Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Kanji JLPT Level
JLPT N1 Kanji
word
詩Meaning
Poem
Reading
shi
Kanji
詩Poetry
Explanation
The Japanese noun '詩 (し)' means 'poem'. It refers to a piece of writing that expresses emotions, ideas, or experiences in a rhythmic and often metaphorical way. This word is commonly used in literary contexts and can refer to both traditional and modern forms of poetry. For example: I wrote a poem「詩を書いた」(しをかいた). This poem is beautiful「この詩は美しい」(このしはうつくしい). The term can also be used to describe the art or practice of writing poems, as in '詩を書く (しをかく) (to write poetry)'.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
3Frequency
1818
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
藩Meaning
Domain
Reading
han
Kanji
藩Fief, Fiefdom
Explanation
The Japanese noun '藩 (はん)' refers to a 'domain' or 'feudal domain' during the Edo period in Japan. It was a territory controlled by a daimyo (feudal lord) under the shogunate system. The term is historically significant and is often used in discussions about Japan's feudal era. For example: The domain was prosperous「その藩は繁栄していた」(そのはんははんえいしていた). He governed the domain「彼はその藩を治めた」(かれはそのはんをおさめた). The word is primarily used in historical contexts and is less common in modern everyday language.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
8Frequency
1823
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
注射Meaning
Injection
Reading
chuusha
Kanji
注Pour 射Shoot
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '注射 (ちゅうしゃ)' means 'injection'. It refers to the act of injecting a substance, such as a vaccine or medicine, into the body using a syringe. This term is commonly used in medical contexts. For example: I received a flu shot「私はインフルエンザの注射を打った」(わたしはインフルエンザのちゅうしゃをうった). The doctor gave me an injection「医者が私に注射をした」(いしゃがわたしにちゅうしゃをした). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something being introduced forcefully, though this usage is less common.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1824
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
従来Meaning
Tradition
Reading
juurai
Kanji
従Follow, Obey 来Come
Explanation
The Japanese noun '従来 (じゅうらい)' refers to something that has been established or customary over time, often implying a sense of tradition or continuity. It is used to describe practices, methods, or ideas that have been in place for a long period. For example: We follow the traditional method「従来の方法に従います」(じゅうらいのほうほうにしたがいます). This approach is based on traditional practices「このアプローチは従来の慣習に基づいています」(このアプローチはじゅうらいのかんしゅうにもとづいています). The term can also imply a contrast with new or modern approaches, highlighting the difference between old and new ways of doing things.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1830
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
握るMeaning
Grip
Reading
nigiru
Kanji
握Grasp, Grip
Explanation
The Japanese verb '握る (にぎる)' means 'to grip' or 'to grasp'. It is used to describe the action of holding something firmly in one's hand. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as gripping a tool, holding someone's hand, or even metaphorically, like grasping an opportunity. For example: He gripped the handle tightly「彼はハンドルをしっかり握った」(かれはハンドルをしっかりにぎった). She grasped my hand「彼女は私の手を握った」(かのじょはわたしのてをにぎった). The verb can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '握り締める (にぎりしめる)', which means 'to clench tightly'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1849
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
哲学Meaning
Philosophy
Reading
tetsugaku
Kanji
哲Sagacious, Philosophy 学Learn
Explanation
The Japanese noun '哲学 (てつがく)' means 'philosophy'. It refers to the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and more. This term is often used in academic or intellectual contexts. For example: He studies philosophy「彼は哲学を勉強している」(かれ はてつがくをべんきょうしている). The philosophy of life is complex「人生の哲学は複雑だ」(じんせいのてつがくはふくざつだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's personal beliefs or approach to life, as in '彼の哲学はユニークだ (かれのてつがくはユニークだ) (His philosophy is unique).'
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
8Frequency
1854
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
誕生日Meaning
Birthday
Reading
tanjoubi
Kanji
誕Birth 生Life 日Day, Sun
Explanation
The Japanese noun '誕生日 (たんじょうび)' means 'birthday'. It refers to the anniversary of the day a person was born. This word is commonly used in celebrations, greetings, and gifts. For example: Happy birthday!「誕生日おめでとう!」(たんじょうびおめでとう!). 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 word is often paired with celebratory phrases or activities, such as '誕生日ケーキ (たんじょうびケーキ) (birthday cake)' or '誕生日プレゼント (たんじょうびプレゼント) (birthday present).'
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1863
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
飽くまでMeaning
Thoroughly
Reading
akumade
Kanji
飽Sated, Satiated
Explanation
The Japanese adverb '飽くまで (あくまで)' means 'thoroughly' or 'to the very end'. It conveys a sense of persistence, determination, or doing something completely without compromise. This word is often used to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent or that a stance is unwavering. For example: He thoroughly denied the accusations「彼は飽くまでその非難を否定した」(かれはあくまでそのひなんをひていした). I will thoroughly pursue this matter「私は飽くまでこの問題を追求します」(わたしはあくまでこのもんだいをついきゅうします). The nuance of '飽くまで' often implies a strong resolve or an unyielding attitude.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
8Frequency
1870
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
看護婦Meaning
Nurse
Reading
kangofu
Kanji
看Watch 護Protect, Defend 婦Lady
Explanation
The Japanese noun '看護婦 (かんごふ)' specifically refers to a 'female nurse'. This term is used to describe a woman who is trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital setting. Historically, this term was commonly used, but in modern Japanese, the gender-neutral term '看護師 (かんごし)' is preferred to refer to nurses of any gender. Example sentences: The nurse is kind「看護婦は優しい」(かんごふはやさしい). She became a nurse「彼女は看護婦になった」(かのじょはかんごふになった). Note that while '看護婦' is still understood, it is considered outdated in professional contexts.
Part Of Speech
noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1876
Composition
kanji
Handwriting