Kumadex - Version 4 - Learn 25 JLPT-N4 Vocab with Pictures

Sep 28, 2026

Kumadex (Version 4) is a mini-eBook designed to help learners study Japanese vocabulary visually, focused on JLPT N4 level. It introduces a clear reading method using kanji with furigana plus romaji, explains how only one common reading is selected, and shows how parts-of-speech tags, frequency notes, and Genki/JLPT references are used. For each word, the guide highlights the top three to five meanings to support quick learning and retention, including guidance on age-related vocabulary for describing women and men.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

How to read this eBook

Age-related vocabulary for describing women and men

JLPT-N4 Vocab

1 Kumadex by Mario Hayashi, Kuma Learn Learn 25 JLPT-N4 Vocab with Pictures MINI-EBOOK WITH BONUS VOCAB! Version 4 Introduction: Learn Japanese Visually Getting started with learning Japanese can seem a tall order, with so many unfamiliar words! Luckily, there are great resources to learn from, including WaniKani, DuoLingo and Genki. These resources help you learn using various approaches, such as audial and kinaesthetic techniques ( [e.g. games](e.g. games)). Kuma Learn oﬀers you a visual approach to learning Japanese vocabulary. Some words lend themselves well to visual presentation and that’s why we’ve made you a picture dictionary for Japanese: Kumadex. We looked at frequently occurring words [*] to select 50 JLPT-N5 words in this mini-eBook. They’re only a fraction of all the words in the Japanese language but I hope it serves as a useful guide. If you like this eBook, do sign up to the newsletter! [www.kumalearn.com/newsletter](www.kumalearn.com/newsletter). * See Acknowledgements: Centre for Translation Studies, Leeds University. Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 2 Kuma Learn KUMADEX Learn 25 JLPT-N4 Vocab with Pictures by Mario Hayashi, Kuma Learn How to read this eBook Image Photograph to help you learn the Japanese word. Word The Japanese word, in kanji with one reading in furigana (hiragana to help you read kanji) . The reading is also written in romaji, or romanised Japanese, for convenience. Only one reading is shown. Some words have multiple readings but we focus on the common reading to make it easier for you to learn. Tags Words are labelled with parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.), how common the reading is and where they might appear (Genki, JLPT) . Meanings Words can have several meanings. Some words have over ten meanings. But we’ve focused on the top three to ﬁve, so that it’s easier for you to learn. Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 4 Kuma Learn How age aﬀects describing wo/men How you describe a woman or man is often based on their age. To describe a girl or boy, ⼥の⼦ ( onna-no-ko) and男の⼦ (otoko-no-ko) are used, respectively; a young woman is anお姉さん( onee-san), while a young man is an お兄さん(onii-san); a middle-aged woman is anおばさん(oba-san); a middle-aged man is anおじさん(oji-san). ⼥性(jo-sei),男性(dan-sei) and ⽅ (kata) are neutral ways to describe women and men . ⼥の⼦ and男の⼦ are used for children up to their teenage years .お嬢さん(ojou-san) andお坊ちゃん(obo-cchan) are used too but they can connote “brat” so be careful! Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 5 Kuma Learn How age aﬀects describing wo/men お姉さん( onee-san) andお兄さん(onii-san) become おばさん(oba-san) andおじさん(oji-san), respectively, somewhere between age 30 and 40. Think ofit in literal terms:お姉さんmeans sister andおばさんmeans aunt; most people become an aunt between age 30 and 40. The transition between brother and uncle is similar. Be careful withおばさんandおじさん, which suggest “middle-aged”. Many place value on youth and you could oﬀend by suggesting someone is middle-aged. Refrain from using おばさんandおじさんto address someone you don’t know. However, those familiar with the nuances might use them to joke around with friends (calling someone onii-san)! Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 6 Kuma Learn How age aﬀects describing wo/men Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 7 Kuma Learn How age aﬀects describing wo/men Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 8 Kuma Learn How age aﬀects describing wo/men Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 9 Kuma Learn JLPT-N4 Vocab Kumadex, [kumalearn.com](kumalearn.com)—Version 4 10 Kuma Learn

FAQs

How does age affect the Japanese words used to describe women and men?

The eBook explains that different terms are chosen depending on age, such as 〜の子 for younger children and terms like お姉さん/お兄さん versus おばさん/おじさん for later ages. It also warns about connotations and social sensitivity when addressing people you do not know.

Sep 28, 2026

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