Japanese Core Vocabulary for High School Entrance Exams220

The Japanese high school entrance exam, commonly known as the "juken" (受験), is a highly competitive and challenging exam that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of subjects, including Japanese. One of the most important aspects of preparation for the juken is the acquisition of a strong foundation in Japanese vocabulary, particularly the core vocabulary that is frequently tested on the exam. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Japanese core vocabulary for high school entrance exams, covering approximately 1,500 essential words.

Categories of Core Vocabulary

The Japanese core vocabulary for high school entrance exams can be broadly categorized into the following five groups:
Nouns: Words that refer to people, things, places, and concepts.
Verbs: Words that describe actions or states of being.
Adjectives: Words that describe qualities or characteristics.
Adverbs: Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Particles: Grammatical words that indicate the function or relationship of other words in a sentence.

Sources of Core Vocabulary

The core vocabulary for high school entrance exams is primarily derived from the following sources:
Textbooks: Standard Japanese language textbooks used in high school preparatory classes.
Entrance Exam Preparation Books: Specialized books dedicated to preparing students for the juken.
Newspapers and Magazines: Reading authentic Japanese texts can help students encounter and learn new vocabulary.
li>Dictionaries: Bilingual or Japanese dictionaries can provide definitions and usage examples of specific words.

Tips for Learning Core Vocabulary

To effectively learn and retain the Japanese core vocabulary for high school entrance exams, consider the following tips:
Spaced Repetition: Regularly review the vocabulary you have learned using spaced repetition techniques.
Active Recall: Try to recall the vocabulary from memory without looking at your notes.
Contextual Learning: Learn vocabulary in the context of sentences or short passages.
Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the vocabulary word on one side and its definition or usage example on the other.
Immersion: Surround yourself with Japanese language materials, such as movies, TV shows, or music, to enhance your exposure to vocabulary.

Sample Core Vocabulary List

Below is a sample list of 100 essential Japanese core vocabulary words for high school entrance exams. This list covers the most commonly tested words in each category.

Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Particles


学校 (gakkou): school
行く (iku): to go
大きい (ookii): big
とても (totemo): very
に (ni): to, on, at


先生 (sensei): teacher
食べる (taberu): to eat
小さい (chiisai): small
いつも (itsumo): always
の (no): of, possessive


生徒 (seito): student
飲む (nomu): to drink
きれい (kirei): beautiful
よく (yoku): often
が (ga): subject marker


友達 (tomodachi): friend
買う (kau): to buy
新しい (atarashii): new
あまり (amari): not very
は (wa): topic marker


本 (hon): book
読む (yomu): to read
古い (furui): old
まだ (mada): not yet
と (to): and

This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are many more important core vocabulary words that students should strive to learn. The best way to prepare for the juken is to study diligently and practice regularly, using the resources and techniques outlined in this article.

In addition to the core vocabulary, students should also focus on developing their grammar skills, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. By mastering these areas, students can significantly increase their chances of success on the Japanese high school entrance exam.

2024-11-09

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