Vocabulary– category –
Japanese vocabulary in context. Nuance between similar words, JLPT vocabulary by level, loanwords, and practical usage. Browse by level: N4/N5, N2/N3, N1/N2. Full overview at the Japanese Vocabulary Hub.
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Japanese Loanwords from Other Languages: French, Portuguese, German Borrowings
【Not All Loanwords Come from English】 Most learners assume katakana loanwords are from English. While English is dominant, Japanese has borrowed extensively from Portuguese (16th century trade), French (19th-20th century), Dutch (Edo p... -
Japanese Onomatopoeia: Essential Sound and State Words (擬音語・擬態語)
【Japanese Loves Onomatopoeia】 Japanese has one of the world's richest onomatopoeia systems. Unlike English, where sound words are mostly just for actual sounds (bang, crash, hiss), Japanese onomatopoeia covers emotional states, texture... -
Japanese N3 Vocabulary: 100 Must-Know Words for Intermediate Learners
【JLPT N3: The Turning Point】 N3 is widely considered the gateway to practical Japanese fluency. At N3, you can handle most everyday situations, understand the gist of news articles, and navigate workplace communication. The vocabulary ... -
Japanese Colour Vocabulary: All the Colours and How to Use Them
【Japanese Colours: Two Types】 Japanese has two types of colour words: native Japanese colours that function as い-adjectives, and na-adjective/noun colour words. The four basic native colours (赤、青、白、黒) behave as い-adjectives; o... -
Japanese Nature and Weather Vocabulary: Seasons and Environment
Imagine standing at the edge of a quiet lake, watching the morning mist drift across the water while cherry blossoms fall around you. Or hiking up a mountain trail as a crow calls overhead. Moments like these are why so many people fall ... -
Japanese Work and Office Vocabulary: N4-N3 Level Business Words
【Office Japanese at N4-N3 Level】 Once you pass the basics, workplace Japanese becomes a priority for many learners — especially those working in or with Japanese companies. This article covers the core office vocabulary at the N4-N3 le... -
Japanese Body Parts Vocabulary: Head to Toe
Imagine this: you’re at a clinic in Tokyo, and the doctor asks where it hurts. You point vaguely and say “here” — hoping they understand. Or you’re getting a massage and the therapist asks which ar... -
Japanese Adjectives Complete Guide: i-Adjectives vs na-Adjectives
【Two Types of Adjectives — One Key Difference】 Japanese adjectives come in two types: い-adjectives (i-adjectives) and な-adjectives (na-adjectives). They conjugate differently, connect to nouns differently, and make different past-ten... -
Japanese N5 Vocabulary: 100 Essential Words for Absolute Beginners
【Why N5 Vocabulary Is Your Foundation】 JLPT N5 is the entry level, and its ~800 vocabulary words cover the most common Japanese you'll encounter daily. Master these and you can have basic conversations, read simple texts, and understan... -
Japanese Vocabulary Guide: Learn Japanese Words by Topic and JLPT Level
Build your Japanese vocabulary by topic, JLPT level, or word type. Includes beginner word lists, JLPT vocabulary guides, word comparison articles, and memory strategies.
