JLPT N1 vocabulary list こ-す
587 phrases3519 words, each with its reading, its meaning and a native clip. Tap a word to hear it on repeat; tap the sentence under it to hear the word in use.
Drill these words by ear- to withstand; to be worthThis work possesses enough depth to withstand repeated viewing.
- to answer; to replyRather than answering the question, he kept up replies that deliberately shifted the point to buy time.
- refined simplicity; elegant austerityThe old writer's style had reached a state of austere serenity, holding a stillness like the empty space in an ink-wash painting.
- ancient timesWhen one unravels the genealogy of modern thought, its wellspring can be traced back to ancient Greece.
- particularity; strong attention (to detail)The exacting devotion that only an artisan possesses lives in each and every product.
- state; nationIf the law is swayed by the whims of those in power, the very name of a state governed by law is disgraced.
- framework; skeletonThis report lacks the structural backbone of introduction, body, and conclusion.
- national borderIt is precisely because we believe the ideal of human rights possesses universality that we can stand in solidarity across borders.
- flesh and blood; kinOver the inheritance of an enormous estate, a bitter family feud has been brought before the courts.
- fixation; fixingThe entrenchment of inequality is shaking to its foundations society's premise that effort will be rewarded.
- classicsAs I carefully reread the classics, it struck me that this was exactly what is meant by learning the new by revisiting the old.
- ancient capitalTucked in an alley of the old capital, the tea house still preserved a dignified, upright presence despite the passing ages.
- especially; deliberatelyIn light of established custom it was a reasonable decision, and there is no call to single it out for criticism.
- this yearThis year's new product, in both design and functionality, is far ahead of the competition.
- to differA society that lacks tolerance for differing values will, before long, crumble from within.
- slip of the tongue; wordingStop seizing on my choice of words to score cheap points, and take on the actual thrust of my argument.
- refusal; decliningEuphemistic expressions in Japanese serve as a lubricant that softens refusals, while at the same time forming a baffling barrier for foreigners.
- to refuse; to declineBeing indebted to him, I couldn't very well turn down his request outright.
- solitude; lonelinessHaving worked for a full decade without ever attending to his family, perhaps it's only natural he feels lonely after retirement.
- childTo break the cycle of poverty, we should not, in my view, begrudge investment in children.
- childYou're not a child, after all — I'd like you to decide something like that on your own.
- this worldThere is no such thing in this world as glory won without sacrifice.
- to flatter; to fawnWhat right has anyone who fawns upon power to speak of true justice?
- copy; photocopyAn advertising slogan is a feat of verbal craftsmanship, condensing layers of implication into a strictly limited number of characters.
- detailed; fine; smallWith the other party's lawyer, we worked out the terms on the scope of compensation in fine detail.
- attentive; thoughtfulThe meticulous attentiveness that only a long-established shop can offer is surely why the customers never stop coming.
- to be troubled; to have a problemPlease don't hold back so much — whenever you're in a bind, feel free to rely on me anytime.
- to well up; to surgeWatching him give up his dream with his efforts unrewarded, a helpless desolation welled up in me.
- lake surfaceA thin haze lay faintly over the surface of the lake in the early morning.
- inherent; specific toWe painstakingly analyzed the errors contained in the observational data and corrected for the apparatus's inherent quirks.
- employmentIn carrying out the restructuring of its operations, the company announced a policy of protecting employees' jobs above all else.
- since ancient timesIt is precisely the universality of mathematical truth that has never ceased to captivate philosophers since antiquity.
- column (article)Because a newspaper column is limited in length, writers put special ingenuity into the 'turn' of the four-part structure.
- isolationThe isolation of family members shouldering caregiving duties has come to be recognized as a problem that society as a whole should shoulder.
- from now onLet's put the old bad blood behind us and cooperate positively from here on out.
- to fall down; to tripHowever things may turn out, I have no regrets about having given it my all.
- this timeThis success is nothing less than the fruit of steady, painstaking research accumulated over time.
- foundation; coreFreedom of expression is a right at the very core of democracy, yet it is not recognized without limits.
- poverty; hardshipHowever destitute he might become, he vowed to himself never to lose his pride as a journalist.
- basis; groundsTaking baseless rumors to heart, I sank into groundless suspicion, coming to doubt even my colleagues' most casual remarks.
- root; originHer work is highly regarded precisely because it never ceases to interrogate the very roots of human existence.
- from now on; in the futureI wish you all continued success and good health from the bottom of my heart, with a devotion that knows no end.
- foundation; rootThe very concept underlying this theory has undergone a profound transformation over time.
- confusion; mixing upIf policy is built while conflating correlation with causation, enormous budgets risk being poured into misguided measures.
- this kind of; suchOne phone call in advance and all this confusion could have been avoided — if only.
- so much; to this extentI'm realizing anew just how deeply fulfilling work can make a person feel.
- difficulty; hardshipNo matter what difficulties lie ahead, we simply cannot let this plan collapse.
- computerQuantum computers hold the potential to solve, in one stroke, problems that conventional machines cannot handle.
- complianceManagement that makes light of compliance will, even if it turns a momentary profit, before long bring about a collapse of trust.
- root; foundationOverhauling an outdated system from the ground up is an arduous task, but there is no avoiding it.
- confusion; chaosOne phone call in advance and all this confusion could have been avoided — if only.
- feat; deedBecause multiple variables are intertwined, pinning the cause down to a single factor is an extremely difficult feat.
- agreement; consensusI braced for the talks to drag on, but to my surprise we reached an agreement quite easily.
- torrential rainDue to record-breaking torrential rain, many residents have been forced into life as evacuees.
- powerful clanIt is said that if one traces the lineage of this family, it leads all the way back to a powerful clan of the medieval period.
- legality; lawfulAbuse of a right, even if formally lawful, runs counter to the purpose of the law.
- arroganceThat man's arrogance—it's infuriating beyond all measure.
- rationality; reasonThat claim rests on the premise that markets always behave rationally, yet the premise itself does not hold in reality.
- misunderstandingIt was a misunderstanding arising from a lack of information, not something born of ill will.
- nuance of a word; feel of a wordEven the single word "ganbaru" carries a completely different nuance depending on context, which is what makes it such a headache to translate.
- language studyListening to a language podcast during my commute kills time and doubles as study — two birds with one stone.
- meaning of a wordLanguage is a living thing, endlessly shifting the meanings of its words as it breathes in the atmosphere of the age.
- etymology; origin of a wordIf you trace the etymology of "arigatou," it apparently goes back to the original sense of something rare and hard to come by.
- afternoon; p.m.I would like to call on your company tomorrow afternoon regarding the contract; would that be convenient for you?
- margin of error; errorWe painstakingly analyzed the errors contained in the observational data and corrected for the apparatus's inherent quirks.
- to be (very polite)Now then, regarding the results of the selection, I will, if I may be so bold, explain them myself.
- later date; another dayAs for this matter, I will confirm with the relevant department and give you my answer again at a later date.
- (in the) presence (of a noble)I have been granted the awe-inspiring opportunity to present my research findings before His Highness.
- knowing (honorific)I trust you are all already aware of how this came about.
- feast; treatFaced with such a lavishly prepared feast, I could do nothing but savor it to the fullest.
- falling behind; late responsePrecisely because the matter straddled several ministries, they kept passing the buck over jurisdiction, and the response fell behind.
- misidentification; mistaken understandingHis remarks were grossly mistaken on the facts, and the press conference descended into chaos.
- garbage; trashIf you make furniture from scrap materials, you cut down on waste and hold costs down too — isn't that two birds with one stone?
- misuse; wrong usage"O-yomi-ni-narareru" is regarded as incorrect; the proper form is "o-yomi-ni-naru."
- entertainment; amusementThis work has by now transcended the category of mere entertainment and reached the level of social critique.
- looking; seeing (honorific)I would appreciate it if you could review the enclosed materials for the details and then give the matter your consideration.
- difference; gapDifferences of degree aside, everyone carries some anxiety about growing old.
- differenceFurther verification will be required regarding the factors that gave rise to this difference.
- talent; abilityThere is no denying that the arrogance of overestimating his own talent brought about his downfall.
- worstOnce the cash flow has dried up it's spilt water; a manager should always factor in the worst-case scenario in advance.
- largest company (in an industry)With the industry's biggest player entering the market, we too are forced into a fundamental rethink of our strategy.
- resumption; restartThere is a strong likelihood that the resumption of operations at the severely damaged factory will slip to next year or later.
- disaster; calamityEach time I watch the disaster coverage, I feel a helpless despondency at my own powerlessness.
- mining; extractionThe shift from a one-way economy of extracting, using, and discarding resources to a circular economy is a global trend.
- reconstruction; rebuildingWhether or not to bite the bullet and raise taxes for fiscal reconstruction—the wisdom of that course is now in question.
- years; timeThe years drive people relentlessly onward, and not a single soul can escape their march.
- reproduction; reproducibilityAs long as the reproducibility of the experimental results cannot be confirmed, we cannot simply take the claim at face value.
- limit; endCancer cells, unlike normal cells, keep proliferating without limit.
- reconsiderationSuch results suggest the need to reconsider the conventional wisdom.
- last; endA single word of apology would have settled it, yet out of sheer stubbornness he refused to bow his head to the end.
- repeatedly; again and againDespite repeated warnings, the situation has not improved in the slightest.
- final; lastBeing the last day of the holiday weekend, the expressways were hit by severe traffic jams in various areas.
- (annual) expenditureIn order to restore the strained public finances, the government embarked on sweeping expenditure reforms.
- first; beginningDeliberately putting forward aggressive demands at the outset in order to extract concessions is a standard tactic.
- latest; newestThe latest statistical data throw into relief the well-nigh unbridgeable gap between urban and rural areas.
- meticulous; utmost (care)However small the sum, the fact that it's public money means it must be handled with the utmost care.
- to face; to be on the occasion ofWhether someone is a person worthy of trust is best judged precisely in times of crisis.
- renewable; regeneration; playbackWithout a shift to renewable energy to replace oil, the realization of a decarbonized society remains doubtful.
- cutting edge; state of the artEven in cutting-edge technological development, an attitude of learning from the old is indispensable for drawing lessons from past failures.
- lowest; worstEach household is advised to keep on hand at least a three-day supply of water and food.
- minimum; bare minimumHowever heated the debate grew, I cautioned myself never to lose at least the bare minimum of decorum.
- optimalPinning down the optimal formulation required a steady accumulation of painstaking trial and error.
- talentEven with his extraordinary talent, that difficult problem could not be solved.
- court (of law)The court's unprecedented ruling ended up sending a great ripple through society as a whole.
- detailsAlthough we've agreed on the broad outline, hammering out the details is likely to take more time yet.
- reorganization; restructuringIn carrying out the restructuring of its operations, the company announced a policy of protecting employees' jobs above all else.
- cell (biology)Cancer cells, unlike normal cells, keep proliferating without limit.
- religious festival; riteThroughout the ritual gestures of the ceremony, vestiges of an ancient faith are preserved.
- fortunate; happyI would be grateful if you could let me know by next week whether you will be attending the award ceremony.
- signatureOnce you sign this document, you lose any right to raise an objection afterward.
- fishEntrusted with challenging, worthwhile work, he is like a fish returned to water.
- to trace back; to go upstreamWhen one traces the origin of this custom back to its source, it turns out to have sprung from courtly ceremony.
- to go against; to defyShould you dare to go against the chairman's wishes, your standing in the company would be jeopardized in an instant.
- to step back; to go downHer unobtrusive thoughtfulness never fails to fill me with quiet admiration.
- ahead; firstThe president arrived at the venue a short while ago.
- postponement; putting offThe bill for repeatedly postponing fiscal consolidation has finally come due.
- to die before (someone); to precedeHaving lost a colleague of many years to death before me, I feel a loneliness beyond words.
- a little while agoA guest has been waiting for you in the lobby since a little while ago.
- outlook; future prospectsWith the economic outlook so uncertain, firms across the board are holding back on capital investment.
- to spare; to devote (time)Rather than spending time on peripheral arguments, sorting out the essential points must come first.
- entanglement; confusionWhen information gets tangled and confused, people grow paranoid and tend to convince themselves of conspiracies that don't even exist.
- work (of art); pieceIt is precisely because he seeks perfection that he can never bring himself to release his work to the world.
- last nightAt last night's concert, I listened intently to the maestro's mature, seasoned tone.
- cherry blossomThe cherry blossoms in full bloom scattering on the wind looked for all the world like a soft snow pouring down from the sky.
- alcohol; sakeWell-aged sake holds a deep, resonant flavor that young sake simply lacks.
- to avoidOverhauling an outdated system from the ground up is an arduous task, but there is no avoiding it.
- trivial; triflingFor such a trivial confirmation, there's surely no need to go to the trouble of reporting to the president.
- to supportWhen it comes to having sustained regional healthcare for so many years, there is no more dependable institution than this hospital.
- to shine in; to insertThe light filtering through the paper screens lit the room faintly, bringing out the weave of the tatami.
- to hold out; to presentThe reporters thrust out their microphones, as if determined not to miss a single word.
- to send back; to remandOn close examination of why the ringi was sent back, it turned out the cost-effectiveness rationale was inadequate.
- spoon; (throw in the spoon) to give upAs he grows only more stubborn with age, his family looks on, half having given up on him.
- to sting; to bite (insect)My boss sternly warned me to never repeat the same mistake.
- certain; definiteAs informatization has advanced, discourse of dubious veracity has come to permeate society as a whole in the blink of an eye.
- to be settled; to be fixedWithout a working draft the discussion has nothing to focus on, so let me prepare an initial version first.
- to set; to establishRegarding the deficiencies pointed out in the audit, our policy is to take corrective measures promptly within a set deadline.
- inference; understandingOne can more than imagine the feelings in the heart of a man who deliberately says so little.
- writer; authorAs it was a lecture by a renowned author, the venue was filled to capacity.
- to sense; to inferPerhaps sensing that he would be opposed, he showed not the slightest sign of voicing his proposal.
- to sense; to guessSkilled at reading the mood of a room, he wrapped up the conversation at exactly the right moment.
- sharp; quick-wittedThat man's arrogance—it's infuriating beyond all measure.
- tea ceremonyThe etiquette of the tea ceremony is nothing less than an expression of consideration for others, not mere formality.
- sabi (beauty of age)Wabi-sabi refers to the sensibility that finds beauty in the imperfect and the decaying.
- lonelyHaving lost a colleague of many years to death before me, I feel a loneliness beyond words.
- etiquette; mannersThe etiquette of the tea ceremony is nothing less than an expression of consideration for others, not mere formality.
- variousBorn into a distinguished provincial family, she was bound from childhood by all manner of entanglements and could never assert her own will.
- to get cold (food); to coolPlease help yourself while it's still hot.
- influence; controlWe have reached a juncture where the leader's very fitness to lead—decisive for the policy's success or failure—is on the line.
- action; effectAs a result of the discussion, it was suggested that multiple factors interact with one another.
- goodbyeAlthough there are various theories about the origin of the word "sayonara," every one of them is tinged with the emotion of parting.
- further; additionalFurther verification will be required regarding the factors that gave rise to this difference.
- further; even moreOnce you show a willingness to concede, the other side seizes on it and jacks up their demands even further.
- to leave; to go awayAs if mourning the passing season, she gazed out the window with a wistful reluctance.
- monkeyAs 'even monkeys fall from trees' suggests, even an authority in the field is not immune to the occasional fatal error of judgment.
- participationThe content was completely different from the prior briefing, and the participants couldn't hide their confusion.
- disaster; calamityConveying the catastrophe of war to future generations is the mission of those of us who yearn for peace.
- MarchAs of March 31st, our shop will bring its long history to a close.
- industryThe supply-demand balance for semiconductors broke down, forcing many industries to cut production.
- terrible scene; devastationFaced with a scene of devastation too painful to look at, the reporter was left speechless.
- agreement; approvalEven if you don't fully agree, you should at least show that you're trying to understand his position.
- piling up; mountain (of problems)This method is beautiful in theory, but when it comes to applying it in practice, the challenges pile up.
- summit; mountaintopThe beauty of the sea of clouds seen from the summit was simply beyond description.
- approach to a shrineBeside the approach to the shrine, a moss-covered Jizo statue stood quietly.
- approval; endorsementAs long as the grounds supporting that conclusion remain so flimsy, I can hardly bring myself to agree.
- entry (into a market)With the industry's biggest player entering the market, we too are forced into a fundamental rethink of our strategy.
- product; outcomeThe rise and fall of a civilization is by no means a product of chance; more often than not it is the inevitable outcome of underlying forces.
- sampleIf you cite statistics as your grounds, you ought to examine the bias in the sample along with them.
- walk; strollWhile out for a walk, I also picked up a new release at the bookshop by the station.
- loose; unfocusedThis paper makes sharp claims, but its loose structure leaves the reader disoriented.
- servicePaying taxes is a duty of citizens and, at the same time, what underpins their right to receive public services.
- gathering; seatHis slip of the tongue froze the room, and I could hardly bear to remain there.
- craftsmanship; handiworkThe delicate craftsmanship wrought by an artisan's hand carries a warmth that no machine could ever reproduce.
- public finances; fiscalIn order to restore the strained public finances, the government embarked on sweeping expenditure reforms.
- at home; home-basedIntroducing remote work eased the commuting burden and raised productivity at the same time — a genuine two-for-one measure.
- mottoTaking 'forewarned is forearmed' as his motto, he anticipated every conceivable scenario and worked out contingency plans for each.
- deep shame; remorseWhenever I reflect on my own lack of discernment, I am consumed with shame.
- overtime workWith everyone else working overtime, I felt reluctant to be the only one to leave first.
- master; teacherNever turning down a request was the personal creed of my late master.
- poem; poetryAmong the countless submissions, the crystalline stillness of his poetry stood out.
- to finish up; to completeIt may not be perfect, but by the deadline I want it polished to a level I can present to others.
- happiness; happyRather than nursing ambitions beyond my station, I'd rather pursue a happiness suited to my own measure.
- arbitrarinessIf the review criteria differ from one official to another, it can hardly be helped that the process is criticized as arbitrary.
- to force; to compelIt is not hard to surmise how much hardship the people of the disaster-stricken area were forced to endure.
- support; aidFor the support you have given me over so many years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
- tide; sea (water)At dusk in the port town, the scent of the tide and the smoke of grilling fish drifted together in the air.
- hosting; emceeOn the day, I shall be serving as your master of ceremonies, so please do not hesitate to ask anything of me.
- to be proper; to be fittingIt may not amount to a formal apology, but some kind of explanation is surely in order.
- to scoldIf you scold your subordinates for their mistakes without hearing them out, you'll lose their respect sooner or later.
- appropriate; properThis matter falls outside our ministry's jurisdiction; we ask that you direct your inquiry to the appropriate office instead.
- AprilThe amended law is now set to come into force as of April 1st next year.
- ties; entanglementsTo sever the entanglements within the industry and strike out on your own requires considerable resolve and a solid financial backing.
- command; directionWith the president himself taking direct command, the employees have no choice but to buckle down.
- color; coloringThis painting, in both its composition and its use of color, is truly a masterpiece emblematic of his mature period.
- expert; well-informed personA heated debate was exchanged among the experts over the legitimacy of that decision.
- custom; traditionSo long as people remain bound by old conventions, the younger generation drifting away can hardly be avoided.
- to cover completely; to spread all overThe temple approach carpeted with fallen leaves is suffused with the atmosphere unique to late autumn.
- ceremonyI understand that the minister, too, will be attending tomorrow's ceremony.
- repeatedly; constantlyThe manager kept glancing at his watch, as if to say we should hurry up and go home.
- cash flow management; financingEven as he struggled to keep the company afloat, he refused to the very end to lay off a single employee.
- mechanism; systemUnless a system for cycling waste back into resources is established, the mass-consumption society will hit a dead end.
- exam; testThe efficacy of the new drug was demonstrated through a double-blind trial, and at last the path to approval opened up.
- resource; recyclableHe who chases two hares catches neither; it's essential first to clarify priorities and concentrate resources on a single point.
- thinking; thoughtHer thinking is remarkably supple, and she manages to respond flexibly to any difficult problem.
- enforcement; coming into effectThe amended law is now set to come into force as of April 1st next year.
- trial; pilotA full-scale rollout would be difficult, but if it's a phased trial, we'd like to consider it favorably.
- trial and errorDeveloping a new drug is a dizzyingly long endeavor that bears fruit only after countless rounds of trial and error.
- suggestion; implicationSuch results suggest the need to reconsider the conventional wisdom.
- policy measureMany of the measures rolled out under the banner of combating the falling birthrate fail to get to grips with the root causes.
- trial calculation; estimateIf I may say so with all due humility, this projection rests on several assumptions that cannot be overlooked.
- asset; propertyConverting knowledge that resides in individuals into an organizational asset is precisely what becomes the wellspring of sustained competitiveness.
- qualities; aptitudeWe have reached a juncture where the leader's very fitness to lead—decisive for the policy's success or failure—is on the line.
- expenditure; spendingShould expenditures that deviate from the purpose of the grant come to light, the recipient could well be required to return the funds.
- instructions; directionsBecause the evacuation orders kept flip-flopping, residents just ran about in confusion, and in the end some were left unable to escape in time.
- support; approvalMy boss was unexpectedly delighted and threw his full support behind my proposal.
- historical factThe events depicted in a novel are not necessarily faithful to historical fact.
- silence; stillnessIn the hush of the night, only the streetlamps stood there, forlorn and at a loss.
- marketIn order to gain the upper hand in the global market, the company is pouring vast sums into research and development.
- personal feelingsSince it is public money, we cannot handle even a single yen according to personal whim.
- supremacy; supremeThe debate over death with dignity is also a quiet reexamination of the primacy placed on prolonging life.
- exponent; indexWith the addition of just one more variable, the computational load swells exponentially.
- systemIf the system were to go down right before the deadline, it would spell an irreparable disaster.
- quietAt the root of all creation lurks a quiet dissatisfaction with the existing framework.
- quietness; stillnessAmong the countless submissions, the crystalline stillness of his poetry stood out.
- to calm; to quellThe origin of that festival is said to lie in a ritual begun to quell an outbreak of epidemic disease.
- attitude; postureEven in cutting-edge technological development, an attitude of learning from the old is indispensable for drawing lessons from past failures.
- facility; institutionOver having placed my aging parent in a care facility, sorrow and guilt still mingle within me to this day.
- gaze; line of sightWith an attitude that all but said I was beneath her notice, she would not even meet my eyes.
- thought; ideologyHis thought overturned the conventional wisdom of his era from its very foundations.
- close; intimateLending and borrowing money can crack even the closest of relationships.
- smacking one's lips (in delight)Faced with such a lavishly prepared feast, I could do nothing but savor it to the fullest.
- apprenticeship; years at the bottomAs the proverb says, 'perseverance prevails,' and it was only after three years of paying his dues that his playing finally acquired real depth.
- menial work; underlingNo matter how unreasonable the grunt work, my senior counseled, 'perseverance prevails'—endure it and you'll be rewarded in time.
- to fall belowAs long as the risk stays below the acceptable threshold, there is no problem with continuing operation.
- as soon as; depending onBeing unaware of the circumstances, I ended up committing one discourtesy after another — that is how it came about.
- graduallyThrough repeated groping trial and error, the team gradually got a grip on the heart of the problem.
- viewing (TV)The tension unique to a live broadcast kept viewers glued to their screens.
- disease; disorderResearch is advancing on conferring resistance to specific diseases by rewriting part of the genome.
- reprimand; scoldingScolded in front of everyone, I hung my head, unable to bear staying there.
- blunder; disgraceThe blunder that resulted from going in underprepared fills me with the deepest shame.
- wetland; marshTo conserve the precious wetlands, the authorities and local residents have persistently held talks over many years.
- failure; mistakeIf you scold your subordinates for their mistakes without hearing them out, you'll lose their respect sooner or later.
- writing (an article)The paper the professor wrote has stirred a great response in academic circles.
- verbal slip; gaffeIf you were to make even a single slip of the tongue in these delicate negotiations, all the effort so far would come to nothing.
- forgetting; slipping one's mindThat so meticulous a lawyer could forget a deadline oddly impressed me—truly, 'even monkeys fall from trees.'
- questionEven when an unexpected question was thrown at her, she didn't flinch and shot back a flexible, well-timed retort.
- to arrange; to furnishThe austere appointments of the tea room may be said to distill the very essence of Japanese aesthetic sensibility.
- rudeness; excuse meBeing unaware of the circumstances, I ended up committing one discourtesy after another — that is how it came about.
- pointing out; indicationRegarding the deficiencies pointed out in the audit, our policy is to take corrective measures promptly within a set deadline.
- private; personalDiverting public funds for private use is something that must never occur in a civil servant.
- viewpoint; perspectiveWithout the perspective of learning from the past to inform the present, no reform worthy of the name could ever be achieved.
- guidance; instructionWe have reached a juncture where the leader's very fitness to lead—decisive for the policy's success or failure—is on the line.
- goods; itemOn the occasion of your opening for business, I send you a small token of my regard.
- supple; flexibleWhat we ought to cultivate is a supple spirit that does not break even in adversity.
- extremely difficultBecause multiple variables are intertwined, pinning the cause down to a single factor is an extremely difficult feat.
- long-established shopThe meticulous attentiveness that only a long-established shop can offer is surely why the customers never stop coming.
- to dieAs the years pile up, I've come to think less about how to die than about how to live.
- to remember fondly; to recallRecalling the days when the deceased was with us, I pray for the repose of their soul with all my heart.
- rule; dominationThe negative legacy left behind by colonial rule still lingers even now, half a century after independence.
- paymentWith the handing down of the verdict, the defendant was ordered to pay compensation.
- for a whileI will inform you of the particulars in writing in due course, so kindly wait a little longer.
- often; frequentlyBeing poor at picking up on unspoken meaning, I often fail to read the mood of a situation.
- to bind; to restrictSo long as people remain bound by old conventions, the younger generation drifting away can hardly be avoided.
- handling; dealing withThere is nothing more unmanageable than a wielder of power who lacks even a shred of conscience.
- to close (by itself)Hearing that the shop I'd frequented for years was closing, I was filled with a wistful reluctance to see it go.
- simulationIn the simulation, temperature and pressure are treated as independent variables.
- citizenWhether a cabinet minister or an ordinary citizen, everyone should be treated equally before the law.
- missionThe press must never sell off its mission of watching over power to the logic of commercial profit.
- deadlineHowever much we hurry, at this late stage there's no longer any prospect of making the deadline.
- deadlineWith the deadline closing in moment by moment, I finished the manuscript begrudging every single minute.
- to show; to indicateSo it couldn't be overturned on the approver's whim, I organized the issues in advance and laid out a path to consensus.
- to tighten; to constrictWhen I think of all the unrewarded effort, an unbearable feeling grips my chest.
- company; firmTo accept these terms would be tantamount to surrendering our company's independence.
- employee (of a company)At that company, the management is hopeless and so are the employees; there's not the slightest sense of crisis to be found.
- societySo that the lessons of the great earthquake are not allowed to fade, society as a whole should share the mindset that 'forewarned is forearmed.'
- confidential (internal only)Do not post confidential company materials on social media—so the work rules expressly state.
- social life; socializingA degree of cultivation and some accomplishment in the arts have long been regarded as indispensable in social settings.
- apologyIt may not amount to a formal apology, but some kind of explanation is surely in order.
- photographI have duly seen the attached photograph; it conveys well the look of those days.
- company presidentEven the company president is not permitted to unilaterally disregard the work regulations.
- within the companyShould you dare to go against the chairman's wishes, your standing in the company would be jeopardized in an instant.
- field of view; outlookEver since his overseas posting, his outlook has broadened dramatically.
- weekIf not every day, then at least once a week I make a point of getting out to the site in person.
- surroundings; people aroundNo matter what those around her said, she calmly kept walking her own path.
- profit; earningsCompanies are being forced into a delicate balancing act between preserving jobs and securing profits.
- harvest; crop yieldRising temperatures are thought to be one factor contributing to the decline in crop yields.
- habit; customWith lifestyle-related diseases, the price of neglecting everyday prevention surfaces in later years.
- weekly (publication)Should you carelessly let your true feelings slip, you'd instantly become fodder for the tabloids.
- cycle; periodWhen the data were analyzed in detail, a periodicity that had until now been overlooked came to light.
- employment; workEven the company president is not permitted to unilaterally disregard the work regulations.
- from beginning to end; throughoutWhat is called for is not endless superficial debate, but the discernment to grasp the essence of the problem.
- period; end (put an end to)As of today, our shop brings its fifty years of business to a close.
- settling; bringing under controlIn an extremely short span of time, the situation spiraled beyond control.
- embellishment; modificationTruly fine writing resides precisely in the conciseness that comes from stripping away superfluous ornament.
- correction; revisionAn error this obvious can be corrected without even needing to consult an expert.
- common knowledge; well-knownHis ability is common knowledge; there's no need to prove it now.
- concentrationHe who chases two hares catches neither; it's essential first to clarify priorities and concentrate resources on a single point.
- mother-in-lawMy mother-in-law butts in about every little thing — the cleaning isn't thorough, the food's too salty, and so on.
- thorough; meticulousAs 'forewarned is forearmed' holds, it is precisely thorough crisis management in peacetime that keeps damage to a minimum when disaster strikes.
- surroundings; vicinityIn response to heightened volcanic activity, entry restrictions and a state of alert were imposed across the surrounding area.
- village; settlementIn areas known as 'marginal villages,' even maintaining basic administrative services has become an acute challenge—that is the reality.
- subjectivity; subjective viewDrawing a sharp line between objective fact and subjective interpretation is not as easy as it sounds.
- -ism; principleRelativism, which holds that all values are relative, can at times degenerate into an irresponsible abdication of thought.
- post town; post stationThe bustle of the old post town now survives only as a trace in the rows of old houses along the highway.
- purport; gistI understand the thrust of your proposal, so we will give it our positive consideration internally.
- prime ministerThe prime minister's string of verbal blunders is sending ripples far and wide, both at home and abroad.
- drinking party; banquetNot drinking to excess at a banquet is surely one mark of a grown-up's good breeding.
- subject; agentThe attempt to transcend the dualism of subject and object was the starting point of phenomenology.
- main; principalThrough factor analysis, the principal background of employee turnover was clarified.
- assertion; claimHis argument sounds plausible at first, but in the end it's nothing more than self-serving spin, citing only the data that favors his own company.
- attendanceI would be grateful if you could let me know by next week whether you will be attending the award ceremony.
- source (citation)To quote someone else's paper without disclosing the source is an act tantamount to plagiarism.
- departureThe rain has let up, so let's go ahead and set off soon.
- mobilization; deploymentThe government is drawing up its growth strategy with fiscal stimulus and deregulation as two wheels of the same cart.
- acquisition; obtainingThe acquisition of personal data requires the explicit consent of the individual concerned.
- confidentialityBeing in a position bound by a duty of confidentiality, I simply cannot leak that information to a third party.
- method; techniqueIn this paper, we verify the validity of the proposed method using real-world data.
- scene of carnage; hellish ordealHaving come through countless ordeals, she now seems to view even life and death with a serene detachment.
- main force; coreOwing to a worsening cash flow, the company was forced to withdraw from its core business.
- ability; skillAs for his abilities, there is an aspect that one could hardly say is highly regarded.
- moment; instantThe instant the performance ended, the hall sank into a hush so complete you could have heard a pin drop.
- strict distinctionDrawing a sharp line between objective fact and subjective interpretation is not as easy as it sounds.
- ministryThis matter falls outside our ministry's jurisdiction; we ask that you direct your inquiry to the appropriate office instead.
- chapterThe claims across the report's chapters lack internal consistency, so it is unclear what the whole is trying to say.
- prize; awardTo be granted such a distinguished award is a matter of the utmost emotion for me.
- lifetime; whole lifeThe ideal that our late mentor never ceased to pursue throughout his life still serves as our guiding compass today.
- failure; obstacle; disabilityThe moment word of the system failure came in, the staff started scrambling about in disarray over how to respond.
- New YearSpending the New Year in a foreign land, my longing for home grows all the deeper.
- small-scale'More haste, less speed'—we should avoid a hasty rollout and proceed steadily, starting with a small-scale pilot.
- shock; impactThat shocking ending cannot fail to leave a deep lingering impression on the audience.
- testimonyOnly once consistency is established between the testimony and the physical evidence does the inference acquire persuasive force.
- evidence; proofWith conclusive evidence all assembled, there is no longer any way to talk one's way out of it.
- small countryCaught between the rise and fall of great powers, small nations have always been forced into a delicate balancing act.
- detailsI would appreciate it if you could review the enclosed materials for the details and then give the matter your consideration.
- praise; admirationHis devoted way of working is worthy of praise.
- declining birthrateA declining birthrate and aging population is by no means a problem limited to this country.
- declining birthrateIt is common knowledge that the falling birthrate is accelerating depopulation in rural areas.
- a little; a moment (polite)I am terribly sorry to impose when you are so busy, but might I have a little of your time?
- promotionHaving gotten ahead of my colleagues to win the promotion, a nagging sense of guilt lingers somewhere in me.
- paper sliding doorThe light filtering through the paper screens lit the room faintly, bringing out the weave of the tatami.
- symptomsBecause its early symptoms are scant, it is a disease that tends to be detected late.
- to arise; to occurEver since that incident, a subtle rift has come to lie between the two of them.
- to call; to be calledThough 'even monkeys fall from trees,' a blunder by someone hailed as first-rate cannot help but capture public attention.
- minority; small numberWithout lending an ear to the voices of the minority, a truly inclusive society can hardly be built.
- novelThis novel is a masterpiece that reveals a new depth of savor each time it is reread.
- consent; acceptanceThe reply "we'll consider it positively" doesn't necessarily mean acceptance, so one must be careful.
- acknowledgment; consentFully aware of the public backlash, the government is poised to go ahead with a hike in the consumption tax.
- ministries and agenciesFor this project, negotiations with the relevant government ministries have hit a snag, and construction is now expected to be delayed by about half a year.
- focusWithout a working draft the discussion has nothing to focus on, so let me prepare an initial version first.
- approvalNow that the budget has been approved, we can finally push the plan forward in earnest.
- consumptionFully aware of the public backlash, the government is poised to go ahead with a hike in the consumption tax.
- goods; merchandiseThe item you purchased will be shipped out before the end of today.
- proof; certificationHis ability is common knowledge; there's no need to prove it now.
- futureIt is precisely because I care about your future that I am deliberately saying these harsh things.
- omission; abbreviationParticles that tend to get dropped in spoken language are often faithfully restored in writing that adopts a literary tone.
- calligrapherTo arrange empty space boldly, without fear, is an art permitted only to the seasoned calligrapher.
- initial; early stageThis outcome was no accident; it was a necessary consequence logically entailed by the initial conditions.
- deed; act (reprehensible)To repay kindness with injury is conduct one can only call unbecoming of a human being.
- staff member; employeeAn employee who neglects the duty of confidentiality becomes subject to disciplinary action.
- type of occupationGiven that technology advances at this pace, the elimination of some traditional occupations must be called an inevitability.
- duties of one's postInadequate though I am, I intend to fulfill my duties to the utmost of my ability.
- artisan; craftsmanThe exacting devotion that only an artisan possesses lives in each and every product.
- workplaceNow that my health has recovered, I intend to return to work starting next week.
- colonizationThe negative legacy left behind by colonial rule still lingers even now, half a century after independence.
- food; provisionsEach household is advised to keep on hand at least a three-day supply of water and food.
- (various) countriesOver the wording in the history textbooks, one voice of protest after another has arisen from neighboring countries.
- gesture; movement; conductThroughout the ritual gestures of the ceremony, vestiges of an ancient faith are preserved.
- whereabouts; locationIf the locus of responsibility remains ambiguous when an accident occurs, even discussions on preventing recurrence end up superficial.
- original intention; beginner's spirit"Never forget your original resolve" is a maxim Zeami left behind as the very essence of the artistic path.
- getting on in life; conduct in societyReading another's feelings and swallowing your true thoughts is, at times, an important art of getting by in the world.
- various theoriesAlthough there are various theories about the origin of the word "sayonara," every one of them is tinged with the emotion of parting.
- after all; in the endThe sense of being rich or poor is, after all, relative, and it changes completely once the point of comparison shifts.
- affiliationI beg your pardon, but might I trouble you to tell me your name and affiliation once more?
- intention (humble)After reviewing your estimate, I intend to deliberate the matter anew within the company.
- first meetingSeasoned at negotiation though I am, the maneuvering with someone I'm meeting for the first time is still nerve-racking.
- bookstoreWhile out for a walk, I also picked up a new release at the bookshop by the station.
- incomeThe widening of income disparity is a grave problem that could well provoke a rift in society.
- initial responseOver the delay in the initial response to the epidemic, the government's responsibility is being severely called into question.
- various; all sorts ofIn light of various circumstances, it is my intention to step back from the project in question for the time being.
- disciplinary action; disposalPunishing only the person in charge while leaving the systemic flaw untouched will not lead to fundamental correction.
- elementary; basicsThat a battle-hardened veteran like him would make such an elementary blunder—this is exactly what 'even monkeys fall from trees' means.
- signatureIt goes without saying that this contract requires the signatures of both parties.
- in writing; documentThe results of the selection will be notified to you in writing.
- ownership; possessionHe is attempting to fundamentally reexamine the very modern notion of "ownership" itself.
- processingAccuracy and processing speed often stand in a trade-off relationship, and reconciling the two is no easy matter.
- documents; papersOnce you sign this document, you lose any right to raise an objection afterward.
- specificationsFor the specifications to change right before the deadline — it's maddening beyond words.
- useThe shift from a one-way economy of extracting, using, and discarding resources to a circular economy is a global trend.
- materials; documentsPlease use these materials however is convenient for you — print them out, share them digitally, or whatever works.
- to become known; (indescribable)Even after the performance had ended, an indescribable lingering resonance still hung over the hall.
- whiteAgainst the ultramarine sea, the white of the lighthouse stood out strikingly and drew the eye.
- whiteSet against the white wall, the red of the camellia stood out all the more vividly.
- amateur; laypersonYou're hardly an amateur, so a blunder of this level surely can't be excused.
- thing; article (pejorative)A politician's answers are the sort of thing whose true meaning you can scarcely grasp unless you read between the lines.
- true; genuineWithout the perspective of learning from the past to inform the present, no reform worthy of the name could ever be achieved.
- core; backboneHer brushwork is delicate, yet never loses a firm, resolute strength.
- true intention; real meaningDiplomatic documents are often deliberately ambiguous, and grasping their true intent requires the ability to read between the lines.
- true value; real worthSome scoff at insurance as a waste, but 'forewarned is forearmed'—its true worth is tested when the unthinkable happens.
- new publicationWhile out for a walk, I also picked up a new release at the bookshop by the station.
- newWord that your company is entering a new line of business has become a major topic across the industry.
- truth or falsehoodInformation is conflicting, making it extremely difficult to judge its veracity at this point.
- nervesUnable to gauge the right distance with my boss, I'm forever wearing my nerves thin over just how far I can venture.
- serious; earnest"That makes one you owe me, then," he said as if joking, yet there was a curious seriousness in his eyes.
- faith; beliefThroughout the ritual gestures of the ceremony, vestiges of an ancient faith are preserved.
- progression; advanceOn the day, I shall be serving as your master of ceremonies, so please do not hesitate to ask anything of me.
- serious; graveWith supply and demand in the labor market tight, labor shortages have turned into a serious social problem.
- traffic light; signalThe system is designed to issue an alarm automatically the moment the signal exceeds a certain threshold.
- screening; examinationIf the review criteria differ from one official to another, it can hardly be helped that the process is criticized as arbitrary.
- earthquake disasterWe must pass down the lessons of that great earthquake to the next generation without letting them fade into oblivion.
- expansion (into); advanceWord that your company is entering a new line of business has become a major topic across the industry.
- impression (on someone); judge's convictionA way of speaking grounded in courtesy does not sour the other party's impression, even when one is disagreeing.
- mind and bodyWith night after night without sleep, I have reached the very extreme of exhaustion, body and mind alike.
- to be convinced; to believe firmlyWhen information gets tangled and confused, people grow paranoid and tend to convince themselves of conspiracies that don't even exist.
- truthTo keep telling the truth even if I am left utterly alone and unaided — that is my resolve as a reporter.
- creed; principleMy father was unbendingly stubborn, and he never once bent a principle he had settled on.
- feelings; sentimentThe word "sekkaku" is suffused with the feeling of not wanting to let effort or goodwill go to waste.
- to believeIt is precisely because we believe the ideal of human rights possesses universality that we can stand in solidarity across borders.
- flooding; inundationThe flooding from the breached levee spread through the urban district at a speed far exceeding all projections.
- essence; quintessenceIt is precisely in a well-used, chipped tea bowl that the essence of wabi-sabi resides.
- application; requestWhen applying for the subsidy, in addition to a business plan, you are required to attach financial statements for the most recent three fiscal periods.
- truth; real factsThis is somewhat old news, but the truth behind that incident still remains shrouded in darkness.
- relatives; kinOver the inheritance of an enormous estate, a bitter family feud has been brought before the courts.
- careful; cautiousThat so meticulous a lawyer could forget a deadline oddly impressed me—truly, 'even monkeys fall from trees.'
- progressThe progress of each case is visualized weekly, and the system ensures that any sign of delay is immediately reported to a superior.
- progress; developmentAdvances in stem cell research are opening a new horizon for regenerative medicine.
- truly; genuinelyThat it still holds up to reading half a century on is because it deals with a truly universal theme.
- invasion; intrusionThe ecosystem of this whole area is being disrupted, to the point of being beyond recovery, by the invasion of alien species.
- belief; convictionWhether or not society thinks well of it, I intend to stay true to my own convictions.
- New YearI respectfully extend my sincerest wishes for the New Year.
- worry; concernShe has a tendency to shoulder everything on her own, which worries those around her.
- newspaperBecause a newspaper column is limited in length, writers put special ingenuity into the 'turn' of the four-part structure.
- patience; enduranceNo matter how unreasonable the grunt work, my senior counseled, 'perseverance prevails'—endure it and you'll be rewarded in time.
- progress; advancementGiven that technology advances at this pace, the elimination of some traditional occupations must be called an inevitability.
- new lawTaking the enforcement of the new law as an occasion, we have decided to comprehensively review the company's practices concerning contracts.
- late at night; midnightLate at night the museum, emptied of any sign of visitors, was wrapped in a taut, brittle silence.
- new drugThe years of accumulated research paid off, and approval for the new drug finally came through.
- trust; creditWithout thorough information management, it is impossible to maintain customers' trust.
- trust; confidenceThere's no use regretting it now — the trust that's been lost isn't going to come back.
- trial; hearingWhether or not the act in question violates the Antimonopoly Act became the central point of contention in the proceedings.
- psychology; mentalityIn recent years, a crisis over the reproducibility of research has been loudly debated in the field of psychology.
- truthThe universality of mathematical truth is said to be unaffected by any era or place.
- forestForest conservation is not merely about preserving scenery; it also contributes to nurturing water sources and preventing landslide disasters.
- course; career pathTorn between her parents' expectations and her own dreams, she couldn't make up her mind about her future path.
- mythA nation's founding myth is not historical fact as such, yet it has played a crucial role in shaping a people's sense of self.
- intention to resignIn every corner of her words, one could vividly sense the signs that she had made up her mind to resign.
- genderDebate over gender tends all too easily to devolve into emotional confrontation, leaving calm policy discussion by the wayside.
- time; period; seasonIt is precisely because we weathered those difficult times together that we now have such a strong bond.
- business; enterpriseHardships there may be, but abandoning this undertaking is simply not an option for us.
- character shape; glyphThe forms of Chinese characters have grown progressively more simplified with each passing age.
- incident; caseThis is somewhat old news, but the truth behind that incident still remains shrouded in darkness.
- accidentWhen I think of the grief of the bereaved families, I cannot forget this accident for even a single day.
- self; oneselfA nation's founding myth is not historical fact as such, yet it has played a crucial role in shaping a people's sense of self.
- item; matterDelays caused by natural disasters fall under the exemption clauses of the terms, so our company cannot assume responsibility.
- one's own companyHis argument sounds plausible at first, but in the end it's nothing more than self-serving spin, citing only the data that favors his own company.
- dictionaryThis word carries a connotation not found in the dictionary, and unless you read the mood of the room, you risk mistaking its true intent.
- resignationIn order to win back customers' trust, the entire management resolved to resign en masse.
- oneselfPlease feel free to proceed as you see fit, by your own judgment.
- factHis ability is common knowledge; there's no need to prove it now.
- circumstances; reasonsIn light of various circumstances, it is my intention to step back from the project in question for the time being.
- number of charactersAn advertising slogan is a feat of verbal craftsmanship, condensing layers of implication into a strictly limited number of characters.
- next generationBuilding a sustainable society is a road we cannot sidestep if we are to discharge our responsibility to future generations.
- one's own theoryWe must not, in our attachment to our own theory, turn a blind eye to inconvenient counterevidence.
- beforehand; in advanceOne phone call in advance and all this confusion could have been avoided — if only.
- self-esteem; prideBecause of her wounded pride, she withdrew ever more obstinately into her shell.
- Jizo statueBeside the approach to the shrine, a moss-covered Jizo statue stood quietly.
- sustainability; continuationWithout correcting disparities, the realization of a sustainable society is simply impossible.
- situation; state of affairsHad he consulted me sooner I could have done something — but because he kept quiet, things have reached a point of no return.
- itself; in itselfThe procedure itself is extremely simple; you only need to submit a single form.
- declining; turning downAfter weighing various considerations, we have arrived at the decision to decline on this occasion.
- era; timesArt is nothing other than a mirror that reflects the spirit of its age.
- real feeling; actual senseI'm realizing anew just how deeply fulfilling work can make a person feel.
- thoroughly; taking one's timeThis thorny problem demands the resolve to sit down and confront it thoroughly.
- experimentThese experimental results could serve as decisive counterevidence against the long-established theory.
- effectivenessIn order to enhance the effectiveness of internal controls, we codified the scope of delegated authority as formal regulations.
- execution; carrying outWe have debated to the fullest. Now there is nothing but to act.
- actually; in practiceWhile people pay lip service to respecting diversity, in practice a deep-seated tendency to exclude what is different persists.
- real (in real terms); substanceEven though my salary went up, when you factor in inflation my standard of living has, if anything, gotten harder.
- empirical proof; demonstrationEmpirical data backing that hypothesis is scarce, so at this stage it remains no more than conjecture.
- track record; resultsNo matter how many arguments you line up, without results to back them up no one is going to be convinced.
- substance; real (economy)It takes a fair amount of time for the effects of monetary policy to ripple through to the real economy.
- actual state; realityThe reality that our cultural treasures are managed so carelessly fills me with profound regret.
- realization; coming trueWithout correcting disparities, the realization of a sustainable society is simply impossible.
- truly; reallyHaving gone to such trouble to bring him this far, he really is a student worth teaching.
- practical useThis method is beautiful in theory, but when it comes to applying it in practice, the challenges pile up.
- real ability; skillWith ability like his, everyone in the company agrees it's only natural he was singled out for promotion.
- point in timeThe system is designed to issue an alarm automatically the moment the signal exceeds a certain threshold.
- child (school-age)The problem of children on daycare waiting lists has long been cited as a structural factor obstructing women's advancement in society.
- letter of resignationDespite my desperate persuasion, in the end he handed in his resignation anyway.
- oneself; myselfHesitant though he was inside, he steeled himself and spoke his true feelings right there in the meeting.
- rich flavor; savorinessIt may lack flamboyance, but this vessel exudes a quiet, richly satisfying character.
- steady; down-to-earthWithout the steady, painstaking efforts of those on the ground, this technological breakthrough could never have been achieved.
- gymWrecking your health by overdoing the gym visits you took up for the sake of health is about as backwards as it gets.
- clerical work; secretariatThe administrative staff had prepared in advance a compromise that would let both sides save face.
- literal meaning; surface of the textWith idioms like "selling oil" (to loaf around), chasing the literal words alone will never lead you to the real meaning.
- public attention; eyes and earsThough 'even monkeys fall from trees,' a blunder by someone hailed as first-rate cannot help but capture public attention.
- local; hometownOver the relocation of the U.S. military base, the confrontation between local residents and the government is deepening still further.
- the weak; the vulnerableToward a policy that casts off the vulnerable, many citizens are quietly building up their indignation.
- young age; youthIn the wake of the economic slump, employment conditions for young people have grown even more severe.
- young and inexperienced personFor someone as junior as myself to be entrusted with such an important role fills me with the deepest humility.
- employment; workingEven as he struggled to keep the company afloat, he refused to the very end to lay off a single employee.
- engagement (in work)Whether a permanent employee or a temp worker, as long as they perform the same duties, there should be no disparity in how they are treated.
- fulfillment; fullnessI'm busy, to be sure, but I never imagined I could live such deeply fulfilling days.
- flexibleHer thinking is remarkably supple, and she manages to respond flexibly to any difficult problem.
- twelve-layered kimonoThe figure clad in a twelve-layered kimono was elegance itself, as if stepped out of an illustrated scroll.
- tiered lacquer boxPicked apart over trivial details, we ran out of time before ever reaching the main argument.
- duplication; redundancy"Goran-ni-narareru" is a redundant piling-up of honorifics; "goran-ni-naru" alone conveys ample respect.
- enough; sufficientA project that skimped on proper verification failing — there's no way to describe it but as a failure that was bound to fail.
- residentDue to record-breaking torrential rain, many residents have been forced into life as evacuees.
- importantThe chairman understands the importance of this issue more deeply than anyone.
- conventional; up to nowThe theory the professor has newly put forward overturns conventional wisdom at its very foundation.
- supply and demandWith supply and demand for crude oil tight, there is no stopping the surge in prices.
- maturation; agingWell-aged sake holds a deep, resonant flavor that young sake simply lacks.
- mastery; proficiencyOnly those who cast off arrogance and learn with humility arrive at true mastery.
- skilled; expertAs over-reliance on a single skilled individual advances, the organization ceases to function the moment that person leaves.
- winning an awardGiven his years of effort, there is no reason to be surprised that he won the award.
- awarding (a prize)I would be grateful if you could let me know by next week whether you will be attending the award ceremony.
- acceptance; receptionA reckoning with our uncritical acceptance of modern Western thought is now being demanded.
- demandAlthough the economy is on a recovery track, complacency is dangerous — there's no telling when demand might cool off.
- acceptance (of an application)The procedure shall be deemed complete upon acceptance of the notification, and no subsequent changes will be permitted.
- ranking; orderHe who chases two hares catches neither; it's essential first to clarify priorities and concentrate resources on a single point.
- circulation; cycleWhen cause and effect are locked in a loop, one cannot declare which comes first, and a simple causal schema no longer holds.
- compliance; observanceWe once again ensured that all employees were made fully aware of the need to strictly comply with the internal regulations.
- smooth; going wellIt's precisely when things are going smoothly that you should take to heart the warning that carelessness is your greatest enemy.
- preparationThe blunder that resulted from going in underprepared fills me with the deepest shame.
- freedom; freelyHere reigns the free and open academic spirit that only a university with a long history can nurture.
- feeling; affectionHer letter was plain, yet the feeling that seeped through between the lines struck me deeply.
- purification; cleanupThe former site, where soil contamination came to light, required enormous costs to clean up and lay dormant for a long time.
- castle townThough the old castle town has lost its former appearance, faint traces of days gone by can still be felt in its narrow alleys.
- situation; circumstancesThe reason he chose silence in that situation is not hard to infer.
- condition; requirementNow that the contract is signed, it's spilt water: demanding a retraction of the terms at this point is utterly futile.
- rank (high and low); top and bottomHis stance of extending courtesy to everyone regardless of rank naturally drew the trust of those around him.
- clause; articleThis clause shall not be affected by any change in circumstances arising after the conclusion of the contract.
- boss; superiorI expected to be shot down, but instead my boss threw his full weight behind my proposal.
- common senseThe parents are as bad as they come and the children no better; this whole family simply lacks any common sense.
- rise; increaseEven though my salary went up, when you factor in inflation my standard of living has, if anything, gotten harder.
- situation; state of affairsIn the wake of the economic slump, employment conditions for young people have grown even more severe.
- upper level; top managementEven if I win over the people on the ground, unless upper management gives its nod the plan won't move an inch.
- state; conditionTo resolve the personalization of tasks, it is necessary to document procedures and keep them in a state that anyone can take over.
- joke"That makes one you owe me, then," he said as if joking, yet there was a curious seriousness in his eyes.
- verbose; redundantThis sentence is redundant; the same content could surely be expressed in half the length.
- passionHer impassioned speech could not fail to move the audience.
- concessionAny further concession would be utterly impossible to justify to our shareholders.
- informationOnce confidential information has leaked, it is simply impossible to fully retrieve it.
- treatyOver the interpretation of the new treaty, the ruling and opposition parties are locked in head-on disagreement.
- ordinance; bylawThe city intends to issue a corrective recommendation as soon as any act contravening the provisions of the ordinance is confirmed.
- particle (grammar)Particles that tend to get dropped in spoken language are often faithfully restored in writing that adopts a literary tone.
- subsidy; grantWhen applying for the subsidy, in addition to a business plan, you are required to attach financial statements for the most recent three fiscal periods.
- woman; femaleThe problem of children on daycare waiting lists has long been cited as a structural factor obstructing women's advancement in society.
- introduction (of a paper)This report lacks the structural backbone of introduction, body, and conclusion.
- independence; self-relianceTo accept these terms would be tantamount to surrendering our company's independence.
- trend of the timesHer consistent intellectual stance was proof of a mind that refused to be swept along by the currents of the times.
- case; exampleTo speak of the whole on the strength of a single case is, statistically, nothing but a reckless leap of logic.
- irritating; frustratingNo matter how many times I explain, it just doesn't get through—the frustration is beyond words.
- human rightsIt has long been argued that the ideal of human rights possesses a universal validity that transcends culture.
- populationAs the birthrate falls and the population ages, a further decline in the working-age population is a matter of grave concern.
- life (one's life)If you have even one friend with whom you can speak from the heart, life is not so bad after all.
- swift; promptOne can say that the lessons drawn from past disasters translated into this time's swift evacuation.
- enormous; immenseThis torrential rain has caused catastrophic damage across the region, and there isn't even a prospect for recovery yet.
- front line; head (of command)With the president himself taking direct command, the employees have no choice but to buckle down.
- person; figureThere is surely no one but him who could break through this crisis.
- personal connections; networkA gathering I attended purely out of obligation unexpectedly became the occasion for building valuable connections.
- human lifeNow that so many lives have been lost, this cannot be dismissed as mere negligence.
- effort; endeavorThe undertaking to which the chairman devoted himself for many years is finally set to be completed next month.
- polishing (writing); revisionI polished the draft over and over right up until the night before the deadline, and finally shaped it into something I was satisfied with.
- inference; guessThe reason he chose silence in that situation is not hard to infer.
- recommendationEach household is advised to keep on hand at least a three-day supply of water and food.
- promotion; propulsionWhile acknowledging that the opponents' concerns have some merit, I still wish to set out why we should press ahead.
- level; standardIt may not be perfect, but by the deadline I want it polished to a level I can present to others.
- decline; decayUpon this land, which has witnessed dynasties rise and fall time and again, memories of splendor and decline are inscribed layer upon layer.
- ink wash (painting)The true beauty of this ink painting lies not in the strokes drawn, but in the empty space deliberately left behind.
- water surfaceAfter repeated behind-the-scenes negotiations, the two companies at last managed to reach a basic agreement.
- inference; reasoningIf the premise is false, then however rigorous the reasoning, the conclusion too cannot escape being false.
- to breathe in; to suckLanguage is a living thing, endlessly shifting the meanings of its words as it breathes in the atmosphere of the age.
- mathematicsThe universality of mathematical truth is said to be unaffected by any era or place.
- a few linesThe core of that philosopher's thought is distilled into a mere fragment of a few lines.
- figure; numeralBy excerpting statistical figures to suit one's ends, public opinion is steered all too easily.
- numerous; a great manyAmong the countless submissions, the crystalline stillness of his poetry stood out.
- numerical value; figuresIf someone misreads even basic figures, one has to say he's unfit to run a company.
- to set; to settle (down)What is called for is an attitude of settling in to tackle the research in earnest, without being fixated on immediate results.
- figure; sight; appearanceTo watch a protégé I nurtured with my own hands come into their own is immensely gratifying.
- to cling to; to rely onThough it was spilt water, he still clung to his past glory, unable to give up on mending a relationship that had already collapsed.
- liking; fond ofIt is only because I have my health that I can throw myself into the work I love like this.
- few; littleWith the enforcement of the new system, no small amount of confusion is anticipated on the ground.
- to excel; to be superiorHowever fine a technology may be, in the wrong hands it can become a weapon that harms people.
- logic; reason; lineBefore blaming him for a slip of the tongue, the proper course is to recall that 'even monkeys fall from trees' and check one's own complacency.
- logic; reasoningI would ask you to set emotional appeals aside and rebut me strictly by constructing a logical line of reasoning.
- to advance; to proceed withTo move the negotiations forward, we too were forced to make a certain degree of concession.
- to go out of use; to become obsoleteAmong the coinages that keep springing up alongside the spread of social media, it's hardly rare for one to fade away within a few years.