Page 1
word
呉れるMeaning
Give
Reading
くれるkureru
Kanji
呉Give, Wu China
Explanation
The Japanese verb '呉れる (くれる)' means 'to give' and is used when someone gives something to the speaker or someone close to the speaker. It implies a sense of favor or kindness from the giver's side. This verb is often used in casual speech and is conjugated differently from other verbs. For example: He gave me a book「彼は私に本を くれた」(かれはわたしにほんをくれた). My friend gave me a ride「友達が車で送ってくれた」(ともだちがくるまでおくってくれた). Note that 'くれる' is used when the action benefits the speaker or someone in the speaker's in-group, and it is often accompanied by a sense of gratitude.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
111
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
僕Meaning
I
Reading
ぼくboku
Kanji
僕I, Me
Explanation
The Japanese pronoun '僕 (ぼく)' is a first-person pronoun meaning 'I'. It is primarily used by males and carries a casual, humble, or boyish tone. It is often used in informal settings and can convey a sense of modesty or youthfulness. For example: I am a student「僕は学生です」(ぼくはがくせいです). I like this song「僕はこの歌が好きです」(ぼくはこのうたがすきです). While it is commonly used by younger males, some older men may also use it to maintain a casual or approachable tone. It is less formal than '私 (わたし)' and should be avoided in very formal or professional contexts.
Part Of Speech
pronoun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
152
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
唯Meaning
Only
Reading
ただtada
Kanji
唯Only, Solely
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '唯 (ただ)' means 'only' or 'merely'. It is used to emphasize that something is limited to a specific condition, state, or action, often implying simplicity or lack of complexity. For example: I only want to help「ただ助けたいだけです」(ただたすけたいだけです). It's just a rumor「ただの噂です」(ただのうわさです). This word can also carry a nuance of humility or modesty, as in 'I am just a student'「私はただの学生です」(わたしはただのがくせいです). Note that '唯' is often used in formal or literary contexts, while 'だけ' is more common in casual speech.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
243
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
一緒にMeaning
Together
Reading
いっしょにisshoni
Kanji
一One 緒Beginning, Together
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '一緒に (いっしょに)' means 'together'. It is used to indicate that two or more people or things are doing something in unison or in the same place. This adverb is commonly used in invitations or when suggesting joint activities. For example: Let's go together「一緒に行きましょう」(いっしょにいきましょう). We ate together「一緒に食べました」(いっしょにたべました). It can also be used to express that something is done simultaneously or in combination, as in 'I will study together with my friend'「友達と一緒に勉強します」(ともだちといっしょにべんきょうします).
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
9Frequency
342
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
戻るMeaning
Return
Reading
もどるmodoru
Kanji
戻Return
Explanation
The Japanese verb '戻る (もどる)' means 'to return' or 'to go back'. It is used to indicate the action of returning to a previous location, state, or condition. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversation and can refer to physical movement, such as returning home, or abstract concepts, like reverting to a previous state. For example: I will return home「家に戻ります」(いえにもどります). The situation returned to normal「状況が元に戻った」(じょうきょうがもとにもどった). Note that '戻る' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. To express returning something, the transitive verb '戻す (もどす)' is used instead.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
9Frequency
363
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
嫌いMeaning
Dislike
Reading
きらいkirai
Kanji
嫌Dislike
Explanation
The Japanese adjective '嫌い (きらい)' means 'dislike' or 'hate'. It is used to express a strong negative feeling towards something or someone. This word can be used to describe a general aversion or a specific dislike. For example: I dislike vegetables「野菜が嫌いです」(やさいがきらいです). He hates lies「彼は嘘が嫌いです」(かれはうそがきらいです). It is important to note that '嫌い' can also imply a sense of avoidance or reluctance, not just outright hatred. The nuance can vary depending on the context and the level of intensity in the speaker's tone.
Part Of Speech
adjective
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
382
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
駄目Meaning
Useless, No
Reading
だめdame
Kanji
駄Poor quality, Burdensome 目Eye
Explanation
The Japanese adjectival noun '駄目 (だめ)' can mean 'no' or 'useless'. It is often used to express prohibition, rejection, or something being futile. For example: you can't do that「それは駄目だ」(それはだめだ). This pen is useless「このペンは駄目だ」(このペンはだめだ). It can also be used to describe something that is not allowed or is against the rules. For example: smoking is not allowed here「ここでタバコを吸うのは駄目です」(ここでタバコをすうのはだめです).
Part Of Speech
adjectival noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
390
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
嫌Meaning
Dislike
Reading
いやiya
Kanji
嫌Dislike
Explanation
The Japanese adjectival noun '嫌 (いや)' means 'dislike' or 'unpleasant'. It is used to express a negative feeling towards something or someone, indicating that the subject is undesirable or disagreeable. This word can be used in various contexts, such as expressing personal preferences, discomfort, or refusal. For example: I dislike that person「あの人が嫌です」(あのひとがいやです). This food is unpleasant「この食べ物は嫌です」(このたべものはいやです). It can also be used to politely refuse an offer or request, as in 'No, thank you'「いや、結構です」(いや、けっこうです). Note that '嫌' can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of aversion or repulsion depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
adjectival noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
539
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
猶Meaning
Still, Furthermore
Reading
なおnao
Kanji
猶Waver, Delay
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '猶 (なお)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'still', which is used to indicate that a situation or condition continues unchanged. For example: He is still working「彼は猶働いている」(かれはなおはたらいている). The second meaning is 'furthermore', which is used to add information or emphasize a point. For example: Furthermore, we need to consider the budget「猶、予算を考慮する必要がある」(なお、よさんをこうりょするひつようがある). This word is often used in formal or written contexts and can carry a nuanced tone depending on the situation.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
619
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
患者Meaning
Patient
Reading
かんじゃkanja
Kanji
患Ill, Afflicted 者Someone
Explanation
The Japanese noun '患者 (かんじゃ)' refers to a 'patient', specifically someone who is receiving medical treatment or care. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, such as hospitals, clinics, or when discussing health-related matters. For example: The patient is resting「患者は休んでいます」(かんじゃはやすんでいます). The doctor is examining the patient「医者は患者を診察しています」(いしゃはかんじゃをしんさつしています). It is important to note that '患者' is a neutral term and does not carry any specific connotation beyond its medical meaning.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
9Frequency
653
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
但しMeaning
However, But
Reading
ただしtadashi
Kanji
但However, But
Explanation
The Japanese conjunction '但し (ただし)' is used to introduce a condition, exception, or limitation to a previous statement. It is often translated as 'however' or 'but' in English, but it specifically implies a restriction or clarification. For example: You can enter, however, you must wear a mask「入ってもいいです、但し、マスクを着用してください」(はいってもいいです、ただし、マスクをちゃくようしてください). The event is free, but registration is required「イベントは無料です、但し、登録が必要です」(イベントはむりょうです、ただし、とうろくがひつようです). Note that '但し' is more formal and is commonly used in written or official contexts.
Part Of Speech
conjunction
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
729
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
寧ろMeaning
Rather
Reading
むしろmushiro
Kanji
寧Rather, Courteous
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '寧ろ (むしろ)' is used to express a preference for one thing over another, often indicating that the speaker considers the second option to be more suitable, appropriate, or true than the first. It can also be used to contrast two ideas, emphasizing that the latter is more accurate or preferable. For example: I would rather stay home than go out「出かけるより寧ろ家にいたい」(でかけるよりむしろいえにいたい). It's not expensive; rather, it's cheap「高くない、寧ろ安い」(たかくない、むしろやすい). This adverb is often used in comparisons or when correcting a previous statement.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
845
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
酷いMeaning
Terrible
Reading
ひどいhidoi
Kanji
酷Cruel, Severe
Explanation
The Japanese adjective '酷い (ひどい)' primarily means 'terrible' or 'awful'. It is used to describe something that is extremely bad, severe, or harsh. This word can be applied to situations, actions, or even weather conditions. For example: The weather is terrible today「今日の天気は酷い」(きょうのてんきはひどい). He said something terrible「彼は酷いことを言った」(かれはひどいことをいった). Additionally, '酷い' can also imply a sense of cruelty or unfairness, as in 'That was a cruel joke'「それは酷い冗談だった」(それはひどいじょうだんだった). The nuance of this word often conveys a strong negative emotion, so it is typically used in contexts where something is notably bad or distressing.
Part Of Speech
adjective
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
877
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
金融Meaning
Finance
Reading
きんゆうkin'yuu
Kanji
金Gold 融Fuse, Dissolve
Explanation
The Japanese noun '金融 (きんゆう)' refers to 'finance' or 'monetary circulation'. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking, investment, and the management of money. For example: The finance industry is growing「金融業界は成長している」(きんゆうぎょうかいはせいちょうしている). He works in finance「彼は金融で働いている」(かれはきんゆうではたらいている). The term can also be used in broader contexts, such as discussing economic policies or financial systems. It is a key term in business and economic discussions in Japan.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
931
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
頑張るMeaning
Persist
Reading
がんばるganbaru
Kanji
頑Stubborn 張Spread, Stretch
Explanation
The Japanese verb '頑張る (がんばる)' means 'to persist' or 'to do one's best'. It is commonly used to encourage someone to keep trying or to put in effort. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as work, studies, sports, or personal challenges. For example: I will do my best at work「仕事で頑張ります」(しごとでがんばります). Please do your best in the exam「試験で頑張ってください」(しけんでがんばってください). It's important to note that '頑張る' can also be used to express encouragement or support, as in '頑張って! (がんばって!) (Do your best!)'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
979
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
猫Meaning
Cat
Reading
ねこneko
Kanji
猫Cat
Explanation
The Japanese noun '猫 (ねこ)' means 'cat'. This word refers to the domestic feline animal, commonly kept as a pet. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a pet, talking about cats in general, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: I have a cat「猫を飼っています」(ねこをかっています). The cat is sleeping「猫が寝ている」(ねこがねている). Cats are cute「猫はかわいい」(ねこはかわいい). The word '猫' is straightforward and widely used in everyday conversation.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1048
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
症Meaning
Disorder
Reading
しょうshou
Kanji
症Symptom
Explanation
The Japanese suffix '症 (しょう)' is used to denote a medical condition, disorder, or syndrome. It is commonly attached to words to specify a particular ailment or health issue. For example: anxiety disorder「不安症」(ふあんしょう). This suffix is often used in medical contexts and can be found in terms describing both physical and psychological conditions. Another example: obsessive-compulsive disorder「強迫症」(きょうはくしょう). It's important to note that '症' is not used alone but as part of a compound word to describe specific disorders.
Part Of Speech
suffix
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1150
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
伯父Meaning
Uncle
Reading
おじoji
Kanji
伯Chief, Older sibling of parent 父Father
Explanation
The Japanese noun '伯父 (おじ)' refers to an uncle, specifically one's father's older brother. It is used to denote a familial relationship and is part of the Japanese kinship terminology. The term is distinct from '叔父 (おじ)', which refers to one's father's younger brother. Example sentences include: My uncle is coming over「伯父が来ます」(おじがきます). I visited my uncle's house「伯父の家を訪ねました」(おじのいえをたずねました). The term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to this specific family member.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1167
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
宜しくMeaning
Properly
Reading
よろしくyoroshiku
Kanji
宜Right, Best regards
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '宜しく (よろしく)' is a versatile word often used to convey a sense of proper handling, goodwill, or politeness. It can be used in various contexts, such as when asking someone to take care of something, expressing gratitude, or setting the tone for a relationship. For example: please take care of me「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). Please treat me well「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or semi-formal situations, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1278
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
且つMeaning
And
Reading
かつkatsu
Kanji
且Moreover, Also
Explanation
The Japanese conjunction '且つ (かつ)' is used to connect two statements or ideas, similar to the English 'and'. However, it is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It emphasizes that both connected elements are true or applicable. For example: He is intelligent and diligent「彼は賢く且つ勤勉だ」(かれはかしこくかつきんべんだ). This method is effective and safe「この方法は効果的且つ安全だ」(このほうほうはこうかてきかつあんぜんだ). Note that '且つ' is less common in casual conversation, where 'そして' or 'そして' might be used instead.
Part Of Speech
conjunction
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1291
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
眺めるMeaning
Gaze
Reading
ながめるnagameru
Kanji
眺Stare, Look out over
Explanation
The Japanese verb '眺める (ながめる)' means 'to gaze' or 'to look at something for a long time, often with a sense of contemplation or admiration'. It is used when someone is looking at something thoughtfully, such as a view, scenery, or an object. For example: I gazed at the beautiful sunset「美しい夕日を眺めた」(うつくしいゆうひをながめた). She gazed at the painting for a long time「彼女はその絵を長い間眺めていた」(かのじょはそのえをながいあいだながめていた). This verb often carries a nuance of taking time to appreciate or reflect on what is being observed.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
9Frequency
1306
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting