https://www.duolingo.

com/comment/978982
http://japanese-lesson.com/conversation/basic_japanese/basic01.html
http://www.learn-japanese-adventure.com/
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/Learn/Japanese.asp
http://www.fluentin3months.com/easy-japanese/
http://www.tofugu.com/2010/10/01/the-100-most-important-japanese-words/
http://www.101languages.net/japanese/basics.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/
http://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/
http://www.langage.com/vocabulaire/learn_japanese.htm

BASIC WORDS VOCABULARY

Here a non-exhaustive list of your first Japanese.
We are aware that we can't give you the exact pronunciation, but you'll find here a preview of
this beautiful language.

Yes

Hai

No

Iie

Thank you

Arigato

Thank you very much

Arigato gozaimasu

You're welcome

Douitashimashite

Please

Douzo

Excuse me

sumimasen, shitsurei shimasu

Hello

Kon-nichiwa

Goodbye

Sayounara

So long

jaamataashita

Good morning

O hayou gozaimasu

Good afternoon

Kon-nichiwa

Good evening

Konbanwa

Good night

Oyasuminasai

I do not understand

Wakarimasen

How do you say this in [English]?

Kore wa [nihongo] de nan to iimasuka?

Do you speak ...

Anata wa ...go wo hanasemasuka

English

Eigo

French

Furansugo

German

Doitsugo

Spanish

Supeingo

Chinese

Chuugokugo

watashi, watakushi

We

watashi tachi, wareware

You (singular, familiar)

kimi

You (singular, formal)

anata

You (plural)

anatagata

They

karera

What is your name?

Anata no namae wa nan to iimasu ka?

Nice to meet you.

O-ai dekite ureshii desu.

How are you?

O-genki desu ka

Good

Ii, Yoi

Bad

Warui, Yokunai

So so

Souda neh, Maamaa desu, Bochi-bochi desu

Wife

Kanai, Tsuma

Husband

Shujin, Otto

Daughter

Musume

Son

Musuko

Mother

Haha, Okaasan

Father

Chichi, Otousan

Friend

Tomodachi

Where is the bathroom? Where is the toilet?

Toire wa doko desu ka?

zero

zero

one

ichi

two

ni

three

san

four

yon

five

go

six

roku

seven

nana

eight

hachi

nine

kyuu

ten

juu

eleven

juu ichi

twelve

juu ni

thirteen

juu san

fourteen

juu yon

fifteen

juu go

sixteen

juu roku

seventeen

juu nana

eighteen

juu hachi

nineteen

juu kyu

twenty

ni juu

twenty one

ni juu ichi

thirty

san juu

forty

yon juu

fifty

go juu

sixty

roku juu

seventy

nana juu

eighty

hachi juu

ninety

kyuu juu

one hundred

hyaku

one thousand

sen

one million

hyaku man

How much does this cost?

Korewa ikura desuka.

What is this?

korewa nan desuka.

I'll buy it.

Sore wo kaimasu.

I would like to buy ...

Sore wo kaitai nodesu.

Do you have ...

... wa arimasuka.

Do you accept credit cards?

Kurejiti to kahdo de kaemasuka.

Open

Aku

Closed

Shimatteiru

Postcard

E hagaki

Stamps

Kitte

A little

Sukoshi

A lot

Takusan

All

Zenbu

Breakfast

Chohshoku

Lunch

Chuushoku

Dinner

Yuushoku

Vegetarian

Saishoku shugisha

Kosher

[none]

Cheers!

Kanpai

Please bring the bill.

Kanjouwo onegai shimasu.

Bread

Pan

Beverage

Nomimono

Coffee

Koohii

Tea

Ocha, Koucha

Juice

Juusu

Water

Mizu

Beer

Biiru

Wine

Wain

Salt

Shio

Pepper

Kosho

Meat

Niku

Beef

Gyuu niku, Biifu

Pork

Buta niku, Pooku

Fish

Sakana

Poultry

Tori

Vegetable

Yasai

Fruit

Kudamono

Potato

Jagaimo, Poteto

Salad

Sarada

Dessert

Desaato

Ice cream

Aisu kuriimu

Where is ...?

... wa doko desuka.

How much is the fare?

Unchin wa ikura desuka.

Ticket

Kippu

One ticket to ..., please.

Kippu wo ichimai onegaishimasu.

Where are you going?

Dokoe ikimasuka.

Where do you live?

Dokoni sunde imasuka.

Train

Kisha, Ressha

Bus

Basu

Subway, Underground

Chikatetsu

Airport

Kuukou

Train station

Eki

Bus station

Basu tei

Subway station, Underground station

Chikatetsu no eki

Departure

Shuppatsu

Arrival

Touchaku

Car rental agency

Renta car no eigyousho

Parking

Chuushajou

Hotel

Hoteru

Room

Heya

Reservation

Yoyaku

Are there any vacancies for tonight?

Aita heyaga arimasuka.

No vacancies

Aita heyawa arimasen.

Passport

Pasupooto

Left

Hidari

Right

Migi

Straight

Massugu

Up

Ue

Down

Shita

Far

Tooku

Near

Chikaku

Long

Nagai

Short

Mijikai

Map

Chizu

Tourist Information

(Ryokou)Annaisho

Left

Hidari

Right

Migi

Straight

Massugu

Up

Ue

Down

Shita

Far

Tooku

Near

Chikaku

Long

Nagai

Short

Mijikai

Map

Chizu

Tourist Information

(Ryokou)Annaisho

Post office

Yuubinkyoku

Museum

Hakubutsu kan

Bank

Ginkou

Police station

Keisatsusho

Hospital

Byouin

Pharmacy, Chemists

Yakkyoku

Store, Shop

Mise

Restaurant

Resutoran, Shokudou

School

Gakkou

Church

Kyoukai

Restrooms

Toire

Street

Toori

Square

Hiroba

Mountain

Yama

Hill

Oka

Valley

Tani(ma)

Ocean

Umi

Lake

Mizu umi

River

Kawa

Swimming Pool

Puuru

Tower

Tawaa, Tou

Bridge

Hashi

What time is it?

Nanji desuka.

7:13, Seven thirteen

7:13, Shichi ji juu san pun desu.

3:15, Three fifteen

3:15, San ji juu go fun desu.

3:15, A quarter past three

3:15, San ji juu go fun sugi desu.

11:30, Eleven thirty

11:30, Juu ichi ji sanju pun desu.

11:30, Half past eleven

11:30, juu ichi ji han desu.

1:45, One forty-five

1:45, Ichi ji yonjuu go fun desu.

1:45, A quarter till two

1:45, Ni ji juu go fun mae desu.

Day

Hi, Nichi

Week

Shuu

Month

Tsuki

Year

Nen, Toshi

Monday

Getzuyou bi

Tuesday

Kayou bi

Wednesday

Suiyou bi

Thursday

Mokuyou bi

Friday

Kin'you bi

Saturday

Doyou bi

Sunday

Nichiyou bi

January

Ichi gatsu

February

Ni gatsu

March

San gatsu

April

Shi gatsu

May

Go gatsu

June

Roku gatsu

July

Shichi gatsu

August

Hachi gatsu

September

Ku gatsu

October

Juu gatsu

November

Juu ichi gatsu

December

Juu ni gatsu

Spring

Haru

Summer

Natsu

Fall, Autumn

Aki

Winter

Fuyu

Today

Kyou

Yesterday

Kinou

Tomorrow

Asu

Birthday

Tanjoubi

Happy Birthday!

Tanjoubi omedetou!

Essential Kanji: 2,000 Basic Japanese Characters Systematically Arranged For Learning And
Reference Reissue Edition
Kana Flashcards (Japanese and English Edition)
Expressions
Click button to play audio.
When you meet or leave someone
Hello.

Konnichiwa.

Pronounce "n" and "ni" separately. It's like "kon-nichiwa".

Good morning.

Ohay gozaimasu.

The last vowel "u" is not pronounced ly. It's like "gozaimas".
Informal: Ohay.

Good evening.

Konbanwa.

Used at the beginning of the conversation, not at the end.

Good night.

Oyasuminasai.

Informal: Oyasumi.

Goodbye.

Saynara.

In general, used when people will not see each other for some time.
Informal: Sayonara. (short "o" after y).

See you.

Dewa mata.

See you tomorrow.

Dewa mata ashita.

See you next week.

Dewa mata raish.

dewa: well, now or so

mata: again
When you thank or apologize to someone
Thank you.

Arigat gozaimasu.

Thank you very much.

Dmo arigat gozaimasu.

Thank you. (past)

Arigat gozaimashita.

Thanks.

Dmo.

The last vowel "u" is not pronounced ly. gozaimas(u).

Dmo arigat gozaimasu.: To emphasize.
Arigat gozaimashita.: To thank for something in the past.
Dmo.: To thank for a small favor.
Informal: Arigat.

You're welcome.

Ditashimashite.

Don't mention it.

Iie.

Iie. (literally means "No.") also can be used with the rising accent if it's not a big deal.

Excuse me.

Sumimasen.

Yes.

Hai.

Used when you talk to someone, and to apologize for small faults (Sorry.).
Hai. (Yes.) can be used to answer someone's call.

I'm sorry.

Gomennasai.

I'm sorry.

Dmo sumimasen.

Don't be sorry.

Iie.

Dmo sumimasen. is also used. It sounds more polite.

As a response, Iie. can be used if it's not a big deal.
When you start or finish eating
(before eating)

Itadakimasu.

Literally means "I accept (the food)". Used when you start eating as a signal "Let's start".
You can say this to the person who is treating you the meal.

(after eating)

Gochissamadeshita.

Literally means "It was a wonderful feast". Used when you finished eating.
You can say this to thank the person who treated you the meal.
You can download audio recordings of all the sample expressions at Resources page.
In this course, all the Japanese words and sentences are shown in Rmaji (Roman alphabet).
See Rmaji page to check how to pronounce Rmaji letters.
Say you booked a last minute trip to Japan. Soon after that, you quickly realize that you dont know any
Japanese words (let alone a hundred words). For all of you people out there (or, for all of you beginners of
Japanese out there), this list is for you. These 100 words will get you through an untold number of
situations, problems, and feelings, just by knowing these all-important words. Im not saying that there
arent any other important words out there (and I hope you add to the list by commenting below), but I
do think this list of 100 Japanese words will get you really, really far if you are, for some reason, only
limited to learning 100 words. Enjoy!
Having trouble pronouncing these crazy Japanese words? Try out some of the free lessons on TextFugu
to become a Japanese pronunciation master .
Emergency
If youre traveling to Japan, youre going to want to know words that have to do with emergency
situations. You dont want to be caught off guard in a foreign country. If youre in trouble, you need to be
able to ask for some help, whether that help is finding a bathroom or getting someone who speaks
English.

 (toire) = Toilet. Everyone has to use the toilet at some point, so if you need help finding it, this is
the word for you.
(tearai) = Bathroom. Just like toilet, but a little more all-inclusive. You can feel free to use either
of these in a pinch, though.
(tasukete) = HELP. Just yell this out and (maybe) someone will come to your aid if youre lucky.
(wakarimasen) = I dont understand. If someone is speaking to you in Japanese and you
dont understand them (if youre using this list, then maybe you dont) then you can just tell them you
dont understand what theyre saying. Follow that up with eigo, eigo (which youll learn in a minute) and
youll be golden.
(yamete!) = Stop it! Maybe somebody is messing with you and you want them to stop
(yakuza? probably not). This is what youd want to say.
(eigo) = English. Sometimes you just need someone who speaks some English. Everyone in Japan
is supposed to be able to speak English, though you might have trouble finding the right person
depending on where you are.
(fuku) = Clothes. Dont ask I just thought it would be terrible to lose your clothes, and with all the
hot springs and perverts, you never know.
(shini sou) = Seems Like Im Going To Die. When things get really serious, you may need to
pull out all the stops.
(keisatsu) = Police. If something really bad happens, these are the guys youre going to want to
ask for.
(abunai) = Dangerous. Youll see this on signs and stuff too. If someone says abunai to you,
you should probably watch your step.
(kiken) = Peril, Hazard. Basically, this is a fancier abunai. Youll see this on signs as well.
Asking
Asking broad general questions, then using body language to tell people the rest is a really fun way to get
by in a country where you dont speak the language!

 (doushita?) = What Happened? Then again, you probably wont understand what the
person responds with, but its always nice to ask.
(doushite?) = Why? You never know
(nani) = What? Unbelievable!
(jikan) = Time. Just ask this with an quizzical tone and people will get the drift.
(shitsumon) = Question. Have a question? Let someone know. Couple this with eigo! eigo! and
maybe someone who can speak some English will come to answer your shitsumon.
(dare) = Who. Great in case you need to find someone.
(itsu) = When. Pretty important if youre trying to time something.
People
Sometimes you need something that has to do with a someone. You can get by without too much here.

(sensei) = Teacher. If youre a student in Japan, this one comes in handy.

(kaishain) = Employee. Good if youre looking for an organizations employee to ask a question,
perhaps.
(hito) = Person. For when you need to point out a person in general.
Locations
Finding your way around can be pretty important. Here are some Japanese words that will help you do
that and keep you from getting lost.

 (hoteru) = Hotel. Youll need to be able to find this if youre traveling in Japan.
(doko) = Where. Dont know where something is? Ask where it is with this word.
(kuukou) = Airport. Dont miss your flight!
(eki) = Station. Gotta catch that train!
(nihon) = Japan. Good to know where you are.
(daigaku) = College. Great for college students studying in Japan, or people who like colleges in
general.
(honya) = Bookstore. Some bookstores are pretty sketchy, be careful!
(takushi) = Taxi. Expensive, but you can find them everywhere.
(uchi/ie) = Home. Theres no place like it.
Food
Oh food, how I love thee. Cant live without it, either.

(onaka suita) / (hara hetta) = Hungry. Two ways to say this one. First one is
more neutral, second is more casual.
(tabemasu) = To Eat. Do you eat this? Yes I eat this.
(tabemasen) = To Not Eat. Do you eat this? No I dont.
(nomimasu) = To Drink. Glug Glug.
(nomimasen) = To Not Drink. I dont drink beer, sorry.

 (mizu) = Water. I drink water, instead, because thats how I roll.

(nomimono) = Drink. Not the verb, but the noun. Please get me a drink.
(tabemono) = Food. Need food? Any food?
(oishii) = Good Tasting. If something tastes nice (or if you want to be nice), youd say this.
(mazui) = Bad Tasting. I probably wouldnt ever say this, but just in case you need to let
someone know
(resutoran) = Restaurant. Now you need to figure out which one.
(konbini) = Convenience Store. Great place to buy small things and food. Convenience Store
food in Japan is pretty awesome.
(suupaa) = Super Market. If you need something a convenience store cant give you.
Being Polite
You dont want to piss people off when youre in their country. Bad things happen if you do

(arigatougozaimasu) = Thank You. Do I even need to tell you why you should
learn this? I hope not.
(sumimasen) = Excuse Me. The streets can be busy, its nice to say excuse me when you
walk through people.
(gomennasai) = Sorry. If you bump into a Yakuza gang member, you might want to whip
this one out.
Greetings
Hopefully you meet some nice people in your travels. Say hello (and then goodbye!) to them.

 (ohayougozaimasu) = Good Morning. A greeting for morning.

(konnichiwa) = Good Afternoon. You can use this around noonish on to the evening.
(konbanwa) = Good Evening. Like the other ones, but for evenings.
(dewamata) = See You Later.
(mata ashita) = See You Tomorrow.
(sayounara) = Good bye. Probably wont see them for a while :(
(oyasuminasai) = Good Night. Time for sleepy time.
Basic Verbs
Verbs will get you a long ways. You dont have to know much else as long as you know verbs, because
verbs help you to get things done.
(ikimasu) = To Go.
(kaerimasu) = To Return (home).
(tabemasu) = To Eat. Nom nom nom.
(shimasu) = To Do. This is the best verb ever.
(mimasu) = To See. What is it you want to see?
(kaimasu) = To Buy. For all of you who like shopping.
(machimasu) = To Wait.
(kakimasu) = To Write. Have people write the directions down!
(tomarimasu) = To Stop.
(oshiemasu) = To Teach. If youre a teacher in Japan.
(hanashimasu) To Speak.
Basic Adjectives
Adjectives, while not as awesome as verbs, are also very useful. They help you describe things.
(atarashii) = New.
(ureshii) = Happy.
(daijoubu) = Okay. As in Im okay!
(sugoi) = Amazing. For the sight seeing.
(takai) = Expensive / Tall. Just depends on the context.
(ookii) = Big, Large.
(chiisai) = Small.

 (chikai) = Near. How close is it?

(tooi) = Far. How far is it?
(warui) = Bad.
(ii) = Good.
(Omoshiroi) = Interesting.
(tanoshii) = Fun.
(atsui) = Hot.
(samui) = Cold.
(jouzu) = Good At.
(heta) = Bad At.
(aka) = Red.
(ao) = Blue.
(kuro) = Black.
(midori) = Green.
(kiiro) = Yellow.
(shiro) = White.
(baka) = Stupid! I bet you knew this one already.
Numbers

(ichi) = One.
(ni) = Two.
(san) = Three.
(shi/yon) = Four. Such an unlucky number!
(go) = Five. Good way to remember the first five numbers: Itchy knee! Son, She go! Imagine that
playing out
(roku) = Six.
(shichi) = Seven. Also kinda unlucky.
(hachi) = Eight.
(ku) = Nine.
(juu) = Ten.
(hyaku) = 100.
(sen) = 1,000.
(man) = 10,000.
(en) = Yen. Not really a number, but goes nicely with the numbers, I think.
What Japanese Words Are Missing?
Okay, okay. Hold your space horse space cowboy. I know that this list isnt every important word. That
would be impossible, and really depend on the person. But, nows your chance to let me know
whatyou would have added to this list as a most important word. List the word and the meaning down in
the comments to help other people out too! That way your comment does some good, not evil.
Related Content:

The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Learning Kanji

Hello.
Konnichiwa. (kon-nee-chee-WAH)

How are you?

O-genki desu ka? (oh-GEN-kee dess-KAH?)

Fine, thank you.

Genki desu. (GEN-kee dess)

What is your name?

O-namae wa nan desu ka?(oh-NAH-mah-eh wah NAHN dess-KAH?)

My name is ____ .
____ Watashi no namae wa ____ desu. (wah-TAH-shee no nah-mah-eh wa ____ dess)

Nice to meet you.

Hajimemashite. (hah-jee-meh-MASH-teh)

Please. (request)
Onegai shimasu. (oh-neh-gigh shee-moss)

Please. (offer)
Dzo. (DOH-zo)

Thank you.
Dmo arigat. (doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh)

You're welcome.
D itashi mashite. (doh EE-tah-shee mosh-teh)

Yes.
Hai. (HIGH)

No.
Iie. (EE-eh)

Excuse me.
Sumimasen. (soo-mee-mah-sen)

I'm sorry.
Gomen-nasai. (goh-men-nah-sigh)

Goodbye. (long-term)
Saynara. (sa-YOH-nah-rah)

Goodbye. (informal)
Sore dewa. (SOH-reh deh-wah)

I can't speak Japanese [well].

Nihongo o [yoku] hanasemasen. (nee-hohn-goh oh [yo-koo] hah-nah-seh-mah-sen)

Do you speak English?

Eigo o hanasemasuka? (AY-goh oh hah-nah-seh-moss-KAH?)

Is there someone here who speaks English?

Dareka eigo o hanasemasuka? (dah-reh-kah AY-goh oh hah-nah-seh-moss-KAH?)

Help!
! Tasukete! (tahs-keh-teh!)

Look out!
! Abunai! (ah-boo-NIGH!)

Good morning.
Ohay gozaimasu. (oh-hah-YOH go-zigh-moss)

Good evening.
Konbanwa. (kohm-bahn-wah)

Good night (to sleep)

Oyasuminasai. (oh-yah-soo-mee-nah-sigh)

I don't understand.
Wakarimasen. (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)

Where is the toilet?

Toire wa doko desu ka? (toy-reh wah DOH-koh dess kah?)