Nihongo Tree

JLPT N2 vocabulary

N2 is the second-highest level: Japanese in a wide range of everyday situations, news articles and clear commentary.

The N2 list used here has 1,906 words, and 531 of them are on Nihongo Tree. Below are all 531 N2 words on the site, grouped by topic. Tap a word for its example sentence and audio.

Basics

Numbers & counting

Units & measures

  1. かいすう · kaisūnumber of times
  2. けた · ketadigit, figure
  3. とうけい · tōkeistatistics
  4. daburudouble
  5. みまん · mimanless than, under
  6. じゅうりょう · jūryōweight
  7. そくてい · sokuteimeasurement
  8. senchicentimetre

This, that & questions

This kind, that kind

  1. honnojust a, mere (before a noun)
  2. そのた · sono taothers, the rest, etc.

Describing things

Colours

  1. むらさき · murasakipurple

Judging & evaluating

Big, fast & dense

  1. むげん · mugeninfinite, limitless

Reality, effects & roles

Effects & results

  1. kikkaketrigger, chance, opportunity

Mimetic words, adverbs & adjectives

Mimetic words

  1. nikonikosmiling, beaming
  2. sukkirirefreshed; neat and clean

Proper & plentiful

  1. じゅんすい · junsuipure, innocent

Prefixes & suffixes

Linking & framing words

Formal links: and, or, provided

  1. tadashihowever, provided that (adds a condition)
  2. tsuidenext, then, following that (written)

Timing, attitude & degree

Once, finally & still

  1. もともと · motomotooriginally, from the start
  2. yōyakufinally, at last
  3. iyoiyoat last, finally (the moment is near)
  4. さっそく · sassokuright away, without delay
  5. いったん · ittanonce; for now

Again, at once & suddenly

  1. あらためて · aratameteonce more, anew
  2. ikinarisuddenly, out of the blue
  3. sassatoquickly, without dawdling

The feeling behind it

  1. sasugaas expected of; impressive!
  2. sekkakusince you went to the trouble; precious (chance)
  3. dōseanyway, in any case (resigned)
  4. semeteat least
  5. いちおう · ichiōjust in case; for now
  6. akumadestrictly, merely
  7. tomokakuanyway; leaving that aside

Guessing & wondering

  1. はたして · hatashitereally? I wonder whether
  2. nantonakusomehow, vaguely
  3. nantomotruly; (not) at all (with negatives)

How much & to what extent

  1. ひかくてき · hikakutekirelatively, comparatively
  2. よけい · yokeiunnecessary; all the more

Truly & how it is done

  1. kossorisecretly, on the sly
  2. ichiichione by one; every single time

Feelings, scale & status

Feelings & impressions

  1. arigataigrateful; welcome, much appreciated
  2. えらい · eraigreat, admirable; high-ranking
  3. あやしい · ayashiisuspicious, dubious
  4. おしい · oshiiso close, a pity; precious
  5. ゆるい · yuruiloose; lenient; gentle (slope)
  6. monosugoitremendous, terrific

Big, many & extreme

  1. こうきゅう · kōkyūhigh-class, luxury
  2. こうど · kōdoadvanced, high-level
  3. こうとう · kōtōhigher, advanced (education)
  4. かじょう · kajōexcessive, too much

Official, legal & required

  1. こうしき · kōshikiofficial; formula

Unclear, special & individual

  1. あいまい · aimaivague, ambiguous
  2. とくしゅ · tokushuspecial, unusual
  3. まれ · marerare

Character, style & standing

  1. すなお · sunaohonest, obedient, straightforward
  2. さわやか · sawayakarefreshing, fresh
  3. とうめい · tōmeitransparent, clear

At home

Kitchen

Cooking tools

  1. furaipanfrying pan
  2. ほうちょう · hōchōkitchen knife
  3. yakankettle
  4. ふた · futalid

Kitchen phrases

  1. ごちそうさま · gochisōsamasaid after eating

Soups, bowls & recipes

  1. しる · shirusoup, juice, liquid
  2. どんぶり · donburirice bowl dish; large bowl

Bathroom

Getting ready

  1. はみがき · hamigakibrushing teeth
  2. kushicomb

Living room

Furniture

  1. ざぶとん · zabutonfloor cushion

Bedroom

Bed & bedding

  1. まくら · makurapillow
  2. shītsubed sheet

Clothes

  1. きがえる · kigaeruto change clothes

Phrases

  1. oyasumigood night
  2. ohayōgood morning

Laundry

Laundry verbs

  1. ほす · hosuto hang to dry
  2. しぼる · shiboruto wring out

Fabrics & care

  1. ūruwool
  2. ちぢむ · chijimuto shrink
  3. shiwawrinkles
  4. てあらい · tearaihand washing

Chores

Cleaning tools

  1. hōkibroom
  2. ぞうきん · zōkincleaning rag
  3. baketsubucket

Household tasks

  1. とうばん · tōbanduty / turn
  2. でんきゅう · denkyūlight bulb

Food & dining

Restaurant

Places & people

  1. ぎょうれつ · gyōretsuline; queue

Ordering & paying

  1. menyūmenu
  2. ついか · tsuikaextra order; addition
  3. okawarirefill; second helping
  4. べつべつ · betsubetsuseparately

Convenience store

Supermarket

Meat & fish

  1. さしみ · sashimisliced raw fish

Checkout & deals

  1. わりびき · waribikidiscount
  2. とくばい · tokubaispecial sale

Café

Ordering

  1. chipputip (gratuity); chip

Izakaya

Out & about

Train station

Station places

  1. かいさつ · kaisatsuticket gate
  2. まちあいしつ · machiaishitsuwaiting room
  3. ばいてん · baitenstation kiosk

Tickets & fares

  1. ていきけん · teikikencommuter pass
  2. おうふく · ōfukuround trip
  3. かたみち · katamichione way

Directions & signs

  1. のりかえ · norikaetransfer
  2. ほうめん · hōmendirection (toward)
  3. のぼり · noboriinbound (toward the city)

Announcements

  1. しゅうてん · shūtenlast stop, terminus
  2. あしもと · ashimotoyour step, at your feet

Directions

Landmarks

  1. ふみきり · fumikirirailroad crossing
  2. manshonapartment building, condo
  3. かんばん · kanbansignboard

Turns

  1. つきあたり · tsukiatariend of the road

Positions

  1. てまえ · temaethis side of

Compass & areas

  1. ふきん · fukinvicinity, nearby area
  2. ちゅうかん · chūkanmiddle, halfway
  3. しょうめん · shōmenfront, facing

Shopping

Stores

  1. やっきょく · yakkyokupharmacy

Dress & fabric

  1. みずぎ · mizugiswimsuit
  2. pantsuunderpants; trousers
  3. moderumodel

Hoodies, dresses & ribbons

  1. wanpīsudress (one-piece)
  2. きがえ · kigaechange of clothes
  3. ribonribbon

Post office

Mail

  1. あてな · atenaaddressee

Sending

  1. そくたつ · sokutatsuexpress mail
  2. かきとめ · kakitomeregistered mail
  3. ふなびん · funabinsurface mail

Banking

  1. つうちょう · tsūchōbankbook
  2. ひきだす · hikidasuto withdraw

Forms & ID

  1. てつづき · tetsuzukiprocedure, paperwork

At the counter

  1. まどぐち · madoguchiservice window

Clinic

Symptoms

  1. memaidizziness
  2. はきけ · hakikenausea

Skin, joints & bones

  1. つめ · tsumenail (finger, toe)
  2. ひとみ · hitomipupil, eyes
  3. ひふ · hifuskin

Care, beauty & pregnancy

  1. しんだん · shindandiagnosis
  2. びよう · biyōbeauty care
  3. げか · gekasurgery (department)

City places

Cities & regions

  1. かくち · kakuchivarious places

Facilities & venues

  1. おんせん · onsenhot spring
  2. ようちえん · yōchienkindergarten
  3. こうじ · kōjiconstruction work

Local areas & spaces

  1. しゅうへん · shūhensurroundings, vicinity
  2. じたく · jitakuone's home
  3. bakkuback, background

Ships, bikes & routes

  1. ふね · funeship, boat
  2. ゆそう · yusōtransport

Products & events

New products & brands

  1. はつばい · hatsubairelease, going on sale
  2. shoppushop

Events, openings & growth

  1. てんかい · tenkaidevelopment, unfolding
  2. きょうか · kyōkastrengthening

Shops, goods & shipping

People

Family & home

Daily routine

  1. るすばんする · rusuban suruto look after the house

Phrases at home

  1. ittekimasuI'm off! (leaving home)
  2. itterasshaisee you! (to someone leaving)
  3. tadaimaI'm home!
  4. okaeriwelcome home
  5. gochisōsamathanks for the meal (after eating)
  6. おじゃまします · ojama shimasusorry to intrude (entering a home)

Friends

Making plans

  1. しゅうごう · shūgōmeeting up, gathering

Messaging

  1. つうち · tsūchinotification

Friendship

  1. なかよし · nakayoshiclose; good friends
  2. なかなおり · nakanaorimaking up

Feelings

Confidence & motivation

  1. ぜんりょく · zenryokuall one's strength
  2. へいき · heikifine, unbothered
  3. しせい · shiseiposture; attitude

Introductions

Polite phrases

  1. hajimemashitenice to meet you (first meeting)
  2. kochira kosolikewise; the pleasure is mine

People, feelings & manners

Friends & bonds

  1. こうりゅう · kōryūexchange, interaction

People & generations

  1. しろうと · shirōtoamateur
  2. みずから · mizukaraoneself, in person

Relatives, peers & life's journey

Professionals & titles

  1. こうし · kōshilecturer, instructor

Faith & lifetime

  1. ぎしき · gishikiceremony, ritual

Body & health care

Diet, care & habits

  1. karorīcalorie
  2. すいぶん · suibunwater, fluids, moisture

Kin, people & partners

Relatives & home life

  1. おじ · ojiuncle (parent's younger brother)
  2. おば · obaaunt (parent's younger sister)
  3. ようじ · yōjiinfant, small child

Desires, conscience & viewpoints

Time & nature

Weather

Seasons

Summer

  1. かいすいよく · kaisuiyokuswimming at the beach
  2. はなび · hanabifireworks

Autumn

  1. こうよう · kōyōautumn leaves

Festivals & events

  1. おぼん · obonObon holiday
  2. ぎょうじ · gyōjievent, annual function

Time & dates

Before, after & timing

  1. いこう · ikōfrom ~ on, since
  2. ちょくご · chokugoright after
  3. ぜんご · zengobefore and after; around
  4. かぎり · kagirilimit; as long as

This time & that day

  1. とうじつ · tōjitsuthe day itself, that day
  2. しんや · shin'yalate night
  3. ねんど · nendofiscal/school year
  4. ちょくぜん · chokuzenjust before

Outdoors

Gear

  1. すいとう · suitōwater bottle

Animals

Pets

  1. きんぎょ · kingyogoldfish

Science & materials

Matter & magnetism

  1. せいぶん · seibuningredient; component

Power & fuel

  1. はつでん · hatsudenpower generation
  2. でんりょく · denryokuelectric power
  3. damudam

Physics, tech & materials

Atoms, forces & radiation

  1. すいそ · suisohydrogen
  2. じゅうりょく · jūryokugravity
  3. じゅんかん · junkancirculation, cycle

Measures, shapes & space

  1. めんせき · mensekiarea (size)
  2. mirimillimetre, milli-
  3. かくど · kakudoangle
  4. えきたい · ekitailiquid

Materials & metals

  1. gomurubber; elastic band
  2. oiruoil
  3. daiyamondodiamond

Land, regions & wildlife

Plains, zones & sites

  1. ひろば · hirobasquare, plaza
  2. ちてん · chitenspot, point (on a map)
  3. じめん · jimenground, earth
  4. ちたい · chitaizone, belt
  5. きょうかい · kyōkaiboundary, border
  6. しきち · shikichisite, grounds
  7. くいき · kuikizone, area
  8. へいや · heiyaplain

Work & school

Office

Daily tasks

  1. さくせいする · sakusei suruto create (a document)

Work life

  1. しゅっきん · shukkingoing to work
  2. しゅっちょう · shutchōbusiness trip
  3. bōnasubonus

Business

  1. うりあげ · uriagesales revenue
  2. しめきり · shimekirideadline

Meetings

Scheduling

  1. にってい · nitteischedule, dates
  2. にちじ · nichijidate and time
  3. ちょうせい · chōseiadjustment, coordination
  4. しゅうりょう · shūryōend, finish

Materials

  1. しりょう · shiryōmaterials, handout
  2. suraidoslide
  3. くばる · kubaruto hand out

Polite phrases

  1. おねがいします · onegai shimasuplease (do this for me)
  2. おまたせしました · omatase shimashitasorry to keep you waiting

School

People

  1. しょうがくせい · shōgakuseielementary schooler

Events

  1. えんそく · ensokufield trip

Nursery to grad school

  1. じっしゅう · jisshūpractical training
  2. ほけん · hokenhealth (care); health class
  3. だいがくいん · daigakuingraduate school

Phone & email

Calling

  1. ないせん · naisenextension
  2. といあわせ · toiawaseinquiry

Smartphone

  1. でんぱ · denpasignal

Email

  1. したがき · shitagakidraft

Study, workplace & gear

Knowledge & wisdom

  1. がっかい · gakkaiacademic society

Internet & machines

Files & software

  1. puroguramuprogram
  2. さくじょ · sakujodeletion
  3. せつぞく · setsuzokuconnection

Machines & devices

  1. せいのう · seinōperformance (of a machine)

Control & upkeep

  1. せいび · seibimaintenance
  2. かいてん · kaitenrotation
  3. ていし · teishistop, suspension

Business & companies

Staff & hiring

  1. しょくば · shokubaworkplace
  2. ぼしゅう · boshūrecruitment

Money & costs

  1. そうりょう · sōryōshipping fee
  2. furīfree; freelance

Handling & achieving

  1. たいさく · taisakumeasures, countermeasure
  2. けいぞく · keizokucontinuation

Deals, rules & risks

  1. ほうしん · hōshinpolicy, course
  2. しんせい · shinseiapplication (to an office)

Reports, scope & standards

Documents & answers

  1. けいしき · keishikiform, format
  2. tēmatheme, topic
  3. かいとう · kaitōanswer, reply

Standards, scale & structure

  1. きじゅん · kijunstandard, criterion
  2. ひょうじゅん · hyōjunstandard, norm
  3. きそ · kisofoundation, basics
  4. だんかい · dankaistage, step
  5. こうぞう · kōzōstructure
  6. patānpattern
  7. かくりつ · kakuritsuprobability

Amount & scope

  1. ふくすう · fukusūseveral, plural
  2. いってい · itteifixed, certain
  3. がいぶ · gaibuoutside, external
  4. そうご · sōgomutual

Usual, special & main

  1. ほんらい · honraioriginally, by nature
  2. とくてい · tokuteispecific

Careers, deals & marketing

Jobs, training & duty

  1. けんしゅう · kenshūtraining
  2. こうたい · kōtaiswitch, substitution

Results & advantages

  1. じっせき · jissekitrack record
  2. はっき · hakkishowing (ability)
  3. じつよう · jitsuyōpractical use
  4. おうよう · ōyōapplication, applying

Assets & property

  1. ばいばい · baibaibuying and selling
  2. そうこ · sōkowarehouse

Devices & data

Gadgets & parts

  1. ぶひん · buhinparts, components
  2. ふぞく · fuzokuattached, included

Process & change

Rising, falling & merging

  1. ていか · teikafall, decline
  2. えんちょう · enchōextension

Running, opening & stopping

  1. どうさ · dōsamovement, operation
  2. かいほう · kaihōopening up, leaving open
  3. はんえい · haneireflection, being reflected

Methods & systems

  1. sanpurusample
  2. かいぞう · kaizōremodelling, modifying

Items, terms & examples

  1. こうもく · kōmokuitem, entry
  2. かしょ · kashospot, part (of a text)
  3. ぶんるい · bunruiclassification
  4. ようご · yōgoterm, terminology

Careers, pay & markets

Joining, posts & leaving

  1. にゅうしゃ · nyūshajoining a company
  2. しゅうにん · shūnintaking office

Jobs & job titles

  1. しょくにん · shokunincraftsman, artisan
  2. sararīmanoffice worker, salaryman

Causes, change & scope

Causes, principles & essence

  1. ほうそく · hōsokulaw; rule (of nature)
  2. ようと · yōtouse; purpose
  3. げんり · genriprinciple

Combining, splitting & fixing

  1. ぶんかい · bunkaitaking apart; breaking down
  2. ごうどう · gōdōjoint; combined

Approach, reach & escape

  1. せっきん · sekkinapproach; getting close
  2. せいぞん · seizonsurvival
  3. ごうりゅう · gōryūmeeting up; merging (of roads)

Action verbs

Moving around

Walking & running

  1. おいかける · oikakeruto chase
  2. はねる · haneruto jump, to hop

Stopping & waiting

  1. たちどまる · tachidomaruto stop and stand still

Using your hands

Making & fixing

  1. くみたてる · kumitateruto assemble
  2. ぬう · nuuto sew
  3. あむ · amuto knit

Talking & listening

Calling & greeting

  1. みおくる · miokuruto see off
  2. なぐさめる · nagusameruto comfort

Giving & getting

Mind & senses

Hearing, smell & touch

  1. ひびく · hibikuto echo, to resound
  2. におう · niouto smell, to give off a smell
  3. あじわう · ajiwauto taste, to savor

Heart, mind & attitude

Love, longing & wishes

  1. あこがれる · akogareruto long for, to admire
  2. ちかう · chikauto swear, to vow
  3. うらむ · uramuto resent, to hold a grudge
  4. めぐまれる · megumareruto be blessed with

Thinking & realising

  1. おもいこむ · omoikomuto be convinced, to assume wrongly
  2. たとえる · tatoeruto compare to, to liken
  3. みなおす · minaosuto look over again; to think better of

Aiming, achieving & creating

Aiming & challenging

  1. めざす · mezasuto aim for
  2. ねらう · nerauto aim at, to target
  3. さぐる · saguruto probe, to feel out
  4. めぐる · meguruto go around, to tour
  5. せまる · semaruto draw near; to press for

Achieving & finishing

  1. できあがる · dekiagaruto be finished, to be ready

Creating & bringing about

  1. とりいれる · toriireruto take in, to adopt

Roles, duty & succession

  1. つとめる · tsutomeruto serve as, to play (a role)
  2. せおう · seouto carry on one's back; to shoulder

Dealing with people & things

Handling & reporting

  1. うらなう · uranauto tell fortunes, to predict
  2. きざむ · kizamuto chop finely; to carve

Breaking, fitting & rising

Breaking & wearing down

  1. くずれる · kuzureruto collapse, to crumble
  2. くずす · kuzusuto break down; to break (a bill)
  3. けずる · kezuruto shave, to sharpen; to cut back
  4. ほる · horuto dig
  5. あれる · areruto be rough, to be stormy
  6. kareruto wither; to go hoarse
  7. もむ · momuto massage, to rub

Fitting, fixing & switching

  1. はさむ · hasamuto put between, to sandwich
  2. hameruto put on (a ring, gloves); to fit in
  3. とりだす · toridasuto take out
  4. もる · moruto serve (food); to pile up; to exaggerate

Overflowing, settling & livening up

  1. あふれる · afureruto overflow, to be full of
  2. つまる · tsumaruto be packed; to be blocked
  3. ととのう · totonōto be ready, to be in order
  4. うく · ukuto float; to be left out
  5. もぐる · moguruto dive, to go under
  6. めだつ · medatsuto stand out

Suru verbs

Daily life

Housework

  1. かんきする · kanki suruto ventilate

Getting ready

  1. きしょうする · kishō suruto get up

Resting & hobbies

  1. ひるねする · hirune suruto take a nap
  2. さつえいする · satsuei suruto photograph; to film

Study & work

Tests & results

  1. じゅけんする · juken suruto take an entrance exam
  2. さいてんする · saiten suruto grade

Starting & finishing

  1. しゅうりょうする · shūryō suruto end; to finish
  2. しゅっきんする · shukkin suruto go to work

Travel & getting around

Departing & arriving

  1. しゅっちょうする · shutchō suruto go on a business trip
  2. らいにちする · rainichi suruto come to Japan

Driving & transport

  1. じょうしゃする · jōsha suruto board (a vehicle)
  2. げしゃする · gesha suruto get off (a vehicle)
  3. ていしゃする · teisha suruto stop (a vehicle)

Moving & commuting

  1. ひっこしする · hikkoshi suruto move house
  2. いてんする · iten suruto relocate

Sightseeing & photos

  1. けんがくする · kengaku suruto tour, observe
  2. かんしょうする · kanshō suruto appreciate (art, film)

Katakana suru verbs

Work & office

  1. sutāto suruto start
  2. purinto suruto print
  3. kabā suruto cover (for someone)

Society & culture

Hobbies & culture

Sports & games

  1. けいば · keibahorse racing
  2. たいそう · taisōgymnastics, exercises

Games & outings

  1. sākuruclub (at university)

Media & entertainment

Stars & appearances

  1. げいのう · geinōshowbiz; entertainment
  2. とうじょう · tōjōappearance; entrance

News, books & editing

  1. かいせつ · kaisetsucommentary; explanation
  2. へんしゅう · henshūediting
  3. しょせき · shosekibook; publication
  4. そうさく · sōsakucreation; original work

Making & fandom

  1. せいさく · seisakuproduction (of a work)
  2. せいさく · seisakumanufacture; production

Games & fantasy

Politics, crime & disasters

Government & policy

  1. かいせい · kaiseirevision, amendment
  2. せいりつ · seiritsupassing (a law); coming into being
  3. たいせい · taiseisystem, structure
  4. かいさん · kaisandissolution (of the Diet, a group)

Public life, rules & welfare

  1. こうきょう · kōkyōpublic
  2. みんかん · minkanprivate sector, civilian
  3. とういつ · tōitsuunification, standardisation
  4. ふきゅう · fukyūspread, popularisation
  5. かいほう · kaihōliberation, release
  6. こくりつ · kokuritsunational (school, park, museum)
  7. じち · jichiself-government, autonomy

Thinking & reasoning

Ideas & hunches

  1. かんちがい · kanchigaimisunderstanding
  2. aideaidea
  3. じっかん · jikkanreal feeling, sense
  4. はっそう · hassōidea, way of thinking

News, justice & conflict

Scandals & statements

  1. こうひょう · kōhyōofficial announcement
  2. たいりつ · tairitsuconflict, opposition

Courts & crime reports

  1. しんにゅう · shinnyūbreak-in, intrusion
  2. したい · shitaidead body

Safety, victims & recovery

  1. ぼうし · bōshiprevention
  2. けいび · keibisecurity, guarding

Shows, books & performing

Books & readers

  1. さくしゃ · sakushaauthor
  2. ひょうし · hyōshicover (of a book)
  3. しょてん · shotenbookshop
  4. posutāposter

History & legends

Eras, emperors & samurai

  1. てんのう · tennōemperor (of Japan)
  2. ちゅうせい · chūseithe Middle Ages

Courts, crimes & rules

Battles, troops & rulers

Kings, nobles & eras

  1. みぶん · mibunsocial status; identity
  2. こくおう · kokuōking

Films, music & myths

Films & scripts

  1. せりふ · serifulines (in a play), what someone says
  2. しゅやく · shuyakuleading role
  3. めいさく · meisakumasterpiece

Matches, moves & pastimes

Beyond Polite Japanese

Youth & internet slang

Hype & praise

  1. gachislang: for real, serious; hardcore

Fillers & reactions

Kansai-ben basics

Everyday phrases

  1. maidoKansai: hi; thanks for your custom (shops)

Kansai words

  1. eraiKansai: very; awful (also: important)

Casual talk & reactions

Reactions & exclamations

  1. hōoh? hmm (impressed or curious)

Slang & strong words

  1. mechakuchaa total mess; extremely (casual)

Casual verbs

Slangy verbs

  1. fuzakeruto fool around, to joke
  2. つっこむ · tsukkomuto plunge into; to retort (comedy)

Teasing, tricking & provoking

  1. つぶす · tsubusuto crush; to kill (time)

JLPT levels follow Jonathan Waller's lists (tanos.co.uk). The JLPT has published no official vocabulary list since 2010, so levels are a guide.