

Headwind or adverse circumstances

漁船 is the general term for any boat or ship used for fishing.

Art gallery or sports spectators

Gambling or betting money on games of chance.

群像 is a story or artwork that focuses on a group of people. It’s like an “ensemble cast” or a “group portrait.”

Gradual transition or blend, especially of colors; tapered haircut

Visually repulsive, unnatural, or gruesome.

Globalism; the ideology of integrating economies, cultures, and politics on a worldwide scale.

A heated debate or intense argument

In medicine, 解熱 means to reduce or “break” a fever.

Staff reduction; personnel cutback.

A formal reduction in salary or pay cut, often imposed as a disciplinary measure.

Deceleration or reduction of speed

Deducting points from a score as a penalty.

Original text or source text

玄米 is the Japanese word for brown rice. People often choose it instead of white rice because it’s healthier.

Guerrilla warfare, or sudden and unannounced events.

This is the common abbreviation for “synthetic fiber.” You’ll find it on clothing tags. And people use it when they talk about materials like polyester or nylon.

Legal, lawful, or conforming to the law.

拷問 means torture. It can refer to actual, physical torture. But people also use it as a big exaggeration for any really bad experience.

Gossip, rumors, or scandals, particularly regarding celebrities.

Luxurious, glamorous, and extravagant

Most loved; beloved or dearest

菜園 is a vegetable garden. It’s typically a small, personal one for home use or a hobby.

The oldest in existence or earliest on record.

Re-election; winning another term in office.

The front line of a battle or the forefront of a field

The shortest possible time or distance.

祭壇 is the general Japanese word for an altar. You’ll find altars like this in religious or ceremonial settings.

竿 (sao) is a long, thin pole or rod. You can use it for many things, like fishing or hanging laundry.

柵 is the general Japanese word for a man-made barrier, like a fence, a railing, or the bars of a cage.

This term is for an illustration or picture placed inside a book or magazine.

沢 (sawa) means a mountain stream or the small, narrow valley it flows through.

This Japanese word means ‘coral reef.’ It’s an underwater ecosystem built by coral.

Three distinct parties

Third order, tertiary, or cubic.

Entering a war or joining a competition

Three generations or the third generation

This is the main path to a Japanese shrine or temple.

桟橋 is the Japanese word for a pier, wharf, or jetty. It’s where boats dock.

Goods or produce from a specific region or industry.

三部作 is the Japanese word for “trilogy.” It’s a series of three related creative works, like movies or books.

This word means ‘satellite.’ It refers to the object in space and also a smaller, remote branch of a larger organization.

Survival; the act of staying alive in harsh conditions or a genre centered on this theme.

Dietary supplement

Athletic joint brace or a sports team supporter

Beauty salon or social lounge

Serve (sports or food service)

A personal proposal or private plan offered as a tentative suggestion.

Shiitake mushroom

Formal term for a dentist, typically used in written or professional contexts.

史学 is the term for the study of history. You’d use it for a university major or a field of research.

Raising capital or procuring funds for business purposes

Trial production or prototype

City administration and municipal politics

氏族 means ‘clan.’ It’s a large group of related families. You usually hear it when people talk about history, anthropology, or fantasy worlds.

仕出し is a catering service delivering traditional meals for events. But it can also mean a background actor in a performance.

Executive committee member responsible for carrying out plans.

Disappearance, absconding, or going missing

Losing points or conceding a goal; a blunder.

This is a formal word for the private home of a high-profile person, like a politician or CEO.

It’s the formal title for the top manager of a place, like a hotel or theater.

This is a title for a certified master instructor in a traditional Japanese art, such as martial arts or calligraphy.

Civil society; the sphere of voluntary organizations outside government and business.

It’s the official name for all the organized learning people do outside of regular schools, like library workshops and community center classes.

Social enterprise or public welfare work

Reintegration into society or the workforce after a long absence.

射撃 is the formal or technical word for shooting a gun or bow.

A company holds and pays for this funeral. It’s to honor an important person, like a founder or president.

Company housing

A traditional three-stringed instrument. But it’s also an idiom for misleading someone or “playing dumb.”

The primary cause or main factor.

This term is often a suffix. It identifies a specific religious sect or school of thought, especially in Buddhism.

Master’s program

Terminal station or last stop on a line

This is the Japanese word for the autumnal equinox. It’s a national holiday that marks the middle of autumn.

It’s a guard at a specific entrance, like a gatekeeper for a school or factory.

Be the person or group that proposes and leads a new idea or movement.

A formal term for the main argument or political stance in favor of going to war.

種族 is a word for groups of beings. It’s often used for fantasy races, historical tribes, or biological species.

This term means marching into a “battle,” like a real war, a sports match, or a political campaign.

Top leadership or executive group of an organization

Private ownership

The cause of victory

It’s an old term for a company. Now you mostly see it in the names of smaller, often family-run, trading or commercial businesses.

This formal business term describes work where you manage relationships with people outside your company, like clients or partners.

A small sum of money.

winner; victor

Commercial affairs, or ‘Trading Corporation’ in company names.

勝訴 is the legal term for winning a lawsuit.

Victory or defeat; the outcome of a competition.

This is a formal term for “commerce” or “business affairs.” You’ll mostly see it in official names and titles.

Intended for commercial or business use

Food additives used for preservation, flavor, or appearance.

This is a formal, dramatic way for someone in charge to address a group. It’s like saying ‘ladies and gentlemen’ or ‘everyone.’

処刑 is the formal word for an execution. It means carrying out a death sentence.

First match or opening round

飼料 is the word for animal feed, especially for livestock, in technical or agricultural contexts.

A new concept or innovative idea.

New and old; incoming and outgoing

It’s a powerful, forward-moving attack or charge, like an army advancing into battle.

A newly coined word, neologism, or a vocabulary term being learned for the first time.

Rebirth or reformation of an organization or system.

It’s a grand, sacred building for a deity. You’d use it for non-Japanese temples (like Greek temples) or the main hall of a major Shinto shrine.

Newly appointed to a post or position

Symposium; a formal meeting for expert presentation and discussion

Professional chef, especially in Western-style cuisine.

Means chic or sophisticated, or refers to sickness only within compound words.

Script, screenplay, or a hypothetical future scenario

Shuttle; typically refers to a shuttle bus, space shuttle, or badminton shuttlecock

You use the English word “shadow” for figurative meanings. It also appears in compound words like アイシャドー (eyeshadow).

Dark outline against a light background, or the overall contour of an object or garment.

Kitchen sink or to synchronize data

Abbreviation for synchronization, being in sync, or synchronized swimming.

シンパ is a loanword for “sympathizer.” It describes someone who supports a particular person, group, or ideology.

This noun is used to measure how deep a body of water is.

Temporary helper, reinforcement, or hired foreign player

すね is the Japanese word for your shin, the front part of your lower leg. You’ll almost always see it written in hiragana.

A talent scout, the act of recruiting, or the youth organization.

A scandal or disgraceful event damaging to a public reputation.

Skin in the context of beauty products, a slang term for condoms, or a digital theme.

スケープゴート means “scapegoat” in Japanese. It’s when someone is unfairly blamed for what others did.

Physical endurance or hearty, energy-boosting food.

Stance; an attitude or position on an issue, or a physical posture in sports.

Durable or decorative sticker; decal

A physical device that blocks movement or a person who halts progress.

Stalker; a person who obsessively follows or harasses someone.

A specific duration of time or physical distance between two points

A final burst of speed or effort to finish a race or task.

An audio loudspeaker or a person giving a speech

A presentation slide, or the act of sliding or shifting a schedule.

A slump or temporary decline in performance.

To slide or skid on a surface, or a woman’s undergarment worn beneath a dress.

A slogan or motto used by a group, company, or campaign

Western Europe

生家 is the house where someone was born. People often use it when they talk about a person’s history or where they came from.

political world; political circles

Politics and economics.

Life and death, covering both critical survival contexts and the Buddhist cycle of rebirth.

Southwest

精米 means milling brown rice into white rice. It can also mean the polished rice you get after doing this.

Medicine manufacturing or pharmaceuticals.

This is the usual Japanese word for a sailor or any crew member on a ship.

宣教師 is the Japanese word for a religious missionary.

This term means ‘to be killed in action’ as a soldier in a war.

Wartime; a period during which a country is at war.

Being a full-time, paid official for an organization like a labor union or political party.

A general or formal term for a cleaning agent or cleanser.

Battlefield or active war zone

This is a formal term for moving a country’s capital city.

Theory; standard strategy or established best practice.

A distinct sector or subdivision of an economy, industry, or technical system.

A session; a scheduled period for an activity or a musical jam.

Therapy, referring to mental counseling or physical relaxation treatments.

It describes an event, person, or work that causes a big public stir.

Sentimental, nostalgic, or easily moved by emotion.

僧 is the formal word for a Buddhist monk. You’ll usually see it in writing or historical texts.

Mutual exchange or interaction

Official investigator or special agent

General election

装丁 is a book’s physical appearance. It includes everything from the cover design and binding to the feel of the paper.

This describes sending electricity through power lines from where it’s made to where it’s used.

Total combined strength, power, or effort.

Use this word when someone dies instantly. This can be in a real-life accident or from a one-hit KO in a video game.

The rock-bottom or lowest price reached by a product or stock.

速攻 means acting with lightning speed. It describes things like a “fast break” in sports or doing something instantly in daily life.

Solo, or performing an action or activity alone.

Soap, or slang for a brothel (abbreviation of Soapland)

Financial difficulties or fiscal crisis affecting a public entity or large organization

財閥 is the Japanese term for powerful, family-run business empires that were central to modern Japan before WWII.

The expiration of a time limit or being out of time.

Place of business or establishment, such as an office or factory.

Continuous; sustainable; lasting.

Oneself and others.

Autonomy or the right of self-government.

Fact-finding survey of actual conditions

Real name; legal name.

砂利 is the Japanese word for gravel. But it’s also an old slang term for a child.

銃器 is the formal and official word for “firearms.” You’ll mostly see it in news, legal, and technical writing.

Heavy responsibility

This is the technical term for filling a space or container completely with a substance.

This word describes the sour, unhappy face someone makes when they disapprove of something or have to do a task they dislike.

This is a formal way to say someone gets an official honor from the state, like a national medal or decoration.

Award ceremony

Postoperative; the period following surgery.

It’s a formal word for enduring a great ordeal or a period of suffering, especially when it’s out of your control.

Net profit or income remaining after deducting all expenses

準急 is a “semi-express” train. It’s faster than a local train, but it stops at more stations than a full express.

It describes how vehicles like airplanes and ships travel smoothly and steadily over long distances.

This is the word for adding extra details to a story to make it more interesting, often by stretching the truth a little.

Liberalism; a political or economic philosophy prioritizing individual freedom.

The upper limit or maximum amount.

Purified water

Inside the venue or on the premises.

A term for a high-ranking ‘managing director’ in a Japanese company.

It’s when a government formally gives someone an official medal or honor.

Collection of case studies or examples

It’s a classical virtue that means deep compassion and humanity. You’ll usually see it in names and philosophical terms.

Protection and advocacy of human rights

This Japanese word refers to an artificial satellite that orbits a planet.

Personnel changes or staff reshuffle within an organization

Selecting a person for a specific role or task

The human body in a formal or scientific context.

人類学 is the academic study of humanity. It looks at our origins, societies, and different cultures.

This is a casual, modern way to say “jealousy.” It covers everything from romantic rivalry to envying a friend’s success.

Gender as a social construct distinct from biological sex

Sports judge, referee, or the act of making a call

Journalism; the profession of gathering and reporting news.

A joke, funny story, or humorous remark, typically structured with a punchline.

Dilemma; a difficult choice between two unpleasant options

Illustrating or showing something using a diagram or figure

Tax revenue; the income collected by a government from taxes.

Good and evil; right and wrong

This is a formal term for anything that applies to the entire university, not just one department or group.

The entire company or company-wide

The entire land or territory of a country or region.

The full text; the entire document

The night immediately preceding a specific day or event; the eve.

A party or celebration held the night before a main event.

Rising water levels in a river or lake

A large difference, gap, or wide margin.

Grand prize; the highest award in a competition

Great victory; winning by a large margin.

A major large-scale war; often shorthand for World War

Towards or relating to China

Serious or major illness

Directed toward or relating to the United States

Planting rice seedlings in a paddy field

Collapse, falling down, or financial failure

Homicide or murder; the act of being killed by another person.

High humidity.

A conversation held while standing

Fields and rice paddies

Having many sides, faces, or aspects.

樽 is the Japanese word for a barrel or cask. People use it especially for liquids like sake, wine, or beer.

It’s the long, vertical banner you see hanging down the side of a building for sales, events, or celebrations.

Timely, well-timed, or a run-scoring hit in baseball.

A physical label, digital identifier, or tag.

Touchscreen tap, power strip, beer faucet, or tap dance.

Loanword for ‘tab’ used for browser windows, physical flaps, or the keyboard key.

A socially forbidden subject or action; a taboo.

Terminal; a major transportation hub or computer command interface.

To bring close or allow to approach

A test of one’s strength or ability

An intellectual or highly educated person dealing with complex ideas.

Formal legal term for a local public body or government entity.

Local self-government or autonomy

Local government body or municipality

This is a formal term for adding color to things like food, materials, or hair.

中道 means taking a balanced, moderate path and avoiding extremes, especially in politics and philosophy.

This noun refers to the middle part of a mountain’s slope. It’s the section between the base and the summit.

Professionally, it means ‘kitchen.’ But online, it’s slang for an immature troll.

Town council or town assembly

長老 is a wise, respected elder who leads a community. This applies to both fantasy villages and real-world organizations.

Chapter; a division within a book, video, or game.

An event, organization, or activity raising funds to help those in need.

A chart, data graph, music ranking, or flowchart.

A made-up story, fabrication, or fiction.

Forced smile or fake laugh

Physical bracing, muscle tightness, sumo thrusts, or a defiant delinquent.

筒 is the Japanese word for any hollow, tube-shaped object. This includes things like a poster tube or a gun barrel.

鶴 (tsuru) is the Japanese word for crane. This bird symbolizes longevity, good fortune, and peace.

Fixed amount or flat rate

Recurring subscription to a publication or service

This is a historical term for a government run by an emperor.

low interest rate

Handmade items, often implying technical skill or custom craftsmanship.

Lending a hand or providing practical assistance

Shopkeeper, store owner, or proprietor.

It’s the official name for a natural feature, like a rare animal or an ancient tree. The government legally protects it as a national treasure.

Terrorism or a terrorist attack

Terrorist

闘士 is for someone who fights with a lot of spirit. This could be in a real battle, for a cause, or against personal hardship.

冬至 is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In Japan, people celebrate it by eating kabocha and taking a yuzu bath.

陶磁器 is the general term for all ceramics, including pottery and porcelain.

This is a formal political term for a party’s overall strength, influence, and momentum.

Within a political party or intra-party

This is a formal, written word for ‘hair on your head.’ You’ll find it in rules, on products, or in official contexts.

冬眠 is the word for animal hibernation. But people also use it humorously for those who stay cooped up indoors all winter.

It describes political strategies that are selfish schemes for a party’s own gain.

Time is money

Extra-large, jumbo, or massive size

This was originally a term for a feudal lord. But now people use it sarcastically to describe a man who is spoiled, entitled, and out of touch with the real world.

Dual-income household

Board of directors or board meeting

This word means “run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.” It’s typically used for public schools, parks, and hospitals.

A signature feature or registered symbol.

A competitive tournament involving a series of matches to determine a final winner.

A third party or outsider not directly involved.

Major premise or fundamental condition

The vast or overwhelming majority

Head of a delegation, troupe, or organized group

A strong force that drives large-scale change, movement, or creation.

A short sprint, vehicle dashboard, or punctuation mark.

ダンプ usually means “dump truck.” But it can also mean the act of dumping something, like trash or data.

Formal, structured debate with rules

Diesel engine or a vehicle powered by one

Moral responsibility distinct from legal obligation

same trade or industry

Sharing the same room

Same kind, type, or species

The same period; contemporary times.

Self-published works, fan-made content, or a circle of like-minded people.

The same political party; the said party

Same rank, percentage, or score

Toxicity or poisonous nature

土木 is civil engineering. It’s the field that builds and maintains public infrastructure, like roads, bridges, and dams.

Ship repair dock or a comprehensive medical check-up

Drastic, radical, or extreme.

Illegal narcotics, drugstore medicine, or the computer action of dragging.

Refers to a sports player selection, a rough document copy, or draft beer.

It’s a term for a sea or large bay mostly enclosed by land.

Domestic affairs or internal politics

苗 is a baby plant or seedling you buy to plant in a garden or field.

Live broadcast

It literally means “southern sea.” But you’ll usually hear it as the name of a big railway company in the Osaka area.

難聴 describes difficulty hearing. This applies to a person with hearing loss or a device with poor signal reception.

Difficult problem or hard question

A car navigation system or a program host/presenter.

An idea, statement, or situation that is illogical, ridiculous, or absurd.

To make someone grasp something, or to slip them a bribe.

Meat-eating or carnivorous diet; metaphorically, an assertive or aggressive personality.

二世 means “the second generation.” You use it for the children of immigrants, and also for people who take over a name or title.

Dividing into two parts, particularly opinions or groups.

Formally joining a sports team, theater troupe, or organization.

沼 (numa) literally means ‘swamp.’ But it’s also slang for an intense hobby or obsession you get happily stuck in.

This is a formal, literary way to express a strong, heartfelt wish. It’s like saying “If I may wish for one thing…” or “I pray that…”

Staying overnight or lodging

Kneading, refining, thick paste, or a festival procession.

Annual amount or yearly sum.

Annual rate.

This word means a university’s Faculty of Agriculture.

呪い means ‘curse’ or ‘evil spell’ in Japanese. You’ll hear it in horror and fantasy, but also in jokes about bad luck.

呪う means “to curse” in Japanese. It’s used for supernatural curses in stories and for expressing extreme, real-world hatred.

The abstract noun for nostalgia or a sentimental longing for the past.

ノックダウン means being taken down. This could be from a punch in a boxing ring, or it could be figurative, like when a bad cold or exhaustion takes you out.

knob; handle; dial

配管 is the Japanese word for plumbing or a system of pipes. It also means installing them.

The loser or defeated party in a competition or conflict.

A white line painted to mark a boundary, lane, or safety zone.

It means baldness, but it’s usually a common, rude insult for a bald person or an idiot.

It’s the Japanese word for honey.

発汗 is the formal or technical word for the act of sweating. It’s often used in medical or fitness settings.

First sale of the New Year

The onset or outbreak of an illness.

Leaving work or school early

版権 is the legal right to publish and sell a creative work. People often translate it as “copyright” or, more specifically, “publishing rights.”

Reducing a number, amount, or effect by half

half of the body

Anti-war; opposition to war

Handicap or disadvantage; portable and convenient to use.

A physical or mental disability, or a disadvantage given in a competition to equalize chances.

A concise guidebook or manual for quick reference.

A physical sports hurdle or a metaphorical obstacle/standard.

Musical harmony or a pleasing balance of combined elements.

To pull back or bring back to a previous state

suspect (formal legal term)

Illegal or unlawful

An essential condition or mandatory requirement

Absolute necessity or indispensable requirement

Must-read or required reading

It’s about being in public or with other people, often feeling like you’re being watched.

Someone who is on a council or board. They usually give oversight and advice to an organization, like a school or an association.

It’s a short, catchy phrase used in public awareness campaigns, often about safety or social goals.

A literal iceberg, often used metaphorically to represent the visible part of a larger hidden issue.

It’s an official certificate given to publicly praise someone for an achievement.

漂流 describes being helplessly carried along by a current, whether it’s the ocean or the flow of life.

Hysteria; an uncontrollable emotional outburst.

Imbalance, disparity, or lack of equilibrium.

副賞 is an extra prize, like cash or a trip, that comes with the main award.

It describes when a child is ungrateful or neglectful and causes their parents worry or shame.

Impure, mixed, or dishonest in substance or motive

This is a formal, dated term for “women.” You’ll mostly see it in legal language and certain compound words now.

This is a formal way to say ‘no fight.’ You use it when a country gives up war, and also when someone forfeits a competition.

It means having a strong, unshakeable resolve to never back down from a goal.

Unpopularity or the state of being disliked.

Nonpayment or failure to pay a bill, fee, or debt.

Sleeplessness or the inability to sleep

This word means “prefectural.” But it’s only used for things run by the governments of Osaka or Kyoto.

An interjection expressing acknowledgement, mild interest, or dismissive annoyance depending on intonation.

噴煙 is the column of smoke and ash that erupts from a volcano or a large smokestack.

Loanword for fiber, referring to dietary fiber or fiber optics.

Sports foul; rule violation or foul ball

This is the Japanese word for “factor.” You use it to talk about something that influences a result.

Investment fund or pool of capital.

Character figurines or the sport of figure skating

Public discussion venue or online message board

Frustration; the feeling of pent-up stress or dissatisfaction.

Open, candid, and unpretentious in manner

Freelance work style or an independent freelancer

A phrase; a short group of words or a distinct musical segment.

A physical frontier or the cutting edge of a new field

Level ground or flat land

壁画 is the Japanese word for a mural or any big artwork painted right on a wall.

蛇 is the Japanese word for snake. It has two readings: へび for the animal itself, and じゃ for when it’s used in compound words.

It’s a formal word. You’ll mostly hear it in news and business. It means “a visit to Europe.”

This is a formal word for high-end jewelry and precious gems. You’d use it for items from a fine jewelry store, not a fashion boutique.

縫製 is the word for professional or industrial sewing, like in a factory that makes clothes.

It means to release something, like water from a dam or fish into a river. You do it in a controlled way.

北端 means the northernmost point or tip of an area.

Supplementary budget used to address unexpected needs or adjustments.

This is the everyday word for the “cheeks” on your face.

It’s a break you take to rest and restore your physical or mental health.

洞 (ほら) is a natural hollow or cavity. It can be a large cave in a cliff or a small hole in a tree.

捕虜 means ‘prisoner of war’ (POW) in Japanese.

This is the main, official budget. It’s set at the start of a fiscal year, before any later adjustments.

A whistle or its sound, primarily used in sports and safety contexts.

Doubling or increasing significantly

It’s a formal term for high-level staff officers or aides who advise a top leader, especially in the military or government.

This is the Japanese word for “rose.” People usually write this flower’s name in katakana (バラ), so its complex kanji is rarely used.

Rose color; often used figuratively to describe a bright, optimistic future.

Late marriage; marrying at an age considered older than average.

伴奏 is the musical part that supports a main singer or soloist.

The Bible; the definitive guide or authority on a subject.

Professional purchasing agent or buyer in a transaction.

This is the common, everyday Japanese word for “bacteria.” It’s borrowed directly from English.

Charity sale, rummage sale, or school fundraiser.

A badge, pin, or digital achievement icon.

Baton; passing on a role or responsibility.

Vanilla flavor, or metaphorically plain and standard

A slow, emotional pop or rock ballad.

A physical or figurative barrier, obstacle, or protective shield.

This is the Japanese word for a “valve,” a device that controls the flow of liquid or gas.

A barometer or figurative indicator used to gauge the state or trend of something.

A beautiful woman, often used in literary or dramatic contexts.

美白 is a key Japanese beauty idea. It’s about getting bright, clear, and even-toned skin, not just making skin white.

This describes a formal, almost literary word for someone’s stunning facial beauty.

Self-service meal where guests select food from a variety of displayed dishes

Backstage or behind the scenes

Price index; an economic indicator tracking the average change in prices over time.

仏像 is a statue of a Buddha or another Buddhist god. You usually find them in temples.

Internal to the department or section

Cultural heritage encompassing historic sites, artifacts, and traditions inherited from the past

A physical fork in the road or a critical turning point.

分身 means a copy of oneself. You can use it for literal clones in fiction or for figurative extensions of a person, like their child or creative work.

Blazer; often refers specifically to a school uniform jacket.

A booth, stall, or small partitioned area.

A separate room used for a specific or private purpose.

Formal academic study or the pursuit of knowledge.

A baby boom; a sharp, temporary increase in the birth rate.

墓地 is the standard Japanese word for a cemetery or graveyard.

Boycott; an organized refusal to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest.

Electrical voltage; metaphorically, the level of excitement, tension, or enthusiasm.

A borderline, threshold, or cut-off point used for standards and scores.

Pioneer; a trailblazer or innovator.

Pad (game controller, writing pad, or cushioning material)

Someone who gives financial support. This can be formally for the arts, or more often, informally as a “sugar daddy.”

This means media attention you earn, like a news story, not paid advertising.

A humorous or satirical imitation; a parody or spoof

A radio or TV host, or one’s individual character and personality.

パール is the common Japanese word for “pearl.” People often use it for fashion, accessories, and colors.

Pace, speed, or rate; sound pitch; sports playing field.

Extremely precise, specific, or focused on a single exact point

Platinum metal or premium status.

Product, especially in business, design, and technology contexts.

Personal spending money or funds paid out of one’s own pocket

Pop music

ポンプ is the Japanese word for ‘pump.’ You use it for any device that moves liquid or air, like a bicycle pump or a soap dispenser.

Small accessory bag or a covered building entrance.

To entrust a task or decision to someone else

A bend, curve, turn, or warp.

間借り is when you rent only part of a bigger space, like a single room in a house or a corner of an existing shop.

In sports, this term describes a record where you have more losses than wins.

麻酔 is the medical term for anesthesia. This is when doctors block pain for surgery or other procedures.

to make someone wait