Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Kanji School Grade
Sixth Grade Kanji
word
誕生Meaning
Birth
Reading
tanjou
Kanji
誕Birth 生Life
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '誕生 (たんじょう)' primarily means 'birth'. It is used to refer to the act of being born, whether literally (e.g., the birth of a person or animal) or metaphorically (e.g., the birth of an idea or organization). This word is often used in formal or celebratory contexts, such as birthdays or the founding of institutions. Example sentences: The birth of a new era「新しい時代の誕生」(あたらしいじだいのたんじょう). Today is my birthday「今日は私の誕生日です」(きょうはわたしのたんじょうびです). The company celebrated its 100th anniversary since its birth「その会社は誕生から100周年を祝った」(そのかいしゃはたんじょうから100しゅうねんをいわった).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7125
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
引き延ばすMeaning
Stretch, Prolong
Reading
hikinobasu
Kanji
引Pull 延Prolong
Explanation
The Japanese verb '引き延ばす (ひきのばす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to prolong' or 'to extend' in terms of time or duration. For example: he prolonged the meeting「彼は会議を引き延ばした」(かれはかいぎをひきのばした). The second meaning is 'to stretch' or 'to elongate' in a physical sense. For example: she stretched the dough「彼女は生地を引き延ばした」(かのじょはきじをひきのばした). This verb is often used in contexts where something is being extended or stretched beyond its original state, whether in time or physical form.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7126
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
視覚Meaning
Vision
Reading
shikaku
Kanji
視See, Look 覚Remember, Awake
Explanation
The Japanese noun '視覚 (しかく)' refers to the sense of sight or vision. It is used to describe the ability to see or the process of perceiving visual information. This term is often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts, but it can also appear in everyday language. For example: Vision is one of the five senses「視覚は五感の一つです」(しかくはごかんのひとつです). He lost his vision due to the accident「彼は事故で視覚を失った」(かれはじこでしかくをうしなった). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe perception or awareness, as in 'a new perspective' or 'a fresh vision'.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7130
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
痛Meaning
Pain
Reading
tsuu
Kanji
痛Pain
Explanation
The Japanese suffix '痛 (つう)' is used to describe something related to pain or suffering. It is often attached to other words to form compound nouns that describe specific types of pain or painful conditions. For example: headache「頭痛」(ずつう), stomachache「腹痛」(ふくつう). This suffix is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing physical discomfort. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain or distress, although this usage is less common. For example: heartache「心痛」(しんつう).
Part Of Speech
suffix
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7136
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
弁論Meaning
Debate
Reading
benron
Kanji
弁Valve, Dialect 論Theory, Argument
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '弁論 (べんろん)' refers to a formal debate or argument, often in a structured setting such as a court, parliament, or academic environment. It emphasizes the act of presenting and defending a position logically and persuasively. For example: The lawyer's debate was impressive「弁護士の弁論は印象的だった」(べんごしのべんろんはいんしょうてきだった). The students participated in a debate competition「学生たちは弁論大会に参加した」(がくせいたちはべんろんたいかいにさんかした). This term is commonly used in legal, political, and educational contexts.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7138
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
沿岸Meaning
Coast
Reading
engan
Kanji
沿Along 岸Beach
Explanation
The Japanese noun '沿岸 (えんがん)' refers to the coastal area or shoreline, typically where the land meets the sea. It is often used in geographical, environmental, or maritime contexts. For example: The coast is beautiful「沿岸は美しい」(えんがんはうつくしい). Fishing is popular along the coast「沿岸では釣りが人気です」(えんがんではつりがにんきです). This word is commonly used in discussions about coastal regions, marine ecosystems, or activities like fishing and tourism.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7145
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
否定Meaning
Denial
Reading
hitei
Kanji
否Negate 定Determine
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '否定 (ひてい)' means 'denial' or 'negation'. It is used to express the act of denying or negating something, such as a statement, fact, or claim. This word is often used in formal or logical contexts. For example: he denied the accusation「彼はその非難を否定した」(かれはそのひなんをひていした). The theory was negated by new evidence「その理論は新しい証拠によって否定された」(そのりろんはあたらしいしょうこによってひていされた). It can also be used in phrases like '自己否定 (じこひてい)' (self-denial) or '否定形 (ひていけい)' (negative form in grammar).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7154
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
総裁Meaning
President
Reading
sousai
Kanji
総General, Total 裁Judge
Explanation
The Japanese noun '総裁 (そうさい)' refers to a 'president' or 'chief executive', particularly in the context of organizations, political parties, or institutions. It is often used to denote the highest-ranking leader in a formal or official capacity. For example: He was elected as the president of the party「彼は党の総裁に選ばれた」(かれはとうのそうさいにえらばれた). The president of the company made an important announcement「会社の総裁が重要な発表をした」(かいしゃのそうさいがじゅうようなはっぴょうをした). This term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in political or corporate settings.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7155
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
納得Meaning
Understanding, Acceptance
Reading
nattoku
Kanji
納Settlement 得Acquire
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '納得 (なっとく)' refers to the act of accepting or understanding something, often after being convinced or persuaded. It implies a sense of agreement or satisfaction with an explanation or situation. For example: I finally understood his explanation「彼の説明に納得した」(かれのせつめいになっとくした). She couldn't accept the decision「彼女はその決定に納得できなかった」(かのじょはそのけっていになっとくできなかった). This word is often used in contexts where logical reasoning or emotional persuasion leads to a resolution or agreement.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7167
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
放射能Meaning
Radiation
Reading
houshanou
Kanji
放Release 射Shoot 能Ability
Explanation
The Japanese noun '放射能 (ほうしゃのう)' refers to 'radiation', specifically the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles. This term is often used in scientific, medical, and environmental contexts. For example: the radiation level is high「放射能のレベルが高い」(ほうしゃのうのレベルがたかい). Exposure to radiation is dangerous「放射能への被曝は危険だ」(ほうしゃのうへのひばくはきけんだ). It's important to note that this word is commonly associated with nuclear energy, medical treatments, and discussions about safety and health risks.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7205
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
無視Meaning
Ignore
Reading
mushi
Kanji
無Nothing 視See, Look
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '無視 (むし)' means 'ignore'. It refers to the act of deliberately paying no attention to someone or something. This word is often used in contexts where someone is disregarding rules, signals, or even people. For example: he ignored the red light「彼は赤信号を無視した」(かれはあかしんごうをむしした). She ignored my advice「彼女は私のアドバイスを無視した」(かのじょはわたしのアドバイスをむしした). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as ignoring a problem or issue. Note that '無視' is a noun but can function similarly to a verb when combined with suru (する), as in '無視する' (to ignore).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
UnknownKanji Grade
6Frequency
7207
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
展開Meaning
Development
Reading
tenkai
Kanji
展Unfold, Expand 開Open
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '展開 (てんかい)' primarily means 'development' or 'unfolding'. It is used to describe the progression or evolution of events, situations, or ideas. This word is often used in contexts such as storylines, plans, or discussions. For example: The story's development was unexpected「物語の展開は予想外だった」(ものがみのてんかいはよそうがいだった). The plan's development is proceeding smoothly「計画の展開は順調に進んでいる」(けいかくのてんかいはじゅんちょうにすすんでいる). It can also refer to the deployment or spreading out of something, such as troops or resources, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7212
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
発展Meaning
Development
Reading
hatten
Kanji
発Departure 展Unfold, Expand
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '発展 (はってん)' primarily means 'development'. It refers to the process of growth, progress, or expansion in various contexts, such as economic, social, or technological development. For example: The city's development is remarkable「その都市の発展は目覚ましい」(そのとしのはってんはめざましい). The company aims for global development「その会社は世界的な発展を目指している」(そのかいしゃはせかいてきなはってんをめざしている). This word is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe advancements or improvements.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7213
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
代名詞Meaning
Pronoun
Reading
daimeishi
Kanji
代Substitute, Era 名Name 詞Poetry, Words
Explanation
The Japanese noun '代名詞 (だいめいし)' means 'pronoun'. In grammar, it refers to a word that substitutes for a noun or noun phrase, such as 'he', 'she', 'it', or 'they' in English. This term is used in linguistic contexts to describe parts of speech. For example: Pronouns are important in Japanese「代名詞は日本語で重要です」(だいめいしはにほんごでじゅうようです). She is a pronoun「彼女は代名詞です」(かのじょはだいめいしです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is representative or symbolic of a larger concept, though this usage is less common.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7221
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
伝染Meaning
Infection
Reading
densen
Kanji
伝Transmit 染Dye
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '伝染 (でんせん)' means 'infection' or 'contagion'. It refers to the process by which a disease or condition spreads from one person, animal, or thing to another. This word is often used in medical or biological contexts but can also be applied metaphorically to describe the spread of ideas, emotions, or behaviors. For example: The flu is highly contagious「インフルエンザは伝染しやすい」(インフルエンザはでんせんしやすい). Fear can spread like an infection「恐怖は伝染する」(きょうふはでんせんする). Note that '伝染' is often used with verbs like 'する' (to do) to indicate the act of spreading or becoming infected.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7223
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
欲張りMeaning
Greedy
Reading
yokubari
Kanji
欲Desire, Longing 張Spread, Stretch
Explanation
The Japanese adjectival noun '欲張り (よくばり)' refers to someone who is greedy or has an excessive desire for more than what is needed or deserved. It can describe a person who wants too much, whether it be material possessions, attention, or other desires. For example: He is greedy「彼は欲張りだ」(かれはよくばりだ). Don't be greedy「欲張りにならないで」(よくばりにならないで). The term often carries a negative connotation, implying selfishness or lack of contentment. It can also be used to describe actions or behaviors that reflect greed, such as taking more than one's fair share.
Part Of Speech
adjectival noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7241
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
乱暴Meaning
Violence, Roughness
Reading
ranbou
Kanji
乱Disorder, Riot 暴Violent, Outburst
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '乱暴 (らんぼう)' can mean 'violence' or 'roughness'. It refers to aggressive or unruly behavior, often implying a lack of control or consideration for others. It can describe physical actions, such as hitting or pushing, or more abstract behaviors, like speaking harshly or acting recklessly. For example: He was scolded for his violent behavior「彼は乱暴な行為を叱られた」(かれはらんぼうなこういをしかられた). Don't handle the equipment roughly「その装置を乱暴に扱わないで」(そのそうちをらんぼうにあつかわないで). The word can also be used as an adjective, as in '乱暴な人 (らんぼうなひと)' (violent/rough person).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
6Frequency
7254
Composition
kanji
Handwriting