Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners

Thinking about visiting Japan for a vacation or a business venture? Or perhaps you’re simply fascinated by Japanese culture? This article provides a comprehensive collection of essential Japanese words and phrases. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone eager to learn the language or enhance their Japanese lessons.

So, what are you waiting for? Yatte miyo (Let’s try)! 

Essential phrases and words

Mastering a few essential Japanese phrases is crucial, particularly if you venture beyond popular tourist spots. Here are some fundamental Japanese expressions to help you navigate and connect with locals.

• Hai (はい): Yes
• Iie(いいえ): No
• Namae wa nan des ka ( 名前はなんですか): What is your name?
• Watashi wa ~ des ( 私は〜です): I am ~
• ~kara Kimashita ( ~から来ました): I came from~/ I am from~
• Kore wa nan des ka (これは何ですか): What is this?
• Ikura des ka ( いくらですか）How much?
• Kore kudasai ( これください): Can I get this one? / I will take this one
• Onegaishimas (おねがいします): Please
• Chumon onegashimas (注文お願いします): Can I place an order?
• Mizu o onegaishimas (水をお願いします): Water please
• Okaikee onegaishimas (お会計お願いします): Can I get the check/bill please (in a restaurant)
• Koko wa Doko desu ka (ここはどこですか): Where am I?
• Toire wa doko des ka (トイレはどこですか): Where is the bathroom?
• Eki wa doko des ka (駅はどこですか): Where is the train station?
• Ima nan ji des ka (今何時ですか) : What time is it now?
• Wakarimasen (わかりません): I don’t understand
• Nihongo wo hanasemasen (日本語を話せません): I can’t speak Japanese

Greetings  

In Japan, bowing is a traditional greeting that expresses respect, appreciation, and care. To enhance your interactions, it’s important to learn the basic Japanese phrases that complement this gesture, as they play a crucial role in the culture.

Ohayoo gozaimas (おはようございます): Good morning

In Japanese culture, the phrase is typically reserved for those who wake up before 11 a.m. For a more casual greeting, you can simply say “Ohayo,” omitting the formal “gozaimasu.”

Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは) : Good Afternoon

Commonly confused with “Hello,” this Japanese phrase actually translates to “Good afternoon.” Be sure to use it exclusively during the daytime to convey your message accurately.

Konbanwa (こんばんは): Good evening

To be used from late afternoon (around 5pm) into the evening hours.

Arigatoo Gozaimas (ありがとうございます): Thank you

For a more relaxed way to express gratitude, just say “Arigato.” It’s perfectly acceptable to skip the formal “gozaimas,” as many people prefer this casual approach.

Sumimasen (すみません): Excuse me/ I am sorry

This essential Japanese phrase is incredibly versatile and can be used in various situations. Whether you need to catch a waiter’s attention at a restaurant, seek assistance when you’re lost, or formally apologize, this phrase has you covered.

In certain situations, individuals may choose to say “Sumimasen” instead of “Arigato” to express gratitude when someone has done them a favor. This alternative phrase reflects a unique form of respect and politeness toward the person who offered their help.

Check out more on how to say sorry in Japanese.

People/ Pronouns

One of the most challenging aspects of mastering basic Japanese vocabulary is grasping how pronouns are utilized by native speakers. Unlike many other languages, Japanese speakers often omit pronouns in conversations when the subject is clear from context. Instead, they prefer using the person’s name, familial title, or social role to address them, making conversations more personal and context-driven.

In Japanese culture, using someone’s name when addressing them is essential, as omitting it can be seen as disrespectful. Instead of relying on pronouns like “you,” “he,” or “she,” speakers typically incorporate the person’s name into conversation if they are already familiar. If you’re learning Japanese, keep this important distinction in mind to communicate respectfully and effectively.

• Watashi/ Boku/Ore (私、僕、俺): I 
• Tomodachi(友達): Friend
• Do-ryoo(同僚): Co-worker
• Buchoo/Syachoo(部長、社長): Boss / President (of a company)
• Kazoku(家族): Family
• Otoo-san(お父さん): Father
• Okaa-san(お母さん): Mother
• Oni-san(お兄さん): Older brother
• Onee-san(お姉さん): Older sister
• Otooto(弟): Younger brother
• Imooto(妹): Younger sister
• Otona (大人): Adults
• Kodomo (子供): Children
• Kareshi (彼氏): Boyfriend
• Kanojo(彼女): Girlfriend
• Otoko-no-hito(男の人): Man
• Onna-no-hito(女の人): Woman

Food and drink

Japan boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary heritage. Tokyo, the capital, holds the prestigious title of the world’s most Michelin-starred city. The Japanese delight in a rich array of Washoku (和食: traditional Japanese cuisine) and Yoshoku (洋食: Western-inspired Japanese dishes). To enhance your culinary experience, here are some essential Japanese terms related to food and drink:

• Asa-gohan (朝ご飯): Breakfast  
• Hiru-gohan (昼ご飯): Lunch  
• Yoru-gohan (夜ご飯): Dinner 
• Gohan ( ご飯): Rice/Meal 
• Pan (パン): Bread 
• Niku (肉): Meat  
• Sakana (魚): Fish  
• Yasai (野菜): Vegetables  
• Kudamono (果物): Fruits  
• Suupu (スープ): Soup 
• Sarada (サラダ): Salad 
• Tamago (卵): Egg 
• Gyuu-Nyuu (牛乳): Milk 
• Chee-zu (チーズ): Cheese  
• Dezaato (デザート): Dessert  
• Mizu (水): Water 
• Ocha (お茶): Green tea, Tea in general
• Koohii (コーヒー): Coffee
• Osake (お酒): Sake, Alcohol in general 
• Wain (ワイン): Wine 
• Biiru (ビール): Beer 

Numbers 

Japanese numbers are not only straightforward to grasp, but they also serve as a valuable tool for beginners embarking on their Japanese learning journey. Download the table below to keep it handy for your practice sessions whenever you need a quick reference!

Time 

When traveling in Japan, it’s crucial to grasp a few key Japanese phrases related to time and dates. Mastering these essential expressions will enhance your experience and help you navigate your journey more smoothly. Here are some of the most important phrases to know:

Days of the week

• Sunday: 日曜日(Nichiyoobi) 
• Monday: 月曜日 (Getsuyoobi) 
• Tuesday: 火曜日 (Kayoobi) 
• Wednesday: 水曜日 (Suiyoobi) 
• Thursday: 木曜日 (Mokuyoobi) 
• Friday: 金曜日 (Kinyoobi) 
• Saturday: 土曜日 (Doyoobi) 

Check out the full guide on days of the week in Japanese.

Months of the year

• January: 一月 (Ichigatsu) 
• February: 二月 (Nigatsu) 
• March: 三月 (Sangatsu) 
• April: 四月 (Shigatsu) 
• May: 五月 (Gogatsu) 
• June: 六月 (Rokugatsu) 
• July: 七月 (Shichigatsu) 
• August: 八月 (Hachigatsu) 
• September: 九月 (Kugatsu) 
• October: 十月 (Juugatsu) 
• November: 十一月 (Juuichigatsu) 
• December: 十二月 (Juunigatsu)

• Today: 今日(Kyoo)
• Yestetday: 昨日(Kinoo) 
• Tomorrow: 明日(Ashita) 
• This week: 今週(Konshuu) 
• Last week: 先週(Senshuu) 
• Next week: 来週(Raishuu) 
• This month: 今月(Kongetsu) 
• Last month: 先月(Sengetsu) 
• Next month: 来月(Raigetsu) 
• This year: 今年 (Kotoshi) 
• Last year: 去年 (Kyonen) 
• Next year: 来年 (Rainen) 

Places 

When exploring Japan, you’ll experience a variety of transportation options, including trains, subways, buses, and the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train). With numerous lines connecting various stations, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with basic Japanese phrases related to travel and locations to navigate the system smoothly.

• Eki (駅): Station 
• Byouin (病院): Hospital 
• Ryougae (両替): Money Exchange 
• Ginkou (銀行): Bank 
• Keisatsusho (警察署):Police Station 
• Yubinkyoku (郵便局): Post office 
• Konbini (コンビニ): Convenience store  
• Pan ya (パン屋): Bakery  
• Mise (店): Store/Shop 
•  Supaa(スーパー): Grocery store 
•  Kuukou (空港): Airport 
•  Bas-tei(バス停): Bus stop 
•  Minato (港): Port 
•  Jinja (神社): Shrine 
•  Otera(お寺): Temple 
•  Machi (町): Town 
•  Hoteru (ホテル): Hotel 
•  Uketsuke (受付): Reception 

Colors 

Check out our full list of Japanese colors.

Essential Verbs 

To grasp basic Japanese vocabulary, it’s essential to understand verbs and their conjugation, much like in any language. For beginners, focusing on the most frequently used verbs is a great way to begin. Here’s a list of 20 common Japanese verbs in their infinitive form to kickstart your learning journey:

• Taberu (食べる): to eat 
• Iku (行く): to go 
• Nomu(飲む): to drink 
• Kiku (聞く): to listen, hear 
• Yomu (読む): to read 
• Miru ( 見る): to see, look, and watch 
• Neru (寝る): to sleep
• Okiru (起きる): to wake up 
• Hanasu (話す): to talk, speak 
• Kaeru (帰る): to return, go back
• Suwaru ( 座る): to sit down
• Tatsu (立つ): to stand up
• Oyogu (泳ぐ): to swim
• Asobu ( 遊ぶ): to play
• Noru (乗る): to ride
• Kau (買う): to buy
• Au(会う): to meet
• Kaku(書く): to write
• Matsu (待つ): to wait
• Toru (撮る): to take a picture  

Basic Japanese phrases are just the beginning…

Starting your Japanese learning journey by memorizing a handful of essential words is a fantastic first step, but it’s only the beginning. To truly elevate your skills, consider taking lessons with a native Japanese tutor, as this can greatly enhance your understanding and fluency.

If you’re just starting with a few Japanese words, enrolling in classes is an excellent way to establish strong learning habits and achieve your language goals. Why delay your progress? Explore nearly 900 Japanese tutors available on LingualNeeds today! Not ready to book a session yet? Dive into our review of the 11 best online Japanese courses and classes of the year to help you make an informed choice.