Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners189

Embarking on the intriguing journey of learning Japanese can be both exciting and daunting. To establish a solid foundation, it is crucial to build a comprehensive vocabulary. This guide will equip you with the essential Japanese words and phrases commonly used in introductory textbooks and everyday conversations. By mastering these core terms, you will gain confidence and fluency in your Japanese language skills.

Greetings and Introductions

- こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello (Good afternoon/Good evening)

- こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening

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

- さようなら (Sayonara): Goodbye

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

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

- 元気です (Genki desu): I'm fine.

- よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu): Nice to meet you. (formal request for favor)

Basic Phrases

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

- どういたしまして (Doitashimashite): You're welcome

- すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me

- お願いします (Onegai shimasu): Please

- はい (Hai): Yes

- いいえ (Iie): No

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

People and Family

- 私 (Watashi): I/Me

- あなた (Anata): You (informal)

- 先生 (Sensei): Teacher

- 父 (Chichi): Father

- 母 (Haha): Mother

- 兄弟 (Kyoudai): Sibling

- 友達 (Tomodachi): Friend

Numbers

- 一 (Ichi): One

- 二 (Ni): Two

- 三 (San): Three

- 四 (Shi): Four

- 五 (Go): Five

- 六 (Roku): Six

- 七 (Nana): Seven

- 八 (Hachi): Eight

- 九 (Kyu): Nine

- 十 (Ju): Ten

Days and Months

- 月曜日 (Getsuyoubi): Monday

- 火曜日 (Kayoubi): Tuesday

- 水曜日 (Suiyoubi): Wednesday

- 木曜日 (Mokuyoubi): Thursday

- 金曜日 (Kinyoubi): Friday

- 土曜日 (Doyoubi): Saturday

- 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi): Sunday



- 一月 (Ichigatsu): January

- 二月 (Nigatsu): February

- 三月 (Sangatsu): March

- 四月 (Shigatsu): April

- 五月 (Gogatsu): May

- 六月 (Rokugatsu): June

- 七月 (Shichigatsu): July

- 八月 (Hachigatsu): August

- 九月 (Kugatsu): September

- 十月 (Juugatsu): October

- 十一月 (Juichigatsu): November

- 十二月 (Juinigatsu): December

Places and Things

- 家 (Ie): House

- 学校 (Gakkou): School

- 公園 (Kouen): Park

- 本 (Hon): Book

- ペン (Pen): Pen

- 車 (Kuruma): Car

- お金 (Okane): Money

Food and Drink

- ご飯 (Gohan): Cooked rice

- 味噌汁 (Misoshiru): Miso soup

- 寿司 (Sushi): Sushi

- ラーメン (Ramen): Ramen noodles

- お茶 (Ocha): Tea

- 水 (Mizu): Water

- ビール (Biiru): Beer

Time and Weather

- 今 (Ima): Now

- 明日 (Ashita): Tomorrow

- 昨日 (Kinou): Yesterday

- 晴れ (Hare): Sunny

- 雨 (Ame): Rain

- 雪 (Yuki): Snow

Verbs

- ある (Aru): To be (exist)

- いる (Iru): To be (animate)

- 行く (Iku): To go

- 来る (Kuru): To come

- 食べる (Taberu): To eat

- 飲む (Nomu): To drink

- 話す (Hanasu): To talk

Adjectives

- 大きい (Ookii): Big

- 小さい (Chiisai): Small

- 長い (Nagai): Long

- 短い (Mijikai): Short

- 高い (Takai): Tall

- 低い (Hikui): Short (in height)

By incorporating these essential Japanese words and phrases into your vocabulary, you will lay a solid foundation for effective communication. Remember to practice regularly, immerse yourself in the language through listening and reading, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from native speakers or language teachers. With perseverance and dedication, you will unlock the beauty and depth of the Japanese language.

2025-02-18

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