Japanese Beginner Vocabulary182

Learning the basics of any new language is important. For Japanese, this includes learning the basic vocabulary. Japanese vocabulary can be divided into three main categories: native Japanese words, words borrowed from Chinese, and words borrowed from other languages.

Native Japanese words are the words that have been used in Japan for centuries. These words are typically related to everyday objects and activities. Some examples of native Japanese words include:
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - hello
さようなら (Sayonara) - goodbye
ありがとう (Arigatou) - thank you
すみません (Sumimasen) - excuse me
はい (Hai) - yes
いいえ (Iie) - no
お早うございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) - good morning
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - good afternoon
こんばんは (Konbanwa) - good evening
おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) - good night

Words borrowed from Chinese are known as "kango." These words were introduced into Japanese over the centuries as Japan adopted Chinese culture. Kango are often used in formal settings and in technical writing. Some examples of kango include:
先生 (Sensei) - teacher
学生 (Gakusei) - student
学校 (Gakkou) - school
本 (Hon) - book
机 (Tsukue) - desk
椅子 (Isu) - chair
水 (Mizu) - water
火 (Hi) - fire
木 (Ki) - tree
金 (Kane) - metal

Words borrowed from other languages are known as "gairaigo." These words have been introduced into Japanese in more recent times. Gairaiigo are often used in everyday conversation and in popular culture. Some examples of gairaigo include:
コンピュータ (Konpyuuta) - computer
インターネット (Intaanetto) - internet
スマートフォン (Sumaho) - smartphone
テレビ (Terebi) - television
ラジオ (Rajio) - radio
カラオケ (Karaoke) - karaoke
コンビニエンスストア (Konbini) - convenience store
ファーストフード (Fasutofuudo) - fast food
ハンバーガー (Hanbaagaa) - hamburger
ピザ (Piza) - pizza

In addition to these three main categories, there are also a number of other types of vocabulary in Japanese. These include:
Onomatopoeia - words that imitate sounds, such as "zawa-zawa" (the sound of rain) or "pika-pika" (the sound of something shiny)
Mimetic words - words that describe actions or states, such as "doki-doki" (the sound of a heart beating) or "kira-kira" (the sound of something sparkling)
Abbreviations - shortened forms of words or phrases, such as "JK" (short for "joshi kousei," meaning "high school girl") or "AKB" (short for "AKB48," a popular Japanese idol group)

Learning the basic vocabulary of Japanese is an important first step in learning the language. By familiarizing yourself with the different types of vocabulary, you will be able to better understand Japanese speakers and communicate more effectively.

2024-11-07

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