Japanese Words – Vocabulary To Improve Your Language Skills

Do you have some Japanese words you can come up with right away? Some people might find the food-related words like Sushi or Teriyaki very Japanese, and others find culture-related words like Wabi-Sabi or Hanami very Japanese.

In this lesson, we’ll talk about basic Japanese words and their usage. These words will help you understand and speak Japanese faster and easier. Let’s begin!

Japanese Words

Japanese words are one of the few things that will help you get started when you learn Japanese aside from the alphabet. If your goal is to speak the language fast, learning Japanese words will get you to speak and expand your vocabulary.

You may start with learning the basic Japanese words that are often used in conversations. This will help you be able to engage in simple conversations.

You don’t need to learn complex words yet. Just learn them step-by-step.

Basic Japanese Words

Basic Japanese words are words that you’re going to hear and use in most conversations. Here are a few of the basic Japanese words you can start to learn.

• はい (Hai) — Yes
• いいえ (Iie) — No
• ありがとう (Arigatou) — Thank you.
• どういたしまして (Douitashimashite) — You’re welcome.
• ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) — I’m sorry.
• すみません (Sumimasen) — excuse me, sorry
• どうぞ (Douzo) — Please, Go ahead
• たすけてください！(Tasukete kudasai!) – Help me!

Japanese Family words

Japanese family words are useful words when addressing or talking about your own family members to others. However, it’s important to note that there are other words you’ll use when you talk about other people’s families. You can learn more about it in our article on Japanese family terms.

Among family relationships, the Japanese honorifics さん (San) and ちゃん (Chan) are often exchangeable. In addition, most of the family words have more than one way to call a person.

The word choices depend on the speaker’s preference and the situation of the conversation. There is also a clear distinction between an informal version and a formal version.

Let’s take the word “father” as an example:

• おとうさん (Otousan | お父さん)
• おやじ (Oyaji | 親父),
• とうちゃん (Touchan | 父ちゃん),
• ちち (Chichi | 父), and
• ぱぱ (Papa | パパ).

Here are the Japanese family words you can use to address your family or talk about them:

• かぞく (Kazoku | 家族) — Family
• いえ (Ie | 家) — House, Home
• りょうしん (Ryoushin | 両親) — Parents
• おや (Oya| 親) — Parent
• おとうさん (Otousan | お父さん) — Father
• おかあさん (Okaasan | お母さん) — Mother
• おじいちゃん (Ojiichan | お祖父ちゃん) — Grandfather
• おばあちゃん (Obaachan | お祖母ちゃん) — Grandmother
• そふぼ (Sofubo | 祖父母) — Grandparents
• おにいちゃん (Oniichan | お兄ちゃん) — Older brother
• おねえちゃん (Oneechan | お姉ちゃん) — Older sister
• おとうと (Otouto | 弟) — Younger brother
• いもうと (Imouto | 妹) — Younger sister
• きょうだい (Kyoudai | 兄弟) — Brothers
• しまい (Shimai | 姉妹) — Sisters
• あかちゃん (Akachan | あかちゃん) — Baby

Japanese Relationships Words

Relationships are important among the Japanese. And in every relationship, respect is very evident. This is also reflected in the words they use for each other.

Japanese relationship words can be used when talking about how you’re related to a person.

Below is a list of Japanese relationship words you get started with.

• ともだち (Tomodachi | 友達) — Friend
• しんゆう (Sinyuu | 親友) — Close friend
• こいびと (Koibito | 恋人) — Lover
• かれし (Kareshi | 彼氏) — Boyfriend
• かのじょ (Kanojo | 彼女) — Girlfriend
• ぱーとなー (Paatonaa | パートナー) — Partner
• せんぱい (Senpai | 先輩) — Senior, Upperclassmen
• こうはい (Kouhai | 後輩) — Junior

Japanese School Words

Japanese school words are words you’ll often hear or encounter when you’re a student, a teacher, or someone working in the education industry. Even if you don’t belong to any of these, these are helpful words to learn when you learn Japanese.

Here are some useful Japanese school words:

• がっこう (Gakkou | 学校) — school
• べんきょう (Benkyou | 勉強) — Study
• せんせい (Sensei | 先生) — Teacher
• せいと (Seito | 生徒) — Student
• ようちえん (Youchien | 幼稚園) — Preschool
• ほいくえん (Hoikuen | 保育園) — Daycare
• しょうがっこう (Shougakkou | 小学校) — Elementary school
• ちゅうがっこう (Chuugakkou | 中学校) — Junior high school
• こうこう (Koukou | 高校) — High school
• だいがく (Daigaku | 大学) — University, College
• せんもんがっこう (Senmon Gakkou | 専門学校) — Vocational school, Business college
• しゅくだい (Shukudai | 宿題) — Homework
• しけん (Shiken | 試験) — Exam
• にゅうがく (Nyuugaku | 入学) — School entrance
• そつぎょう (Sotsugyou | 卒業) — Graduation

Japanese Work and Business Words

Japanese work and business words are essential for you to learn if you’re going to work or do business in Japan. Another instance that these words can be important is when you’re doing business with Japanese or working with and for a Japanese company in your country.

Learning the basic Japanese work and business words can be the way to go. Below is a list of basic Japanese work and business words:

• しごと (Shigoto | 仕事) — work, business
• かいしゃ (Kaisha | 会社) — Company
• やといぬし (Yatoinushi | 雇い主) — Employer
• じゅうぎょういん (Juugyouin | 従業員) — Employee
• じょうし (Joushi | 上司) — Boss, Manager
• どうりょう (Douryou | 同僚) — Colleague
• かいぎ (Kaigi | 会議) — Meeting
• めんせつ (Mensetsu | 面接) — Interview
• きゅうけい (Kyukei | 休憩) — Break
• きゅうりょう (Kyuryou | 給料) — Salary

Japanese Time and Date Words

Japanese are very punctual people. Time is very important for them. This is one reason that most Japanese wear watches. In relation to that, learning Japanese time and date words are important to keep up with time and dates as you interact with Japanese people.

These are words that will help you talk about your experiences, plans, and so many others.

Here are a few useful Japanese time and date words:

• じかん (Jikan | 時間) — Time, Hour
• いま (Ima | 今) — Now
• さっき (Sakki) — Just now
• あとで (Atode | 後で) — Later
• こんど (Kondo | 今度) — Next time
• いつか (Itsuka | 何時か) — sometimes, one day
• きょう (Kyou | 今日) — Today
• あした (Ashita | 明日) — Tomorrow
• きのう (Kinou | 昨日) — Yesterday
• あさって (Asatte | 明後日) — Day after tomorrow
• おととい (Ototoi | 一昨日) — Day before yesterday
• ことし (Kotoshi | 今年) — This year
• らいねん (Rainen | 来年) — Next year

Japanese Nature Words

Japan is a very beautiful country where you can see nature and modernism meets. When talking about nature, you’ll need to use Japanese nature words. You also need words to help you describe them but we’ll talk about that in another article.

In the meantime, here are a few of the many Japanese nature and geography words you can learn:

• しぜん (Shizen | 自然) — Nature
• きせつ (Kisetsu | 季節) — Season
• しき (Shiki | 四季) — Four seasons
• しょくぶつ (Shokubutsu | 植物) — Plants
• き (Ki | 木) — Tree
• はな (Hana | 花) — Flowers
• やま (Yama | 山) — Mountains
• うみ (Umi | 海) — Ocean
• かわ (Kawa | 川) — River
• みず (Mizu | 水) — Water
• ひ (Hi | 火) — Fire

Japanese Weather Words

As Japan has four seasons, there are a number of Japanese weather words you need to add to your vocabulary. Learning these Japanese weather words will be useful in conversations.

Below is a list of some Japanese weather words:

• てんき (Tenki | 天気) — Weather
• はれ (Hare | 晴れ) — Sunny
• くもり (Kumori | 曇り) — Cloudy
• あめ (Ame | 雨) — Rainy
• ゆき (Yuki | 雪) — Snowy
• たいふう (Taifuu | 台風) — Typhoon
• かぜ (Kaze | 風) — Wind
• あらし (Arashi | 嵐) — Storm
• じしん (Jishin | 地震) — Earthquake
• つなみ (Tsunami | 津波) — Tsunami
• ふんか (Funka | 噴火) — Eruption
• ちきゅう (Chikyuu | 地球) — Earth
• たいよう (Taiyou | 太陽) — Sun
• つき (Tsuki | 月) — Moon
• うちゅう (Uchuu | 宇宙) — Universe

Japanese Vehicles and Transportation Words

Japan is a highly developed country and is known for manufacturing vehicles. There are many types or forms of vehicles and transportation, you’ll see in Japan.

Each of the vehicles and transportation has its own Japanese words for them. Learning the Japanese vehicles and transportation words will improve your vocabulary.

Here are some of the common Japanese vehicles and transportation words:

• でんしゃ (Densha | 電車) — Train
• くるま (Kuruma | 車) — Car
• オートバイ (Ootobai) — Motorbike
• ばす (Basu | バス) — Bus
• ふね (Fune | 船) — Ship, Boat
• ひこうき (Hikouki | 飛行機) — Airplane
• じてんしゃ (Jitensha | 自転車) — Bycycle
• えき (Eki | 駅) — Station
• ばすてい (Basutei | バス停) — Bus stop
• くうこう (Kuukou | 空港) — Airport

Japanese Animal Words

The Japanese language has a unique word for each of the animals that we know of. Learning the different Japanese animal words will allow you to get involved in basic Japanese conversations. For example, you may want to know someone’s favorite animal or pet at home. You can also share animals you’ve seen in one of your travel or escapade.

Here are some Japanese animal words you can start learning:

• どうぶつ (Doubutsu | 動物) — Animal
• いぬ (Inu | 犬) — Dog
• ねこ (Neko | 猫) — Cat
• とり (Tori | 鳥) — Bird
• にわとり (Niwatori | 鶏) — Chicken
• ぶた (Buta | 豚) — Pig
• うし (Ushi | 牛) — Cow
• さかな (Sakana| 魚) — Fish
• こうかくるい (Koukakurui | 甲殻類) — Shellfish
• むし (Mushi | 虫) — Insects

Japanese Festivals and Events Words

Japan’s culture and tradition is characterized by festivals and unique events or ceremonies. If you’re visiting Japan, it’ll make your life more fun if you’re able to experience their colorful festivals and events. It’ll make your visit even more convenient and meaningful if you know the different Japanese festivals and events words.

Here are some of the Japanese festivals and events words.

• まつり (Matsuri | 祭り) — Festivals
• はなび (Hanabi | 花火) — Fireworks
• けっこんしき (Kekkonshiki | 結婚式) — Wedding
• おそうしき (Oshoushiki | お葬式) — Funeral
• さどう (Sadou | 茶道) — Tea ceremony

Greeting Words in Japanese

Before we start learning Japanese greeting words, let’s grasp the great importance of general greetings in Japan.

Japanese greetings are called あいさつ (Aisatsu | 挨拶) and many Japanese people believe that greetings can show your attentiveness, a caring attitude towards others, and acknowledgment of your companions. This tendency deeply permeates the social consciousness.

Here are the lists of Japanese greeting words. These words don’t necessarily use かんじ (Kanji | 漢字) when it’s written. ひらがな (Hiragana | 平仮名) words are commonly seen nowadays.

Basic Japanese Greeting Words of a Day

Some greeting words have both casual and polite forms in Japanese. When talking to an older person, add です (desu) | ます (masu) | さい (sai) at the end of a phrase or a sentence.

This desu and masu ending expression are called ですますちょう (desu-masu-chou | ですます調) in Japanese and are used widely in everyday conversation.

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa | 今日は) — Hello, Good afternoon
• おはよう (Ohayou | お早う) — Good morning
• おはようございます (Ohayou Gozaimasu | お早う御座います) — Good morning
• こんばんは (Konbanwa | 今晩は) — Good evening
• おやすみ (Oyasumi | お休み) — Good night
• おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai | お休みなさい) — Good night

Basic Japanese Greeting Words and Phrases

When learning a new language just like Japanese, the first few things you’ll be taught would be basic greeting words and phrases.

These basic Japanese greeting words are often used in daily conversations. So, these will help you engage in Japanese conversations. These are also good conversation starters.

Here are a few of the Japanese greeting words and phrases:

• げんき (Genki? | 元気) — How are you?
• おげんきですか (Ogenki desuka? | お元気ですか) — How are you?
• はじめまして (Hajimemashite | 初めまして) — Nice to meet you.
• よろしく (Yoroshiku | 宜しく) — Nice to meet you.
• よろしくおねがいします (Yoroshiku Onegai shimasu | 宜しくお願いします) — Please take care of me. / I’m in your care.
• またあとで (Mata Ato de | また後で) — See you later.
• またこんど (Mata Kondo | また今度) — See you again.
• さようなら (Sayounara | 左様なら) — Good bye.
• おじゃましました (Ojama shimashita | お邪魔しました) — Thank you for inviting me.

Common Japanese Reply Words

In most conversations, you’ll have to either ask or reply to questions. In cases you’ll have to give a response, you’ll need to know the appropriate reply words.

In Japanese, there are many ways you can reply to questions or react to what you hear. Here’s a list of common Japanese reply words:

• • はい (Hai) — Yes
  • いいえ (Iie) — No
  • いいです (Ii desu | 良いです) — It’s okay
  • わかった (Wakatta | 分かった) — I see
  • わかりました (Wakarimashita | 分かりました) — I understood
  • だいじょうぶ (Daijoubu | 大丈夫) — It’s alright
  • だいじょうぶです (Daijoubu desu | 大丈夫です) — It’s alright
  • もんだいありません (Mondai arimasen | 問題ありません) — No problem
  • どうぞ (Douzo) — Please, Go ahead
  • おねがい (Onegai | お願い) — Yes, please
  • おねがいします (Onegai shimasu | お願いします) — Yes, please
  • ちがいます (Chigai masu | 違います) — no, it’s not
  • だめです (Dame desu | 駄目です) — it’s not okay
  • まちがっています (Machigatte imasu | 間違っています) — it’s wrong
  • わかりません (Wakarimasen | 分かりません) — I don’t understand
  • しりません (Sirimasen | 知りません) — I don’t know
  • ありがとう (Arigatou | 有難う) — thanks
  • ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu | 有難う御座います) — thank you
  • どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite | 如何致しまして) — your welcome
  • すみません (Sumimasen | 済みません) — excuse me, sorry
  • しつれいします (Shitsurei shimasu | 失礼します) — excuse me
  • ごめん (Gomen | 御免) — sorry
  • ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai | 御免なさい) — I’m sorry
  • もうしわけありません (Moushiwake arimasen | 申し訳ありません) — I’m very sorry

Japanese Question Words

Japanese question words are the same as the WH questions in English although both languages don’t share the same grammar. This means that the English WH questions have their Japanese counterparts.

However, it’s important to note that some WH questions can have more than one Japanese word.

Knowing the Japanese question words would come in handy when you’re visiting or living in Japan or simply having conversations with a friend or colleague.

Here are the Japanese question words:

• どのように (Dono youni) – How
• どのくらい (Dono kurai) –  How much or How long
• いくら (Ikura) – How much (price)
• なに (Nani | 何) – What
• どこ (Doko | 何処) – Where
• いつ (Itsu | 何時) – When
• なんじ (Nanji | 何時) – What time
• なぜ (Naze | 何故) | どうして (Doushite) – Why
• どの (Dono) | どれ (Dore) | どちら (Dochira) – Which
• だれ (Dare | 誰) – Who
• だれの (Dare no | 誰の) – Whose

Japanese Words for Parts of Speech

The Japanese language has five structural categories and ten parts of speech. A part of speech that forms a word is し (Shi | 詞), and distinguishing one another would be helpful to extend your Japanese vocabulary.

• めいし (Mei Shi | 名詞) — noun
• どうし (Dou Shi | 動詞)— verb
• けいようし (Keiyou Shi | 形容詞) — adjective
• けいようどうし (Keiyoudou Shi | 形容動詞) — quasi-adjective
• じょし (Jo Shi | 助詞) — Japanese particles
• じょどうし (Jodou Shi | 助動詞) — auxiliary verb
• ふくし (Fuku Shi | 副詞) — adverb
• れんたいし (Rentai Shi | 連体詞) — adnominal adjective
• せつぞくし (Setsuzoku Shi | 接続詞) — conjunction
• かんどうし (Kandou Shi | 感動詞) — interjection

Useful Japanese Words to Go Around

Other than the Japanese words you’ve learned in the other sections, there are words and phrases that will come in handy. These words and phrases will allow you to get help and clarification.

Here are some useful words for going around Japan or learning Japanese.

• たすける (Tasukeru | 助ける) – to help
• たすけ (Tasuke | 助け) – help
• いう (Iu | 言う) – to say
• はなす (Hanasu | 話す) – to speak
• しゃべる (Shaberu | 喋る) – to speak

Here are some examples of Japanese phrases using the words above:

• たすけてください！(Tasukete kudasai!) – Help me!
• なにかこまっていますか？(Nanika komatte imasu ka?) – Do you need any help?
• たすけがひつようですか？(Tasuke ga hitsuyou desu ka?) – Do you need any help?
• もういちどおねがいします。 (mou ichido onegai shimasu.) – Can you say it again?
• もういっかいいってください。(mou ikkai itte kudasai.) – Can you say it again?
• えいごをはなせますか？(eigo wo hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?
• ゆっくりおねがいします。(Yukkuri onegai shimasu.) – Please speak more slowly.
• ゆっくりしゃべってください。(Yukkuri shabette kudasai.) – Please speak more slowly.

Other Japanese Vocabulary

Expanding your Japanese vocabulary is key to picking up the meanings in a conversation or helping you to express your situations, ideas, and feelings. Today, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common Japanese words.

• ことば (Kotoba | 言葉) — word
• たんご (Tango | 単語) — word
• げんご (Gengo | 言語) — language
• ごい (Goi | 語彙) — vocabulary
• ことばづかい (Kotobazukai | 言葉遣い) — a way of speaking
• いいまわし (Ii Mawashi | 言い回し) — wording

Japanese Word Tips

In this section, you’ll learn about the words used to talk about the different forms used in the Japanese language.

Casual Form and Polite Form

In the Japanese language, the appropriate word and the way of talking vary depending on the situation. For example, when you’re a student and talking to a teacher, you’re expected to use more mannerly words and polite forms.

Colloquially, the casual form is called ためご(Tamego | タメ語) or ともだちくちょう (Tomodachi Kuchou | 友達口調 | a friendly tone).

• けいご (Keigo | 敬語) — honorifics, polite form
• ふつうご (Futsuu Go | 普通語) — standard form
• へいじょうご (Heijou Go | 平常語) — standard form
• ためぐち (Tame Guchi | ため口) — casual form
• ためご (Tame Go | タメ語) — casual form

Also, adding お (o | 御) or ご (go | 御) before the first letter of nouns is a common way to make the word more courteous. People often use this for someone’s belongings and seasonal events.

For instance, the word for a wallet is さいふ (Saifu | 財布), and it becomes おさいふ (O-saifu | お財布) in certain situations.

The word for a festival is まつり (Matsuri | 祭り) and it turns into おまつり (O-matsuri | お祭り or 御祭り) as well. Also, there are only slight gender differences in written Japanese, but spoken Japanese varies.

Standard Words and Regional Variations

The Tokyo dialect is the standard Japanese in modern Japan. However, some areas have local variations for certain words. The specialists say there are at least 16 types of dialects in Japan.

• ひょうじゅんご (Hyoujun Go | 標準語) — standard Japanese
• ほうげん (Hougen | 方言) — dialect
• おおさかべん (Oosaka Ben | 大阪弁) — Osaka dialect
• きょうことば (Kyou Kotoba | 京言葉) — Kyoto dialect
• おきなわほうげん (Okinawa Hougen | 沖縄方言) — Okinawa dialect

*Sometimes Okinawa dialect is called りゅうきゅうご (Ryukyu Go | 琉球語 | Ryukyuan).

For instance,

Thanks

Standard Japanese words / Osaka dialect / Okinawa dialect

ありがとう (Arigatou) / おおきに (Ookini) / にふぇーでーびる (Nifeedeebiru)

A lot

Standard Japanese words / Osaka dialect / Okinawa dialect

たくさん (Takusan) / ぎょうさん (Gyousan) / ばんない (Bannai)

How Many Do You Know? Interesting Facts About Japanese Words

Here, we’ll show you some fun facts and tips about Japanese words. Some words are not suitable for formal situations, but you can find a useful phrase or a good phrase to learn Japanese.

Internet Slang Words: For Everyone Use

The most common Japanese slang is probably まじで (Maji de? | 本気で | Really?) and it’s everywhere in their daily conversations.

Somehow, the Japanese language doesn’t have much variety of swear words compared to foreign languages, though there are some slang words people regularly use. Especially in recent years, some internet slang used among gamers and anime fans has widely started spreading.

• くさ (w | 草) — Similar to the English word “lol”
• おつ (Otsu | 乙) — Thanks for the good work
• どきゅん (DQN | ドキュン) — Not cultured people
• りあじゅう (Ria Juu | リア充) — People who have a fulfilling real life

English Words Born in Japan

Some of the Japanese words traveled and entered many languages. Many words are related to Japanese tradition, culture, and food.

• からおけ (Karaoke | カラオケ) — Karaoke
• あにめ (Anime | アニメ) — Animation
• まんが (Manga | 漫画) — Comic
• おたく (Otaku | オタク、ヲタク) — Nerd, Geek
• おりがみ (Origami | 折り紙 ) — Japanese paper folding
• えもじ (Emoji | 絵文字) — Ideograms or pictograms used on the internet
• さらりーまん (Salariiman | サラリーマン) — Salary worker
• つなみ (Tsunami | 津波) — Tsunami
• たいふう (Taifuu | 台風) — Typhoon
• すうどく (Suudoku | 数独) — Sudoku
• らーめん | ラーメン (Raamen | 拉麺) — Ramen
• すし (Sushi | 寿司) — Sushi

These are the list of some words with negative meanings. Some words’ meanings might have been altered in your country but words like Karoushi and Hikikomori are one of the big social issues in Japan, and Kamikaze could be a sensitive topic.

• ざんぎょう (Zangyou | 残業) — Overtime work
• かろうし (Karoushi | 過労死) — Death caused by overworking
• かみかぜ (Kamikaze (| 神風) — Kamikaze attacks
• へんたい (Hentai | 変態) — Pervert, Abnormality
• ひきこもり (Hikikomori | 引き籠もり) — Social withdrawal

A Special Greeting Word: Only in a Shop and Restaurant

When you enter a restaurant or a shop in Japan, you might notice a unique greeting. The male Sushi chef welcomes you with a low-pitched voice, and the female store clerk gives you a big smile and a high-toned welcome. Did you know that McDonald’s Japan has free smiles on its menu?

• いらっしゃい (Irasshai) — Welcome
• いらっしゃいませ (Irasshai mase) — Welcome

Which One Do You Choose for “I”? More Than 10 Japanese Pronouns

Unlike English or another foreign language, the Japanese language has a variety of first-person pronouns and second-person pronouns. Many native Japanese speakers pick one word suitable for their social image or the situation.

There are male-suited versions and female-suited versions, but no strict rules. When you start speaking Japanese, pick one word you feel comfortable using.

The Japanese words for “I”

• わたくし (Watakushi | 私) — The most formal version for any gender
• わたし (Watashi | 私) — Good for any gender and situation
• あたし (Atashi) — Casual, common among females
• ぼく (Boku | 僕) — Common among men, suitable for casual occasion
• おれ (Ore | 俺) — Only for men and casual use
• わい (Wai | ワイ) — Mostly for men, commonly used in Kansai and Tohoku area
• じぶん (Jibun | 自分) — More common in literature and written forms
• うち (Uchi | ウチ) — Commonly heard among young girls

Learn Japanese Words and Japanese Phrases!

Knowing a word means extending your Japanese knowledge and improving your Japanese skill. Once you start recognizing new words, your will be able to understand more dialogues from the learning sources quickly and smoothly. Emoji can cheer you up while you study Japanese words and basic Japanese phrases!