Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Part Of Speech
Verb
word
取り上げるMeaning
Take up, Confiscate
Reading
toriageru
Kanji
取Take 上Up
Explanation
The Japanese verb '取り上げる (とりあげる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'confiscate', which refers to the act of taking something away from someone, often by authority. For example: The teacher confiscated the student's phone「先生は生徒の携帯を取り上げた」(せんせいはせいとのけいたいをとりあげた). The second meaning is 'take up', which refers to discussing or addressing a topic. For example: The news took up the issue of climate change「ニュースは気候変動の問題を取り上げた」(ニュースはきこうへんどうのもんだいをとりあげた). The verb is versatile and context-dependent, so the intended meaning is usually clear from the situation.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
1771
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
抜けるMeaning
Escape, Come out
Reading
nukeru
Kanji
抜Pluck, Extract
Explanation
The Japanese verb '抜ける (ぬける)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to come out' or 'to be removed', often used when something is extracted or falls out from a place it was previously held. For example: the cork came out of the bottle「コルクが瓶から抜けた」(コルクがびんからぬけた). The second meaning is 'to escape' or 'to slip away', often implying a sense of leaving unnoticed or avoiding something. For example: he escaped from the meeting「彼は会議から抜けた」(かれはかいぎからぬけた). The verb can also imply a sense of something being missing or lacking, as in 'the energy is gone'「元気が抜けている」(げんきがぬけている).
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1772
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
構うMeaning
Care, Mind
Reading
kamau
Kanji
構Structure, Care
Explanation
The Japanese verb '構う (かまう)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to mind' or 'to be concerned about', often used in contexts where someone is bothered or affected by something. The second meaning is 'to care for' or 'to look after', which can imply taking care of someone or something. This verb is versatile and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For example: I don't mind if you come late「遅れても構いません」(おくてもかまいません). She cares for stray cats「彼女は野良猫を構う」(かのじょはのらねこをかまう). It's important to note that '構う' can also imply a sense of interference or meddling, depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
1797
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
戦うMeaning
Fight
Reading
tatakau
Kanji
戦Fight, War
Explanation
The Japanese verb '戦う (たたかう)' means 'to fight' or 'to battle'. It is used to describe engaging in a physical or metaphorical struggle, conflict, or competition. This verb can be applied to various contexts, such as sports, wars, or personal challenges. For example: They fought bravely in the war「彼らは戦争で勇敢に戦った」(かれらはせんそうでゆうかんにたたかった). I will fight for my dreams「私は夢のために戦う」(わたしはゆめのためにたたかう). Note that '戦う' often implies a sense of effort or struggle, whether against an opponent or a difficult situation.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
1800
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
達するMeaning
Reach
Reading
tassuru
Kanji
達Attain, Plural
Explanation
The Japanese verb '達する (たっする)' means 'to reach' or 'to attain'. It is used to describe achieving a certain level, state, or goal. This verb is often used in formal or written contexts and can refer to reaching a physical destination, a numerical target, or a state of being. For example: The temperature reached 30 degrees「気温が30度に達した」(きおんが30どにたっした). He finally reached his goal「彼はついに目標に達した」(かれはついにもくひょうにたっした). Note that '達する' can also imply a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment when used in the context of achieving a goal or milestone.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
1804
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
引っ越すMeaning
Move
Reading
hikkosu
Kanji
引Pull 越Go across, Go beyond
Explanation
The Japanese verb '引っ越す (ひっこす)' means 'to move' in the sense of relocating from one residence to another. This verb is commonly used when someone changes their place of living, such as moving to a new house or apartment. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object or context to indicate what is being moved. For example: I will move next month「来月引っ越します」(らいげつひっこします). They moved to Tokyo「彼らは東京に引っ越した」(かれらはとうきょうにひっこした). The verb can also imply the process of packing and transporting belongings, as well as settling into a new location.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1806
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
悩むMeaning
Worry
Reading
nayamu
Kanji
悩Worry, Distress
Explanation
The Japanese verb '悩む (なやむ)' means 'to worry' or 'to be troubled'. It is used to describe a state of mental distress or anxiety over a problem or situation. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as personal dilemmas, work-related stress, or emotional struggles. For example: I worry about the future「私は将来について悩む」(わたしはしょうらいについてなやむ). He is troubled by his decision「彼は自分の決断に悩んでいる」(かれはじぶんのけつだんになやんでいる). The verb can also imply a deeper, ongoing struggle, as in '悩み続ける (なやみつづける) (to continue worrying)'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1807
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
洗うMeaning
Wash
Reading
arau
Kanji
洗Wash
Explanation
The Japanese verb '洗う (あらう)' means 'to wash'. It is used to describe the action of cleaning something with water, often with the use of soap or detergent. This verb can be applied to a wide range of objects, including clothes, dishes, hands, and even abstract concepts like one's past. For example: I wash my hands「手 を洗う」(てをあらう). She washes the dishes「彼女は皿を洗う」(かのじょはさらをあらう). It's important to note that '洗う' can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase '罪を洗う (つみをあらう)', which means 'to wash away one's sins'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1811
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
追い越すMeaning
Overtake
Reading
oikosu
Kanji
追Follow 越Go across, Go beyond
Explanation
The Japanese verb '追い越す (おいこす)' means 'to overtake'. This verb is used when one vehicle or person passes another that is moving in the same direction. It is commonly used in the context of driving, cycling, or running. For example: The car overtook the truck「その車はトラックを追い越した」(そのくるまはトラックをおいこした). I overtook the runner in front of me「前のランナーを追い越した」(まえのランナーをおいこした). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe surpassing someone in a non-physical sense, such as in a competition or career.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1813
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
疲れるMeaning
Tired
Reading
tsukareru
Kanji
疲Tire, Exhausted
Explanation
The Japanese verb '疲れる (つかれる)' means 'to get tired' or 'to be tired'. It is used to describe a state of physical or mental fatigue. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversation to express exhaustion after work, exercise, or any strenuous activity. For example: I got tired from work「仕事で疲れた」(しごとでつかれた). She is tired from studying「彼女は勉強で疲れている」(かのじょはべんきょうで つかれている). The verb can also be used in its te-form to connect with other verbs, such as '疲れて寝た (つかれてねた)' (got tired and went to sleep). It is important to note that '疲れる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1825
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
着くMeaning
Arrive
Reading
tsuku
Kanji
着Arrive, Wear
Explanation
The Japanese verb '着く (つく)' means 'to arrive'. It is used to indicate reaching a destination, whether it's a physical location or a metaphorical one. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be paired with various particles to specify the destination. For example: I arrived at the station「駅に着いた」(えきについた). The package arrived yesterday「荷物は昨日着いた」(にもつはきのうついた). It's important to note that '着く' is often used with the particle 'に' to indicate the destination, as in '駅に着く (えきにつく) (arrive at the station)'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N4Kanji Grade
3Frequency
1826
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
しゃべるMeaning
Chat
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verb 'しゃべる' means 'to chat' or 'to talk'. It is commonly used to describe casual, informal conversation. This verb often carries a nuance of lighthearted or idle chatter, as opposed to serious or formal discussion. For example: Let's chat「しゃべろう」(しゃべろう). She is chatting with her friend「彼女は友達としゃべっている」(かのじょはともだちとしゃべっている). Note that 'しゃべる' can sometimes imply talking too much or gossiping, depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
verb
Frequency
1832
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
慣れるMeaning
Get used
Reading
nareru
Kanji
慣Accustomed
Explanation
The Japanese verb '慣れる (なれる)' means 'to get used to' or 'to become accustomed to'. It is used to describe the process of becoming familiar with something, such as a new environment, situation, or habit. For example: I got used to the new job「新しい仕事に慣れた」(あたらしいしごとになれた). She is getting used to living alone「彼女は一人暮らしに慣れつつある」(かのじょはひとりぐらしになれつつある). This verb is often used in contexts where someone adapts to changes or new circumstances over time.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
1836
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
流すMeaning
Flow, Cancel
Reading
nagasu
Kanji
流Flow
Explanation
The Japanese verb '流す (ながす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to flow', which refers to the movement of liquids or substances in a continuous stream. For example: The river flows gently「川が優しく流れる」(かわがやさしくながれる). The second meaning is 'to cancel' or 'to let go', often used in contexts like canceling plans or letting something pass without action. For example: He decided to cancel the meeting「彼は会議を流すことにした」(かれはかいぎをながすことにした). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as letting emotions flow or letting a situation pass without intervention.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
1842
Composition
kanji-hiragana
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
減るMeaning
Decrease
Reading
heru
Kanji
減Decrease
Explanation
The Japanese verb '減る (へる)' means 'to decrease' or 'to diminish'. It is used to describe a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity. This verb is often used in contexts involving numbers, resources, or physical amounts. For example: the number of students decreased「学生の数が減った」(がくせいのかずがへった). The water level is decreasing「水位が減っている」(すいいがへっている). It can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing a decrease in energy or motivation: my energy has decreased「私の元気が減った」(わたしのげんきがへった). Note that '減る' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
1852
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
下げるMeaning
Lower
Reading
sageru
Kanji
下Down
Explanation
The Japanese verb '下げる (さげる)' means 'to lower' or 'to reduce'. It is used to describe the action of moving something downward or decreasing its level, position, or value. This verb can be applied to physical objects, such as lowering a flag, or abstract concepts, like reducing prices. For example: Please lower the volume「音量を下げてください」(おんりょうをさげてください). The store lowered the prices「店は値段を下げた」(みせはねだんをさげた). Note that '下げる' can also imply a sense of humility or modesty, such as lowering one's head in respect. However, this nuance is context-dependent and not a separate meaning.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N5Kanji Grade
1Frequency
1860
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
占めるMeaning
Occupy
Reading
shimeru
Kanji
占Fortune telling
Explanation
The Japanese verb '占める (しめる)' means 'to occupy' or 'to hold' in terms of space, proportion, or position. It is often used to describe something taking up a certain amount of space, time, or percentage. For example: This table occupies a lot of space「このテーブルは多くのスペースを占める」(このテーブルはおおくのスペースをしめる). Women hold 30% of the managerial positions「女性が管理職の30%を占める」(じょせいがかんりしょくの30%をしめる). The verb can also imply a significant or notable presence in a particular context.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1875
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
優れるMeaning
Excel
Reading
sugureru
Kanji
優Superior, Gentle
Explanation
The Japanese verb '優れる (すぐれる)' means 'to excel' or 'to be superior'. It is used to describe something or someone that stands out due to exceptional quality, ability, or performance. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as academic, professional, or artistic fields. For example: he excels in mathematics「彼は数学で優れている」(かれはすうがくですぐれている). This product excels in quality「この製品は品質で優れている」(このせいひんはひんしつですぐれている). It's important to note that '優れる' is often used in its past tense form '優れた (すぐれた)' to describe something that is outstanding or excellent, as in '優れた才能 (すぐれたさいのう) (excellent talent)'.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
1878
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
包むMeaning
Wrap
Reading
tsutsumu
Kanji
包Wrap
Explanation
The Japanese verb '包む (つつむ)' means 'to wrap'. It is used to describe the action of enclosing something completely, often with paper, cloth, or another material. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe enveloping or surrounding something, such as emotions or atmospheres. For example: I wrapped the gift「プレゼントを包んだ」(ぷれぜんとをつつんだ). The mountain was wrapped in mist「山は霧に包まれていた」(やまはきりにつつまれていた). Note that '包む' can also imply a sense of protection or concealment, depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
4Frequency
1881
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting
word
吐くMeaning
Vomit, Emit
Reading
haku
Kanji
吐Spit, Spew
Explanation
The Japanese verb '吐く (はく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to vomit' or 'to throw up', referring to the act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. For example: he vomited after eating bad sushi「彼は悪い寿司を食べた後で吐いた」(かれはわるいすしをたべたあとではいた). The second meaning is 'to emit' or 'to exhale', which can refer to breathing out air, smoke, or other substances. For example: the factory emits smoke「工場が煙を吐く」(こうじょうがけむりをはく). It's important to note that the context in which '吐く' is used will determine which meaning is intended, as the verb can describe both physical expulsion and the release of substances into the environment.
Part Of Speech
verb
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
1883
Composition
kanji-hiragana
Handwriting