Page 12
word
訴えMeaning
Complaint, Lawsuit
Reading
うったえuttae
Kanji
訴Sue, Appeal
Explanation
The Japanese noun '訴え (うったえ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'complaint', referring to an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance. For example: He filed a complaint about the noise「彼は騒音についての訴えを提出した」(かれはそうおんについてのうったえをていしゅつした). The second meaning is 'lawsuit', referring to a legal action brought in a court of law. For example: The company faced a lawsuit「その会社は訴えに直面した」(そのかいしゃはうったえにちょくめんした). The context in which '訴え' is used will determine whether it refers to a complaint or a legal action.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4249
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
煮るMeaning
Boil
Reading
にるniru
Kanji
煮Boil
Explanation
The Japanese verb '煮る (にる)' means 'to boil' or 'to simmer'. It is used to describe the cooking process of boiling or simmering food, typically in water or broth, until it becomes tender or fully cooked. This verb is commonly used in recipes and cooking instructions. For example: I boiled the vegetables「野菜を煮た」(やさいをにた). Simmer the soup for 20 minutes「スープを20分煮てください」(スープをにじゅっぷんにてください). The verb can also imply a slow cooking process, often used for stews or dishes that require time to develop flavor.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4250
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
疑わしいMeaning
Suspicious, Doubtful
Reading
うたがわしいutagawashii
Kanji
疑Doubt, Suspect
Explanation
The Japanese adjective '疑わしい (うたがわしい)' can mean either 'doubtful' or 'suspicious', depending on the context. It is used to describe something that is uncertain, questionable, or raises doubts. It can also imply suspicion about someone's actions or intentions. For example: His story sounds doubtful「彼の話は疑わしい」(かれのはなしはうたがわしい). Her behavior seems suspicious「彼女の行動は疑わしい」(かのじょのこうどうはうたがわしい). This word is often used in situations where there is a lack of trust or clarity.
Part Of Speech
adjective
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
4255
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
熟すMeaning
Master, Digest
Reading
こなすkonasu
Kanji
熟Ripe, Mature
Explanation
The Japanese verb '熟す (こなす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to master' or 'to become proficient in something'. This usage often refers to skills, tasks, or knowledge. For example: He mastered the art of cooking「彼は料理を熟した」(かれはりょうりをこなした). The second meaning is 'to digest', referring to the process of breaking down food in the body. For example: My stomach can't digest this food「私の胃はこの食べ物を熟せない」(わたしのいはこのたべものをこなせない). The verb is versatile and its meaning depends heavily on context. It is often used in both casual and formal settings, and its nuance can shift based on the subject and object of the sentence.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
4268
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
突き込むMeaning
Thrust
Reading
つきこむtsukikomu
Kanji
突Stab, Dash 込Put in, Crowded
Explanation
The Japanese verb '突き込む (つきこむ)' means 'to thrust' or 'to plunge into'. It is used to describe the action of forcefully inserting or pushing something into a place or situation. This verb can be used both literally and figuratively. For example: he thrust the sword into the ground「彼は剣を地面に突き込んだ」(かれはけんをじめんにつきこんだ). She plunged into the investigation「彼女は調査に突き込んだ」(かのじょはちょうさにつきこんだ). The verb can also imply a deep involvement or immersion in a situation or activity.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4274
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
微笑むMeaning
Smile
Reading
ほほえむhohoemu
Kanji
微Slight, Delicate 笑Laugh
Explanation
The Japanese verb '微笑む (ほほえむ)' means 'to smile'. This verb is used to describe a gentle or subtle smile, often conveying warmth, kindness, or quiet amusement. It is less intense than a broad or loud smile and is often associated with a calm or serene expression. For example: She smiled gently at the child「彼女は子供に微笑んだ」(かのじょはこどもにほほえんだ). He smiled quietly to himself「彼は静かに微笑んだ」(かれはしずかにほほえんだ). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe something that brings a sense of quiet joy or satisfaction, such as 'the flowers smiled in the breeze'「花が風に微笑んだ」(はながかぜにほほえんだ).
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4284
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
欠けるMeaning
Lack, Chip
Reading
かけるkakeru
Kanji
欠Lack
Explanation
The Japanese verb '欠ける (かける)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to lack' or 'to be missing', often used to describe something that is incomplete or insufficient. For example: this plan lacks a clear goal「この計画は明確な目標が欠けている」(このけいかくはめいかくなもくひょうがかけている). The second meaning is 'to chip' or 'to break off', referring to a physical object losing a piece. For example: the cup chipped when it fell「カップは落ちて欠けた」(カップはおちてかけた). These meanings are unrelated and depend on the context in which the verb is used.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
4289
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
刺すMeaning
Stab
Reading
さすsasu
Kanji
刺Stab
Explanation
The Japanese verb '刺す (さす)' primarily means 'to stab' or 'to pierce'. It is used to describe the action of penetrating something with a sharp object, such as a knife, needle, or thorn. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain or sharp sensations. For example: he stabbed the enemy with a knife「彼は敵をナイフで刺した」(かれはてきをナイフでさした). A bee stung me「蜂が私を刺した」(はちがわたしをさした). The cold wind pierced through my coat「冷たい風がコートを刺した」(つめたいかぜがコートをさした). Note that '刺す' is often used in contexts involving physical penetration, but it can also describe sharp, sudden feelings or actions.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4295
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
思い込むMeaning
Assume, Convince
Reading
おもいこむomoikomu
Kanji
思Think 込Put in, Crowded
Explanation
The Japanese verb '思い込む (おもいこむ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to convince oneself,' often implying a strong belief in something that may or may not be true. For example: He convinced himself that he was right「彼は自分が正しいと思い込んだ」(かれはじぶんがただしいとおもいこんだ). The second meaning is 'to assume' or 'to take for granted,' often without sufficient evidence. For example: She assumed he would come「彼女は彼が来ると思い込んでいた」(かのじょはかれがくるとおもいこんでいた). This verb is commonly used in situations where someone holds a belief firmly, sometimes to the point of being mistaken or stubborn.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4309
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
言葉遣いMeaning
Wording
Reading
ことばづかいkotobazukai
Kanji
言Say 葉Leaf 遣Use, Dispatch
Explanation
The Japanese noun '言葉遣い (ことばづかい)' refers to the way one uses or chooses words, often implying the manner or style of speech. It can denote politeness, formality, or appropriateness in language. For example: Her wording is very polite「彼女の言葉遣いはとても丁寧です」(かのじょのことばづかいはとてもていねいです). Please be careful with your wording「言葉遣いに気をつけてください」(ことばづかいにはきをつけてください). This term is often used in contexts where the choice of words is important, such as in formal settings or when addressing someone of higher status.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
4312
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
主なMeaning
Main
Reading
おもなomona
Kanji
主Master
Explanation
The Japanese determiner '主な (おもな)' means 'main' or 'principal'. It is used to describe something that is the most important or central in a given context. This word is often used to modify nouns, emphasizing their primary or key nature. For example: the main reason「主な理由」(おもなりゆう). The main characters in the story「物語の主な登場人物」(ものがたりのおもなとうじょうじんぶつ). It is important to note that '主な' is typically used in written or formal contexts, and it is not conjugated like an adjective.
Part Of Speech
determiner
Kanji JLPT
N4Kanji Grade
3Frequency
4315
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
落ち葉Meaning
Fallen leaves
Reading
おちばochiba
Kanji
落Fall 葉Leaf
Explanation
The Japanese noun '落ち葉 (おちば)' refers to 'fallen leaves'. This term is commonly used to describe leaves that have fallen from trees, typically during autumn. It evokes imagery of the changing seasons and is often associated with the beauty of nature. For example: The ground is covered with fallen leaves「地面は落ち葉で覆われている」(じめんはおちばでおおわれている). I walked through the fallen leaves in the park「公園の落ち葉の中を歩いた」(こうえんのおちばのなかをあるいた). The word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to emphasize the transient beauty of nature.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
4317
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
木の葉Meaning
Leaf
Reading
このはkonoha
Kanji
木Tree, Wood 葉Leaf
Explanation
The Japanese noun '木の葉 (このは)' means 'leaf'. It specifically refers to the leaves of a tree. This word is often used in contexts related to nature, seasons, or descriptions of scenery. For example: The leaves are falling「木の葉が落ちている」(このはがおちている). The leaves are turning red「木の葉が赤くなっている」(このはがあかくなっている). Note that '木の葉' is a compound word combining '木 (き)' (tree) and '葉 (は)' (leaf), emphasizing the connection to trees.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
4318
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
書き言葉Meaning
Written language
Reading
かきことばkakikotoba
Kanji
書Write 言Say 葉Leaf
Explanation
The Japanese noun '書き言葉 (かきことば)' refers to 'written language'. It is used to describe the form of language that is used in writing, as opposed to spoken language (話し言葉, はなしことば). Written language often follows more formal grammar rules and may include vocabulary and expressions that are not commonly used in everyday speech. For example: This book uses formal written language「この本は書き言葉を使っている」(このほんはかきことばをつかっている). Written language is important for academic papers「書き言葉は学術論文に重要だ」(かきことばはがくじゅつろんぶんにじゅうようだ).
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
4319
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
取り扱いMeaning
Handling
Reading
とりあつかいtoriatsukai
Kanji
取Take 扱Handle
Explanation
The Japanese noun '取り扱い (とりあつかい)' primarily means 'handling'. It refers to the way something is managed, dealt with, or treated. This word is often used in contexts involving the management of objects, situations, or even abstract concepts. For example: careful handling of fragile items「壊れやすい物の取り扱いに注意」(こわれやすいもののとりあつかいによりちゅうい). The handling of customer complaints「顧客の苦情の取り扱い」(こきゃくのくじょうのとりあつかい). It can also refer to the treatment of a subject or topic, as in 'the handling of sensitive information'