Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Part Of Speech
Verbal noun
word
警告Meaning
Warning
Reading
keikoku
Kanji
警Warn 告Announce
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '警告 (けいこく)' means 'warning'. It refers to an act of informing someone about a potential danger, problem, or consequence, often to prevent harm or mistakes. This term is commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal, safety, or disciplinary situations. For example: The teacher gave a warning to the students「先生は生徒に警告をした」(せんせいはせいとにけいこくをした). The weather forecast issued a storm warning「天気予報は嵐の警告を出した」(てんきよほうはあらしのけいこくをだした). It can also be used metaphorically, as in: His actions were a warning to others「彼の行動は他の人への警告だった」(かれのこうどうはほかのひとへのけいこくだった).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
3763
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
自殺Meaning
Suicide
Reading
jisatsu
Kanji
自Self 殺Kill
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '自殺 (じさつ)' means 'suicide'. It refers to the act of intentionally causing one's own death. This word is often used in serious or sensitive contexts, such as discussions about mental health, societal issues, or personal tragedies. For example: suicide is a serious problem「自殺は深刻な問題です」(じさつはしんこくなもんだいです). He committed suicide「彼は自殺した」(かれはじさつした). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '自殺防止 (じさつぼうし)' (suicide prevention). It is important to approach this word with care due to its sensitive nature.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
3773
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
戦死Meaning
Death in battle
Reading
senshi
Kanji
戦Fight, War 死Death
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '戦死 (せんし)' refers to 'death in battle'. It is used to describe the act of dying during combat or war. This term is often used in historical or military contexts. For example: He died in battle「彼は戦死した」(かれはせんしした). Many soldiers died in battle「多くの兵士が戦死した」(おおくのへいしがせんしした). The term carries a solemn and respectful tone, often used to honor those who lost their lives in conflict.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
3781
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
競技Meaning
Competition
Reading
kyougi
Kanji
競Compete 技Skill
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '競技 (きょうぎ)' refers to a 'competition' or 'contest', typically in the context of sports, games, or other structured activities where participants compete against each other. It is often used to describe organized events such as athletic competitions, tournaments, or matches. For example: The swimming competition was exciting「水泳の競技は興奮した」(すいえいのきょうぎはこうふんした). They participated in a chess competition「彼らはチェスの競技に参加した」(かれらはチェスのきょうぎにさんかした). The word can also be used more broadly to describe any kind of competitive activity, not limited to physical sports.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3787
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
混雑Meaning
Crowded
Reading
konzatsu
Kanji
混Mix 雑Miscellaneous
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '混雑 (こんざつ)' refers to a state of being crowded or congested. It is often used to describe places, situations, or conditions where there is a lot of activity or people, leading to a lack of space or order. For example: The station is crowded「駅が混雑している」(えきがこんざつしている). The road is congested due to the accident「事故で道路が混雑している」(じこでどうろがこんざつしている). This word is commonly used in contexts like public transportation, events, or traffic, and it conveys a sense of disorder or inconvenience caused by the crowding.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3788
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
混乱Meaning
Confusion
Reading
konran
Kanji
混Mix 乱Disorder, Riot
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '混乱 (こんら ん)' means 'confusion'. It refers to a state of disorder, chaos, or disarray, often in situations where things are not clear or organized. This word is commonly used to describe situations, emotions, or systems that are in a state of turmoil. For example: The meeting ended in confusion「会議は混乱して終わった」(かいぎはこんらんしておわった). The city was in chaos after the earthquake「地震の後、街は混乱していた」(じしんのあと、まちはこんらんしていた). It can also describe mental confusion, such as: I was confused by the sudden change「急な変化に混乱した」(きゅうなへんかにこんらんした).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
6Frequency
3791
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
ショッピングMeaning
Shopping
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun 'ショッピング (shoppingu)' means 'shopping'. It refers to the act of purchasing goods, typically in stores or online. This word is often used in casual conversations and is borrowed from English. For example: I went shopping yesterday「昨日ショッピングに行きました」(きのうショッピングにいきました). She enjoys shopping「彼女はショッピングが好きです」(かのじょはショッピングがすきです). The word is commonly used in contexts like 'shopping mall' (ショッピングモール) or 'online shopping' (オンラインショッピング).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Frequency
3795
Composition
katakana
Handwriting
word
交流Meaning
Exchange, Interaction
Reading
kouryuu
Kanji
交Mix 流Flow
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '交流 (こうりゅう)' refers to the act of exchanging or interacting, often used in contexts involving cultural, social, or informational exchange. It can describe interactions between people, groups, or even countries. For example: cultural exchange between Japan and the US「日本とアメリカの文化交流」(にほんとあめりかのぶんかこうりゅう). The students had a lively interaction with the professor「学生たちは教授と活発な交流をした」(がくせいたちはきょうじゅとかっぱつなこうりゅうをした). This term is commonly used in formal and informal settings to describe mutual exchange or communication.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
3Frequency
3800
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
水洗Meaning
Flushing
Reading
suisen
Kanji
水Water 洗Wash
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '水洗 (すいせん)' refers to the act of flushing or washing with water. It is commonly used in contexts related to sanitation, such as flushing toilets or cleaning with water. For example: This toilet uses water flushing「このトイレは水洗です」(このトイレはすいせんです). The floor was cleaned by water flushing「床は水洗で掃除されました」(ゆかはすいせんではいじょされました). The term is often associated with modern plumbing and hygiene practices.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
6Frequency
3814
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
指摘Meaning
Pointing out
Reading
shiteki
Kanji
指Finger 摘Pick, Pluck
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '指摘 (してき)' means 'pointing out' or 'indicating'. It is used to describe the act of identifying or highlighting something, often a mistake, issue, or important detail. This word is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as meetings, reports, or discussions. For example: The teacher pointed out the mistake in my homework「先生は私の宿題の間違いを指摘した」(せんせいはわたしのしゅくだいのまちがいをしてきした). The report pointed out the need for further research「そのレポートはさらなる研究の必要性を指摘した」(そのレポートはさらになるけんきゅうのひつようせいをしてきした). Note that '指摘' is often followed by the particle 'を' when used as a direct object.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
3848
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
汚染Meaning
Pollution
Reading
osen
Kanji
汚Dirty, Dishonor 染Dye
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '汚染 (おせん)' means 'pollution'. It refers to the contamination of the environment, substances, or areas by harmful or toxic elements. This term is commonly used in discussions about environmental issues, such as air pollution, water pollution, or soil contamination. For example: The river is suffering from pollution「川が汚染されている」(かわがおせんされている). Air pollution is a serious problem「大気汚染は深刻な問題だ」(たいきおせんはしんこくなもんだいだ). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe the corruption or tainting of ideas, cultures, or systems.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
3860
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
観察Meaning
Observation
Reading
kansatsu
Kanji
観View 察Guess
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '観察 (かんさつ)' means 'observation'. It refers to the act of carefully watching or examining something, often to gain information or understanding. This word is commonly used in scientific, educational, or everyday contexts. For example: careful observation is important in science「科学では注意深い観察が重要だ」(かがくではちゅういぶかいかんさつがじゅうようだ). I observed the behavior of birds「鳥の行動を観察した」(とりのこうどうをかんさつした). The word can also imply a systematic or detailed examination, as in '観察力 (かんさつりょく) (power of observation)'.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
4Frequency
3865
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
観測Meaning
Observation
Reading
kansoku
Kanji
観View 測Measure, Conjecture
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '観測 (かんそく)' means 'observation'. It refers to the act of observing or monitoring something, often in a scientific or systematic manner. This term is commonly used in contexts such as weather observation, astronomical observation, or data collection. For example: The observation of stars is fascinating「星の観測は魅力的です」(ほしのかんそくはみりょくてきです). They are conducting weather observations「彼らは気象観測を行っています」(かれらはきしょうかんそくをおこなっています). The term can also imply a careful or detailed examination of phenomena.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3878
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
推測Meaning
Guess, Speculation
Reading
suisoku
Kanji
推Infer 測Measure, Conjecture
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '推測 (すいそく)' refers to the act of making an educated guess or forming a hypothesis based on available information. It is often used in contexts where there is uncertainty or incomplete data, and it implies a logical process of reasoning rather than a random guess. For example: His guess was correct「彼の推測は正しかった」(かれのすいそくはただしかった). We can only speculate about the future「未来について推測することしかできない」(みらいについてすいそくすることしかできない). It is important to note that '推測' carries a slightly more formal tone compared to casual words like '当てずっぽう (あてずっぽう)' (wild guess).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
6Frequency
3879
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
振動Meaning
Vibration
Reading
shindou
Kanji
振Shake, Swing 動Move
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '振動 (しんどう)' means 'vibration'. It refers to the rapid back-and-forth movement of an object or a system. This term is commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts, such as describing the vibration of a phone or the oscillation of a machine. For example: the vibration of the phone woke me up「携帯の振動で目が覚めた」(けいたいのしんどうでめがさめた). The machine is vibrating「機械が振動している」(きかいがしんどうしている). In physics or engineering contexts, '振動' can also refer to oscillations or waves, such as in '振動数 (しんどうすう)' meaning 'frequency'.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N1Kanji Grade
7Frequency
3890
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
建築Meaning
Architecture
Reading
kenchiku
Kanji
建Build 築Build, Fabricate
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '建築 (けんちく)' refers to the act of constructing buildings or the field of architecture. It encompasses the design, planning, and construction of structures. This term is often used in professional and academic contexts related to building design and construction. For example: He studies architecture「彼は建築を勉強しています」(かれはけんちくをべんきょうしています). This building is a masterpiece of modern architecture「この建物は現代建築の傑作です」(このたてものはげんだいけんちくのけっさくです). The word can also be used to describe the style or method of construction, as in 'traditional Japanese architecture' (伝統的な日本建築, でんとうてきなにほんけんちく).
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3921
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
新築Meaning
New construction
Reading
shinchiku
Kanji
新New 築Build, Fabricate
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '新築 (しんちく)' refers to the act of constructing a new building or the state of a building being newly constructed. It is commonly used in contexts related to real estate, housing, and architecture. For example: They are planning new construction「彼らは新築を計画しています」(かれらはしんちくをけいかくしています). This house is newly built「この家は新築です」(このいえはしんちくです). The term emphasizes the freshness and newness of the construction, often implying that the building has not been previously occupied or used.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3927
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
構想Meaning
Plan, Conception
Reading
kousou
Kanji
構Structure, Care 想Concept
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '構想 (こうそう)' refers to the act of conceiving or planning something, often in a creative or strategic context. It can describe the process of forming an idea or the blueprint for a project, story, or system. For example: The conception of this novel took years「この小説の構想には何年もかかりました」(このしょうせつのこうそうにはなんねんもかかりました). The plan for the new city was impressive「新しい都市の構想は印象的でした」(あたらしいとしのこうそうはい んしょうてきでした). This word is often used in contexts involving innovation, design, or strategy.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N3Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3928
Composition
kanji
Handwriting
word
設置Meaning
Installation
Reading
setchi
Kanji
設Set up, Establish 置Put
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun '設置 (せっち)' means 'installation'. It refers to the act of setting up or installing something, such as equipment, facilities, or systems. This word is commonly used in contexts involving construction, technology, or infrastructure. For example: The installation of the new air conditioner was completed「新しいエアコンの設置が完了した」(あたらしいエアコンのせっちがかんりょうした). The company plans to install solar panels「会社はソーラーパネルの設置を計画している」(かいしゃはソーラーパネルのせっちをけいかくしている). Note that '設置' is often used in formal or technical settings.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Kanji JLPT
N2Kanji Grade
5Frequency
3937
Composition
kanji
Handwriting