Log in
微
微
13 strokes
Frequency: 1108
JLPT N1
Grade 8

Meanings

delicate
minuteness
insignificance

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ビ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
かす.か
Nanori — Specialized readings used in names
み

Common Words

微妙
びみょう
ビミョー
～な Adj.
Noun
Freq #1842
1

subtle; delicate; fine

Examples
その２つの絵には微妙な違いがある。
There are subtle differences between the two pictures.
2

difficult; complex; tricky; delicate (situation, position, etc.); close (e.g. decision)

Examples
その顧客の苦情は微妙な問題に関わるものだった。
The customer's complaint was about a sensitive issue.
3

doubtful; questionable; dicey

Examples
トムが次のオリンピックに出場できるかどうかは微妙だ。
There are doubts as to whether or not Tom will be able to participate in the next Olympics.
4

Colloquial; Oft. ビミョー

not great; iffy

微笑む
ほほえむ
ほおえむ
頬笑む
Godan verb
Intransitive
Freq #3013
1

to smile

Examples
私は赤ちゃんを見ると微笑まずにはいられない。
I cannot help smiling at babies.
かすか
微か
幽か
～な Adj.
Usually kana
Freq #3386
1

faint; dim; weak; slight; vague; indistinct; hazy

Examples
すぐそばでかすかな音がした。
I heard a faint sound nearby.
2

poor; wretched; meagre; meager; scanty

微笑
びしょう
～する Verb
Noun
Intransitive
Freq #3733
1

smile

Examples
彼は私を見て皮肉な微笑を浮かべた。
He smiled a cynical smile at me.
微笑み
ほほ笑み
ほほえみ
ほおえみ (微笑み／頬笑み)
頬笑み
Noun
Freq #3867
1

smile

Examples
怪物は残酷な微笑みを浮かべた。
The monster's smile was cruel.
微塵
みじん
びじん
Noun
Freq #5227
1

particle; atom; little piece

Examples
彼には親切心などみじんもない。
He doesn't have a particle of kindness in his heart.
2

Nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; Used with neg. verb, often as 微塵も〜ない

not at all; not the slightest

微笑ましい
ほほえましい
頬笑ましい
～い Adj.
Freq #5868
1

heartwarming; pleasant; charming; amusing

Examples
あの幸福な老夫婦の姿はほほえましい。
It's heart-warming to see that happy old couple.
ぬるい
温い
～い Adj.
Usually kana
Freq #6656
1

lukewarm; tepid

Examples
このコーヒーはぬるいです。
This coffee is not hot enough.
2

Usu. written as 緩い

lenient

微動
びどう
～する Verb
Noun
Intransitive
Freq #9250
1

slight movement; slight tremor; quiver

微笑みかける
微笑み掛ける
ほほえみかける
Intransitive
Ichidan verb
Freq #9256
1

to smile (at someone)

Examples
彼は振り返って私に微笑みかけた。
He looked back and smiled at me.
Search for more words containing 微
🎓

Practice and Remember This Kanji

Strengthen your kanji knowledge with our spaced-repetition quiz. Practice reading, meaning, and writing to build lasting memory.

Start Kanji Quiz