No, unlike some other languages which have roots and prefixes/suffixes that can be used to build other words, I don't think there is a way to accurately predict what a word means the first time you see it in English. Well, unless the word is similar to a word in your native language, but as your native language is Japanese there will be fewer cognates to English than say, French or Spanish. The key here is reading things that are appropriate to your level of English. If you can understand most of what is written, you should be able to work out from the context of the sentence what a word might mean. Failing that, DR's advice about the use of dictionaries is helpful.

"Apocalypse" refers to the various 'end of the world'-type situations. These can range from the scientific end of the universe to the end of mankind (due to starvation, war, etc.) to the physical end of the planet to the religious prophecy of the end of the natural world. If you don't have a good level in English, look up the word using a translator. If you are still unclear on the meaning or want to double-check that the translation is correct, ask about the word here (or with your language partner). If you DO have a good level in English, look up the word in an English language dictionary. This is a good way to improve your understanding of a language: understanding a new word within the context of that language rather than your native language.

"The apocalypse" can mean either the end of the world as described in the Bible, or a very bad large-scale event, or ironically to suggest that someone is exaggerating the seriousness of something. Here's a serious use: "The lunar eclipse of September 27th, coinciding with the 'supermoon,' has sparked fears that the end times are at hand. The Mormon church reassured its followers that the lunar eclipse of September 27th was not a sign of the apocalypse." Here are two joking uses: "Some say that it will be the apocalypse when the Federal Reserve finally raises interest rates..." When the Fed raises rates it will cause the financial equivalent of war, famine, plague, and death. "Kim Kardashian appearing on NPR's 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me' is a sign that the apocalypse is upon us." I.e. "I can't believe dignified NPR would interview trashy celebrity Kim Kardashian, it must be the end of the world."

If you are reading it "on Yahoo," you must be using a networked device. If it's on the Web, you can use a no-cost web-based dictionary. I like ahdictionary.com and oxforddictionaries. com. You may be able to download a dictionary app. Native English speakers guess from context, or remember the word and look it up in a dictionary when they get the chance. From context, I think I could probably guess that "apocalypse" means some terrible event. From my cultural knowledge, I know that "apocalypse" is literally a religious term referring either to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament--the part of the Bible that is sacred to Christians--or to the similar writings in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah in the Old Testament, which is sacred to both Christians and Jews. The apocalyptic writings are visions, dreams, prophecies, predictions, or nightmares about the end of the world, written in mystical, poetic, and ambiguous language. An example: "I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword..."

Look at the synonyms [http://www.thesaurus.com/]..... end of the world / destruction of civilization. Sometimes, the synonyms are more familiar and remembering the synonym can help you to understand and to remember the new word.