Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners12

Learning Japanese can be an exciting and rewarding journey, and mastering the basic vocabulary is a crucial first step. Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, want to engage with Japanese culture, or simply wish to expand your language skills, these commonly used Japanese words will provide you with a solid foundation.

Salutations and Introductions*

こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello, good afternoon*

おはようございます (Ohayo gozaimasu): Good morning*

こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening*

はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you (for first-time introductions)*

お元気ですか (O genki desu ka?): How are you?

Personal Information*

名前は (Namae wa?): What's your name?*

山田です (Yamada desu): My name is Yamada.*

何歳ですか (Nansai desu ka?): How old are you?*

私は20歳です (Watashi wa 20-sai desu): I am 20 years old.*

どこからですか (Dokokara desu ka?): Where are you from?*

アメリカからです (Amerika kara desu): I'm from America.

Everyday Phrases*

ありがとうございます (Arigato gozaimasu): Thank you*

どういたしまして (Do itashimashite): You're welcome*

すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me, sorry*

はい (Hai): Yes*

いいえ (Iie): No*

わかりません (Wakaranai): I don't understand.

Common Objects*

本 (Hon): Book*

ペン (Pen): Pen*

鉛筆 (Enpitsu): Pencil*

ノート (Nooto): Notebook*

机 (Tsukue): Desk*

椅子 (Isu): Chair

Food and Drinks*

ご飯 (Gohan): Rice*

味噌汁 (Miso shiru): Miso soup*

寿司 (Sushi): Sushi*

ラーメン (Raamen): Ramen noodles*

お茶 (Ocha): Tea*

ビール (Biiru): Beer

Shopping*

いくらか (Ikura desu ka?): How much is it?*

安いです (Yasui desu): It's cheap.*

高いです (Takai desu): It's expensive.*

これください (Kore kudasai): I'll take this.*

カード使えますか (Kaado tsukaemasuka?): Do you accept cards?

Numbers*

1 (Ichi)*

2 (Ni)*

3 (San)*

4 (Yon)*

5 (Go)*

10 (Juu)*

20 (Nijuu)

Time and Date*

今 (Ima): Now*

何時ですか (Nan ji desu ka?): What time is it?*

何曜日ですか (Nan youbi desu ka?): What day of the week is it?*

今日 (Kyou): Today*

明日 (Ashita): Tomorrow*

昨日 (Kinou): Yesterday

Other Useful Words*

トイレ (Toire): Toilet*

駅 (Eki): Station*

病院 (Byouin): Hospital*

学校 (Gakkou): School*

公園 (Kouen): Park*

好き (Suki): I like*

嫌い (Kirai): I don't like

Remember, practice and repetition are key to mastering any language. Incorporate these words into your daily interactions, whether through online resources, language exchange programs, or self-study, and you'll be speaking Japanese with confidence in no time.

2025-01-19

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