Japanese

QuestionAnswer
(air) temperature; (atmospheric) temperature
おんkion
(audio) speaker
スピーカーsupiikaa
(both) parents
(ご)りょうしん(go)ryoushin
(coat) hanger
ハンガーhangaa
(computer) memory
メモリーmemorii
(concrete) thing
ものmono
(cow's) milk
ぎゅうにゅうgyuunyuu
(emotionally or personally) difficult to ...; uncomfortable to ...
づら〜zurai
(hard) candy
あめame
(intangible) thing; matter
ことkoto
(official) document
しょるいshorui
(over) there
あそこasoko
(physically or technically) difficult to ...
にく〜nikui
(pleasantly) warm (object, food, emotion)
あたたかいatatakai
(romantic) date
デートdeeto
(service) counter
まどぐちmadoguchi
(someone else's) wife
おくさんokusan
(swimming) pool
プールpuuru
(unintended and destructive) fire
kaji

(Western-style) clothes
ようふくyoufuku
(your own) husband
おっとotto
(your own) wife
つまtsuma
(your own) wife
ないkanai

This term is more old-fashioned and formal, and it's often used by older men when referring to their own wives, particularly in formal or public settings. It carries a more humble and traditional connotation.

Note how the kanji in this word correspond to traditional gender roles. Therefore, younger people tend to prefer using the word つま.

... or something; something like ...
でもdemo
1,000
いっせんissen
100
ひゃくhyaku
2,000
せんnisen
20
じゅうnijuu
200
ひゃくnihyaku
3,000
さんぜんsanzen
30
さんじゅうsanjuu
300
さんびゃくsanbyaku
4,000
よんせんyonsen
40
よんじゅうyonjuu
400
よんひゃくyonhyaku
5,000
せんgosen
50
じゅうgojuu
500
ひゃくgohyaku
6,000
ろくせんrokusen
60
ろくじゅうrokujuu
600
ろっぴゃくroppyaku
7,000
ななせんnanasen
70
ななじゅうnanajuu
700
ななひゃくnanahyaku
8,000
はっせんhassen
80
はちじゅうhachijuu
800
はっぴゃくhappyaku
9,000
きゅうせんkyuusen
90
きゅうじゅうkyuujuu
900
きゅうひゃくkyuuhyaku
a crowd; a large number of people; many
おおぜいoozei
a few; a little, a bit
すこsukoshi

すこ is a bit more formal than ちょっと.

a few; a little; scarce; insufficient
すくないsukunai
a little bit
ちょっとchotto
a.m.
ぜんgozen
about; approximate time
ごろgoro
about; approximately
ぐらいgurai
accident
jiko
according to
に よる とni yoru to
address
アドレスadoresu
adult
となotona
advice
アドバイスadobaisu
Africa
アフリカafurika
after; afterward
あとato
afternoon; p.m.
gogo
again; also
またmata
ah, oh, uh
ああaa
air
くうkuuki
air conditioning; air conditioner
エアコンeakon
airplane
こうhikouki
album
アルバムarubamu
alcohol
アルコールarukooru
alcohol; rice wine
(お)さけ(o)sake
all; everything; entire
すべsubete
all; whole
ぜんzenbu
allergy
アレルギーarerugii
already; more; again
もうmou
always; never
itsumo
American football
アメフトamefuto
American person
アメリカじんamerikajin
and sentence conjunction
そしてsoshite
and; and then; since then
それからsorekara
and; as well as
およびoyobi
and; or not exhaustive
ya
and; or; with
to
andnot exclusive; doing such things as ...
〜たり〜tari
Andrew
アンドリューandoryuu
animal
どうぶつdoubutsu
animation
アニメanime
announcement; presentation; publication
はっぴょうhappyou
answer
こたkotae
apartment
マンションmanshon
apartment
アパートapaato
app; application
アプリapuri
apple
りんごringo
approximate time (but not in a very narrow window of time)
ころkoro
approximate time (but still pretty specific)
ごろgoro
April
がつshigatsu
Arabic
アラビアarabiago
area
へんhen
around
まわりmawari
arrival
とうちゃくtouchaku
as ... as possible
できる だけdekiru dake
ash; ashes
はいhai
ashtray
はいざらhaizara
Asia
アジアajia
assertion particle
yo
at; on; in; to; for [indirect object particle]
ni
August
はちがつhachigatsu
aunt
oba
autumn, fall
あきaki
baby, infant
あかちゃんakachan
back (of the body)
なかsenaka
bad (at), unskillful
heta
bad, evil
わるwarui
bag
かばんkaban

This is a general term for a bag, often referring to various kinds of handbags, school bags, or briefcases. It is more traditional and may be used more commonly in daily conversations than バッグ.

bag
バッグbaggu

This word is typically used to describe more fashionable or trendy bags, such as designer handbags, clutches, and the like. It carries a modern or fashionable connotation.

baggage, luggage
もつnimotsu
ball
たまtama
ball
ボールbooru
ballpoint pen
ボールペンboorupen
banana
バナナbanana
band
バンドbando
bank
ぎんこうginkou
bar
バーbaa
barbecue
バーベキューbaabekyuu
basement; underground
chika
bat
コウモリkoumori
bath
(お)(o)furo
battery
バッテリーbatterii
battery
でんdenchi
beach
ビーチbiichi
bean soup
まめ の スープmame no suupu
bean; pea; legume
まめmame
beautiful
うつくしいutsukushii
beautiful woman
じんbijin
beautifully; cleanly
きれいにkireini
because, since
からkara
because, since
のでnode
bed
ベッドbeddo
beef
ぎゅうにくgyuuniku
beer
ビールbiiru
before long; soon; nearly
もうすぐmousugu
beginning; start; first; initial
はじhajime
behind, back
うしushiro
being high energy; being excited
テンション が たかtenshon ga takai
being low energy; being not excited
テンション が ひくtenshon ga hikui
bell
ベルberu
between
あいだaida
bicycle
てんしゃjitensha
big, large
おおきいookii
bill; check
かいけいokaikei
bird
とりtori
birthday
(お)たんじょう(o)tanjoubi
bitter
にがnigai
black
くろkuro
black
くろkuroi
black and white
しろくろshirokuro
black tea
こうちゃkoucha
blood
chi
blue
あおao
blue
ブルーburuu
bluealso green for traffic lights
あおaoi
body
からだkarada
Bon appétit. (Thank you for the meal)
いただきます。itadakimasu.
Literally: I humbly receive
book
ほんhon
bookshelf
ほんだなhondana
bookstore
ほんhonya
boring
まらないtsumaranai

Usually written using only hiragana.

boss; supervisor
じょうjoushi

じょう is a general term that means boss or supervisor and can refer to any person who holds a higher rank than you at work.

both ~
りょうryou〜
bottle; jar
びんbin
bow
ゆみyumi
box
はこhako
boxed lunch
(お)べんとう(o)bentou
boy
おとこ の otoko no ko
boyfriend
かれkare
bracelet
ブレスレットburesuretto
bread
パンpan
breakfast
あさはんasagohan
breakfast
ちょうしょくchoushoku
breath
いきiki
bridge
はしhashi
bright; cheerful
あかるいakarui
brown
ちゃいろchairo
brown
ちゃいろchairoi
buffet
バイキングbaikingu
building
たてものtatemono
building
ビルbiru
bus
バスbasu
business
ビジネスbijinesu
business suit
びろsebiro
busy
いそがしいisogashii
but
ga
but, however
でもdemo
but, however
しかしshikashi
butter
バターbataa
button
ボタンbotan
by himself; by herself
ぶん でjibun de
by the window
まどmadobe
by the 〜
〜be

Can only be used after some nouns, so don't just randomly attach this after any noun.

by; by the time
まで にmade ni
cafe
カフェkafe
café; coffee shop; tearoom
きってんkissaten
cake
ケーキkeeki
calendar
カレンダーkarendaa
camera
カメラkamera
cameraman
カメラマンkameraman
Canada
カナダkanada
cancer
ガンgan
candle
キャンドルkyandoru
candy; sweets; snacks
okashi
canoe
カヌーkanuu
capital
みやこmiyako
car
くるまkuruma
car; automobile
どうしゃjidousha
card
カードkaado
casual
カジュアルkajuaru
cat
ねこneko
cause; reason
げんいんgenin
ceiling
てんじょうtenjou
center
ちゅうしんchuushin
chair
isu
character; letter
ji
cheap
やすyasui
cheese
チーズchiizu
chemistry
がくkagaku
cherry
さくらんぼsakuranbo
cherry tree
さくらsakura
chicken
にわとりniwatori
chicken (meat)
とりにくtoriniku
child
どもkodomo
child
ko
child (polite)
さんokosan
children
どもたちkodomotachi
chimpanzee
チンパンジーchinpanjii
China
ちゅうごくchuugoku
Chinese character
かんkanji
Chinese language
ちゅうごくchuugokugo
Chinese person
ちゅうごくじんchuugokujin
chocolate
チョコレートchokoreeto
chocolate bar
チョコレートバーchokoreetobaa
chocolate cake
チョコレートケーキchokoreetokeeki
chopsticks
はしhashi
Christmas
クリスマスkurisumasu
cigarettes; tobacco
タバコtabako
cinema
えいかんeigakan
city
shi

is a political term that designates a city as an administrative unit. It's equivalent to the English word city when used in the context of a municipality.

city
toshi

is more generic than and refers to the concept of a city as a populated and developed area. It doesn't necessarily imply a political or administrative boundary like does. The term is more comparable to the English use of urban area or metropolis.

city center
しんtoshin
city; (urban area)
かいtokai
class
クラスkurasu
class; lesson; instruction
じゅぎょうjugyou
classroom
きょうしつkyoushitsu
cleaner; dry cleaner
クリーニングkuriininguya
cleaning; dry cleaning
クリーニングkuriiningu
cleaning; sweeping
そうsouji
clear weather; sunny weather
hare
close friend; best friend
しんゆうshinyuu
clothes; outfit
ふくfuku
cloud
くもkumo
cloudy weather; cloudiness
くもkumori
club
クラブkurabu
coat
コートkooto
coat; jacket; outer garment
うわuwagi
coffee
コーヒーkoohii
coffee beans
コーヒーまめkoohiimame
coffee cup
コーヒーカップkoohiikappu
cold; flu
kaze
coldthing
つめたいtsumetai
coldweather
さむsamui
color
いろiro
comedy
コメディkomedi
company
かいしゃkaisha
company president; manager; director
しゃちょうshachou

The しゃちょう is the highest-ranking executive in a company. The しゃちょう is responsible for the overall management and direction of the company. This role is equivalent to the President or CEO in Western companies.

completely, entirely
すっかりsukkari
composition; essay
さくぶんsakubun
computer
コンピューターkonpyuutaa
computer
パソコンpasokon
computer
コンピュータkonpyuuta

Alternative spelling of コンピューター

concerning; regarding
に つい てni tsui te
concert
コンサートkonsaato
confirmation particle
ne
congratulation; celebration; congratulatory gift
(お)いわ(o)iwai
congratulations
おめでとうomedetou
congratulations
おめでとう ございますomedetou gozaimasu

This is more polite and formal than just おめでとう

convenience store
コンビニkonbini
cook
りょうにんryourinin
cookie
クッキーkukkii
copy
コピーkopii
corner
かどkado
correct; right
ただしいtadashii
corridor; hallway
ろうrouka
counter for flat, thin objects
まいmai
country
くにkuni
countryside; (rural area)
なかinaka
cow
うしushi
crab
カニkani
cream
クリームkuriimu
credit
クレジットkurejitto
credit card
クレジット カードkurejitto kaado
crocodile
ワニwani
crow
カラスkarasu
Cuba
キューバkyuuba
cucumber
きゅうりkyuuri
culture
ぶんbunka
cup
カップkappu
cup counter
はい〜hai

Used to count cups, glasses, bowls, or servings of liquid, such as drinks and soups.

It can also be used to count things that are typically served in a vessel, like scoops of ice cream or servings of rice.

The pronunciation changes just as any other counter that starts with an h-sound, such as 本hon and 百hyaku.

curry
カレーkaree
cute
わいkawaii
dance; dancing
おどodori
dangerous
あぶないabunai
dark; gloomy
くらkurai
data
データdeeta
daughter
むすめmusume
day
hi
day (of the week)
ようyoubi
day counter
にち〜nichi
day eight; eight days
ようyouka
day five; five days
いつitsuka
day four; four days
よっyokka
day fourteen; fourteen days
じゅうよっjuuyokka
day nine; nine days
ここのkokonoka
day off
やすみ の yasumi no hi
day one
ついたちtsuitachi
day seven; seven days
なのnanoka
day seventeen; seventeen days
じゅうしちにちjuushichinichi
day six; six days
むいmuika
day ten; ten days
とおtooka
day three; three days
みっmikka
day twenty-four; twenty-four days
じゅうよっnijuuyokka
day twenty-seven; twenty-seven days
じゅうしちにちnijuushichinichi
day twenty; twenty days
hatsuka
day two; two days
ふつfutsuka
dead body; corpse
たいshitai
death
shi
December
じゅう がつjuu nigatsu
deer
シカshika
deer
鹿しかshika

Also written using katakana.

definitely; necessarily; invariably
かならkanarazu

かならexpresses a strong commitment or assurance that something will happen or is the case. It's often used to make promises or to express unwavering certainty.

degrees counter
~~do

This is the same counter as the times counter .

delicious
おいしいoishii
delicious
しいoishii

Alternative way to write おいしい

department manager
ちょうbuchou

A ちょう is responsible for overseeing an entire department within the company. This position typically involves managing multiple sections or teams within the department and making strategic decisions that align with the company’s broader goals.

A ちょう ranks above a ちょう.

department store
デパートdepaato
design
デザインdezain
designer
デザイナーdezainaa
desk
つくえtsukue
dessert
デザートdezaato
diamond
ダイヤモンドdaiyamondo
diary; journal
にっnikki
dictionary
しょjisho
dictionary
jibiki
difference
ちがchigai
difficult; hard
むずかしいmuzukashii
dining hall; cafeteria
しょくどうshokudou
dinner
よるはんyorugohan
dinner
ばんはんbangohan

ばんはん is more commonly used than よるはん.

dinner
ゆうしょくyuushoku
dinner; evening meal
ゆうはんyuuhan
direct object particle
o
direction, way; side
ほうhou
dirty
きたなkitanai
disliked; hated
きらkirai
district in Tokyo that's famous for it's park
うえueno
do imperative
なさいnasai
dog
いぬinu
dollar
ドルdoru
doorbell
ドアベルdoaberu
down; under; lower; below
したshita
draft beer
なま ビールnama biiru
drama
ドラマdorama
drawer
hikidashi
dress (garment)
ドレスdoresu
dress shirt
ワイシャツwaishatsu

The term ワイシャツ is derived from the English word white shirt, but in Japanese, it generally refers to any formal dress shirt, not necessarily white.

drink, beverage
ものnomimono
driving; operation (of a machine)
うんてんunten
duration suffix
かん〜kan
ear
みみmimi
early; fast
はやhayai
early; fast
はやhayaku
earrings (for pierced ears)
ピアスpiasu
earrings (wearable without pierced ears)
イヤリングiyaringu
earthquake
しんjishin
east
ひがしhigashi
easy to ...
やす〜yasui
easy, simple
かんたんkantan
easy; plain; simple
やさしいyasashii
egg
たまごtamago
eight
はちhachi
eight (objects)
やっyattsu
eighty thousand
はちまんhachiman
electric train
でんしゃdensha
electricity; electric light
でんdenki
elementary school
しょうがっこうshougakkou
elevator
エレベーターerebeetaa
email
メールmeeru
email address
メール アドレスmeeru adoresu
embassy
たい使かんtaishikan
end
わりowari
engine
エンジンenjin
engineer
エンジニアenjinia
England; United Kindom, Britain
イギリスigirisu
English (language)
えいeigo
enjoyment; pleasure
たのしみtanoshimi
entrance
ぐちiriguchi
entrance
げんかんgenkan
envelope
ふうとうfuutou
era; period; age
だいjidai
escalator
エスカレーターesukareetaa
et cetera, and so on, and the like
などnado
Europe
ヨーロッパyooroppa
Even if; even though; (after nouns and na-adjectives)
で もde mo
Even if; even though; (after verbs and i-adjectives)
〜て も〜te mo
even; (extreme extent)
までmade
evening
ばんban
ばん represents the time from sunset to bedtime.
evening; dusk
ゆうがたyuugata

Typically refers to the time period in the late afternoon to early evening, around sunset.

event
イベントibento
every day
まいにちmainichi
every evening, every night
まいばんmaiban
every month
まいつきmaitsuki
every morning
まいあさmaiasa
every week
まいしゅうmaishuu
every year
まいとしmaitoshi
every year
まいねんmainen
every ~
まいmai
everyone; everybody
みんなminna

Often written using hiragana instead of kanji.

Can also refer to things instead of people, but ぜん is more common in that case.

exactly, precisely; just
ちょうchoudo
exam; test
けんshiken
excitement; mood; energy
テンションtenshon
exciting; much-anticipated
たのしみtanoshimi
Excuse me for interrupting you; Used as a greeting when entering someone's home
じゃします。ojamashimasu.
Excuse me, are you free?
ちょっと いい です か?chotto ii desu ka?
Excuse me.
しつれいします。shitsureishimasu.
exercise; movement
うんどうundou
exit
ぐちdeguchi
expensive; high, tall
たかtakai
experience
けいけんkeiken
extremelyslang
めちゃmecha
eye
me
face
かおkao
family
ぞくkazoku
family photo
ぞくしゃしんkazokushashin
family trip
ぞくりょこうkazokuryokou
famous
ゆうめいyuumei
far, distant
とおtooi
far; distant; far away
とおtooku
fashion
ファッションfasshon
fast
はやhayai

While both はや and はや can mean fast, when referring purely to speed and not also implying earliness, it's more common to use はや.

fast
はやhayaku
fat
ふとfutoi
father
とうさんotousan
father
ちちおやchichioya
father plain
ちちchichi
Father's Day
ちち の chichi no hi
fax
ファックスfakkusu
feast
そうchisou
February
がつnigatsu
feeling
kimochi
feeling; mood
ぶんkibun
fence
フェンスfensu
festival; celebration
(お)まつ(o)matsuri
fifty thousand
まんgoman
film
フィルムfirumu
finally, at last
ついにtsuini
fire
hi
fireworks
はなhanabi
first of all; to start with
まずmazu
first; best
いちばんichiban
fish
さかなsakana
five
go
five (objects)
いつitsutsu
flavor; taste
あじaji
floor
ゆかyuka
floor counter
かい〜kai
flower
はなhana
flowers
はなばなhanabana
flute
フルートfuruuto
food
ものtabemono
food, cuisine
りょうryouri
foot; leg
あしashi
for the first time; the first time
はじめてhajimete
for the sake of; in order to; because of
ため にtame ni
foreign country
がいこくgaikoku
foreign language
がいこくgaikokugo
foreigner
がいこくじんgaikokujin
forestmanmade
はやしhayashi
forestnatural
もりmori
fork
フォークfooku
forty thousand
よんまんyonman
fountain pen
まんねんひつmannenhitsu
four
よんyon
four (objects)
よっyottsu
fours
shi
fox
キツネkitsune
France
フランスfuransu
free (of charge)
りょうmuryou
French (language)
フランスfuransugo
Friday
きんようkinyoubi
friend
ともだちtomodachi
friend
ゆうじんyuujin
friend
ともだちtomodachi

alternative spelling

frog
カエルkaeru
from; since; after
からkara
front; before
まえmae
fruit
くだものkudamono
frying pan
フライパンfuraipan
full
いっぱいippai
fun; enjoyable
たのしいtanoshii
funny; strange
おかしいokashii
futon; traditional Japanese bedding
とんfuton

A とん is a traditional Japanese bedding consisting of a mattress and a duvet. It is designed to be placed directly on tatami flooring and can be easily folded and stored away during the day to save space.

future
らいmirai
future
しょうらいshourai
game
ゲームgeemu
game; playing
あそasobi
garden, yard
にわniwa
gas
ガスgasu
gas station; petrol station
ガソリンスタンドgasorinsutando
gasoline; petrol
ガソリンgasorin
gate
もんmon
general object counter
tsu
genre
ジャンルjanru
gentle, tender, kind, friendly
やさしいyasashii
geography
chiri
German language
ドイツdoitsugo
Germany
ドイツdoitsu
giraffe
キリンkirin
girl
おんな の onna no ko
girlfriend
かのじょkanojo
glass (material)
ガラスgarasu
glasses
がねmegane
goal
ゴールgooru
goat
yagi
gold
きんkin
golf
ゴルフgorufu
good
いいii
good
ii

alternative spelling

good (at); skillful
じょうjouzu
Good day.
こんにち は。konnichi wa.
Good evening.
こんばん は。konban wa.
Good morning.
おはよう ございます。ohayou gozaimasu.
Good morning.casual
おはよう。ohayou.
Good night.
おやすみ なさい。oyasumi nasai.
Goodbye.
さようなら。sayounara.
gorilla
ゴリラgorira
gradually
だんだんdandan
graduation
そつぎょうsotsugyou
gram
グラムguramu
grammar for indicating an ongoing state or action
〜て いる〜te iru
grammar indicating remaining state intentionally brought about by someone
〜て ある〜te aru
grandfather
sofu

is a formal alternative for grandfather. You might encounter this word in written contexts or official documents. In most contexts it's advised to use じいさんさん instead, as it sounds more friendly and respectful.

grandfather; old man
(お)さん(o)jiisan
grandmother
sobo

is a formal alternative for grandmother. You might encounter this word in written contexts or official documents. In most contexts it's advised to use ばあさん instead, as it sounds more friendly and respectful.

grandmother; old lady
(お)ばあさん(o)baasan
grape
ぶどうbudou
grass
くさkusa
gray
はいいろhaiiro
gray
グレーguree
green
みどりmidori
green tea
(お)ちゃ(o)cha
greengrocer
yaoya
guest; customer
(お)きゃく(さん)(o)kyaku(san)
guitar
ギターgitaa
gum
ガムgamu
gym
ジムjimu
had better; should
ほう が いいhou ga ii
half
はんhan
half
はんぶんhanbun
ham
ハムhamu
hammock
ハンモックhanmokku
hamster
ハムスターhamusutaa
handkerchief
ハンカチhankachi
handmade
ずくtezukuri
hands
te
happiness
しあわshiawase
happy
しあわshiawase
Happy birthday!
たんじょう おめでとう!tanjoubi omedetou!
Happy New Year!
しんねん おめでとう!shinnen omedetou!
hat
ぼうboushi
hated
だいきらdaikirai
having; with
の あるno aru
Hawaii
ハワイhawai
he
かれkare
head
あたまatama
headache
つうzutsuu
heart; spirit, mind, soul
こころkokoro
heat
ねつnetsu
heat weather
あつatsusa
heavy
おもomoi
herbivore
そうしょくsoushoku
here
ここkoko
here you are
どうぞdouzo
high school
こうこうkoukou
hiking
ハイキングhaikingu
Hiroshima
ひろしまhiroshima
hobby
しゅshumi
holiday, day off
きゅうじつkyuujitsu
home
うちuchi
home country, homeland
こくbokoku
hometown (area); local (area)
もとjimoto
homework
宿しゅくだいshukudai
honorific postfix
さまsama
Can be used after a noun or な-adjective prefixed with お- or ご- honorifics.
honorific prefix
o
honorific prefix
go
hook
フックfukku
horizontal
よこyoko
horizontal writing
よこyokogaki
horse
うまuma
hospital
びょういんbyouin
hospitalization
にゅういんnyuuin
hot
ホットhotto

ホット is neither an い-adjective nor a な-adjective. It's a noun.

When used to describe a hot drink like coffee, ホット コーヒー, it functions more like a noun as part of a compound noun.

hotthing
あつatsui
hotweather
あつatsui
hotel
ホテルhoteru
hour (counter)
〜ji
house; home
いえie
household, family, home
ていkatei
how
いかがikaga
How do you do? / Nice to meet you.When meeting for the first time
はじめまして。hajimemashite.
how many
いくつikutsu
how many hours
なんかんnanjikan
how many people
なんにんnannin
how many times
なんかいnankai
how many times, how often; many times
なんnando
how many years old
なんさいnansai
how much
いくらikura
how; by what means/method
どうやってdouyatte
how; how about; what
どうdou
The only difference between どう and いかが is that いかが is more polite than どう.
how; what; (what with)
なんnanto
humor
ユーモアyuumoa
hundred thousand
じゅうまんjuuman
husband
(ご)しゅじん(go)shujin

Note how, just as with ない the kanji in this word correspond to traditional gender roles.

The problem is that though among friends you can use おっと, in a less casual setting there's not currently really a good alternative to しゅじん to politely refer to someone else's husband.

hut; cabin; shed
koya
I
わたしwatashi
I beg your pardon; Excuse me.
ごめん なさい。gomen nasai.
I wonder
かなkana
I'm back.
ただいま。tadaima.
Literally "just now", an abbreviation of "I've returned just now": ただいま帰りました
I'm leaving (the house).
いってきます。ittekimasu.
Literally: I'll go and come back.
I'm pleased to meet you. Please treat me well
(どうぞ) よろしく おねがいします。(douzo) yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
I'm pleased to meet you. Please treat me well
どうぞ よろしく。douzo yoroshiku.
I'm sorry for ...
〜て すみません〜te sumimasen
I'm sorry for ...
〜て ごめん なさい〜te gomen nasai
I'm sorry; pardon me; thank you
すみませんsumimasen
ice cream
アイスクリームaisukuriimu
ice tea
アイスティaisuti
ice; ice cream
アイスaisu
Iceland
アイスランドaisurando
idea
アイディアaidia
if
to
if
〜ば〜ba
if ... is the case
。。。 なら... nara
if not
〜なければ〜nakereba
if not; (after na-adjectives and nouns)
じゃ なければja nakereba
if not; (after na-adjectives and nouns)
で なければde nakereba
if; (following na-adjective or noun)
ならばnaraba
if; (following na-adjective or noun)
で あればde areba
immediately; right away
ぐ にsugu ni
important; precious
たいせつtaisetsu
important; significant
じゅうようjuuyou
in, inside; middle
なかnaka
inconvenience; inconvenient
便べんfuben
India
インドindo
insect
むしmushi
insult; slander, speaking ill
わるぐちwaruguchi
intelligent, smart
あたま が いいatama ga ii
intended for; aimed at
〜muke
intention
つもりtsumori
interesting; amusing
おもしろomoshiroi
international student; foreign exchange student
りゅうがくせいryuugakusei
internet
インターネットintaanetto
intersection
こうてんkousaten
interview
インタビューintabyuu
iron
てつtetsu
island
しまshima
island nation
しまぐにshimaguni
it is necessary to ...; it is needed to ...
。。。 ひつよう が ある... hitsuyou ga aru
it is not the case
じゃ ないja nai
it is not the case
じゃ ありませんja arimasen
it is not the case
で は ありませんde wa arimasen
it is not the case; is not
で は ないde wa nai
It is ok to 〜
〜て も いい (です)〜te mo ii (desu)
It was a feast. (Thank you for the meal)
そうさま でした。gochisousama deshita.
It was a feast. (Thank you for the meal)
そうさま。gochisousama.
It's ok not to; to not have to
〜なくて も いい〜nakute mo ii
Italy
イタリアitaria
I’m glad that…; It’s good that…
~て よかった~te yokatta
jam; (as in the fruit preserve)
ジャムjamu
January
いちがつichigatsu
Japan
ほんnihon
Japanese (language)
ほんnihongo
Japanese (person)
ほんじんnihonjin
Japanese style door
to
Jewish person
ユダヤじんyudayajin
Jim
ジムjimu
jogging, jog
ジョギングjogingu
John
ジョンjon
Judea (southern Palestine)
ユダヤyudaya
juice
ジュースjuusu
July
しちがつshichigatsu
June
ろくがつrokugatsu
junior high school; middle school
ちゅうがっこうchuugakkou
just a little
すこし だけsukoshi dake
just now
ただいまtadaima
Karaoke
カラオケkaraoke
karate
からkarate
key
かぎkagi
kilogram
キログラムkiroguramu
kilometer
キロメートルkiromeetoru
kind; kindness
しんせつshinsetsu
king
おうou
kitchen
だいどころdaidokoro
kitten
ねこkoneko
knife
ナイフnaifu
Kyoto
きょうkyouto
label
ラベルraberu
lake
みずうみmizuumi
language
げんgengo
language suffix
〜go
laptop
ラップトップrapputoppu
last month
せんげつsengetsu
last night
ゆうyuube
last night
さくsakuya

A more formal or literary term for last night compared to ゆう.

last week
せんしゅうsenshuu
last year
きょねんkyonen
late
おそosoku
late; slow
おそosoi
Later!casual
また ね。mata ne.
laundry; things to wash
せんたくものsentakumono
laundry; washing
せんたくsentaku
leaf
ha
learn
ならnarau

Learning through practice and repetition, often with a teacher or in a formal setting.

left
ひだりhidari
lemon
レモンremon
length
ながnagasa
let me see; well; err
えっとetto
You can use this interjection if you need time to think.
let me see; well; err
ええとeeto
Means the same as えっと
letter
がみtegami
library
しょかんtoshokan
life
じんせいjinsei
light
ひかりhikari
light blue
みずいろmizuiro
light rain
さめkosame
light, (not heavy)
かるkarui
like that
あんなanna
like that, (referring to something close to the listener or something mentioned in the conversation)
そんなsonna
like this, this kind of
こんなkonna
liked; likeable; loved; lovable
suki
lion
ライオンraion
list
リストrisuto
lively, bustling
にぎやかnigiyaka
lizard
トカゲtokage
location particle (for events and actions)
de
locker
ロッカーrokkaa
London
ロンドンrondon
long
ながnagai
long, cylindrical object counter
ほん〜hon
looking forward to; being excited about
たのしみtanoshimi
Los Angeles
ロサンゼルスrosanzerusu
love
あいai
loved; very likeable
だいdaisuki
low, short
ひくhikui
lukewarm
ぬるnurui
lunch
ひるはんhirugohan
magazine
ざっzasshi
mail; postal service
ゆう便びんyuubin
make
つくtsukuru
makeup
メイクmeiku
making, producing; make, construction, structure
つくtsukuri
man
おとこotoko
manmade, artificial
じんこうjinkou
many times
なん もnando mo
many, much, a lot
たくさんtakusan
many, much, a lot
たくさんtakusan

Alternative way to write たくさん

many, numerous
おおooi
many; most
おおooku
map
chizu
March
さんがつsangatsu
mark
マークmaaku
marriage
けっこんkekkon
Mary
メアリーmearii
mat
マットmatto
match
マッチmatchi

A small stick used to light a fire or a competition.

maternal side
ははかたhahakata
mathematics
すうがくsuugaku
May
がつgogatsu
May I come in; Please forgive me.
ごめん ください。gomen kudasai.
meal
しょくshokuji
meaning; sense; significance
imi
meat
にくniku
medical doctor
しゃisha
medicine
くすりkusuri
meeting
ミーティングmiitingu
memo
メモmemo
memories; recollections
おもomoide
menu
メニューmenyuu
Mercedes
メルセデスmerusedesu
message
メッセージmesseeji
meter
メートルmeetoru
method/means particle
de
Mexican
メキシカンmekishikan
milk
ミルクmiruku
million
ひゃくまんhyakuman
mind, heart
ki
minute (counter)
ふん〜fun
mistake; error
ミスmisu
mobile phone
けいたいでんkeitaidenwa
model
モデルmoderu
Monday
げつようgetsuyoubi
money
(お)かね(o)kane
month of the year
がつgatsu
moon; month
つきtsuki
more
もっとmotto
morning
あさasa
morning sun
あさasahi
Morocco
モロッコmorokko
mother
ははおやhahaoya
mother plain
ははhaha
mother polite
かあさんokaasan
Mother's Day
はは の haha no hi
mountain
やまyama
mouse; rat
ネズミnezumi
mouth
くちkuchi
movie
えいeiga
music
おんがくongaku
must not
〜ちゃ いけない〜cha ikenai
must not
〜ちゃ ダメ〜cha dame
must not; is not allowed
〜て は いけない〜te wa ikenai
must not; is not allowed
〜て は いけません〜te wa ikemasen
Nagoya
nagoya
name
(お)まえ(o)namae
narrow; small
せまsemai
near
ちかchikai
near here
この ちかく にkono chikaku ni
near; beside
そばsoba

そば is usually written using kana alone as そば, and indicates proximity or nearness to something or someone, without specifying a particular side.

がわ specifies a particular side or aspect of something. Often used with direction words to indicate specific sides, such as right, left, this side, that side, etc.

necessary; necessity
ひつようhitsuyou
neck
くびkubi
necklace
ネックレスnekkuresu
neighborhood, vicinity
ちかchikaku
never again
nidoto
new
あたらしいatarashii
New Year
しんねんshinnen
New Year's Day
がんじつganjitsu
New York
ニュー ヨークnyuu yooku
news
ニュースnyuusu
newspaper
しんぶんshinbun
next month
らいげつraigetsu
next to
となりtonari
next week
らいしゅうraishuu
next year
らいねんrainen
next, following, coming
つぎtsugi
night
よるyoru

よる represents the time from sunset to sunrise. よる thus includes the time while you're asleep, whereas ばん does not.

night sky
ぞらyozora
nine
きゅうkyuu
nine (objects)
ここのkokonotsu
ninety thousand
きゅうまんkyuuman
no
いいえiie
no good, useless
だめdame
no one; nobody
だれ もdare mo
noisy; annoying
うるさいurusai
noon; daytime
ひるhiru
north
きたkita
nose
はなhana
not
ないnai
not even once
いち もichido mo
not limited to; not only
だけで は なくdakede wa naku
not limited to; not only
だけで なくdakede naku
not much; not very
あまamari
notebook
ノートnooto
nothing, (not) anything
なにnanimo
novelist, writer
さっsakka
November
じゅう いちがつjuu ichigatsu
now
いまima
number
ばんごうbangou
obstacle; hindrance
じゃjama
occurrence counter; number of times
かい〜kai
October
じゅうがつjuugatsu
office
オフィスofisu
office worker
サラリーマンsarariiman
often
よくyoku
old
ふるfurui
older brother plain
あにani
older brother polite
にいさんoniisan
older sister plain
あねane
older sister polite
ねえさんoneesan
omurice; fried rice wrapped in an omelette
オムライスomuraisu
on; above; up; top
うえue
once
いっかいikkai
once
いちichido
one
いちichi
one (object)
ひとhitotsu
one day
いちにちichinichi
one person; alone
ひとhitori
oneself
ぶんjibun
onion
たまねぎtamanegi
online
オンラインonrain
only, just, merely
ただtada
only, just; nothing but, no more than
しかshika

Used together with a negative verb.

only; just
だけdake
opinion; view
けんiken
or exhaustive
ka
orangefruit; color
オレンジorenji
orchid
ランran
order
ちゅうもんchuumon
other side; over there, beyond
こうmukou
other, another
ほかhoka

Often written using hiragana only.

outside
そとsoto
overseas trip; travel abroad
かいがいりょこうkaigairyokou
overseas, abroad, foreign
かいがいkaigai
owner (of a store); landlord
しゅじんshujin
package
もつnimotsu
page
ページpeeji
painful, sore
いたitai
paint; (the kind used for painting walls, buildings, and other surfaces)
ペンキpenki
painter
gaka
painting
かいkaiga
pancake
パンケーキpankeeki
paper
かみkami
pardon; sorry
ごめんgomen
parent(s)
おやoya
Paris
パリpari
park
こうえんkouen
part-time job
アルバイトarubaito

Borrowed from the German word Arbeit, which means work or job.

participation
さんsanka
particle for connecting nouns
de
particle used at the end of a sentence for explanation, confirmation, softening or emphasis
no
party
パーティーpaatii
passing an exam or test
ごうかくgoukaku
passive form suffix
〜あれる〜areru
password
パスワードpasuwaado
pasta
パスタpasuta
patch of (typically long and dense) grass
くさむらkusamura
paternal side
ちちかたchichikata
peace of mind; relief
あんしんanshin
pen
ペンpen
pencil
えんぴつenpitsu
people
ひとびとhitobito
people counter
にん〜nin
percent
パーセントpaasento
period (of time)
あいだaida
person
ひとhito
person
かたkata
person from ... (suffix for indicating nationality, race or origin)
じん〜jin
pet
ペットpetto
phone number
でんばんごうdenwabangou
piano
ピアノpiano
picnic
ピクニックpikunikku
picture, photo
しゃしんshashin
picture; drawing; painting; sketch
e
piece of music; song; tune; music
きょくkyoku
pig
ぶたbuta
pink
ピンクpinku
pizza
ピザpiza
place
ところtokoro
place; location; spot
しょbasho
plan
プランpuran
plan
けいかくkeikaku

けいかく refers to a plan, project, or scheme that involves detailed planning and preparation. It often implies a more structured and strategic approach.

plan; plans
ていyotei

てい refers to a single scheduled instance or arrangement. It implies a fixed or pre-determined plan, often involving time or dates.

plate, dish
(お)さら(o)sara
please
くださいkudasai
Please go ahead; Please go first; After you
さき に どうぞ。osaki ni douzo.
Please go ahead; Please go first; After you
どうぞ おさき にdouzo osaki ni
please; go ahead
どうぞdouzo
pluralizing suffix
たちtachi
pluralizing suffix
ra
pluralizing suffix
たち〜tachi
pocket
ポケットpoketto
Pokemon
ポケモンpokemon
police box
こうばんkouban

A こうばん is a small neighborhood police station commonly found in Japan where police officers provide various services, such as giving directions, handling lost and found items, and responding to local incidents.

police officer
けいかんkeikan
police officer
まわりさんomawarisan

まわりりさん is a polite and somewhat affectionate term for a police officer.

polite name ender
さんsan
politician
せいseijika
politics; government
せいseiji
pond
いけike
popcorn
ポップコーンpoppukoon
popularity
にんninki
population
じんこうjinkou
pork
ぶたにくbutaniku
portable; cellphone
けいたいkeitai
possessive case particle
no
post office
ゆう便びんきょくyuubinkyoku
postage stamp
きっkitte
postbox; mailbox
ポストposuto
postcard
がきhagaki
potatoe
ポテトpoteto
potential form
〜える; 〜られる〜eru; 〜rareru

For verbs in Group 1, change the final う-sound into an え-sound, and add -る as ending.

For verbs in Group 2, change the -る ending into -られる.

poundunit of weight; currency
ポンドpondo
power, strength
ちからchikara
practice; training
れんしゅうrenshuu
present
プレゼントpurezento
pretty, beautiful; clean
きれいkirei
previous, past, after; ahead
さきsaki
probably, I think; isn't it, right?
でしょうdeshou
probably, I think; isn't it, right?
だろうdarou
probably, perhaps
ぶんtabun
probably, perhaps
おそらくosoraku

Same degree of confidence as ぶん, but more formal.

problem; question; issue
もんだいmondai
professional, pro
プロpuro
project
プロジェクトpurojekuto
puppy
いぬkoinu
quality
クオリティkuoriti
queen
じょおうjoou
question
しつもんshitsumon
question particle
ka
quiet
しずshizuka
rabbit
ウサギusagi
radio
ラジオrajio
radio cassette player
ラジカセrajikase
radio cassette player
ラジオカセットrajiokasetto
rain
あめame
ramen
ラーメンraamen
raw; fresh
なまnama
reading
どくしょdokusho
real thing
ほんものhonmono
really, truly
ほんとう にhontou ni
reason particle
de
reason suffix
〜te
recipe
レシピreshipi
record
レコードrekoodo
red
あかakai
red
あかaka
refreshing; cool
すずしいsuzushii
refrigerator
れいぞうreizouko
relax
リラックスrirakkusu
report
レポートrepooto
rest, break; holiday
やすyasumi
restaurant
レストランresutoran
restful, peaceful
やすらかyasuraka
rice; meal
はんgohan
riceuncooked
こめkome
right
みぎmigi
river
かわkawa
road, street, way
みちmichi
roast
ローストroosuto
robot
ロボットrobotto
room
heya
rose
バラbara
round, circular
まるmarui
rudeness, impoliteness
しつれいshitsurei
rule; regulation
そくkisoku
runner
ランナーrannaa
running as exercise
ランニングranningu
Russia
ロシアroshia
safe
あんぜんanzen
safe; alright, okay
だいじょうdaijoubu
sake
ほんしゅnihonshu
salad
サラダsarada
salesman
セールスマンseerusuman
salt
しおshio
same
おなonaji
sand
すなsuna
sandal
サンダルsandaru
sandwich
サンドイッチsandoitchi
Saturday
ようdoyoubi
scary, frightening
こわkowai
school
がっこうgakkou
school library
がっこうしょかんgakkoutoshokan
screen
スクリーンsukuriin
screw
ネジneji
sea, ocean
うみumi
section chief
ちょうkachou

The ちょう is responsible for managing a specific section or team within a department. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of the team, guiding staff, and ensuring that the team's objectives align with the department’s overall strategy.

See ya.casual
じゃあ ね。jaa ne.
See you later.casual
じゃあ また。jaa mata.
sense; taste
センスsensu
sentence
ぶんしょうbunshou
separate, individual
べつべつbetsubetsu
September
がつkugatsu
sequential conditional
〜たら〜tara
serious, terrible; difficult, hard, tough
たいへんtaihen
seven
ななnana
seven
しちshichi
seven (objects)
ななnanatsu
seventy thousand
ななまんnanaman
she
かのじょkanojo
sheep
ひつじhitsuji
shelf
たなtana
shellfish; shell
かいkai
shirt
シャツshatsu
shock
ショックshokku
shoes
くつkutsu
shop, store
(お)みせ(o)mise
shopping
ものkaimono
short (in length)
みじかmijikai
shower
シャワーshawaa
shrimp
エビebi
sibling
きょうだいkyoudai
sickness, illness, disease
びょうbyouki
side
がわgawa
side; beside; alongside
よこyoko
silver
ぎんgin
singer
しゅkashu
single word; brief comment
ひとことhitokoto
situation
じょうきょうjoukyou
six
ろくroku
six (objects)
むっmuttsu
sixty thousand
ろくまんrokuman
size
サイズsaizu
size
おおきさookisa

おおきさ is more general than サイズ. For shoes, clothes and other items that come in standardized sizes, it's more common to hear サイズ.

skin; peel; bark
かわkawa
skirt
スカートsukaato
sky; air
そらsora
skydiving
スカイダイビングsukaidaibingu
slippers
スリッパsurippa
slowly; leisurely
ゆっくりyukkuri
small
ちいさいchiisai
smell; scent; odor
におnioi
snack
おやつoyatsu
snake
ヘビhebi
snow
ゆきyuki
so, such
そうsou
soap
せっけんsekken
soccer
サッカーsakkaa
sock
くつしたkutsushita
software
ソフトsofuto
solo
ソロsoro
Somalia
ソマリアsomaria
someone; somebody
だれdareka
something
なにnanika
something urgent; urgency
きゅうkyuu
sometimes; at times
ときどきtokidoki
son
むすmusuko
song
うたuta
soon
そろそろsorosoro
soon; right away, at once
すぐsugu
sound
おとoto
soup
スウプsuupu
south
みなみminami
soy sauce
しょうshouyu
Spain
スペインsupein
Spanish language
スペインsupeingo
spare time; day off; leisure
ひまhima
special; extraordinary
とくべつtokubetsu
speed
はやhayasa
spicy; painful; harsh; hard
からkarai
spider
クモkumo
splendid; magnificent; fine; admirable
りっrippa
splendid; nice; sufficient; no thank you; that's fine
けっこうkekkou
spoon
スプーンsupuun
sports
スポーツsupootsu
spring, springtime
はるharu
stage
ステージsuteeji
stairs
かいだんkaidan
star
ほしhoshi
start, beginning
かいkaishi
station
えきeki
stature; height
se
steak
ステーキsuteeki
steam train
しゃkisha
step
いっippo
step; grade
だんdan
sticker
ステッカーsutekkaa
still, yet
まだmada
stomach; belly
なかonaka
story; talk
はなしhanashi
stove; heater
ストーブsutoobu
straight, direct
まっすぐmassugu
strange
へんhen
street; avenue
とおtoori
strong wind
きょうふうkyoufuu
strong; powerful
つよtsuyoi
strongly
つよtsuyoku
student
がくせいgakusei
student; pupil
せいseito
study
べんきょうbenkyou
sturdy; strong; durable
じょうjoubu
subject particle
ga
subway
てつchikatetsu
sudden; urgent
きゅうkyuu
suddenly; unexpectedly
きゅう にkyuu ni
suffix to indicate profession or expertise
〜ka
sugar
とうsatou
suit
スーツsuutsu
suitable, appropriate
ふさわしいfusawashii
suitcase
スーツケースsuutsukeesu
summer
なつnatsu
summer vacation
なつやすnatsuyasumi
sun
hi
Sunday
にちようnichiyoubi
sunglasses
サングラスsangurasu
sunlight
にっこうnikkou
supermarket
スーパーsuupaa
sure, certain; reliable
たしtashika
surely, certainly
きっとkitto
surely; certainly; indeed
たしか にtashika ni

Where きっと expresses a strong belief or confidence that something will happen or is the case, たしか に often additionally implies that the speaker has evidence or reasoning to support the certainty, or has personally verified the fact.

surfing
サーフィンsaafin
sushi
寿sushi
sushi restaurant
寿sushiya
sweater, jumper
セーターseetaa
sweet
あまamai
swimming
およoyogi
swimsuit, bathing suit
みずmizugi
sword
かたなkatana
table
テーブルteeburu
Take care. Come back safely.
いってらっしゃい。itterasshai.
Literally: go and come back
tale, story
ものがたりmonogatari
Tanaka surname
なかtanaka
tape
テープteepu
tape recorder
テープレコーダーteepurekoodaa
taxi
タクシーtakushii
tea bowl; rice bowl
ちゃわんchawan
teacher
せんせいsensei
telephone
でんdenwa
temperature
おんondo
temple
(お)てら(o)tera
ten
じゅうjuu
ten (objects)
十つとおtoo
ten million
いっせんまんissenman
ten thousand
いちまんichiman
ten thousands counter
まんman
tennis
テニスtenisu
tennis court
コートkooto
test
テストtesuto
text(book)
テキストtekisuto
Thailand
タイtai
than; from; more
よりyori
thank you neutral
ありがとうarigatou
Thank you very much. formal
どうも ありがとう ございます。doumo arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much. neutral
どうも ありがとう。doumo arigatou.
Thank you. formal
ありがとう ございます。arigatou gozaimasu.
thanks casual
どうもdoumo
that (one) pronoun
それsore
that (one) over there pronoun
あれare
that ... (over there) adnominal
あのano
that ... adnominal
そのsono
that formal; that person; that way
そちらsochira
that over there formal; that person over there; that way over there
あちらachira
that person over there; that way over there; that (one) over there
あっちatchi
that person; that way; that (one)
そっちsotchi
the day after tomorrow
さっasatte
the day before yesterday
といototoi
the explanation is that...; it is that....
んですndesu
the explanation is that...; it is that....
んだnda
the explanation is that...; it is that....
の ですno desu
the month after next
らいげつsaraigetsu
the month before last
せんせんげつsensengetsu
The Netherlands
オランダoranda
the week after next
らいしゅうsaraishuu
the week before last
せんせんしゅうsensenshuu
the year after next
らいねんsarainen
the year before last
としototoshi
theme; topic
テーマteema
then; well; so; well then
じゃあjaa
therenear the listener
そこsoko
these
これらkorera
these days; recently; nowadays
このごろkonogoro
they; them
かれkarera
they; them (female only)
かのじょたちkanojotachi
thick; generous; deep
あつatsui
thief; burglar
どろぼうdorobou
thin, slender, slim; narrow
ほそhosoi

Primarily used to describe the thinness in diameter or width of something long and narrow, like a thread, hair, or a road. It can also describe slender physical features.

thin; light; weak
うすusui

Used to describe the physical thinness of something flat (like paper or cloth), the lightness of color or taste, or the diluteness of a liquid. It can also imply something is superficial or not profound.

thing; situation; verb nominalizer
〜こと〜koto
thirty thousand
さんまんsanman
this (one) pronoun
これkore
this ... adnominal
このkono
this formal; this person; this way
こちらkochira
this month
こんげつkongetsu
this morning
kesa
this person; this way; this (one)
こっちkotchi
this week
こんしゅうkonshuu
this year
としkotoshi
those; they
それらsorera
though, although
けどkedo
though, although
けれどkeredo
though/although
けれどもkeredomo
thousand
せんsen
thousands
なんぜんnanzen
thread
いとito
three
さんsan
three (objects)
みっmittsu
throughout, duringused after a noun
ちゅう〜chuu

Sometimes the initial t-sound changes into a d-sound due to rendaku, a phenomenon where the initial consonant of the second part of a compound word becomes voiced.

Unfortunately, there are no clear rules for when rendaku applies.

thunder; thunderbolt
かみなりkaminari
Thursday
もくようmokuyoubi
ticket
チケットchiketto
ticket
きっkippu
tie; necktie
ネクタイnekutai
time
かんjikan
time
ときtoki
times counter
〜do

This counter is regular.

tip, point
さきsaki
to (hang to) dry; to air
hosu
to announce; to present; to publish
はっぴょうするhappyousuru
to answer, to reply
こたえるkotaeru
to apply paint; to paint
ペンキ を penki o nuru
to arrive formal
とうちゃくするtouchakusuru
to arrive, to reach
tsuku
to ask
kiku
to ask (humbly)
うかがukagau
to ask a question
しつもんするshitsumonsuru
to ask for ...; to order
たのtanomu
to ask for directions
みち を michi o kiku
to attach; to apply; to put
けるtsukeru
to be
ですdesu
to be
da
to be very polite
ございますgozaimasu
to be able to do
できるdekiru
to be able to; to be possible to
〜こと が できる〜koto ga dekiru
to be absent; to take a day off
やすyasumu
to be audible; to be able to hear
こえるkikoeru
to be born
まれるumareru
to be contained in
はいって いるhaitte iru
to be curved; to be bent
がって いるmagatte iru
to be decided
まるkimaru
to be done
されるsareru
to be due to; to be caused by
よるyoru
to be hospitalized
にゅういんするnyuuinsuru
to be hungry
なか が onaka ga suku
to be in time (for); to catch (e.g. a train)
maniau
to be involved in; to affect; to concern
かかわるkakawaru
to be late; to be delayed; to be overdue
おくれるokureru
to be lined up; to line up
ならnarabu
to be made of
で て いるde dekite iru

Usually written using only hiragana

to be made; to be built
dekiru

Often written using hiragana only

to be old; to have aged
とし を って いるtoshi o totte iru
to be popular
にん が あるninki ga aru
to be promoted; to advance
がるagaru
to be ready
できるdekiru
to be rude, to be impolite
しつれいするshitsureisuru
to be sensitive to; to be susceptible to
〜 に よわ〜 ni yowai
to be short
 が ひくse ga hikui
to be sufficient, to be enough
りるtariru
to be tall
 が たかse ga takai
to be tired
つかれて いるtsukarete iru
to be troubled; to have difficulty
こまkomaru
to be understood; to understand; to be known
かるwakaru
to be visible; to be able to see
えるmieru
to become
なるnaru
to begin (something)
はじめるhajimeru
to begin, to start intransitive
はじまるhajimaru
to believe; to trust
しんじるshinjiru
to bend; to turn
がるmagaru
to bite; to chew
kamu
to bloom; to blossom
saku
to blow; to breathe out; to play (a wind instrument)
fuku
to borrow
りるkariru
to breathe
いき を するiki o suru
to build; to construct
てるtateru
to buy
kau
to call, to telephone
でんするdenwasuru
to call; to invite; to summon
yobu
to carry; to hold; to take; to have
motsu
to carry; to transport
はこhakobu
to catch a cold
 を kaze o hiku
to cause
こすokosu
to celebrate
(お)祝いわいする(o)iwaisuru
to change intransitive
かわkawaru
to change transitive
えるkaeru
to chirp; to cry; to sing; to meow; to bark; (animal making sound)
naku
to clean; to sweep
そうするsoujisuru
to clear up; to be sunny
れるhareru
to climb
のぼnoboru
to closeintransitive
まるshimaru
to closetransitive
めるshimeru
to come
kuru
to come down with (a disease); to catch (a disease)
かかるkakaru
to come in; to come into
はいって くるhaitte kuru
to come off, to be removed
れるtoreru
to come to a halt, to stopintransitive
まるtomaru
to come to an end
れるkureru
to comehonorific
いらっしゃるirassharu
to commute, to go (somewhere regularly)
かよkayou
to cook
りょうするryourisuru
to copy
コピーするkopiisuru
to cross over
わたwataru
to cut
kiru
to dance
おどodoru
to dance; to flutter
mau

舞う primarily means to flutter, to swirl, or to dance in a graceful, often floating manner.

It conveys a sense of elegance, lightness, and sometimes a more traditional or poetic quality. It is frequently used in the context of nature, such as leaves fluttering in the wind, snowflakes falling gently, or birds dancing in the air.

When referring to human dancing, 舞う often implies a more traditional or ritualistic dance, such as those found in classical Japanese arts like Noh or Kabuki.

to decide
めるkimeru
to decide on ~
〜 に する〜 ni suru
to descend; to go down
くだkudaru
to die
shinu
to differ; to be wrong
ちがchigau
to disappear; to vanish; to go out; to be extinguished
えるkieru
to disconnect; to hang up (the phone); to turn off (an appliance)
kiru

is not used for turning off lights. For lights, use instead.

to disturb; to interrupt
じゃするjamasuru
to divide; to share (by dividing)
けるwakeru
to do
するsuru
to do
やるyaru

やる has a more casual tone compared to する and is often used in everyday conversation. It's also often used when talking about doing a task, especially a chore.

to do laundry; to wash clothes
せんたくするsentakusuru
to drink
nomu
to drive; to operate (a machine)
うんてんするuntensuru
to eat
べるtaberu
to encounter; to meet (by chance)
deau
to enjoy, to have a good time
たのしむtanoshimu
to enter
はいhairu
to erase; to extinguish; to turn off, to switch off
kesu
to escort; to see off
おくokuru
to exceed; to pass
ぎるsugiru
to exercise; to move
うんどうするundousuru
to exist; to have; (used for non-living entities)
あるaru
to exist; to stay; to have (used for living beings)
いるiru
to experience
けいけんするkeikensuru
to fail (for example an exam)
ちるochiru
to fall (from the sky)
furu
to fall; to drop
ちるochiru
to feel relieved
あんしんするanshinsuru
to find; to discover
つけるmitsukeru
to finish (something), to end (something)
えるoeru
to finish; to endintransitive
わるowaru
to fly
tobu
to forget
わすれるwasureru
to gain weight; to become fat
ふとfutoru
to gather (something); to collect (something); to assemble (something)
あつめるatsumeru
to gather; to come together; to assemble
あつまるatsumaru
to get cloudy; to cloud up; to become gloomy
くもkumoru
to get dark; to setthe sun
 が れるhi ga kureru
to get empty
suku
to get off; to disembark; to dismount
りるoriru
to get up; to wake up
きるokiru
to get; to receive; to take; to have (as in taking)
もらmorau

Usually written without kanji.

to give (humbly); to offer (humbly)
げるsashiageru
to give (something intangible); to bestow; to grant
あたえるataeru
to give as a present
プレゼントするpurezentosuru
to go
iku
to go for a walk; to stroll
さんするsanposuru
to go out, to leave
かけるdekakeru

出かける is more specific than 出る, as it implies going out specifically for a purpose, such as shopping, dining or visiting someone.

to go straight
まっすぐ いくmassugu iku
to go to see; to visit
 に mi ni iku
to graduate
そつぎょうするsotsugyousuru
to hand over; to pass
わたwatasu
to hang; to suspend
けるkakeru
to hate, to detest
きらkirau
to have a headache
つう が するzutsuu ga suru
to have done (before)
〜こと が ある〜koto ga aru
to have to do 〜
〜ない と いけない〜nai to ikenai
to have to do 〜
〜ない と ダメ (です)〜nai to dame (desu)
to have to do 〜
〜なくて は いけない〜nakute wa ikenai
to have to do 〜
〜なくて は ならない〜nakute wa naranai
to have to do 〜
〜なくて は ダメ〜nakute wa dame
to have to do 〜
〜なくちゃ〜nakucha
to help
つだtetsudau
to hold up (an umbrella)
sasu
to hurry
いそisogu
to hurt, to ache
いたitamu
to hurt; to injure; to straintransitive
いためるitameru
to insert
れるireru
to know
shiru
to learn; to study
まなmanabu

Studying or learning broadly, often through self-study or academic pursuit.

to leave, to go out, to exit
deru
to lend
kasu
to light; to ignite
 を つけるhi o tsukeru
to line up something; to arrange
ならべるnaraberu
to listen; to hear
kiku
to live in, to reside
sumu
to look like
に えるni mieru
to lose something
くすnakusu
to make a call
けるkakeru
to make a copy (of)
コピー を kopii o toru
to mark
マークするmaakusuru
to marry
けっこんするkekkonsuru
to meet, to see
au
To move (house)
引っひっhikkosu
to move; to run used for a machine
うごugoku
to need; to want
iru
to not do 〜 and ...; to not do 〜 so ...
〜なくて〜nakute
to obtain; to procure; to get
 に れるte ni ireru
to occur; to happen
こるokoru
to openintransitive
aku
to opentransitive
けるakeru
to order
ちゅうもんするchuumonsuru
to paint; to plaster; to spread; to apply
nuru
to participate, to take part in
さんするsankasuru
to pass an exam or test
ごうかくするgoukakusuru
to pass away; to die
くなるnakunaru
to paste; to stick; to affix
haru
to pay
はらharau
to play (a game)
あそasobu
to play a string instrumente.g. guitar, piano
hiku
to polish; to grind; to brush (teeth)
みがmigaku
to practice; to train
れんしゅうするrenshuusuru
to praise; to compliment
めるhomeru
to prefer; to be fond of
このkonomu
to pull; to draw; to catch (a cold)
hiku
to push, to press
osu
to put on; to wear
けるkakeru
to put out; to produce; to take out; to release
dasu
to put, to place; to leave
oku
to raise; to give
げるageru
to read
yomu
to recall, to remember
おもomoidasu
to receive (humbly)
いただitadaku
to receive; to undergo; to take
けるukeru
to relax
リラックスするrirakkususuru
to remember; to memorize
おぼえるoboeru
to remove; to take off; to detach; to unfasten
はずhazusu
to request; to wish; to hope
(お)ねがいする(o)negaisuru
to rest; to take a break
やすyasumu
to return
かえkaeru
to return (something); to give back
かえkaesu
to ride; to get on (a vehicle)
noru
to rise; to go up
がるagaru
to rise; to increase
たかまるtakamaru
to run
はしhashiru
to run
ランニングするranningusuru
to run out
れるkireru
to say
iu
to say (humbly); to offer (words) (humbly)
もうげるmoushiageru
to see; to look at; to watch
miru
to sell
uru
to send
おくokuru
to send; to submit
dasu
to serve (food)
dasu
to shine
sasu
to shine; to glitter; to glow
ひかhikaru
to show; to display
せるmiseru
to sing
うたutau
to sit
すわsuwaru
to sleep; to lie down; to go to bed
neru
to smoke
suu
to sound; to ring
naru
to speak
はなhanasu
to spread; to stretchintransitive
ひろがるhirogaru
to stand; to stand up
tatsu
to start up, to boot up; to launch
げるtachiageru
to start, to begin
かいするkaishisuru
to steal
ぬすnusumu
to stop
yamu

is used when something stops on its own. It's often used for weather phenomena, such as rain or snow.

まる is a broader term that can be used for any sort of cessation of movement or action.

to stop (an activity); to give up; to quit
やめるyameru
to stop (an activity); to give up; to quit
めるyameru

Alternative spelling of やめる

to stop ...
めるtomeru
to study
べんきょうするbenkyousuru
to sweep; to brush; to clean
haku
to swim
およoyogu
to take
toru
to take (a bath or shower); to bask (in the sunlight)
びるabiru
to take (time to do something)
かかるkakaru
to take a bath
(お) に はい(o)furo ni hairu
to take a photo
toru
to take care; to be careful
 を けるki o tsukeru
to take lightly; to underestimate
あまく amaku miru
to take notes
メモするmemosuru
to take off; to remove clothing
nugu
to take/bring something with you
って motte iku
to take/bring something with you
って motte kuru

Whether you say って or 持って depends on the perspective of the speaker. For movement away from the speaker, use . For movement towards the speaker, use .

to tasteintransitive
あじ が するaji ga suru
to tastetransitive
あじ を aji o miru
to teach; to inform
おしえるoshieru
to test
テストするtesutosuru
to think about; to ponder; to consider
かんがえるkangaeru
to think; to believe
おもomou
to throw away; to discard
てるsuteru
to tire
つかれるtsukareru
to touch; to feel
さわsawaru
to travel
りょこうするryokousuru
to travel abroad
かいがいりょこう を するkaigairyokou o suru
to turn left
ひだり に がるhidari ni magaru
to turn on; to switch on
つけるtsukeru
to turn right
みぎ に がるmigi ni magaru
to use
使つかtsukau
to visit
たずねるtazuneru
to wait
matsu
to wake someone up
こすokosu
to walk
あるaruku
to wash
あらarau
to wear; to put on (something on feet or legs)
haku
to wearon upper body
kiru
to work
はたらhataraku
to work
ごとするshigotosuru
to work for; to be employed at; to serve
つとめるtsutomeru
to write
kaku
to [destination particle]
e
today
きょkyou
together with
と いっしょ にto issho ni
together; at the same time; simultaneously
いっしょ にissho ni
together; same
いっしょissho
toilet
トイレtoire
toilet; restroom; lavatory; bathroom
あらotearai
Tokyo
とうきょうtoukyou
Tokyo City
とうきょうtoukyoushi
tomato
トマトtomato
tomorrow
したashita
tonight
こんkonya
tonight, this evening
こんばんkonban
too; also
mo
tooth
ha
topic particle
wa
town
まちmachi
Toyota
トヨタtoyota
traditional Japanese dress
ものkimono
traffic
トラフィックtorafikku
traffic accident
こうつうkoutsuujiko
traffic light; signal
しんごうshingou
traffic situation
こうつうじょうきょうkoutsuujoukyou
traffic; transportation
こうつうkoutsuu
train
れっしゃressha
trash can; garbage bin
ゴミばこgomibako
trash; garbage; rubbish
ごみgomi

Usually written using katakana.

travel, traveling, trip, tour
りょこうryokou
travel, trip, journey
たびtabi
tree; wood
ki
trees
kigi
trousers
ズボンzubon
trumpet
トランペットtoranpetto
trust
しんらいshinrai
trustworthy; able to be trusted
しんらい できるshinrai dekiru

The structure [noun] + できる is a common way to express the ability or possibility related to the noun. This construction turns the noun into an adjective describing the noun that follows.

truth, right
ほんとうhontou
Tuesday
ようkayoubi
tunnel
トンネルtonneru
TV
テレビterebi
twenty thousand
まんniman
twenty years old
hatachi
twice
かいnikai
two
ni
two (objects)
ふたfutatsu
two people
ふたfutari
two times; twice
nido
type, kind
しゅるいshurui
typhoon
たいふうtaifuu
U.S.A.
アメリカamerika
Ueno Park
うえ こうえんueno kouen
um, uh; excuse me
あのうanou
umbrella
かさkasa
unappetizing; bad-tasting; unpleasant
mazui
uncle
oji
United Kingdom; England
えいこくeikoku
United States
べいこくbeikoku
university
だいがくdaigaku
university student
だいがくせいdaigakusei
unpalatable; bad-tasting
まずいmazui
unpleasant; disagreeablei
いや(な)iya(na)
until, till, to
までmade
useful, convenient
便べんbenrina
vanilla
バニラbanira
various
いろいろiroiro

Alternative spelling of いろいろ.

various
いろいろiroiro
vase
びんkabin
vegetable
さいyasai
vegetarian
ベジタリアンbejitarian
verb group 1
だんgodan
verb group 2
いちだんichidan
verb nominalizer
no
verb suffix for forming the imperative, among other things
〜て〜te
verb suffix to express desire
〜たい〜tai
versatile and expressive particle often used in conversational Japanese to convey a range of emotions, from reflection and emphasis to longing and admiration
なあnaa
vertical writing
たてtategaki
vertical; lengthwise
たてtate
very popular
だいにんdaininki
very, extremely
とてもtotemo
very; greatly; terribly; extremely; awfully
たいへんtaihen
videogame
テレビゲームterebigeemu
village
むらmura
village; hometown
さとsato
violin
バイオリンbaiorin
virus
ウイルスuirusu
visiting someone who is ill or injured; a visit to express sympathy; sending a gift or card to someone who is unwell as a gesture of concern and well-wishing
omimai
voice
こえkoe
volcano
ざんkazan
volitional form
〜おう、 〜よう〜ou, 〜you
walk, stroll
さんsanpo
wall
かべkabe
wallet
さいsaifu
wanted
ほしいhoshii
war
せんそうsensou
warm
あたたかいatatakai

あたたかい is a mild and comfortable warmth, and can be used for weather, for object that make you physically warm such as clothes and blankets, and also for things that make you metaphorically warm such as a song.

washing-up, dish-washing
さらあらsaraarai
watch (time piece)
けいtokei
Watch out!
あぶない!abunai!
water
みずmizu
water buffalo
すいぎゅうsuigyuu
watermelon
西すいsuika
wax
ワックスwakkusu
way of; method of
かた〜kata
we
わたしたちwatashitachi
weak
よわyowai

Refers to the lack of physical strength, durability, or robustness. It can also describe a low level of ability, influence, or intensity in non-physical contexts, such as a weak argument or being weak against cold temperatures.

weather
てんtenki
website
ウェブサイトwebusaito
Wednesday
すいようsuiyoubi
week
しゅうshuu
weekend
しゅうまつshuumatsu
Welcome home.
かえり なさい。okaeri nasai.
Literally: do return
well, properly; best regards
よろしくyoroshiku
well; lively, vigorous; health
げんgenki
west
西にしnishi
Western style door
ドアdoa
what
なんnan
what
なにnani
what day (of the month); how many days
なんにちnannichi
what day (of the week)
なんようnanyoubi
What does X mean?
X は なん の  です か?X wa nan no imi desu ka?
what floor
なんかいnankai
What happened?; What's wrong?
どう しました か。dou shimashita ka.
What is it?
なん です か?nan desu ka?
what month
なんがつnangatsu
what time
なんnanji
what year
なんねんnannen
what, what kind of
どんなdonna
when
いつitsu
where
どこdoko
whether or not
か どう かka dou ka
which (one)
どれdore
which ...
どのdono
which one; who
どちらdochira
which person; which way; which (one)
どっちdotchi
while ...
〜ながら〜nagara
whisky
ウイスキーuisukii
whiteadjective
しろshiroi
whitenoun
しろshiro
who
だれdare
whovery polite
どなたdonata
why; for what reason
naze
why; for what reason
なぜnaze

Same as . This word is often written using hiragana alone.

why; how
どうしてdoushite
wide; spacious
ひろhiroi
wind
かぜkaze
window
まどmado
wine
ワインwain
winter
ふゆfuyu
wish, hope
(お)ねが(o)negai
without doing
〜ないで〜naide
woman
おんなonna
woman
おんな の ひとonna no hito
woman, girl
じょjoshi

The term 女子 in Japanese refers to a girl or young woman, but the specific age range it covers can vary depending on the context. Generally, 女子 is used to refer to females from early childhood up to their late twenties.

In schools, 女子学生 refers to female students of any age, from elementary through university. In sports and other activities, 女子 might be used to distinguish female participants, again without strict age limits.

However, in more formal or official contexts, 女子 might be more closely associated with younger females, particularly those in the schooling age range up to young adulthood.

word; language
ことkotoba
work, job
ごとshigoto
Yamada surname
やまyamada
Yamashitaname
やましたyamashita
year counter
ねんnen
year; age
としtoshi
years of age (counter)
さい〜sai
yellow
いろkiiro
yellow
いろkiiroi
yen
えんen
yes
はいhai
yes
ええee
yesterday
のうkinou
yoghurt
ヨーグルトyooguruto
Yokohama
よこはまyokohama
you
あなたanata
you (plural)
あなたたちanatatachi
young
わかwakai
younger brother
おとうと(さん)otouto(san)
younger sister
いもうと(さん)imouto(san)
zebra
シマウマshimauma
zero
ゼロzero
zero
れいrei