Top 100 Basic Japanese Words for Beginners

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming at first, but starting with the right vocabulary is the key to building confidence and fluency. Whether you are preparing for the JLPT, planning to travel to Japan, or simply exploring Japanese culture, mastering basic words will help you communicate effectively.

At Team Language Services (TLS), we specialize in helping beginners learn essential Japanese vocabulary through interactive lessons and expert guidance. In this article, we’ll cover the top Japanese words every beginner should know, provide tips to memorize them efficiently, and explain how TLS can help you progress quickly.

For beginners, also check the detailed JLPT N5 Exam Pattern 2025 here.

Why Learning Basic Japanese Words is Important

Before diving into grammar, sentence structures, and kanji, building a solid vocabulary foundation is essential. Here’s why beginners should focus on learning basic Japanese words first:

 Understand Simple Conversations Faster

When you know high-frequency Japanese words, you can grasp the general meaning of conversations without translating every word. This gives you a contextual understanding of daily interactions.

 Boost Confidence in Speaking and Listening

Recognizing common words and using them in conversations reduces hesitation and fear of making mistakes. Even speaking a few words fluently can significantly boost your confidence.

 Make Daily Communication Easier

Everyday situations, such as ordering food, asking for directions, or shopping, become much simpler when you know the right words.

Start with our guide on Basic Japanese Words for Beginners.

 Build a Strong Foundation for Grammar

A solid vocabulary helps you understand sentence structures naturally. Once you know common words, you can focus on grammar without feeling lost.

 Efficient Learning with Structured Methods

At TLS, we use a structured approach that focuses on high-frequency words used in daily conversations. Step-by-step methods ensure effective learning and retention.

 Key Japanese Words and Phrases for Beginners

If you’re just starting your Japanese language journey, mastering basic greetings is the perfect first step. These everyday expressions help you sound polite, confident, and culturally aware. Below is a beautifully organized list of essential Japanese words and phrases beginners should know along with simple meanings to help you remember them easily.

Learn how to introduce yourself: Self Introduction in Japanese.

 Common Japanese Greetings (あいさつ / Aisatsu)

1. Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning
Warm, polite, and used until around 11 AM.

2. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Good afternoon / Hello
Perfect for general greetings throughout the day.

3. Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening
Used after sunset when greeting someone.

4. Oyasumi (おやすみ) – Good night
A friendly way to wish someone a restful night.

5. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you (polite)
A must-learn phrase to show gratitude with respect.

6. Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / I’m sorry
A versatile phrase used to apologize, get attention, or show appreciation.

7. Hai (はい) – Yes
Simple, polite, and widely used in daily interactions.

8. Iie (いいえ) – No
Soft, gentle, and used respectfully.

9. Sayounara (さようなら) – Goodbye
A formal way to say goodbye, often used when parting for a long time.

10. Ittekimasu (いってきます) – I’m leaving! / I’ll be back!
Commonly said when leaving home—very cultural and thoughtful.

“Don’t forget to practice basic greetings with our Common Japanese Greetings & Words guide.”

People / Pronouns

Unlike English, Japanese rarely uses pronouns in everyday conversations. Instead of saying “you,” “he,” or “she,” people commonly use names, titles, or social roles to sound more polite and natural. Still, here are some essential words you’ll hear frequently as a beginner:

 Common Japanese Pronouns & People Words

Watashi (私) – I (formal / neutral)
The safest and most polite way for anyone to refer to themselves.

Boku (僕) – I (male, casual)
Used by boys and young men; gentle and humble.

Ore (俺) – I (male, informal)
Very casual and masculine; typically used among friends.

Tomodachi (友達) – Friend
A warm, friendly word used for people you’re close to.

Kazoku (家族) – Family
A meaningful word representing all family members.

Otoosan (お父さん) – Father
A polite way to refer to someone’s father or your own.

Okaasan (お母さん) – Mother
Similarly respectful, used for mothers in general.

Otoko-no-hito (男の人) – Man
A neutral and polite way to describe a male person.

Onna-no-hito (女の人) – Woman
The polite equivalent for a female person.

Kareshi (彼氏) – Boyfriend
Used to talk about one’s romantic male partner.

Kanojo (彼女) – Girlfriend
Used for a female romantic partner.

Explore deeper meaning with our collection of Japanese proverbs.

 Pro Tip:

To sound polite and natural in Japanese, use names + honorifics instead of pronouns.
Example:
Instead of “you,” say Tanaka-san.
Instead of “she,” say Yumi-san.

This small habit instantly makes your Japanese sound more authentic and respectful.

Food and Drink

Japan has a rich food culture, with traditional Washoku and Western-influenced Yoshoku. Essential vocabulary includes:

• Gohan (ご飯): Rice / Meal
• Pan (パン): Bread
• Niku (肉): Meat
• Sakana (魚): Fish
• Yasai (野菜): Vegetables
• Kudamono (果物): Fruits
• Mizu (水): Water
• Ocha (お茶): Tea
• Koohii (コーヒー): Coffee
• Gyunyuu (牛乳): Milk
• Suupu (スープ): Soup
• Sarada (サラダ): Salad
• Tamago (卵): Egg
• Osake (お酒): Alcohol
• Wain (ワイン): Wine
• Biiru (ビール): Beer

Tip: Practice these words when visiting restaurants or ordering food in Japan.

Strengthen your kanji skills with our JLPT N3 kanji list.

Numbers (1–10)

Counting is one of the most practical and rewarding skills when learning Japanese. You’ll use numbers everywhere—shopping, trains, time, dates, and even levels in video games! Below are the essential numbers from 1 to 10, written with pronunciation and kanji.

 Basic Japanese Numbers (1–10)

Ichi (一) – 1
The starting point for all Japanese counting systems.

Ni (二) – 2
Easy to remember and frequently used.

San (三) – 3
A very common number in Japanese culture (think: “san-nin,” “san-gatsu”).

Shi / Yon (四) – 4
“Yon” is generally preferred in daily life because “shi” can mean “death” in Japanese.

Go (五) – 5
Smooth and simple—used in time expressions like go-ji (5 o’clock).

Roku (六) – 6
A useful word you'll hear in countdowns or schedules.

Shichi / Nana (七) – 7
Like with “4,” “nana” is more commonly used than “shichi.”

Hachi (八) – 8
Easy to spot in kanji form because it looks like an open gate.

Kyuu (九) – 9
Another essential number, often used in prices and measurements.

Juu (十) – 10
Once you know “juu,” you can easily build numbers beyond 10 (e.g., 11 = juu + ichi).

 Pro Tip:

Mastering these numbers is super practical; they show up in prices, dates, train platforms, floors of buildings, and daily conversations. Once you're comfortable with 1–10, combining them to form higher numbers becomes surprisingly simple.

Discover career paths — Earn after Learning Japanese in India.

Time, Days, and Months

Time Words:

• Kyou (今日): Today
• Ashita (明日): Tomorrow
• Kinou (昨日): Yesterday
• Asa (朝): Morning
• Hiru (昼): Noon
• Yoru (夜): Night

Days of the Week:

• Sunday: Nichiyoobi (日曜日)
• Monday: Getsuyoobi (月曜日)
• Tuesday: Kayoobi (火曜日)
• Wednesday: Suiyoobi (水曜日)
• Thursday: Mokuyoobi (木曜日)
• Friday: Kinyoobi (金曜日)
• Saturday: Doyoobi (土曜日)

Months of the Year:

• January: Ichigatsu (一月)
• February: Nigatsu (二月)
• March: Sangatsu (三月)
• April: Shigatsu (四月)
• May: Gogatsu (五月)
• June: Rokugatsu (六月)
• July: Shichigatsu (七月)
• August: Hachigatsu (八月)
• September: Kugatsu (九月)
• October: Juugatsu (十月)
• November: Juuichigatsu (十一月)
• December: Juunigatsu (十二月)

Tip: Learn these alongside numbers to read dates and schedules in Japan.

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Places

Traveling in Japan requires knowledge of key locations:

• Eki (駅): Station
• Byouin (病院): Hospital
• Ginkou (銀行): Bank
• Keisatsusho (警察署): Police station
• Yubinkyoku (郵便局): Post office
• Mise (店): Shop / Store
• Kuukou (空港): Airport
• Basutei (バス停): Bus stop
• Supaa (スーパー): Grocery store
• Jinja (神社): Shrine

Tip: Use these words to ask for directions confidently while traveling.

Colors

• Aka (赤): Red
• Ao (青): Blue
• Kiiro (黄色): Yellow
• Midori (緑): Green
• Shiro (白): White
• Kuro (黒): Black
• Murasaki (紫): Purple
• Orenji (オレンジ): Orange
• Pinku (ピンク): Pink
• Chairo (茶色): Brown

Tip: Colors are useful for shopping, describing objects, and basic conversations.

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Essential Verbs

Verbs are essential for forming sentences and expressing actions:

• Taberu (食べる): To eat
• Nomu (飲む): To drink
• Miru (見る): To see / watch
• Kiku (聞く): To listen / hear
• Hanasu (話す): To speak
• Yomu (読む): To read
• Iku (行く): To go
• Kuru (来る): To come
• Suru (する): To do
• Kaku (書く): To write

Looking for local support? Try our Japanese language coaching near me.

How to Use Basic Words in Daily Conversations

Learning vocabulary is great but using it in real-life situations is what makes it stick. Here are a few simple, practical examples to help you apply your new Japanese words confidently in everyday conversations:

 1. Asking for Directions

“Eki wa doko desu ka?” (駅はどこですか？)
 Meaning: “Where is the train station?”
A super helpful phrase for travelers in Japan. You can replace eki (station) with toire (toilet) or kōen (park) to ask for anything.

 2. Ordering Food or Drinks

“Gohan o onegaishimasu.” (ご飯をお願いします)
 Meaning: “Rice, please.” / “I would like rice.”
This polite structure works for any order just replace gohan with items like mizu (water) or rāmen (ramen).

 3. Expressing Gratitude

“Arigatou gozaimasu.” (ありがとうございます)
 Meaning: “Thank you very much.”
A polite and essential phrase you’ll use dozens of times a day in Japan.

 Pro Tip:

Try creating your own mini-dialogues using these words. The more you speak even with yourself the more natural your Japanese will become. Daily practice builds confidence faster than you think!

Looking for in-person learning? Read about the best Japanese language institute in Delhi.

Study Tips for Memorizing Japanese Words

Building a strong Japanese vocabulary doesn’t have to be hard it just needs the right strategy. Here are some fun and practical tips to help you remember words faster and use them confidently:

 1. Use Flashcards & Mnemonics

Flashcards make repetition easy, while mnemonics help you connect Japanese words to vivid images or stories.
Example: Remember “neko” (cat) by imagining a cat sleeping on your neck.

 2. Practice Daily Conversations

Speak as often as you can whether with a tutor, a language partner, or even by practicing aloud at home. The more you use words naturally, the faster they stick.

 3. Immerse Yourself in Japanese Media

Watch anime, dramas, YouTube channels, or listen to Japanese podcasts. Hearing real expressions in context helps you absorb new vocabulary without even trying.

 4. Write Regularly

Keep a small notebook or digital journal. Write sentences using new words every day. Writing reinforces memory and improves sentence-building skills.

Ready to learn Japanese in person? Check our Japanese classes in Delhi.

 Pro Tip:

Consistency beats intensity. Even 10 minutes a day of exposure to Japanese listening, speaking, or writing creates long-term progress.

How TLS Helps You Master Japanese Vocabulary

Learning Japanese becomes easier and more enjoyable with the right guidance and that’s exactly what TLS offers. Our teaching approach is designed to help you remember vocabulary effortlessly and use it confidently in real conversations.

 Interactive Lessons with Real-Life Examples

We don’t just teach words we show you how they’re used in everyday Japanese situations like shopping, travel, dining, and casual conversations. This makes learning practical and meaningful.

 Practical Exercises That Build Real Skills

From speaking drills to writing practice and quick quizzes, our exercises are designed to reinforce new vocabulary so it becomes part of your active memory.

 Personalized Coaching for Faster Progress

Every learner is different. Our expert instructors tailor lessons based on your pace and goals, helping you overcome challenges quickly and stay motivated.

 Why It Works

TLS follows a structured, results-driven method that helps you understand, remember, and naturally apply Japanese words in daily conversations just like a native speaker.

Looking for local Japanese classes? Try our basic Japanese language course near me.

FAQs About Learning Japanese Vocabulary

1. What are the basic words to learn in Japanese?

Beginner learners should start with greetings, pronouns, essential verbs, numbers, and everyday nouns. Words like konnichiwa (hello), arigatou (thank you), watashi (I), taberu (to eat), and numbers (ichi–juu) help you communicate in simple but meaningful ways.
As you progress, adding common phrases for travel, food, and daily activities will make conversations much smoother.

2. How long does it take to learn basic Japanese words?

With consistent daily practice, most beginners can learn and remember 100–150 essential Japanese words in 2–4 weeks.
Using flashcards, apps, or short speaking sessions boosts retention. Learners who also listen to Japanese content (anime, podcasts, music) often learn much faster because they hear vocabulary in context.

3. Can I learn Japanese vocabulary without kanji?

Absolutely—many beginners start with hiragana and katakana before diving into kanji.
Learning vocabulary without kanji helps build confidence and improves reading fluency. However, as you advance, adding kanji becomes important because it helps you understand meaning, avoid confusion between similar-sounding words, and read real-world Japanese signs, menus, and texts.

4. How many Japanese words do I need to speak basic conversations?

You can start having simple conversations with around 300–500 words.
This includes greetings, common verbs, basic adjectives, and everyday nouns. With 1,000+ words, you’ll be able to talk comfortably about most daily topics.

5. What is the fastest way to memorize Japanese vocabulary?

Combining multiple study methods works best:

• Flashcards (Anki, Quizlet)
• Speaking practice with a tutor
• Watching Japanese shows with subtitles
• Writing new words in a notebook
• Using mnemonics for tricky words

The more senses you involve—hearing, speaking, seeing, writing—the faster you learn.

6. Should beginners focus more on vocabulary or grammar?

A balanced approach is ideal.
Vocabulary helps you express ideas, while grammar helps you connect those ideas correctly. Start with simple grammar patterns and fill them with useful words you learn every day.

7. Is Japanese vocabulary difficult to learn?

Japanese vocabulary is easier than many people think because words are generally logical, consistent, and pronounced as written. Once you master kana, you’ll find reading and pronunciation much simpler compared to English or French.

8. How does TLS help beginners learn Japanese vocabulary effectively?

TLS uses interactive activities, real-life examples, structured lessons, and personalized coaching to help you remember and apply vocabulary naturally. Students learn faster through practice-based sessions rather than rote memorization.

Conclusion

Mastering the top 100 Japanese words is the first step to fluency. By focusing on essential vocabulary, practicing daily, and using expert guidance from TLS, learners can confidently begin their Japanese journey.

Start your Japanese learning journey today with TLS and speak Japanese with confidence!