Top 100 Japanese Words for Beginners
If you’re starting to learn Japanese, focusing on the most commonly used words will help you build a strong foundation. These 100 essential Japanese words will cover daily conversations, greetings, food, numbers, and more, helping you navigate basic situations in Japan.
Top 100 Japanese Words for Beginners
Learning a new language starts with mastering its most common words—and Japanese is no exception! Whether you're just starting or need a refresher, this list of the top 100 most common Japanese words for beginners will help you build a solid foundation. From everyday greetings to essential nouns and verbs, these 100 Japanese words are practical and frequently used. Start speaking confidently and boost your understanding of basic Japanese with this essential Japanese vocabulary list. Perfect for those beginning their Japanese learning journey!
1. Basic Greetings and Expressions
Start your Japanese journey with essential greetings and expressions! These simple phrases will help you navigate daily conversations and make a great first impression.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening |
| ありがとう | Arigatou | Thank you |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me/Sorry |
| ごめんなさい | Gomennasai | I'm sorry |
| はい | Hai | Yes |
| いいえ | Iie | No |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please (polite request) |
| どういたしまして | Douitashimashite | You're welcome |
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2. Common Japanese Verbs
Verbs are the backbone of Japanese sentences, making them essential for everyday communication. Here are the most common Japanese verbs every beginner should know to start speaking confidently.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 行く | Iku | To go |
| 来る | Kuru | To come |
| 見る | Miru | To see/watch |
| 話す | Hanasu | To speak |
| 聞く | Kiku | To listen/ask |
| 食べる | Taberu | To eat |
| 飲む | Nomu | To drink |
| する | Suru | To do |
| 買う | Kau | To buy |
| 勉強する | Benkyou suru | To study |
3. Numbers in Japanese
Numbers are an essential part of learning Japanese, used in everything from telling time to shopping. This quick guide will help you master Japanese numbers from 1 to 10 and beyond.
| Number | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | Ichi |
| 2 | 二 | Ni |
| 3 | 三 | San |
| 4 | 四 | Yon/Shi |
| 5 | 五 | Go |
| 6 | 六 | Roku |
| 7 | 七 | Nana/Shichi |
| 8 | 八 | Hachi |
| 9 | 九 | Kyuu/Ku |
| 10 | 十 | Juu |
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4. Everyday Nouns
Everyday nouns are key to building your Japanese vocabulary. From common objects to essential concepts, these words will help you navigate daily life in Japan with ease.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 家 | Ie/Uchi | House/Home |
| 学校 | Gakkou | School |
| 会社 | Kaisha | Company/Office |
| 病院 | Byouin | Hospital |
| 駅 | Eki | Train station |
| 車 | Kuruma | Car |
| 猫 | Neko | Cat |
| 犬 | Inu | Dog |
| 本 | Hon | Book |
| 友達 | Tomodachi | Friend |
5. Essential Japanese Adjectives
Adjectives add color and detail to your Japanese sentences. This guide covers essential adjectives that will help you describe people, places, and things with ease and precision.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 大きい | Ookii | Big |
| 小さい | Chiisai | Small |
| 高い | Takai | Expensive/High |
| 安い | Yasui | Cheap |
| 速い | Hayai | Fast |
| 遅い | Osoi | Slow |
| 暑い | Atsui | Hot (weather) |
| 寒い | Samui | Cold (weather) |
| 美味しい | Oishii | Delicious |
| かわいい | Kawaii | Cute |
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6. Time-related Words
Time-related words are crucial for everyday conversations in Japanese, whether you're talking about dates, hours, or seasons. Master these terms to improve your ability to discuss schedules and routines.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 今日 | Kyou | Today |
| 明日 | Ashita | Tomorrow |
| 昨日 | Kinou | Yesterday |
| 午前 | Gozen | AM (morning) |
| 午後 | Gogo | PM (afternoon) |
| 今年 | Kotoshi | This year |
| 来年 | Rainen | Next year |
| 先月 | Sengetsu | Last month |
| 今週 | Konshuu | This week |
| 週末 | Shuumatsu | Weekend |
7. Common Japanese Travel Phrases
Common Japanese travel phrases are essential for navigating Japan with ease. Whether you're asking for directions, ordering food, or booking transportation, these phrases will help you communicate effectively during your travels.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? |
| どこですか？ | Doko desu ka? | Where is it? |
| 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? | Can you speak English? |
| 助けてください！ | Tasukete kudasai! | Please help! |
| トイレはどこですか？ | Toire wa doko desu ka? | Where is the bathroom? |
How TLS Helps You Master Japanese Vocabulary
At Team Language Services (TLS), we provide:
✔ Interactive lessons with real-life examples
✔ Practical exercises to reinforce learning
✔ Personalized coaching for faster improvement
Our structured approach ensures that you remember and apply words naturally in conversations.
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Study Tips for Memorizing Japanese Words
Here are some expert tips from TLS to memorize Japanese words faster:
✅ Use flashcards & mnemonics – Associate words with images
✅ Practice daily conversation – Speak with a tutor or language partner
✅ Engage with Japanese media – Watch anime, movies, and listen to podcasts
FAQs
1. How can I learn Japanese words quickly?
Use flashcards, repetition, and real-life practice to memorize vocabulary faster.
2. What are the most important Japanese words for beginners?
Greetings, common verbs, numbers, and travel phrases are the most useful for beginners.
3. How many words do I need to know to be fluent in Japanese?
To have basic conversations, knowing 500-1,000 words is recommended. Fluency requires 5,000+ words.
4. Is Japanese vocabulary hard to learn?
Japanese vocabulary can be challenging due to kanji, but many words are easy to remember with practice.
5. Do I need to learn kanji to understand Japanese words?
You can start with hiragana and katakana, but kanji is important for full fluency.
By learning these top 100 Japanese words for beginners, you’ll be able to navigate daily conversations with confidence. Keep practicing, and your Japanese skills will improve quickly!
