Kanji - Level 20 - Vocab

Question 1

共犯者

Answer 1

Accomplice
Kanji: 共 together + 犯 crime + 者 someone
Someone who does crime together with you is your accomplice in crime. It’s best to “take care of” these before the coppers get to them.
Reading: きょうはんしゃ
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 2

正確

Answer 2

Accurate
Kanji: 正 correct + 確 certain
It is correct and you’re certain of it. When you’ve done this much checking and you’re this sure, your measurements must be very accurate and precise.
Reading: せいかく
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 3

余震

Answer 3

Aftershock
Kanji: 余 surplus + 震 earthquake
A surplus (that’s an extra!) earthquake is a quake that comes after the main (non-surplus) quake. That’s an aftershock.
Reading: よしん
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 4

飛行機

Answer 4

Airplane
Kanji: 飛 fly + 行 go + 機 machine
The fly and go machine is some machine you get into that flies and goes places. It’s an airplane.
Reading: ひこうき
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 5

留守番電話

Answer 5

Answering machine
Kanji: 留 detain + 守 protect + 番 number in a series + 電 electricity + 話 talk
You hopefully know that this has something to do with housesitting (留守番). So, a telephone (電話) that does housesitting for you is what? It’s your answering machine.
Reading: るすばんでんわ
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 6

人類学

Answer 6

Anthropology
Kanji: 人 person + 類 type + 学 study
The study of mankind (人類) is known as anthropology.
Reading: じんるいがく
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 7

議論

Answer 7

Argument
Kanji: 議 deliberation + 論 theory
There is much deliberation and theory exchanging when you are trying to present an argument. Of course, it’s a very nice one. Lots of thinking and stuff, you know? That’s why there’s deliberation and theories instead of just screaming. That kind of “argument.”
Reading: ぎろん
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 8

倒産

Answer 8

Bankruptcy
Kanji: 倒 overthrow + 産 give birth
If someone overthrows your property, it’ll end in bankruptcy. Without property you’re sure to go bankrupt, unfortunately.
Reading: とうさん
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 9

血圧

Answer 9

Blood pressure
Kanji: 血 blood + 圧 pressure
Check the pressure of your blood. It’s your blood pressure.
Reading: けつあつ
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 10

お尻

Answer 10

Butt
Kanji: お + 尻 butt
The お is just there to be nice to your butt. This word simply means butt (or any other word for it, like buttocks or bottom).
Reading: おしり
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji.

Question 11

確かに

Answer 11

Certainly
Kanji: 確 certain + か + に
This is an adverb, but it has the same meaning (basically) as the kanji. It means certainly, and it can also mean surely.
Reading: たしかに
The reading for this one is certainly weird. To remember the reading for this word, just think how you’re certain that if you stash the treasure, nobody will find it here.

Question 12

借り手

Answer 12

Borrower
Kanji: 借 borrow + り + 手 hand
Remember how 手 can mean “doer” in some words? So here, you have borrow doer, or more simply borrower.
This word is often used to specifically refer to borrowers in contrast to lenders.
Reading: かりて
You’ll want to know the words 借りる and 手 to be able to read this one. Combine them to know the reading.

Question 13

弓矢

Answer 13

Bow and arrow
Kanji: 弓 bow + 矢 arrow
A bow and an arrow. Put them together and you have a bow and arrow.
Reading: ゆみや
The reading is the vocab readings, 弓 and 矢, put together. This is probably because this word is like two separate words put together, thus the “and” in the middle of the English translation.

Question 14

議長

Answer 14

Chairman
Kanji: 議 deliberation + 長 long
The person in charge of long discussions is the chairman, or the speaker. They also say who gets to talk and for how long.
Reading: ぎちょう
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 15

会議室

Answer 15

Conference room
Kanji: 会 meet + 議 deliberation + 室 room
A room where you meet for discussions is known as a conference room.
Reading: かいぎしつ
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 16

穴子

Answer 16

Conger eel
Kanji: 穴 hole + 子 child
A hole child isn’t some kind of creepy hole child (not sure how else to describe it). It’s a conger eel, a type of tasty eel eaten in Japan. It might be easier to learn the reading first, though, and use that, because the second meaning option is anago, the Japanese word for it (also used in English).
Reading: あなご
The reading is the two kun’yomi vocab readings combined. So, 穴 and 子 to combine make あなご. Just watch out for rendaku, which changes the reading of 子 from こ to ご.

Question 17

喉飴

Answer 17

Cough drop
Kanji: 喉 throat + 飴 candy
Throat candy is the kind of candy that should make your throat feel better. That’s right, it’s a cough drop or a throat lozenge. Don’t just eat regular candy when your throat hurts! Use the right kind.
Reading: のどあめ
This word uses the kun’yomi readings for both kanji. You’ve learned them both already, so you should be able to read this already!

Question 18

夢中

Answer 18

Crazy about
Kanji: 夢 dream + 中 middle
Even in the middle of your dream you’re thinking about your body pillows. You’re crazy about them, wrapped in absorption.
Alternatively, this describes doing something frantically, like running away from somebody or something.
Reading: むちゅう
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 19

犯罪

Answer 19

Crime
Kanji: 犯 crime + 罪 guilt
You have crime and you have guilt. Sounds like you did the crime.
Reading: はんざい
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 20

犯人

Answer 20

Criminal
Kanji: 犯 crime + 人 person
A crime person is a criminal.
Reading: はんにん
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 21

危機

Answer 21

Crisis
Kanji: 危 dangerous + 機 machine
A dangerous machine is walking through your town, destroying everything. This is a huge crisis!
Reading: きき
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 22

非難

Answer 22

Criticism
Kanji: 非 injustice + 難 difficult
A difficult injustice to take from someone is a criticism. Ugh, what a pain to be criticized! So difficult, and besides, it’s an injustice, because I’m perfect!
Reading: ひなん
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 23

被害

Answer 23

Damage
Kanji: 被 incur + 害 damage
Incuring damage creates damage, harm and injury.
Reading: ひがい
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 24

議会

Answer 24

Diet
Kanji: 議 deliberation + 会 meet
The place you meet for deliberation in Japan is called the Diet. It’s their version of congress.
Reading: ぎかい
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 25

難しい

Answer 25

Difficult
Kanji: 難 difficult + し + 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 difficult? It’s also difficult.
Reading: むずかしい
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: It’s awfully difficult to load a cow into your Moo-zooka (むずか). Click. Boom!

Question 26

災い

Answer 26

Disaster
Kanji: 災 disaster + い
This is the noun form of disaster, so it means disaster or misfortune.
Reading: わざわい
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:
Think about how, the last time disaster struck, it was a while (わざわ) before things got back to normal.
Be careful of the い on the end, it can be tricky and make you think it’s an adjective when it’s a noun.

Question 27

嫌悪

Answer 27

Disgust
Kanji: 嫌 dislike + 悪 bad
You dislike someone so badly that it turns to disgust and hate.
Reading: けんお
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You haven’t learned this reading for 悪 yet, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
When you feel disgust for someone all you can manage to say when you see them is, “Oh… (お), it’s you.” Feel the anger when you see their face, “Oh, you again. Bleh.”

Question 28

皿洗い

Answer 28

Dishwashing
Kanji: 皿 plate + 洗 wash + い
You know the word 皿 (plate) and the word 洗う (to wash), right? You can probably guess dish washing is happening here, but this is a noun, so it’s the idea of dishwashing, AKA doing dishes, or washing dishes.
Reading: さらあらい
The readings are the individual vocab words (you can tell because there’s a bit of hiragana stuck on there). It’s the reading for 皿 and 洗う combined.

Question 29

嫌

Answer 29

Dislike
Kanji: 嫌 dislike
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. The vocab has the added meanings of eww, gross, and even reluctant.
Reading: いや
The reading for this word is pretty weird. It’s different than the 嫌い word you will see in this level too. It is いや, so when you think of something you dislike, just think “iyah, I dislike it.” Also, think about that eww feeling it gives you when you think of the thing you dislike most.

Question 30

嫌い

Answer 30

Dislike
Kanji: 嫌 dislike + い
You know that 嫌 means dislike and this vocab word means the same thing: dislike or hate!
Though this word is an adjective in Japanese, it usually makes sense to translate it as a verb in English, because of the difference in sentence structure. However, a more literal translation would be dislikable or detestable.
Reading: きらい
Of all the things out there to dislike the thing I dislike the most is the killer (きら) of people. People should never kill people.

Question 31

立入禁止

Answer 31

Do not enter
Kanji: 立 stand + 入 enter + 禁 prohibit + 止 stop
Standing and entering are both 禁止 (prohibited). If you see this sign, it’s essentially saying do not enter or no entry.
Reading: たちいりきんし
The reading for 立入 is a bit strange, but it might help you to know that it can also be written 立ち入り. The 立ち is the same one you learned with 立ち飲み and the 入り is the reading you learned with 入り口. In our version of the word, the hiragana isn’t visible (it’s sort of pushed into the kanji), but the word is still pronounced the same way: たちいり.
And 禁止 doesn’t have any weirdness going on, so at least you have that!

Question 32

夢

Answer 32

Dream
Kanji: 夢 dream
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: ゆめ
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’re having this crazy dream. The dream allows you to do anything you want. Every time you ask “hey, can I do this?” The answer is always “you may” (ゆめ). Think of some things you’d want to do if you could do anything. Ask permission and get this answer in your imagination.

Question 33

地震

Answer 33

Earthquake
Kanji: 地 earth + 震 earthquake
An earth earthquake is just another way to say earthquake.
Reading: じしん
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. Notice that 地 is read as じ instead of ち. You’ve seen this happen a few times before, so just try to remember that this is the case here.

Question 34

震災

Answer 34

Earthquake disaster
Kanji: 震 earthquake + 災 disaster
An earthquake disaster is just that, an earthquake disaster. These are no good.
Reading: しんさい
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. The reading for 災 is the さい reading because sigh earthquakes suck man.

Question 35

震度

Answer 35

Earthquake intensity
Kanji: 震 earthquake + 度 degree
The earthquake degrees is how you measure an earthquake. The 震度 is the earthquake intensity, AKA earthquake magnitude, seismic intensity, or seismic scale.
Reading: しんど
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 36

電子機器

Answer 36

Electronic device
Kanji: 電 electricity + 子 child + 機 machine + 器 container
You have an electronic (電子) container machine. This is just a machine that contains electricity and electric parts. So basically, an electronic device, or more generally, electronic equipment or electronics.
電子機器 refers to complex electronic devices like computers, smartphones, medical devices, control systems, and more. So while it can be used to refer to a wide range of electronic devices, it’s usually not used for things like simple household appliances like toasters or kettles.
Reading: でんしきき
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 37

最後尾

Answer 37

End of a line
Kanji: 最 most + 後 behind + 尾 tail
You already know that 最後 means “end” so the tail end is the end of a line.
Reading: さいこうび
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. It isn’t the same as 最後 though, so watch out for that! It uses the other on’yomi reading you learned with the kanji!

Question 38

存在

Answer 38

Existence
Kanji: 存 exist + 在 exist
I exist, I suppose… this is the kind of existence I have. I’m not really sure either way, and I don’t care. Existence is futile, I suppose.
Reading: そんざい
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 39

経験

Answer 39

Experience
Kanji: 経 passage of time + 験 test
Through various tests over the passage of time, you have gained much experience. Time and testing is all it takes.
Reading: けいけん
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.

Question 40

水害

Answer 40

Flood damage
Kanji: 水 water + 害 damage
Water damage is so bad they call it flood damage. Doesn’t get any clearer than this.
Reading: すいがい
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 41

火災

Answer 41

Fire disaster
Kanji: 火 fire + 災 disaster
A fire disaster is a fire disaster, or a conflagration.
火災 is a more formal version of 火事. It usually refers to a serious and significant fire that causes extensive damage or loss of life.
Reading: かさい
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 42

忘れ物

Answer 42

Forgotten item
Kanji: 忘 forget + れ + 物 thing
Remember how 忘れる is “to forget”? Well, a thing you’ve forgotten is a forgotten item.
Reading: わすれもの
You didn’t learn this reading with the kanji 忘, but you did learn it with the vocabulary 忘れる. What was (わす) that reading again? You can’t remember! It’s become a forgotten item!

Question 43

自在

Answer 43

Freely
Kanji: 自 self + 在 exist
When you can exist all by yourself, then you can do things freely as you please.
Reading: じざい
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 44

有罪

Answer 44

Guilty
Kanji: 有 have + 罪 guilt
To have guilt is to be guilty. This can also simply mean guilt.
Reading: ゆうざい
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 45

手洗い

Answer 45

Hand washing
Kanji: 手 hand + 洗 wash + い
You remember how 洗う is “to wash”? Well, when you wash your hands you’re doing hand washing.
Reading: てあらい
The readings are the vocab readings 手 and 洗う put together.

Question 46

困難

Answer 46

Hardship
Kanji: 困 distressed + 難 difficult
You’re distressed and it’s difficult. This is quite the hardship and difficulty you’re feeling.
Reading: こんなん
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 47

無害

Answer 47

Harmless
Kanji: 無 nothing + 害 damage
Psh, that guy’s damage is nothing. He’s what I’d call “mostly harmless.”
Reading: むがい
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 48

胸焼け

Answer 48

Heartburn
Kanji: 胸 chest + 焼 bake + け
When your chest is burning, you have what’s known as heartburn.
Reading: むねやけ
The readings are the kun’yomi vocab readings (hint is that there’s hiragana sticking out there). So, just make sure you know the word 胸 and 焼く. If you do, you can combine that knowledge into this word, and hopefully not get any heartburn in the process.

Question 49

穴

Answer 49

Hole
Kanji: 穴 hole
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: あな
The reading you learned with the kanji is the same as the reading for this word. No holes in your knowledge!

Question 50

穴場

Answer 50

Hole in a wall
Kanji: 穴 hole + 場 location
A hole place is what’s known as a hole in the wall. This is a place that looks small, hidden and dingy, but probably has awesome food.
Reading: あなば
The readings are the readings you learned with the kanji.

Question 51

夫妻

Answer 51

Husband and wife
Kanji: 夫 husband + 妻 wife
You have a husband and a wife. Combine them together and they’re husband and wife, or a married couple. This can also be added to a name to mean Mr. and Mrs..
Reading: ふさい
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 52

不可分

Answer 52

Indivisible
Kanji: 不 not + 可 possible + 分 part
When it’s not possible to separate something into parts, then it is indivisible.
Reading: ふかぶん
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 53

余裕

Answer 53

Leeway
Kanji: 余 leeway + 裕 abundant
When your surplus is abundant, you have leeway for a lot of things. You have plenty of room to spare.
余裕 is used to describe a state of having ample leeway for something. It means you can handle things comfortably, without feeling stressed or overwhelmed, whether it’s about money, time, or just mentally.
Reading: よゆう
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 54

論理

Answer 54

Logic
Kanji: 論 theory + 理 reason
Using theory and reason, you are one who uses much logic. Imagine this type of person, I bet you know at least one.
Reading: ろんり
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 55

機械

Answer 55

Machine
Kanji: 機 machine + 械 contraption
A machine contraption is just a machine
Reading: きかい
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 56

機

Answer 56

Machine
Kanji: 機 machine
The kanji and the word are the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: き
This has the same reading as the kanji you learned, meaning you know the reading!

Question 57

会議

Answer 57

Meeting
Kanji: 会 meet + 議 deliberation
A place where people meet and do deliberation. Sounds boring, but also sounds like some kind of meeting or conference.
Reading: かいぎ
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

議員

Answer 58

Member of the Diet
Kanji: 議 deliberation + 員 member
A discussion member talks about all the really important things that need to be discussed for the sake of the country. They are a member of the Diet. The Diet is Japan’s version of congress. Diet members discuss really important matters.
Reading: ぎいん
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 59

災難

Answer 59

Misfortune
Kanji: 災 disaster + 難 difficult
A disaster that is difficult is particularly difficult, making it more of a misfortune. Obviously a disaster that wasn’t difficult wouldn’t really be that bad, so a difficult one gets the “misfortune” or calamity label.
Reading: さいなん
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 60

機嫌

Answer 60

Mood
Kanji: 機 machine + 嫌 dislike
Machines dislike everything. Their mood, or temper, is very sour. What about your mood?
Reading: きげん
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. けん gets changed to げん, though, so don’t let that ruin your mood.

Question 61

災害

Answer 61

Natural disaster
Kanji: 災 disaster + 害 damage
A disaster that does damage. Usually these are natural disasters, though they could also just be regular disasters as well.
Reading: さいがい
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 62

悪夢

Answer 62

Nightmare
Kanji: 悪 bad + 夢 dream
A bad dream is also known as a nightmare. Ah! Noooooo!
Reading: あくむ
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

鼻の穴

Answer 63

Nostril
Kanji: 鼻 nose + の + 穴 hole
What’s your nose’s hole? How about your nostril?
Reading: はなのあな
The reading is the readings for 鼻 and 穴. Smell that fresh air through your nose hole.

Question 64

一個

Answer 64

One small thing
Kanji: 一 one + 個 individual
The counter 個, which means individual on its own, refers to “an individual thing.” This is usually a small thing, so it’s used to count small things. This word here talks about one individual. A better way to translate that would be to call it one small thing.
Reading: いっこ
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 いち gets shortened, but I bet you knew that already.

Question 65

音訓

Answer 65

On’yomi and kun’yomi
Kanji: 音 sound + 訓 instruction
You’ve seen (hopefully) 音読み and 訓読み. This is a combination of the two. This is on’yomi and kun’yomi, aka the Chinese and Japanese readings.
Reading: おんくん
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 66

在外

Answer 66

Overseas
Kanji: 在 exist + 外 outside
When you exist outside (outside of what? Japan, of course), you are overseas or abroad.
Reading: ざいがい
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 67

人達

Answer 67

People
Kanji: 人 person + 達 attain
The kanji 達 pluralizes things sometimes. So, when you have a plural amount of a person you have more than one person, you have people.
Take note! When using this word, you want to attach it to the type of “people” you are talking about. For example, あの人達 (those people over there). Other examples: 男の人達, その人達, 向こうの人達, etc. You don’t use this by itself, instead you use it with something describing what kind of people you’re talking about.
Reading: ひとたち
The readings are both kun’yomi readings of the kanji. The readings come from the word 人 and the だち of 友達, though now it’s たち because it hasn’t been rendaku’d. You like to touch (たち) people, you perv.

Question 68

比率

Answer 68

Percentage
Kanji: 比 compare + 率 percent
You compare the percent and by doing that figure out the percentage and ratio of something.
Reading: ひりつ
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 69

個人

Answer 69

Personal
Kanji: 個 individual + 人 person
In terms of an individual person… well, that’s personal, and depends on the individual. Whatever it is, an individual person has personal tastes, so make sure to think of that.
Reading: こじん
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 70

公害

Answer 70

Pollution
Kanji: 公 public + 害 damage
Public damage is something that affects everyone, the whole public. What is in the air and gets into everything no matter where you are? How about pollution?
Reading: こうがい
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 71

一夫多妻

Answer 71

Polygamy
Kanji: 一 one + 夫 husband + 多 many + 妻 wife
One husband, many wives. Sounds a bit sketchy. This is polygamy.
Reading: いっぷたさい
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. Just note that the 一 gets changed to いっ and the 夫 gets changed to ぷ from ふう for some reason. You can imagine that this is because when you are the type that has many wives, you’re probably the type who makes them clean up your poo for you as well.

Question 72

可能性

Answer 72

Possibility
Kanji: 可 possible + 能 ability + 性 gender
The possible (可能) range of gender extends beyond two options. It means there’s a possibility to identify with many different gender identities.
Reading: かのうせい
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. It will help to be able to read 可能 as well.

Question 73

圧力

Answer 73

Pressure
Kanji: 圧 pressure + 力 power
The pressure power is the pressure. This can also be stress as well.
Reading: あつりょく
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 74

予防

Answer 74

Prevention
Kanji: 予 beforehand + 防 prevent
To prevent beforehand is still prevention.
Reading: よぼう
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 75

防止

Answer 75

Prevention
Kanji: 防 prevent + 止 stop
To prevent and stop someone from doing something is prevention. It’s good to have prevention instead of letting something bad happen.
Reading: ぼうし
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 76

個室

Answer 76

Private room
Kanji: 個 individual + 室 room
An individual room just for you is your own private room. How nice!
Reading: こしつ
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 77

確率

Answer 77

Probability
Kanji: 確 certain + 率 percent
You’re certain there is this percent chance it will happen? You know that this is the probability?
Reading: かくりつ
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 78

静々

Answer 78

Quietly
Kanji: 静 quiet + 々 repeater
Quiet quiet! Do it quietly, please.
Reading: しずしず
You know how 静か is しずか? Well, this is the same reading as that. Say it in a whisper with me: “しずしず.” Shhh!

Question 79

読者

Answer 79

Reader
Kanji: 読 read + 者 someone
The reading someone is someone who is reading. They are the reader (of a book, blog, article, etc).
Reading: どくしゃ
The reading for 読 is the on’yomi reading, which you didn’t learn with the kanji. This reading is どく, and you can remember it by thinking about how you are the reader, and as the reader you choose where to read. For you, the best place to read is a peaceful dock (どく). Sit on the dock and relax. Be the reader.

Question 80

実在

Answer 80

Reality
Kanji: 実 truth + 在 exist
The truth is that you exist in reality. This is your real existence. Well, that makes sense, I suppose.
Reading: じつざい
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 81

経路

Answer 81

Route
Kanji: 経 passage of time + 路 road
If you pass through the roads, you are figuring out which roads to use, when to use them, and essentially coming up with the route and course to take to get to wherever you’re going.
Reading: けいろ
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 82

在留

Answer 82

Residence
Kanji: 在 exist + 留 detain
Where you exist is the place you’re detained. As long as you’re in this place, this will be your residence, even if you’re staying in a foreign country.
在留 is an official term used for people residing in a foreign country. You’ll find it in phrases like 在留カード (residence card) or 在留外国人 (foreign resident).
Reading: ざいりゅう
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 83

種

Answer 83

Seed
Kanji: 種 kind
What kinds of seeds are you going to sow? Think about all the different kinds of seeds, and the kinds of plants they’ll grow into.
This can also mean source, as in a source of worry or joy, or even of a good story.
Reading: たね
Choose your seeds carefully, because you love to have a tan eh? (たね). You love tanning, so you don’t want to plant anything that will grow tall and create shade. Choose those seed types carefully, and don’t forget about your tan, eh?

Question 84

自覚

Answer 84

Self awareness
Kanji: 自 self + 覚 memorize
What does self and awake mean in combination? This refers to self-awareness, consciousness of yourself, or a realization.
Wondering about the difference between 意識 and 自覚? 意識 refers to a general state of awareness or consciousness, while 自覚 specifically relates to self-awareness. It implies clearly recognizing one’s own actions, abilities, or circumstances, and is often used in contexts relating to personal growth.
Reading: じかく
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 85

高等学校

Answer 85

Senior high school
Kanji: 高 tall + 等 equal + 学 study + 校 school
Remember when you learned that 高等 means “high class” and 学校 means “school?” Well put them together and you have senior high school! It’s the most high class school you’ve got (unless you go to university, but that’s considered to be separate).
Fun fact: 高校 is the abbreviation of this word. Neat, right?
Reading: こうとうがっこう
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 86

指圧

Answer 86

Shiatsu
Kanji: 指 finger + 圧 pressure
When someone applies finger pressure, they’re probably practicing shiatsu.
Shiatsu is an alternative therapy from Japan, which involves applying pressure with the fingertips to specific spots on the body. This word can also refer to any kind of finger pressure, logically enough!
Reading: しあつ
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 87

罪

Answer 87

Sin
Kanji: 罪 guilt
If you have guilt then you have committed a sin or crime. Come here and confess to Father Koichi.
Reading: つみ
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: When you come to confess your sin to me, you start claiming it wasn’t you. You say it was some other version of you! What? How could this be? Well, you say “there are two mes (つみ) out there!” One is doing the bad stuff, and the other is you, and you haven’t done any sins!

Question 88

煙い

Answer 88

Smoky
Kanji: 煙 smoke + 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 smoke? It’s smoky.
Reading: けむい
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You sort of did learn this reading with the vocabulary word 煙, but this one is just different enough where we thought we should make a mnemonic for this one:
All this smokiness is from a terrible chemical (けむ) spill that happened nearby. It was acid, so it burned everything up real good, causing the air to get pretty smoky.

Question 89

臭い

Answer 89

Stinky
Kanji: 臭 stinking + 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 stinking? It’s also stinking (or stinky).
Reading: くさい
The reading you learned with the kanji can be used here, too.

Question 90

嫌疑

Answer 90

Suspicion
Kanji: 嫌 dislike + 疑 doubt
I dislike him and I have doubts about him. I therefore have much suspicion against him as well.
Reading: けんぎ
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 91

尾

Answer 91

Tail
Kanji: 尾 tail
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: お
Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun’yomi reading. You haven’t learned this reading yet though, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
You look down and you’ve sprouted a tail! You’re so shocked that all you can say is “Oh. (お) Oh okay…” This your life now. A life with a tail.

Question 92

理論

Answer 92

Theory
Kanji: 理 reason + 論 theory
You have reason behind your theory, making it a real theory (unlike those that don’t have reason, I guess?).
Reading: りろん
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 93

厚い

Answer 93

Thick
Kanji: 厚 thick + 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 thick? Also thick.
This is a relatively formal word that is generally used in writing.
Reading: あつい
The reading is the same as what you learned with the kanji. No thick books needed to understand this reading, yeah?

Question 94

論文

Answer 94

Thesis
Kanji: 論 theory + 文 writing
A writing of your theory is usually a thesis. Remember how school teachers always wanted you to present theories in writing? And to make sure you have a thesis in that paper? I do.
Reading: ろんぶん
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

三個

Answer 95

Three small things
Kanji: 三 three + 個 individual
Three individuals is three small things. The kanji 個 can be used to count small objects, just like this! Try other numbers as well.
Reading: さんこ
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 96

産まれる

Answer 96

To be born
Kanji: 産 give birth + ま + れ + る
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb.
This is an intransitive verb. That means that it just happens, and we’re not talking about what makes it happen. So this verb means to be born.
Reading: うまれる
Since this word has okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) you know that it’s probably going to be the kun’yomi reading.
You know another word that means “to be born” (生まれる), and they both have the same reading!

Question 97

無くなる

Answer 97

To be gone
Kanji: 無 nothing + く + な + る
Here we have nothing, followed by the verb なる. A verb that means “become nothing”? That’ll be to be gone, to run out, to be lost, or to disappear.
This can be translated in various ways depending on the situation, but just remember that it always refers to something changing from being there, to not being there.
Reading: なくなる
This uses the kun’yomi reading, which you learned with 無し, so you should be good to go.

Question 98

困る

Answer 98

To be distressed
Kanji: 困 distressed + 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 distressed and troubled. The verb versions of those are to be distressed and to be troubled.
Reading: こまる
If someone seems to be distressed maybe someone they know is in a coma (こま). Not too many things are more distressing and troubling than that.

Question 99

余る

Answer 99

To be in surplus
Kanji: 余 surplus + 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 surplus so the verb version would be to be in surplus, to remain left over, or to be in excess. Too much!
Reading: あまる
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: “I have a surplus of kittens from that last batch we made, Reddit. AMA (ask me anything, あま).”

Question 100

改まる

Answer 100

To be renewed
Kanji: 改 renew + ま + 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 renew so the verb vocab version is to be renewed. Like most verbs ending in まる, this is an intransitive verb, meaning it happens all on its own. Nobody is doing the renewing, it’s just happening (as renewing often does).
Reading: あらたまる
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You probably learned this reading with this verb’s transitive other half 改める, but here’s a mnemonic anyway just in case:
To be renewed you decide to go to a spa. You get in a bathtub and they pour in a lotta (あらた) leeches and eels to help you to be renewed. Feel the fear. There are a lot of them! Alternatively, you can imagine them pouring in a lotta Maru cats, because that’s way fuzzier.

Question 101

築く

Answer 101

To build something
Kanji: 築 construct + 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 construct and the verb version is to build something or to construct something.
Reading: きずく
As you know, the best way to build something is with kisses (きず). Kisses build relationships, happy families, and better societies. So get building with those kisses of yours.

Question 102

閉じる

Answer 102

To close something
Kanji: 閉 closed + じ + る
Another verb version of the kanji 閉! This is a special one that can be either transitive or intransitive, so 閉じる means to close something or to close.
閉じる is for returning things that have expanded open back to their closed state. It’s used for books, umbrellas, web browsers, and even eyes and mouths. There are some overlaps with 閉める (you can 閉じる or 閉める a gate, for example) but 閉める is mostly used for things like doors, windows, and curtains.
Reading: とじ
The reading is different from 閉める or 閉まる. Instead, 閉じる is read とじる.
Why? Because to close something that’s expanded or spread open, you always use your toe (と)! It’s easy enough with books, but umbrellas are a real challenge… But you, you can do it! You have the toe-tal control and can close anything expanded to the way it was before.

Question 103

犯す

Answer 103

To commit a crime
Kanji: 犯 crime + 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 crime and the verb vocab version can mean to commit a crime, to make a mistake, or to rape, depending on the context.
Reading: おかす
You go to commit a crime. How did it go, you think? Well, I thought it went okay (おか). Imagine yourself committing a crime and it going just okay. Not great, not bad… meh. Okay.

Question 104

繋ぐ

Answer 104

To connect something
Kanji: 繋 connect + 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 connect, and this verb means to connect something or to tie something to something else. Like connect people, hold hands, connect a cable to a charger, etc.
Figuratively, when you want to connect something over time, like a conversation, then you want to maintain something over time as well.
Reading: つなぐ
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 already know from the kanji.

Question 105

防ぐ

Answer 105

To defend against
Kanji: 防 prevent + ぐ
You’re doing a prevention. When you prevent something, what are you really doing? You’re trying to defend against something from happening. That’s why this verb is a little weird and means to defend or to protect against. It can also be to prevent, too, but just make sure you’re thinking of it more like you’re defending something with your prevention.
Reading: ふせぐ
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 want to defend against the enemy? You should probably put out that fuse (ふせ) attached to that giant bomb first then.

Question 106

飛ぶ

Answer 106

To fly
Kanji: 飛 fly + ぶ
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 fly, and the verb vocab version is also to fly. In addition to flying, the verb also means to jump. Just think of jumping as being some sort of… smaller version of flying, and this’ll make sense.
Reading: とぶ
When you try to fly, the main thing holding you back is your toe (と). It’s like forty pounds and holds you down.

Question 107

焼ける

Answer 107

To get baked
Kanji: 焼 bake + け + る
Remember how 焼く is “to bake,” “to burn something,” or “to grill”? 焼ける is just the intransitive version. That means no direct object needed! So this verb means to get baked, to get burned, or to get grilled.
焼ける is used when something is heated and transformed by the heat. Depending on the context, it can refer to anything from a muffin getting baked, fish being grilled, or pottery being fired. You can even use it when your skin gets a tan or a house burns down. Well, that last one is kinda sad. I hope it never happens.
You can distinguish 焼ける from 焼く because when cooking, you always care (ける) to ensure the food gets baked or grilled really well. You want to make sure it’s properly 焼ける’d (heated through) to be safe!
Reading: やける
The reading is the same as 焼く, so just use that knowledge and apply it here to be able to read this too.

Question 108

混ざる

Answer 108

To get mixed
Kanji: 混 mix + ざ + 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 mix so the verb vocab version is to get mixed or to be mixed. This is when something is just getting mixed and you’re not directly doing the action of mixing anything. You can remember this because the Tzar (ざる) of Russia is very impressed that things mix on their own and you’re not doing the mixing.
The connotation for this word is you can’t distinguish the things you’re mixing, like combining paints, which become one mixed color that isn’t two separate colors anymore.
Reading: まざる
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: If you’re not doing the mixing, in order for things to get mixed you call your ma (ま) up and ask her to mix it. What a terrible lazy child you are.

Question 109

倒す

Answer 109

To knock over
Kanji: 倒 overthrow + 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 overthrow or collapse, and this verb is transitive, like most verbs ending in す, so you are doing those things to something else. So, this verb means things like to knock over, to knock down, and to bring down.
This word can be used to talk about physically knocking something over, as well as bringing something or someone down, like a government.
Reading: たおす
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 use the power of the Tao (たお) to do all of your knocking down. Imagine yourself contemplating Tao philosophy, then using those pleasant thoughts to knock everything over around you. BLAM!

Question 110

被る

Answer 110

To put on a hat
Kanji: 被 incur + 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 incur so you’d think this would mean “to incur,” but it doesn’t. This is to put on a hat. Yep, it’s the verb that’s made for putting on hats. So, think of it this way. You “incur” a hat when you go to wear a hat. Pretty weird but you’ll get it if you put on your thinking cap.
Reading: かぶる
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:
The hat that you put on is way too heavy for you. It falls off your head and hits the ground with a loud KABOOM (かぶ). You put it back on and pull it down tight, but this time it pulls you to the ground with an even louder KABOOM!

Question 111

刺す

Answer 111

To stab
Kanji: 刺 stab + す
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb.
The kanji itself means stab so the verb vocab version is to stab.
This is a transitive verb, meaning that you are the one doing the stabbing… should I be afraid of you? 😅
Reading: さす
The reading you learned for this kanji is the kun’yomi one. Since this vocab word is made up of a single kanji, it uses the kun’yomi reading. Guess what? That means you already know it!
But in case you’ve already forgot the reading, here’s a mnemonic to refresh your memory:
If you’re going to stab someone, use a saw (さ). It may seem more difficult to stab them with a saw at first, but when you see the damage, plus how hard it is to get back out, you’ll realize saws are the ideal stabbing tool.

Question 112

面倒

Answer 112

Trouble
Kanji: 面 face + 倒 overthrow
When you’re looking straight into the face of a collapse it means trouble and difficulty coming soon.
Reading: めんどう
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. The とう goes to どう, though. Agh, what a 面倒.

Question 113

余計

Answer 113

Unneeded
Kanji: 余 surplus + 計 measure
The surplus is measured and it’s all unneeded. Yeah, it’s definitely more than needed. Maybe we should get rid of all this surplus?
余計 usually carries a negative connotation, meaning there’s too much of something, or it’s not needed and could be left out. It could be too many things, or unnecessary words or actions it would be better not to say or do.
Reading: よけい
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 114

経由

Answer 114

Via
Kanji: 経 passage of time + 由 reason
You pass through somewhere for a reason, so you’re going via that place.
Reading: けいゆ
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You learned this reading for 経 with the kanji, and you learned this reading for 由 with the word 由来. If you need an extra reminder for that one, here’s a mnemonic just in case:
If you’re going via an unfamiliar place, I recommend you seek out a yurt (ゆ) to stay in. Wherever it is you’re going via, you can’t go wrong if you stay in a yurt.

Question 115

裕福

Answer 115

Wealthy
Kanji: 裕 abundant + 福 luck
You have such abundant luck! If you have abundant luck, you’re probably also wealthy, because lots of wealth equals lots of luck, right?
Reading: ゆうふく
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 116

天気予報

Answer 116

Weather forecast
Kanji: 天 heaven + 気 energy + 予 beforehand + 報 news
This is a combination of the words 天気, meaning “weather,” and 予報 meaning “forecast.” Put them together and you get the weather forecast!
Reading: てんきよほう
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 117

妻

Answer 117

Wife
Kanji: 妻 wife
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. This is used to refer to your own wife, though, for the most part.
Reading: つま
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: Your wife does everything for you. She feeds you, she bathes you, she cleans up after you and even wipes your butt when you poop. Really, she is doing too much (つま), and you should stop being a baby.

Question 118

妻子

Answer 118

Wife and kids
Kanji: 妻 wife + 子 child
You have your wife and you have your child. These are your wife and kids.
Reading: さいし
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 119

不思議

Answer 119

Wonder
Kanji: 不 not + 思 think + 議 deliberation
This is not what you thought would happen during your deliberation. You thought it would be very normal. Instead, it’s the opposite. It’s full of wonder and mystery. It’s marvelous
Reading: ふしぎ
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.