Kanji - Level 25 - Vocab

Question 1

絶対

Answer 1

Absolutely
Kanji: 絶 extinction + 対 versus
Extinction will happen as you go versus extinction. It will happen absolutely. It will happen without fail. There’s nothing you can do to stop extinction.
Reading: ぜったい
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. Be careful though, 絶 is normally read as ぜつ, but in this case it is shortened to ぜっ.

Question 2

告訴

Answer 2

Accusation
Kanji: 告 announce + 訴 sue
I’ve announced I’m going to sue you. The accusation and charge I have against you for suing you? Uh… You suck.
Reading: こくそ
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

現役

Answer 3

Actively working
Kanji: 現 present time + 役 service
At the present time you’re providing a service, so you’re actively working. 現役 means you have a certain role (such as school teacher or a high school student, etc.) and you’re still active in that role, as opposed to being retired or having graduated.
This word is also often used to describe students who are taking or have passed a university entrance exam while they were still high school students.
Reading: げんえき
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. You learned the readings for both of these, but 役 uses a less common reading, so here’s a mnemonic to help you remember this:
You’re actively working at the 駅 (えき) and you plan to remain active there forever! You sure do love that 駅, it’s like you’re inseparable.

Question 4

女優

Answer 4

Actress
Kanji: 女 woman + 優 superior
Remember how 男優 was “actor”? Well, I bet you can extrapolate what this one means because it now has woman in it. This is an actress.
Reading: じょゆう
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 5

所属

Answer 5

Affiliation
Kanji: 所 place + 属 belong
Your place of belonging describes your affiliation. It’s where you belong to.
This is often used to describe a person’s affiliation or membership to a particular organization, team, or group.
Reading: しょぞく
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 6

効果

Answer 6

An effect
Kanji: 効 effective + 果 fruit
The fruit of something that’s effective is an effect.
Reading: こうか
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

逮捕

Answer 7

Arrest
Kanji: 逮 apprehend + 捕 catch
When you apprehend and catch someone, that leads to an arrest.
Reading: たいほ
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

票

Answer 8

Ballot
Kanji: 票 ballot
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. It can also be a vote, because that’s what ballots tend to do.
Reading: ひょう
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji.

Question 9

賞与金

Answer 9

Bonus
Kanji: 賞 prize + 与 give + 金 gold
It’s a prize where you are given gold. In business, this is called a bonus. You didn’t expect it (not your salary) and it is given to you (and is gold, if you’re lucky).
Note that you’ll more commonly see its shorter version 賞与.
Reading: しょうよきん
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 10

名刺

Answer 10

Business card
Kanji: 名 name + 刺 stab
Take your name and stab someone with it… using your business card. Your business card has your name on it. Also, you “stab” it at people who are willing to take it and read it. Not a real stab, but a metaphorical.
Reading: めいし
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. You haven’t learned this reading for 刺 yet, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
After doing business in Japan, you’ll have so many business cards you can count them like sheep (し) when you’re trying to get to sleep. One business card, two business cards… See them leaping over the sheep fence as you begin to nod off.

Question 11

景況

Answer 11

Business climate
Kanji: 景 scene + 況 climate
Take a look at this scene and the condition it’s in. This is the climate of the situation, but more specifically the business climate. This word is really only used to talk about the state of business and economic stuff, and tends to appear in technical writing.
Reading: けいきょう
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 12

候補者

Answer 12

Candidate
Kanji: 候 climate + 補 supplement + 者 someone
The candidate is someone who’s a supplement to the entire political system. Despite being a supplement, they’re still a candidate nonetheless, unless they can win!
Reading: こうほしゃ
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 13

気候

Answer 13

Climate
Kanji: 気 energy + 候 climate
The energy of the climate is the climate. High energy? Climate. Low energy. Climate.
Reading: きこう
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 14

衣

Answer 14

Clothes
Kanji: 衣 clothes
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
In modern Japanese, 衣 is more often used to describe the clothes your food is wearing, i.e. the coating on tempura or the breading on deep-fried foods.
Readings: ころも, きぬ
What are clothes, really? Some people say clothes are the chromosomes (ころも) of your personal style — each garment carries information about your unique identity. Other people say clothes are simply the key to not being nude (きぬ). What do you think?
Both ころも and きぬ mean “clothes,” but these usages are old-fashioned. Also note that the more modern meaning of “coating” or “breading” uses only the ころも reading!

Question 15

構成

Answer 15

Composition
Kanji: 構 set up + 成 become
If you set up something so that it becomes a certain way, that’s the composition of this thing. That’s its structure.
構成 refers to the process of assembling several elements to create a cohesive whole or the assembled whole itself. It can be applied to various contexts, such as social structures, family compositions, artistic works, or the configuration of materials.
Reading: こうせい
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.

Question 16

習慣

Answer 16

Custom
Kanji: 習 learn + 慣 accustomed
I’ve learned to be accustomed to this. It has become my custom and habit.
Reading: しゅうかん
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 16

捜査

Answer 16

Criminal investigation
Kanji: 捜 search + 査 investigate
When you search and inspect things, you are probably part of a criminal investigation. You may even be subject to a manhunt.
Reading: そうさ
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

状況

Answer 16

Condition
Kanji: 状 condition + 況 condition
The condition condition is the condition. It’s also the circumstances if you can remember that. It’s like saying “What’s the condition!??” which is similar to saying “What’s the circumstances?”
Reading: じょうきょう
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 16

涼しい

Answer 16

Cool
Kanji: 涼 cool + 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 cool? It’s cool.
涼しい is used to describe a comfortable level of coolness, particularly one that’s pleasant and refreshing.
Reading: すずしい
The reading is the kun’yomi reading, but that’s the reading you learned with the kanji so you should be able to read this one too. If you need a refresher, here’s a mnemonic to help you:
Looking for a place that’s cool and refreshing? Go to the Sue Zoo (すず). Imagine swimming with Sue the penguin in the refreshing water of her pool. Feels good!

Question 17

期限

Answer 17

Deadline
Kanji: 期 period of time + 限 limit
The period of time limit is the deadline for a certain thing. Alternatively, this can describe a term for something, like the repayment of debts, or some sort of due date.
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.

Question 18

絶望

Answer 18

Despair
Kanji: 絶 extinction + 望 hope
When hope has died out, you have no more hope, only despair.
Reading: ぜつぼう
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 19

割引

Answer 19

Discount
Kanji: 割 divide + 引 pull
Divide that price and pull it apart. You only have to pay for one part! What a discount.
Reading: わりびき
The readings are the ones you learned with the kanji. き from ひき kind of just gets stuffed into the 引 and hidden away like that strange collection of fingernails you have hidden in your closet drawer inside of a 35mm film container. Also remember that the reading gets changed to びき here because of that pesky rendaku.

Question 20

区分

Answer 20

Division
Kanji: 区 district + 分 part
Think about a part of the district. Separate them out in your mind (these parts). Each part is a division of the district. You can also take each division and create a classification of them. Go ahead and classify each one.
Reading: くぶん
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 21

地

Answer 21

Earth
Kanji: 地 earth
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
地 is often used in formal contexts or literature to refer to the Earth’s surface, the ground, or land in a more abstract or overarching sense. To say “earth” or “ground” casually, use 地面. For “land,” it’s 土地.
Reading: ち
Although this is a single kanji all alone, it uses the on’yomi reading. This is the reading you learned with the kanji, you lucky duck.

Question 22

反響

Answer 22

Echo
Kanji: 反 anti + 響 echo
An anti echo is still an echo! It’s just going back and forth with a normal echo. Together they get a weird reverberation going.
Reading: はんきょう
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 23

効率

Answer 23

Efficiency
Kanji: 効 efficient + 率 percent
Your effective percent shows how effective you are. If you’re at an effective percent of 80%, that’s your efficiency.
Reading: こうりつ
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 24

年輩

Answer 24

Elderly person
Kanji: 年 year + 輩 comrade
Someone who is a comrade with years has been around a lot of said years. They are an elderly person.
Reading: ねんぱい
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 はい goes to a ぱい, because elderly persons love pie, right?

Question 25

結構

Answer 25

Fine
Kanji: 結 bind + 構 set up
Bind and set up everything so it is fine and fairly sufficient.
This word is often used to express that something is adequate or satisfactory, to politely decline an offer or invitation, or to indicate a relatively high degree or extent of something, like:
“No thank you” 結構です
“That’s fine, no more” もう結構です
“It’s fairly big” 結構大きい
etc.
Reading: けっこう
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. The けつ shortens to けっ.

Question 26

防火

Answer 26

Fire prevention
Kanji: 防 prevent + 火 fire
Trying to prevent fire? Better get into fire prevention.
Reading: ぼうか
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 27

上巻

Answer 27

First volume
Kanji: 上 above + 巻 scroll
The above scroll is the top scroll, the one you read first. It’s the first volume. Many Japanese books come in parts, so look for this if you want to get the first one.
Reading: じょうかん
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 28

まぐれ

Answer 28

Fluke
Kanji: No kanji (be happy!)
Somebody tried to mug Remi (まぐれ), your friend, but by chance they managed to escape! Their escape was a fluke, but what a relief they didn’t get mugged.
This word can be written in kanji, but the kana version is way more common. In fact, it’d be quite a fluke if you saw it in kanji.
Reading: まぐれ

Question 29

〜毎に

Answer 29

For every
Kanji: 毎 every + に
Add a に to every and you get for every. This means something happens at intervals of a certain time frame or milestone, like once every year, month, day, etc.!
Note that this is very frequently written in hiragana, but you’ll encounter the kanji version as well, especially when it follows a number.
Reading: ごとに
This uses the kun’yomi reading of 毎, which you haven’t learned yet, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
For every kanji you burn, you go to (ごと) Tokyo Disneyland as a reward. It’s a bit of an expensive habit, but I think you deserve it.

Question 30

新鮮

Answer 30

Fresh
Kanji: 新 new + 鮮 fresh
New and fresh is fresh (has to be new if you want it to be fresh, after all).
This word is used to describe fresh vegetables, fish, air, and new ideas or experiences, but is not commonly used to describe freshly made food or drinks. This is because the word emphasizes the inherent freshness of the thing being described, rather than its recent production.
Reading: しんせん
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 31

鮮魚

Answer 31

Fresh fish
Kanji: 鮮 fresh + 魚 fish
Fresh fish is fresh fish (and the best fish, nom nom nom).
This is a fairly specialized word that you’d mostly see at a market. To describe fresh fish more generally, you can just say 新鮮な魚.
Reading: せんぎょ
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 32

満員

Answer 32

Full house
Kanji: 満 full + 員 member
Full of members, so sorry, no more room. This place is a full house. That means there is no vacancy here.
Reading: まんいん
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 33

満月

Answer 33

Full moon
Kanji: 満 full + 月 moon
The full moon is a full moon.
Reading: まんげつ
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 34

公用

Answer 34

Government business
Kanji: 公 public + 用 task
A public task is going to be government business. You have to think of this public as government to know the meaning of this word easily.
Reading: こうよう
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 35

素直

Answer 35

Honest
Kanji: 素 element + 直 fix
All your dishonest elements are fixed, making you more honest than ever.
This is mostly used to describe people as being honest and upfront about their thoughts and emotions. While mostly being positive, it can also be used in a slightly negative way to describe people as being obedient and compliant, following instructions and rules without resistance.
Reading: すなお
The reading for this is a bit of a weird one. It uses on’yomi for 素, then it uses the kun’yomi for 直. You know both readings, but it’s all a little strange, so here’s a mnemonic help you:
To present yourself as an honest person, you should hurry up and change into a suit now (すなお). We all know that people in suits look more honest and upfront, so go get suited up now!

Question 36

光栄

Answer 36

Honor
Kanji: 光 sunlight + 栄 prosper
When a light shines on how much you’ve prospered, it’s a great honor. You don’t feel like you did anything so special, but it’s really a privilege for the light to come down on you like this.
Reading: こうえい
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 37

莫大

Answer 37

Huge
Kanji: 莫 endless + 大 big
Something that is endlessly big isn’t just big, but huge and enormous.
This word is often used in contexts that involve money, but it can also be used for other things like time, energy, and data.
Reading: ばくだい
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 38

含意

Answer 38

Implication
Kanji: 含 include + 意 idea
Include your ideas here, but think about the implications they will result in too, especially considering you’re just including them now. They have implications!
This word is quite formal, and therefore commonly used in academic or professional contexts.
Reading: がんい
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

無限

Answer 39

Infinite
Kanji: 無 nothing + 限 limit
The limit is nothing. What? No limit? That means it will never stop! It is infinite!
Reading: むげん
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.

Question 40

影響

Answer 40

Influence
Kanji: 影 shadow + 響 echo
In the shadows you still echo. Your echo leaves the shadows and hits people, creating an influence on them. You’re like the shadow person pulling the strings, making things do what you want… influencing them.
Reading: えいきょう
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 41

不規則

Answer 41

Irregularity
Kanji: 不 not + 規 standard + 則 rule
You know that 規則 means “rule” or “regulation.” So a not “rule” or “regulation” is an irregularity.
Reading: ふきそく
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 42

後輩

Answer 42

Junior
Kanji: 後 behind + 輩 comrade
The comrade who’s behind you is your junior.
Reading: こうはい
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 後 is the long こう reading, though. Just think of your junior being こういち.

Question 43

下巻

Answer 43

Last volume
Kanji: 下 below + 巻 scroll
The scroll that’s below is the last scroll you read, making it the last volume.
Reading: げかん
The 下 uses the alternative reading of げ but 巻 is all good and normal.

Question 44

訴訟

Answer 44

Lawsuit
Kanji: 訴 sue + 訟 lawsuit
If you sue and bring about a lawsuit, you are bringing about a lawsuit.
Reading: そしょう
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 45

革ジャン

Answer 45

Leather jacket
Kanji: 革 leather + ジ + ャ + ン
革 is leather and ジャン is short for ジャンパー (Jumper, like a jacket). So, put those together and you have a leather jacket.
This word is getting somewhat outdated. The trendier term now is レザージャケット.
Readings: かわじゃん, かわジャン
The reading is the same as the vocab word 革, because this word is like two separate words put together (so it’s treated as single words too, giving it that reading).

Question 46

限界

Answer 46

Limit
Kanji: 限 limit + 界 world
As you reach the limit of your world, you face your limit and confront your limitations.
This word refers to the maximum extent or limit that something can reach or endure. It conveys the idea of reaching the utmost point beyond which a situation or condition cannot be sustained.
Reading: げんかい
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 47

金属

Answer 47

Metal
Kanji: 金 gold + 属 belong
Even gold belongs to a family… the family of metals!
Reading: きんぞく
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 48

肥料

Answer 48

Manure
Kanji: 肥 obese + 料 fee
Your fee for being obese is lots of manure coming out of your butt. If you eat a lot you’ll poop a lot of manure.
Reading: ひりょう
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 49

絞殺

Answer 49

Murder by strangling
Kanji: 絞 strangle + 殺 kill
A strangle kill is murder by strangling, or strangling to death.
This is a pretty formal word that you’d see most in police reports and detective novels.
Reading: こうさつ
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 49

掛け算

Answer 49

Multiplication
Kanji: 掛 hang + け + 算 calculate
If you try to calculate something, but instead you feel the urge to hang your teacher, you know you’re doing multiplication. It’s hard, guys. Like really hard. The hardest kind of math of them all. But you can do it! No one needs to get hanged. And don’t hang your head in defeat either. Multiply those numbers like a boss! Hang the numbers instead!!
Reading: かけざん
This is the kun’yomi reading for 掛 and the on’yomi for 算. And the さん reading is rendaku’d into ざん. This is the same for all the math-ish words (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), so try to remember that, because you’ll see it again!

Question 50

長崎県

Answer 50

Nagasaki prefecture
Kanji: 長 long + 崎 cape + 県 prefecture
Long Cape Prefecture. This will make more sense when you look at the reading. Hint: It’s Nagasaki Prefecture.
Reading: ながさきけん
The readings are 長 from 長い, normal 崎 and normal 県.

Question 51

肥満

Answer 51

Obesity
Kanji: 肥 obese + 満 full
Does being obese mean you’re always full? Of course not. But clearly that’s what the people who coined the Japanese word for obesity thought… You can see there are some implicit biases in these kanji!
Reading: ひまん
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 52

岡山城

Answer 52

Okayama castle
Kanji: 岡 hill + 山 mountain + 城 castle
This is the same 岡山 that you learned with 岡山県. So what’s Okayama castle? Yep, Okayama Castle!
Reading: おかやまじょう
When 城 is added to a place name like this, it takes the on’yomi. You haven’t learned this yet, so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
The lord of Okayama Castle is none other than Jourm (じょう), your local farmhand friend. How a farmhand like Jourm managed to become the lord of a Japanese castle is beyond even us, but it’s Lord Jourm to you now.

Question 53

一巻

Answer 53

One volume
Kanji: 一 one + 巻 scroll
One scroll is one scroll back in the day, but now it refers to books and means one volume.
Reading: いっかん
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. いち goes to いっ.

Question 54

模様

Answer 54

Pattern
Kanji: 模 imitation + 様 formal name ender
様 uses its alternative meaning “manner” here, so we have an imitation manner. An imitation of the same manner over and over creates a pattern.
Reading: もよう
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on’yomi readings from the kanji. Since you didn’t learn the on’yomi for 様 with the kanji, here’s a mnemonic to help you out. You see a pattern in your yogurt (よう). The yogurt is an imitation of life. So deep, man. So deep.

Question 55

減給

Answer 55

Pay cut
Kanji: 減 decrease + 給 salary
A decrease in salary is a pay cut.
Reading: げんきゅう
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 56

満点

Answer 56

Perfect score
Kanji: 満 full + 点 point
Full points are when you get a perfect score.
満点 can also be used to describe a state of being at the pinnacle of a certain quality or standard, such as サービス満点 (excellent service) or 栄養満点 (highly nutritious).
Reading: まんてん
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 57

模型

Answer 57

Plastic model
Kanji: 模 imitation + 型 model
An imitation model is obviously not the real thing. It’s (usually) a plastic model or just a model figure or something.
Reading: もけい
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 58

豊満

Answer 58

Plump
Kanji: 豊 plentiful + 満 full
If you’re plentiful and full, you could say you’re plump or full-figured… in other words, you’re not a snack, you’re the Whole. Damn. Meal.
This is a literary expression used to describe the physical appearance of a woman’s body, often focusing on a well-endowed chest.
Reading: ほうまん
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 59

受領書

Answer 59

Receipt
Kanji: 受 accept + 領 territory + 書 write
Please accept this territory. Oh, you want some writing to make the deal official? Okay, here’s a receipt.
This word refers to a document which serves as proof of receiving goods, services, or money in an official setting, like a business transaction. If you’re just talking about the receipt you get while shopping, you can simply say レシート or 領収書.
Reading: じゅりょうしょ
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 60

不況

Answer 60

Recession
Kanji: 不 not + 況 condition
A “not condition” is where nothing is going well. How are things going? Not well. The condition is bad. We’re in a recession.
Reading: ふきょう
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 61

規則正しい

Answer 61

Regular
Kanji: 規 standard + 則 rule + 正 correct + し + い
This is a combination of the words 規則 and 正しい, that you learned already. If you follow the rules in the correct order, everything will stay regular and orderly.
This word means that something follows a regular pattern or schedule. It’s commonly used to describe disciplined lifestyles, such as with regular sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits, and implies that the regularity is desirable.
Reading: きそくただしい
This is a combination of the words 規則 and 正しい, which you learned already, so you should be able to read this word too.

Question 62

豊か

Answer 62

Rich
Kanji: 豊 plentiful + か
This is the same as the kanji 豊, making it plentiful and abundant. It can also mean rich or wealthy.
豊か is a versatile and nuanced word that conveys a sense of abundance and richness in various aspects of life. It implies a positive and prosperous state, going beyond just material wealth or great quantity, and encompassing overall well-being and fulfillment.
Reading: ゆたか
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 discovered plentiful yurt tacos (ゆた) inside the yurt you’re staying in. Picture yourself savoring the richly flavored yurt tacos beside your yurt while being immersed in the abundant nature around you.

Question 63

隠居

Answer 63

Retirement
Kanji: 隠 hide + 居 alive
You hide away but you’re alive. You’ve lived your life, so now it’s time to hide and enjoy your retirement by making your retreat from working life.
This word refers to life after someone retires, and usually implies being retired from active life and having a quiet, maybe even secluded, lifestyle. It can also imply handing over the reins to your successors. The word is a little old-fashioned, but you’ll still see it in modern writing.
Reading: いんきょ
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 64

革命家

Answer 64

Revolutionary
Kanji: 革 leather + 命 fate + 家 house
A person who lives in a revolution (革命) house is a revolutionary. They want government change! They want to take down the people in power!
Reading: かくめいか
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. Of course it will help to know 革命 already as well.

Question 65

給料

Answer 65

Salary
Kanji: 給 salary + 料 fee
Your salary fee are the moneys you get for your salary. These are your wages and pay.
Reading: きゅうりょう
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 66

満足

Answer 66

Satisfied
Kanji: 満 full + 足 foot
I am full and sufficient. I am satisfied.
Reading: まんぞく
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. Just remember that the reading for 足 in this one is ぞく because of that pesky rendaku.

Question 67

光景

Answer 67

Scene
Kanji: 光 sunlight + 景 scene
When sunlight shines on a scene, it’s still a scene. The sunlight is here to create some drama, also making this a spectacle.
Reading: こうけい
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 68

景色

Answer 68

Scenery
Kanji: 景 scene + 色 color
The scene’s color is the scenery, landscape, and view. Looking good, scenery!
Reading: けしき
You haven’t learned either of these readings yet. Here’s a mnemonic to help you remember them:
You’re admiring the scenery and you notice key marks all over everything. You realize it’s that girl who keys everything and you say to yourself kay she keyed (けしき) that, kay she keyed (けしき) this.

Question 69

時候

Answer 69

Seasonal climate
Kanji: 時 time + 候 climate
The time’s climate is the seasonal climate, or seasonal weather.
You’ll almost always see this word used in the context of 時候のあいさつ (seasonal greetings). It’s a customary practice to start a letter by discussing something related to the current season before addressing the main topic.
Reading: じこう
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 70

二巻

Answer 70

Second volume
Kanji: 二 two + 巻 scroll
The number two scroll is the second volume. With Japanese books, they often come in pieces with groups of three being common. This represents the second volume.
Reading: にかん
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 71

先輩

Answer 71

Senior
Kanji: 先 previous + 輩 comrade
My comrade who came before me is my senior, my senpai (せんぱい).
Reading: せんぱい
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, but just remember that the second kanji is read as ぱい because of the rendaku on はい.

Question 72

影

Answer 72

Shadow
Kanji: 影 shadow
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Reading: かげ
Just imagine the shadow of a cage (かげ). Lots of long bars. Looks good.

Question 73

吸収する

Answer 73

To absorb
Kanji: 吸 suck + 収 obtain + す + る
If 吸収 is “absorption” the verb version is to absorb.
Reading: きゅうしゅうする
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 74

天候

Answer 74

The weather
Kanji: 天 heaven + 候 climate
Heaven’s climate is the weather.
Compared to 天気, this is a more formal term used to describe the weather over the period of one day, multiple days, or even weeks.
Reading: てんこう
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 75

肩こり

Answer 75

Shoulder stiffness
Kanji: 肩 shoulder + こ + り
When your shoulders get a little こり, it means you’ve got shoulder stiffness or a stiff neck.
The こり here is a nominalized version of the verb こる, which means “to become stiff,” so maybe that’ll help you remember this!
Reading: かたこり
You already know the reading of 肩, and this is just that with some hiragana added on!

Question 76

建つ

Answer 76

To be built
Kanji: 建 build + つ
You know that 建てる is “to build.” This is similar to that, but it’s the version where you’re not doing the building. Something is just getting built. That’s why this word means to be built. You can remember that by thinking about how two (つ) buildings were built without you noticing. These two buildings just seemed to pop up out of nowhere and, unfortunately, they’re now blocking your view.
Reading: たつ
The reading is shared with 建てる, so if you know 建てる then you should be able to read this word as well.

Question 77

呼ばれる

Answer 77

To be called
Kanji: 呼 call + ば + れ + る
If 呼ぶ is “to call” then this is something similar. This is when you are called by someone (and you’re not doing the calling). This word is to be called.
Reading: よばれる
The reading is shared with 呼ぶ, so remember that and you’ll be able to read this too.

Question 78

捕まる

Answer 78

To be caught
Kanji: 捕 catch + ま + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means catch so the intransitive verb vocab version is to be caught. This is a literal, physical catch. So, for example, you can catch a criminal using this verb but not catch the drift of an idea, which would be 捕える, coming up in level 27.
Reading: つかまる
The reading is つか, so to remember that with to be caught, think about how you’re a police officer trying to catch some criminals. Unfortunately, they have split up into two cars (つか) meaning you won’t catch both of them, since you only have one car.

Question 79

慣れる

Answer 79

To become accustomed to
Kanji: 慣 accustomed + れ + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means accustomed so the verb vocab version is to become accustomed.
Reading: なれる
What have you become accustomed to? All the Narwhals (な) you hang out with. They take some getting used to.

Question 80

割れる

Answer 80

To be divided
Kanji: 割 divide + れ + る
Remember how 割る is “to divide”? Now you’re learning the intransitive version. Instead of you doing the dividing, something just gets divided or split up. So this is to be divided or to be split.
It can also mean to break, as in ワイングラスが割れる (the wine glass breaks). After all, when an object breaks, it’s divided into parts, right?
Reading: われる
The reading is shared with 割る.

Question 81

効く

Answer 81

To be effective
Kanji: 効 effective + く
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means effective. The verb vocab version is to be effective or to work effectively (since “to effective” doesn’t make sense).
This word is used to describe something that works effectively and as intended, such as medicine that achieves the desired effect or brakes that effectively stop the car.
Reading: きく
What is particularly effective? It’s your key (き). It’s effective at opening your house door.

Question 82

係わる

Answer 82

To be involved
Kanji: 係 connection + わ + る
You know that the kanji means connection. This is a verb, so one meaning is to be connected. It can also mean to be involved and to be related. Basically things that have to do with being connected with something else.
Does this all sound familiar? In fact, this is another way to write 関わる, which you already learned! The two have exactly the same meaning, but this version is a bit less common.
Reading: かかわる
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. It’s exactly the same as the reading for 関わる, so here’s a reminder of that mnemonic to help you:
Remember the “Kaw Kaw (かか) Crow Gang”? They are bad news, always eating from garbage and squawking “kaw kaw”… You don’t want to be involved with them.

Question 83

構う

Answer 83

To care about
Kanji: 構 set up + う
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means care so the verb vocab version is to care about.
This word generally implies a more direct physical or verbal expression of care, rather than just mentally caring about someone or something. The exception is when it’s used in the negative, like 構わない (I don’t mind).
Reading: かまう
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: Do you care a lot about grammar? I don’t care, unless it has to do with commas (かま). Then I do flip out.

Question 84

捉える

Answer 84

To catch
Kanji: 捉 catch + 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 catch so the verb version is to catch.
Try to remember the mnemonic from the kanji with this one, because this word isn’t used for physically catching things, but for ideas or meanings that you are able to grasp, metaphorically speaking.
Reading: とらえる
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 with the kanji, so you should be able to read it already!

Question 85

渡る

Answer 85

To cross
Kanji: 渡 transit + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means transit, which is just another word for crossing through or crossing over. That’s why this word is to cross or to cross over.
Reading: わたる
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji.

Question 86

響く

Answer 86

To echo
Kanji: 響 echo + く
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means echo so the verb is to echo.
Reading: ひびく
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: He be (ひび) echoing… He be (ひび) echoing… He be (ひび) echoing… He be (ひび) echoing… He be (ひび) echoing…

Question 87

居る

Answer 87

To exist
Kanji: 居 alive + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means alive and the verb version means to exist or to be, for anything that is alive and moving, like people and animals.
The kanji isn’t used too often for this word, so when you’re writing just use the kana. But you’ll see the kanji used sometimes so it’s important to be able to recognize it!
Reading: いる
Do you know the word いる? This is the kanji version! If you’ve been studying Japanese up to this point you probably already know that word. You can associate these two things together into one and remember the reading at the same time!

Question 88

掛ける

Answer 88

To hang something
Kanji: 掛 hang + け + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means hang so the verb vocab version is to hang something or to hang up something (as in to hang it up by a hook).
You can remember this because you must care (ける) about the way you hang something up. Without care, it won’t stay hanging for long.
Reading: かける
The reading is the same as what you learned with the kanji.

Question 89

隠す

Answer 89

To hide something
Kanji: 隠 hide + す
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means hide and the verb vocab version is to hide something or to conceal something.
Reading: かくす
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: Hide your cock (かく)! You have a ton of roosters but you don’t want people to know about them, so you gotta hide your cocks. What did you think I was talking about?

Question 90

含む

Answer 90

To include
Kanji: 含 include + む
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means include so the verb vocab version is to include or to contain.
While 含む can be used in everyday conversation, it’s a relatively formal word that is generally used in explanatory sentences.
Reading: ふくむ
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:
They don’t want to include you in their game? Well, “F*** (ふく) you!” you yell at them, because they wouldn’t include you.

Question 91

増す

Answer 91

To increase
Kanji: 増 increase + す
It’s another verb with the kanji 増! This one means to increase too! But!
Just like 増える, this is when something is just increasing on its own. You can use this word to talk about an increase in number, quantity, or degree, but it’s more literary and less common than 増える, except when referring to an increase in degree.
Reading: ます
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun’yomi reading. You haven’t learned this reading yet so here’s a mnemonic to help you:
What increases with time? Your love for your mama (ま)! Your love for her will grow and grow the older you get! I love you, mama!

Question 92

限る

Answer 92

To limit
Kanji: 限 limit + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means limit so the verb vocab version is to limit. It is often used in the passive form 限られる, which means to be limited, implying that the limiting is being done by someone else.
This is a formal word used to define the limits of time, space, or quantity, or to set restrictions on things. It is also used casually when emphasizing something in particular or considering something to be the best.
Reading: かぎる
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: to limit things, you have something called a car (か) guillotine (ぎ) which you drive around limiting everything with.

Question 93

見渡す

Answer 93

To look out over
Kanji: 見 see + 渡 transit + す
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji mean see and transit, but the vocab isn’t quite the same. You are going to transit your eyes over an area to take in what you see. So you’re really going to look out over everything. This word is usually used when you’re looking at landscapes or a really large area.
Reading: みわたす
The readings for this word are both kun’yomi readings. You’ve learned both of these readings by now so you should be able to read this on your own.

Question 94

今更

Answer 94

Too late
Kanji: 今 now + 更 renew
Now isn’t good enough for renewal. It’s already too late. The time has passed now.
Reading: いまさら
You might be tempted to read this with on’yomi, but this is actually 今 and 更に put together, just without the に particle at the end. Try to remember it in this way, or just make a mental note to use kun’yomi here!

Question 95

頑張る

Answer 95

To persevere
Kanji: 頑 stubborn + 張 stretch + る
張る is to stretch. You’re stubborn and want to stretch out what you’re doing right now. Although you’re stubborn, you keep doing it. You persevere. That’s why this word is to persevere or to do one’s best.
Reading: がんばる
The reading for this word is the reading for 頑 and 張る put together but the 張る part gets rendaku’d so keep that in mind.

Question 96

準備する

Answer 96

To prepare
Kanji: 準 standard + 備 provide + す + る
You’ve seen that 準備 is preparations. This is the verb version, so you get yourself to prepare.
Reading: じゅんびする
The reading is the same as 準備.

Question 97

抜く

Answer 97

To pull something out
Kanji: 抜 pull out + く
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means pull out so the verb vocab version is to pull something out.
This word often implies that the pulling out requires force or effort. It’s a pretty versatile word, and can also cover things like letting the air out of something, draining the water out of something, and even overtaking someone or pulling through difficulties.
Reading: ぬく
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji. Just go ahead and extract it out of your memory so you can use it here.

Question 98

問う

Answer 98

To question something
Kanji: 問 problem + 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 problem and this verb means to question something. That’s because when you want to get to the bottom of a problem, you question things.
Note that this is a bit of a formal word, so watch out for the contexts it’s used in!
Reading: とう
Since this word has okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) you know that it’s probably going to use the kun’yomi reading. You didn’t learn that reading with the kanji, so here’s a mnemonic to help you remember this reading:
It’s okay to question something, but you should be careful not to step on someone else’s toes (と) by doing so. Questioning certain things can offend people, especially when they have strong feelings about it! So be careful about those toes.

Question 99

替える

Answer 99

To replace
Kanji: 替 replace + え + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means replace so the verb vocab version is to replace. You know that you’re doing the replacing because of the air (える). You’re replacing the air as quickly as you can because if you don’t you wouldn’t be able to breathe in this small room.
替える means to replace something with another item of the same kind or equivalent, rather than changing its state. Wondering how it differs from 代える? While 代える stresses that you’re using someone or something “in place of another,” 替える simply indicates the act of swapping one thing for another similar thing.
Reading: かえる
The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji.

Question 100

巻く

Answer 100

To roll
Kanji: 巻 scroll + く
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means scroll. But, you don’t “to scroll.” What do you do to scrolls, though? You roll them up, making this word “to roll.”
This word can also mean to wind, like when winding thread or a watch, or to wrap when involving a rolling or coiling motion, like wrapping sushi in seaweed or wrapping a cozy scarf around your neck.
Reading: まく
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: The thing you are rolling up is your ma (ま). She’s going wild again, so you throw her into a blanket and roll her up to hold her down.

Question 101

捜す

Answer 101

To search for
Kanji: 捜 search + す
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means search so the verb vocab version is to search for or to seek.
Reading: さがす
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’re searching all around for a “sagger” (さが) on your body. This is a flap of skin that is sagging on your body really far, and you probably should get it removed.

Question 102

現す

Answer 102

To show
Kanji: 現 present time + す
This is the transitive version of 現れる (to appear), so rather than something appearing on its own, you’re making it appear. So this word means to show or to reveal, but it’s usually used in set phrases like 姿を現す (to show up) or 正体を現す (to reveal one’s true nature).
Reading: あらわす
Do you remember learning 現れる? This has the same exact pronunciation!

Question 103

収める

Answer 103

To store
Kanji: 収 obtain + め + る
When you obtain something you need to keep it safe, so you decide to store it somewhere. Then you can always go back and look at the thing you managed to achieve or to score, and no one can take it from you.
収める means “to store” with an emphasis on placing something in their proper location. This nuance extends to convey a sense of accomplishment, such as “achieving a favorable outcome.”
Reading: おさめる
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 with 収まる, but here’s a mnemonic to remind you just in case:
You need to store all of the old saws (おさ). You were able to finish and to achieve everything you wanted with them, so it’s time to put them away so they’ll be safe.

Question 104

絞める

Answer 104

To strangle
Kanji: 絞 strangle + め + る
The kanji means strangle and this vocab is the verb version of that: to strangle. It’s usually used in the phrase 首を絞める, which also means “to strangle.”
There is another word, 絞る which means “to wring out” that looks very similar. You know that this one is “to strangle” because it has める sticking out of it. Imagine that in the mail (める) you get a letter that says “I’m going to strangle you!” When you get this in the mail, you know it’s about strangling.
Reading: しめる
The thing that is threatening to strangle you is actually a sheep (し)! The sheep comes to your house and says, “here’s the sheep mail!” and then tries to strangle you. It puts its hard feet on your neck though it’s pretty ineffective.

Question 105

訴える

Answer 105

To sue
Kanji: 訴 sue + え + る
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means sue so the verb vocab version is to sue.
Reading: うったえる
YOU TAKE (うった) MY THINGS, I AM GOING TO SUE YOU!

Question 106

補う

Answer 106

To supplement
Kanji: 補 supplement + う
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means supplement so the verb vocab version is to supplement.
Note that this word is generally considered relatively formal in tone.
Reading: おぎなう
Oh, gee, now (おぎな) you’re going to supplement it? That would have been helpful earlier. Might help to say “oh gee now” with a ぎ sound instead of “ji” sound out loud, too. This is a tricky reading, won’t be learned too easily, so think about it a bit now.

Question 107

優れる

Answer 107

To surpass
Kanji: 優 superior + れ + る
This is the verb version of the kanji superior, so it means to surpass. Someone who is superior is always going to surpass and to excel beyond others. That’s what makes them so superior in the first place!
This is a formal word that is often used in writing or formal speech.
Reading: すぐれる
Remember how 今すぐ means “at once”? Well that’s the key to surpassing others. You have to do everything 今すぐ!!!

Question 108

降ろす

Answer 108

To take down
Kanji: 降 descend + ろ + す
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. You already learned that 降りる means “to get off.” This is when you’re helping something else descend down from something, not when you yourself are getting down. So it means to take down or to lower.
Reading: おろす
This word uses the kun’yomi reading, which you already learned. Go you!

Question 109

投票する

Answer 109

To vote
Kanji: 投 throw + 票 ballot + す + る
Throw a ballot in the ballot box to vote.
Reading: とうひょうする
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. You may have to think back to some other words using 投 to remember the on’yomi reading, 投資 for example.

Question 110

絞る

Answer 110

To wring out
Kanji: 絞 strangle + る
You’ve learned that the kanji 絞 means strangle. 絞る, on the other hand, means to wring out or to squeeze something like a towel, or to narrow down ideas.
Reading: しぼる
Your friend wants to wring out a towel, but before she does so she bows (しぼ) to the towel to show her respect for it.

Question 111

家庭教師

Answer 111

Tutor
Kanji: 家 house + 庭 garden + 教 teach + 師 teacher
This is a combination of the words 家庭 and 教師. A “teacher” who only teaches when you’re with your “family” is known as a tutor. They don’t teach you at school, they’re a private teacher that comes to your home to help you learn.
Reading: かていきょうし
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 112

鮮やか

Answer 112

Vivid
Kanji: 鮮 fresh + や + か
Alright, so it’s not quite the same, but something that is fresh is also vivid and splendid. I know those are a couple things I’d associate with freshness. Try to make the connection here before moving on.
Reading: あざやか
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: This vivid and splendid fresh fish is MINE! You grab the other (あざ) one that’s not as vivid and splendid. This one is mine.

Question 113

防水

Answer 113

Waterproof
Kanji: 防 prevent + 水 water
Something that prevents water is waterproof and watertight. Time to take a bath with my 防水 cell phone…
Reading: ぼうすい
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

人狼

Answer 114

Werewolf
Kanji: 人 person + 狼 wolf
A person wolf is a werewolf. This word is less common than 狼男, but it’s used more and more thanks to the card game of the same name!
Reading: じんろう
This is a jukugo word that uses the on’yomi readings of the kanji. You haven’t learned the on’yomi for 狼 (wolf) yet, so here’s a mnemonic to help you remember that, as well as which on’yomi to use for 人:
There’s a werewolf in front of you wearing jeans and eating roe (じんろう). This is typical behavior for werewolves, as I’m sure you know.