How to Use N1 Vocabulary
JLPT N1 vocabulary consists of very advanced, abstract, and formal words frequently found in news, essays, and transition to professional contexts. To master this level, review by topic, pay close attention to subtle nuances and usage context, and come back regularly to review. Consistent exposure is key to making N1 vocabulary a natural part of your Japanese mastery.
N1 Topic-Based Word List
Risk & Concern
懸念（けねん）— concern, apprehension
妥協（だきょう）— compromise
曖昧（あいまい）— vague, ambiguous
逸脱（いつだつ）— deviation
陥る（おちいる）— to fall into
免れる（まぬがれる）— to escape, to avoid
損なう（そこなう）— to harm, to impair
Policy & Compliance
是正（ぜせい）— correction, rectification
承認（しょうにん）— approval
遵守（じゅんしゅ）— compliance, observance
措置（そち）— measure, step
施策（しさく）— policy, measure
指針（ししん）— guideline
排除（はいじょ）— exclusion, elimination
Core Structure
前提（ぜんてい）— premise, precondition
枠組み（わくぐみ）— framework
根幹（こんかん）— root, core
中枢（ちゅうすう）— center, nucleus
不可欠（ふかけつ）— indispensable
均衡（きんこう）— equilibrium, balance
融合（ゆうごう）— fusion, merging
Degree & Scale
顕著（けんちょ）— remarkable, notable
著しい（いちじるしい）— remarkable, striking
膨大（ぼうだい）— enormous
甚だしい（はなはだしい）— extreme, excessive
乏しい（とぼしい）— scarce, lacking
凌ぐ（しのぐ）— to surpass, to endure
網羅（もうら）— comprehensive coverage
Insight & Consistency
洞察（どうさつ）— insight
致密（ちみつ）— precise, meticulous
一貫（いっかん）— consistency
念頭（ねんとう）— (in) mind, consideration
考慮（こうりょ）— consideration
妥当（だとう）— valid, appropriate
著名（ちょめい）— renowned
Action & Change
遂行（すいこう）— execution
克服（こくふく）— overcoming
促す（うながす）— to urge, to prompt
覆す（くつがえす）— to overturn
抜本的（ばっぽんてき）— drastic, fundamental
画期的（かっきてき）— groundbreaking
円滑（えんかつ）— smooth, harmonious
Potential & Involvement
潜在（せんざい）— latent, potential
潜在的（せんざいてき）— potential
潜む（ひそむ）— to lurk, to be hidden
携わる（たずさわる）— to be involved in
培う（つちかう）— to cultivate, to foster
募る（つのる）— to grow stronger
託す（たくす）— to entrust
Status & Context
滞る（とどこおる）— to be delayed, to stagnate
臨む（のぞむ）— to face, to attend
覆う（おおう）— to cover
賄う（まかなう）— to cover, to provide for
顧みる（かえりみる）— to reflect on
柔軟（じゅうなん）— flexible