Kanji - Level 11 - Vocab

Question 1

入所

Answer 1

Admission, imprisonment
Kanji: 入 enter + 所 place
You enter a place. So, you have been given (or forced) admission into this place. You have been given entrance. For example, “admission” into a prison is something you could gain by not doing your WaniKani reviews in certain Crabigator ruled countries.
入所 refers to the act of entering facilities or institutions, commonly those with names ending in 所, such as 研究所 (research institutes).
Reading: にゅうしょ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 2

上級

Answer 2

Advanced level
Kanji: 上 above + 級 level
When you are at an above rank, you are at an advanced level. This is referring to things like proficiency in Japanese, or things like that.
Reading: じょうきゅう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 3

味方

Answer 3

Ally
Kanji: 味 flavor + 方 direction
The flavor of this direction is one I’d like to follow and go in, along with you. You have a good flavor and you’re going in a good direction. Will you be my ally? I’ll be your supporter.
Reading: みかた
This word uses the on’yomi reading for 味 and the kun’yomi reading for 方. Luckily, you’ve learned them both already so you should be able to read this word!

Question 4

売り上げ

Answer 4

Amount sold
Kanji: 売 sell + り + 上 above + げ
he selling that you’ve raised (上げ) is the amount sold or number of sales. Think of a graph going upward, where it’s rising as you sell more things.
Reading: うりあげ
The reading for 売 is the one you learned with 売る. The reading for 上げ is the same as the reading for 上げる, a word you learned previously. If you know those two separate things, you should be able to combine them into one awesome vocab thing.

Question 5

不良

Answer 5

Bad
Kanji: 不 not + 良 good
Something that’s not good is bad or substandard. This usage is more formal and frequently paired with other kanji compounds. Alternatively, it can refer to someone who is a delinquent, in which case it is often used as a standalone word.
Reading: ふりょう
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 6

初歩

Answer 6

Basics
Kanji: 初 first + 歩 walk
The first thing you walk through when you learn something new will always be the basics. You never start by running, you always have to start slow and work your way through the ABCs before you start to run.
Reading: しょほ
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 7

戦い

Answer 7

War
Kanji: 戦 war + い
Don’t let this word confuse you. It may end in い, but it’s not an adjective, it’s a noun. There are no rules in war, after all. This word describes what happens in war. Those things are battles, fights, and conflicts.
Reading: たたかい
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
In a fierce battle, there’s always a lot of collateral damage. One of the things that gets destroyed is your car. But you can’t do anything about it, it’s battle time! So you wave goodbye to your car saying, “Ta ta car (たたか)!” as you punch some jerk in the face.

Question 8

戦場

Answer 8

Battlefield
Kanji: 戦 war + 場 location
A war location is the battlefield. That’s where the wars are fought, anyways.
Reading: せんじょう
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 9

予め

Answer 9

Beforehand
Kanji: 予 beforehand + め
The kanji and the word are almost exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: あらかじめ
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
What did you do beforehand? You had a raw casual (あらかじ) encounter with a raw Cage, Nic Cage. You probably should have planned something better ahead of time.

Question 10

初級

Answer 10

Beginner level
Kanji: 初 first + 級 level
The first rank of something is the beginner level. Compare this to 中級 and 上級 (vocab from this level) to get a fuller understanding.
Reading: しょきゅう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 11

伝記

Answer 11

Biography
Kanji: 伝 transmit + 記 write down
If you want to transmit the story of someone’s life, you have to write down all of it in a biography.
Reading: でんき
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 12

生物学

Answer 12

Biology
Kanji: 生 life + 物 thing + 学 study
Remember how 生物 means “living things?” Well when you study living things you’re studying biology.
Reading: せいぶつがく
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 13

乗り場

Answer 13

Bus stop
Kanji: 乗 ride + り + 場 location
You’ve seen the word 乗る by now, hopefully, and know it means “to ride.” So this word has to do with a “riding location.” Where do you go to get a ride somewhere? Most likely, it’s a bus stop or taxi stand.
Reading: のりば
This word uses the kun’yomi readings, which you’ve learned already. Also, use 乗る to help you to remember the reading for 乗り.

Question 14

注意

Answer 14

Caution
Kanji: 注 pour + 意 idea
When you pour your ideas into something, you’re thinking a lot about it. You’re paying close attention and using caution. You’ll see this on a lot of warning signs marking dangerous things in Japan, so be sure to pay attention to them!
Reading: ちゅうい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 15

洋服

Answer 15

Clothes
Kanji: 洋 western style + 服 clothes
Western style clothes is just Western clothing (or Western style clothes). But nowadays, because Japanese people wear Western clothing all the time, we use it to just mean clothes. We’re talking things that aren’t kimonos, etc.
Reading: ようふく
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 16

共通点

Answer 16

Common point
Kanji: 共 together + 通 pass through + 点 point
We pass through this point together. This point is our common point. It is where our ideas, philosophies, and bodies pass through each other.
Reading: きょうつうてん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 17

仲間

Answer 17

Companion
Kanji: 仲 relationship + 間 interval
Your relationship intervals… this doesn’t make much sense at first, but if you think about it, at certain intervals from within your friends, you’ll run into someone who’s your companion… not just any old friend. Something better. Something part of your group.
Reading: なかま
The reading for 仲 is the one you learned. When you learned the kanji 間, we didn’t give you a mnemonic for the (ま) reading, so here’s one now:
Think through all your companions in your life. Imagine one of them is your Ma (ま). She’s on your pirate crew, and a pretty awesome pirate.

Question 18

競争

Answer 18

Competition
Kanji: 競 compete + 争 conflict
When you compete to the point of conflict, you know that this person / entity is your competition. Gotta beat out that competition. For example, in order to beat out the competition, WaniKani has a mascot that can eat every other small furry animal that the competition has for their mascot. Case closed.
Reading: きょうそう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 19

便利

Answer 19

Convenient
Kanji: 便 convenience + 利 profit
When you profit from your convenience, that means you have something very convenient or handy. Remember, you can profit in other ways besides money. This convenience could be giving you a profit in happiness or extra time as well. All these things are very handy to have.
Reading: べんり
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 20

共同

Answer 20

Cooperation
Kanji: 共 together + 同 same
People working together on the same thing is cooperation.
Reading: きょうどう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 21

〜部

Answer 21

Department
Kanji: 部 part
You’ll see this attached to other words… like “sales” or “tennis.” When you see this, you’ll know it is a ___ department, or a ___ club, making this word mean department or club, similar to the kanji meaning.
Reading: ぶ
The reading is the on’yomi reading. Don’t type the 〜 out when writing the answer. It’s just there to let you know that there’s usually something attached to this word.

Question 22

別

Answer 22

Different
Kanji: 別 separate
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: べつ
This has the same reading as the kanji you learned, meaning you know the reading!

Question 23

別人

Answer 23

Different person
Kanji: 別 separate + 人 person
A separate person is someone who is different from who they were before. I saw you a year ago and you were someone else. Now you’re a different person, in a good way! You’re a changed man.
Reading: べつじん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 24

教育

Answer 24

Education
Kanji: 教 teach + 育 nurture
Teach and nurture. That’s what your education is supposed to do.
Reading: きょういく
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 25

入学試験

Answer 25

Entrance exam
Kanji: 入 enter + 学 study + 試 try + 験 test
For school admission (入学) you’re taking an examination (試験). What exams do you have to take to get into a school? How about entrance exams? The Japanese ones are pretty hard. Another word for them is “hell tests.”
Reading: にゅうがくしけん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well. It’ll also help if you know the two separate words that make up this longer word.

Question 26

特に

Answer 26

Especially
Kanji: 特 special + に
Something is towards (に) special. That thing is especially special, wouldn’t you say?
Reading: とくに
The reading is the same reading you learned for this kanji.

Question 27

運命

Answer 27

Fate
Kanji: 運 carry + 命 fate
Everyone has to carry their fate. So what is the thing you’re carrying? It’s your fate.
Reading: うんめい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 28

気持ち

Answer 28

Feeling
Kanji: 気 energy + 持 hold + ち
The energy you hold in your body is your feelings. It can take the form of all kinds of things. Good feelings, bad feelings, that “strange feeling.”
Reading: きもち
気 is on’yomi and you learned that with the kanji. 持ち, though, is kun’yomi, which you learned with the word 持つ. One of those weird exception readings, but the ち on the end of 持ち is a clue that it uses the kun’yomi.

Question 29

心持ち

Answer 29

Feeling
Kanji: 心 heart + 持 hold + ち
Your heart holds a lot of feelings. They can be overwhelming and sometimes it feels like there are none in there at all, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there in your heart.
Reading: こころもち
The readings for this word are both kun’yomi readings. You learned them when you learned the words 心 and 持つ, so you should be able to read this on your own.

Question 30

指

Answer 30

Finger
Kanji: 指 finger
The kanji and the word are almost exactly the same. The only difference is that this word can mean finger or toe. What are toes but small, walking fingers?
Reading: ゆび
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it probably uses the kun’yomi reading. You did not learn this reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you to remember:
What do you use your finger for the most? For pointing, of course! Imagine going up to people and saying, “What will you be (ゆび) when you grow up?” Point your finger at the next person, “What will you be?” Keep going until you’re just saying, “You be? You be?” with your finger out.

Question 31

首位

Answer 31

First place
Kanji: 首 neck + 位 place
If you’re at neck rank you’re in first place. Haven’t you ever heard the phrase, “neck and neck” when two people in a race are both super close to first place? Just remember that and you’ll never forget this word.
Reading: しゅい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. You learned this reading for 首 when you learned 部首, and the reading for 位 is the one you learned with the kanji, so you should be able to read this on your own.

Question 32

一位

Answer 32

First place
Kanji: 一 one + 位 place
Rank one is the first place.
Reading: いちい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 33

食べ物

Answer 33

Food
Kanji: 食 eat + べ + 物 thing
An eat thing (aka “a thing you eat”) is food. Eat those things. Eat that food. Because it’s a “thing” you know it’s a noun. Interesting how this kanji can turn a verb like this into a noun, right? Look out for it because this pattern will show up with other verbs as well!
Reading: たべもの
This word uses the kun’yomi readings for both kanji, but you know them both now, so you should be able to read this too!

Question 34

友好

Answer 34

Friendship
Kanji: 友 friend + 好 like
If you have a friend you like, well, that’s true friendship!
Reading: ゆうこう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 35

仕返し

Answer 35

Getting even
Kanji: 仕 doing + 返 return + し
When you return the doings of another person, you’re doing it to get even (whether it’s a nice thing or a mean thing).
Reading: しかえし
The readings are a bit weird, here. 仕 gets its on’yomi reading… you should be okay with that. 返し gets the kun’yomi reading, though, which is the reading you saw with the word 返す in level 9. You can tell this part uses the kun’yomi vocab reading because it has that hiragana attached to it. Just remember to distinguish between the two parts of the word to remember the readings.

Question 36

神

Answer 36

God
Kanji: 神 god
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: かみ
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun’yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn’t learn that reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you with this word:
Do you know the word “Kamikaze”? Also, do you remember the word 風 from a previous level? Kamikaze means “divine winds” or “godly winds.” If you know the word “Kamikaze” you can apply it to this single word, that means “god” or “gods.” Use your prior knowledge to remember this reading.

Question 37

良い

Answer 37

Good
Kanji: 良 good + い
This is a single kanji with an い on the end, meaning you know it’s probably an adjective. What’s the adjective form of good? It’s also good.
Readings: よい, いい
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it probably uses the kun’yomi reading. You did not learn this reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you to remember:
A good way to pass the time is with a yo-yo (よ). But it better be a good yo-yo. A bad one will just fall apart.

Question 38

気持ちいい

Answer 38

Good feeling
Kanji: 気 energy + 持 hold + ち + い + い
When you have a “feeling” (気持ち) that is いい (that means “good” by the way), you have a good feeling.
Reading: きもちいい
The reading comes from the vocab word 気持ち, so if you know that (or the vocab words 気 and 持ち) you should be A-okay on this one. Maybe even feeling good about it?

Question 39

努力

Answer 39

Great effort
Kanji: 努 toil + 力 power
You toil and use your strength. Ugh! How difficult. You really put in a great effort.
Reading: どりょく
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 40

苦労

Answer 40

Hardship
Kanji: 苦 suffering + 労 labor
Suffering and labor. Sounds like the kind of thing these soft hands wouldn’t want to deal with. These are hardships and troubles. Hopefully you don’t have too much of this with kanji anymore!
Reading: くろう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 41

苦手

Answer 41

Hard to deal with
Kanji: 苦 suffering + 手 hand
A “suffering hand” is a little misleading. Think more in terms of the words 苦い (bitter) and 手 (person… remember how that happens sometimes?). Now think of this word like you’re bitter about having to work with someone. Why? Because they are extremely hard to deal with.
Reading: にがて
The reading is that of 苦い (にがい) plus regular old 手 (て). Remember, this is your bitter person, the person who’s “hard to deal with.” So, it uses the strange にがい reading.

Question 42

高級

Answer 42

High-class
Kanji: 高 tall + 級 level
A tall grade item is really just a high grade or high-class item.
Reading: こうきゅう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 43

平仮名

Answer 43

Hiragana
Kanji: 平 flat + 仮 temporary + 名 name
Remember how you learned that 仮名 means “kana?” Well this is flat kana. Flat kana is just hiragana.
Reading: ひらがな
You should know the reading for this word because it’s the same as the English meaning.

Question 44

使い方

Answer 44

How to use
Kanji: 使 use + い + 方 direction
You’ve seen the word 使う hopefully by now. If you have, you know it means “to use.” So, the way to use something is the way of using (aka how to use). This will be a word you see when you’re looking at directions for how to use something.
Reading: つかいかた
This uses the kun’yomi readings from the vocab words 使う and 方. So as long as you’re okay with those, you can apply that knowledge over here.

Question 45

〜付き

Answer 45

Including
Kanji: 〜付 attach + き
You know that the kanji 付 means attach and words like 付く mean “to be attached.” This has the same idea. When you see this attached to another word, for example, you might know that something is attached to something else, or perhaps included with it. For example, if you stay at a hotel room, maybe it is a breakfast付き, i.e. “including breakfast.”
Reading: つき
The reading comes from the reading of the kanji as well as from words like 付く and 付ける.

Question 46

不便

Answer 46

Not convenient
Kanji: 不 not + 便 convenience
Something that is not convenience is inconvenient.
Reading: ふべん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 47

中級

Answer 47

Intermediate rank
Kanji: 中 middle + 級 level
Something at the middle rank or grade is at an intermediate level.
Reading: ちゅうきゅう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 48

始めに

Answer 48

In the beginning
Kanji: 始 begin + め + に
You know the kanji part means begin. The に on the end refers to a direction. So, think of this like “the direction of the beginning” which would be where things all started. That’s why this word/phrase means “in the beginning.”
Reading: はじめに
The reading is kun’yomi (look at all that hiragana!) but that’s the reading you learned with the word 始める, so have no fear, you got it!

Question 49

仕事

Answer 49

Job
Kanji: 仕 doing + 事 action
Your “doing actions” are the things you do. What do you say when someone asks “what you do”? You tell them what your job is.
Reading: しごと
This word uses the on’yomi reading for 仕 and the kun’yomi reading for 事. Please note that 事 uses the reading こと, which you didn’t learn with the kanji, but you have come across it once or twice by now, and because of the way rendaku works, it’s changed to the voiced ごと.

Question 50

丁度いい

Answer 50

Just right
Kanji: 丁 street + 度 degree + い + い
If 丁度 is “exactly”, then “exactly good” is going to be just the right amount, aka just right.
Reading: ちょうどいい
If you know the reading for 丁度 you’ll know the reading for this too. Your knowledge should be just right, as they say inside my head.

Question 51

労働者

Answer 51

Laborer
Kanji: 労 labor + 働 work + 者 someone
Someone who does labor for work is a laborer.
Reading: ろうどうしゃ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 52

命

Answer 52

Life
Kanji: 命 fate
A vocab made from a single kanji all alone usually keeps at least one of the meanings of its kanji parent. In this case, that’s life.
Reading: いのち
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun’yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn’t learn that reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you with this word:
The Book of Enoch (いのち) has passed down your fate and told you how to use your life. You must read the book of Enoch and find out what you’re supposed to do.

Question 53

文字通り

Answer 53

Literal
Kanji: 文 writing + 字 letter + 通 pass through + り
Remember how you learned the words 文字 and 通り? Well an “avenue” made of “letters” is literally to the letter. Wink.
Reading: もじどおり
This is a combination of the words 文字 and 通り, which you learned already, so you should be able to read this one. Just make sure you remember that とおり becomes どおり because of rendaku.

Question 54

昔

Answer 54

Long ago
Kanji: 昔 long ago
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. This is a good way to start stories, by the way: 昔々に… (Long, long ago).
Reading: むかし
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji. むかし sounds like a kun’yomi reading, doesn’t it? It’s so long.

Question 55

負け犬

Answer 55

Loser
Kanji: 負 lose + け + 犬 dog
You’ve hopefully come across 負ける by now, which means “to lose.” So, you can figure out this word means “losing dog.” Well, calling someone a dog isn’t so nice, so you’re probably just calling them a loser.
Reading: まけいぬ
The readings are kun’yomi, but you should be familiar with 負ける and of course 犬 well enough to learn the reading here.

Question 56

低い

Answer 56

Low
Kanji: 低 low + い
This is a single kanji with an い on the end, meaning you know it’s probably an adjective. What’s the adjective form of low? It’s low.
Reading: ひくい
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You look down and very low to the ground is a man, looking up at you. Your friend is there too, but you don’t know this little man. Your friend says “He coo’, he coo,” referring to the low to the ground man.

Question 57

労働

Answer 57

Manual labor
Kanji: 労 labor + 働 work
The labor work is when you’re doing work with your body, right? That’s manual labor.
Reading: ろうどう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 58

意味

Answer 58

Meaning
Kanji: 意 idea + 味 flavor
The flavor of an idea, what is that? Imagine yourself licking an idea to figure out what it tastes like. What do you think you’ll be tasting? Probably the meaning of said idea.
Reading: いみ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 59

新た

Answer 59

New
Kanji: 新 new + た
This is the adjective version of the kanji new, so it means new too.
Reading: あらた
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
Your parents put a newly wrapped present under the Christmas tree. You don’t want to wait to see what new thing they got you so you rip it open to find they got you a raw (あら) steak. Getting a new steak is cool and all, but a raw steak is pretty gross. It’s dripping blood all over the place.

Question 60

別に

Answer 60

Not particularly
Kanji: 別 separate + に
If someone asks if you want a separate knee (に), you’ll say not particularly. I mean, you’ve never thought about it, but do you really need more knees? Not really…
In this first meaning, 別に is often used on its own, or with a negative verb or adjective, as in 別に長くない (not particularly long).
However, when 別に is used with a positive verb, it often simply means separately, or in addition to. After all, when you have to do something separately, you have to do it in addition to something else. Like learning this meaning in addition to the first one. What a chore!
Reading: べつに
The reading is just the reading you learned with the kanji. Well done!

Question 61

発売中

Answer 61

Now for sale
Kanji: 発 departure + 売 sell + 中 middle
You have 発売, which means “for sale,” and then you have 中 which is middle. An item that is in the middle of being for sale is now for sale, in stores now or in other words now available. You’ll see this for items which have recently been released or when a shopkeeper wants to let you know that they’re selling something now, finally, or whatever.
Reading: はつばいちゅう
The reading comes from 発売 and 中 (kanji reading) put together.

Question 62

老人

Answer 62

Old person
Kanji: 老 old + 人 person
An elderly person is an old person (or an elderly person). Don’t call a person a 古い人, though. 古い is used for things, not people. Be nice, they’re your elders.
Reading: ろうじん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 63

意見

Answer 63

Opinion
Kanji: 意 idea + 見 see
The idea you see in your head is your opinion. As the dude once said… “That’s just, like, your 意見, man.”
Reading: いけん
The reading is all on’yomi, meaning 意 is just fine. 見’s on’yomi (けん) is a reading you didn’t learn with the kanji because it’s so much less useful, but you do have to know it here. You’ve seen it with 発見 a couple levels ago, so that should help. Still, here’s a mnemonic to help you remember:
In this case, just think about how Ken the samurai has an opinion on everything. Ken is such a know-it-all, and you’re better off agreeing with his opinions. He’s a samurai after all!

Question 64

注文

Answer 64

Order
Kanji: 注 pour + 文 writing
You pour writing onto a form. You’re filling out this form to order something new for yourself. It’s a formal request to get this new thing (imagine it being something you’re excited about ordering right now, and imagine yourself ordering it by pouring writing onto an order form).
Reading: ちゅうもん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 65

命令

Answer 65

Order
Kanji: 命 fate + 令 orders
Your fate orders are the orders you get from above. You are ordered and commanded to carry out said orders.
Reading: めいれい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 66

太平洋

Answer 66

Pacific Ocean
Kanji: 太 fat + 平 flat + 洋 western style
The fat peace ocean is the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese language thinks this ocean is peaceful, just like English does (the word 太平 actually means “peace”).
Note that we’re using the alternative meaning of 洋 here! If you didn’t learn that with the kanji, just imagine that to get to Western Style places you need to cross the ocean from Japan!
Reading: たいへいよう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 67

用意

Answer 67

Preparation
Kanji: 用 task + 意 idea
When you have an idea for a task you are in preparation for actually doing it. Because it’s still just an idea you’re still getting ready.
Reading: ようい
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 68

公共

Answer 68

Public
Kanji: 公 public + 共 together
When the public comes together you have yourself a nice community made up of the public.
Reading: こうきょう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 69

〜位

Answer 69

Rank
Kanji: 位 rank
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: い
The reading is the on’yomi reading, which you learned. This is probably because you’ll see this word attached to other words, showing the rank of that thing.

Question 70

本物

Answer 70

Real thing
Kanji: 本 book + 物 thing
The real thing is the real thing, aka the real deal.
If you learned 本 as book you can also think of this word as the “book thing.” What is this book thing? Is it the real version of the book? Is it the real deal? If so, I’ll pay you a million.
Reading: ほんもの
The readings are on’yomi plus kun’yomi (kun’yomi is 物). You learned the reading of the kanji 本 and also the vocabulary reading of 物, so you should be able to read it.

Question 71

電波

Answer 71

Reception
Kanji: 電 electricity + 波 wave
The electricity wave is a wave of electricity going through the air. There are many words one can use to describe this, but the easiest one is reception (aka the reception on your phone, for example). Other more technical meanings are radio wave and electromagnetic waves. Which one you like is up to you, but reception is going to be the most common meaning on the street. Luckily people in Japan don’t have AT otherwise you’d hear this word a lot more…
Reading: でんぱ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well. The は from 波 rendakus to ぱ, so be careful. Maybe it’s your pa who has bad reception every time you try to call him?

Question 72

受付

Answer 72

Receptionist
Kanji: 受 accept + 付 attach
Imagine someone accepting something and then attaching something. This person is a receptionist, because they are accepting the call, writing down the information, and then attaching said information to a sticky note for you to read. You say, “No, I’m not available.”
Reading: うけつけ
For this reading you have to think back to the verb words that get used with this kanji, namely 受ける and 付ける. Then just drop off the るs and put them together. 受 becomes うけ and 付 becomes つけ and you’re left with うけつけ. This is what’s called a compound word. And now you know it. Nice!

Question 73

仲直り

Answer 73

Reconciliation
Kanji: 仲 relationship + 直 fix + り
A relationship fix is reconciliation, making peace, or making up with someone.
Reading: なかなおり
The readings are the kun’yomi readings. For 仲 you’re fine. That’s what you learned with the kanji. For 直り think back to the vocab word 直る. That’s what’s going on here.

Question 74

仲

Answer 74

Relationship
Kanji: 仲 relationship
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: なか
The reading is the kun’yomi reading since it’s a single kanji, all alone, but this is the reading you learned with the kanji, so you should be okay and have a great relationship with this word going forward.

Question 75

金持ち

Answer 75

Rich person
Kanji: 金 gold + 持 hold + ち
When you hold gold you are a rich person.
Reading: かねもち
Do you remember the word お金? This is the 金 in that word. The reading for 持ち is the も you learned with 持つ. So, combine the かね of お金 and the 持ち and you have the reading of this word. Note that just like お金, you’ll often see this with the honorific prefix お in front of it as well.

Question 76

屋上

Answer 76

Rooftop
Kanji: 屋 roof + 上 above
Above the roof is the rooftop. What else would be up there?
Reading: おくじょう
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You didn’t learn this reading for 屋 though, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
One place in the world has more rooftops than any where else, and that’s Oklahoma (おく). They get so many tornadoes that they need extra rooftops for when the first few blow off.

Question 77

海岸

Answer 77

Seashore
Kanji: 海 sea + 岸 shore
The ocean/sea coast is the seashore. Then again, it could also be the coast as well.
Reading: かいがん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 78

秒

Answer 78

Second
Kanji: 秒 second
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well - that is the unit of time, second.
Reading: びょう
The reading is the same as you learned with the kanji. It’s presumably because it’s usually attached to other things, like numbers, making it act more like a jukugo word would. Anyway, you should only need a second to learn this reading, since you should already know it.

Question 79

安売り

Answer 79

Sell cheaply
Kanji: 安 relax + 売 sell + り
When you sell something cheap, you’re selling it at a discount. Alternatively you can remember this word as sell cheaply or bargain sale. These are good deals!
Reading: やすうり
The hiragana on the end hints that the readings are the kun’yomi readings. Use your memory of 安い and 売る to help you to remember how to read this.

Question 80

売り手

Answer 80

Seller
Kanji: 売 sell + り + 手 hand
Remember how 手 can mean “doer”? Here, we have a sell doer. Who might that be? It’s someone who does selling – a seller or vendor.
売り手 is usually used when talking about sellers versus buyers.
Reading: うりて
This word uses the kun’yomi readings for both kanji, but you know them both now, so you should be able to read this too! One hint that this is a kun’yomi reading word is the hiragana in the center. It’s like two separate words combined together, and when a word is a single kanji / a single kanji with hiragana attached it is usually kun’yomi. This is like two of those, combined.

Question 81

別の

Answer 81

Separate
Kanji: 別 separate + の
The の is there to indicate that it is the difference of something. For example this is like saying “the separate ______” or “the different _____” or “another ______”. 別 by itself just means separate, different, or another.
Reading: べつの
The reading is the same as the one you learned. Move on to a 別の漢字, ok?

Question 82

別々

Answer 82

Separately
Kanji: 別 separate + 々 repeater
When you separate separate you’re putting things off into their own areas. You’re marking them off separately and individually.
Reading: べつべつ
The reading is just the べつ reading you know, twice.

Question 83

共有

Answer 83

Shared
Kanji: 共 together + 有 have
The things you together have are the things that are shared.
Reading: きょうゆう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 84

神道

Answer 84

Shinto
Kanji: 神 god + 道 road
The way/road of the god(s) is, as you can probably guess, a big Japanese religion. There’s two, and I’ll give you a hint, this one isn’t Buddhism (that would probably have the kanji for Buddha in it, no?). So what’s the other big one? It’s Shinto. If you’re having trouble remembering this because you’ve never heard of it before, skip to the reading. The reading will help.
Reading: しんとう
The reading is a bit wonky. 神 should be no problem. 道 on the other hand is almost the one you learned (どう) but now it’s とう for some reason. Perhaps the gods took away the dakuten to make it とう, who knows. All I know is that it’s best not to question said gods. If you already know of Shinto in English, though, this reading should be really easy. If you don’t, perhaps you can use this reading to help you to remember Shinto the religion.

Question 85

神社

Answer 85

Shinto shrine
Kanji: 神 god + 社 company
A God company… think of this as “what ‘company’ does the god’s work?” Well, the answer to that is a shrine, probably. In this case a Shinto Shrine because of the しん in the 神.
Reading: じんじゃ
But wait! 神 is read じん in this word for some reason. Darn them gods, always messing around, adding dakuten. Maybe this will help, though: Imagine yourself at a Shinto Shrine. You are praying to the Gods, asking for food. Out from the sky rains Ginger (じんじゃ). You are pelted with it and not sure if you should be happy or upset.

Question 86

買い物

Answer 86

Shopping
Kanji: 買 buy + い + 物 thing
You’ve hopefully seen 買う by now and know it means “to buy.” So, 買い is going to be similar to that. Add that to thing and you have a “buying things” sort of word. What does “buying things” describe? It describes shopping.
Reading: かいもの
The readings are the kun’yomi, which is usually the case when there’s hiragana in the middle. You learned the reading for 買い when you learned the kanji, as well as the word 買う, and you learned this reading of 物 in the word 物!

Question 87

辺

Answer 87

Side
Kanji: 辺 area
One of the kanji meanings is side, and as a standalone word this also means side, as in the sides of a shape.
Reading: へん
This has the same reading as the kanji you learned, meaning you know the reading!

Question 88

見物

Answer 88

Sightseeing
Kanji: 見 see + 物 thing
If you try to see a bunch of things at once, you are probably sightseeing or watching. This can also refer to the person doing the action, so it can sometimes mean sightseer too.
Reading: けんぶつ
The reading is all on’yomi, and you know how to read 物. 見’s on’yomi (けん) is a reading you didn’t learn with the kanji because it’s so much less useful, but you do have to know it here. You’ve seen it with 発見 a couple levels ago, so that should help. Just imagine taking the samurai Ken on an epic sightseeing trip. Think of all the things you and Ken will visit!

Question 89

売り切れ

Answer 89

Sold out
Kanji: 売 sell + り + 切 cut + れ
When the selling is cut, that means something is sold out. You’ll see this word a lot in stores (or, hopefully you won’t…) in Japan. Look out for it if you’re able!
Reading: うりきれ
This word uses the kun’yomi readings for both kanji, but you know them both now, so you should be able to read this too!

Question 90

時々

Answer 90

Sometimes
Kanji: 時 time + 々 repeater
You know the single word 時, right? It means time. This is that twice. So you have one time, and you have another time. They are separate. Things don’t happen in every of these times you have. They happen sometimes.
Reading: ときどき
The reading is the vocab word 時 twice, with the second one getting rendaku’d.

Question 91

特別

Answer 91

Special
Kanji: 特 special + 別 separate
Something that is special and separate from the rest is, well, special.
Reading: とくべつ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 92

見事

Answer 92

Splendid
Kanji: 見 see + 事 action
Every single thing you see is splendid. You saw it after all, so of course it’s magnificent. Your eyes are so great that they make everything reflect you. And you’re beautiful.
Reading: みごと
The readings for this word are both kun’yomi readings. You learned them already, so you should be able to read this on your own. Just remember that there is rendaku on こと and it becomes ごと.

Question 93

成功

Answer 93

Success
Kanji: 成 become + 功 achievement
When you become achievement, you have probably gained plenty of success.
Reading: せいこう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 94

作戦

Answer 94

Tactics
Kanji: 作 make + 戦 war
When you make war, you’re building it up like you’d build a building. You have to make strategy, you have to plan, you have to come up with awesome tactics for your operation.
Reading: さくせん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 95

物語

Answer 95

Tale
Kanji: 物 thing + 語 language
A language about things. This is a confusing one. Just think of it more like someone talking about things, anything, really. Someone who just talks about things is someone who tells stories. So, this word means tale or story or legend (not the Tom Cruise one, though).
Reading: ものがたり
Both kanji take the kun’yomi here. For 物, that’s もの, which you learned with the vocabulary 物. You learned the kun’yomi for 語 with the verb 語る, but here it becomes がたり because of rendaku, and the り is tucked inside the kanji.
Maybe you’ve already heard the word ものがたり too. It’s in some film and book names. If you haven’t, and you find this reading hard to remember, think of a story about an infamous Gatling (がたり) gun that wandered the land, mowing everything down in its path. It’s a terrible legend, but what if it were true???

Question 96

戦車

Answer 96

Tank
Kanji: 戦 war + 車 car
A war car is probably a little more dangerous than the Honda you drive. No, a war car is a tank.
Reading: せんしゃ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 97

味

Answer 97

Taste
Kanji: 味 flavor
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: あじ
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun’yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn’t learn that reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you with this word:
You may have the ability to taste things now, but just wait until you get up there in age (あじ). You’ll find that the tastes and flavors you once liked will become bland, and you’ll need a lot of Sriracha to make things taste better.

Question 98

最初

Answer 98

The first
Kanji: 最 most + 初 first
The most first thing is the first thing.
Reading: さいしょ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 99

初回

Answer 99

The first time
Kanji: 初 first + 回 times
The first of something you’ll do several or many times is the first time.
Reading: しょかい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 100

最低

Answer 100

The lowest
Kanji: 最 most + 低 low
The most low is the lowest or the minimum. It’s also what you call something when you think it’s the worst or just plain terrible. Try yelling this out when you’re disgusted about someone or something.
Reading: さいてい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 101

西洋

Answer 101

The West
Kanji: 西 west + 洋 western style
The Western styled West is still known as the West. The one everyone refers to over in Asia when they talk about Western countries in Europe and North America. This is the place you’ll hear people say you’re from if you live in Canada or something.
Reading: せいよう
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 102

進める

Answer 102

To advance something
Kanji: 進 advance + め + る
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means advance, and this verb means to advance something or to move something forward.
This is a transitive verb, so you act upon something else. You advance something. You move something forward. Like a school project, or your plans for taking over the world.
Reading: すすめる
Since this word has okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) you know that it’s probably going to be the kun’yomi reading, which you didn’t learn with the kanji. Here’s a mnemonic to help:
You are moving your lawsuit forward against Sue. But now she says that YOU’RE the problem. “Sue, sue me,” (すすめ) you say as you continue to advance the lawsuit. Make sure to say “me” like “mehh,” in a really snobbish way.

Question 103

指定する

Answer 103

To appoint
Kanji: 指 finger + 定 determine + す + る
When you determine and use your finger to point at someone or something, you’re going to appoint them. Just imagine yourself determining who’s the best for the job then pointing with your finger. That is who you will appoint. The する on the end makes it a verb, so 指定 would be “appointment” or “designation” or something along those lines. Cool how する works.
Reading: していする
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Question 104

成る

Answer 104

To become
Kanji: 成 become + る
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means become so the vocab verb version would be to become.
While the kanji version is worth knowing, be aware that you’ll usually see this verb written in hiragana.
Reading: なる
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you: You are starting to become something else. You’re transforming, but you’re not sure what it is. First, you get fins… uh oh, something in the water. Then, you gain a tail and rubbery skin… hmm, something sea mammal-like. Oh, and then a huge horn flies out of your nose. You are going to become a narwhal (な).

Question 105

育つ

Answer 105

To be raised
Kanji: 育 nurture + つ
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means raise so the verb vocab version means to be raised.
P.S. This word is for when you are being raised, not when you are doing the raising of someone. That’s 育てる. You’ll learn it later.
Reading: そだつ
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
When you were raised, you were raised completely on soda (そだ). That’s all you drank. No water, no juice… just tons and tons of soda. Imagine this.

Question 106

返る

Answer 106

To be returned
Kanji: 返 return + る
You hopefully know the word 返す, which means “to return” (as in, you’re doing the direct action of returning something). This word, on the other hand, is the version where something just returns (and you’re not doing the action of returning it). Use the る to help you to remember this. る the Kangaroo is returned to you. You don’t do any of the returning, it just happens or someone else does it. That’s why this word means to be returned.
Note this word is often combined with くる (to come), which reinforces the aspect that something is coming back to you.
Reading: かえる
The reading is the same as 返す, so as long as you know that you’ll be able to apply it here to learn the reading of this word as well.

Question 107

放送する

Answer 107

To broadcast something
Kanji: 放 release + 送 send + す + る
You are going to release and send something out. Imagine this message going out through the sky to everyone around you. You are going to broadcast something to the world!
The する is on there to make this noun a verb. Without the する it would be the noun “broadcast.”
Reading: ほうそうする
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 108

追う

Answer 108

To follow
Kanji: 追 follow + う
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means follow so the verb version is to follow (it’s also to chase, because when you follow something you are chasing it too).
Reading: おう
You’ve learned this reading already, so you should know how to read this word!

Question 109

通う

Answer 109

To commute
Kanji: 通 pass through + う
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji means pass through but we already know the word 通る which means to pass through. This word means a different kind of passing through, like how you pass through the halls of your school everyday. But we don’t say to pass through school, we say to attend school, or to commute to school.
Reading: かよう
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use one of the kun’yomi readings. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You live in the middle of three different school districts so you need to decide which of the three schools you want to attend. You decide you don’t mind that you have to commute to the farthest of the three because their mascot is Wile E. Coyote (かよ). He’s your favorite Looney Toon because he always has the energy to go back and forth after that road runner.

Question 110

比べる

Answer 110

To compare
Kanji: 比 compare + べ + る
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means compare so the verb vocab version is to compare.
Reading: くらべる
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you: Look at this cooler (くら). Now look at this other cooler. We need to compare the two coolers. Think about all the features each one has and really compare, like you have a list or something.

Question 111

競う

Answer 111

To compete
Kanji: 競 compete + う
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means compete so the verb vocab version means to compete.
Reading: きそう
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You have to compete for kisses (きそ) from that boy/girl you like. Imagine yourself doing this, competing with a rival.

Question 112

争う

Answer 112

To compete
Kanji: 争 conflict + う
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means conflict so the vocabulary means to compete, to argue, or to quarrel. Your views conflict with someone else’s so you’re going to compete with them to see who’s right.
Reading: あらそう
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You’re starting to compete and to argue with someone, who is yelling at you: “You are so (あらそ) stupid!”. You might want to imagine this in an accent that gets you closer to the Japanese pronunciation.

Question 113

集中する

Answer 113

To concentrate
Kanji: 集 collect + 中 middle + す + る
You collect and focus in on the middle. Really zoom in on it. When you do this, you’re concentrating on this spot, thus making the meaning of this word to concentrate or to focus.
Reading: しゅうちゅうする
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 114

決定する

Answer 114

To decide
Kanji: 決 decide + 定 determine + す + る
A 決定 is a “decision.” So, when you add する to it you’re making it a verb, meaning this word means to decide.
Reading: けっていする
The reading is the same as 決定 with する added. Make sure you know 決定 and you’ll know this word as well.

Question 115

便所

Answer 115

Toilet
Kanji: 便 convenience + 所 place
Ahem. This is the place of convenience. What place above all others do you want to be convenient? Just in case, you know… that would be the toilet. You might also call it the lavatory, the restroom, or the bathroom.
This word is casual and sounds gruff, so you won’t see it on offical signs or hear it in polite conversation. It’s worth knowing so that you’ll understand it in casual speaking and writing, though.
Reading: べんじょ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well. Just watch out for the rendaku.

Question 116

保持する

Answer 116

To keep
Kanji: 保 preserve + 持 hold + す + る
This is the verb version of 保持 (keep), so this means to keep, to hold, or to maintain.
Note that this is a formal word that’s commonly used in professional or official contexts.
Reading: ほじする
The reading is the same as 保持, so if you know that word’s reading, you know this one too.

Question 117

欠く

Answer 117

To lack something
Kanji: 欠 lack + く
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb.
The kanji itself means lack, and this verb simply means to lack something.
It’s a transitive verb. That means that it takes a direct object. You lack something. Like a car, concentration, or a soul. This is different from 欠ける, which happens all by itself.
Reading: かく
You learned this reading when you learned 欠ける, but here’s a mnemonic just in case:
You never know when you’re going to lack something. Like a car (か). Did you plan for it to break? NO! But it happened and now you lack a car in a big way. Not cool (く)!

Question 118

欠かす

Answer 118

To miss an event
Kanji: 欠 lack + か + す
Remember how 欠 means lack? This verb is related – it’s like you’re causing yourself to lack something. It can mean to miss an event, so the thing you cause yourself to lack is an experience. It can also mean to fail to do something, or to fail to have something, depending on the context.
You can remember it this way: Since you cause yourself to lack something with this word, it’s all your fault. That’s why you want to cuss (かす). You made yourself miss out on something. Well $*%!!!
Reading: かかす
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You learned this reading already so you should be able to read it!

Question 119

開放する

Answer 119

To open something up
Kanji: 開 open + 放 release + す + る
When you open then release, say, a door, you’re opening it up for everyone to come in. That’s why it means to open something up or to throw something open.
Reading: かいほうする
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 120

拾う

Answer 120

To pick something up
Kanji: 拾 pick up + う
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means pick up so the verb vocab version is to pick something up.
Reading: ひろう
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji. Nicely done!

Question 121

指す

Answer 121

To point
Kanji: 指 finger + す
The kanji means finger. So, if you “to finger” something, what are you doing? You’re pointing. That’s why this word means to point.
Reading: さす
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You are pointing at something in fear. It is a saw (さ). Thing is, you’re pointing at this saw with a missing finger. It just cut off your finger and you’re freaking out, trying to point with a bloody non-finger.

Question 122

注ぐ

Answer 122

To pour
Kanji: 注 pour + ぐ
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means pour so the verb vocab version is to pour.
Readings: そそぐ, つぐ
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You are going to pour some sauce (そそ).

Question 123

気付く

Answer 123

To realize
Kanji: 気 energy + 付 attach + く
When you attach your energy (imagine someone suddenly looking up at something, attaching their energy to it), you have noticed or realized something. That’s why this word means to realize or to notice.
Don’t confuse this with 気を付けて which is similar in that it has all the same kanji. It’s just used a little different. Try to remember the difference before moving on.
Reading: きづく
The readings come from the 気 kanji (which you know) and the word 付く which you should know by now. Combine these together and you have the ability to read this word. Take note that the 付く part is rendaku’d, though, so it is a tiny bit different.

Question 124

放す

Answer 124

To release
Kanji: 放 release + す
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means release so the verb vocab version is to release.
Reading: はなす
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you: Imagine you are going to release something. It is a 花 (はな). You release it from your hand and it falls, hitting the ground in slow motion. You have the power to release and you are doing the releasing (versus 放れる where something is just released). You can remember this because even though you did the releasing of the flower, you’re going to sue the pavement company for breaking your flower. It’s all a big scam you’re running.

Question 125

転がす

Answer 125

To roll something
Kanji: 転 revolve + が + す
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means revolve, and the verb version is when you make something revolve. You roll it. That’s why this verb is to roll something.
This is a transitive verb. That means you roll something else, like a ball. Or, if you’re a dung beetle, poop. 💩 Not to be confused with 転がる, which is intransitive, like so many verbs ending in がる.
Reading: ころがす
You learned this reading when you learned 転がる, but here’s a mnemonic anyway just in case:
When you try to roll something, the outside bits may be moving, but its core (ころ) stays still. Picture yourself making the earth roll across the floor. The outside parts where the people live are spinning round and round, but the earth’s core is in exactly the same place.

Question 126

見送る

Answer 126

To see off
Kanji: 見 see + 送 send + る
You know the words 見る and 送る by now, hopefully. Here you’re “seeing” the “sending.” You’re seeing someone off, so this verb is to see off. This can also mean to put off or to pass on, since it’s as though you’re just passively seeing someone (or something) off rather than taking action and going with them.
Reading: みおくる
The readings come from the vocab words 見る and 送る. Make sure you know those and you’ll know this word’s reading as well.

Question 127

苦しむ

Answer 127

To suffer
Kanji: 苦 suffering + し + む
You’ve already been introduced to the word 苦しい. That word means painful, or agonizing. So, if you turn that into a verb, you have to suffer or to struggle.
Reading: くるしむ
The reading comes from 苦しい, so as long as you’re on top of that word, this word should be readable for you as well.

Question 128

伝える

Answer 128

To transmit
Kanji: 伝 transmit + え + る
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means transmit, so the verb version is to transmit or to tell something.
Reading: つたえる
Since this word has okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) you know that it’s probably going to be the kun’yomi reading, which you didn’t learn with the kanji. Here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You want to transmit a signal to the stars (つた)! Trying to tell your message to anyone on earth would be too boring and too easy. Aim your message at the nearest star and transmit it into space!

Question 129

試す

Answer 129

To try something out
Kanji: 試 try + す
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means attempt or try. The verb vocab version is to try something out or to give something a try. Why don’t you try out the meaning of this verb, while you’re at it?
Reading: ためす
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you: Okay. Here’s the deal. We have this wild animal. I want you to attempt to tame (ため) it. Now, imagine trying to tame this wild animal. Yeehaw!

Question 130

働く

Answer 130

To work
Kanji: 働 work + く
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means work, and the verb version means to work, to labor, and sometimes to commit (a crime).
Reading: はたらく
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you: If you are as mad as a hatter you’ll need to work very hard to regain your sanity. You know The Hatter from Alice in Wonderland? Imagine how hard he would have to work to be considered “normal”.

Question 131

利く

Answer 131

To work well
Kanji: 利 profit + く
You know the kanji means profit. When you make it into a verb, though, it means to work well. If you think about it, when something works well it makes you a profit.
Reading: きく
What works so well? Your special key (き) that can unlock anyone and anything’s potential. Imagine putting it into a key slot in someone’s back. Someone who’s a good for nothing can’t-do-anything is now an effective member of society! Go around using your key on other non-effective things and show them that anything is possible!

Question 132

意外

Answer 132

Unexpected
Kanji: 意 idea + 外 outside
Something outside your normal idea of how things work will come as unexpected or surprising to you.
Reading: いがい
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 133

乗り物

Answer 133

Vehicle
Kanji: 乗 ride + り + 物 thing
You know that 乗り has something to do with riding and that 物 is a thing. So what is a “riding thing?” Nowadays, at least, that would be a vehicle.
Reading: のりもの
This word uses the kun’yomi readings for both kanji, but you know them both now, so you should be able to read this too!

Question 134

勝ち

Answer 134

Victory
Kanji: 勝 win + ち
You’ve hopefully seen 勝つ by now, which means “to win.” This is a nouny version of that. So, what’s the noun version of “to win?” It’s a win or a victory.
Reading: かち
The reading comes from 勝つ. So as long as you have some understanding of that reading, you should be able to read this one as well.

Question 135

戦争

Answer 135

War
Kanji: 戦 war + 争 conflict
You have war and conflict. Of course, conflict comes with war, so this word just means war.
Reading: せんそう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 136

波

Answer 136

Wave
Kanji: 波 wave
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: なみ
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it probably uses the kun’yomi reading. You did not learn this reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you to remember:
You jump on a wave and ride around the world on it. As you ride this wave, it gets bigger and bigger, until it reaches tsunami (なみ) proportions. Imagine looking down from the tsunami at the vast, blue sea all around you. That’s quite a wave you’re riding.

Question 137

洋食

Answer 137

Western food
Kanji: 洋 western style + 食 eat
The Western eats are Western food. Mmmm, ‘dem hamburgers.
Reading: ようしょく
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 138

洋風

Answer 138

Western style
Kanji: 洋 western style + 風 wind
Remember how 風 can mean “style” as in 和風? Well, this is now Western style style, more simply put as Western style.
Reading: ようふう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 139

洋室

Answer 139

Western style room
Kanji: 洋 western style + 室 room
A Western style room is a Western style room. We’re talking something that’s not a tatami mat filled room. Good to know this word if you’re staying in hotels or ryokans and prefer not to sleep on a futon, etc.
Reading: ようしつ
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you’ll know how to read this as well.

Question 140

誰

Answer 140

Who
Kanji: 誰 who
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: だれ
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji.

Question 141

好き

Answer 141

Like
Kanji: 好 like + き
You know that 好 means like and this vocab word means the same thing: like or love!
This word is an adjective in Japanese, so a more literal translation is likable or lovable. Still, it usually sounds more natural to translate it as a verb in English.
Reading: すき
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with this kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
Who do you like more than anyone? Your friend Sue. If you know someone named Sue, pretend you like her. If you don’t, think of a famous person you know named Sue and use her, pretending you’re good friends that like each other a lot.

Question 142

昔話

Answer 142

Folk tale
Kanji; 昔 long ago + 話 talk
Long ago people used to talk about all sorts of things. Most of them weren’t true. Long ago people liked to lie a lot. Now we call those things they talked about folk tales and legends.
Reading: むかしばなし
The readings for this word are both kun’yomi readings. You learned them both already, so you should be able to read this on your own. Just watch out for the rendaku of はなし to ばなし.