N5 · 初級 · Beginner
N5 essential words
& phrases
801 words and phrases for the Beginner level. This list combines vocabulary and grammar so you learn them together, the way you'd actually use them.
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| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| ああ ああ Like that way over there; also an interjection expressing realization, agreement, or emotion. | ああ Like that way over there; also an interjection expressing realization, agreement, or emotion. |
| 間 あいだ, ま, かん Interval, space, or gap between things in time, distance, or relationships. | あいだ, ま, かん Interval, space, or gap between things in time, distance, or relationships. |
| 会う あう To meet or see someone, or to encounter an undesirable situation. | あう To meet or see someone, or to encounter an undesirable situation. |
| 青 あお Blue, green (e.g., traffic lights), or unripe/inexperienced. | あお Blue, green (e.g., traffic lights), or unripe/inexperienced. |
| 青い あおい Blue, green (vegetation/traffic lights), pale complexion, or inexperienced. | あおい Blue, green (vegetation/traffic lights), pale complexion, or inexperienced. |
| 赤 あか The color red, a financial deficit, or complete (in set phrases). | あか The color red, a financial deficit, or complete (in set phrases). |
| 赤い あかい Red (adjective) | あかい Red (adjective) |
| 赤ちゃん あかちゃん baby; infant | あかちゃん baby; infant |
| 明るい あかるい Bright, cheerful, promising, or knowledgeable about a subject. | あかるい Bright, cheerful, promising, or knowledgeable about a subject. |
| 上がる あがる To rise, go up, or increase; also implies entering a home, getting nervous, rain stopping, or finishing a task. | あがる To rise, go up, or increase; also implies entering a home, getting nervous, rain stopping, or finishing a task. |
| 秋 あき Autumn or fall | あき Autumn or fall |
| 開く あく, ひらく To open (by itself), to spread open, or to hold an event. | あく, ひらく To open (by itself), to spread open, or to hold an event. |
| 明けましておめでとうございます あけましておめでとうございます Polite greeting meaning Happy New Year | あけましておめでとうございます Polite greeting meaning Happy New Year |
| 開ける あける To open an object, make space, or begin a new period. | あける To open an object, make space, or begin a new period. |
| 上げる あげる To raise, lift, increase, or give. | あげる To raise, lift, increase, or give. |
| 朝 あさ Morning | あさ Morning |
| 朝ごはん あさごはん Breakfast | あさごはん Breakfast |
| 明後日 あさって, みょうごにち The day after tomorrow. | あさって, みょうごにち The day after tomorrow. |
| 足 あし, そく Leg or foot, but also refers to transportation or running pace. | あし, そく Leg or foot, but also refers to transportation or running pace. |
| 明日 あした, あす, みょうにち Tomorrow; readings vary based on formality. | あした, あす, みょうにち Tomorrow; readings vary based on formality. |
| 彼処
(あそこ)
あそこ Over there (distant from both speaker and listener), that extent, or genitals. | あそこ Over there (distant from both speaker and listener), that extent, or genitals. |
| 遊ぶ あそぶ To play or hang out for fun, or to be left unused | あそぶ To play or hang out for fun, or to be left unused |
| 暖かい あたたかい, あったかい Pleasant warmth regarding weather, air temperature, or colors | あたたかい, あったかい Pleasant warmth regarding weather, air temperature, or colors |
| 頭 あたま, とう Physical head, mind, top, or counter for large animals | あたま, とう Physical head, mind, top, or counter for large animals |
| 新しい あたらしい New, fresh, recent, or up-to-date. | あたらしい New, fresh, recent, or up-to-date. |
| 暑い あつい Hot (weather or air temperature); passionate; trending or popular. | あつい Hot (weather or air temperature); passionate; trending or popular. |
| 熱い あつい Hot to the touch, or characterized by intense passion and enthusiasm. | あつい Hot to the touch, or characterized by intense passion and enthusiasm. |
| 後 あと, ご, のち After, later, behind, or the remaining part. | あと, ご, のち After, later, behind, or the remaining part. |
| 貴方
(あなた)
あなた, あんた Standard ‘you’ often avoided as impersonal, or ‘dear’ used by a wife to her husband | あなた, あんた Standard ‘you’ often avoided as impersonal, or ‘dear’ used by a wife to her husband |
| 兄 あに, にい Humble term for one’s own older brother. | あに, にい Humble term for one’s own older brother. |
| 姉 あね, ねえ Older sister, specifically referring to one’s own unless honorifics are added. | あね, ねえ Older sister, specifically referring to one’s own unless honorifics are added. |
| あの あの Refers to something distant from both parties (pre-noun), or serves as ‘um’ or ‘excuse me’ to get attention. | あの Refers to something distant from both parties (pre-noun), or serves as ‘um’ or ‘excuse me’ to get attention. |
| あの方 あのかた Polite term for that person | あのかた Polite term for that person |
| あのね あのね Informal interjection to get attention or start a topic, like ‘hey, listen’ or ‘you know’ | あのね Informal interjection to get attention or start a topic, like ‘hey, listen’ or ‘you know’ |
| 危ない あぶない Dangerous, risky, or an exclamation meaning “Watch out!” | あぶない Dangerous, risky, or an exclamation meaning “Watch out!” |
| 甘い あまい Sweet-tasting; lenient, naive, or insufficiently strict. | あまい Sweet-tasting; lenient, naive, or insufficiently strict. |
| 余り
(あまり)
あまり, あんまり Not very, too much, or remainder. | あまり, あんまり Not very, too much, or remainder. |
| 雨 あめ, あま Rain or rainy weather. | あめ, あま Rain or rainy weather. |
| 飴 あめ Hard candy, sweets, or cough drops. | あめ Hard candy, sweets, or cough drops. |
| 洗う あらう To wash or clean something with water. | あらう To wash or clean something with water. |
| 有難う
(ありがとう)
ありがとう Casual expression of gratitude meaning ‘thank you’ or ‘thanks’. | ありがとう Casual expression of gratitude meaning ‘thank you’ or ‘thanks’. |
| 有難うございます
(ありがとうございます)
ありがとうございます Polite expression for ‘thank you’ regarding present or ongoing actions | ありがとうございます Polite expression for ‘thank you’ regarding present or ongoing actions |
| 有る
(ある)
ある To exist (inanimate), to have, or to take place | ある To exist (inanimate), to have, or to take place |
| 歩く あるく To walk | あるく To walk |
| アイス アイス Means ice cream or iced drinks, not ice cubes. | アイス Means ice cream or iced drinks, not ice cubes. |
| アルバイト アルバイト Part-time job or side job | アルバイト Part-time job or side job |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| いい いい Good, nice, acceptable, or sufficient. | いい Good, nice, acceptable, or sufficient. |
| いいえ いいえ Polite ‘no’ or ‘not at all’ in response to thanks | いいえ Polite ‘no’ or ‘not at all’ in response to thanks |
| いいね いいね Casual expression of approval, a social media like, or a check for understanding. | いいね Casual expression of approval, a social media like, or a check for understanding. |
| 言う いう, ゆう To say, tell, be called, or make a sound. | いう, ゆう To say, tell, be called, or make a sound. |
| 家 いえ, うち, け Physical house, personal home or family, or suffix for a family lineage. | いえ, うち, け Physical house, personal home or family, or suffix for a family lineage. |
| 行く いく, ゆく To physically go, progress in a situation, or continue an action into the future. | いく, ゆく To physically go, progress in a situation, or continue an action into the future. |
| 幾つ
(いくつ)
いくつ Asks ‘how many’ general items or ‘how old’ someone is. | いくつ Asks ‘how many’ general items or ‘how old’ someone is. |
| 幾ら
(いくら)
いくら Interrogative asking how much regarding price or amount, or an adverb meaning no matter how much. | いくら Interrogative asking how much regarding price or amount, or an adverb meaning no matter how much. |
| いけない いけない Forbidden, bad, or an exclamation of oops | いけない Forbidden, bad, or an exclamation of oops |
| 医者 いしゃ Medical doctor or physician | いしゃ Medical doctor or physician |
| 椅子 いす Chair or seat | いす Chair or seat |
| 忙しい いそがしい Busy or hectic; describes people, schedules, or periods of time. | いそがしい Busy or hectic; describes people, schedules, or periods of time. |
| 痛い いたい Physical pain or soreness; slang for something cringey or painfully embarrassing. | いたい Physical pain or soreness; slang for something cringey or painfully embarrassing. |
| 頂きます
(いただきます)
いただきます “Let’s eat” expression; humble form of to receive | いただきます “Let’s eat” expression; humble form of to receive |
| 一 いち, ひと The number one, a single unit, or the rank of first. | いち, ひと The number one, a single unit, or the rank of first. |
| 一月 いちがつ, ひとつき January or a duration of one month. | いちがつ, ひとつき January or a duration of one month. |
| 一時間 いちじかん one hour duration | いちじかん one hour duration |
| 一度 いちど, ひとたび Once, one time, or one degree (temperature/angle). | いちど, ひとたび Once, one time, or one degree (temperature/angle). |
| 一日 いちにち, ついたち, いちじつ one day (duration); the first day of the month | いちにち, ついたち, いちじつ one day (duration); the first day of the month |
| 一年 いちねん One year, indicating a duration or the first year of school. | いちねん One year, indicating a duration or the first year of school. |
| 一番 いちばん Number one, first, or the most/best. | いちばん Number one, first, or the most/best. |
| 一回 いっかい Once or one time. | いっかい Once or one time. |
| 一階 いっかい First floor or ground floor | いっかい First floor or ground floor |
| 一ヶ月
(一か月)
いっかげつ Duration of one month | いっかげつ Duration of one month |
| 一冊 いっさつ one book or bound volume | いっさつ one book or bound volume |
| 一週間 いっしゅうかん One week duration | いっしゅうかん One week duration |
| 一緒 いっしょ Together with others or the same | いっしょ Together with others or the same |
| 一緒に いっしょに Together, simultaneously, or combined into one. | いっしょに Together, simultaneously, or combined into one. |
| 行ってきます
(いってきます)
いってきます I’m off; said when leaving with the intent to return. | いってきます I’m off; said when leaving with the intent to return. |
| 行ってらっしゃい
(いってらっしゃい)
いってらっしゃい Farewell said to someone leaving who is expected to return. | いってらっしゃい Farewell said to someone leaving who is expected to return. |
| 一匹 いっぴき One small animal | いっぴき One small animal |
| 一分 いっぷん, いちぶ One minute, or a small fraction. | いっぷん, いちぶ One minute, or a small fraction. |
| 一本 いっぽん One long, thin object, or a winning point in martial arts. | いっぽん One long, thin object, or a winning point in martial arts. |
| いつ頃 いつごろ About when; around what time | いつごろ About when; around what time |
| 五つ いつつ five things; five years old | いつつ five things; five years old |
| 何時でも
(いつでも)
いつでも, なんどきでも At any time, always, or whenever | いつでも, なんどきでも At any time, always, or whenever |
| 何時も
(いつも)
いつも Always, usually, or habitually. | いつも Always, usually, or habitually. |
| 犬 いぬ Dog, or slang for a spy or informant. | いぬ Dog, or slang for a spy or informant. |
| 今 いま Now, the present moment, or the immediate future. | いま Now, the present moment, or the immediate future. |
| 今まで いままで Until now / so far | いままで Until now / so far |
| 妹 いもうと Younger sister (referring to one’s own) | いもうと Younger sister (referring to one’s own) |
| いらっしゃいませ いらっしゃいませ Welcome (polite greeting from staff to customers) | いらっしゃいませ Welcome (polite greeting from staff to customers) |
| 入り口 いりぐち The entrance or way into a building or area. | いりぐち The entrance or way into a building or area. |
| 居る
(いる)
いる, おる To exist for living things, or indicates an ongoing action or state | いる, おる To exist for living things, or indicates an ongoing action or state |
| 要る いる To need; to be required. | いる To need; to be required. |
| 入れる いれる To put in, insert, include, make tea or coffee, or turn on a switch. | いれる To put in, insert, include, make tea or coffee, or turn on a switch. |
| 色 いろ Color, facial complexion, or sensuality. | いろ Color, facial complexion, or sensuality. |
| 色々
(いろいろ)
いろいろ Various, all sorts of, or in many ways | いろいろ Various, all sorts of, or in many ways |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| ううん ううん Casual “no” or a sound of hesitation | ううん Casual “no” or a sound of hesitation |
| 上 うえ, じょう, かみ Above, on top of, superior rank, or in terms of. | うえ, じょう, かみ Above, on top of, superior rank, or in terms of. |
| 後ろ うしろ The physical space directly behind something. | うしろ The physical space directly behind something. |
| 歌 うた Song, singing, or classical Japanese poetry. | うた Song, singing, or classical Japanese poetry. |
| 歌う うたう To sing. | うたう To sing. |
| 生まれる うまれる To be born or come into existence. | うまれる To be born or come into existence. |
| 海 うみ Sea or ocean. | うみ Sea or ocean. |
| 売る うる To sell, pick a fight, or betray someone | うる To sell, pick a fight, or betray someone |
| 煩い
(うるさい)
うるさい Unpleasantly loud, annoying, nagging, or fussy. | うるさい Unpleasantly loud, annoying, nagging, or fussy. |
| 上着 うわぎ Outerwear worn on the upper body, such as a jacket, coat, or blazer | うわぎ Outerwear worn on the upper body, such as a jacket, coat, or blazer |
| うん うん Casual affirmative, hesitation sound, or grunt of exertion. | うん Casual affirmative, hesitation sound, or grunt of exertion. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| へ え Particle marking direction or movement towards a place or recipient. | え Particle marking direction or movement towards a place or recipient. |
| 絵 え A picture, drawing, painting, or illustration. | え A picture, drawing, painting, or illustration. |
| 英 えい Prefix for English or British. | えい Prefix for English or British. |
| 映画 えいが Movie or film | えいが Movie or film |
| 映画館 えいがかん Movie theater or cinema | えいがかん Movie theater or cinema |
| 英語 えいご The English language | えいご The English language |
| ええ ええ Conversational interjection for soft agreement, surprise, hesitation, or ‘good’ in Kansai dialect. | ええ Conversational interjection for soft agreement, surprise, hesitation, or ‘good’ in Kansai dialect. |
| 駅 えき A train or subway station. | えき A train or subway station. |
| えっと えっと Filler word used when thinking, equivalent to ‘um’ or ‘let’s see’. | えっと Filler word used when thinking, equivalent to ‘um’ or ‘let’s see’. |
| 円 えん The Japanese yen currency or a geometric circle. | えん The Japanese yen currency or a geometric circle. |
| 鉛筆 えんぴつ Pencil | えんぴつ Pencil |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| を お Marks the direct object of a verb or indicates movement through or away from a place. | お Marks the direct object of a verb or indicates movement through or away from a place. |
| 御 お, ご Honorific prefix indicating politeness or respect | お, ご Honorific prefix indicating politeness or respect |
| 美味しい おいしい Delicious, or figuratively describing a profitable or attractive opportunity. | おいしい Delicious, or figuratively describing a profitable or attractive opportunity. |
| 多い おおい Describes a large number, amount, or frequency. | おおい Describes a large number, amount, or frequency. |
| 大きい おおきい Big, large, or loud | おおきい Big, large, or loud |
| 大きな おおきな Big or large (used strictly before a noun). | おおきな Big or large (used strictly before a noun). |
| お母さん おかあさん Polite term for mother, used to address one’s own mother or refer to someone else’s | おかあさん Polite term for mother, used to address one’s own mother or refer to someone else’s |
| お帰り おかえり Welcome home or welcome back. | おかえり Welcome home or welcome back. |
| お帰りなさい おかえりなさい Polite expression meaning ‘welcome home’. | おかえりなさい Polite expression meaning ‘welcome home’. |
| お菓子 おかし Sweets, candy, and snacks. | おかし Sweets, candy, and snacks. |
| お金 おかね Money; the standard and most common term for cash or currency. | おかね Money; the standard and most common term for cash or currency. |
| 起きる おきる to wake up or get up; to happen or occur | おきる to wake up or get up; to happen or occur |
| 置く おく To put, place, or leave behind; also indicates doing something in advance or leaving a state as is. | おく To put, place, or leave behind; also indicates doing something in advance or leaving a state as is. |
| 奥さん おくさん Polite term for someone else’s wife or a married woman | おくさん Polite term for someone else’s wife or a married woman |
| お先に おさきに Ahead, before, or pardon me for leaving first. | おさきに Ahead, before, or pardon me for leaving first. |
| 教える おしえる To teach, instruct, or tell information | おしえる To teach, instruct, or tell information |
| お祖父さん おじいさん Grandfather or elderly man | おじいさん Grandfather or elderly man |
| 押す おす To push, press, or stamp. | おす To push, press, or stamp. |
| 遅い おそい Slow in speed or late in time. | おそい Slow in speed or late in time. |
| お誕生日おめでとうございます おたんじょうびおめでとうございます Happy Birthday (polite) | おたんじょうびおめでとうございます Happy Birthday (polite) |
| お茶 おちゃ Tea, typically green tea, or a tea break. | おちゃ Tea, typically green tea, or a tea break. |
| 音 おと, おん, ね Sound or noise. | おと, おん, ね Sound or noise. |
| お父さん おとうさん Polite term for another’s father, also used to address one’s own dad, a husband, or an older man. | おとうさん Polite term for another’s father, also used to address one’s own dad, a husband, or an older man. |
| 弟 おとうと, てい Younger brother. | おとうと, てい Younger brother. |
| 男 おとこ A direct term for a man or male, often carrying a nuance of bluntness or masculine honor. | おとこ A direct term for a man or male, often carrying a nuance of bluntness or masculine honor. |
| 男の子 おとこのこ Boy; a male child | おとこのこ Boy; a male child |
| 男の人 おとこのひと Man | おとこのひと Man |
| 一昨日 おととい, いっさくじつ The day before yesterday | おととい, いっさくじつ The day before yesterday |
| 大人 おとな The standard term for an adult or grown-up, implying maturity. | おとな The standard term for an adult or grown-up, implying maturity. |
| お腹 おなか The standard, polite term for the stomach or belly, often used to describe hunger, fullness, or pain. | おなか The standard, polite term for the stomach or belly, often used to describe hunger, fullness, or pain. |
| 同じ おなじ Identical, equal, or the same. | おなじ Identical, equal, or the same. |
| お兄さん おにいさん Polite term for older brother or a young man | おにいさん Polite term for older brother or a young man |
| お姉さん おねえさん Older sister or young lady | おねえさん Older sister or young lady |
| お願い おねがい A polite request, favor, or the standard expression for please. | おねがい A polite request, favor, or the standard expression for please. |
| お願いします おねがいします Polite request for an item, service, or favor | おねがいします Polite request for an item, service, or favor |
| お話 おはなし Story, tale, or polite conversation | おはなし Story, tale, or polite conversation |
| お早うございます
(おはようございます)
おはようございます Polite morning greeting | おはようございます Polite morning greeting |
| お祖母さん おばあさん Grandmother or elderly woman | おばあさん Grandmother or elderly woman |
| お婆ちゃん
(おばあちゃん)
おばあちゃん Grandma, granny, or an elderly woman | おばあちゃん Grandma, granny, or an elderly woman |
| お昼 おひる Noon or the midday meal. | おひる Noon or the midday meal. |
| お風呂 おふろ A bath, bathtub, or bathroom. | おふろ A bath, bathtub, or bathroom. |
| お弁当 おべんとう Japanese boxed lunch | おべんとう Japanese boxed lunch |
| お店 おみせ Polite term for a store, shop, or restaurant. | おみせ Polite term for a store, shop, or restaurant. |
| お土産 おみやげ Souvenir from a trip or a gift brought when visiting someone | おみやげ Souvenir from a trip or a gift brought when visiting someone |
| 御目出度う
(おめでとう)
おめでとう Congratulations or a celebratory greeting for special occasions | おめでとう Congratulations or a celebratory greeting for special occasions |
| おめでとう御座います
(おめでとうございます)
おめでとうございます Polite expression for congratulations or wishing a happy occasion. | おめでとうございます Polite expression for congratulations or wishing a happy occasion. |
| 重い おもい Physically heavy, serious in severity, gloomy in mood, or sluggish in performance. | おもい Physically heavy, serious in severity, gloomy in mood, or sluggish in performance. |
| 思う おもう To think, believe, or intend. | おもう To think, believe, or intend. |
| 面白い おもしろい Interesting, funny, amusing, or enjoyable | おもしろい Interesting, funny, amusing, or enjoyable |
| お休み おやすみ A day off, holiday, or the greeting ‘good night’. | おやすみ A day off, holiday, or the greeting ‘good night’. |
| お休みなさい
(おやすみなさい)
おやすみなさい Polite expression for ‘good night’ used before sleeping or parting. | おやすみなさい Polite expression for ‘good night’ used before sleeping or parting. |
| 泳ぐ およぐ To swim; to navigate through a crowd or society; to be unsteady or have wandering eyes. | およぐ To swim; to navigate through a crowd or society; to be unsteady or have wandering eyes. |
| 降りる おりる to get off a vehicle, disembark, or descend | おりる to get off a vehicle, disembark, or descend |
| 終わる おわる To end, to finish, or to complete. | おわる To end, to finish, or to complete. |
| 音楽 おんがく The general term for music as an art form or sound. | おんがく The general term for music as an art form or sound. |
| 女 おんな Woman, female, or a rough reference to a lover. | おんな Woman, female, or a rough reference to a lover. |
| 女の子 おんなのこ Girl, young woman, or daughter | おんなのこ Girl, young woman, or daughter |
| 女の人 おんなのひと The standard, polite term for a woman. | おんなのひと The standard, polite term for a woman. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| か か Question marker, indicates ‘or’, creates indefinite words, or signifies ‘whether’. | か Question marker, indicates ‘or’, creates indefinite words, or signifies ‘whether’. |
| 母さん かあさん Familiar term for addressing one’s own mother or wife. | かあさん Familiar term for addressing one’s own mother or wife. |
| 回 かい Counter for times or occurrences | かい Counter for times or occurrences |
| 階 かい Counter for floors of a building | かい Counter for floors of a building |
| 会社 かいしゃ Company, corporation, or workplace | かいしゃ Company, corporation, or workplace |
| 会社員 かいしゃいん Company employee or office worker | かいしゃいん Company employee or office worker |
| 階段 かいだん Stairs or staircase | かいだん Stairs or staircase |
| 買い物 かいもの Shopping or purchased goods | かいもの Shopping or purchased goods |
| 買う かう To buy items, value ability, or incur negative reactions. | かう To buy items, value ability, or incur negative reactions. |
| 帰る かえる To return to one’s home base, such as a house, hometown, or country | かえる To return to one’s home base, such as a house, hometown, or country |
| 顔 かお The physical face, facial expression, or social reputation. | かお The physical face, facial expression, or social reputation. |
| 掛かる
(かかる)
かかる To take time or money, to hang, to be locked, or to catch an illness. | かかる To take time or money, to hang, to be locked, or to catch an illness. |
| 書く かく To write characters or compose text. | かく To write characters or compose text. |
| 掛ける かける To hang, pour, spend time or money, or apply something onto a target. | かける To hang, pour, spend time or money, or apply something onto a target. |
| ヶ月 かげつ Counter for a duration of months | かげつ Counter for a duration of months |
| 傘 かさ Umbrella or parasol. | かさ Umbrella or parasol. |
| 火事 かじ An uncontrolled, destructive fire or conflagration. | かじ An uncontrolled, destructive fire or conflagration. |
| 貸す かす To lend, rent out, or provide assistance. | かす To lend, rent out, or provide assistance. |
| 風 かぜ, ふう Physical wind or breeze; abstract style, manner, or appearance | かぜ, ふう Physical wind or breeze; abstract style, manner, or appearance |
| 風邪 かぜ common cold | かぜ common cold |
| 風邪をひく
(風邪を引く)
かぜをひく to catch a cold | かぜをひく to catch a cold |
| 家族 かぞく Family; members of a household. | かぞく Family; members of a household. |
| 金 かね, きん Money, gold, or Friday. | かね, きん Money, gold, or Friday. |
| 彼女 かのじょ Refers to ‘she’ or ‘her,’ but commonly used to mean ‘girlfriend.’ | かのじょ Refers to ‘she’ or ‘her,’ but commonly used to mean ‘girlfriend.’ |
| 鞄 かばん A general term for a bag, briefcase, or satchel. | かばん A general term for a bag, briefcase, or satchel. |
| 被る かぶる To wear on the head, be covered with, take the blame, or overlap. | かぶる To wear on the head, be covered with, take the blame, or overlap. |
| 紙 かみ, し Paper | かみ, し Paper |
| 髪 かみ Hair on the head | かみ Hair on the head |
| 火曜日 かようび Tuesday; the day of the week associated with fire | かようび Tuesday; the day of the week associated with fire |
| から から Means ‘from’ a starting point, ‘because’ of a reason, or ‘after’ doing something. | から Means ‘from’ a starting point, ‘because’ of a reason, or ‘after’ doing something. |
| 体 からだ, たい Physical body, physique, or health | からだ, たい Physical body, physique, or health |
| 借りる かりる To borrow, rent, or make temporary use of something. | かりる To borrow, rent, or make temporary use of something. |
| 軽い かるい Light in weight, degree, intensity, or seriousness. | かるい Light in weight, degree, intensity, or seriousness. |
| 彼 かれ He, him, or boyfriend | かれ He, him, or boyfriend |
| 川 かわ, がわ A river or stream, often used as a suffix for river names. | かわ, がわ A river or stream, often used as a suffix for river names. |
| 可愛い かわいい Cute, adorable, or lovely. | かわいい Cute, adorable, or lovely. |
| 漢字 かんじ Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system. | かんじ Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system. |
| カタカナ カタカナ Japanese script used for foreign words, sound effects, and emphasis | カタカナ Japanese script used for foreign words, sound effects, and emphasis |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 木 き, もく A living tree or the material wood. | き, もく A living tree or the material wood. |
| 気 き Spirit, energy, mood, or attention. | き Spirit, energy, mood, or attention. |
| 黄色 きいろ The color yellow. | きいろ The color yellow. |
| 黄色い きいろい Yellow; also used for high-pitched, shrill voices | きいろい Yellow; also used for high-pitched, shrill voices |
| 聞く きく To hear, listen, or ask. | きく To hear, listen, or ask. |
| 北 きた, ほく The cardinal direction north, a northern area, or a shorthand for North Korea. | きた, ほく The cardinal direction north, a northern area, or a shorthand for North Korea. |
| 北口 きたぐち North entrance or exit | きたぐち North entrance or exit |
| 汚い きたない Physically dirty or messy; figuratively unfair or foul. | きたない Physically dirty or messy; figuratively unfair or foul. |
| 喫茶店 きっさてん, きっちゃてん A traditional coffee shop or tearoom | きっさてん, きっちゃてん A traditional coffee shop or tearoom |
| 切手 きって Postage stamp | きって Postage stamp |
| 切符 きっぷ Ticket for transportation or admission | きっぷ Ticket for transportation or admission |
| 昨日 きのう, さくじつ The day before today; yesterday. | きのう, さくじつ The day before today; yesterday. |
| 君 きみ, くん Informal pronoun “you” or familiar name suffix for boys and juniors. | きみ, くん Informal pronoun “you” or familiar name suffix for boys and juniors. |
| 気持ち きもち Feeling, mood, sensation, sentiment, or a small degree | きもち Feeling, mood, sensation, sentiment, or a small degree |
| 着物 きもの Traditional Japanese robe or garment. | きもの Traditional Japanese robe or garment. |
| 九 きゅう, く, ここの The number nine. | きゅう, く, ここの The number nine. |
| 今日 きょう, こんにち Today; formally, these days or the present era. | きょう, こんにち Today; formally, these days or the present era. |
| 教科書 きょうかしょ A textbook or coursebook used for school instruction. | きょうかしょ A textbook or coursebook used for school instruction. |
| 教室 きょうしつ A physical classroom, or a class dedicated to a specific skill. | きょうしつ A physical classroom, or a class dedicated to a specific skill. |
| 兄弟 きょうだい Siblings in general, or specifically brothers. | きょうだい Siblings in general, or specifically brothers. |
| 去年 きょねん Last year. | きょねん Last year. |
| 嫌い きらい Dislike, hate, or aversion. | きらい Dislike, hate, or aversion. |
| 切る きる To cut physically, sever connections, or complete an action entirely. | きる To cut physically, sever connections, or complete an action entirely. |
| 着る きる To wear clothing on the upper body. | きる To wear clothing on the upper body. |
| 綺麗 きれい Beautiful, pretty, clean, or tidy. | きれい Beautiful, pretty, clean, or tidy. |
| 気をつける きをつける To be careful, pay attention, or take care. | きをつける To be careful, pay attention, or take care. |
| 金曜日 きんようび Friday | きんようび Friday |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 薬 くすり Medicine, drugs, or chemical agents. | くすり Medicine, drugs, or chemical agents. |
| 下さい
(ください)
ください Polite request for an item or action. | ください Polite request for an item or action. |
| 果物 くだもの Fruit; the general term for edible fruits. | くだもの Fruit; the general term for edible fruits. |
| 口 くち, ぐち Mouth, opening, entrance, or counter for bites. | くち, ぐち Mouth, opening, entrance, or counter for bites. |
| 靴 くつ General term for shoes or footwear. | くつ General term for shoes or footwear. |
| 靴下 くつした Socks | くつした Socks |
| 国 くに, こく Country or nation; also refers to one’s hometown or home region. | くに, こく Country or nation; also refers to one’s hometown or home region. |
| 雲 くも Cloud (in the sky) | くも Cloud (in the sky) |
| 曇り くもり Cloudy weather, surface fog, or gloom | くもり Cloudy weather, surface fog, or gloom |
| くらい くらい Approximately, to the extent that, or at least. | くらい Approximately, to the extent that, or at least. |
| 暗い くらい Dark, dim, gloomy, or unfamiliar with a subject. | くらい Dark, dim, gloomy, or unfamiliar with a subject. |
| 来る くる, きたる To come, arrive, or move toward the speaker. | くる, きたる To come, arrive, or move toward the speaker. |
| 車 くるま, しゃ Car, vehicle, or wheel. | くるま, しゃ Car, vehicle, or wheel. |
| 呉れる
(くれる)
くれる To give to me or my inner circle; to do something for my benefit. | くれる To give to me or my inner circle; to do something for my benefit. |
| 黒い くろい The color black; figuratively guilty or suspicious. | くろい The color black; figuratively guilty or suspicious. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 今朝 けさ, こんちょう this morning | けさ, こんちょう this morning |
| 消しゴム けしゴム Rubber eraser | けしゴム Rubber eraser |
| 消す けす To erase, delete, extinguish, or turn off power. | けす To erase, delete, extinguish, or turn off power. |
| けど けど Casual “but” or “although” used to connect clauses or soften statements | けど Casual “but” or “although” used to connect clauses or soften statements |
| けれど けれど Connects contrasting clauses like “but” or acts as a polite softener for statements. | けれど Connects contrasting clauses like “but” or acts as a polite softener for statements. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 個 こ Counter for small objects | こ Counter for small objects |
| 子 こ, ね Refers to a child, offspring, or young animal, and represents the Rat in the zodiac. | こ, ね Refers to a child, offspring, or young animal, and represents the Rat in the zodiac. |
| 斯う
(こう)
こう In this way or like this | こう In this way or like this |
| 公園 こうえん Public park | こうえん Public park |
| 高校 こうこう Senior high school | こうこう Senior high school |
| 高校生 こうこうせい High school student | こうこうせい High school student |
| 紅茶 こうちゃ Black tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling. | こうちゃ Black tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling. |
| 交番 こうばん Small neighborhood police station or police box | こうばん Small neighborhood police station or police box |
| 声 こえ Voice or sound produced by a living being. | こえ Voice or sound produced by a living being. |
| 氷 こおり Ice | こおり Ice |
| 此処
(ここ)
ここ Here, this place, or this point in time. | ここ Here, this place, or this point in time. |
| 九つ ここのつ Nine things or nine years old | ここのつ Nine things or nine years old |
| 答える こたえる To answer a question, reply, or respond to an expectation | こたえる To answer a question, reply, or respond to an expectation |
| 此方
(こちら)
こちら Politely indicates this way, here, this person, or one’s own side. | こちら Politely indicates this way, here, this person, or one’s own side. |
| 洋杯
(コップ)
こっぷ Drinking glass or cup without a handle | こっぷ Drinking glass or cup without a handle |
| 事 こと An intangible matter or event, often used to turn verbs into nouns | こと An intangible matter or event, often used to turn verbs into nouns |
| 事がある
(ことがある)
ことがある To have done something before, or there are times when something happens. | ことがある To have done something before, or there are times when something happens. |
| ことが出来る
(ことができる)
ことができる Can or to be able to do something | ことができる Can or to be able to do something |
| 事がない
(ことがない)
ことがない Expresses never having done something or having no need to do something. | ことがない Expresses never having done something or having no need to do something. |
| 今年 ことし, こんねん This year | ことし, こんねん This year |
| 子供 こども A child or children; metaphorically, an immature person. | こども A child or children; metaphorically, an immature person. |
| 此の
(この)
この “This” (used before a noun to indicate something near the speaker) | この “This” (used before a noun to indicate something near the speaker) |
| この前 このまえ The other day; the last time | このまえ The other day; the last time |
| 此れ
(これ)
これ This object or concept located near the speaker. | これ This object or concept located near the speaker. |
| 此れから
(これから)
これから From now on, in the future, or about to happen immediately. | これから From now on, in the future, or about to happen immediately. |
| 頃
(ころ)
ころ, ごろ Approximate point in time; best time or season | ころ, ごろ Approximate point in time; best time or season |
| 今月 こんげつ This month. | こんげつ This month. |
| 今週 こんしゅう This week | こんしゅう This week |
| 今度 こんど Refers to the occasion closest to the present: next time, this time, or the other day. | こんど Refers to the occasion closest to the present: next time, this time, or the other day. |
| 今日は
(こんにちは)
こんにちは Standard daytime greeting meaning hello or good afternoon. | こんにちは Standard daytime greeting meaning hello or good afternoon. |
| 今晩 こんばん Tonight; this evening. | こんばん Tonight; this evening. |
| 今晩は
(こんばんは)
こんばんは Good evening. | こんばんは Good evening. |
| コンビニ コンビニ Convenience store | コンビニ Convenience store |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| が が Marks the grammatical subject of a sentence or connects contrasting clauses like “but” | が Marks the grammatical subject of a sentence or connects contrasting clauses like “but” |
| 外国 がいこく Foreign country; a nation other than one’s own. | がいこく Foreign country; a nation other than one’s own. |
| 外国人 がいこくじん Foreigner or non-Japanese person; the standard, neutral term. | がいこくじん Foreigner or non-Japanese person; the standard, neutral term. |
| 外人 がいじん A casual, often blunt term for a foreigner or outsider. | がいじん A casual, often blunt term for a foreigner or outsider. |
| 学 がく, まなぶ Represents learning, school, or an academic field of study. | がく, まなぶ Represents learning, school, or an academic field of study. |
| 学生 がくせい Student (usually university or college) | がくせい Student (usually university or college) |
| 学校 がっこう General term for a school or educational institution. | がっこう General term for a school or educational institution. |
| 頑張って がんばって Do your best, good luck, or hang in there. | がんばって Do your best, good luck, or hang in there. |
| 頑張る がんばる To do one’s best, persevere, or hold one’s ground. | がんばる To do one’s best, persevere, or hold one’s ground. |
| 瓦斯
(ガス)
ガス Fuel gas, state of matter, bodily gas, or thick fog. | ガス Fuel gas, state of matter, bodily gas, or thick fog. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 牛乳 ぎゅうにゅう Cow’s milk. | ぎゅうにゅう Cow’s milk. |
| 銀行 ぎんこう A financial institution for depositing, withdrawing, or borrowing money. | ぎんこう A financial institution for depositing, withdrawing, or borrowing money. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 月曜日 げつようび Monday. | げつようび Monday. |
| 玄関 げんかん Sunken entryway inside the front door where shoes are removed | げんかん Sunken entryway inside the front door where shoes are removed |
| 元気 げんき Healthy, energetic, and lively. | げんき Healthy, energetic, and lively. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 五 ご, いつ The number five or a count of five general objects. | ご, いつ The number five or a count of five general objects. |
| 語 ご Denotes a language or word. | ご Denotes a language or word. |
| 午後 ごご Afternoon; P.M. | ごご Afternoon; P.M. |
| 御座います
(ございます)
ございます The formal polite form of “to be” or “to exist,” also used as a suffix in greetings. | ございます The formal polite form of “to be” or “to exist,” also used as a suffix in greetings. |
| 午前 ごぜん morning; a.m. | ごぜん morning; a.m. |
| 午前中 ごぜんちゅう Throughout the morning | ごぜんちゅう Throughout the morning |
| ご馳走様
(ごちそうさま)
ごちそうさま Phrase expressing gratitude after finishing a meal | ごちそうさま Phrase expressing gratitude after finishing a meal |
| ご馳走様でした ごちそうさまでした Phrase used after eating to express gratitude for the meal or a treat. | ごちそうさまでした Phrase used after eating to express gratitude for the meal or a treat. |
| ご飯 ごはん Cooked rice, or a meal in general. | ごはん Cooked rice, or a meal in general. |
| 五分 ごふん, ごぶ Five minutes, or an even 50/50 balance. | ごふん, ごぶ Five minutes, or an even 50/50 balance. |
| ゴミ ごみ Trash, garbage, or rubbish; metaphorically, something worthless or junk. | ごみ Trash, garbage, or rubbish; metaphorically, something worthless or junk. |
| ゴミ箱 ごみばこ Trash can, garbage bin, or computer recycle bin | ごみばこ Trash can, garbage bin, or computer recycle bin |
| 御免
(ごめん)
ごめん Casual apology, requesting attention, or strong refusal. | ごめん Casual apology, requesting attention, or strong refusal. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 才
(歳)
さい Counter for age in years. | さい Counter for age in years. |
| 歳 さい Counter for age; years old | さい Counter for age; years old |
| 財布 さいふ Wallet or purse. | さいふ Wallet or purse. |
| 魚 さかな, うお General term for fish, referring to both the living animal and food. | さかな, うお General term for fish, referring to both the living animal and food. |
| 探す さがす To look for or search for something. | さがす To look for or search for something. |
| 下がる さがる To go down, drop, step back, or hang down. | さがる To go down, drop, step back, or hang down. |
| 先 さき, さっき Ahead, before, or the tip. | さき, さっき Ahead, before, or the tip. |
| 咲く さく To bloom or blossom. | さく To bloom or blossom. |
| 作文 さくぶん School composition or essay | さくぶん School composition or essay |
| 桜 さくら Cherry blossom or tree; a shill or decoy customer. | さくら Cherry blossom or tree; a shill or decoy customer. |
| 酒 さけ, さか General term for alcoholic beverages, or specifically Japanese rice wine. | さけ, さか General term for alcoholic beverages, or specifically Japanese rice wine. |
| 冊 さつ Counter for books and bound volumes | さつ Counter for books and bound volumes |
| 砂糖 さとう Sugar. | さとう Sugar. |
| 寒い さむい, さぶい Cold weather or air temperature; colloquially, an unfunny or lame joke. | さむい, さぶい Cold weather or air temperature; colloquially, an unfunny or lame joke. |
| 左様なら
(さようなら)
さようなら Formal farewell implying a long separation or finality. | さようなら Formal farewell implying a long separation or finality. |
| さよなら さよなら A farewell indicating long-term separation or permanent departure. | さよなら A farewell indicating long-term separation or permanent departure. |
| 皿 さら Plate, dish, or counter for servings of food. | さら Plate, dish, or counter for servings of food. |
| さん さん Standard polite suffix for names, occupations, and animals, equivalent to Mr. or Ms. | さん Standard polite suffix for names, occupations, and animals, equivalent to Mr. or Ms. |
| 三 さん, み The number three. | さん, み The number three. |
| 散歩 さんぽ A walk or stroll for pleasure or exercise | さんぽ A walk or stroll for pleasure or exercise |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 四 し, よん, よ The number four. | し, よん, よ The number four. |
| しか しか “Only” or “nothing but,” used with a negative verb to imply insufficiency | しか “Only” or “nothing but,” used with a negative verb to imply insufficiency |
| 然し
(しかし)
しかし However; but (formal conjunction indicating contrast) | しかし However; but (formal conjunction indicating contrast) |
| 仕事 しごと Work, job, or task. | しごと Work, job, or task. |
| 静か しずか Quiet, calm, or peaceful; free from noise, activity, or disturbance. | しずか Quiet, calm, or peaceful; free from noise, activity, or disturbance. |
| 下 した, もと Below, under, lower rank, or under supervision/influence. | した, もと Below, under, lower rank, or under supervision/influence. |
| 質問 しつもん Question, inquiry, or the act of asking for clarification | しつもん Question, inquiry, or the act of asking for clarification |
| 失礼します しつれいします A polite phrase meaning “I am being rude,” functioning as “excuse me” when entering or interrupting, and “goodbye” when leaving. | しつれいします A polite phrase meaning “I am being rude,” functioning as “excuse me” when entering or interrupting, and “goodbye” when leaving. |
| 死ぬ しぬ To die or cease to exist. | しぬ To die or cease to exist. |
| 閉まる しまる To close or be closed (intransitive) | しまる To close or be closed (intransitive) |
| 閉める しめる to close or shut something, such as a door or shop | しめる to close or shut something, such as a door or shop |
| 写真 しゃしん A photograph or picture taken with a camera. | しゃしん A photograph or picture taken with a camera. |
| 週 しゅう Refers to a specific calendar week or counts a duration of weeks. | しゅう Refers to a specific calendar week or counts a duration of weeks. |
| 週間 しゅうかん Counter for a duration of weeks | しゅうかん Counter for a duration of weeks |
| 宿題 しゅくだい Homework assignment or a pending issue to address later | しゅくだい Homework assignment or a pending issue to address later |
| 趣味 しゅみ Hobbies, pastimes, or personal taste. | しゅみ Hobbies, pastimes, or personal taste. |
| 小 しょう, こ Prefix indicating smallness or abbreviation for elementary school | しょう, こ Prefix indicating smallness or abbreviation for elementary school |
| 小学校 しょうがっこう Elementary school | しょうがっこう Elementary school |
| 正月 しょうがつ New Year’s holiday period; the month of January | しょうがつ New Year’s holiday period; the month of January |
| 食堂 しょくどう Dining hall, cafeteria, or casual eatery | しょくどう Dining hall, cafeteria, or casual eatery |
| 知る しる To know, to find out, or to become aware of something. | しる To know, to find out, or to become aware of something. |
| 白 しろ, はく The color white; figuratively represents purity, innocence, or a blank state. | しろ, はく The color white; figuratively represents purity, innocence, or a blank state. |
| 白い しろい White, blank, or innocent. | しろい White, blank, or innocent. |
| 新 しん, あたら, あらた Means new, fresh, modern, or renewed. | しん, あたら, あらた Means new, fresh, modern, or renewed. |
| 新幹線 しんかんせん Japan’s high-speed bullet train system | しんかんせん Japan’s high-speed bullet train system |
| 新聞 しんぶん Newspaper | しんぶん Newspaper |
| シャープペンシル シャープペンシル Mechanical pencil, commonly shortened to shaapen. | シャープペンシル Mechanical pencil, commonly shortened to shaapen. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 住 す, じゅう To live, reside, or dwelling. | す, じゅう To live, reside, or dwelling. |
| 水曜日 すいようび Wednesday | すいようび Wednesday |
| 吸う すう To smoke, suck, inhale, or absorb | すう To smoke, suck, inhale, or absorb |
| 好き すき Liking, fondness, or romantic affection. | すき Liking, fondness, or romantic affection. |
| 直ぐ
(すぐ)
すぐ Immediately, right nearby, or easily. | すぐ Immediately, right nearby, or easily. |
| 直ぐに
(すぐに)
すぐに Immediately or right nearby | すぐに Immediately or right nearby |
| 少し すこし A little or a bit; indicates a small quantity, slight degree, or short duration. | すこし A little or a bit; indicates a small quantity, slight degree, or short duration. |
| 凄い すごい Amazing, terrible, or extremely. | すごい Amazing, terrible, or extremely. |
| 寿司 すし Japanese dish of vinegared rice combined with ingredients like seafood | すし Japanese dish of vinegared rice combined with ingredients like seafood |
| 済みません
(すみません)
すみません Excuse me, I’m sorry, or thank you for the trouble. | すみません Excuse me, I’m sorry, or thank you for the trouble. |
| 住む すむ To live, dwell, or reside. | すむ To live, dwell, or reside. |
| 棲む
(住む)
すむ To inhabit or live (of animals in their natural environment) | すむ To inhabit or live (of animals in their natural environment) |
| 為る
(する)
する To do, play, or wear accessories; also functions to verbalize nouns, make choices, perceive senses, or indicate cost. | する To do, play, or wear accessories; also functions to verbalize nouns, make choices, perceive senses, or indicate cost. |
| 座る すわる To sit; to take a seat | すわる To sit; to take a seat |
| スーパー スーパー Supermarket; also a prefix meaning super or very | スーパー Supermarket; also a prefix meaning super or very |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 背 せ, せい Refers to physical height, stature, or the back of a person or object. | せ, せい Refers to physical height, stature, or the back of a person or object. |
| 生徒 せいと Junior high or high school student | せいと Junior high or high school student |
| 世界 せかい The world, society, or a specific sphere of interest. | せかい The world, society, or a specific sphere of interest. |
| 背が高い せがたかい Tall (referring to a person’s height) | せがたかい Tall (referring to a person’s height) |
| 背中 せなか The back of the body | せなか The back of the body |
| 狭い せまい Narrow, cramped, or limited in scope. | せまい Narrow, cramped, or limited in scope. |
| 千 せん, ち One thousand | せん, ち One thousand |
| 先月 せんげつ Last month; the month immediately preceding the current one. | せんげつ Last month; the month immediately preceding the current one. |
| 先週 せんしゅう Last week. | せんしゅう Last week. |
| 先生 せんせい Teacher, doctor, or respectful title for an expert | せんせい Teacher, doctor, or respectful title for an expert |
| 洗濯 せんたく Laundry or the act of washing clothes. | せんたく Laundry or the act of washing clothes. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| そう そう Used to express agreement, describe appearance, or report hearsay. | そう Used to express agreement, describe appearance, or report hearsay. |
| そうか そうか Casual expression meaning “I see” or “is that so?” | そうか Casual expression meaning “I see” or “is that so?” |
| 掃除 そうじ Cleaning or tidying up a physical space | そうじ Cleaning or tidying up a physical space |
| そうですが そうですが That is true, but… (used to politely disagree or refuse) | そうですが That is true, but… (used to politely disagree or refuse) |
| そうですね そうですね Indicates agreement, serves as a thinking filler, or acts as a polite softener before a disagreement. | そうですね Indicates agreement, serves as a thinking filler, or acts as a polite softener before a disagreement. |
| 其処
(そこ)
そこ There (near the listener) or that point just mentioned | そこ There (near the listener) or that point just mentioned |
| 而して
(そして)
そして And; and then (connecting sentences or events). | そして And; and then (connecting sentences or events). |
| 其方
(そちら)
そちら Polite reference to ‘that way,’ ‘there,’ or ‘you’. | そちら Polite reference to ‘that way,’ ‘there,’ or ‘you’. |
| そっか そっか Casual ‘I see’ or ‘oh, right’ indicating realization. | そっか Casual ‘I see’ or ‘oh, right’ indicating realization. |
| 外 そと, がい Outside, exterior, or beyond a physical or conceptual boundary. | そと, がい Outside, exterior, or beyond a physical or conceptual boundary. |
| 其の
(その)
その Refers to “that” near the listener or context, or acts as a hesitation filler. | その Refers to “that” near the listener or context, or acts as a hesitation filler. |
| 蕎麦
(そば)
そば Buckwheat noodles, or the buckwheat plant and flour. | そば Buckwheat noodles, or the buckwheat plant and flour. |
| 祖母 そぼ Humble term for one’s own grandmother | そぼ Humble term for one’s own grandmother |
| 空 そら, から, あく, あける, くう The sky above, or the state of emptiness, vacancy, and availability. | そら, から, あく, あける, くう The sky above, or the state of emptiness, vacancy, and availability. |
| 其れ
(それ)
それ That (near the listener) or it (referring to something previously mentioned). | それ That (near the listener) or it (referring to something previously mentioned). |
| それから それから And then, after that, or in addition. | それから And then, after that, or in addition. |
| それじゃ それじゃ Casual ‘well then’ or ‘in that case’ used to transition or say goodbye | それじゃ Casual ‘well then’ or ‘in that case’ used to transition or say goodbye |
| 其れで
(それで)
それで So, therefore, or and then. | それで So, therefore, or and then. |
| それでは それでは Well then, right then, or in that case. | それでは Well then, right then, or in that case. |
| そんな そんな That kind of, like that, or no way. | そんな That kind of, like that, or no way. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 雑誌 ざっし Magazine or journal. | ざっし Magazine or journal. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 時間 じかん General time, a duration of hours, or a school class period. | じかん General time, a duration of hours, or a school class period. |
| 辞書 じしょ The general term for a dictionary. | じしょ The general term for a dictionary. |
| 地震 じしん Earthquake | じしん Earthquake |
| 自転車 じてんしゃ bicycle | じてんしゃ bicycle |
| 自動車 じどうしゃ Automobile or motor vehicle; the formal term for a car | じどうしゃ Automobile or motor vehicle; the formal term for a car |
| じゃあ じゃあ Casual expression meaning well then, in that case, or see you. | じゃあ Casual expression meaning well then, in that case, or see you. |
| じゃが芋
(じゃがいも)
じゃがいも The common potato; a starchy vegetable. | じゃがいも The common potato; a starchy vegetable. |
| じゃない じゃない Casual form of ‘is not’ or a tag question meaning ‘…right?’ | じゃない Casual form of ‘is not’ or a tag question meaning ‘…right?’ |
| 十 じゅう, とお The number ten, or a count of ten things. | じゅう, とお The number ten, or a count of ten things. |
| 住所 じゅうしょ Official address or residence | じゅうしょ Official address or residence |
| 上手 じょうず Skillful; good at; flattery | じょうず Skillful; good at; flattery |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 洋袴
(ズボン)
ズボン Trousers or pants | ズボン Trousers or pants |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 全然 ぜんぜん (Not) at all (with negatives); totally or completely (casual usage). | ぜんぜん (Not) at all (with negatives); totally or completely (casual usage). |
| 全部 ぜんぶ All, everything, or the total amount; typically regarding objects. | ぜんぶ All, everything, or the total amount; typically regarding objects. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 田 た, だ Rice field; a common component in family names | た, だ Rice field; a common component in family names |
| たい たい Expresses a desire to perform an action. | たい Expresses a desire to perform an action. |
| 高い たかい High, tall, expensive, or high-pitched. | たかい High, tall, expensive, or high-pitched. |
| 沢山
(たくさん)
たくさん A lot, many, much, or enough. | たくさん A lot, many, much, or enough. |
| 只今
(ただいま)
ただいま “I’m home!”; also a formal adverb meaning right now, just now, or immediately. | ただいま “I’m home!”; also a formal adverb meaning right now, just now, or immediately. |
| 達
(たち)
たち Pluralizing suffix for people or groups | たち Pluralizing suffix for people or groups |
| 立つ たつ To stand up, be situated, depart, or be established. | たつ To stand up, be situated, depart, or be established. |
| 楽しい たのしい Fun, enjoyable, or pleasant; describing an experience or activity. | たのしい Fun, enjoyable, or pleasant; describing an experience or activity. |
| 食べ物 たべもの Food; things to eat | たべもの Food; things to eat |
| 食べる たべる To eat; to make a living. | たべる To eat; to make a living. |
| 卵 たまご Egg; a professional in the making or trainee | たまご Egg; a professional in the making or trainee |
| 玉ねぎ たまねぎ Onion; literally ‘ball green onion’. | たまねぎ Onion; literally ‘ball green onion’. |
| 誕生日 たんじょうび Birthday | たんじょうび Birthday |
| 煙草
(タバコ)
タバコ Tobacco or cigarettes | タバコ Tobacco or cigarettes |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 小さい ちいさい Small in size, quiet in volume, minor in importance, or young in age. | ちいさい Small in size, quiet in volume, minor in importance, or young in age. |
| 小さな ちいさな Small or little, used exclusively before a noun. | ちいさな Small or little, used exclusively before a noun. |
| 近い ちかい Near or close in distance, time, or similarity | ちかい Near or close in distance, time, or similarity |
| 近く ちかく Nearness in location, time, or quantity. | ちかく Nearness in location, time, or quantity. |
| 地下鉄 ちかてつ Subway; underground train system | ちかてつ Subway; underground train system |
| 違う ちがう To be different; to be wrong or incorrect. | ちがう To be different; to be wrong or incorrect. |
| 地図 ちず The standard term for any map, whether physical or digital. | ちず The standard term for any map, whether physical or digital. |
| 父 ちち My father (humble form used when speaking to others) | ちち My father (humble form used when speaking to others) |
| 茶 ちゃ Tea, or the color brown. | ちゃ Tea, or the color brown. |
| 茶色 ちゃいろ Brown (literally “tea color”) | ちゃいろ Brown (literally “tea color”) |
| 茶碗 ちゃわん Rice bowl or traditional tea cup. | ちゃわん Rice bowl or traditional tea cup. |
| ちゃん ちゃん An affectionate suffix added to names to indicate familiarity, similar to adding -ie or -y in English. | ちゃん An affectionate suffix added to names to indicate familiarity, similar to adding -ie or -y in English. |
| 中学生 ちゅうがくせい Junior high school student | ちゅうがくせい Junior high school student |
| 中学校 ちゅうがっこう Junior high school | ちゅうがっこう Junior high school |
| 一寸
(ちょっと)
ちょっと A little bit, a short time, getting attention, or a polite refusal. | ちょっと A little bit, a short time, getting attention, or a polite refusal. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 使う つかう To use, employ, or spend resources such as tools, money, or time. | つかう To use, employ, or spend resources such as tools, money, or time. |
| 疲れる つかれる To become tired, exhausted, or worn out. | つかれる To become tired, exhausted, or worn out. |
| 月 つき, がつ, げつ The moon or a calendar month. | つき, がつ, げつ The moon or a calendar month. |
| 次 つぎ The next or following item, time, or person in a sequence. | つぎ The next or following item, time, or person in a sequence. |
| 着く つく To arrive at a destination or take a seat | つく To arrive at a destination or take a seat |
| 付く つく To be attached, stick to, be added, or turn on. | つく To be attached, stick to, be added, or turn on. |
| 点く つく To turn on or light up (for lights, appliances, or fire). | つく To turn on or light up (for lights, appliances, or fire). |
| 机 つくえ A desk used for studying or work. | つくえ A desk used for studying or work. |
| 作る つくる To make, create, cook, or grow. | つくる To make, create, cook, or grow. |
| 付ける つける To attach, apply, turn on, or add. | つける To attach, apply, turn on, or add. |
| 点ける つける To turn on a device or light a fire | つける To turn on a device or light a fire |
| 土 つち, ど, と The physical substance of the ground, such as soil, dirt, or mud. | つち, ど, と The physical substance of the ground, such as soil, dirt, or mud. |
| 詰らない
(つまらない)
つまらない Boring, uninteresting, trivial, or insignificant. | つまらない Boring, uninteresting, trivial, or insignificant. |
| 冷たい つめたい Cold to the touch or unfriendly in attitude. | つめたい Cold to the touch or unfriendly in attitude. |
| 強い つよい Physical strength, intense force, durability, or proficiency | つよい Physical strength, intense force, durability, or proficiency |
| 連れて行く つれていく, つれてゆく To take a person or animal along to a place. | つれていく, つれてゆく To take a person or animal along to a place. |
| 連れてくる つれてくる To bring a person or animal | つれてくる To bring a person or animal |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 手 て Physical hand or arm, extending to abstract concepts of skill, method, effort, or control. | て Physical hand or arm, extending to abstract concepts of skill, method, effort, or control. |
| 手紙 てがみ A physical letter or written note. | てがみ A physical letter or written note. |
| 手袋 てぶくろ Gloves or mittens | てぶくろ Gloves or mittens |
| 天気 てんき Weather, or good weather. | てんき Weather, or good weather. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| と と Connects nouns, marks a partner, quotes speech, or indicates an inevitable result. | と Connects nouns, marks a partner, quotes speech, or indicates an inevitable result. |
| 父さん とうさん Familiar term for father, used when addressing him directly. | とうさん Familiar term for father, used when addressing him directly. |
| 遠い とおい Far or distant in space, time, or relationship. | とおい Far or distant in space, time, or relationship. |
| 時 とき, じ Means time or hour, functioning as ‘when’ for occasions or ‘o’clock’ for specific times. | とき, じ Means time or hour, functioning as ‘when’ for occasions or ‘o’clock’ for specific times. |
| 時々 ときどき Sometimes; occasionally. | ときどき Sometimes; occasionally. |
| 時計 とけい The general term for a clock or watch. | とけい The general term for a clock or watch. |
| 所
(ところ)
ところ, どころ Place, location, abstract aspect, or specific moment in time. | ところ, どころ Place, location, abstract aspect, or specific moment in time. |
| 年 とし, ねん Year, age, or counter for years. | とし, ねん Year, age, or counter for years. |
| 図書館 としょかん Library | としょかん Library |
| 迚も
(とても)
とても Very or extremely; absolutely impossible or by no means when paired with a negative. | とても Very or extremely; absolutely impossible or by no means when paired with a negative. |
| 隣 となり Next to, adjacent, or neighbor. | となり Next to, adjacent, or neighbor. |
| 飛ぶ とぶ To fly, jump, rush, or skip. | とぶ To fly, jump, rush, or skip. |
| 止まる とまる To stop moving, cease functioning, or perch. | とまる To stop moving, cease functioning, or perch. |
| 友達 ともだち The general, everyday term for a friend. | ともだち The general, everyday term for a friend. |
| 鳥 とり General term for a bird; refers to chicken meat in a culinary context. | とり General term for a bird; refers to chicken meat in a culinary context. |
| 取る とる To take, pick up, obtain, or remove. | とる To take, pick up, obtain, or remove. |
| 撮る とる To take a photograph or record video. | とる To take a photograph or record video. |
| トランプ トランプ Playing cards; Donald Trump | トランプ Playing cards; Donald Trump |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| だ だ Casual copula meaning ‘is’, ‘am’, or ‘are’. | だ Casual copula meaning ‘is’, ‘am’, or ‘are’. |
| 大 だい, おお Means big or large, acts as an intensifier, or serves as an abbreviation for university. | だい, おお Means big or large, acts as an intensifier, or serves as an abbreviation for university. |
| 台 だい Stand, platform, counter for machines, or numerical range | だい Stand, platform, counter for machines, or numerical range |
| 大学 だいがく University or college | だいがく University or college |
| 大学生 だいがくせい University or college student | だいがくせい University or college student |
| 大嫌い だいきらい Intense dislike or hatred. | だいきらい Intense dislike or hatred. |
| 大根 だいこん Japanese white radish, or slang for a clumsy actor. | だいこん Japanese white radish, or slang for a clumsy actor. |
| 大丈夫 だいじょうぶ, だいじょぶ Safe, problem-free, or okay; often used to politely decline offers. | だいじょうぶ, だいじょぶ Safe, problem-free, or okay; often used to politely decline offers. |
| 大好き だいすき To love or really like something. | だいすき To love or really like something. |
| だから だから So, therefore, or that is why. | だから So, therefore, or that is why. |
| 出す だす To take out, submit, produce, or suddenly start an action. | だす To take out, submit, produce, or suddenly start an action. |
| 駄目
(だめ)
だめ No good, useless, or not allowed | だめ No good, useless, or not allowed |
| 誰 だれ, だあれ The standard question word for who. | だれ, だあれ The standard question word for who. |
| 誰か だれか Someone, somebody, or anybody. | だれか Someone, somebody, or anybody. |
| 誰にも だれにも to no one (in negative contexts) or to everyone | だれにも to no one (in negative contexts) or to everyone |
| 誰も だれも No one when used with negative verbs; everyone or anyone when used with positive verbs. | だれも No one when used with negative verbs; everyone or anyone when used with positive verbs. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| で で Indicates the location of an action, means, reason, scope, or connects attributes. | で Indicates the location of an action, means, reason, scope, or connects attributes. |
| 出かける でかける To go out; to leave home or one’s base. | でかける To go out; to leave home or one’s base. |
| 出来る
(できる)
できる To be able to do, to be finished or ready, or to come into existence. | できる To be able to do, to be finished or ready, or to come into existence. |
| 出口 でぐち An exit or way out. | でぐち An exit or way out. |
| でしょう でしょう Polite expression indicating probability or seeking agreement | でしょう Polite expression indicating probability or seeking agreement |
| です です Polite equivalent of “is,” “am,” or “are.” | です Polite equivalent of “is,” “am,” or “are.” |
| ですから ですから Polite conjunction meaning ‘so’ or ‘therefore’. | ですから Polite conjunction meaning ‘so’ or ‘therefore’. |
| ですが ですが Polite ‘but’ or ‘however’ used to contrast ideas or soften a remark | ですが Polite ‘but’ or ‘however’ used to contrast ideas or soften a remark |
| では では Well then, in that case, or marking a contrast. | では Well then, in that case, or marking a contrast. |
| ではない ではない Is not; am not; are not. | ではない Is not; am not; are not. |
| ではまた ではまた Polite expression meaning well then, see you later | ではまた Polite expression meaning well then, see you later |
| でも でも But; even; or something; forms ‘any-’ meanings when attached to question words. | でも But; even; or something; forms ‘any-’ meanings when attached to question words. |
| 出る でる To exit, leave, appear, or come out. | でる To exit, leave, appear, or come out. |
| 電気 でんき Electricity, or an electric light. | でんき Electricity, or an electric light. |
| 電車 でんしゃ Electric train; the standard word for trains used in daily travel. | でんしゃ Electric train; the standard word for trains used in daily travel. |
| 電話 でんわ Telephone device or phone call | でんわ Telephone device or phone call |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 如何
(どう)
どう, いかん The question word for “how” or “what about,” or the formal term for “depending on.” | どう, いかん The question word for “how” or “what about,” or the formal term for “depending on.” |
| どう致しまして
(どういたしまして)
どういたしまして Standard, polite expression for you’re welcome. | どういたしまして Standard, polite expression for you’re welcome. |
| どうしたの どうしたの Used to ask “What happened?” or “What’s the matter?” concerning a person or situation. | どうしたの Used to ask “What happened?” or “What’s the matter?” concerning a person or situation. |
| 如何して
(どうして)
どうして why, for what reason, or how come | どうして why, for what reason, or how come |
| どうぞ どうぞ Please, go ahead, or here you are. | どうぞ Please, go ahead, or here you are. |
| 動物 どうぶつ Animal; the standard, general-purpose term for any living creature. | どうぶつ Animal; the standard, general-purpose term for any living creature. |
| どうも どうも Casual thanks, hello, or apology; somehow or for some reason | どうも Casual thanks, hello, or apology; somehow or for some reason |
| 何処
(どこ)
どこ Where, what place, or which part | どこ Where, what place, or which part |
| 何処か
(どこか)
どこか Somewhere, or in some respects. | どこか Somewhere, or in some respects. |
| 何処にも
(どこにも)
どこにも Nowhere or not anywhere (used with negative verbs) | どこにも Nowhere or not anywhere (used with negative verbs) |
| 何方も
(どちらも)
どちらも Means ‘both’ in positive contexts and ‘neither’ in negative contexts. | どちらも Means ‘both’ in positive contexts and ‘neither’ in negative contexts. |
| 何方
(どなた)
どなた, どちら Polite way to ask who, where, or which one. | どなた, どちら Polite way to ask who, where, or which one. |
| 何方か
(どなたか)
どなたか Someone or anyone (polite) | どなたか Someone or anyone (polite) |
| 何の
(どの)
どの, なんの Which or what kind of | どの, なんの Which or what kind of |
| どの位
(どのくらい)
どのくらい, どのぐらい How much, how long, or to what extent | どのくらい, どのぐらい How much, how long, or to what extent |
| 土曜日 どようび Saturday | どようび Saturday |
| どれ位
(どれくらい)
どれくらい, どれぐらい How much, how long, or how far; inquiring about extent, quantity, or duration. | どれくらい, どれぐらい How much, how long, or how far; inquiring about extent, quantity, or duration. |
| どんな どんな What kind of; what sort of | どんな What kind of; what sort of |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| な な Connects na-adjectives to nouns, signals strong prohibition, or adds sentence-ending emotion and agreement. | な Connects na-adjectives to nouns, signals strong prohibition, or adds sentence-ending emotion and agreement. |
| ない ない Suffix for verb negation or adjective indicating non-existence. | ない Suffix for verb negation or adjective indicating non-existence. |
| 中 なか, ちゅう, じゅう Inside, medium, during, or throughout. | なか, ちゅう, じゅう Inside, medium, during, or throughout. |
| 長い ながい Long (in physical distance or duration of time) | ながい Long (in physical distance or duration of time) |
| 鳴く なく To make a sound (animals), such as barking, meowing, or chirping. | なく To make a sound (animals), such as barking, meowing, or chirping. |
| 無くてはいけません
(なくてはいけません)
なくてはいけません Must do; have to; cannot do without. | なくてはいけません Must do; have to; cannot do without. |
| 夏 なつ The summer season. | なつ The summer season. |
| 夏休み なつやすみ Summer vacation or summer break. | なつやすみ Summer vacation or summer break. |
| 七 なな, しち The number seven. | なな, しち The number seven. |
| 七つ ななつ Seven things or seven years old | ななつ Seven things or seven years old |
| 何 なに, なん “What,” or “how many” when used with counters. | なに, なん “What,” or “how many” when used with counters. |
| 何か なにか Something, anything, or for some reason. | なにか Something, anything, or for some reason. |
| 何も なにも, なんも Nothing or not anything (used with negative verbs). | なにも, なんも Nothing or not anything (used with negative verbs). |
| 名前 なまえ Name | なまえ Name |
| 習う ならう To learn a skill from someone or take lessons | ならう To learn a skill from someone or take lessons |
| 成る なる To become, turn into, or consist of. | なる To become, turn into, or consist of. |
| 何回 なんかい How many times | なんかい How many times |
| 何時 なんじ, いつ Interrogative meaning ‘what time’ for specific hours or ‘when’ generally. | なんじ, いつ Interrogative meaning ‘what time’ for specific hours or ‘when’ generally. |
| 何時間 なんじかん How many hours | なんじかん How many hours |
| 何で なんで Why (reason) or how (by what means). | なんで Why (reason) or how (by what means). |
| 何度 なんど how many times; how many degrees | なんど how many times; how many degrees |
| 何日 なんにち Interrogative asking what day of the month or how many days. | なんにち Interrogative asking what day of the month or how many days. |
| 何人 なんにん, なにじん Question word representing ‘how many people’ or ‘what nationality’ depending on reading. | なんにん, なにじん Question word representing ‘how many people’ or ‘what nationality’ depending on reading. |
| 何人か なんにんか Some people or a few people | なんにんか Some people or a few people |
| 何年 なんねん “How many years” or “what year” | なんねん “How many years” or “what year” |
| 何分 なんぷん “How many minutes” or “what minute” | なんぷん “How many minutes” or “what minute” |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| に に Marks a specific target, destination, point in time, or location of existence. | に Marks a specific target, destination, point in time, or location of existence. |
| 二 に, ふた The number two, used as both an abstract digit and a counter for physical objects. | に, ふた The number two, used as both an abstract digit and a counter for physical objects. |
| 兄さん にいさん, あにさん Older brother, or an informal address for a young man. | にいさん, あにさん Older brother, or an informal address for a young man. |
| 賑やか にぎやか Lively, bustling, or animated; full of people and activity. | にぎやか Lively, bustling, or animated; full of people and activity. |
| 肉 にく Meat; physical flesh. | にく Meat; physical flesh. |
| 西 にし The cardinal direction west. | にし The cardinal direction west. |
| 西口 にしぐち West exit or entrance | にしぐち West exit or entrance |
| 日曜日 にちようび Sunday | にちようび Sunday |
| 日本 にほん, にっぽん Japan | にほん, にっぽん Japan |
| 日本語 にほんご, にっぽんご The Japanese language | にほんご, にっぽんご The Japanese language |
| 日本人 にほんじん, にっぽんじん Japanese person or people | にほんじん, にっぽんじん Japanese person or people |
| にも にも Also to, even at, or even in | にも Also to, even at, or even in |
| 荷物 にもつ Luggage, packages, bags, or belongings. | にもつ Luggage, packages, bags, or belongings. |
| 庭 にわ A garden or yard attached to a house. | にわ A garden or yard attached to a house. |
| 人参 にんじん Carrot | にんじん Carrot |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 脱ぐ ぬぐ To take off clothes, shoes, or accessories | ぬぐ To take off clothes, shoes, or accessories |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| ね ね Seeks agreement, confirmation, softens requests, or gets attention | ね Seeks agreement, confirmation, softens requests, or gets attention |
| 寝 ね, しん To sleep, go to bed, or lie down. | ね, しん To sleep, go to bed, or lie down. |
| 姉さん ねえさん, あねさん Familiar term for older sister or informal address for a young woman. | ねえさん, あねさん Familiar term for older sister or informal address for a young woman. |
| 猫 ねこ The general term for a cat. | ねこ The general term for a cat. |
| 値段 ねだん price or cost | ねだん price or cost |
| 眠い ねむい The physical sensation of being sleepy or drowsy. | ねむい The physical sensation of being sleepy or drowsy. |
| 寝る ねる To sleep, go to bed, or lie down. | ねる To sleep, go to bed, or lie down. |
| 年生 ねんせい Suffix indicating student grade or year | ねんせい Suffix indicating student grade or year |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| の の Indicates possession (‘s/of), connects nouns, nominalizes phrases, or marks an explanation. | の Indicates possession (‘s/of), connects nouns, nominalizes phrases, or marks an explanation. |
| ので ので Connects a reason to a result as an objective fact, creating a soft and polite tone. | ので Connects a reason to a result as an objective fact, creating a soft and polite tone. |
| 上る のぼる To go up, rise, reach a quantity, or come up in discussion. | のぼる To go up, rise, reach a quantity, or come up in discussion. |
| 飲み物 のみもの Drink; beverage | のみもの Drink; beverage |
| 飲む のむ To drink liquids or take medicine. | のむ To drink liquids or take medicine. |
| 乗り物 のりもの vehicle or amusement park ride | のりもの vehicle or amusement park ride |
| 乗る のる To get on, ride, join in, or fall for | のる To get on, ride, join in, or fall for |
| ノート ノート Physical notebook, written notes, or laptop computer | ノート Physical notebook, written notes, or laptop computer |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 歯 は Tooth; teeth (of a mouth, saw, or comb) | は Tooth; teeth (of a mouth, saw, or comb) |
| はい はい Polite yes, acknowledgement, or response | はい Polite yes, acknowledgement, or response |
| 杯 はい, さかずき Counter for cups or bowls of liquid and food; also refers to a sake cup. | はい, さかずき Counter for cups or bowls of liquid and food; also refers to a sake cup. |
| 入る はいる, いる To enter a place, join a group, or be contained within. | はいる, いる To enter a place, join a group, or be contained within. |
| 履く はく To wear or put on items on the lower body (legs/feet) | はく To wear or put on items on the lower body (legs/feet) |
| 箱 はこ A box, case, or container. | はこ A box, case, or container. |
| 鋏
(はさみ)
はさみ Scissors or shears | はさみ Scissors or shears |
| 箸 はし A pair of chopsticks used for eating. | はし A pair of chopsticks used for eating. |
| 走る はしる To run, travel (vehicles), or extend along a path. | はしる To run, travel (vehicles), or extend along a path. |
| 始まる はじまる To begin or start (intransitive) | はじまる To begin or start (intransitive) |
| 初めて はじめて For the first time; only after. | はじめて For the first time; only after. |
| 初めまして
(はじめまして)
はじめまして Nice to meet you | はじめまして Nice to meet you |
| 始める はじめる To intentionally start something or to begin doing an action. | はじめる To intentionally start something or to begin doing an action. |
| 働く はたらく To work at a job or to function/operate. | はたらく To work at a job or to function/operate. |
| 八 はち, や, よう The number eight. | はち, や, よう The number eight. |
| 花 はな Flower or blossom; figuratively, the prime or best part of something. | はな Flower or blossom; figuratively, the prime or best part of something. |
| 鼻 はな Nose | はな Nose |
| 話 はなし A talk, conversation, story, or specific topic under discussion. | はなし A talk, conversation, story, or specific topic under discussion. |
| 話す はなす To speak, talk, or tell | はなす To speak, talk, or tell |
| 花火 はなび fireworks | はなび fireworks |
| 花見 はなみ Cherry blossom viewing, typically involving a picnic or party. | はなみ Cherry blossom viewing, typically involving a picnic or party. |
| 花屋 はなや Flower shop or florist | はなや Flower shop or florist |
| 母 はは Humble term for one’s own mother. | はは Humble term for one’s own mother. |
| 早い はやい Early in time or schedule; fast or quick. | はやい Early in time or schedule; fast or quick. |
| 早く はやく Adverb meaning early, soon, or quickly. | はやく Adverb meaning early, soon, or quickly. |
| 春 はる Spring, or the prime of one’s life. | はる Spring, or the prime of one’s life. |
| 春休み はるやすみ Spring break; the school vacation between academic years | はるやすみ Spring break; the school vacation between academic years |
| 晴れ はれ Sunny weather or a formal, celebratory occasion | はれ Sunny weather or a formal, celebratory occasion |
| 半 はん Half of a noun or half-past the hour. | はん Half of a noun or half-past the hour. |
| 半分 はんぶん Half or halfway; one of two equal parts. | はんぶん Half or halfway; one of two equal parts. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 日 ひ, にち, び, か Sun, day, or Japan. | ひ, にち, び, か Sun, day, or Japan. |
| 火 ひ, か Fire, flame, a light, or the abbreviation for Tuesday. | ひ, か Fire, flame, a light, or the abbreviation for Tuesday. |
| 東 ひがし, とう The cardinal direction east. | ひがし, とう The cardinal direction east. |
| 匹 ひき Counter for small to medium-sized animals | ひき Counter for small to medium-sized animals |
| 引く ひく To pull, subtract, draw a line, catch a cold, or look up a word. | ひく To pull, subtract, draw a line, catch a cold, or look up a word. |
| 弾く ひく, はじく To play (string or keyboard instruments), or to flick/repel | ひく, はじく To play (string or keyboard instruments), or to flick/repel |
| 低い ひくい Low in height, position, or degree; short. | ひくい Low in height, position, or degree; short. |
| 飛行機 ひこうき Airplane or plane. | ひこうき Airplane or plane. |
| 左 ひだり Left; the left side or direction. | ひだり Left; the left side or direction. |
| 人 ひと, にん, じん Person, people counter, or nationality suffix | ひと, にん, じん Person, people counter, or nationality suffix |
| 一つ ひとつ One general object or unit; used for counting, listing points, or making light suggestions. | ひとつ One general object or unit; used for counting, listing points, or making light suggestions. |
| 一人 ひとり, いちにん One person; alone. | ひとり, いちにん One person; alone. |
| 一人で ひとりで Alone or by oneself | ひとりで Alone or by oneself |
| 暇 ひま Free time, spare time, or the state of not being busy. | ひま Free time, spare time, or the state of not being busy. |
| 百 ひゃく one hundred | ひゃく one hundred |
| 平仮名
(ひらがな)
ひらがな The rounded Japanese script used for native words and grammar. | ひらがな The rounded Japanese script used for native words and grammar. |
| 昼 ひる Noon, daytime, or lunch. | ひる Noon, daytime, or lunch. |
| 昼ご飯 ひるごはん Lunch; the midday meal. | ひるごはん Lunch; the midday meal. |
| 昼休み ひるやすみ Lunch break | ひるやすみ Lunch break |
| 広い ひろい Spacious, wide, or broad in scope | ひろい Spacious, wide, or broad in scope |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 服 ふく Clothes, clothing, or an outfit. | ふく Clothes, clothing, or an outfit. |
| 吹く ふく To blow (wind, breath) or play a wind instrument. | ふく To blow (wind, breath) or play a wind instrument. |
| 二つ ふたつ Two things; the generic counter for two. | ふたつ Two things; the generic counter for two. |
| 二人 ふたり, ににん Two people, a pair, or a couple. | ふたり, ににん Two people, a pair, or a couple. |
| 布団 ふとん Japanese bedding set consisting of a mattress and quilt laid on the floor | ふとん Japanese bedding set consisting of a mattress and quilt laid on the floor |
| 冬 ふゆ Winter | ふゆ Winter |
| 冬休み ふゆやすみ Winter vacation or winter break. | ふゆやすみ Winter vacation or winter break. |
| 降る ふる To fall (rain, snow, etc.) | ふる To fall (rain, snow, etc.) |
| 古い ふるい Old or outdated; applies to objects and ideas, not people. | ふるい Old or outdated; applies to objects and ideas, not people. |
| 風呂 ふろ Bath, bathtub, bathroom, or the act of bathing | ふろ Bath, bathtub, bathroom, or the act of bathing |
| 分 ふん, ぷん, ぶん Represents a minute of time or a specific portion or share. | ふん, ぷん, ぶん Represents a minute of time or a specific portion or share. |
| 分間 ふんかん Counter for a duration of minutes | ふんかん Counter for a duration of minutes |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 下手 へた, したて Unskillful or poor at an activity. | へた, したて Unskillful or poor at an activity. |
| 部屋 へや Room, or one’s apartment/flat. | へや Room, or one’s apartment/flat. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 方 ほう, かた Direction, side, or choice; method of doing or polite person. | ほう, かた Direction, side, or choice; method of doing or polite person. |
| 他に ほかに Besides, in addition to, or other than. | ほかに Besides, in addition to, or other than. |
| 星 ほし Star (celestial body, shape, or celebrity) or criminal suspect. | ほし Star (celestial body, shape, or celebrity) or criminal suspect. |
| 欲しい ほしい To want something, or to want someone to do something. | ほしい To want something, or to want someone to do something. |
| 細い ほそい Thin, slender, or narrow. | ほそい Thin, slender, or narrow. |
| 本 ほん, もと Book, counter for long objects, or prefix meaning ‘this’ or ‘main’. | ほん, もと Book, counter for long objects, or prefix meaning ‘this’ or ‘main’. |
| 本棚 ほんだな Bookshelf / bookcase | ほんだな Bookshelf / bookcase |
| 本当 ほんとう, ほんと Truth, reality, or the interjection ‘really’ used for confirmation. | ほんとう, ほんと Truth, reality, or the interjection ‘really’ used for confirmation. |
| 本当に ほんとうに Really or truly; used for emphasis or to ask for confirmation. | ほんとうに Really or truly; used for emphasis or to ask for confirmation. |
| 本屋 ほんや Bookstore or bookshop. | ほんや Bookstore or bookshop. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 番 ばん Numerical order, one’s turn, or watch duty | ばん Numerical order, one’s turn, or watch duty |
| 晩 ばん Evening, night, or a counter for nights. | ばん Evening, night, or a counter for nights. |
| 番号 ばんごう Assigned number used for identification or ordering, distinct from quantity or counting. | ばんごう Assigned number used for identification or ordering, distinct from quantity or counting. |
| 晩御飯 ばんごはん Dinner or the evening meal. | ばんごはん Dinner or the evening meal. |
| 番目 ばんめ Ordinal suffix indicating position in a sequence, like ‘-th’. | ばんめ Ordinal suffix indicating position in a sequence, like ‘-th’. |
| バイト バイト Part-time job | バイト Part-time job |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 病院 びょういん General term for any medical facility, covering both hospitals and clinics. | びょういん General term for any medical facility, covering both hospitals and clinics. |
| 病気 びょうき Sickness, illness, or disease. | びょうき Sickness, illness, or disease. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 葡萄
(ぶどう)
ぶどう grape; grapevine | ぶどう grape; grapevine |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 勉強 べんきょう Refers to academic studying, price discounts, or valuable lessons gained from experience. | べんきょう Refers to academic studying, price discounts, or valuable lessons gained from experience. |
| 弁当 べんとう A box lunch or single-portion packed meal. | べんとう A box lunch or single-portion packed meal. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 帽子 ぼうし General term for a hat or cap. | ぼうし General term for a hat or cap. |
| 僕 ぼく Male first-person pronoun or term of address for a young boy. | ぼく Male first-person pronoun or term of address for a young boy. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| パソコン パソコン Personal computer | パソコン Personal computer |
| パン パン Bread, rolls, or pastries. | パン Bread, rolls, or pastries. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 枚 まい Counter for thin, flat objects like paper, plates, or clothing | まい Counter for thin, flat objects like paper, plates, or clothing |
| 毎 まい, ごと Means ‘every’ or ‘each’ when attached to time periods or intervals. | まい, ごと Means ‘every’ or ‘each’ when attached to time periods or intervals. |
| 毎朝 まいあさ, まいちょう Every morning | まいあさ, まいちょう Every morning |
| 毎週 まいしゅう Every week; weekly. | まいしゅう Every week; weekly. |
| 毎月 まいつき, まいげつ Every month or monthly. | まいつき, まいげつ Every month or monthly. |
| 毎年 まいとし, まいねん Every year; annually. | まいとし, まいねん Every year; annually. |
| 毎日 まいにち Every day or daily. | まいにち Every day or daily. |
| 毎晩 まいばん Every night | まいばん Every night |
| 前 まえ, ぜん In front, before, ago, or previous | まえ, ぜん In front, before, ago, or previous |
| 曲がる まがる To turn a corner; to be bent, curved, or crooked. | まがる To turn a corner; to be bent, curved, or crooked. |
| ましょうか ましょうか Polite expression meaning ‘Shall I’ to offer help or ‘Shall we’ to suggest a shared activity. | ましょうか Polite expression meaning ‘Shall I’ to offer help or ‘Shall we’ to suggest a shared activity. |
| 不味い
(まずい)
まずい Bad-tasting, unskillful, or problematic. | まずい Bad-tasting, unskillful, or problematic. |
| ませんか ませんか Polite verb suffix used to extend an invitation or ask a negative question. | ませんか Polite verb suffix used to extend an invitation or ask a negative question. |
| 又
(また)
また Again, also, or furthermore. | また Again, also, or furthermore. |
| 未だ
(まだ)
まだ, いまだ Means ‘still’ with positive verbs or ‘not yet’ with negative verbs. | まだ, いまだ Means ‘still’ with positive verbs or ‘not yet’ with negative verbs. |
| 町 まち Town, neighborhood, or administrative district. | まち Town, neighborhood, or administrative district. |
| 真っ直ぐ
(まっすぐ)
まっすぐ Straight, direct, or honest. | まっすぐ Straight, direct, or honest. |
| 待つ まつ To wait for a person, thing, or event; to await or anticipate. | まつ To wait for a person, thing, or event; to await or anticipate. |
| 祭り まつり Festival or celebration; slang for an online flame war | まつり Festival or celebration; slang for an online flame war |
| 迄
(まで)
まで Until, as far as, or even; marks a limit, endpoint, or extreme extent. | まで Until, as far as, or even; marks a limit, endpoint, or extreme extent. |
| 窓 まど Window | まど Window |
| 丸 まる A circle, ‘correct’ symbol, whole unit, or suffix for ships. | まる A circle, ‘correct’ symbol, whole unit, or suffix for ships. |
| 丸い まるい Physically round or spherical; figuratively mellow or harmonious. | まるい Physically round or spherical; figuratively mellow or harmonious. |
| 万 まん Ten thousand; the base unit for grouping large numbers. | まん Ten thousand; the base unit for grouping large numbers. |
| 漫画 まんが Comics, cartoons, or graphic novels | まんが Comics, cartoons, or graphic novels |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 見える みえる To be visible or to look a certain way | みえる To be visible or to look a certain way |
| 蜜柑
(みかん)
みかん Mandarin orange, satsuma, or tangerine | みかん Mandarin orange, satsuma, or tangerine |
| 右 みぎ The right side or direction. | みぎ The right side or direction. |
| 短い みじかい Short in physical length or duration | みじかい Short in physical length or duration |
| 水 みず Water, typically cool or cold | みず Water, typically cool or cold |
| 店 みせ, てん Store, shop, or place of business. | みせ, てん Store, shop, or place of business. |
| 見せる みせる To show, display, or demonstrate something to others. | みせる To show, display, or demonstrate something to others. |
| 味噌汁 みそしる Miso soup made with dashi stock and fermented soybean paste | みそしる Miso soup made with dashi stock and fermented soybean paste |
| 道 みち A physical road or path, or an abstract way, method, or moral course. | みち A physical road or path, or an abstract way, method, or moral course. |
| 三つ みっつ Three things (general counter) | みっつ Three things (general counter) |
| 皆 みな, みんな Everyone, everything, or all. | みな, みんな Everyone, everything, or all. |
| 皆さん みなさん Polite term for everyone | みなさん Polite term for everyone |
| 南 みなみ, なん The cardinal direction south. | みなみ, なん The cardinal direction south. |
| 耳 みみ Ear, sense of hearing, or the crust of bread | みみ Ear, sense of hearing, or the crust of bread |
| 土産 みやげ A souvenir from a trip or a gift brought when visiting someone | みやげ A souvenir from a trip or a gift brought when visiting someone |
| 見る みる To see, look at, check, or try doing something. | みる To see, look at, check, or try doing something. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 向こう むこう The other side, over there, the other party, or the near future | むこう The other side, over there, the other party, or the near future |
| 難しい むずかしい, むつかしい Difficult, hard, hard to please, or impossible (polite refusal) | むずかしい, むつかしい Difficult, hard, hard to please, or impossible (polite refusal) |
| 六つ むっつ, むつ Six things or six years old | むっつ, むつ Six things or six years old |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 目 め Eye, sight, attention, an ordinal suffix indicating order, or texture/grain. | め Eye, sight, attention, an ordinal suffix indicating order, or texture/grain. |
| メガネ めがね Eyeglasses or spectacles. | めがね Eyeglasses or spectacles. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| も も Too, also, even, or as much as; marks inclusion, surprising quantity, or total negation. | も Too, also, even, or as much as; marks inclusion, surprising quantity, or total negation. |
| もう もう Means already, soon, or not anymore, or indicates an additional amount or instance. | もう Means already, soon, or not anymore, or indicates an additional amount or instance. |
| もう一度 もういちど One more time; again | もういちど One more time; again |
| 木曜日 もくようび Thursday | もくようび Thursday |
| もしもし もしもし Standard telephone greeting or a phrase to get someone’s attention. | もしもし Standard telephone greeting or a phrase to get someone’s attention. |
| 持っていく もっていく To take something somewhere. | もっていく To take something somewhere. |
| 持ってくる もってくる To bring something to one’s current location | もってくる To bring something to one’s current location |
| もっと もっと More, even more, or to a greater degree. | もっと More, even more, or to a greater degree. |
| 持つ もつ To hold, carry, possess, or last. | もつ To hold, carry, possess, or last. |
| 物 もの, もん A general term for a physical object or abstract concept. | もの, もん A general term for a physical object or abstract concept. |
| 貰う
(もらう)
もらう To receive an object or to have someone do something for you | もらう To receive an object or to have someone do something for you |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| や や Particle marking an incomplete list of examples, or the informal word for “is” in the Kansai dialect. | や Particle marking an incomplete list of examples, or the informal word for “is” in the Kansai dialect. |
| 野球 やきゅう Baseball | やきゅう Baseball |
| 野菜 やさい Vegetable | やさい Vegetable |
| 優しい やさしい Kind, considerate character or gentle and soft to the senses. | やさしい Kind, considerate character or gentle and soft to the senses. |
| 安い やすい Inexpensive; indicates an action is easy to perform when used as a suffix. | やすい Inexpensive; indicates an action is easy to perform when used as a suffix. |
| 休み やすみ A rest, break, day off, or vacation. | やすみ A rest, break, day off, or vacation. |
| 休む やすむ To rest, take a break, take time off, or go to sleep. | やすむ To rest, take a break, take time off, or go to sleep. |
| やった やった “I did it!” or “Yes!” exclamation; casual past tense of “to do” or “to give” | やった “I did it!” or “Yes!” exclamation; casual past tense of “to do” or “to give” |
| 八つ やっつ General counter for eight things or eight years old. | やっつ General counter for eight things or eight years old. |
| 山 やま Mountain, large pile, or climax | やま Mountain, large pile, or climax |
| 遣る
(やる)
やる To do casually, or to give to someone of lower status. | やる To do casually, or to give to someone of lower status. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 郵便局 ゆうびんきょく Post office | ゆうびんきょく Post office |
| 有名 ゆうめい Famous or well-known | ゆうめい Famous or well-known |
| 雪 ゆき Snow | ゆき Snow |
| ゆっくり ゆっくり Slowly, unhurriedly, or in a relaxed manner | ゆっくり Slowly, unhurriedly, or in a relaxed manner |
| 指 ゆび Finger or toe | ゆび Finger or toe |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| よ よ Particle used to emphasize new information or assert an opinion. | よ Particle used to emphasize new information or assert an opinion. |
| 良い よい, いい Good, nice, okay, or sufficient. | よい, いい Good, nice, okay, or sufficient. |
| 曜日 ようび Day of the week | ようび Day of the week |
| 洋服 ようふく Western-style clothes | ようふく Western-style clothes |
| 良く よく Adverb meaning well, properly, or often. | よく Adverb meaning well, properly, or often. |
| 横 よこ The physical side, horizontal direction, or width. | よこ The physical side, horizontal direction, or width. |
| よし よし Interjection expressing resolve to start an action or satisfaction with a result. | よし Interjection expressing resolve to start an action or satisfaction with a result. |
| 四つ よっつ Four things; four years old | よっつ Four things; four years old |
| 四人 よにん Counter for four people | よにん Counter for four people |
| よね よね Sentence-ending particle asserting a statement while seeking agreement, equivalent to ‘right?’ or ‘isn’t it?’ | よね Sentence-ending particle asserting a statement while seeking agreement, equivalent to ‘right?’ or ‘isn’t it?’ |
| 呼ぶ よぶ To call out to, summon, invite, or refer to by name. | よぶ To call out to, summon, invite, or refer to by name. |
| 読む よむ To read text, interpret a situation, or pronounce a character. | よむ To read text, interpret a situation, or pronounce a character. |
| より より Comparison particle ‘than’, or formal ‘from’/‘more’ | より Comparison particle ‘than’, or formal ‘from’/‘more’ |
| 夜 よる, や Night; the period of darkness from sunset to sunrise. | よる, や Night; the period of darkness from sunset to sunrise. |
| 宜しく
(よろしく)
よろしく Nice to meet you, thanks in advance, or best regards. | よろしく Nice to meet you, thanks in advance, or best regards. |
| よろしくお願いします よろしくおねがいします Used to establish relationships, request favors politely, or pass along greetings. | よろしくおねがいします Used to establish relationships, request favors politely, or pass along greetings. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 来 らい Next (prefix) or for the past (suffix) | らい Next (prefix) or for the past (suffix) |
| 来月 らいげつ Next month | らいげつ Next month |
| 来週 らいしゅう Next week | らいしゅう Next week |
| 来年 らいねん Next year | らいねん Next year |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 料理 りょうり Cooking, cuisine, or a prepared dish. | りょうり Cooking, cuisine, or a prepared dish. |
| 旅行 りょこう Travel or trip taken for leisure | りょこう Travel or trip taken for leisure |
| 林檎
(りんご)
りんご Apple | りんご Apple |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 冷蔵庫 れいぞうこ Refrigerator; fridge. | れいぞうこ Refrigerator; fridge. |
| 練習 れんしゅう Practice or training | れんしゅう Practice or training |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| 六 ろく, むっつ, むい The number six. | ろく, むっつ, むい The number six. |
| Term | Reading & meaning |
|---|---|
| は わ Marks the topic of a sentence or highlights a contrast. | わ Marks the topic of a sentence or highlights a contrast. |
| 若い わかい Young in age, or immature and inexperienced. | わかい Young in age, or immature and inexperienced. |
| 分かる わかる To understand or comprehend; to become clear or known. | わかる To understand or comprehend; to become clear or known. |
| 忘れる わすれる To forget information or leave an object behind. | わすれる To forget information or leave an object behind. |
| 私 わたし, わたくし, あたし The standard first-person pronoun for “I” or “me”. | わたし, わたくし, あたし The standard first-person pronoun for “I” or “me”. |
| 私たち わたしたち, わたくしたち The standard, neutral pronoun for ‘we’ or ‘us’. | わたしたち, わたくしたち The standard, neutral pronoun for ‘we’ or ‘us’. |
| 渡る わたる To cross over or go across from one side to the other. | わたる To cross over or go across from one side to the other. |
| 笑う わらう To laugh or to smile | わらう To laugh or to smile |
| 悪い わるい Describes poor quality, negative conditions, culpability, or harmful effects. | わるい Describes poor quality, negative conditions, culpability, or harmful effects. |