@Common N5 Kanji and Words @N5 Reading Practice @Basic Japanese Grammar for N5 @JLPT N5 Vocabulary List

浴びる【あびる】 (abiru)

Verb, (to bathe, to shower)

私はこれからシャワーを浴びる。

I am going to take a shower.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = (topic marker)

·  これから (korekara) = from now, soon

·  シャワー (shawā) = shower

·  を (wo/o) = (object marker)

·  浴びる (あびる, abiru) = to take (a shower), to bathe

危ない【あぶない】 (abunai)

Adjective, (dangerous)

彼はとても危ない人だ。

He is a very dangerous person.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he”

·  は (wa) = (topic marker, indicating the subject)

·  とても (totemo) = “very”

·  危ない (あぶない, abunai) = “dangerous”

·  人 (ひと, hito) = “person”

·  だ (da) = (copula, roughly equivalent to “is”)

あっち (acchi)

Pronoun, (over there)

私たちはあっちへ行きましょう。

We, to over there, let’s go.

·  私たち (わたしたち, watashitachi) = “we”

·  は (wa) = (topic marker)

·  あっち (acchi) = “over there”

·  へ (e) = (direction particle, “to”)

·  行きましょう (いきましょう, ikimashou) = “let’s go”

あちら (achira)

Pronoun, (there)

あちらはあなたのお父さんですか。

Is that your father over there?

·  あちら (achira) = “that (over there)”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  あなた (anata) = “you/your”

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s”)

·  お父さん (otousan) = “father”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending (“is it?”)

上げる【あげる】 (ageru)

Verb, (to raise; to elevate; to give)

手を上げてください。

Raise your hands.

·  手 (て, te) = “hand”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  上げて (あげて, agete) = “raise” (te-form of 上げる)

·  ください (kudasai) = “please”

赤【あか】 (aka)

“Red” as an adjective

私は赤より青の方が好きです。

As for me, blue is the side I like more than red.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  赤 (あか, aka) = “red”

·  より (yori) = “than” (indicating comparison)

·  青 (あお, ao) = “blue”

·  の (no) = linking particle (turning “blue” into the comparative reference)

·  方 (ほう, hō) = “side” (used to indicate preference)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  好き (すき, suki) = “like”

·  です (desu) = polite ending, equivalent to “is”

赤い【あかい】 (akai)

Adjective, (red; crimson; scarlet​)

彼女は、髪を赤く染めました。

She dyed her hair red.

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = “she”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  髪 (かみ, kami) = “hair”

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  赤く (あかく, akaku) = “red” (adverbial form, meaning “in a red manner”)

·  染めました (そめました, somemashita) = “dyed” (past polite form of “to dye”)

明るい【あかるい】 (akarui)

Adjective, (bright; light)

彼は明るい人です。

He is a cheerful person.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  明るい (あかるい, akarui) = “bright” or “cheerful”

·  人 (ひと, hito) = “person”

·  です (desu) = (polite ending, “is”)

開ける【あける】 (akeru)

Verb (to open (a door, etc.); to unwrap (e.g. parcel, package); to unlock)

窓を開けてください。

Please open up the window.

·  窓 (まど, mado) = “window”

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  開けて (あけて, akete) = “open” (te-form of 開ける)

·  ください (kudasai) = “please”

秋【あき】 (aki)

Noun, (autumn; fall)

秋になりました。

Autumn is here.

·  秋 (あき, aki) = “autumn”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating a change of state (“to” or “becoming”)

·  なりました (narimashita) = “became” (polite past form of なる, naru)

開く【あく】 (aku)

Verb (to open (e.g. doors, business, etc))

窓が開いている。

The window is open.

·  窓 (まど, mado) = “window”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  開いている (あいている, aiteiru) = “is open” (describes a state, using the te-iru form of 開く)

甘い【あまい】 (amai)

Adjective, (sweet)

·  甘い (あまい, amai) = “sweet”

·  食べ物 (たべもの, tabemono) = “food”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  好き (すき, suki) = “like” or “is liked”

·  です (desu) = polite ending, equivalent to “is”

雨【あめ】 (ame)

Noun, Rain

明日は雨が降る。

It will rain tomorrow.

·  明日 (あした, ashita) = “tomorrow”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  雨 (あめ, ame) = “rain”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  降る (ふる, furu) = “will fall” (indicating the action of rain falling)

 

 

 

 

飴【あめ】 (ame)

Noun, candy

私もその飴が欲しいです。

I also want that candy.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  も (mo) = “also”

·  その (sono) = “that”

·  飴 (あめ, ame) = “candy”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  欲しい (ほしい, hoshii) = “want”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

あなた (anata)

Pronoun, you

あなたはカレンダーに何を書いたの？

What did you write on the calendar?

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  カレンダー (karendā) = “calendar”

·  に (ni) = location/direction particle (“on/in”)

·  何 (nani) = “what”

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  書いた (kaita) = “wrote” (past tense of “write”)

·  の (no) = question particle (adds an informal/explanatory tone)

姉【あね】 (ane)

Noun, older sister; elder sister​

私の姉は背が高い。

My older sister is tall.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s” or “of”) → 私の = “my”

·  姉 (あね, ane) = “older sister” (used when talking about your own sister)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  背 (せ, se) = “height” or “stature”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  高い (たかい, takai) = “tall” or “high”

兄【あに】 (ani)

Noun, elder brother; older brother

私には兄がいます。

I have an older brother.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  に (ni) = indirect object marker (indicates possession in this case)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  兄 (あに, ani) = “older brother” (used when talking about your own brother)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  います (imasu) = “exists” (used for living things)

あの (ano)

Pre-noun adjectival, that

あの猫は大きいですか。

Is that cat big?

·  あの (ano) = “that” (referring to something specific, usually far from the speaker but known to both)

·  猫 (ねこ, neko) = “cat”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  大きい (おおきい, ookii) = “big”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

·  か (ka) = question marker

青【あお】 (ao)

Pre-noun adjectival, that

青りんごが大好きです。

I love green apples.

·  青りんご (あおりんご, ao ringo) = “green apple” (literally “blue apple” since Japanese often uses 青 (ao) for green in some contexts)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  大好き (だいすき, daisuki) = “love” or “really like” (a stronger version of 好き (suki))

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

アパート (apaato)

Noun, Katakana, apartment

私はそのアパートを見に行きたい。

I want to go see that apartment.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  その (sono) = “that” (near the listener)

·  アパート (apāto) = “apartment”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  見に (みに, mi ni) = “to see” (the に indicates purpose, meaning “in order to see”)

·  行きたい (いきたい, ikitai) = “want to go” (たい-form of 行く, meaning “to go”)

洗う【あらう】 (arau)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, (to wash)

このシャツは洗うと白くなった。

This shirt was washed white.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  シャツ (shatsu) = “shirt”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  洗う (あらう, arau) = “to wash”

·  と (to) = conditional particle (“when” or “if”)

·  白く (しろく, shiroku) = “white” (adverbial form of 白い, shiroi)

·  なった (natta) = “became” (past tense of なる, naru, meaning “to become”)

 

 

あれ (are)

Pronoun, that

あれは何だ？

What’s that?

·  あれ (are) = “that” (something far from both the speaker and listener)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  何 (なに, nani) = “what”

·  だ (da) = casual form of “is” (copula)

ある (aru)

Verb, Godan verb, Intransitive verb, (to be, to have)

私は今じかんがある。

I have time now.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  今 (いま, ima) = “now”

·  じかん (jikan) = “time”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  ある (aru) = “there is” (used for inanimate objects or concepts like time)

 

 

 

歩く【あるく】 (aruku)

Verb,( to walk)

たいてい歩いて行きます。

I usually go by walking.

·  たいてい (taitei) = “usually”

·  歩いて (あるいて, aruite) = “walking” (te-form of 歩く, aruku, meaning “to walk”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = “go” (polite form of 行く, iku, meaning “to go”)

朝【あさ】 (asa)

Noun, morning

毎日、朝6時に起きる。

I wake up at 6AM every morning.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  毎朝 (まいあさ, mai asa) = “every morning”

·  6時 (ろくじ, roku ji) = “6 o’clock”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“at”)

·  起きます (おきます, okimasu) = “wake up” (polite form of 起きる, okiru)

 

 

 

朝ご飯【あさごはん】 (asagohan)

Noun, breakfast

私はまだ朝ご飯を食べていません。

I have not eaten breakfast yet.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  まだ (mada) = “yet” or “still” (used in a negative sentence to mean “not yet”)

·  朝ご飯 (あさごはん, asagohan) = “breakfast”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  食べて (たべて, tabete) = “eat” (te-form of 食べる, taberu)

·  いません (imasen) = negative form of いる (iru), used to indicate an incomplete action

明後日【あさって】 (asatte)

Noun, day after tomorrow

明後日は僕の誕生日です

The day after tomorrow is my birthday.

·  明後日 (あさって, asatte) = “the day after tomorrow”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  僕 (ぼく, boku) = “I” (a casual/male pronoun)

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s”)

·  誕生日 (たんじょうび, tanjōbi) = “birthday”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

足【あし】 (ashi)

Noun, foot; leg; paw; arm

彼女の足はきれいですね。

Her legs/feet are beautiful, aren’t they?

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = “she” or “her”

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s”) → 彼女の = “her”

·  足 (あし, ashi) = “legs” or “feet” (Japanese does not differentiate between the two)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  きれい (kirei) = “beautiful” or “clean”

·  ですね (desu ne) = polite sentence-ending particle expressing agreement or seeking confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

明日【あした】 (ashita)

Noun, tomorrow

明日東京へ行きます。

I will go to Tokyo tomorrow.

·  明日 (あした, ashita) = “tomorrow”

·  東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) = “Tokyo”

·  へ (e) = direction particle (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = “go” (polite form of 行く, iku)

 

 

 

遊ぶ【あそぶ】 (asobu)

Verb, to play; to enjoy oneself

うちの子は庭で遊んでいる。

My child is playing in the garden.

·  うち (uchi) = “my” or “our” (often used to refer to one’s own family)

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s”)

·  子 (こ, ko) = “child”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  庭 (にわ, niwa) = “garden” or “yard”

·  で (de) = location marker (“in” or “at”)

·  遊んでいる (あそんでいる, asonde iru) = “is playing” (te-form + いる to indicate ongoing action)

あそこ (asoko)

Pronoun, over there

私はあそこへ行きたい。

I want to go over there.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  あそこ (asoko) = “over there” (a place far from both the speaker and listener)

·  へ (e) = direction particle (“to”)

·  行きたい (いきたい, ikitai) = “want to go” (たい-form of 行く (iku, “to go”))

 

 

頭【あたま】 (atama)

Noun,    head

昨日から私の頭が痛いです。

My head has been hurting since yesterday.

·  昨日 (きのう, kinō) = “yesterday”

·  から (kara) = “since” or “from”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I” / “my”

·  の (no) = possessive marker (“‘s”)

·  頭 (あたま, atama) = “head”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  痛い (いたい, itai) = “hurts” / “painful”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

新しい【あたらしい】 (atarashii)

Adjective, new; novel; fresh; recent; latest

新しいスマホが欲しい。

I want a new smartphone.

·  新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) = “new”

·  スマホ (sumaho) = “smartphone” (short for スマートフォン, “smartphone”)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  欲しい (ほしい, hoshii) = “want” (used for expressing desire for a noun)

 

 

 

暖かい【あたたかい】 (atatakai)

Adjective, warm

今日は暖かいですね。

Today is warm, isn’t it?

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  暖かい (あたたかい, atatakai) = “warm” (used for weather and things that feel warm)

·  ですね (desu ne) = sentence-ending particle expressing agreement or seeking confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

後【あと】 (ato)

Noun, behind; after; remainder; left; also

この後寝ます。

I will sleep after this.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  後 (あと, ato) = “after”

·  寝ます (ねます, nemasu) = “sleep” (polite form of 寝る (neru, “to sleep”))

 

 

 

 

暑い【あつい】 (atsui)

Adjective, hot; sultry

今日は暑いですね。

Today is hot, isn’t it?

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  暑い (あつい, atsui) = “hot” (used for weather)

·  ですね (desu ne) = sentence-ending particle expressing agreement or seeking confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

厚い【あつい】 (atsui)

Adjective, thick

私はやさいを厚く切る。

I cut vegetables thickly

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  やさい (yasai) = “vegetables”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  厚く (あつく, atsuku) = “thickly” (adverbial form of 厚い (atsui, meaning “thick”))

·  切る (きる, kiru) = “cut” (plain form)

熱い【あつい】 (atsui)

Adjective, hot

このお茶はとてもあついです。

This tea is very hot.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  お茶 (おちゃ, ocha) = “tea”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  とても (totemo) = “very”

·  あつい (atsui) = “hot” (used for things like food and drinks)

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

会う【あう】 (au)

Verb, to meet; to encounter; to see

昨日友だちに会いました。

I saw a friend yesterday.

·  昨日 (きのう, kinō) = “yesterday”

·  友だち (ともだち, tomodachi) = “friend”

·  に (ni) = indirect object marker (indicating “to” or “with” in this case)

·  会いました (あいました, aimashita) = “met” (past polite form of 会う (au, “to meet”))

晩ご飯【ばんごはん】 (bangohan)

Noun, dinner; evening meal.

私はこれから晩ご飯を食べます。

I am going to eat dinner now

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  これから (korekara) = “from now on” / “soon” / “now”

·  晩ご飯 (ばんごはん, bangohan) = “dinner”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  食べます (たべます, tabemasu) = “eat” (polite form of 食べる (taberu, “to eat”))

番号【ばんごう】 (bangou)

Noun, number

私はそのばんごうを間違えました。

I made a mistake with that number.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  その (sono) = “that” (near the listener)

·  ばんごう (番号, bangō) = “number”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  間違えました (まちがえました, machigaemashita) = “made a mistake” (past polite form of 間違える (machigaeru, “to make a mistake”))

バス (basu)

Noun, Katakana, bus

私はバスを降りる。

I get off the bus.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  バス (basu) = “bus”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  降りる (おりる, oriru) = “get off” / “disembark”

バター (bataa)

Noun, Katakana, butter

トーストにはバターをつけますか。

Do you have butter on your toast?

·  トースト (tōsuto) = “toast”

·  には (ni wa) = “on” (combination of the particle に indicating direction/place and は indicating the topic)

·  バター (batā) = “butter”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  つけますか (tsukemasu ka) = “do you put?” (polite form of つける (tsukeru, “to put on” or “apply”))

ベッド (beddo)

Noun, Katakana, bed

赤ちゃんはベッドで寝ています。

The baby is sleeping in the bed.

·  赤ちゃん (あかちゃん, akachan) = “baby”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ベッド (beddo) = “bed”

·  で (de) = location marker (“in” or “at”)

·  寝ています (ねています, nete imasu) = “is sleeping” (continuous form of 寝る (neru, “to sleep”))

勉強【べんきょう】 (benkyou)

Noun, Suru verb, to study.

私はべんきょうが嫌いだ。

“I dislike studying.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  べんきょう (勉強, benkyō) = “studying”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  嫌いだ (きらいだ, kirai da) = “dislike” (casual form of 嫌い (kirai, “dislike”))

便利【べんり】 (benri)

な-adjective, convenient; handy; useful.

それはとてもべんりですね。

“That is very convenient, isn’t it?”

·  それ (sore) = “that”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  とても (totemo) = “very”

·  べんり (便利, benri) = “convenient”

·  ですね (desu ne) = sentence-ending particle seeking confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

ボールペン (boorupen)

Noun, Katakana, ball-point

ボールペンで書いてください。

Write with a ballpoint pen.

·  ボールペン (bōrupen) = “ballpoint pen”

·  で (de) = means or method particle (“with” or “using”)

·  書いて (かいて, kaite) = “write” (te-form of 書く (kaku, “to write”))

·  ください (kudasai) = polite request form (“please”)

ボタン (botan)

Noun, Katakana

, button

どのボタンを押せばいいですか？

“Which button should I press?”

·  どの (dono) = “which” (used for choosing from a set of things)

·  ボタン (botan) = “button”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  押せばいいですか (おせばいいですか, oseba ii desu ka) = “should I press?”

• 押せば (おせば, oseba) = conditional form of 押す (osu, “to press”)
• いい (ii) = “good” or “OK”
• ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

帽子【ぼうし】 (boushi)

Noun,

hat; cap

帽子をぬぎなさい。

Please take off your hat.

·  帽子 (ぼうし, bōshi) = “hat”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  ぬぎなさい (nuginasai) = “take off” (imperative form of ぬぐ (nugu, “to take off” or “remove”))

文章【ぶんしょう】 (bunshou)

Noun, sentence

私は文章が下手です。

“I am bad at writing sentences.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  文章 (ぶんしょう, bunshō) = “sentence(s)” / “writing”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  下手 (へた, heta) = “unskillful” / “bad at”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

豚肉 【ぶたにく】 (butaniku)

Noun, pork

あなたはぶたにくを食べられますか。

“Can you eat pork?”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ぶたにく (豚肉, butaniku) = “pork” (literally “pig meat”)

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  食べられますか (たべられますか, taberaremasu ka) = “can eat?” (polite potential form of 食べる (taberu, “to eat”))

 

 

 

病院【びょういん】 (byouin)

Noun, hospital

病院に行きますか？

Are you going to the hospital?

·  病院 (びょういん, byōin) = “hospital”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = “go” (polite form of 行く (iku, “to go”))

·  か？ (ka?) = question marker

病気【びょうき】 (byouki)

Noun, illness

私は先週から病気です。

I have been sick since last week.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  先週 (せんしゅう, senshū) = “last week”

·  から (kara) = “since” / “from”

·  病気 (びょうき, byōki) = “illness” / “sick”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“am/is/are”)

 

 

 

 

茶色【ちゃいろ】 (chairo)

Noun, brown

彼の靴はちゃいろだ。

His shoes are brown.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he” / “him”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“his”)

·  靴 (くつ, kutsu) = “shoes”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ちゃいろ (茶色, chairo) = “brown”

·  だ (da) = casual form of “is” (です in polite form)

茶碗【ちゃわん】 (chawan)

Noun, rice bowl; tea cup; teacup.

このちゃわんはすてきですね。

This rice bowl is lovely, isn’t it?

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  ちゃわん (茶碗, chawan) = “rice bowl” / “tea bowl”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  すてき (素敵, suteki) = “lovely” / “wonderful” / “nice”

·  ですね (desu ne) = sentence-ending particle seeking confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

 

 

 

父【ちち】 (chichi)

Noun, father

My father is well.” / “My father is doing fine.

·  父 (ちち, chichi) = “father” (referring to one’s own father)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  元気 (げんき, genki) = “healthy” / “well” / “energetic”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

違う【ちがう】 (chigau)

Verb, to differ

なぜこれはちがうのですか？

Why is this different?

• なぜ (naze) = “why”
• これ (kore) = “this”
• は (wa) = topic marker
• ちがう (違う, chigau) = “different” / “wrong”
• のですか (no desu ka) = explanatory question ending (adds emphasis or seeks clarification)

小さい【ちいさい】 (chiisai)

Adjective, small; little; tiny

それは小さい。

“It is small.”

·  それ (sore) = “it” / “that”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  小さい (ちいさい, chiisai) = “small”

。 = punctuation mark (period)

小さな【ちいさな】 (chiisana)

Pre-noun adjectival, small; little; tiny

それは小さな山のように見えました。

“It looked like a small mountain.”

·  それ (sore) = “it” / “that”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  小さな (ちいさな, chiisana) = “small” (adjective in its attributive form)

·  山 (やま, yama) = “mountain”

·  の (no) = linking particle (turns the preceding noun into an adjective modifier for the next noun)

·  ように (yō ni) = “like” / “in the way of”

·  見えました (みえました, miemashita) = “looked” (polite past form of 見える (mieru, “to look” or “to appear”))

近い【ちかい】 (chikai)

い-adjective, near; close

僕の家は学校にちかいです。

“My house is close to the school.”

·  僕 (ぼく, boku) = “I” (informal, often used by males)

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“my”)

·  家 (いえ, ie) = “house”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  学校 (がっこう, gakkō) = “school”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to” or “toward”)

·  ちかい (近い, chikai) = “close” / “near”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

 

 

地下鉄【ちかてつ】 (chikatetsu)

Noun, subway; underground train

I go to school by subway.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  地下鉄 (ちかてつ, chikatetsu) = “subway”

·  で (de) = means or method marker (“by” or “with”)

·  学校 (がっこう, gakkō) = “school”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行く (いく, iku) = “go” (plain form)

地図【ちず】 (chizu)

Noun, map

この通りは地図に載っていません。

This street is not on the map.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  通り (とおり, tōri) = “street”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  地図 (ちず, chizu) = “map”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (indicating location on the map)

·  載っていません (のっていません, notteimasen) = “is not listed” / “is not on” (negative form of 載る (noru, “to be listed” or “to appear on a map”))

 

 

 

ちょっと (chotto)

Adverb, a little

Please wait a moment.

·  ちょっと (chotto) = “a little” / “a moment”

·  待って (まって, matte) = “wait” (te-form of 待つ (matsu, “to wait”))

·  ください (kudasai) = polite request form (“please”)

丁度【ちょうど】 (choudo)

Adverb, exactly

“I was just about to go to sleep.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ちょうど (chōdo) = “just” / “exactly”

·  寝る (ねる, neru) = “to sleep”

·  ところ (tokoro) = “point” or “stage” (used to express an action that was about to happen)

·  だった (datta) = past tense of だ (da, the copula, equivalent to “was”)

台所【だいどころ】 (daidokoro)

Noun, kitchen

この台所を使ってもいいですか。

“May I use this kitchen?”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  台所 (だいどころ, daidokoro) = “kitchen”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  使ってもいい (つかってもいい, tsukattemo ii) = “Is it okay to use?” (te-form of 使う (tsukau, “to use”) + もいい (mo ii, “is okay to”))

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

大学【だいがく】 (daigaku)

Noun, university; college

·  どこ (doko) = “where” / “which place”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (modifies “university” to mean “which university”)

·  大学 (だいがく, daigaku) = “university”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きたい (いきたい, ikitai) = “want to go” (たい-form of 行く (iku, “to go”))

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

大丈夫【だいじょうぶ】 (daijoubu)

Adjective, OK; okay; alright; problem free

大丈夫ですか？

“Are you okay?” / “Is everything alright?”

·  大丈夫 (だいじょうぶ, daijōbu) = “okay” / “alright” / “safe”

·  です (desu) = polite sentence-ending particle (“is”)

·  か (ka) = question marker

大好き【だいすき】 (daisuki)

Adjective, love; like; like very much

大好きだよ！

“I love you!” / “I really love it!”

·  大好き (だいすき, daisuki) = “love” / “really like”

·  だ (da) = casual form of “is” (used for strong statements)

·  よ (yo) = sentence-ending particle for emphasis

だんだん (dandan)

Adverb, gradually

私はだんだん眠くなってきた。

I’m gradually getting sleepy.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  だんだん (dandan) = “gradually” / “little by little”

·  眠く (ねむく, nemuku) = “sleepy” (adjective 眠い (nemui, “sleepy”) in adverbial form)

·  なって (natte) = te-form of なる (naru, “to become”)

·  きた (kita) = past form of くる (kuru, “to come”), often used to indicate a gradual change

誰【だれ】 (dare)

Pronoun, who

好きな歌手は誰ですか？

“Who is your favorite singer?”

·  好きな (すきな, sukina) = “favorite” / “liked” (adjective form of 好き (suki, “like”))

·  歌手 (かしゅ, kashu) = “singer”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  誰 (だれ, dare) = “who”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

誰か 【だれか】 (dareka)

Pronoun, someone; somebody

トイレの中に誰かがいます。

Someone is in the toilet.” / “There is someone in the bathroom.

·  トイレ (toire) = “toilet” / “bathroom”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of” / “in”)

·  中 (なか, naka) = “inside”

·  に (ni) = location marker (“in” / “at”)

·  誰か (だれか, dareka) = “someone”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  います (imasu) = “is” / “exists” (used for living things)

出す【だす】 (dasu)

Verb, to take out; to get out; to put out; to reveal

元気を出して！

Cheer up!” / “Stay strong!

·  元気 (げんき, genki) = “energy” / “spirit” / “health”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  出して (だして, dashite) = te-form of 出す (dasu, “to bring out” / “to put forth”)

出口【でぐち】 (deguchi)

Noun, exit; gateway; way out

出口がわからない。

I don’t know the exit.” / “I can’t find the exit.

·  出口 (でぐち, deguchi) = “exit”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  わからない (wakaranai) = “don’t know” / “don’t understand” (negative form of わかる (wakaru, “to understand” / “to know”))

出かける【でかける】 (dekakeru)

Verb, to go out; to leave; to depart

学校へ出かける。

I’m going out to school.

·  学校 (がっこう, gakkō) = “school”

·  へ (e) = direction marker (“to” / “toward”)

·  出かける (でかける, dekakeru) = “to go out” / “to leave for somewhere”

電気【でんき】 (denki)

Noun, electricity

その電気を消してもいいですか？

“May I turn off that light?”

·  その (sono) = “that” (near the listener)

·  電気 (でんき, denki) = “electricity” / “light”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  消して (けして, keshite) = te-form of 消す (kesu, “to turn off”)

·  も (mo) = “even” / “also” (used here to indicate permission)

·  いい (ii) = “good” / “okay”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

 

 

電車【でんしゃ】 (densha)

Noun, train; electric train

電車で行きましょう。

“Let’s go by train.”

·  電車 (でんしゃ, densha) = “train”

·  で (de) = means/method marker (“by” in this case)

·  行きましょう (いきましょう, ikimashou) = “let’s go” (polite volitional form of 行く (iku, “to go”))

電話【でんわ】 (denwa)

Noun, telephone (call / device)l; phone call

電話ですよ。

“It’s the phone.” / “You have a call.”

·  電話 (でんわ, denwa) = “telephone” / “phone call”

·  です (desu) = polite copula (“is”)

·  よ (yo) = sentence-ending particle for emphasis or informing someone

デパート (depaato)

Noun, department store

私は彼にデパートで会いました。

“I met him at the department store.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “him” / “he”

·  に (ni) = indirect object marker (indicating the person one meets)

·  デパート (depāto) = “department store”

·  で (de) = location marker (“at”)

·  会いました (あいました, aimashita) = “met” (past tense of 会う (au, “to meet”))

出る【でる】 (deru)

Verb, to leave; to exit; to appear; to go out

電話に出る。

Answer the phone.” / “Pick up the phone.

·  電話 (でんわ, denwa) = “telephone” / “phone call”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to” / “on”)

·  出る (でる, deru) = “to answer” / “to go out” / “to appear” (in this case, “to answer the phone”)

ドア (doa)

Noun, door

ドアを閉めてください。

Please close the door.

·  ドア (doa) = “door”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  閉めて (しめて, shimete) = te-form of 閉める (shimeru, “to close”)

·  ください (kudasai) = polite request form (“please”)

どっち (docchi)

Pronoun, which; which one

どっちのチームが勝っている？

Which team is winning?

·  どっち (docchi) = “which” (informal, used when choosing between two options)

·  の (no) = possessive particle, used here to modify “team”

·  チーム (chīmu) = “team”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  勝っている (かっている, katte iru) = “is winning” (te-form of 勝つ (katsu, “to win”) + いる (iru, indicating ongoing action)

どちら (dochira)

Pronoun, which of two

どちらが好きですか。

“Which one do you like?”

·  どちら (dochira) = “which one” (polite form of どっち (docchi), used for two options)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  好き (すき, suki) = “like” / “favorite”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

どこ (doko)

Pronoun, where; what place​

あなたはどこから来たの？

“Where are you from?”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どこ (doko) = “where”

·  から (kara) = “from” (indicating origin or starting point)

·  来た (きた, kita) = past tense of 来る (kuru, “to come”)

·  の (no) = casual question marker (used to seek an explanation or reason)

どなた (donata)

Noun, who

あなたはどなたですか

“Who are you?” (polite)

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どなた (donata) = “who” (polite form of だれ (dare), used in formal contexts)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

どの (dono)

Pre-noun adjectival,

which

どの車にお乗りですか。

“Which car are you in?” (polite)

·  どの (dono) = “which” (used for selecting one item from a known set)

·  車 (くるま, kuruma) = “car”

·  に (ni) = direction/location marker (“in” or “on”)

·  お (o) = honorific prefix, used to show respect

·  乗り (のり, nori) = stem of 乗る (noru, “to ride” or “to get on”)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

どれ (dore)

Pronoun,

which (of three or more)​

あなたの本はどれですか？

“Which one is your book?”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“your”)

·  本 (ほん, hon) = “book”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どれ (dore) = “which one” (referring to a selection of items)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

どう (dou)

Adverb, how; in what way; how about​

これはどうですか？

“How about this?” / “What about this?”

·  これ (kore) = “this”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どう (dou) = “how” / “what” (used to ask about something)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

動物【どうぶつ】 (doubutsu)

Noun, animal

好きな動物は何ですか。

“What is your favorite animal?”

·  好きな (すきな, sukina) = “favorite” / “liked”

·  動物 (どうぶつ, doubutsu) = “animal”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  何 (なに, nani) = “what”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

どうも (doumo)

Adverb, thank you; thanks

カードをどうもありがとう。

“Thank you for the card.”

·  カード (kaado) = “card”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  どうも (doumo) = “thank you” / “thanks” (informal, but polite)

·  ありがとう (arigatou) = “thank you”

どうぞ (douzo)

Adverb, please

どうぞこちらへ。

“Please come this way.” / “This way, please.”

·  どうぞ (douzo) = “please” / “go ahead” (polite invitation)

·  こちら (kochira) = “this way” / “here” (polite form)

·  へ (e) = direction marker (“to” / “toward”)

土曜日【どようび】 (doyoubi)

Noun, Saturday

土曜日にサッカーの試合がある。

“There is a soccer match on Saturday.”

·  土曜日 (どようび, doyōbi) = “Saturday”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“on” or “at” for specific time)

·  サッカー (sakkā) = “soccer”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of”)

·  試合 (しあい, shiai) = “match” / “game”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  ある (aru) = “there is” (used for inanimate objects or events)

絵【え】 (e)

Noun, picture

この絵は誰が描いたのですか？

“Who drew this picture?”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  絵 (え, e) = “picture” / “painting”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  誰 (だれ, dare) = “who”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  描いた (かいた, kaita) = past tense of 描く (kaku, “to draw”)

·  の (no) = question marker (seeking explanation or identification)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

ええ (ee)

Noun, yes; that is correct; right

ええ、そうです。

“Yes, that’s right.”

·  ええ (ee) = “yes” (polite or casual)

·  そうです (sou desu) = “that’s right” / “that’s so”

映画【えいが】 (eiga)

Noun, movie; film

その映画は面白かった。

“The movie was interesting.”

·  その (sono) = “that” (referring to something near the listener)

·  映画 (えいが, eiga) = “movie”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  面白かった (おもしろかった, omoshirokatta) = past tense of 面白い (omoshiroi, “interesting” / “fun”)

映画館【えいがかん】 (eigakan)

Noun, movie theater; cinema

私はしばしば映画館に行きます。

“I often go to the cinema.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  しばしば (shibashiba) = “often”

·  映画館 (えいがかん, eigakan) = “cinema” / “movie theater”

·  に (ni) = location marker (indicating direction)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = polite present/future tense of 行く (iku, “to go”)

英語【えいご】 (eigo)

Noun, English language

私は英語が苦手だ。

“I’m not good at English.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  英語 (えいご, eigo) = “English”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  苦手 (にがて, nigate) = “not good at” / “weak at”

·  だ (da) = casual copula (informal “is”)

駅【えき】 (eki)

Noun, English language

私は次のえきで降りるつもりです。

“I plan to get off at the next station.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  次の (つぎの, tsugi no) = “next”

·  駅 (えき, eki) = “station”

·  で (de) = location marker (indicating where the action happens)

·  降りる (おりる, oriru) = “to get off” / “to descend”

·  つもり (tsumori) = “plan” / “intention”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

鉛筆【えんぴつ】 (enpitsu)

Noun, pencil

これは君のえんぴつですか？

Is this your pencil?

·  これ (kore) = “this”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  君 (きみ, kimi) = “your” (informal, used for people close to you or those of lower status)

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of” / “your”)

·  えんぴつ (enpitsu) = “pencil”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

エレベーター (erebeetaa)

Noun, elevator

エレベーターはどこですか。

“Where is the elevator?”

·  エレベーター (erebētā) = “elevator”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どこ (doko) = “where”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question marker

フィルム (firumu)

Noun, film

このカメラにはフィルムが入っていない。

This camera is not loaded with film.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  カメラ (kamera) = “camera”

·  に (ni) = location marker (“in”)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  フィルム (firumu) = “film”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  入っていない (はいっていない, haitte inai) = negative form of 入っている (haitte iru, “to be inside”) → “is not inside”

フォーク (fooku)

Noun, fork

フォークはテーブルから落ちた。

A fork fell off the table.

·  フォーク (fōku) = “fork”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  テーブル (tēburu) = “table”

·  から (kara) = “from”

·  落ちた (おちた, ochita) = past tense of 落ちる (ochiru, “to fall”)

服【ふく】 (fuku)

Noun,

clothes

その服は可愛いですね。

Those clothes are cute.

·  その (sono) = “that” (near the listener)

·  服 (ふく, fuku) = “clothing” / “outfit”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  可愛い (かわいい, kawaii) = “cute”

·  ですね (desu ne) = polite ending + confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

吹く【ふく】 (fuku)

Verb, to blow (of the wind)

風は西からふいた。

The wind blew westerly.

·  風 (かぜ, kaze) = “wind”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  西 (にし, nishi) = “west”

·  から (kara) = “from”

·  ふいた (吹いた, fuita) = past tense of 吹く (fuku, “to blow”)

降る【ふる】 (furu)

Verb, to fall

去年の冬は、雪がまったく降らなかった。

“Last winter, it didn’t snow at all.”

·  去年 (きょねん, kyonen) = “last year”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (connecting “last year” to “winter”)

·  冬 (ふゆ, fuyu) = “winter”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  雪 (ゆき, yuki) = “snow”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  まったく (mattaku) = “not at all” (used with negatives)

·  降らなかった (ふらなかった, furanakatta) = past negative form of 降る (furu, “to fall” – used for rain or snow)

古い【ふるい】 (furui)

い-adjective, old (not used for people)

この車は古いです。

This car is old.

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  車 (くるま, kuruma) = “car”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  古い (ふるい, furui) = “old” (for objects, not people)

·  です (desu) = polite ending

二人【ふたり】 (futari)

Noun

, two people; pair; couple

二人で行こう。

“Let’s go together (just the two of us).”

·  二人 (ふたり, futari) = “two people” / “the two of us”

·  で (de) = indicates a group or means of action (“together as two people”)

·  行こう (いこう, ikou) = volitional form of 行く (iku, “to go”), meaning “let’s go”

 

二つ【ふたつ】 (futatsu)

Noun,

two; 2

二つをください。

“Please give me two.”

·  二つ (ふたつ, futatsu) = “two” (general counter for objects)

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  ください (kudasai) = “please give me” / “please” (polite request)

太い【ふとい】 (futoi)

Adjective, fat; thick

あなたのうでは太いですね。

“Your arms are thick.”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“your”)

·  うで (腕, ude) = “arm”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  太い (ふとい, futoi) = “thick” / “big” (used for body parts, pens, trees, etc.)

·  ですね (desu ne) = polite ending + confirmation (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

二日【ふつか】 (futsuka)

Noun, the second day of the month / 2 days

私の誕生日は二月二日です。

“My birthday is on February 2nd.”

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = “my”

·  誕生日 (たんじょうび, tanjōbi) = “birthday”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  二月 (にがつ, nigatsu) = “February”

·  二日 (ふつか, futsuka) = “2nd” (of the month)

·  です (desu) = polite ending

封筒【ふうとう】 (fuutou)

Noun, envelope

すみません、ふうとうがありますか？

“Excuse me, do you have an envelope?”

·  すみません (sumimasen) = “Excuse me” / “I’m sorry”

·  ふうとう (封筒, fūtō) = “envelope”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  ありますか (arimasu ka) = polite question form of ある (aru, “to exist” for inanimate objects), meaning “do you have?”

冬【ふゆ】 (fuyu)

Noun, winter

去年の冬は、雪がまったく降らなかった。

“Last winter, it didn’t snow at all.”

·  去年 (きょねん, kyonen) = “last year”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (connecting “last year” to “winter”)

·  冬 (ふゆ, fuyu) = “winter”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  雪 (ゆき, yuki) = “snow”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  まったく (mattaku) = “not at all” (used with negatives)

·  降らなかった (ふらなかった, furanakatta) = past negative form of 降る (furu, “to fall” – used for rain or snow)

外国【がいこく】 (gaikoku)

Noun,

foreign country

外国に行く。

“I will go abroad.”

·  外国 (がいこく, gaikoku) = “foreign country” / “abroad”

·  に (ni) = location marker (indicating direction or goal of the action)

·  行く (いく, iku) = “to go”

外国人【がいこくじん】 (gaikokujin)

Noun, foreigner; foreign citizen; foreign national; alien; non-Japanese

·  わたし (私, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  がいこくじん (外国人, gaikokujin) = “foreigner”

·  と (to) = “with” (indicating the person being spoken to)

·  はなした (話した, hanashita) = past tense of 話す (hanasu, “to speak”)

·  こと (koto) = “thing” / “experience” (used to express having done something before)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  ない (nai) = “not” (negative form)

 

学校【がっこう】 (gakkou)

Noun, school

今日は学校どうだった？

“How was school today?”

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  学校 (がっこう, gakkō) = “school”

·  どう (dō) = “how”

·  だった (datta) = past tense of です (desu, “was”)

学生【がくせい】 (gakusei)

Noun, school

私は学生です。

“I am a student.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  学生 (がくせい, gakusei) = “student”

·  です (desu) = polite ending (equivalent to “am” in this context)

 

 

 

玄関【げんかん】 (genkan)

Noun, entrance

彼はげんかんに立っています。

“He is standing in the entrance.”

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  げんかん (玄関, genkan) = “entrance” (the entryway of a house or building)

·  に (ni) = location marker (“in” or “at”)

·  立っています (たっています, tatte imasu) = present continuous form of 立つ (tatsu, “to stand”), meaning “is standing”

元気【げんき】 (genki)

Noun, lively; full of spirit; energetic; healthy

お元気ですか？

“How are you?”

·  お (o) = honorific prefix (adds politeness)

·  元気 (げんき, genki) = “health” / “vitality” / “well-being”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

·  か (ka) = question particle

 

 

 

月曜日【げつようび】 (getsuyoubi)

Noun, Monday

月曜日に東京に行きます。

“I will go to Tokyo on Monday.”

·  月曜日 (げつようび, getsuyōbi) = “Monday”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“on”)

·  東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) = “Tokyo”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = polite form of 行く (iku, “to go”)

銀行【ぎんこう】 (ginkou)

Noun, bank

私は銀行に行きます。

“I will go to the bank.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  銀行 (ぎんこう, ginkō) = “bank”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = polite form of 行く (iku, “to go”)

 

 

 

ギター (gitaa)

Noun, guitar

これは誰のギターですか。

“Whose guitar is this?”

·  これ (kore) = “this”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  誰 (だれ, dare) = “who”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“whose”)

·  ギター (gitā) = “guitar”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

五【ご】 (go)

Noun, five; 5

いつも七時四十五分に学校へ行きます。

“I always go to school at 7:45.”

·  いつも (itsumo) = “always”

·  七時四十五分 (しちじよんじゅうごふん, shichi-ji yonjūgo-fun) = “7:45”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“at”)

·  学校 (がっこう, gakkō) = “school”

·  へ (e) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = polite form of 行く (iku, “to go”)

 

 

午後【ごご】 (gogo)

Noun, afternoon; p.m.

午後3時にスーパーに行きます。

“I will go to the supermarket at 3 PM.”

·  午後 (ごご, gogo) = “PM” / “afternoon”

·  3時 (さんじ, san-ji) = “3 o’clock”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“at”)

·  スーパー (sūpā) = “supermarket”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きます (いきます, ikimasu) = polite form of 行く (iku, “to go”)

ご飯【ごはん】 (gohan)

Noun, cooked rice, meal

ご飯とパンどちらがいいですか。

“Which do you prefer, rice or bread?”

·  ご飯 (ごはん, gohan) = “rice” (or sometimes refers to a meal)

·  と (to) = “and”

·  パン (pan) = “bread”

·  どちら (dochira) = “which” (more polite than どれ)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  いい (ii) = “good” / “better” (in this context, meaning “prefer”)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

 

 

午前【ごぜん】 (gozen)

Noun, morning; a.m.

私は午前10時に会社に行きました。

“I went to the office at 10 AM.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  午前 (ごぜん, gozen) = “AM” / “morning”

·  10時 (じゅうじ, jū-ji) = “10 o’clock”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“at”)

·  会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) = “office” / “company”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“to”)

·  行きました (いきました, ikimashita) = past tense of 行く (iku, “to go”)

グラム (guramu)

Noun, gram

これは100グラムがいくらですか。

“How much is this per 100 grams?”

·  これ (kore) = “this”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  100グラム (ひゃくぐらむ, hyaku guramu) = “100 grams”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  いくら (ikura) = “how much” (price)

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

 

牛肉【ぎゅうにく】 (gyuuniku)

Noun, beef

この牛肉はとても美味しいです。

“This beef is very delicious.”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  牛肉 (ぎゅうにく, gyūniku) = “beef”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  とても (totemo) = “very”

·  美味しい (おいしい, oishii) = “delicious”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

牛乳【ぎゅうにゅう】 (gyuunyuu)

Noun, (cow’s) milk

私はぎゅうにゅうが嫌いです。

“I dislike milk.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ぎゅうにゅう (牛乳, gyūnyū) = “milk”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  嫌い (きらい, kirai) = “dislike”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

歯【は】 (ha)

Noun, tooth

私のはが痛いです。

“My tooth hurts.”

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = “my”

·  は (ha) = topic marker (in this case, it refers to “tooth”)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  痛い (いたい, itai) = “hurts” / “painful”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

八【はち】 (hachi)

Noun, eight: 8

私は八月に生まれた。

“I was born in August.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  八月 (はちがつ, hachigatsu) = “August”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“in”)

·  生まれた (うまれた, umareta) = past tense of 生まれる (umareru, “to be born”)

葉書【はがき】 (hagaki)

Noun, postcard

このはがきはいくらですか？

“How much is this postcard?”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  はがき (葉書, hagaki) = “postcard”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  いくら (ikura) = “how much”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

母【はは】 (haha)

Noun, mother

母がカナダ人です。

“My mother is Canadian.”

·  母 (はは, haha) = “mother” (humble form)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  カナダ人 (カナダじん, Kanada-jin) = “Canadian” (person from Canada)

·  です (desu) = polite ending

はい (hai)

Noun, yes; that is correct​

はい、そうですね。

“Yes, that’s right.” / “Yes, I agree.”

·  はい (hai) = “yes”

·  そう (sō) = “that way” / “so”

·  ですね (desu ne) = “isn’t it?” / “right?” (softens the statement or seeks agreement)

入る【はいる】 (hairu)

Verb, to enter; to go into

今からおふろに入る。

“I’m going to take a bath now.”

·  今から (いまから, ima kara) = “from now” / “starting now”

·  おふろ (お風呂, ofuro) = “bath”

·  に (ni) = direction marker (“into”)

·  入る (はいる, hairu) = “to enter” / “to take (a bath)”

灰皿【はいざら】 (haizara)

Noun, ashtray

テーブルの上にはいざらがあります。

“There is an ashtray on the table.”

·  テーブル (tēburu) = “table”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of” / “on”)

·  上 (うえ, ue) = “top” / “on top of”

·  に (ni) = location marker (“on” / “at”)

·  はいざら (灰皿, haizara) = “ashtray”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  あります (arimasu) = “there is” (for inanimate objects)

始まる【はじまる】 (hajimaru)

Verb, to begin

“What time does that movie start?”

·  その (sono) = “that” (referring to something close to the listener)

·  映画 (えいが, eiga) = “movie”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  何時 (なんじ, nanji) = “what time”

·  に (ni) = time marker (“at”)

·  始まる (はじまる, hajimaru) = “to start” / “to begin”

·  のですか (no desu ka) = polite question ending, adding emphasis

初めて【はじめて】 (hajimete)

Adverb, for the first time

このメールははじめて見ました。

“I saw this email for the first time.”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  メール (mēru) = “email”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  はじめて (初めて, hajimete) = “for the first time”

·  見ました (みました, mimashita) = past tense of 見る (miru, “to see”)

箱【はこ】 (hako)

Noun, box; crate

そのはこを開けてください。

“Please open that box.”

·  その (sono) = “that” (something near the listener)

·  はこ (箱, hako) = “box”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  開けて (あけて, akete) = te-form of 開ける (akeru, “to open”)

·  ください (kudasai) = polite request (“please”)

履く【はく】 (haku)

Verb, to wear, to put on trousers

彼はその靴をはいた。

“He put on those shoes.”

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  その (sono) = “those” (near the listener)

·  靴 (くつ, kutsu) = “shoes”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  はいた (履いた, haita) = past tense of 履く (haku, “to put on” for footwear)

半【はん】 (han)

Noun, half; semi-; half-past

今は5時半です。

“It is 5:30 now.”

·  今 (いま, ima) = “now”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  5時 (ごじ, goji) = “5 o’clock”

·  半 (はん, han) = “half” (meaning 30 minutes past)

·  です (desu) = polite ending, meaning “is”

花【はな】 (hana)

Noun, flower

私もこの花が大好きです。

“I also love this flower.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  も (mo) = “also” / “too”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  花 (はな, hana) = “flower”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  大好き (だいすき, daisuki) = “love” / “really like”

·  です (desu) = polite ending (“is”)

鼻【はな】 (hana)

Noun, nose

彼のはなが高いですね。

“His nose is tall, isn’t it?”

·  彼の (かれの, kare no) = “his”

·  はな (鼻, hana) = “nose”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  高い (たかい, takai) = “tall” / “high”

·  ですね (desu ne) = ending particle for confirmation or emphasis (“isn’t it?” / “right?”)

話【はなし】 (hanashi)

Noun, talk; speech; chat; conversation​

この話は続きます。

“This story continues.”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  話 (はなし, hanashi) = “story” / “tale” / “talk”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  続きます (つづきます, tsuzukimasu) = “continues” (polite form of 続く tsuzuku)

話す【はなす】 (hanasu)

Verb, to speak; to talk; to convers

何を話していたの？

“What were you talking about?”

·  何 (なに, nani) = “what”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  話していた (はなしていた, hanashite ita) = past progressive form of 話す (hanasu, “to talk”), meaning “was talking”

·  の? (no?) = casual question ending

半分【はんぶん】 (hanbun)

Noun, half

私はもう半分終わりました。

“I have already finished half.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  もう (mou) = “already”

·  半分 (はんぶん, hanbun) = “half”

·  終わりました (おわりました, owarimashita) = past tense of 終わる (owaru, “to finish”)

ハンカチ (hankachi)

Noun, handkerchief

彼女はたくさんハンカチを持っている。

“She has many handkerchiefs.”

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = “she”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  たくさん (takusan) = “many” / “a lot”

·  ハンカチ (hankachi) = “handkerchief”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  持っている (もっている, motte iru) = “has” (in the sense of possessing something)

晴れ【はれ】 (hare)

Noun, clear weather

今日は久しぶりにはれでした。

“Today, it was sunny for the first time in a while.”

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  久しぶり (ひさしぶり, hisashiburi) = “for the first time in a while”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction or time

·  はれ (晴れ, hare) = “sunny” (clear weather)

·  でした (deshita) = past tense of です (desu, polite ending)

晴れる【はれる】 (hareru)

Verb, to be sunny

今日は晴れるでしょうね。

“It will probably be sunny today.”

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  晴れる (はれる, hareru) = “to be sunny” (future tense)

·  でしょう (deshō) = probably, it’s likely (polite form of だろう darou, indicating a guess or expectation)

·  ね (ne) = sentence-ending particle used for confirmation or to seek agreement

春【はる】 (haru)

Noun, spring; springtime

春には日が長くなる。

“In spring, the days get longer.”

·  春 (はる, haru) = “spring”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating time or direction

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  日 (ひ, hi) = “day” / “sun”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  長くなる (ながくなる, nagaku naru) = “become longer” (literally “get long”)

貼る 【はる】 (haru)

Verb, to stick; to paste

壁に彼氏の写真を貼ります。

“I will put my boyfriend’s picture on the wall.”

·  壁 (かべ, kabe) = “wall”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction or location

·  彼氏 (かれし, kareshi) = “boyfriend”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of”)

·  写真 (しゃしん, shashin) = “picture”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  貼ります (はります, harimasu) = polite form of 貼る (haru, “to stick” or “to put”)

箸【はし】 (hashi)

Noun, chopsticks

あなたはしょくじにはしを使いますか。

“Do you use chopsticks for meals?”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  食事 (しょくじ, shokuji) = “meal”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction or target (here, “for”)

·  はし (hashi) = “chopsticks”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  使いますか (つかいますか, tsukaimasu ka) = “do you use?” (polite form of 使う tsukau, “to use”)

橋【はし】 (hashi)

Noun, bridge

そのしょうねんははしから落ちた。

“The boy fell from the bridge.”

·  その (sono) = “the” (indicating something specific)

·  少年 (しょうねん, shōnen) = “boy”

·  はし (hashi) = “bridge”

·  から (kara) = particle indicating the starting point (here, “from”)

·  落ちた (おちた, ochita) = past tense of 落ちる (ochiru, “to fall”)

走る【はしる】 (hashiru)

Verb, to run

かのじょははしるのが遅いです。

“She is slow at running.”

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = “she”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  走る (はしる, hashiru) = “to run”

·  の (no) = nominalizer, turning the verb into a noun (“running”)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  遅い (おそい, osoi) = “slow”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

二十歳【はたち】 (hatachi)

Noun, 20 years old; twenty years old

僕は二十歳になった。

“I turned twenty.”

·  僕 (ぼく, boku) = “I” (commonly used by males)

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  二十歳 (はたち, hatachi) = “twenty years old”

·  になった (ni natta) = past tense of なる (naru, “to become”)

働く【はたらく】 (hataraku)

Verb, to work

あなたはどこで働きますか？

“Where do you work?”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  どこ (doko) = “where”

·  で (de) = particle indicating the place of action

·  働きますか (はたらきますか, hatarakimasu ka) = polite form of 働く (hataraku, “to work”)

二十日【はつか】 (hatsuka)

Noun, twentieth day of the month / 20 days

私の誕生日は十月二十日です。

“My birthday is on October 20th.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I” / “my”

·  の (no) = possessive particle (“of”)

·  誕生日 (たんじょうび, tanjōbi) = “birthday”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  十月 (じゅうがつ, jūgatsu) = “October”

·  二十日 (はつか, hatsuka) = “20th (day of the month)”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

速い【はやい】 (hayai)

Adjective, fast; quick; hasty; brisk

かれはとても速い！

“He is very fast!”

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = “he”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  とても (totemo) = “very”

·  速い (はやい, hayai) = “fast”

早い【はやい】 (hayai)

Adjective, fast; early

まだ早いよ。

“It’s still early.”

·  まだ (mada) = “still” / “not yet”

·  早い (はやい, hayai) = “early”

·  よ (yo) = sentence-ending particle for emphasis

辺【へん】 (hen)

Noun, area

私はこの辺に詳しくないです。

“I’m not familiar with this area.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  この辺 (このへん, kono hen) = “this area” / “around here”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction or relation

·  詳しくない (くわしくない, kuwashikunai) = “not familiar” (negative form of 詳しい (kuwashii, “detailed” / “familiar”))

·  です (desu) = polite ending

下手【へた】 (heta)

Noun, unskillful; poor; awkward​

日本語が下手です。

“My Japanese is bad.”

·  日本語 (にほんご, nihongo) = “Japanese language”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  下手 (へた, heta) = “bad at” / “unskilled”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

部屋【へや】 (heya)

Noun, room

多分この部屋です。

“Maybe it’s this room.”

·  多分 (たぶん, tabun) = “maybe” / “probably”

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  部屋 (へや, heya) = “room”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

左【ひだり】 (hidari)

Noun, left; left hand side

左に曲がってください。

“Please turn left.”

·  左 (ひだり, hidari) = “left”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction

·  曲がって (まがって, magatte) = te-form of 曲がる (magaru, “to turn”)

·  ください (kudasai) = polite request form, “please”

東【ひがし】 (higashi)

Noun, east

風が東に変わった。

“The wind changed to the east.”

·  風 (かぜ, kaze) = “wind”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  東 (ひがし, higashi) = “east”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction

·  変わった (かわった, kawatta) = past tense of 変わる (kawaru, “to change”)

飛行機【ひこうき】 (hikouki)

Noun, airplane; aircraft

私はひこうきに乗ったことがない。

“I have never been on an airplane.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ひこうき (飛行機, hikōki) = “airplane”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating direction

·  乗った (のった, notta) = past tense of 乗る (noru, “to ride”)

·  ことがない (koto ga nai) = phrase indicating “never (done something)”

引く【ひく】 (hiku)

Verb, to pull

まだ風邪を引いているのですか？

“Are you still sick?”

·  まだ (mada) = “still”

·  風邪 (かぜ, kaze) = “cold” (as in illness)

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  引いている (ひいている, hiite iru) = present progressive form of 引く (hiku, “to catch” a cold)

·  のですか (no desu ka) = explanatory question form (asking for clarification)

弾く【ひく】 (hiku)

Verb, to play

彼女はピアノをひくのがじょうずです。

“She is good at playing the piano.”

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = “she”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ピアノ (piano) = “piano”

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  ひく (hiku) = “to play” (for instruments like piano)

·  の (no) = nominalizer, making the phrase a noun (“playing the piano”)

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  じょうず (上手, jōzu) = “good at”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

低い【ひくい】 (hikui)

い-adjective, short,low

私のきゅうりょうは低いです。

“My salary is low.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  の (no) = possessive particle, “my”

·  きゅうりょう (給与, kyūryō) = “salary”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  低い (ひくい, hikui) = “low”

·  です (desu) = polite ending

暇【ひま】 (hima)

Noun, な-adjective, free time

今日は暇だ。

“I am free today.”

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = “today”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  暇 (ひま, hima) = “free” or “leisure” (meaning having no plans or being unoccupied)

·  だ (da) = informal form of です (desu, polite ending)

広い【ひろい】 (hiroi)

い-adjective    , spacious; vast; wide

あなたの家は広いですね。

“Your house is spacious.”

·  あなた (anata) = “you”

·  の (no) = possessive particle, “your”

·  家 (いえ, ie) = “house”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  広い (ひろい, hiroi) = “spacious” / “wide”

·  ですね (desu ne) = polite ending with a nuance of seeking confirmation or agreement

昼【ひる】 (hiru)

Noun, noon; midday; daytime; lunch

明日は昼まで家にいるよ。

“I will be at home until noon tomorrow.”

·  明日 (あした, ashita) = “tomorrow”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  昼 (ひる, hiru) = “noon” / “daytime”

·  まで (made) = “until”

·  家 (いえ, ie) = “house”

·  に (ni) = particle indicating location

·  いる (iru) = “to be” (used for living things)

·  よ (yo) = sentence-ending particle for emphasis

昼ご飯【ひるごはん】 (hirugohan)

Noun,
lunch

もうお昼ご飯を食べた？

“Have you already eaten lunch?”

·  もう (mou) = “already”

·  お昼ご飯 (おひるごはん, ohirugohan) = “lunch”

·  を (wo) = object marker

·  食べた (たべた, tabeta) = past tense of 食べる (taberu, “to eat”)

·  ？ = question mark

人【ひと】 (hito)

Noun, person; human

この人はだれですか。

“Who is this person?”

·  この (kono) = “this” (indicating something near the speaker)

·  人 (ひと, hito) = “person”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  だれ (dare) = “who”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

一人【ひとり】 (hitori)

Noun, Adverb, one person​; alone; single

一人で出来るよ。

“I can do it alone.”

·  一人で (ひとりで, hitori de) = “alone”

·  出来る (できる, dekiru) = “can do” / “able to do”

·  よ (yo) = sentence-ending particle for emphasis

一つ【ひとつ】 (hitotsu)

Noun, one thing; only

一ついくらですか？

“How much is one?”

·  一つ (ひとつ, hitotsu) = “one” (used for counting general objects)

·  いくら (ikura) = “how much”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

一つ【ひとつ】 (hitotsu)

Noun, one thing; only

一ついくらですか？

“How much is one?”

·  一つ (ひとつ, hitotsu) = “one” (used for counting general objects)

·  いくら (ikura) = “how much”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

ほか (hoka)

Noun, other (place, thing, person); the rest

これはほかの人に聞いてみますね。

“I will try asking another person about this.”

·  これ (kore) = “this”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  ほかの人 (ほかのひと, hoka no hito) = “another person” / “other people”

·  に (ni) = indirect object marker (“to” or “from someone”)

·  聞いてみます (きいてみます, kiite mimasu) = “try asking” (polite form of 聞いてみる, which means “to try asking”)

·  ね (ne) = sentence-ending particle for confirmation or reassurance

本【ほん】 (hon)

Noun, book; volume; script

“I want to read this book.”

この本を読みたい。

·  この (kono) = “this”

·  本 (ほん, hon) = “book”

·  を (wo/o) = object marker

·  読みたい (よみたい, yomitai) = “want to read” (derived from 読む (よむ, yomu) = “to read”)

本棚【ほんだな】 (hondana)

Noun, bookshelf; bookcase

私は新しい本棚がほしいです。

“I want a new bookshelf.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) = “new”

·  本棚 (ほんだな, hondana) = “bookshelf”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  ほしいです (hoshii desu) = “want” (used for expressing desire for a noun)

本当【ほんとう】 (hontou)

Noun, truth; reality; actuality; fact

それは本当ですか？

“Is that true?”

·  それ (sore) = “that”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  本当 (ほんとう, hontou) = “true” / “truth”

·  ですか (desu ka) = polite question ending

欲しい【ほしい】 (hoshii)

Adjective, want

“I want time.”

私はじかんが欲しいです。

“I want time.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = “I”

·  は (wa) = topic marker

·  じかん (時間, jikan) = “time”

·  が (ga) = subject marker

·  欲しいです (ほしいです, hoshii desu) = “want” (used for expressing desire for a noun)

細い【ほそい】 (hosoi)

Adjective, い-adjective, thin; slender

あなたの足は長くてほそいですね。

“Your legs are long and slender, aren’t they?”

·  あなた (anata) = You (polite)

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, meaning “your”

·  足 (あし, ashi) = Legs or feet (contextually “legs” here)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  長くて (ながくて, nagakute) = Long and (the -te form connects adjectives)

·  ほそい (hosoi) = Slender, thin

·  ですね (desu ne) = Polite ending with a nuance of seeking agreement or expressing admiration

ホテル (hoteru)

Noun, Katakana, hotel

ホテルまでどのくらいかかりますか？

“How long will it take to get to the hotel?”

·  ホテル (hoteru) = Hotel (borrowed from English)

·  まで (made) = Until, to (indicating the destination)

·  どのくらい (dono kurai) = How long / How much (asking about time, distance, or cost)

·  かかります (kakarimasu) = To take (time or money)

·  か (ka) = Question marker

百【ひゃく】 (hyaku)

Noun, Numeric, 100; hundred

五百円になります。

“That will be 500 yen.”

·  五百円 (ごひゃくえん, gohyaku en) = 500 yen

·  に (ni) = Indicates the result or final state

·  なります (narimasu) = Becomes / Will be / Is

一【いち】 (ichi)

Noun, Prefix, Suffix, Numeric, one; best; first; foremost; start

五百円になります。

“That will be 500 yen.”

·  五百円 (ごひゃくえん, gohyaku en) = 500 yen

·  に (ni) = Indicates the result or final state

·  なります (narimasu) = Becomes / Will be / Is

一番【いちばん】 (ichiban)

Noun, Adverb, number one; first; 1st, first place​; best; most​

音楽が一番好きです。

I like music the most.

·  音楽 (おんがく, ongaku) = Music

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  一番 (いちばん, ichiban) = The most / Number one

·  好き (すき, suki) = Like / Love (used to express fondness)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

一日【いちにち】 (ichinichi)

Noun, Adverbial Noun, one day, all day

楽しい一日でした。

It was a fun day.

·  楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) = Fun, enjoyable

·  一日 (いちにち, ichinichi) = One day, a day

·  でした (deshita) = Past tense of です (desu), making it polite and indicating the past

家【いえ】 (ie)

Noun, house, residence, family

あなたの家はどこですか？

Where is your house?

·  あなた (anata) = You (polite)

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, meaning “your”

·  家 (いえ / うち, ie / uchi) = House or home

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  どこ (doko) = Where

·  ですか (desu ka) = Polite question ending

いかが (ikaga)

Adverb, how; in what way; how about​

もう一ついかがですか？

“Would you like one more?”

·  もう (mō) = Another, more

·  一つ (ひとつ, hitotsu) = One (used for counting objects)

·  いかがですか (ikaga desu ka) = How about? / Would you like? (Polite expression)

池【いけ】 (ike)

Noun, pond

私たちはいけの周りを歩いた。

“We walked around the pond.”

·  私たち (わたしたち, watashitachi) = We

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いけ (ike) = Pond

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, indicating “of” or “around” in this case

·  周り (まわり, mawari) = Around, surrounding

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  歩いた (あるいた, aruita) = Walked (past tense of 歩く, aruku – to walk)

行く【いく】 (iku)

Verb, Godan verb, Intransitive verb, to go; to move

いつ行くの？

“When are you going?”

·  いつ (itsu) = When

·  行く (いく, iku) = Go

·  の (no) = This particle is often used at the end of a question in a casual or informal tone, adding a sense of curiosity or emphasis.

いくら (ikura)

Noun, Adverb, how much?; how many?​

その車はいくらですか。

“How much is that car?”

·  その (sono) = That (near the listener)

·  車 (くるま, kuruma) = Car

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いくら (ikura) = How much (used to ask for the price)

·  ですか (desu ka) = Polite question ending

いくつ (ikutsu)

Adverb,
how many?,how old?

あなたはおいくつですか。

How old are you?

·  あなた (anata) = You (polite)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  おいくつ (oikutsu) = How old (polite version of いくつ, ikutsu, used for asking someone’s age)

·  ですか (desu ka) = Polite question ending

今【いま】 (ima)

Noun, Adverbial Noun, now; the present time; soon

今それをやっている。

I am doing it right now.

·  今 (いま, ima) = Now, right now

·  それ (sore) = That (thing), referring to something mentioned previously

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  やっている (yatte iru) = Doing (the continuous form of やる, yaru, to do)

意味【いみ】 (imi)

Noun, meaning; significance; sense

どういう意味ですか？

What does it mean?

·  どういう (dō iu) = What kind of, what type of

·  意味 (いみ, imi) = Meaning

·  ですか (desu ka) = Polite question ending

妹【いもうと】 (imouto)

Noun, younger sister

私は妹が一人います。

“I have one younger sister.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite form)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  妹 (いもうと, imōto) = Younger sister

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  一人 (ひとり, hitori) = One person

·  います (imasu) = There is (used for living things, like people or animals)

犬【いぬ】 (inu)

Noun, dog

私は犬がきらいです。

“I don’t like dogs.” or “I dislike dogs.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite form)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  犬 (いぬ, inu) = Dog

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  きらい (kirai) = Dislike, hate

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

入れる【いれる】 (ireru)

Verb, Ichidan verb, Transitive verb, to put in; to let in; to take in; to bring in; to insert; to install

カードを入れてください。

“Please insert the card.”

·  カード (kādo) = Card (such as a credit card or ID card)

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  入れて (いれて, irete) = Insert (the te-form of 入れる, ireru, which means “to put in”)

·  ください (kudasai) = Please (a polite way to ask someone to do something)

入口【いりぐち】 (iriguchi)

Noun, entrance; entry; gate

入口はどこですか？

“Where is the entrance?”

·  入口 (いりぐち, iriguchi) = Entrance

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  どこ (doko) = Where

·  ですか (desu ka) = Polite question ending

色【いろ】 (iro)

Noun, colour; color

この色はあなたに似合う。

“This color looks good on you.” or “This color suits you.”

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  色 (いろ, iro) = Color

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  あなた (anata) = You (polite)

·  に (ni) = To (indicating the person something suits)

·  似合う (にあう, niau) = To suit, to look good on (used when talking about things that fit or look good on someone)

色々 【いろいろ】 (iroiro)

Noun, Adjective, な-adjective, Adverb, various

私はいろいろな所に行きました。

“I went to various places.”

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite form)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いろいろな (iroiro na) = Various, many different

·  所 (ところ, tokoro) = Places

·  に (ni) = Directional particle (to a place)

·  行きました (いきました, ikimashita) = Went (past tense of 行く, iku, to go)

———————————————————*****———————————-

要る【いる】 (iru)

Verb, Godan verb, Intransitive verb, to be needed

どのくらいお金が要るのですか.

“How much money do you need?”

·  どのくらい (dono kurai) = How much, how long, how many (asking about quantity or extent)

·  お金 (おかね, okane) = Money

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  要る (いる, iru) = To need (used for things or resources)

·  のですか (no desu ka) = Question marker with explanatory nuance

医者【いしゃ】 (isha)

Noun, (medical) doctor; physician

私の父は医者です。

“My father is a doctor.”

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = My

·  父 (ちち, chichi) = Father (used when referring to one’s own father)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  医者 (いしゃ, isha) = Doctor

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

忙しい【いそがしい】 (isogashii)

Adjective, い-adjective, busy

今日は忙しいです。

“I am busy today.” or “Today is busy.”

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = Today

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  忙しい (いそがしい, isogashii) = Busy

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

一緒【いっしょ】 (issho)

Noun, together; at the same time; same; identical

カラオケに一緒に行こう。

“Let’s go to karaoke together.”

·  カラオケ (karaoke) = Karaoke

·  に (ni) = Directional particle (to, for)

·  一緒に (いっしょに, issho ni) = Together

·  行こう (いこう, ikou) = Let’s go (volitional form of 行く, iku, to go)

椅子【いす】 (isu)

Noun, chair

私の兄はいすを作っています。

“My older brother is making chairs.”

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = My

·  兄 (あに, ani) = Older brother

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いす (isu) = Chair

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  作っています (つくっています, tsukutte imasu) = Is making (the continuous form of 作る, tsukuru, to make)

痛い【いたい】 (itai)

い-adjective, painful; sore​

どこか痛いところはありますか?

“Is there any place that hurts?” or “Do you have any painful spots?”

·  どこか (doko ka) = Somewhere, any place

·  痛い (いたい, itai) = Painful, hurting

·  ところ (tokoro) = Place, area

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  ありますか (arimasu ka) = Polite question form of ある, asking if something exists

いつ (itsu)

Pronoun, when

それはいつ壊れましたか？

When did it break?

·  それ (sore) = That (referring to something previously mentioned or visible)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いつ (itsu) = When

·  壊れました (こわれました, kowaremashita) = Broke (past tense of 壊れる, kowareru, meaning “to break”)

·  か (ka) = Question marker

五日【いつか】 (itsuka)

Noun,
the fifth day of the month / 5 days

My birthday is on May 5th.

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = My

·  誕生日 (たんじょうび, tanjōbi) = Birthday

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  五月 (ごがつ, gogatsu) = May (5th month)

·  五日 (いつか, itsuka) = 5th day (Japanese date format uses month + day)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

五つ【いつつ】 (itsutsu)

Noun, Numeric, five; 5

彼女はケーキを五つに分けた。

She divided the cake into five pieces.

·  かのじょ (kanojo) = She

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  ケーキ (kēki) = Cake

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  いつつ (itsutsu) = Five (a traditional Japanese counting word for objects)

·  に (ni) = Into (indicating division)

·  わけた (waketa) = Divided (past tense of 分ける, wakeru, meaning “to divide” or “to split”)

言う【いう】 (iu)

Verb, Godan verb, to say; to call

この動物は日本語で何と言いますか？

What is this animal called in Japanese?

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something nearby)

·  動物 (どうぶつ, dōbutsu) = Animal

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  日本語 (にほんご, nihongo) = Japanese (language)

·  で (de) = In (used to indicate the language)

·  何 (なん, nan) = What

·  と (to) = Quotation particle, used when referring to how something is called

·  言いますか (いいますか, iimasu ka) = Do you say? (polite form of 言う, iu, meaning “to say”)

嫌【いや】 (iya)

Noun, Adjective, な-adjective,unpleasant

それを考えただけで嫌です。

Just thinking about it makes me dislike it.

·  それ (sore) = That (referring to something previously mentioned)

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  考えた (かんがえた, kangaeta) = Thought (past tense of 考える, kangaeru, meaning “to think”)

·  だけで (dake de) = Just by (doing something)

·  嫌です (いやです, iya desu) = Dislike, hate, find unpleasant (polite form)

じゃあ (jaa)

Conjunction, then; well; so; well then

じゃあ、自分でやろうか？

Well then, shall I do it myself?

·  じゃあ (jaa) = Well then, in that case (used to transition or react to a situation)

·  自分で (じぶんで, jibun de) = By oneself, on one’s own

·  やろう (yarou) = Shall do, will do (volitional form of やる, meaning “to do”)

·  か (ka) = Question particle, often used to ask for confirmation or suggestion

字引【じびき】 (jibiki)

Noun, dictionary

彼は生き字引と呼ばれている。

He is called a walking dictionary.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = He

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  生き字引 (いきじびき, ikijibiki) = Walking dictionary (literally “living dictionary,” referring to someone extremely knowledgeable)

·  と (to) = Quotation particle, indicating what someone is called or referred to as

·  呼ばれている (よばれている, yobarete iru) = Is called (passive and continuous form of 呼ぶ, yobu, meaning “to call”)

自分【じぶん】 (jibun)

Pronoun, myself; yourself; oneself; himself; herself; i; me

自分で自分を教育する。

Educate yourself.

·  自分で (じぶんで, jibun de) = By oneself, on one’s own

·  自分 (じぶん, jibun) = Oneself

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  教育する (きょういくする, kyōiku suru) = To educate, to teach

自動車【じどうしゃ】 (jidousha

Noun, automobile; motorcar; motor vehicle; car

私は自動車を持っている。

I have a car.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite form)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  自動車 (じどうしゃ, jidōsha) = Automobile, car (a formal term, though commonly understood)

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  持っている (もっている, motte iru) = Have, possess (used for tangible objects)

時間【じかん】 (jikan)

Noun,
time; hour(s)

もう時間ですよ。

It’s time already.

·  もう (mou) = Already, now

·  時間 (じかん, jikan) = Time

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

·  よ (yo) = Emphatic particle, used to emphasize or draw attention to something

辞書【じしょ】 (jisho)

Noun,
dictionary

この辞書は高い。

This dictionary is expensive.

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  辞書 (じしょ, jisho) = Dictionary

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  高い (たかい, takai) = Expensive, high (in price)

自転車【じてんしゃ】 (jitensha)

Noun, bicycle

新しい自転車を買いました。

I bought a new bicycle.

·  新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) = New

·  自転車 (じてんしゃ, jitensha) = Bicycle

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  買いました (かいました, kaimashita) = Bought (polite past tense of 買う, kau, meaning “to buy”)

丈夫【じょうぶ】 (joubu)

Adjective, な-adjective           , strong, durable

この靴は丈夫だ。

These shoes are sturdy.

·  この (kono) = These (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  靴 (くつ, kutsu) = Shoes

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  丈夫 (じょうぶ, jōbu) = Sturdy, durable, strong

·  だ (da) = Informal ending (used in plain speech)

上手【じょうず】 (jouzu)

Noun, Adjective, な-adjective, skillful; skilled; proficient; good (at)

上手ですね！

You’re good at it!

·  上手 (じょうず, jōzu) = Good at, skillful

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

·  ね (ne) = A particle used to seek confirmation or add emphasis, often equivalent to “isn’t it?” or “right?”

授業【じゅぎょう】 (jugyou)

Noun, Suru verb,
lesson; class work

今日は授業が無い。

There are no classes today.

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = Today

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  授業 (じゅぎょう, jugyō) = Classes, lessons

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  無い (ない, nai) = There is not, does not exist (negative form of ある, aru, used for inanimate objects or events)

十【じゅう】 (juu)

Noun, Numeric, ten; 10

十月の天気が大好きです。

I love the weather in October.

·  十月 (じゅうがつ, jūgatsu) = October

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, indicating that the weather belongs to October

·  天気 (てんき, tenki) = Weather

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  大好きです (だいすきです, daisuki desu) = Love (polite form of expressing great liking)

かばん (kaban)

Noun, bag; basket​

これは私のかばんです。

This is my bag.

·  これ (kore) = This (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = My

·  かばん (kaban) = Bag

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

花瓶【かびん】 (kabin)

Noun, a vase

この花瓶は高かったです。

This vase was expensive.

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  花瓶 (かびん, kabin) = Vase

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  高かった (たかかった, takakatta) = Was expensive (past tense of 高い, takai, meaning “expensive”)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

角【かど】 (kado)

Noun,
a corner; angle​

ポストはこの通りの角にある。

The post office is at the corner of this street.

·  ポスト (posuto) = Post box (can also refer to a post office depending on context)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something close to the speaker)

·  通り (とおり, tōri) = Street

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, indicating the corner is part of this street

·  角 (かど, kado) = Corner

·  に (ni) = Directional particle, indicating location

·  ある (aru) = To be (used for inanimate objects)

帰る【かえる】 (kaeru)

Verb, Godan verb, Intransitive verb, to go back​

今日はなんじにかえるの？

What time are you going home today?

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = Today

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  なんじ (nanji) = What time

·  に (ni) = Particle indicating direction or time

·  かえる (kaeru) = To return, to go home

·  の (no) = Informal question particle, often used for seeking more information or asking in a more conversational tone

返す【かえす】 (kaesu)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, to return something

あなたにそれを返すつもりです。

I intend to return it to you.

·  あなたに (anata ni) = To you (with に indicating direction or recipient)

·  それを (sore o) = It (with を marking it as the object of the action)

·  返す (かえす, kaesu) = To return, to give back

·  つもりです (tsumori desu) = Intention or plan (polite form, indicating that you intend to do something)

鍵【かぎ】 (kagi)

Noun,
key

そのかぎは机の上にある。

The key is on the desk.

·  その (sono) = That (referring to something close to the listener or something previously mentioned)

·  かぎ (kagi) = Key

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  机 (つくえ, tsukue) = Desk

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, indicating that the desk is where the key is located

·  上 (うえ, ue) = On, above

·  に (ni) = Particle indicating the location or direction

·  ある (aru) = To be (used for inanimate objects)

階段【かいだん】 (kaidan)

Noun, stairs; stairway; staircase

彼はかいだんを登っている。

He is climbing the stairs.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = He

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  かいだん (階段, kaidan) = Stairs

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  登っている (のぼっている, nobotte iru) = Is climbing (the continuous form of 登る, noboru, meaning “to climb”)

買い物【かいもの】 (kaimono)

Noun,
shopping; purchased goods

今日、買い物に行きました。

I went shopping today.

·  今日 (きょう, kyō) = Today

·  買い物 (かいもの, kaimono) = Shopping

·  に (ni) = Particle indicating direction or purpose

·  行きました (いきました, ikimashita) = Went (polite past form of 行く, iku, meaning “to go”)

会社【かいしゃ】 (kaisha)

Noun, company; corporation

会社は明日まで休みです。

“The company is closed until tomorrow.”

·  会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) = Company

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  明日 (あした, ashita) = Tomorrow

·  まで (made) = Until (indicating the time limit)

·  休み (やすみ, yasumi) = Closed, holiday, break

·  です (desu) = Polite ending

掛かる【かかる】 (kakaru)

Verb, Godan verb, Intransitive verb, to take (a resource, e.g. time or money)

このしごとは時間がかかる。

This job takes time.

·  この (kono) = This (used to refer to something close to the speaker)

·  仕事 (しごと, shigoto) = Job, work, task

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (marks the subject as the topic of the sentence)

·  時間 (じかん, jikan) = Time

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (indicating what takes time)

·  かかる (kakaru) = To take (time, money, effort)

書く【かく】 (kaku)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, to write; to compose; to pen; to draw

ここにお名前を書いてください。

Please write your name here.

·  ここ (koko) = Here (indicating a specific location)

·  に (ni) = Particle indicating the place where the action will occur

·  お名前 (おなまえ, onamae) = Your name (the prefix お is an honorific that makes it polite)

·  を書いて (かいて, kaite) = Write (the て-form of 書く (かく, kaku), meaning “to write”)

·  ください (kudasai) = Please (a polite request)

カメラ (kamera)

Noun, Katakana,
camera

私はカメラをなくした。

I lost my camera.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (pronoun)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  カメラ (kamera) = Camera (borrowed from English)

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates what was lost)

·  なくした (nakushita) = Lost (past tense of なくす (nakusu), meaning “to lose”)

紙【かみ】 (kami)

Noun, paper

そのバッグは紙で作られています。

That bag is made of paper.

·  その (sono) = That (referring to something near the listener or already mentioned)

·  バッグ (baggu) = Bag (borrowed from English)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  紙 (かみ, kami) = Paper

·  で (de) = Particle indicating the material something is made from

·  作られています (つくられています, tsukurarete imasu) = Is made (passive form of 作る (つくる, tsukuru), meaning “to make”)

漢字【かんじ】 (kanji)

Noun,
kanji

彼は漢字が苦手だ。

He is not good at kanji.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = He

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  漢字 (かんじ, kanji) = Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese writing)

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (indicates what he is not good at)

·  苦手 (にがて, nigate) = Not good at, weak at, or uncomfortable with (often used for subjects or activities someone struggles with)

·  だ (da) = Informal copula, similar to “is” in English

カップ (kappu)

Noun, Katakana, cup

カップはテーブルから落ちた。

The cup fell from the table.

·  カップ (kappu) = Cup (borrowed from English)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  テーブル (tēburu) = Table (also borrowed from English)

·  から (kara) = From (indicating the starting point of the action)

·  落ちた (おちた, ochita) = Fell (past tense of 落ちる (おちる, ochiru), meaning “to fall”)

体【からだ】 (karada)

Noun, body

彼女の体はとても細いです。

Her body is very slim.

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = She / Her

·  の (no) = Possessive particle, meaning “her”

·  体 (からだ, karada) = Body

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  とても (totemo) = Very (used to emphasize)

·  細い (ほそい, hosoi) = Slim, thin (describing a slender body)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending particle

辛い【からい】 (karai)

い-adjective

, spicy

僕はからいものが苦手です。

I can’t handle spicy food well.

·  僕 (ぼく, boku) = I (a masculine and casual way to refer to oneself, commonly used by men)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  からいもの (辛いもの, karai mono) = Spicy foods (からい means spicy, and もの means things or foods)

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (indicates what you are not good with)

·  苦手 (にがて, nigate) = Not good at, dislike, or uncomfortable with (used for things one struggles with or dislikes)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending particle

カレー (karee)

Noun, Katakana, curry

私はカレーを作りました。

I made curry.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (a neutral and polite pronoun, used by both men and women)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (marks “I” as the topic of the sentence)

·  カレー (karē) = Curry (a commonly enjoyed dish in Japan, often referring to Japanese-style curry)

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates what was made)

·  作りました (つくりました, tsukurimashita) = Made (past tense of 作る (つくる, tsukuru), meaning “to make”)

カレンダー (karendaa)

Noun, Katakana, calendar

このカレンダーを貰ってもいいですか？

May I have this calendar?

·  この (kono) = This (referring to something near the speaker)

·  カレンダー (karendā) = Calendar (borrowed from English)

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicating what you want to take or receive)

·  貰って (もらって, moratte) = Receive (the て-form of 貰う (もらう, morau), meaning “to receive” or “to take”)

·  もいいですか (mo ii desu ka) = Is it okay (to do something)? (A polite way of asking for permission)

借りる【かりる】 (kariru)

Verb, Ichidan verb, Transitive verb, to borrow

これをかりることができますか？

Can I borrow this?

·  これ (kore) = This (referring to something near the speaker)

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates what you want to borrow)

·  かりる (借りる, kariru) = To borrow

·  こと (koto) = A nominalizer that turns the verb into a noun, often used to indicate an action or state

·  ができますか (ga dekimasu ka) = Can (you) do? (polite form of asking if something is possible)

軽い【かるい】 (karui)

Adjective, い-adjective, light

私はかるい靴が好きだ。

I like light shoes.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite pronoun)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  かるい (軽い, karui) = Light (in weight)

·  靴 (くつ, kutsu) = Shoes

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (marks “light shoes” as the subject)

·  好きだ (すきだ, suki da) = Like (casual form of 好きです, suki desu)

傘【かさ】 (kasa)

Noun, umbrella

私は傘をなくした。

I lost my umbrella.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite pronoun)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  傘 (かさ, kasa) = Umbrella

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates the object that was lost)

·  なくした (nakushita) = Lost (past tense of なくす (nakusu), meaning “to lose”)

貸す【かす】 (kasu)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, to lend; to loan

お金をかしてください。

Please lend me some money.

·  お金 (おかね, okane) = Money (the polite form using お makes it more respectful)

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates what is being lent)

·  かして (貸して, kashite) = Lend (the て-form of 貸す (かす, kasu), meaning “to lend”)

·  ください (kudasai) = Please (a polite way to make a request)

方【かた】 (kata)

Noun, way of doing something

僕のやり方はこうだ。

This is how I do it. Or This is my way of doing things.

·  僕 (ぼく, boku) = I (a casual, masculine pronoun)

·  の (no) = Possessive particle (indicates possession, meaning “my”)

·  やり方 (やりかた, yarikata) = Way of doing things, method, or approach

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (introduces what you are talking about)

·  こう (kou) = Like this, in this way (used to demonstrate or emphasize a method or action)

·  だ (da) = Informal form of です (desu), used to state a fact or assert something confidently

家庭【かてい】 (katei)

Noun,
household

私はかてい料理が食べたいです。

I want to eat home-cooked food.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite and neutral pronoun)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (introduces the topic of the sentence)

·  かてい料理 (家庭料理, katei ryōri) = Home-cooked food (literally “household cooking”)

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (indicates what you want to eat)

·  食べたい (たべたい, tabetai) = Want to eat (the たい form of 食べる (たべる, taberu), meaning “to eat”)

·  です (desu) = Polite ending particle

買う【かう】 (kau)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, to buy; to purchase

何を買いましたか？

What did you buy?

·  何 (なに, nani) = What

·  を (wo) = Object marker (indicates what was bought)

·  買いました (かいました, kaimashita) = Bought (past tense of 買う (かう, kau), meaning “to buy”)

·  か (ka) = Question particle (indicates that it’s a question)

川【かわ】 (kawa)

Noun, Suffix   , river; stream​

この川はとても広いです。

This river is very wide.

·  この (kono) = This (used to refer to something near the speaker)

·  川 (かわ, kawa) = River

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (introduces “this river” as the topic of the sentence)

·  とても (totemo) = Very (used for emphasis)

·  広い (ひろい, hiroi) = Wide, spacious

·  です (desu) = Polite sentence-ending particle (makes the sentence polite and formal)

可愛い【かわいい】 (kawaii)

Adjective, い-adjective, cute

彼女はかわいいですね。

She is cute, isn’t she?

·  彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo) = She / Her

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  かわいい (kawaii) = Cute, adorable

·  ですね (desu ne) = Sentence-ending particle used for seeking agreement or adding a friendly tone; like “isn’t it?” or “right?”

火曜日【かようび】 (kayoubi)

Noun

Tuesday

火曜日の朝にランニングをします。

I go running on Tuesday mornings.

·  火曜日 (かようび, kayōbi) = Tuesday

·  の (no) = Possessive/connecting particle (links Tuesday and morning)

·  朝 (あさ, asa) = Morning

·  に (ni) = Time/location particle (indicates when the action happens)

·  ランニング (ranningu) = Running (borrowed from English)

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  します (shimasu) = Do (polite form of the verb する, to do)

風【かぜ】 (kaze)

Noun

Wind

今朝は風が強いですね。

The wind is strong this morning, isn’t it?

·  今朝 (けさ, kesa) = This morning

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  風 (かぜ, kaze) = Wind

·  が (ga) = Subject marker

·  強い (つよい, tsuyoi) = Strong

·  ですね (desu ne) = Polite ending that adds friendliness and seeks agreement (like “isn’t it?” or “right?”)

風邪 【かぜ】 (kaze)

Noun,
a cold

私は風邪を引いています。

I have a cold.” or “I’m catching a cold.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I (polite pronoun)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  風邪 (かぜ, kaze) = Cold (as in illness)

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  引いています (ひいています, hiiteimasu) = Am catching/have caught (present progressive of 引く, to catch a cold in this context)

家族【かぞく】 (kazoku)

Noun, family; members of a family

家族は何人いますか？

How many people are in your family?

·  家族 (かぞく, kazoku) = Family

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  何人 (なんにん, nan-nin) = How many people

·  いますか (imasu ka) = Are there? / Do you have? (polite question form of いる, used for living things)

警官【けいかん】 (keikan)

Noun, policeman; police officer

私はけいかんです。

I am a police officer.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  けいかん (警官, keikan) = Police officer

·  です (desu) = Polite sentence ending (like “am/is/are”)

結婚【けっこん】 (kekkon)

Noun, Suru verb, marriage

私とけっこんしてください。

Please marry me

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I / me

·  と (to) = With

·  けっこん (結婚, kekkon) = Marriage

·  してください (shite kudasai) = Please do (polite request form of the verb する)

結構【けっこう】 (kekkou)

Noun, Adverbial Noun, Adjective, な-adjective, Adverb

splendid, enough

私はそれで結構です。

That’s fine with me.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I / me

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  それで (sore de) = With that / That way / In that case

·  結構です (けっこうです, kekkō desu) = It’s fine / It’s good / That’s enough (polite expression of approval or refusal depending on context)

今朝【けさ】 (kesa)

Noun, Temporal noun

this morning

今朝、朝ご飯を食べませんでした。

I didn’t eat breakfast this morning.

·  今朝 (けさ, kesa) = This morning

·  朝ご飯 (あさごはん, asagohan) = Breakfast

·  を (wo) = Object particle (marks what was eaten)

·  食べませんでした (たべませんでした, tabemasen deshita) = Did not eat (polite past negative form of 食べる, to eat)

消す【けす】 (kesu)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb

to erase, to turn off power

ラジオを消してください。

Please turn off the radio.

·  ラジオ (rajio) = Radio

·  を (wo) = Object particle (marks what is being acted on)

·  消してください (けしてください, keshite kudasai) = Please turn off / Please switch off (polite request form of 消す)

木【き】 (ki)

Noun, tree; shrub; bush; wood; timbe r

ジョンはその木に登った。

John climbed that tree.

·  ジョン (Jon) = John (a name)

·  は (wa) = Topic marker (introduces “John” as the topic of the sentence)

·  その (sono) = That (indicates something close to the listener or previously mentioned)

·  木 (き, ki) = Tree

·  に (ni) = Directional particle (indicates where the action is directed)

·  登った (のぼった, nobotta) = Climbed (past tense of 登る (のぼる, noboru), meaning “to climb”)

消える 【きえる】 (kieru)

Verb, Ichidan verb, Intransitive verb, to disappear

そのデータは消えるかのうせいがあります。

There is a possibility that the data will disappear.

·  その (sono) = That (referring to something specific near the listener or previously mentioned)

·  データ (dēta) = Data

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  消える (きえる, kieru) = To disappear (verb)

·  かのうせい (可能性, kanōsei) = Possibility

·  があります (ga arimasu) = There is (polite form of ある, indicating existence)

黄色い【きいろい】 (kiiroi)

Adjective, い-adjective, yellow

あのきいろい花は何ですか？

What is that yellow flower?

·  あの (ano) = That (referring to something far from both the speaker and listener)

·  きいろい (黄色い, kiiroi) = Yellow (adjective)

·  花 (はな, hana) = Flower

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  何ですか (なんですか, nan desu ka) = What is it? (polite way to ask)

聞く【きく】 (kiku)

Verb, Godan verb, Transitive verb, to hear; to listen (to music); to ask; to learn of

何で聞くの？

Why are you asking?

·  何で (なんで, nande) = Why (informal)

·  聞く (きく, kiku) = To ask (verb)

·  の (no) = Sentence-ending particle, often used to seek explanation or add a personal tone to the question

昨日【きのう】 (kinou)

Noun

yesterday

昨日は何をしましたか？

What did you do yesterday?

·  昨日 (きのう, kinō) = Yesterday

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  何 (なに, nani) = What

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  しましたか (shimashita ka) = Did (polite past form of する, to do)

金曜日【きんようび】 (kinyoubi)

Noun

Friday

明日は金曜日だ！

Tomorrow is Friday!

·  明日 (あした, ashita) = Tomorrow

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  金曜日 (きんようび, kin’yōbi) = Friday

·  だ (da) = Informal version of です (desu), meaning “is” (used in casual statements)

切符【きっぷ】 (kippu)

Noun,
ticket

私はきっぷをなくしたのです。

I lost the ticket.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  きっぷ (kippu) = Ticket

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  なくした (nakushita) = Lost (past tense of なくす, to lose)

·  のです (no desu) = A phrase used to provide an explanation or reason for something. It adds a sense of explanation or emphasis, like saying “the reason is…” in English.

嫌い【きらい】 (kirai)

Noun, Adjective, な-adjective, hate

私はぎゅうにゅうが嫌いです。

I hate milk.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  ぎゅうにゅう (牛乳, gyūnyū) = Milk

·  が (ga) = Subject marker (used with expressions of like/dislike)

·  嫌いです (きらいです, kirai desu) = Dislike / Hate (polite)

キログラム (kiro guramu)

Noun, Katakana

Kilogram

私のたいじゅうは５８キログラムです。

My weight is 58 kilograms.

·  私の (わたしの, watashi no) = My

·  たいじゅう (体重, taijū) = Body weight

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  ５８キログラム (ごじゅうはちキログラム, gojū-hachi kiroguramu) = 58 kilograms

·  です (desu) = Polite ending, “is”

キロメートル (kiro meetoru)

Noun, Katakana

Kilometer

あなたは20キロメートル走れますか。

Can you run 20 kilometers?

·  あなた (anata) = You

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  20キロメートル (にじゅっキロメートル, nijukkiro mētoru) = 20 kilometers

·  走れますか (はしれますか, hashiremasu ka) = Can (you) run?

切る【きる】 (kiru)

Verb, to cut

私は髪を切っています。

I am getting my hair cut.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  髪 (かみ, kami) = Hair

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  切っています (きっています, kitte imasu) = Am cutting (progressive form of 切る, to cut)

着る【きる】 (kiru)

Verb, to wear

私はきものを着るのが好きです。

I like wearing kimono.

·  私 (わたし, watashi) = I

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  きもの (着物, kimono) = Traditional Japanese clothing

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  着る (きる, kiru) = To wear (for clothes on the upper body)

·  のが好きです (のがすきです, no ga suki desu) = I like doing (something)

喫茶店【きっさてん】 (kissaten)

coffee shop; tearoom; café

Shall we go into a café or something?

喫茶店にでも入りませんか？

·  喫茶店 (きっさてん, kissaten) = Café / coffee shop (often a traditional-style one)

·  に (ni) = Directional particle (“to” or “into”)

·  でも (demo) = “or something like,” used to suggest something non-specific or casual

·  入りませんか (はいりませんか, hairimasen ka) = Would you like to enter? / Shall we go in?

北【きた】 (kita)

Noun,
north

私たちは北アメリカから2週間前に帰ってきた。

We came back from North America two weeks ago.

·  私たち (わたしたち, watashitachi) = We

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  北アメリカ (きたアメリカ, Kita Amerika) = North America

·  から (kara) = From

·  2週間前 (にしゅうかんまえ, nishūkan mae) = Two weeks ago

·  に (ni) = Time particle

·  帰ってきた (かえってきた, kaette kita) = Came back / returned (casual past)

汚い【きたない】 (kitanai)

Adjective, い-adjective

Dirty

彼の部屋はいつも汚いです。

His room is always dirty.

·  彼 (かれ, kare) = He / him

·  の (no) = Possessive particle (“his”)

·  部屋 (へや, heya) = Room

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  いつも (itsumo) = Always

·  汚い (きたない, kitanai) = Dirty / messy

·  です (desu) = Polite sentence ending

切手【きって】 (kitte)

Noun

stamp (postage)

この手紙にいくらの切手を貼るんですか。

How much is the stamp I need to put on this letter?

·  この手紙 (このてがみ, kono tegami) = This letter

·  に (ni) = Direction/target particle (indicates where the stamp is applied)

·  いくらの切手 (いくらのきって, ikura no kitte) = How much (worth of) stamp

·  を (wo) = Object marker

·  貼る (はる, haru) = To stick / to put on

·  んですか (n desu ka) = Polite form used to ask for an explanation or clarification

こっち (kocchi)

Noun,
this person or way

あなたはこっちに来ないでください。

Please don’t come over here.

·  あなた (anata) = You

·  は (wa) = Topic marker

·  こっち = This way / here (casual version of こちら)

·  に (ni) = Directional particle (“to”)

·  来ないでください (こないでください, konai de kudasai) = Please don’t come (negative request)

こちら (kochira)

Noun

this way; this direction​

こちらへおいでください。

Please come this way.

·  こちら = This way / here (polite/formal version of “here”)

·  へ (e) = Directional particle (“toward”)

·  おいでください = Honorific form of 来る (くる, kuru) → “Please come”