word

Meaning

Strengthen

Reading

Kanji

強Strong

Explanation

The Japanese verb '強める (つよめる)' means 'to strengthen' or 'to make stronger'. It is used to describe the act of increasing the intensity, power, or force of something. This verb can be applied to physical strength, emotional resolve, or even abstract concepts like arguments or policies. For example: We need to strengthen our team「私たちはチームを強める必要がある」(わたしたちはチームをつよめるひつようがある). The government is strengthening its policies「政府は政策を強めている」(せいふはせいさくをつよめている). Note that '強める' is often used in contexts where there is a deliberate effort to enhance or reinforce something.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6497

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Sale

Reading

Kanji

売Sell

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '売り (うり)' means 'sale' and is used to indicate the act of selling or something being sold. It is often attached to nouns to describe the type of sale or the item being sold. For example: book sale「本売り」(ほんうり). This suffix is commonly used in commercial contexts and can be found in words like '魚売り (さかなうり)' (fish seller) or '野菜売り (やさいうり)' (vegetable seller). It is important to note that '売り' can also imply the act of selling as a profession or trade. For instance: He is a fruit seller「彼は果物売りです」(かれはくだものうりです). The store specializes in flower sales「その店は花売りを専門にしています」(そのみせははなうりをせんもんにしています).

Part Of Speech

suffix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6536

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Power, Electricity

Reading

Kanji

電Electricity 力Power

Explanation

The Japanese noun '電力 (でんりょく)' primarily refers to 'electricity' or 'electric power'. It is commonly used in contexts related to energy, such as electricity generation, consumption, or supply. For example: The electricity supply was cut off「電力の供給が止まった」(でんりょくのきょうきゅうがとまった). We need to save electricity「電力の節約が必要だ」(でんりょくのせつやくがひつようだ). In some cases, it can also refer to 'power' in a broader sense, such as the capacity or ability to perform work, though this usage is less common.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6546

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Best friend

Reading

Kanji

親Parent 友Friend

Explanation

The Japanese noun '親友 (しんゆう)' means 'best friend'. It refers to a very close friend with whom one shares a deep bond of trust and affection. This term is often used to describe a lifelong friend or someone who is like family. For example: He is my best friend「彼は私の親友です」(かれはわたしのしんゆうです). We have been best friends since childhood「私たちは子供の頃から親友です」(わたしたちはこどものころからしんゆうです). The term emphasizes a strong, enduring friendship and is not used casually for acquaintances.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6558

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Empty, Futile

Reading

Kanji

空Sky, Empty

Explanation

The Japanese adjective '空しい (むなしい)' can mean 'empty' or 'futile', depending on the context. When used to describe something as 'empty', it often refers to a lack of substance or meaning, such as an empty promise or an empty feeling. For example: His words felt empty「彼の言葉は空しかった」(かれのことばはむなしかった). When used to mean 'futile', it describes something that is pointless or without result. For example: All efforts were futile「全ての努力は空しかった」(すべてのどりょくはむなしかった). The nuance of this word often carries a sense of disappointment or sadness, emphasizing the lack of fulfillment or purpose.

Part Of Speech

adjective

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6571

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Force

Reading

Kanji

強Strong

Explanation

The Japanese verb '強いる (しいる)' means 'to force' or 'to compel'. It is used when someone is made to do something against their will or when a situation imposes a burden or obligation. This verb often carries a nuance of coercion or pressure. For example: He forced me to work overtime「彼は私に残業を強いた」(かれはわたしにざんぎょうをしいた). The circumstances forced her to make a difficult decision「状況が彼女に難しい決断を強いた」(じょうきょうがかのじょにむずかしいけつだんをしいた). Note that this verb is transitive and typically requires an object to indicate what is being forced.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6576

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Directions

Reading

Kanji

四Four 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese noun '四方 (しほう)' refers to the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. It is often used to describe the concept of all directions or the surrounding area. For example: He looked in all directions「彼は四方を見回した」(かれはしほうをみまわした). The wind blows from all directions「風が四方から吹く」(かぜがしほうからふく). This term can also be used metaphorically to indicate a comprehensive or all-encompassing view, as in 'considering all aspects'.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6586

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Early modern

Reading

Kanji

近Near 世World, Generation

Explanation

The Japanese noun '近世 (きんせい)' refers to the 'early modern' period in Japanese history, typically spanning from the late 16th century to the mid-19th century. This period includes the Edo period (1603-1868), characterized by the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and significant cultural, economic, and social developments. The term is often used in historical contexts to describe this era. For example: The early modern period was a time of peace「近世は平和な時代だった」(きんせいはいわなじだいだった). Many cultural traditions originated in the early modern period「多くの文化伝統は近世に始まった」(おおくのぶんかでんとうはきんせいにはじまった).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6600

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Indicate, Tell

Reading

Kanji

物Thing 語Language, Word

Explanation

The Japanese verb '物語る (ものがたる)' primarily means 'to tell' or 'to narrate', often referring to recounting a story or history. It can also mean 'to indicate' or 'to show', suggesting that something reveals or implies a deeper meaning or truth. For example: The ruins tell the story of an ancient civilization「遺跡は古代文明の物語を物語っている」(いせきはこだいぶんめいのものがたりをものがたっている). His actions indicate his true intentions「彼の行動は彼の本当の意図を物語っている」(かれのこうどうはかれのほんとうのいとをものがたっている). This verb is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe how something conveys a narrative or reveals underlying truths.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6631

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

True form, Identity

Reading

Kanji

正Correct 体Body

Explanation

The Japanese noun '正体 (しょうたい)' refers to someone's true form or identity, often used in contexts where something or someone is not what they appear to be. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as revealing the true nature of a person, creature, or situation. For example: The monster revealed its true form「その怪物は正体を現した」(そのかいぶつはしょうたいをあらわした). I finally discovered his identity「彼の正体をついに突き止めた」(かれのしょうたいをついにつきとめた). This word is commonly used in mystery, fantasy, or dramatic contexts to emphasize the unveiling of hidden truths.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6642

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Night

Reading

Kanji

夜Night 間Interval, Space

Explanation

The Japanese noun '夜間 (やかん)' refers to the time period of 'night'. It is commonly used to describe activities, services, or events that occur during the nighttime. For example: The library is open at night「図書館は夜間開いています」(としょかんはやかんあいています). Nighttime security is important「夜間の警備は重要です」(やかんのけいびはじゅうようです). This word is often used in formal or specific contexts, such as '夜間営業 (やかんえいぎょう)' (nighttime business hours) or '夜間学校 (やかんがっこう)' (night school).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6676

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Own company

Reading

Kanji

自Self 社Company

Explanation

The Japanese noun '自社 (じしゃ)' refers to 'one's own company' or 'the company one belongs to'. It is commonly used in business contexts to distinguish one's own company from others, such as competitors or partners. For example: We will use our own company's products「自社の製品を使います」(じしゃのせいひんをつかいます). The decision was made by our own company「その決定は自社で行われました」(そのけっていはじしゃでおこなわれました). This term is often used in corporate discussions, marketing, and internal communications to emphasize actions or decisions made internally.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6685

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Climate

Reading

Kanji

風Wind, Style 土Soil

Explanation

The Japanese noun '風土 (ふうど)' refers to the natural environment and climate of a particular region, including its weather, geography, and how these factors influence the local culture and lifestyle. It is often used in discussions about regional characteristics or how the environment shapes traditions. For example: The climate of this region is unique「この地域の風土は独特だ」(このちいきのふうどはどくとくだ). The local culture is deeply connected to its climate「その土地の文化は風土と深く結びついている」(そのとちのぶんかはふうどとふかくむすびついている).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6689

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Highway

Reading

Kanji

国Country 道Way

Explanation

The Japanese noun '国道 (こくどう)' refers to a 'national highway' or 'national road'. These are major roads in Japan that are maintained by the national government. They connect important cities and regions across the country. For example: This highway leads to Tokyo「この国道は東京に通じている」(このこくどうはとうきょうにつうじている). The national highway is very busy「国道はとても混んでいる」(こくどうはとてもこんでいる). It's important to note that '国道' specifically refers to roads that are part of the national highway system, as opposed to local or prefectural roads.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6705

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Rear, Back

Reading

Kanji

後After, Behind 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese noun '後方 (こうほう)' refers to the rear or back part of something. It is often used to describe a position or direction that is behind or at the back of a specific reference point. This word is commonly used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: the enemy is approaching from the rear「敵が後方から接近している」(てきがこうほうからせっきんしている). Please move to the back of the room「部屋の後方に移動してください」(へやのこうほうにいどうしてください). Note that '後方' can also be used in military or strategic contexts to describe positions or movements.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6721

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Principle, Facade

Reading

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

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6766

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Beverage

Reading

Kanji

飲Drink 料Materials, Fee

Explanation

The Japanese noun '飲料 (いんりょう)' refers to a drink or beverage. It is a formal term often used in contexts such as food labeling, menus, or scientific discussions. For example: This beverage is healthy「この飲料は健康的です」(このいんりょうはけんこうてきです). Please choose a beverage「飲料を選んでください」(いんりょうをえらんでください). The term can encompass a wide range of drinks, including water, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, but it is typically used in more formal or technical settings rather than casual conversation.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6821

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Station front

Reading

Kanji

駅Station 前Before, Front

Explanation

The Japanese noun '駅前 (えきまえ)' refers to the area in front of a train station. This term is commonly used to describe the vicinity or plaza located directly outside a train station, often bustling with shops, restaurants, and other amenities. For example: Let's meet in front of the station「駅前で会いましょう」(えきまえであいましょう). There are many shops in front of the station「駅前にたくさんのお店があります」(えきまえにたくさんのおみせがあります). The term is frequently used in daily conversations and is a key landmark in urban areas.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6839

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Inclusion

Reading

Kanji

計Measure, Plan 上Up

Explanation

The Japanese noun '計上 (けいじょう)' refers to the act of including something in a calculation, budget, or report. It is often used in financial or business contexts to indicate that an amount or item has been accounted for. For example: The expenses were included in the budget「その費用は予算に計上された」(そのひょうはよさんにけいじょうされた). The company included the new project in its annual report「会社は新しいプロジェクトを年次報告書に計上した」(かいしゃはあたらしいプロジェクトをねんじほうこくしょにけいじょうした). This term is commonly used in formal or professional settings.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6866

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Seawater

Reading

Kanji

海Sea 水Water

Explanation

The Japanese noun '海水 (かいすい)' means 'seawater'. It refers to the saltwater found in oceans and seas. This word is commonly used in contexts related to the ocean, marine life, or activities involving the sea. For example: The seawater is cold today「今日の海水は冷たい」(きょうのかいすいはつめたい). We collected seawater for the experiment「実験のために海水を集めた」(じっけんのためにかいすいをあつめた). The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '海水浴 (かいすいよく)', which means 'sea bathing'.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6879

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Open

Reading

Kanji

明Bright

Explanation

The Japanese verb '明く (あく)' means 'to open'. This verb is used to describe the action of something becoming open, such as a door, window, or container. It is often used in contexts where something transitions from a closed state to an open state. For example: the door opened「ドアが明いた」(ドアがあいた). The store opens at 9 AM「店は午前9時に明く」(みせはごぜんくじにあく). Note that '明く' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. If you want to express the action of opening something, you would use the transitive verb '開ける (あける)' instead.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6887

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Kanji

別Separate

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '別々 (べつべつ)' means 'separate'. It is used to describe things that are distinct, individual, or not together. This word often implies that things are divided or handled independently. For example: we went to the party separately「私たちは別々にパーティーに行った」(わたしたちはべつべつにパーティーにいった). They live in separate houses「彼らは別々の家に住んでいる」(かれらはべつべつのいえにすんでいる). Note that '別々' can also imply a sense of division or difference, such as in '別々の意見 (べつべつのいけん) (separate opinions)'.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6919

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Listing

Reading

Kanji

上Up 場Place

Explanation

The Japanese noun '上場 (じょうじょう)' refers to the act of listing a company's shares on a stock exchange, making them available for public trading. This term is commonly used in financial and business contexts. For example: The company is planning a stock exchange listing「その会社は上場を計画しています」(そのかいしゃはじょうじょうをけいかくしています). The stock was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange「その株は東京証券取引所に上場されました」(そのかぶはとうきょうしょうけんとりひきじょにじょうじょうされました). It's important to note that '上場' specifically refers to the process or state of being listed on a stock exchange, and is not used in other contexts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6925

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Start, Launch

Reading

Kanji

発Departure 足Foot, Sufficient

Explanation

The Japanese noun '発足 (ほっそく)' refers to the beginning or commencement of an organization, project, or movement. It is often used in formal contexts to describe the establishment or initiation of something new. For example: The new committee started its activities「新しい委員会が発足した」(あたらしいいいんかいがほっそくした). The project was launched last month「そのプロジェクトは先月発足した」(そのプロジェクトはせんげつほっそくした). Note that '発足' is typically used for formal or organized initiatives rather than casual beginnings.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6951

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Landlord

Reading

Kanji

地Ground 主Master

Explanation

The Japanese noun '地主 (じぬし)' refers to a 'landlord', specifically someone who owns land or property and rents it out to others. This term is often used in the context of real estate or agriculture, where the landlord may lease land to farmers or tenants. For example: The landlord owns many fields「地主は多くの畑を持っている」(じぬしはおおくのはたけをもっている). The tenant pays rent to the landlord「借り手は地主に家賃を払う」(かりてはじぬしにやちんをはらう). This term can also carry historical or cultural connotations, as land ownership has been a significant aspect of Japanese society.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6989

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Existence

Reading

Kanji

有Exist

Explanation

The Japanese noun '有り (ある)' refers to the concept of existence or presence. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate that something exists or is present. For example: There is a solution「解決策が有り」(かいけつさくがあり). There is a possibility「可能性が有り」(かのうせいがあり). This word is less commonly used in casual conversation, where 'ある' (without the kanji) is more typical. It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7004

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Press conference

Reading

Kanji

会Meet 見See

Explanation

The Japanese noun '会見 (かいけん)' refers to a 'press conference' or a formal meeting where information is shared with the media or the public. It is commonly used in contexts involving politicians, celebrities, or organizations addressing the public. For example: The prime minister held a press conference「首相が会見を行った」(しゅしょうがかいけんをおこなった). The company announced the new product at the press conference「会社は新製品を会見で発表した」(かいしゃはしんせいひんをかいけんではっぴょうした). The term emphasizes the formal and public nature of the event.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7005

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Business, Opening

Reading

Kanji

開Open 業Business

Explanation

The Japanese noun '開業 (かいぎょう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'opening', specifically referring to the act of opening a new business or establishment. The second meaning is 'business', referring to the operation or running of a business. This word is commonly used in contexts related to starting or managing a business. For example: The opening of the new store is next week「新しい店の開業は来週です」(あたらしいみせのかいぎょうはらいしゅうです). He is in the business of running a restaurant「彼はレストランの開業をしています」(かれはレストランのかいぎょうをしています).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7036

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Messenger

Reading

Kanji

使Use 者Someone

Explanation

The Japanese noun '使者 (ししゃ)' means 'messenger'. This term is used to refer to someone who is sent to deliver a message or perform a task on behalf of another person or organization. It carries a formal or official connotation, often implying that the messenger is acting under authority. For example: The king sent a messenger「王は使者を送った」(おうはししゃをおくった). The messenger delivered the important news「使者は重要な知らせを届けた」(ししゃはじゅうようなしらせをとどけた). This word is typically used in contexts involving diplomacy, official communications, or significant announcements.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7038

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Entitle

Reading

Kanji

題Topic

Explanation

The Japanese verb '題する (だいする)' means 'to entitle' or 'to give a title to something'. It is often used in formal or literary contexts when referring to the act of naming or titling a work, such as a book, article, or piece of art. For example: He entitled his novel 'The Wind'「彼は小説に『風』と題した」(かれはしょうせつに『かぜ』とだいした). This painting is entitled 'Sunset'「この絵は『夕日』と題されている」(このえは『ゆうひ』とだいされている). Note that this verb is less commonly used in everyday conversation and is more typical in written or academic contexts.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7044

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Director

Reading

Kanji

院Institution 長Long, Leader

Explanation

The Japanese noun '院長 (いんちょう)' refers to the director or head of an institution, particularly in contexts such as hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. It is a formal title used to denote the person in charge. For example: The director of the hospital is very kind「院長はとても親切です」(いんちょうはとてもしんせつです). I spoke with the clinic director「院長と話しました」(いんちょうとはなしました). This term is specific to institutional leadership and is not used in casual or general contexts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7054

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Main body

Reading

Kanji

本Book, Origin 体Body

Explanation

The Japanese noun '本体 (ほんたい)' refers to the 'main body' or 'main unit' of something. It is often used to describe the central or primary part of an object, system, or entity. For example, in the context of electronics, it refers to the main unit of a device, excluding accessories. In other contexts, it can refer to the main body of an organization or the core part of a structure. Example sentences: The main body of the camera is compact「カメラの本体はコンパクトです」(カメラのほんたいはコンパクトです). The main body of the organization is located in Tokyo「組織の本体は東京にあります」(そしきのほんたいはとうきょうにあります).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7061

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Dress

Reading

Kanji

着Arrive, Wear

Explanation

The Japanese verb '着せる (きせる)' means 'to dress' or 'to put clothes on someone'. It is typically used when someone is dressing another person, such as a parent dressing a child. For example: She dressed her child「彼女は子供に服を着せた」(かのじょはこどもにふくをきせた). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe imposing something on someone, such as blame or responsibility. For example: They blamed him for the mistake「彼らは彼に責任を着せた」(かれらはかれにせきにんをきせた). Note that this verb is transitive and requires an object, as it involves dressing someone else rather than oneself.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7120

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Something

Reading

Kanji

何What 物Thing

Explanation

The Japanese noun '何物 (なにもの)' means 'something' or 'anything'. It is often used in a philosophical or rhetorical context to question the nature or essence of something. For example: What is this thing?「これは何物ですか？」(これはなにものですか？). It can also be used to emphasize the uniqueness or significance of something. For example: He is no ordinary person, he is something else「彼は普通の人ではない、何物かだ」(かれはふつうのひとではない、なにものかだ). Note that '何物' is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '何か (なにか)'.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7134

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Kanji

正Correct

Explanation

The Japanese verb '正す (ただす)' means 'to correct' or 'to rectify'. It is used when addressing mistakes, errors, or improper behavior, and implies bringing something back to its proper or correct state. This verb can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from correcting someone's behavior to fixing an error in a document. For example: I corrected the mistake「間違いを正した」(まちがいをただした). He corrected his posture「彼は姿勢を正した」(かれはしせいをただした). It is also used in more abstract contexts, such as correcting one's attitude or mindset. Note that this verb often carries a formal or serious tone, and is commonly used in professional or educational settings.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

7151

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting