Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Composition
Kanji-hiragana
word
近寄るMeaning
Approach
Reading
chikayoru
Kanji
近Near 寄Draw near
Explanation
The Japanese verb '近寄る (ちかよる)' means 'to approach' or 'to come near'. It is used to describe the action of moving closer to something or someone, either physically or metaphorically. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as approaching a person, an object, or even an abstract concept like danger. For example: The dog approached the stranger「犬がその見知らぬ人に近寄った」(いぬがそのみしらぬひとにちかよった). Don't approach the edge of the cliff「崖の端に近寄らないで」(がけのはしにちかよらないで). The verb often implies a deliberate or cautious movement towards something.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
6760
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
寄り道Meaning
Detour
Reading
yorimichi
Kanji
寄Draw near 道Way
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '寄り道 (よりみち)' refers to taking a detour or making a side trip. It is often used to describe stopping by a place on the way to a primary destination, either intentionally or spontaneously. For example: I made a detour to the bookstore「本屋に寄り道しました」(ほんやによりみちしました). She took a detour to buy some snacks「彼女はお菓子を買いに寄り道した」(かのじょはおかしをかいによりみちした). This word carries a casual and often positive connotation, implying a leisurely or enjoyable diversion rather than an inconvenient one.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
6761
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
寄り集まるMeaning
Gather
Reading
yoriatsumaru
Kanji
寄Draw near 集Gather
Explanation
The Japanese verb '寄り集まる (よりあつまる)' means 'to gather' or 'to come together'. It is used to describe people or things coming together in one place, often implying a sense of unity or collective action. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as people gathering for a meeting, birds flocking together, or even abstract ideas converging. For example: The students gathered in the classroom「学生たちが教室に寄り集まった」(がくせいたちがきょうしつによりあつまった). The birds gathered on the tree「鳥たちが木に寄り集まった」(とりたちがきによりあつまった). The verb often carries a nuance of natural or spontaneous gathering rather than a forced or organized one.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
6762
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
建て前Meaning
Principle, Facade
Reading
tatemae
Kanji
建Build 前Before, Front
Explanation
The Japanese noun '建て前 (たてまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'facade' or the outward appearance or front of a building, often used metaphorically to describe a superficial or false presentation of something. For example: the facade of the building is impressive「建物の建て前は印象的だ」(たてもののたてまえはいんしょうてきだ). The second meaning refers to a 'principle' or a stated policy or stance, often used in formal or official contexts. For example: the company's principle is customer satisfaction「会社の建て前は顧客満足だ」(かいしゃのたてまえはこきゃくまんぞくだ). It's important to note that the second meaning is often used in contrast to '本音 (ほんね)', which refers to one's true feelings or intentions.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N4Kanji Grade
4Frequency
6766
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
繰り返しMeaning
Repetition
Reading
kurikaeshi
Kanji
繰Reel, Spin 返Return
Explanation
The Japanese noun '繰り返し (くりかえし)' means 'repetition'. It refers to the act of repeating something, whether it be an action, a process, or a statement. This word is often used in contexts where something is done or said multiple times, either for emphasis, practice, or as part of a routine. For example: Repetition is important for learning「繰り返しは学習に重要です」(くりかえしはがくしゅうにじゅうようです). He repeated the same mistake「彼は同じ間違いを繰り返した」(かれはおなじまちがいをくりかえした). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as in music or patterns, where repetition is a key element.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
6772
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
抱き締めるMeaning
Hug
Reading
dakishimeru
Kanji
抱Hug, Embrace 締Tighten, Bind
Explanation
The Japanese verb '抱き締める (だきしめる)' means 'to hug tightly' or 'to embrace firmly'. It conveys a sense of holding someone or something closely, often with strong emotion such as love, comfort, or relief. This verb is commonly used in situations where the act of hugging is more intense or heartfelt than a casual hug. For example: She hugged her child tightly「彼女は子供を抱き締めた」(かのじょはこどもをだきしめた). He hugged his friend tightly after a long time「彼は久しぶりに友達を抱き締めた」(かれはひさしぶりにともだちをだきしめた). The verb emphasizes the physical and emotional closeness of the action.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
8Frequency
6781
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting