Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Composition
Kanji
word
小学Meaning
Elementary
Reading
shougaku
Kanji
小Small 学Learn
Explanation
The Japanese noun '小学 (しょうがく)' refers to 'elementary school', which is the first stage of formal education in Japan, typically for children aged 6 to 12. This term is often used in educational contexts or when discussing school-related topics. For example: My sister is in elementary school「妹は小学です」(いもうとはしょうがくです). He teaches at an elementary school「彼は小学で教えています」(かれはしょうがくでおしえています). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '小学生 (しょうがくせい)', which means 'elementary school student'.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N5Kanji Grade
1Frequency
2928
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
時差Meaning
Timezone, Jetlag
Reading
jisa
Kanji
時Time, Hour 差Difference
Explanation
The Japanese noun '時 差 (じさ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to the difference in time between time zones, often used when discussing travel or international communication. For example: The time difference between Tokyo and New York is 14 hours「東京とニューヨークの時差は14時間です」(とうきょうとニューヨークのじさは14じかんです). The second meaning refers to the physical and mental fatigue caused by traveling across multiple time zones, commonly known as jetlag. For example: I have jetlag from the long flight「長いフライトで時差ぼけです」(ながいフライトでじさぼけです). Note that '時差ぼけ (じさぼけ)' specifically refers to jetlag, while '時差' alone can refer to either concept depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
2930
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
恋人Meaning
Lover
Reading
koibito
Kanji
恋Love, Romance 人Person
Explanation
The Japanese noun '恋人 (こいびと)' refers to a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship, commonly translated as 'lover' or 'sweetheart'. It is used to describe someone you are dating or in a committed romantic relationship with. This term carries a sense of affection and intimacy. For example: She is my lover「彼女は私の恋人です」(かのじょはわたしのこいびとです). I want to meet my lover「恋人に会いたい」(こいびとにあいたい). The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, though it is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
7Frequency
2932
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
戦闘Meaning
Battle
Reading
sentou
Kanji
戦Fight, War 闘Fight, Struggle
Explanation
The Japanese noun '戦闘 (せんとう)' means 'battle' or 'combat'. It refers to a fight or conflict between armed forces, often in a war or military context. This word is commonly used in discussions about military operations, historical battles, or even metaphorical battles in non-physical contexts. For example: The battle was intense「戦闘は激しかった」(せんとうははげしかった). They engaged in combat「彼らは戦闘に参加した」(かれらはせんとうにさんかした). Note that '戦闘' is a formal term and is typically used in serious or professional contexts.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
2933
Composition
kanji
Handwriting