Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners61

Embarking on a journey into the fascinating world of Japanese can be both exhilarating and daunting. To lay a solid foundation for your language acquisition, mastering essential vocabulary is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into 38 core Japanese words, providing you with a lexicon that will empower you to navigate basic conversations and everyday situations.

Greetings and Introductions

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello

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

3. こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening

4. お名前は? (Onamae wa?): What is your name?

5. 私の名前は… (Watashi no namae wa...): My name is...

6. はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you

Essential Verbs

7. いる (Iru): To be (location)

8. いる (Iru): To exist

9. ない (Nai): To not be

10. する (Suru): To do

11. 食べる (Taberu): To eat

12. 飲む (Nomu): To drink

13. 行く (Iku): To go

Basic Pronouns

14. 私 (Watashi): I

15. あなた (Anata): You (informal)

16. 彼 (Kare): He

17. 彼女 (Kanojo): She

Essential Nouns

18. 家 (Ie): House

19. 学校 (Gakkou): School

20. 友達 (Tomodachi): Friend

21. 本 (Hon): Book

22. 車 (Kuruma): Car

23. お金 (Okane): Money

Adjectives

24. 大きい (Ookii): Big

25. 小さい (Chiisai): Small

26. 高い (Takai): Expensive

27. 安い (Yasui): Cheap

28. 新しい (Atarashii): New

29. 古い (Furui): Old

Basic Questions

30. どこですか? (Doko desu ka?): Where is it?

31. 何ですか? (Nani desu ka?): What is it?

32. 誰ですか? (Dare desu ka?): Who is it?

33. いつですか? (Itsu desu ka?): When is it?

34. いくらですか? (Ikura desu ka?): How much is it?

Useful Phrases

35. すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me

36. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you

37. はい (Hai): Yes

38. いいえ (Iie): No

By incorporating these 38 essential Japanese words into your vocabulary, you will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in basic situations and lay the foundation for your continued language learning journey. Remember, consistency and repetition are key to mastering any new language, so practice using these words regularly in conversation and writing. As you progress, you will gradually expand your lexicon and gain confidence in your Japanese language skills.

2024-12-11

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