Nihongo Tree

JLPT N4 vocabulary

N4 is the second level: basic Japanese for everyday conversation on familiar topics, spoken slowly.

The N4 list used here has 668 words, and 668 of them are on Nihongo Tree. Below are all 674 N4 words on the site, counting spelling variants, grouped by topic. Tap a word for its example sentence and audio.

Basics

Numbers & counting

Counters

  1. けん · kencounter for houses, shops
  2. ばい · baitimes, -fold

Suffixes

  1. かい · kaimeeting, gathering (suffix)
  2. く · kuward, district
  3. いん · inmember, staff (suffix)
  4. せい · seimade in ~
  5. だて · date-story building
  6. だい · daicharge, fee
  7. chanfriendly suffix (for kids, girls)
  8. okievery other ~
  9. てん · tenpoints, score

This, that & questions

This, that & which

  1. sonnathat kind of, such a
  2. kōlike this, this way

Question words

  1. annathat kind of (far from both)

Describing things

Long, thin & round

  1. やわらかい · yawarakaisoft; tender
  2. かたい · kataihard; firm

Good, bad & opinions

  1. うつくしい · utsukushiibeautiful
  2. すばらしい · subarashiiwonderful; splendid
  3. ただしい · tadashiicorrect; right
  4. okashiistrange; funny

Useful な-adjectives

  1. かんたん · kantaneasy; simple
  2. ふくざつ · fukuzatsucomplicated

More い-adjectives

  1. めずらしい · mezurashiirare; unusual
  2. hidoiterrible; cruel
  3. umaitasty; skilful
  4. やさしい · yasashiikind; gentle
  5. ふかい · fukaideep
  6. あさい · asaishallow
  7. こまかい · komakaismall; detailed; fine

Character & manner

  1. ていねい · teineipolite; careful
  2. しんせつ · shinsetsukind; helpful
  3. ねっしん · nesshinenthusiastic; eager
  4. まじめ · majimeserious; diligent
  5. むり · muriimpossible; unreasonable
  6. dameno good; useless
  7. へん · henstrange; weird

States & conditions

  1. さかん · sakanpopular; thriving
  2. ひつよう · hitsuyōnecessary
  3. だいじ · daijiimportant; precious
  4. とくべつ · tokubetsuspecial
  5. ふべん · fubeninconvenient
  6. てきとう · tekitōsuitable; random, half-hearted
  7. きゅう · kyūsudden; urgent
  8. べつ · betsudifferent; separate
  9. たしか · tashikacertain; if I recall

Time words

Meals

  1. ひるやすみ · hiruyasumilunch break

Now, before & after

  1. sakkia little while ago
  2. このあいだ · kono aidathe other day
  3. このごろ · konogorothese days
  4. korekarafrom now on; from here
  5. さいきん · saikinrecently
  6. こんど · kondonext time; this time

Little words

Degree

  1. ひじょうに · hijō niextremely, very
  2. ずいぶん · zuibunquite, considerably
  3. なかなか · nakanakaquite; not easily (with negative)
  4. とくに · toku niespecially, in particular
  5. sorehodonot that much (with negative)
  6. sonna nithat much, so (very)

Many & few

  1. hotondoalmost, mostly; hardly any (with negative)
  2. だいたい · daitaimostly, roughly
  3. たいてい · taiteiusually, as a rule
  4. sukkaricompletely, entirely
  5. いっぱい · ippaifull; a lot; a cup of
  6. だいぶ · daibuconsiderably, a good deal

Manner & probability

  1. shikkarifirmly, properly, steadily
  2. hakkiriclearly, plainly
  3. dondonrapidly, one after another
  4. suttosmoothly, quickly, in one go
  5. chittomonot at all (with negative)
  6. けっして · kesshitenever, by no means (with negative)

Limits & approximations

  1. いじょう · ijōmore than, over
  2. いない · inaiwithin, less than
  3. いがい · igaiother than, except
  4. ほど · hodoabout, to the extent of
  5. mamaas it is, unchanged

Linking words

  1. moshiif (by any chance)
  2. suru toand then, whereupon
  3. sore nibesides, moreover
  4. dakaraso, therefore

Yes, no & replies

  1. unyeah, yes (casual)
  2. aah, oh (surprise, realization)

Surely & at last

  1. かならず · kanarazuwithout fail, definitely
  2. kittosurely, I'm sure
  3. ぜひ · zehiby all means, please do
  4. yaharias expected, after all
  5. mochironof course
  6. tōtōfinally, in the end
  7. yattoat last, finally (after effort)

Effort & timing

  1. dekiru dakeas much as possible
  2. narubekuif possible, as far as possible
  3. いっしょうけんめい · isshōkenmeiwith all one's might, very hard
  4. shibarakufor a while; a long time
  5. sorosorosoon, about time to
  6. mō suguvery soon, any moment now
  7. ikura demoas much as one likes

First & last

  1. さいしょ · saishofirst, the beginning
  2. さいご · saigolast, the end
  3. おわり · owarithe end, finish
  4. mazufirst of all, to begin with
  5. もっとも · mottomomost, the -est (formal)
  6. いちど · ichidoonce, one time

More linking words

  1. matahaor, alternatively
  2. keredobut, although
  3. soredeand so, because of that
  4. ni tsuiteabout, concerning
  5. ni yoru toaccording to
  6. たとえば · tatoebafor example

People & pronouns

Pronouns & address

  1. かれ · karehe; boyfriend
  2. かのじょ · kanojoshe; girlfriend
  3. かれら · karerathey (people)
  4. ぼく · bokuI (casual, mostly male)

People

  1. みな · minaeveryone, all
  2. きみ · kimiyou (casual, to a peer or junior)

Linking & framing words

Timing, attitude & degree

At home

Kitchen

Appliances & spots

  1. gasugas
  2. すいどう · suidōtap water; water supply

Bathroom

Living room

Furniture

  1. でんとう · dentōelectric light

Room & fittings

  1. kātencurtain
  2. かべ · kabewall
  3. たたみ · tatamitatami mat

Lights & climate

  1. だんぼう · danbōheating
  2. れいぼう · reibōair conditioning (cooling)

Bedroom

Clothes

  1. したぎ · shitagiunderwear

Storage

  1. おしいれ · oshiirecloset (Japanese-style)
  2. ひきだし · hikidashidrawer
  3. たな · tanashelf
  4. てぶくろ · tebukurogloves
  5. sūtsukēsusuitcase

Waking & sleeping

  1. ねむい · nemuisleepy
  2. ねぼう · nebōoversleeping
  3. おこす · okosuto wake (someone) up

Laundry

Laundry verbs

  1. つける · tsukeruto soak
  2. かわく · kawakuto dry
  3. shimauto put away

Fabrics & care

  1. きぬ · kinusilk
  2. もめん · momencotton

Chores

Cleaning verbs

  1. かたづける · katazukeruto tidy up
  2. すてる · suteruto throw away

Spots & dirt

  1. すみ · sumicorner
  2. garasuglass (material)

Food & dining

Restaurant

Places & people

  1. てんいん · teninstaff member
  2. きゃく · kyakucustomer
  3. せき · sekiseat
  4. よやく · yoyakureservation

Taste

  1. にがい · nigaibitter

Convenience store

At the register

  1. rejiregister
  2. おつり · otsurichange

Supermarket

Café

Izakaya

Out & about

Train station

Trains & lines

  1. ふつう · futsūlocal train
  2. きゅうこう · kyūkōexpress train
  3. とっきゅう · tokkyūlimited express

Getting around

  1. まにあう · ma ni auto make it in time
  2. おくれる · okureruto be delayed, late
  3. こむ · komuto be crowded

Announcements

  1. わすれもの · wasuremonolost item, something left behind

Directions

Landmarks

  1. さか · sakaslope, hill

Turns

  1. もどる · modoruto go back

Distance & nearby

  1. とちゅう · tochūon the way
  2. とおく · tōkufar away

Asking the way

  1. あんない · annaiguidance, guiding
  2. ばしょ · bashoplace, location

Shopping

Stores

  1. sūpāsupermarket
  2. しなもの · shinamonogoods; item
  3. しょくりょうひん · shokuryōhingroceries; food items
  4. うりば · uribasales floor; counter
  5. akusesarīaccessories

Clothes & goods

  1. sūtsusuit
  2. sandarusandals
  3. きもの · kimonokimono
  4. ōbāovercoat

Post office

Mail

  1. じゅうしょ · jūshoaddress

Sending

  1. おくる · okuruto send

Clinic

Body parts

  1. のど · nodothroat
  2. せなか · senakaback
  3. うで · udearm

Symptoms

  1. ねつ · netsufever
  2. ぐあい · guaicondition, how one feels

Illness & injury

  1. やせる · yaseruto lose weight
  2. ふとる · futoruto gain weight

Doctor & tests

  1. ちゅうしゃ · chūshainjection
  2. はいしゃ · haishadentist
  3. かんごふ · kangofunurse (older term)

Medicine

  1. なおる · naoruto get well, to heal

Face & body

  1. かみ · kamihair (on the head)
  2. け · kehair, fur
  3. higebeard, mustache
  4. くび · kubineck
  5. ゆび · yubifinger
  6. ち · chiblood

City places

Shrines & sights

  1. じんじゃ · jinjashrine
  2. てら · teratemple
  3. きょうかい · kyōkaichurch
  4. びじゅつかん · bijutsukanart museum
  5. りょかん · ryokanJapanese inn
  6. おくじょう · okujōrooftop
  7. かいがん · kaigancoast, seashore

Buildings & lots

  1. birubuilding
  2. げしゅく · geshukuboarding house, lodgings
  3. とこや · tokoyabarbershop
  4. かいじょう · kaijōvenue, hall
  5. gasorin sutandogas station
  6. ちゅうしゃじょう · chūshajōparking lot

Vehicles & transport

  1. くうこう · kūkōairport
  2. ひこうじょう · hikōjōairfield
  3. みなと · minatoharbor, port
  4. ōtobaimotorcycle
  5. きしゃ · kishasteam train
  6. のりもの · norimonovehicle, ride
  7. ふね · funeboat
  8. うんてんしゅ · untenshudriver
  9. こうつう · kōtsūtraffic, transportation
  10. gasoringasoline

Districts & surroundings

  1. し · shicity
  2. と · tometropolis (Tokyo)
  3. こうがい · kōgaisuburbs
  4. いなか · inakacountryside
  5. きんじょ · kinjoneighborhood
  6. とおり · tōristreet
  7. まわり · mawarisurroundings, around

People

Family & home

My family (humble)

  1. そふ · sofu(my) grandfather
  2. そぼ · sobo(my) grandmother
  3. おっと · otto(my) husband
  4. つま · tsuma(my) wife
  5. むすこ · musuko(my) son
  6. むすめ · musume(my) daughter

Someone else's family

  1. ごしゅじん · goshujin(your) husband
  2. おじょうさん · ojōsan(your) daughter

Kids, parents & people

  1. おや · oyaparent
  2. こ · kochild
  3. あかちゃん · akachanbaby
  4. あかんぼう · akanbōbaby; infant
  5. papadad; papa
  6. かない · kanaimy wife (humble)
  7. だんせい · danseiman; male
  8. じょせい · joseiwoman; female
  9. おかねもち · okanemochirich person

Friends

Making plans

  1. やくそく · yakusokupromise; appointment
  2. よてい · yoteiplans; schedule
  3. あつまる · atsumaruto gather
  4. つごう · tsugōconvenience; availability
  5. れんらく · renrakucontact; getting in touch
  6. るす · rusubeing away from home

Hanging out

  1. しょくじ · shokujimeal
  2. とまる · tomaruto stay overnight
  3. さわぐ · sawaguto make noise; to party

Chatting

  1. そうだん · sōdanadvice; consultation
  2. わらう · warauto laugh

Phrases

  1. ひさしぶり · hisashiburilong time no see
  2. たのしみ · tanoshimilooking forward to it

Feelings

Good feelings

  1. うれしい · ureshiihappy; glad
  2. あんしん · anshinrelief; peace of mind

Down feelings

  1. かなしい · kanashiisad
  2. さびしい · sabishiilonely
  3. ざんねん · zannentoo bad; disappointing
  4. はずかしい · hazukashiiembarrassed

Anger & annoyance

  1. おこる · okoruto get angry
  2. じゃま · jamanuisance; obstruction

Worry & nerves

  1. しんぱい · shinpaiworry
  2. こわい · kowaiscary; afraid

Reactions

  1. おどろく · odorokuto be surprised
  2. sugoiamazing
  3. usono way; lie
  4. naruhodoI see

Expressing feelings

  1. きもち · kimochifeeling
  2. おもう · omouto think; to feel
  3. きぶん · kibunmood; how one feels
  4. なく · nakuto cry

Introductions

Language

  1. はつおん · hatsuonpronunciation

Polite phrases

  1. しょうかいする · shōkai suruto introduce

Polite Japanese

Honorific verbs

  1. irassharuto be/go/come (honorific)
  2. ossharuto say (honorific)
  3. nasaruto do (honorific)
  4. kudasaruto give to me (honorific)
  5. めしあがる · meshiagaruto eat/drink (honorific)
  6. goran ni naruto see (honorific)
  7. oide ni naruto be/go/come (honorific)

Humble verbs

  1. うかがう · ukagauto visit/ask (humble)
  2. まいる · mairuto go/come (humble)
  3. もうす · mōsuto say (humble)
  4. もうしあげる · mōshiageruto say (humble, to a superior)
  5. いたす · itasuto do (humble)
  6. itadakuto receive/eat (humble)
  7. oruto be, to stay (humble, of yourself)
  8. さしあげる · sashiageruto give (humble)
  9. はいけんする · haiken suruto see, look at (humble)

Polite words

  1. gozaimasuto be (polite)
  2. yoroshiigood, all right (polite)
  3. おたく · otakuyour home (polite)
  4. ごぞんじ · gozonjiknowing (honorific)
  5. おこさん · okosanyour child (polite)
  6. さま · samaMr./Ms. (formal title)
  7. ご · gohonorific prefix go-
  8. しょうちする · shōchi suruto understand, consent (humble)

Gifts & thanks

  1. おくりもの · okurimonogift, present
  2. おみやげ · omiyagesouvenir
  3. おれい · oreithanks, gratitude
  4. おいわい · oiwaicelebration, congratulatory gift
  5. おみまい · omimaivisiting the sick, get-well gift
  6. gochisōfeast, treat

Time & nature

Weather

Sky & conditions

  1. くも · kumocloud
  2. てんきよほう · tenki yohōweather forecast
  3. ほし · hoshistar

Weather verbs

  1. やむ · yamuto stop (rain, wind)
  2. ぬれる · nureruto get wet
  3. ひえる · hieruto get cold, to turn chilly
  4. ひかる · hikaruto flash, to shine

Seasons

Spring

  1. おはなみ · ohanamicherry blossom viewing
  2. くさ · kusagrass; weeds

Snow & skiing

  1. すべる · suberuto slide / slip

Time & dates

Clock time

  1. じゅっぷん · juppunten minutes

Today, tomorrow & weeks

  1. さらいげつ · saraigetsuthe month after next
  2. さらいしゅう · saraishūthe week after next

How often

  1. tamanionce in a while
  2. ぜんぜん · zenzennot at all

Outdoors

Mountains

  1. はやし · hayashiwoods; grove
  2. いし · ishistone; rock
  3. すな · sunasand

Trails & scenery

  1. けしき · keshikiscenery
  2. もり · moriforest
  3. みずうみ · mizūmilake

Camping

  1. ひ · hifire
  2. えだ · edabranch; twig

Animals

Pets

  1. ことり · kotorismall bird

Insects

  1. むし · mushibug

Work & school

Office

Roles

  1. しゃちょう · shachōcompany president
  2. ぶちょう · buchōdepartment head
  3. かちょう · kachōsection chief
  4. せんぱい · senpaisenior colleague

Daily tasks

  1. れんらくする · renraku suruto get in touch
  2. そうだんする · sōdan suruto consult
  3. じゅんびする · junbi suruto prepare

Work life

  1. arubaitopart-time job
  2. pātopart-time work

Departments

  1. かいぎしつ · kaigishitsumeeting room
  2. じむしょ · jimushooffice
  3. しんぶんしゃ · shinbunshanewspaper company
  4. こうじょう · kōjōfactory

Meetings

Meetings & places

  1. かいぎ · kaigimeeting
  2. しゅっせき · shussekiattendance

Materials

  1. せつめい · setsumeiexplanation

Discussing

  1. いけん · ikenopinion
  2. はんたい · hantaiopposition

Decisions

  1. きめる · kimeruto decide

School

Subjects

  1. すうがく · sūgakumath
  2. しゃかい · shakaisocial studies
  3. れきし · rekishihistory
  4. かがく · kagakuscience
  5. ちり · chirigeography

People

  1. こうこうせい · kōkōseihigh school student
  2. だいがくせい · daigakuseiuniversity student
  3. こうちょう · kōchōprincipal

Lessons

  1. しけん · shikenexam
  2. ふくしゅう · fukushūreview
  3. よしゅう · yoshūpreparation for class
  4. こたえ · kotaeanswer
  5. repōtoreport, paper
  6. tekisutotextbook

Words & writing

  1. じ · jicharacter, letter, handwriting

School levels & university

  1. しょうがっこう · shōgakkōelementary school
  2. ちゅうがっこう · chūgakkōjunior high school
  3. こうこう · kōkōhigh school
  4. がくぶ · gakubufaculty, department
  5. いがく · igakumedicine (study)
  6. こうどう · kōdōauditorium
  7. けんきゅうしつ · kenkyūshitsulaboratory, professor's office
  8. ぶんぽう · bunpōgrammar
  9. こうぎ · kōgilecture

Phone & email

Messages

  1. fakkusufax
  2. でんぽう · denpōtelegram

Reports, scope & standards

Careers, deals & marketing

Action verbs

Moving around

Going & coming

  1. むかう · mukauto head toward
  2. かよう · kayouto commute, to attend
  3. よる · yoruto stop by
  4. ひっこす · hikkosuto move house
  5. つれる · tsureruto take along (a person or animal)
  6. たずねる · tazuneruto visit

Walking & running

  1. いそぐ · isoguto hurry
  2. にげる · nigeruto escape, to run away

Up & down

  1. あがる · agaruto go up, to rise
  2. さげる · sageruto lower
  3. くだる · kudaruto go down (a slope)
  4. おちる · ochiruto fall
  5. おとす · otosuto drop

Stopping & waiting

  1. とめる · tomeruto stop, to park
  2. うごく · ugokuto move
  3. のこる · nokoruto stay behind, to remain

Turning & crossing

  1. とおる · tōruto pass through
  2. まわる · mawaruto go around, to spin
  3. すすむ · susumuto advance, to proceed
  4. すぎる · sugiruto pass, to go past

Using your hands

Holding & carrying

  1. はこぶ · hakobuto carry, to transport
  2. とどける · todokeruto deliver

Putting & taking

  1. ひろう · hirouto pick up
  2. たてる · tateruto stand up; to set upright

Pushing, pulling & throwing

  1. なげる · nageruto throw
  2. つかまえる · tsukamaeruto catch, to capture
  3. うつ · utsuto hit, to strike
  4. まわす · mawasuto turn, to spin (something)
  5. ふむ · fumuto step on

Making & fixing

  1. なおす · naosuto fix, to repair
  2. なおる · naoruto be fixed
  3. こわす · kowasuto break (something)
  4. こわれる · kowareruto break, to stop working
  5. ぬる · nuruto paint, to spread
  6. たてる · tateruto build

Doing & putting on

  1. おこなう · okonauto carry out; to hold
  2. たす · tasuto add

Talking & listening

Saying & telling

  1. つたえる · tsutaeruto convey, to pass on
  2. しらせる · shiraseruto let (someone) know

Asking, answering & listening

  1. きこえる · kikoeruto be audible, to hear
  2. たずねる · tazuneruto ask, to inquire

Calling & greeting

  1. むかえる · mukaeruto welcome, to pick up
  2. わかれる · wakareruto part, to split up

Reading & writing

  1. うつす · utsusuto copy
  2. しらべる · shiraberuto look into, to research

Teaching & learning

  1. おもいだす · omoidasuto recall
  2. まちがえる · machigaeruto make a mistake
  3. なれる · nareruto get used to

Agreeing & refusing

  1. あやまる · ayamaruto apologize
  2. ほめる · homeruto praise
  3. しかる · shikaruto scold

Giving & getting

Give & receive

  1. ageruto give
  2. kureruto give (to me)
  3. morauto receive, to get
  4. うける · ukeruto receive; to take (an exam)

Buying & selling

  1. はらう · harauto pay
  2. とりかえる · torikaeruto exchange, to replace

Finding & losing

  1. みつける · mitsukeruto find
  2. みつかる · mitsukaruto be found
  3. nakunaruto go missing, to run out

Using & keeping

  1. えらぶ · erabuto choose
  2. やくにたつ · yaku ni tatsuto be useful

Sending & collecting

  1. あつめる · atsumeruto collect, to gather

Mind & senses

Seeing & looking

  1. みえる · mieruto be visible, to look
  2. さがす · sagasuto look for
  3. ひかり · hikarilight

Hearing, smell & touch

  1. なる · naruto ring, to sound
  2. さわる · sawaruto touch
  3. おと · otosound; noise
  4. あじ · ajitaste; flavor

Thinking & deciding

  1. かんがえる · kangaeruto think about
  2. きまる · kimaruto be decided
  3. くらべる · kuraberuto compare

Feeling

  1. よろこぶ · yorokobuto be glad, to rejoice
  2. たのしむ · tanoshimuto enjoy
  3. がんばる · ganbaruto do one's best; to hang in there
  4. kamauto mind; to care about

Body & rest

  1. ねむる · nemuruto fall asleep, to sleep
  2. たおれる · taoreruto collapse, to fall down
  3. かむ · kamuto bite; to chew

Changing & happening

Change & continue

  1. かわる · kawaruto change (intr.)
  2. かえる · kaeruto change (tr.)
  3. ふえる · fueruto increase
  4. うつる · utsuruto move; to shift
  5. つづく · tsuzukuto continue
  6. すむ · sumuto be finished; to be settled
  7. にる · niruto resemble
  8. あう · auto fit; to match
  9. たりる · tariruto be enough

Break, burn & shake

  1. わく · wakuto boil (intr.)
  2. わかす · wakasuto boil (tr.)
  3. やける · yakeruto be baked; to burn
  4. われる · wareruto break; to crack
  5. おれる · oreruto snap; to break (long thing)
  6. よごれる · yogoreruto get dirty
  7. ゆれる · yureruto shake; to sway
  8. くれる · kureruto get dark; to end (day/year)
  9. あく · akuto become empty; to open up
  10. つく · tsukuto be lit; to come on

After the verb

  1. はじめる · hajimeruto begin
  2. つづける · tsuzukeruto continue (tr.)
  3. yasuieasy to ~
  4. nikuihard to ~
  5. bakarijust did; only

Life & care

  1. いきる · ikiruto live
  2. なくなる · nakunaruto pass away
  3. そだてる · sodateruto raise; to grow
  4. うえる · ueruto plant
  5. かざる · kazaruto decorate; to display
  6. いのる · inoruto pray; to wish

Suru verbs

Daily life

Housework

  1. せいかつする · seikatsu suruto live; to make a living

Going out

  1. しょくじする · shokuji suruto have a meal
  2. うんてんする · unten suruto drive
  3. しゅっぱつする · shuppatsu suruto depart

Health

  1. うんどうする · undō suruto exercise
  2. にゅういんする · nyūin suruto be hospitalized
  3. けがする · kega suruto get hurt
  4. たいいんする · taiin suruto leave the hospital

Getting ready

  1. よういする · yōi suruto prepare; to set out
  2. したくする · shitaku suruto get ready

Resting & hobbies

  1. けんぶつする · kenbutsu suruto go sightseeing; to watch

Study & work

Studying

  1. ふくしゅうする · fukushū suruto review
  2. よしゅうする · yoshū suruto prepare for class
  3. はつおんする · hatsuon suruto pronounce
  4. けんきゅうする · kenkyū suruto research
  5. ほんやくする · honyaku suruto translate

Tests & results

  1. しっぱいする · shippai suruto fail; to make a mistake

Work tasks

  1. せつめいする · setsumei suruto explain
  2. りようする · riyō suruto use; to make use of

Meetings & plans

  1. けいかくする · keikaku suruto plan
  2. かいぎする · kaigi suruto hold a meeting

Careers

  1. そつぎょうする · sotsugyō suruto graduate
  2. にゅうがくする · nyūgaku suruto enter a school
  3. せいさんする · seisan suruto produce; to manufacture
  4. ゆにゅうする · yunyū suruto import
  5. ゆしゅつする · yushutsu suruto export
  6. ぼうえきする · bōeki suruto trade (internationally)

People & feelings

Contacting

  1. へんじする · henji suruto reply
  2. あいさつする · aisatsu suruto greet
  3. かいわする · kaiwa suruto converse

Promising & inviting

  1. やくそくする · yakusoku suruto promise
  2. しょうたいする · shōtai suruto invite
  3. あんないする · annai suruto show around

Feelings

  1. しんぱいする · shinpai suruto worry
  2. あんしんする · anshin suruto feel relieved
  3. bikkuri suruto be surprised

Apologising & forgiving

  1. えんりょする · enryo suruto hold back; to be reserved
  2. しつれいする · shitsurei suruto be rude; to excuse oneself
  3. ちゅういする · chūi suruto warn; to be careful

Agreeing & arguing

  1. はんたいする · hantai suruto oppose
  2. けんかする · kenka suruto quarrel

Travel & getting around

Katakana suru verbs

Society & culture

The world

Countries & regions

  1. afurikaAfrica
  2. ajiaAsia
  3. amerikaAmerica, U.S.A.
  4. せいよう · seiyōthe West, Western world
  5. せかい · sekaiworld
  6. こくさい · kokusaiinternational

Politics & law

  1. せいじ · seijipolitics
  2. ほうりつ · hōritsulaw
  3. きそく · kisokurule, regulation
  4. しみん · shimincitizen
  5. こうむいん · kōmuinpublic servant, government employee
  6. せんそう · sensōwar

Economy & industry

  1. けいざい · keizaieconomy, economics
  2. さんぎょう · sangyōindustry
  3. こうぎょう · kōgyōmanufacturing industry
  4. ぎじゅつ · gijutsutechnology, skill
  5. わりあい · wariaiproportion, ratio; relatively
  6. じんこう · jinkōpopulation

Eras & customs

  1. じだい · jidaiera, period
  2. ぶんか · bunkaculture
  3. しゅうかん · shūkanhabit, custom
  4. むかし · mukashilong ago, the old days
  5. しょうらい · shōraifuture
  6. きょういく · kyōikueducation

Accidents & safety

  1. じこ · jikoaccident
  2. じしん · jishinearthquake
  3. かじ · kajifire (blaze)
  4. どろぼう · dorobōthief, burglar
  5. suripickpocket
  6. ぬすむ · nusumuto steal
  7. けいさつ · keisatsupolice
  8. きけん · kikendanger; dangerous
  9. あんぜん · anzensafe; safety

Ideas

Mind & interest

  1. き · kispirit, mind, attention
  2. こころ · kokoroheart, mind
  3. きょうみ · kyōmiinterest
  4. ちから · chikarastrength, power
  5. かんけい · kankeirelation, connection
  6. じゆう · jiyūfreedom; free

Reasons & chances

  1. りゆう · riyūreason
  2. げんいん · genincause
  3. ばあい · baaicase, occasion
  4. きかい · kikaichance, opportunity
  5. わけ · wakereason, meaning
  6. ため · tamefor the sake of, because of
  7. おかげ · okagethanks to

Plans & ways

  1. hazushould be, expected to be
  2. tsumoriintention, plan
  3. しかた · shikataway, method
  4. ようじ · yōjierrand, things to do
  5. よう · yōbusiness, errand
  6. こと · kotothing, matter

Shapes & sides

  1. かたち · katachishape, form
  2. かっこう · kakkōappearance, outfit
  3. taiputype
  4. おもて · omotefront, face-up side
  5. うら · uraback, reverse side
  6. せん · senline
  7. あいだ · aidabetween, interval
  8. まんなか · mannakamiddle, center
  9. りょうほう · ryōhōboth

Hobbies & culture

Music & arts

  1. pianopiano
  2. sutereostereo
  3. konsātoconcert
  4. おどる · odoruto dance
  5. てんらんかい · tenrankaiexhibition
  6. sukurīnscreen (cinema)
  7. berubell

Sports & contests

  1. tenisutennis
  2. じゅうどう · jūdōjudo
  3. すいえい · suieiswimming
  4. しあい · shiaimatch, game
  5. かつ · katsuto win
  6. まける · makeruto lose
  7. きょうそう · kyōsōcompetition, race
  8. つる · tsuruto fish

Reading & media

  1. しょうせつ · shōsetsunovel
  2. ぶんがく · bungakuliterature
  3. にっき · nikkidiary
  4. じてん · jitendictionary
  5. anaunsāannouncer
  6. ほうそう · hōsōbroadcast

Festivals & play

  1. おまつり · omatsurifestival
  2. しき · shikiceremony
  3. おどり · odoridance
  4. にんぎょう · ningyōdoll
  5. omochatoy
  6. あそび · asobiplay, game

Media & entertainment

Beyond Polite Japanese

Fillers & reactions

Kansai-ben basics

Kansai words

  1. naosuto put away (Kansai かたづける)

Casual talk & reactions

Reactions & exclamations

  1. oyaoh? huh? (noticing something odd)

Casual verbs

Slangy verbs

  1. ukeruto be hilarious; to go down well

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.