Learning Japanese vocabulary is not only about memorizing words for the JLPT. The real goal is to understand and use Japanese in everyday situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For N4 learners, practical vocabulary can help you talk about travel, emergencies, school, work, and people around you. The official JLPT describes N4 as the ability to understand basic Japanese, including familiar daily topics and conversations spoken relatively slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this lesson, we will learn five practical Japanese words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046] \u2014 airfield; airport<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050] \u2014 to hurry; to rush<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093] \u2014 earthquake<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046] \u2014 section manager; section chief<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u9aea[\u304b\u307f] \u2014 hair<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s learn how to use each word naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046] \u2014 Airfield; Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> airfield; airport<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading:<\/strong> \u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanji:<\/strong> \u98db\u884c\u5834<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046] refers to a place where airplanes take off and land. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “airfield” or “airport.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046]\u3067\u53cb\u9054[\u3068\u3082\u3060\u3061]\u3092\u5f85[\u307e]\u3061\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I will wait for my friend at the airfield\/airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related word<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u7a7a\u6e2f[\u304f\u3046\u3053\u3046] \u2014 airport<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are talking specifically about a passenger airport, \u7a7a\u6e2f[\u304f\u3046\u3053\u3046] is a very common word to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046]\u307e\u3067\u3069\u3046\u3084\u3063\u3066\u884c[\u3044]\u304d\u307e\u3059\u304b\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> How will you get to the airport?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050] \u2014 To Hurry; To Rush<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> to hurry; to rush<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading:<\/strong> \u3044\u305d\u3050<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanji:<\/strong> \u6025\u3050<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050] is a practical verb when you need to do something quickly or arrive somewhere without being late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5b66\u6821[\u304c\u3063\u3053\u3046]\u3078\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u3044\u3067\u884c[\u3044]\u304d\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I hurry to school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notice the form:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6025\u3050 (dictionary form) \u2192 \u6025\u3044\u3067 (te-form)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u99c5[\u3048\u304d]\u307e\u3067\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u304e\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I hurried to the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u3044\u3067\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> Please hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try making sentences about your daily routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u671d[\u3042\u3055]\u3001\u5b66\u6821[\u304c\u3063\u3053\u3046]\u3078\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u304e\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u4f1a\u793e[\u304b\u3044\u3057\u3083]\u3078\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u304e\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u96fb\u8eca[\u3067\u3093\u3057\u3083]\u306b\u4e57[\u306e]\u308b\u305f\u3081\u306b\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u304e\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the same word in different sentences helps you remember it more naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093] \u2014 Earthquake<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading:<\/strong> \u3058\u3057\u3093.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanji:<\/strong> \u5730\u9707.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707\uff08\u3058\u3057\u3093\uff09<\/strong> means “earthquake.” This is an important JLPT N4 vocabulary word because Japan experiences earthquakes, and you may hear it in news reports, public announcements, or everyday conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6628\u65e5[\u304d\u306e\u3046]\u3001\u5927[\u304a\u304a]\u304d\u306a\u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]\u304c\u3042\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> There was a big earthquake yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practical expressions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]\u304c\u3042\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> There was an earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]\u306f\u5927\u4e08\u592b[\u3060\u3044\u3058\u3087\u3046\u3076]\u3067\u3057\u305f\u304b\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> Were you okay during the earthquake?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]\u306b\u6c17[\u304d]\u3092\u3064\u3051\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> Please be careful about earthquakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related vocabulary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n | Japanese | Reading | Meaning |<\/p>\n\n\n\n |———-|———|———|<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5730\u9707 | \u3058\u3057\u3093 | earthquake |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u907f\u96e3 | \u3072\u306a\u3093 | evacuation |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u907f\u96e3\u6240 | \u3072\u306a\u3093\u3058\u3087 | evacuation shelter |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9632\u707d | \u307c\u3046\u3055\u3044 | disaster prevention |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9707\u5ea6 | \u3057\u3093\u3069 | seismic intensity |<\/p>\n\n\n\n For learners living in Japan, learning basic disaster-related vocabulary can make announcements and emergency information easier to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046] \u2014 Section Manager; Section Chief<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> section manager; section chief<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading:<\/strong> \u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanji: <\/strong>\u8ab2\u9577<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046] is a workplace title used for a manager who leads a section or department unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This word is especially important for learners studying Japanese for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u7530\u4e2d[\u305f\u306a\u304b]\u3055\u3093\u306f\u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> Mr. Tanaka is a section manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]\u306b\u5831\u544a[\u307b\u3046\u3053\u304f]\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I will report to the section manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]\u306f\u4f1a\u8b70[\u304b\u3044\u304e]\u306b\u53c2\u52a0[\u3055\u3093\u304b]\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> The section manager will participate in the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related workplace vocabulary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n | Japanese | Reading | Meaning |<\/p>\n\n\n\n |———-|———|———|<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u90e8\u9577 | \u3076\u3061\u3087\u3046 | department manager |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u793e\u9577 | \u3057\u3083\u3061\u3087\u3046 | company president |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u793e\u54e1 | \u3057\u3083\u3044\u3093 | company employee |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u4f1a\u8b70 | \u304b\u3044\u304e | meeting |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5831\u544a | \u307b\u3046\u3053\u304f | report |<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing workplace titles can help you understand conversations and introductions in Japanese companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. \u9aea[\u304b\u307f] \u2014 Hair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning:<\/strong> hair<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading:<\/strong> \u304b\u307f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanji:<\/strong> \u9aea<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u9aea[\u304b\u307f] is a very common everyday word. You can use it when talking about someone’s appearance, hairstyle, or hair care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u26a0\ufe0f Note: <\/strong>\u304b\u307f can also mean \u795e (god), \u7d19 (paper), or \u4e0a (above) depending on the kanji used. Pay attention to the kanji to avoid confusion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5f7c\u5973[\u304b\u306e\u3058\u3087]\u306f\u9aea[\u304b\u307f]\u304c\u9577[\u306a\u304c]\u3044\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> She has long hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]\u3092\u5207[\u304d]\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I cut my hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]\u304c\u77ed[\u307f\u3058\u304b]\u3044\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> My hair is short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]\u3092\u6d17[\u3042\u3089]\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation:<\/strong> I wash my hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related vocabulary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n | Japanese | Reading | Meaning |<\/p>\n\n\n\n |———-|———|———|<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9577\u3044 | \u306a\u304c\u3044 | long |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u77ed\u3044 | \u307f\u3058\u304b\u3044 | short |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u7f8e\u5bb9\u9662 | \u3073\u3088\u3046\u3044\u3093 | hair salon |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9aea\u578b | \u304b\u307f\u304c\u305f | hairstyle |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5207\u308b | \u304d\u308b | to cut |<\/p>\n\n\n\n This vocabulary is essential for everyday conversations, especially when talking about appearance or visiting a hair salon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [IMAGE: Japanese hair salon with a learner talking to a stylist]<\/p>\n\n\n\n JLPT N4 Vocabulary Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n | Japanese | Reading | Meaning | Situation |<\/p>\n\n\n\n |———-|———|———|———–|<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u98db\u884c\u5834 | \u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046 | Airfield; airport | Travel |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u6025\u3050 | \u3044\u305d\u3050 | To hurry; to rush | Daily life |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5730\u9707 | \u3058\u3057\u3093 | Earthquake | Emergency |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u8ab2\u9577 | \u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046 | Section manager | Workplace |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9aea | \u304b\u307f | Hair | Daily conversation |<\/p>\n\n\n\n Word Families & Compounds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n | Base Word | Compound | Reading | Meaning |<\/p>\n\n\n\n |———–|———-|———|———|<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u6025\u3050 | \u6025\u884c | \u304d\u3085\u3046\u3053\u3046 | Express train |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u6025\u3050 | \u7dca\u6025 | \u304d\u3093\u304d\u3085\u3046 | Emergency |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5730\u9707 | \u9707\u5ea6 | \u3057\u3093\u3069 | Seismic intensity |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u5730\u9707 | \u4f59\u9707 | \u3088\u3057\u3093 | Aftershock |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9aea | \u9aea\u578b | \u304b\u307f\u304c\u305f | Hairstyle |<\/p>\n\n\n\n | \u9aea | \u9577\u9aea | \u3061\u3087\u3046\u306f\u3064 | Long hair |<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Remember These N4 Words<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than memorizing isolated English translations, try learning each word together with a Japanese sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Read the word aloud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Say each Japanese word several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093] \u2014 earthquake<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Learn vocabulary in context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning vocabulary in full sentences helps you remember words more effectively and understand how they’re used naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6628\u65e5[\u304d\u306e\u3046]\u3001\u5927[\u304a\u304a]\u304d\u306a\u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]\u304c\u3042\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Create your own sentence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Change the example to something related to your own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6bce\u671d[\u307e\u3044\u3042\u3055]\u3001\u5b66\u6821[\u304c\u3063\u3053\u3046]\u3078\u6025[\u3044\u305d]\u304e\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Review regularly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Review today’s five words tomorrow, then again after a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A simple review routine can help you remember vocabulary for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Practice listening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t only study how words look. Listen to Japanese sentences and try to recognize familiar vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is particularly valuable for N4 learners because the JLPT N4 listening section focuses on understanding conversations in everyday situations when they are spoken relatively slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Quick Practice Quiz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose the correct Japanese word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. “Earthquake” is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: B. \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. “To hurry” is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050]<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u5207\u308b[\u304d\u308b]<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u5f85\u3064[\u307e\u3064]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: A. \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. “Section manager” is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u793e\u54e1[\u3057\u3083\u3044\u3093]<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u5b66\u751f[\u304c\u304f\u305b\u3044]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: B. \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. “Hair” is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u982d[\u3042\u305f\u307e]<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u9854[\u304b\u304a]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: A. \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Which word is related to air travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046]<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u7f8e\u5bb9\u9662[\u3073\u3088\u3046\u3044\u3093]<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u4f1a\u8b70[\u304b\u3044\u304e]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: A. \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Fill in the blank:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u6628\u65e5\u3001\u5927\u304d\u3044___\u304c\u3042\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n A. \u98db\u884c\u5834<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. \u5730\u9707<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. \u9aea<\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer: B. \u5730\u9707<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Is JLPT N4 vocabulary practical for daily life?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. N4 focuses on basic Japanese and familiar everyday topics. Learning practical vocabulary can help you understand conversations, signs, and simple written information more confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How many Japanese words should I study every day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single required number. A practical approach is to learn a small number of words consistently and review older vocabulary regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should I learn Japanese vocabulary with example sentences?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Example sentences show you how a word works in context and make it easier to remember how to use it naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is \u98db\u884c\u5834 the same as \u7a7a\u6e2f?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They can overlap in meaning, but \u7a7a\u6e2f[\u304f\u3046\u3053\u3046] is a very common word for an airport, especially a passenger airport. **\u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046]** can refer more broadly to an airfield or airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is vocabulary enough for the JLPT N4?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Vocabulary is only one part of JLPT preparation. N4 preparation should also include grammar, kanji, reading, and listening. The official N4 test specifications include vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ### How can I distinguish between homophones like \u304b\u307f?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay attention to the kanji and context. \u9aea (hair), \u795e (god), \u7d19 (paper), and \u4e0a (above) are all read as \u304b\u307f but have different meanings and kanji. In written Japanese, the kanji makes the meaning clear. In spoken Japanese, context will help you understand which word is being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practical Learning Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try a 5-word daily routine:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read \u2192 Say \u2192 Write \u2192 Make a sentence \u2192 Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For today’s vocabulary, say these words aloud:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u98db\u884c\u5834[\u3072\u3053\u3046\u3058\u3087\u3046] \u2192 \u6025\u3050[\u3044\u305d\u3050] \u2192 \u5730\u9707[\u3058\u3057\u3093] \u2192 \u8ab2\u9577[\u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046] \u2192 \u9aea[\u304b\u307f]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then create one original Japanese sentence for each word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small, consistent practice can make your Japanese vocabulary stronger over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue Your JLPT Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are preparing for JLPT N4, structured study can help you work on vocabulary alongside grammar, kanji, reading, and listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My Japanese Online offers structured JLPT courses from N5 to N1, with lessons taught by licensed native Japanese teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internal Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese Learning Blog:<\/strong> https:\/\/myjapaneseonline.com\/blog\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n My Japanese Online<\/strong>: https:\/\/myjapaneseonline.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n [More Japanese Vocabulary Articles]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Next Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before moving on to tomorrow’s vocabulary, test yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2610 Can you read all five words?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2610 Can you explain their meanings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2610 Can you make one sentence with each word?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2610 Can you recognize them when listening?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2610 Can you remember them tomorrow without looking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to study Japanese step by step with licensed native Japanese teachers, My Japanese Online can support your JLPT learning journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n External Official Link<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Official JLPT Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.jlpt.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n