Speaking on the phone can be stressful enough in your own language, let alone in a foreign language! 

Even after you’re able to have face-to-face conversations with native speakers, you’ll find that communicating over the phone is rather difficult. Phone calls are different from in-person conversations in that you can’t rely on body gestures or facial expressions to help get your point across or to understand what the other person is trying to say. 

Talking on the phone in Japanese may be especially difficult. You’ll need to memorize a specific set of Japanese phone phrases, as we use Honorific language, or 敬語 (Keigo), for most of our phone conversations. The exception is when we’re just having a casual chat with friends or family.

But don’t worry! There are only a few patterns to learn and you’ll see them all in this article from JapanesePod101.com.

Let’s learn some useful Japanese phone call phrases!

Table of Contents

1. Picking up the Phone
2. Introducing Yourself
3. Stating the Reason for Your Call
4. Asking to Speak to Someone
5. Responding to the Caller / Asking Someone to Wait
6. Leaving a Message
7. Asking for Clarification
8. Ending the Phone Call
9. Sample Phone Conversations
10. Conclusion

1. Picking up the Phone

First impressions are critical! Let’s start by looking at some Japanese phone call phrases you could use to answer the phone. 

1. もしもし。 

Romanization: Moshimoshi.
English: “Hello.”

This is the most common way to answer a phone call in Japanese.

もし もし (moshimoshi) comes from the word 申す もうす (mōsu), which is “to say” in a humble manner. You can also add the word はい (hai), meaning “yes,” in front:

• はい、もしもし。 (Hai, moshimoshi.) – “Yes, hello.”

Moshimoshi is typically used by the receiver to answer the phone, but the caller may also say moshimoshi before continuing in order to make sure the other person can hear.

2. はい、___です。 

Romanization: Hai, ___ desu.
English: “Yes, this is ___.” [Polite]

When you pick up the phone, you say はい (hai), meaning “yes,” and then state who is speaking. 

To give your name, make sure to place the general and polite predicate -です (-desu) at the end. Keep in mind that you should normally give your family name (as opposed to only your first name) when answering the phone in Japanese. 

3. はい、___でございます。

Romanization: Hai, ___ de gozaimasu.
English: “Yes, this is ___.” [Very polite]

This phrase is very polite and often used in business contexts, such as when answering a company phone. 

4. どちら様でしょうか。 

Romanization: Dochira-sama deshō ka.
English: “Who is this?” [Very polite]

This phrase can be used later on when you want to know who’s calling, but some people ask this when they first receive a call. You can make the phrase even more polite by placing this in front:

• 失礼ですが… (Shitsurei desu ga…) – “Excuse me, but…” 

Examples

• はい、もしもし、田中です。 
  Hai, moshimoshi, Tanaka desu.
  “Yes, hello, Tanaka is speaking.”

• はい、ABC株式会社でございます。
  Hai, ABC kabushikigaisha de gozaimasu.
  “Yes, this is ABC company.”

• もしもし、鈴木です。どちら様でしょうか。
  Moshimoshi, Suzuki desu. Dochira-sama deshō ka.
  “Hello, this is Suzuki. Who’s calling?”

もしもし　(moshimoshi) – “hello” on the phone

2. Introducing Yourself

When you make a phone call in Japanese, it’s expected that you introduce yourself by stating your name and/or the company you’re representing. 

1. いつもお世話になっております。 

Romanization: Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu.
English: “Thank you for always being favorable.” / “It has always been a pleasure to work with you.”
Literally: “You always take care of me.”

This is a common Japanese phrase that does not translate well into other languages. It’s most often used in business communications, and it can be said by either the caller or the receiver. 

→ To learn more untranslatable Japanese words, please see our article Untranslatable Japanese Words: Let’s Talk Like a Native!

2. 私は___です。

Romanization: Watashi wa ___ desu. 
English: “This is ___.” [Polite]

This phrase literally means, “I am ___.” It’s a general and polite way to introduce yourself over the phone. 

If you’re calling a close friend or family member, you can say:

•  ___ だよ。 (___ da yo.) – “It’s ___.”

In this case, you can omit the subject (私 watashi).

3. 私は___と申します。

Romanization: Watashi wa ___ to mōshimasu.
English: “This is ___.” [Very polite]

This is a formal expression that denotes humbleness and respect. It’s often used in business situations and other official contexts. 

4. 私は___の___です/と申します。

Romanization: Watashi wa ___ no ___ desu / to mōshimasu.
English: “I am ___ from ___.”

This is the phrase you would use if you were calling as a business person or staff member of a company/organization. In Japanese culture, the group is often considered more important than the individual (collectivism) and a business person or staff member is seen as a representative of their company. Thus, telling where you belong is important.

Examples

• いつもお世話になっております。本田です。 
  Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu. Honda desu.
  “Thank you for your continued support. This is Honda.”

• もしもし、私だよ。
  Moshimoshi, watashi da yo.
  “Hello, it’s me.” [Very casual]

• 私はXYZ株式会社の山本と申します。
  Watashi wa XYZ kabushikigaisha no Yamamoto to mōshimasu.
  “This is Yamamoto from XYZ company.”

3. Stating the Reason for Your Call

Once the greetings and introductions are over, it’s time to let the other person know why you’re calling. Below are some phone phrases in Japanese for making reservations, asking for information, and more! 

1. ___ の予約をしたくて電話しました。

Romanization: ___ no yoyaku o shitakute denwa shimashita. 
English: “I’m calling because I’d like to make a reservation for ___.”

This Japanese phone call phrase is useful for booking a table at a restaurant, hair salon, etc. 

Vocabulary:

• 予約をする (yoyaku o suru) – “to book” / “to make a reservation”
• 電話する (denwa suru) – “to call”

2. ___について確認したくて電話しました。

Romanization: ___ni tsuite kakunin shitakute denwa shimashita.
English: “I’m calling because I’d like to confirm about ___.”

You can use this phrase when you want to check something. For example, you might say this while calling customer service to see if you can return an item or while calling a restaurant to see if you can change your reservation. 

Vocabulary

• 確認する (kakunin suru) – “to check” / “to confirm”

3. ___のサポートが必要なので電話しました。

Romanization: ___ no sapōto ga hitsuyō na node denwa shimashita.
English: “I’m calling because I need support for ___.”

This phrase is useful for situations where you need some support. You might say this when calling a help center for software services or talking with a customer service representative for info on setting up a gadget.

4. 着信があったので折り返し電話しました。

Romanization: Chakushin ga atta node orikaeshi denwa shimashita. 
English: “I received an incoming call, so I called back.”

When you call someone back, just give your name and use this phrase.

Vocabulary

• 着信 (chakushin) – “incoming call”
• 折り返し電話する (orikaeshi denwa suru) – “call back”

Examples

• もしもし、マッサージの予約をしたくて電話しました。
  Moshimoshi, massāji no yoyaku o shitakute denwa shimashita.
  “Hello, I’m calling because I’d like to make a booking for a massage.”

• 自然災害によるキャンセル料について確認したくて電話しました。
  Shizen saigai ni yoru kyanseruryō ni tsuite kakunin shitakute denwa shimashita.
  “I’m calling because I’d like to check about a cancelation fee due to a natural disaster.”

• 着信があったので折り返し電話したよ。何だった？
  Chakushin ga atta node orikaeshi denwa shita yo. Nan datta?
  “I received an incoming call and I’m calling you back. What was it?” [Very casual]

着信があったので折り返し電話しました。(Chakushin ga atta node orikaeshi denwa shimashita.)
“I received an incoming call, so I called back.”

4. Asking to Speak to Someone

What if the person who answers the phone is not who you intended to call? You can use the following phrases to ask if you can be transferred to the right person. 

1. ___ さんをお願いします。 

Romanization: ___-san o onegai shimasu. 
English: “Mr./Ms. ___, please.”

This is a useful phrase that’s simple yet still polite. By stating the name of the person you want to speak to, it implies to the receiver that you’d like to be connected to him/her. 

さん (san) is a general and polite Japanese honorific (敬称 keishō) that is placed after one’s name. It’s normally used after a family name (苗字 myōji / 姓 sei) in formal settings, but it can also be used after a given name (名 mei). 

If we’re calling someone of a higher rank than us or just want to show more respect, we use 様 (sama). For example, we might use this when calling customers, clients, or guests. 

2. ___ さんはいますか。 

Romanization: ___-san wa imasu ka.
English: “Is Mr./Ms. ___ there?” [Polite]

This is a very simple and casually polite phrase.  

3. ___ さんはいらっしゃいますか。

Romanization: ___-san wa irasshaimasu ka.
English: “Is Mr./Ms. ___ there?” [Very polite]

This phrase is even more polite and respectful, which makes it ideal for use in formal situations. Use this phrase if you’re calling someone who is superior to you or deserving of great respect.

4. ___ さんにつないでいただけますか。 

Romanization: ___-san ni tsunaide itadakemasu ka.
English: “Could you connect with Mr./Ms. ___?”

This is another polite way you can ask to speak to someone.

Examples

• 吉田と申します。原田様はいらっしゃいますか。
  Yoshida to mōshimasu. Harada-sama wa irasshaimasu ka.
  “I am Yoshida. Is Mr. Harada there?” [Very polite and respectful]

• もしもし、お父さん？お母さんいる？
  Moshimoshi, o-tō-san? O-kā-san iru?
  “Hello, Dad? Is Mom there?” [Very casual]

•  人事部の中田さんにつないでいただけますか。
  Jinjibu no Nakata-san ni tsunaide itadakemasu ka.
  “Could you please connect me with Mr. Nakata of the Human Resources Department?”

5. Responding to the Caller / Asking Someone to Wait 

If you’re the receiver and have been asked to connect someone, you may need to put the caller on hold for a moment and inform them if the person they’re inquiring after is not available. Here are some phrases you can use to do so politely: 

1. 申し訳ございません、___はただ今外出中です。

Romanization: Mōshiwake gozaimasen, ___ wa tadaima gaishutsuchū desu.
English: “I’m sorry, ___ is out of office now.”

This phrase is often used in business situations. It is proper Japanese phone call etiquette to apologize to the caller when the person they’re asking for is not in office.

In Japanese business settings, you don’t use honorifics (such as さん san) when saying a colleague’s name.

2. ___は本日お休みをいただいております。

Romanization: ___ wa honjitsu o-yasumi o itadaite orimasu. 
English: “___ is off today.” [Very polite]

This is a humbly respectful and very polite expression to use when the person they want is absent.

3. 確認いたします、少々お待ちください。

Romanization: Kakunin itashimasu, shōshō o-machi kudasai.
English: “I will check, please hold for a moment.”

When you need to check something and want the caller to wait for a moment, you can use this polite phrase. 

4. ___へおつなぎいたしますので、少々お待ちくださいませ。

Romanization: ___ e o-tsunagi itashimasu node,  shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.
English: “I will put you through to ___, please hold for a moment.”

You would use this phrase before transferring the caller to someone. 

Examples

• 申し訳ございません、山田は本日お休みをいただいております。
  Mōshiwake gozaimasen, Yamada wa honjitsu o-yasumi o itadaite orimasu.
  “I’m sorry, Yamada is off today.”

• 確認するね、ちょっと待って。
  Kakunin suru ne, chotto matte.
  “I’ll check, one moment.” [Very casual]

• 上田へおつなぎいたしますので、少々お待ちくださいませ。
  Ueda e o-tsunagi itashimasu node, shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.
  “I will transfer you to Ueda, please hold for a moment.”

少々お待ちください。  (Shōshō o-machi kudasai) – “Please wait a moment.”

6. Leaving a Message

Especially during a business phone call, you might need to leave a message if the person you’re trying to reach is unavailable. Below are a few different ways you could do this. 

1. 伝言をお願いできますか。

Romanization: Dengon o onegai dekimasu ka.
English: “Can I leave a message?”

Use this simple phrase when you want to leave a message.

Vocabulary

• 伝言 (dengon) – “a message”

2. ___さんに、私から電話があったと伝えていただけますか。

Romanization: ___-san ni, watashi kara denwa ga atta to tsutaete itadakemasu ka.
English: “Could you please tell Mr./Ms. ___ that I called?”

When you just want to let the person know that you have called, this phrase is useful and polite.

3. ___さんに、私へ折り返し電話するようお伝えいただけますか。

Romanization: ___-san ni, watashi e orikaeshi denwa suru yō o-tsutae itadakemasu ka.
English: “Could you please tell Mr./Ms. ___ to call me back?”

This is a polite way to ask for a call back.

Examples

• 山口さんへ伝言をお願いできますか。
  Yamaguchi-san e dengon o onegai dekimasu ka.
  “Could you give a message to Mr. Yamaguchi?”

• まゆみに、私から電話があったと伝えておいてね。
  Mayumi ni, watashi kara denwa ga atta to tsutaete oite ne.
  “Can you tell Mayumi that I called?” [Very casual]

• 中村さんに、明日私へ折り返し電話するようお伝えいただけますか。
  Nakamura-san ni, ashita watashi e orikaeshi denwa suru yō o-tsutae itadakemasu ka.
  “Could you please tell Mr. Nakamura to call me back tomorrow?”

7. Asking for Clarification

As a non-native speaker, you might need to ask for clarification at some point during your Japanese phone call conversation. There are a few polite phrases you can use. 

1. すみません、もう一度言ってください。

Romanization: Sumimasen, mō ichi-do itte kudasai.
English: “I’m sorry, could you repeat again?”

If you can’t hear what the other person is saying, you can use this phrase to ask them to repeat.

Vocabulary

• すみません (sumimasen) – “sorry” / “excuse me”
• もう一度 (mō ichi-do) – “once again”

2. すみません、聞こえにくいです。

Romanization: Sumimasen, kikoenikui desu.
English: “I’m sorry, but it’s hard to hear you.”

You can use this phrase to tell the other person that you’re not hearing them well.

3. 電波が悪いようです。

Romanization: Denpa ga warui yō desu.
English: “It seems there is a bad signal.”

If you’re experiencing a bad connection, you can use this phrase to inform the other person. 

Vocabulary

• 電波 (denpa) – “electric wave,” but it usually refers to a cell phone signal

4. もう一度ゆっくりおっしゃってくださいますか。 

Romanization: Mō ichi-do yukkuri osshatte kudasaimasu ka.
English: “Could you please say it again slowly?”

This is a very polite phrase you can use if you need them to repeat what they said more slowly. 

Vocabulary

• おっしゃる (ossharu) – the respectful version of 言う (iu), meaning “say”

5. 確認のため繰り返しますと、…　

Romanization: Kakunin no tame kurikaeshimasu to, …
English: “Let me repeat it to double check…”

Use this phrase when you want to double check something, or to make sure you or the receiver understand things correctly.

Vocabulary

• 確認 (kakunin) – “check” / “conform”
• 繰り返す (kurikaesu) – “repeat”

Examples

• すみません、聞こえにくいです。もう一度言ってください。
  Sumimasen, kikoenikui desu. Mō ichi-do itte kudasai.
  “I’m sorry, but it’s hard to hear you. Could you say that again?”

• ごめん、聞こえなかった。もう一度ゆっくり言ってくれる？
  Gomen, kikoenakatta. Mō ichi-do yukkuri itte kureru?
  “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you. Can you say that again slowly?” [Very casual]

• 確認のため繰り返しますと、私の電話番号は012334567です。
  Kakunin no tame kurikaeshimasu to, watashi no denwa bangō wa 012334567 desu.
  “Let me repeat it to double check…my phone number is 012334567.”

もう一度言ってください。  (Mō ichi-do itte kudasai.) – “Please repeat again.”

8. Ending the Phone Call

Finally, let’s go over a few different ways of ending a phone call in Japanese. 

1. はい、わかりました。 

Romanization: Hai, wakarimashita. 
English: “Yes, I understood.”

This phrase can be used during the conversation, but saying it at the end shows that you understood the conversation as a whole. In casual conversations, you can replace はい (hai) with: 

• うん (un) – “yeah”

2. かしこまりました。

Romanization: Kashikomarimashita.
English: “Understood.” / “Certainly.”

This phrase is a humble and very polite version of わかりました (wakarimashita). It’s often used in business situations as well as in communications toward customers and guests.

3. よろしくお願いいたします。 

Romanization: Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.

This is one of the most frequently used untranslatable Japanese phrases. We often use it in business settings, especially when closing a conversation or ending an email. 

It literally translates as “Suitable favor please,” but it can have various meanings depending on the situation. For example: 

• “Nice to meet you” 
• “Best regards” 
• “Favorably please” 
• “Please take care of me”

In phone conversations, it’s used as a final greeting.

4. 失礼します。

Romanization: Shitsurei shimasu. 

This is another common untranslatable Japanese phrase used in formal situations. 

The literal translation is: “I do rude/impolite.” But when ending a phone call or leaving an office/meeting room, it means: “May I be excused.”

失礼いたします(shitsurei itashimasu) is even more polite.

Examples

• かしこまりました。では、失礼いたします。
  Kashikomarimashita. Dewa, shitsurei itashimasu.
  “Certainly. Please excuse me now.”

• うん、わかったよ。じゃあね。
  Un, wakatta yo. Jā ne.
  “Yeah, understood. Bye then.” [Very casual]

• 明日の会議の件かしこまりました。よろしくお願いいたします。
  Ashita no kaigi no ken kashikomarimashita. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
  “I understood about the meeting tomorrow. Favorably please.”

9. Sample Phone Conversations

Now that we’ve introduced you to several useful phone call phrases, it’s time to see them in action. Below, you’ll find two sample phone conversations: one casual and one formal. 

1 – Casual Conversation (Two Friends)

A: 
もしもし、まりこ？
Moshimoshi, Mariko?
“Hello, Mariko?”

B:
もしもし、かなちゃん! どうしたの?
Moshimoshi, Kana-chan! Dō shita no?
“Hello, Kana! What’s up?”

A: 
今週の土曜日空いてる?
Konshū no do-yōbi aite ru?
“Are you free on Saturday this weekend?”

B: 
うん、午後からなら暇だよ。
Un, gogo kara nara hima da yo.
“Yeah, I’m free from the afternoon.”

A: 
___の映画の無料券もらったから、一緒に行きたいと思って。どうかな?
___ no eiga no muryōken moratta kara, issho ni ikitai to omotte. Dō ka na?
“I got the free movie tickets for ___ and I’d like to go with you. What do you think?”

B: 
ありがとう。いいね、見に行こう！
Arigatō. Ii ne, mi ni ikō!
“Thank you. That’s nice, let’s go watch!”

A: 
じゃあ、2時に新宿駅東口で待ち合わせしよう。
Jā, ni-ji ni Shinjuku Eki higashiguchi de machiawase shiyō.
“Well, then let’s meet at the east exit of Shinjuku Station at two o’clock.”

B: 
うん、わかった。土曜日の2時に新宿駅ね。
Un, wakatta. Do-yōbi no ni-ji ni Shinjuku Eki ne.
“Okay, noted. At Shinjuku Station at two o’clock on Saturday.”

A: 
じゃあ土曜日にね。バイバイ。
Jā do-yōbi ni ne. Baibai.
“See you on Saturday, then. Bye.”

B: 
うん、よろしくね。バイバイ。
Un, yoroshiku ne. Baibai.
“Yeah, thank you. Bye.”

2 – Formal Conversation (Calling a Client’s Office)

A:
はい、XYZ株式会社でございます。
Hai, XYZ kabushikigaisha de gozaimasu.
“Hello, this is XYZ company.”

B: 
もしもし、いつもお世話になっております。私はABC株式会社の田中と申します。
Moshimoshi, itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu. Watashi wa ABC kabushikigaisha no Tanaka to mōshimasu.
“Hello, it’s always a pleasure to work with you. I am Tanaka from ABC company.”

A: 
いつもお世話になっております。ご用件は何でしょうか。
Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu. Go-yōken wa nan deshō ka.
“Thank you for your continued support, too. How can I help you?”

B: 
国際部の上野さんにつないでいただけますか。
Kokusaibu no Ueno-san ni tsunaide itadakemasu ka.
“Could you connect me with Mr. Ueno of the International Department?”

A: 
確認いたします、少々お待ちくださいませ。
Kakunin itashimasu, shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.
“I will check, please hold for a moment.”

— a minute later —

A: 
申し訳ございません、上野はただ今外出中です。ご伝言を承りましょうか。
Mōshiwake gozaimasen, Ueno wa tadaima gaishutsuchū desu. Go-dengon o uketamawarimashō ka.
“I’m sorry, Ueno is out of office now. Would you like to leave a message?”

B:
はい、お願いします。送り状の件について確認したくて電話しました。上野さんに、明日私へ折り返し電話するようお伝えいただけますか。
Hai, onegai shimasu. Okurijō no ken ni tsuite kakunin shitakute denwa shimashita. Ueno-san ni, ashita watashi e orikaeshi denwa suru yō o-tsutae itadakemasu ka.
“Yes, please. I called because I’d like to check about the invoice. Could you please tell Mr. Ueno to call me back tomorrow?”

A: 
かしこまりました。上野へ田中様からのご伝言をお伝えいたします。
Kashikomarimashita. Ueno e Tanaka-sama kara no go-dengon o o-tsutae itashimasu.
“Certainly. I will send the message from Mr. Tanaka to Ueno.”

B: 
ありがごうございます。よろしくお願いいたします。では、失礼いたします。
Arigatō gozaimasu. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Dewa, shitsurei itashimasu.
“Thank you. Please do so. May I be excused now?”

A:
お電話ありがとうございました。失礼いたします。
O-denwa arigatō gozaimashita. Shitsurei itashimasu.
“Thank you for calling. Goodbye.”

10. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced the most useful and frequently used Japanese phone call phrases. Once you master this list of polite expressions, you can make or receive your next call in Japanese with confidence—whether you’re chatting with a friend or getting info from a customer service rep.

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and pick up additional Japanese phrases for different situations, you’ll find a lot of helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help improve your Japanese language skills. 

Not sure where to start? Check out these articles: 

• The 10 Most Useful Japanese Sentence Patterns
• Essential Business Japanese: Learn the Most Useful Phrases
• The 10 Most Useful Japanese Questions and Answers

And there’s so much more! Learn faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future article. What words, phrases, or cultural topics would you like to learn more about? We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

You’ve just started studying Japanese? Then you should build a solid foundation by learning the easiest and most frequently used Japanese words for beginners! 

Japanese dictionaries list anywhere from 55,000 to 82,000 words, though the number of words used per day by ordinary Japanese adults is said to be around 800-900 (or 1000-1200 words for university students). 

Some linguists state that Japanese is one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has labeled Japanese a Category IV language, which is the most difficult level. 

However, there are a few things about Japanese that English speakers find easy. While it can take forever to master the Kanji system for reading and writing, learning how to listen and speak in daily conversations isn’t as difficult as you may think! You don’t have to worry about whether to use singular or plural forms, which article to add before a noun, or how to conjugate verbs (I am / she is / they are). These concepts do not exist in the Japanese language!

In this article, JapanesePod101.com will introduce the most useful Japanese beginner words that are used in everyday situations.

日本語の初級単語を学ぼう。
Nihon-go no shokyū tango o manabō.
“Let’s learn Japanese beginner words.”

Table of Contents

1. Pronouns – 代名詞 (Daimeishi)
2. Numbers – 数字 (Sūji)
3. Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
4. Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
5. Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
6. Conjunctions – 接続詞 (Setsuzokushi)
7. Other – その他 (Sonota)
8. Conclusion

1. Pronouns – 代名詞 (Daimeishi)

Pronouns are a major component of Japanese vocabulary, so learning them early on in your studies is a great idea. To give you a headstart, here’s a list of the most important pronouns in Japanese. 

Personal Pronouns – 人称代名詞 (Ninshō daimeishi)

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
I  (female/casual; unisex/formal)	私	わたし	watashi
I  (male/casual)	僕	ぼく	boku
you  (general)	ー	あなた	anata
you  (casual)	君	きみ	kimi
he	彼	かれ	kare
she	彼女	かのじょ	kanojo
they	彼ら	かれら	kare-ra

Examples:

• 彼と彼女は同じ大学の学生です。
  Kare to kanojo wa onaji daigaku no gakusei desu.
  “He and she are students of the same university.”

• これは私からあなたへのプレゼントです。
  Kore wa watashi kara anata e no purezento desu.
  “This is a present for you from me.”

• 君と僕は同い年だ。
  Kimi to boku wa onaidoshi da.
  “You and I are the same age.”

Demonstrative Pronouns – 指示代名詞 (Shiji daimeishi)

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
this  (close to the speaker)	ー	これ	kore
it / that  (close to the listener)	ー	それ	sore
that (far from both the speaker and the listener)	ー	あれ	are
these  (close to the speaker)	ー	これら	kore-ra
they / those  (close to the listener)	ー	それら	sore-ra
those  (far from both the speaker and the listener)	ー	あれら	are-ra

Examples:

• それを取ってください。そう、それです。
  Sore o totte kudasai. Sō, sore desu.
  “Please pass me that [close to the listener]. Yes, that’s it.”

• これは私のです。あれはあなたのです。
  Kore wa watashi no desu. Are wa anata no desu.
  “This is mine. That is yours.”

• これらの作品をどう思いますか。 
  Kore-ra no sakuhin o dō omoimasu ka.
  “What do you think about these works?””What do you think about these works?”

For more details about Japanese pronouns, please see Your Ultimate Guide to Japanese Pronouns.

これは私の本です。
Kore wa watashi no hon desu.
“This is my book.”

Interrogative Pronouns – 疑問詞 (Gimonshi)

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
what	何	なに	nani
who	誰	だれ	dare
where	ー	どこ	doko
which	ー	どの	dono
why	ー	なぜ／どうして	naze / dōshite
when	ー	いつ	itsu
how much	ー	いくら	ikura
how many	ー	いくつ	ikutsu
how	ー	どうやって	dō yatte

Examples:

• これは何ですか。これとあれは何が違いますか。
  Kore wa nan desu ka. Kore to are wa nani ga chigaimasu ka.
  “What is this? What is the difference between this and that?”

• 誰とどこに行くの？いつ帰る？
  Dare to doko ni iku no? Itsu kaeru?
  “With whom and where are you going? When will you come back?”

• あれはいくらですか。いくつ買えば割引になりますか。 
  Are wa ikura desu ka. Ikutsu kaeba waribiki ni narimasu ka.
  “How much is that? How many should I buy to get a discount?”

For more information about asking and answering questions in Japanese, check out The 10 Most Useful Japanese Questions and Answers.

一番近い地下鉄の駅はどこですか。
Ichi-ban chikai chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka.
“Where is the nearest subway station?”

2. Numbers – 数字 (Sūji)

Japanese numbers are very simple. 

The names of all numbers in Japanese consist of the ten basic numbers shown below, except for certain units such as: hundred (百 hyaku), thousand (千 sen), ten-thousand (万 man), etc. There are no particular names like “eleven,” “twelve,” “thirty,” or “fifty.”

For example:

• Eleven in Japanese is read as jū-ichi, which is literally “ten-one.”
• Fifteen in Japanese is read as jū-go, which is literally “ten-five.”
• Thirty-five in Japanese is read as san-jū go, which is literally “three-ten-five.”

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
one	一	いち	ichi
two	二	に	ni
three	三	さん	san
four	四	し/ よん	shi / yon
five	五	ご	go
six	六	ろく	roku
seven	七	しち / なな	shichi / nana
eight	八	はち	hachi
nine	九	く / きゅう	ku / kyū
ten	十	じゅう	jū

Examples:

• 彼は今年27才になります。
  Kare wa kotoshi ni-jū nana-sai ni narimasu.
  “He will be 27 years old this year.”

• このペンは95円で、そのえんぴつは70円です。 
  Kono pen wa kyū-jū go-en de, sono enpitsu wa nana-jū-en desu.
  “This pen is ninety-five yen and the pencil is seventy yen.”

• 私は英語を5年、イタリア語を1年勉強しています。 
  Watashi wa Eigo o go-nen, Itaria-go o ichi-nen benkyō shite imasu.
  “I have been studying English for five years and Italian for one year.”

To learn more about counting in Japanese, please check out Japanese Numbers: Let’s Master the Basic Japanese Numbers!

There are several variations of Japanese counters, each one used according to what’s being counted.
Birds = 1羽 (ichi-wa)、2羽(ni-wa), Books = 1冊(issatsu)、2冊(ni-satsu), Shoes = 1足(issoku)、2足(ni-soku)

3. Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)

Our next set of basic Japanese words consists of frequently used nouns. When used together with verbs, nouns allow you to form complete sentences and effectively express yourself—in a pinch, you can even use them alone in order to convey a basic idea! 

Time

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
time	時間	じかん	jikan
minute	分	ふん / ぷん	fun / pun
o’clock	時	じ	ji
day	日	にち / ひ / び	nichi / hi / bi
month	月	つき / げつ / がつ	tsuki / getsu / gatsu
year	年	ねん	nen
morning time (until noon)	午前	ごぜん	gozen
afternoon	午後	ごご	gogo
morning	朝	あさ	asa
noon / noontime / daytime	昼	ひる	hiru
early evening	夕方	ゆうがた	yūgata
evening / night	夜	よる	yoru
Monday	月曜日	げつようび	getsu-yōbi
Tuesday	火曜日	かようび	ka-yōbi
Wednesday	水曜日	すいようび	sui-yōbi
Thursday	木曜日	もくようび	moku-yōbi
Friday	金曜日	きんようび	kin-yōbi
Saturday	土曜日	どようび	do-yōbi
Sunday	日曜日	にちようび	nichi-yōbi

Examples:

• 私は月曜日から金曜日は朝6時に起きます。
  Watashi wa getsu-yōbi kara kin-yōbi wa asa roku-ji ni okimasu.
  “I get up at six o’clock from Monday to Friday.”

• 彼は1年に3ヶ月仕事で海外へ行きます。 
  Kare wa ichi-nen ni san-kagetsu shigoto de kaigai e ikimasu.
  “He goes abroad for three months a year for work.”

• 彼女は夜遅くに寝ますが、朝は早く起きます。 
  Kanojo wa yoru osoku ni nemasu ga, asa wa hayaku okimasu.
  “She goes to bed late at night, but gets up early in the morning.”

People

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
parent	親	おや	oya
parents	両親	りょうしん	ryōshin
father / dad	父 / お父さん	ちち / おとうさん	chichi / o-tō-san
mother / mom	母 / お母さん	はは / おかあさん	haha / o-kā-san
older brother	兄	あに	ani
older sister	姉	あね	ane
younger brother	弟	おとうと	otōto
younger sister	妹	いもうと	imōto
grandfather / grandpa	祖父 / お爺ちゃん	そふ / おじいちゃん	sofu / o-jii-chan
grandmother / grandma	祖母 / お婆ちゃん	そぼ / おばあちゃん	sobo /o-bā-chan
uncle	伯父（叔父）	おじ	oji
aunt	伯母（叔母）	おば	oba
cousin	従兄弟	いとこ	itoko
grandchild	孫	まご	mago
Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.(put after a name to refer to a person politely)	ー	さん	-san
Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.(put after a name to refer to a person respectfully)	様	さま	-sama
work	仕事	しごと	shigoto
employee of a company	会社員	かいしゃいん	kaishain
doctor	医者	いしゃ	isha
lawyer	弁護士	べんごし	bengoshi
teacher	先生 / 教師	せんせい / きょうし	sensei / kyōshi
student	生徒 / 学生	せいと / がくせい	seito / gakusei

Examples:

• 私の父は弁護士で、母は高校の教師です。
  Watashi no chichi wa bengoshi de, haha wa kōkō no kyōshi desu.
  “My father is a lawyer and my mother is a highschool teacher.”

• 彼には兄と妹がいます。 
  Kare ni wa ani to imōto ga imasu.
  “He has an older brother and a younger sister.”

• 彼女の両親は大企業で会社員をしています。 
  Kanojo no ryōshin wa daikigyō de kaishain o shite imasu.
  “Her parents are employees of a large company.” / “Her parents work for a large company.”

Places Around Town

English	Kanji	Hiragana/Katakana	Reading
town / city	町 / 街	まち	machi
hospital	病院	びょういん	byōin
school	学校	がっこう	gakkō
supermarket	ー	スーパーマーケット	sūpāmāketto
store	店	みせ	mise
post office	郵便局	ゆうびんきょく	yūbinkyoku
city/town hall	（市/区）役所	(し/く)やくしょ	(shi / ku) yakusho
station	駅	えき	eki

Examples:

• 私の町には、駅のとなりに大きな病院があります。
  Watashi no machi ni wa, eki no tonari ni ōkina byōin ga arimasu.
  “There is a big hospital next to the station in my town.”

• この道をまっすぐ行くと市役所があります。
  Kono michi o massugu iku to shiyakusho ga arimasu.
  “Go straight on this road and you will find the city hall.”

• 日曜日は、郵便局は休みです。 
  Nichi-yōbi wa, yūbinkyoku wa yasumi desu.
  “The post office is closed on Sundays.”

School / Office Essentials

English	Kanji	Hiragana/Katakana	Reading
pen	ー	ペン	pen
pencil	鉛筆	えんぴつ	enpitsu
eraser	消しゴム	けしゴム	keshigomu
notebook	ー	ノート	nōto
textbook	教科書	きょうかしょ	kyōkasho
computer	ー	コンピューター	konpyūtā
internet	ー	インターネット	intānetto
wi-fi	ー	ワイファイ	waifai

Examples:

• ワイファイのパスワードは何ですか。
  Waifai no pasuwādo wa nan desu ka.
  “What is the wi-fi password?”

• 彼の学校は紙の教科書を使わずコンピューターを使います。
  Kare no gakkō wa kami no kyōkasho o tsukawazu konpyūtā o tsukaimasu.
  “His school does not use paper textbooks, but computers.”

• 試験では、鉛筆と消しゴムのみ使用できます。 
  Shiken de wa, enpitsu to keshigomu nomi shiyō dekimasu.
  “Only pencils and erasers can be used in the exam.”

Body Parts 

English	Kanji	Hiragana/Katakana	Reading
head	頭	あたま	atama
face	顔	かお	kao
eye	目	め	me
nose	鼻	はな	hana
mouth	口	くち	kuchi
ear	耳	みみ	mimi
neck	首	くび	kubi
body	体	からだ	karada
shoulder	肩	かた	kata
back	背中	せなか	senaka
chest / breast	胸	むね	mune
belly / abdomen	腹 / お腹	はら / おなか	hara / onaka
arm	腕	うで	ude
hand	手	て	te
finger	指	ゆび	yubi
leg	足	あし	ashi

Examples:

• 目と鼻は顔の重要な部位です。
  Me to hana wa kao no jūyō na bui desu.
  “The eyes and nose are important parts of the face.”

• 彼は事故で足を骨折しました。
  Kare wa jiko de ashi o kossetsu shimashita.
  “He broke his leg in the accident.”

• 今日は朝からお腹が痛い。 
  Kyō wa asa kara onaka ga itai.
  “I have abdominal pain from the morning today.”

6. Food

English	Kanji	Hiragana/Katakana	Reading
meat	肉	にく	niku
vegetable	野菜	やさい	yasai
fruit	果物	くだもの	kudamono
fish	魚	さかな	sakana
egg	卵	たまご	tamago
milk	牛乳	ぎゅうにゅう	gyūnyū
rice	米	こめ	kome
cooked rice / meal	ご飯	ごはん	gohan
noodle	麺	めん	men

Examples:

• 私は肉と卵を食べません。
  Watashi wa niku to tamago o tabemasen.
  “I don’t eat meat or eggs.”

• 彼は牛乳のアレルギーがあります。
  Kare wa gyūnyū no arerugī ga arimasu.
  “He is allergic to milk.”

• 日本の主食はお米です。
  Nihon no shushoku wa o-kome desu.
  “The staple food in Japan is rice.”

To learn even more Japanese nouns for beginners, please check out Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns.

日本の平均的な家族は、両親と子供2人です。
Nihon no heikinteki na kazoku wa, ryōshin to kodomo futari desu.
“The average Japanese family has parents and two children.”

4. Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)

Verbs are used with nouns to form a complete thought. Learning the most common Japanese verbs will help you communicate more effectively with native speakers and provide a solid vocabulary base to build on. 

Daily Activities

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
wake up / get up	起きる	おきる	okiru
sleep	寝る	ねる	neru
see / watch / look	見る	みる	miru
hear / listen	聞く	きく	kiku
say	言う	いう	iu
eat	食べる	たべる	taberu
drink	飲む	のむ	nomu
go	行く	いく	iku
come	来る	くる	kuru
walk	歩く	あるく	aruku
run	走る	はしる	hashiru
enter	入る	はいる	hairu
go out / come out	出る	でる	deru
push	押す	おす	osu
pull	引く	ひく	hiku

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
change	変える	かえる	kaeru
read	読む	よむ	yomu
write	書く	かく	kaku
do	ー	する	suru
work	仕事する	しごとする	shigoto suru
study	勉強する	べんきょうする	benkyō suru
drive	運転する	うんてんする	unten suru
cook	料理する	りょうりする	ryōri suru
stand	立つ	たつ	tatsu
sit	座る	すわる	suwaru
get on	乗る	のる	noru
get off	降りる	おりる	oriru

Examples:

• 私は甘いものを食べるのが好きです。
  Watashi wa amai mono o taberu no ga suki desu.
  “I like to eat sweets.”

• 何度も言うように、どこに行くか決まったら教えて。
  Nando mo iu yō ni, doko ni iku ka kimattara oshiete.
  “As I’ve said many times, let me know when you decide where to go.”

• このボタンを押して降りてください。
  Kono botan o oshite orite kudasai.
  “Please push this button to get off.”

Other Common Verbs

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
have / hold	持つ	もつ	motsu
give	ー	あげる	ageru
take	取る	とる	toru
make	作る	つくる	tsukuru
let	ー	させる	saseru
think	思う	おもう	omou
meet	会う	あう	au
find	見つける	みつける	mitsukeru
lose	失くす	なくす	nakusu
wait	待つ	まつ	matsu
start / begin	始める	はじめる	hajimeru
finish	終える	おえる	oeru
be / exist (living thing)	居る	いる	iru
be / exist (non-living thing)	在る	ある	aru
laugh / smile	笑う	わらう	warau
get angry	怒る	おこる	okoru
become sad	悲しむ	かなしむ	kanashimu
enjoy	楽しむ	たのしむ	tanoshimu
love	愛する	あいする	aisuru
forget	忘れる	わすれる	wasureru
apologize	謝る	あやまる	ayamaru
rest	休む	やすむ	yasumu

Examples:

• 私が失くした財布を弟が見つけた。
  Watashi ga nakushita saifu o otōto ga mitsuketa.
  “My younger brother found the wallet that I lost.”

• 彼は両親を悲しませないために大学へ行く。
  Kare wa ryōshin o kanashimasenai tame ni daigaku e iku.
  “He goes to university in order not to make his parents sad.”

• 何があっても笑うことと愛することを忘れないでください。
  Nani ga atte mo warau koto to aisuru koto o wasurenaide kudasai.
  “No matter what happens, please do not forget to smile and love.”

To learn more about Japanese verbs, please check out The 100+ Most Common Japanese Verbs and Japanese Tenses: Simple Yet Unique.

カラオケで楽しむ 
Karaoke de tanoshimu
“Enjoy at karaoke”

5. Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)

As you know, adjectives are used to describe nouns. Learning the most common Japanese words for describing things will allow you to add spice to your conversations and flair to your writing, so pay close attention! 

Describing Objects

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
big / large	大きい	おおきい	ōkii
small / little	小さい	ちいさい	chiisai
long	長い	ながい	nagai
short	短い	みじかい	mijikai
round	丸い	まるい	marui
square	四角い	しかくい	shikakui
hard / stiff	固い	かたい	katai
soft / flexible	柔らかい	やわらかい	yawarakai
hot*	熱い	あつい	atsui
cold (to the touch)**	冷たい	つめたい	tsumetai

* “hot” is 暑い (atsui) when referring to the weather.
** “cold” is 寒い (samui) when referring to the weather.

Examples:

• 熱いお茶と冷たいジュース、どちらが好きですか。
  Atsui o-cha to tsumetai jūsu, dochira ga suki desu ka.
  “Which do you prefer, hot tea or cold juice?”

• このパンは思ったよりも固い。
  Kono pan wa omotta yori mo katai.
  “This bread is harder than I thought.”

• 私は次のバスが来るまで長い時間待ちました。
  Watashi wa tsugi no basu ga kuru made nagai jikan machimashita.
  “I waited a long time until the next bus arrived.”

Describing People and Emotions

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
tall / high	高い	たかい	takai
short / low	低い	ひくい	hikui
thin / skinny / slim	痩せた	やせた	yaseta
fat	太った	ふとった	futotta
cute / pretty	可愛い	かわいい	kawaii
beautiful	美しい	うつくしい	utsukushii
handsome / cool	格好良い	かっこいい	kakkoii
kind / gentle	優しい	やさしい	yasashii
difficult	難しい	むずかしい	muzukashii
scary	怖い	こわい	kowai
fun / interesting	面白い	おもしろい	omoshiroi
happy	嬉しい	うれしい	ureshii
sad	悲しい	かなしい	kanashii
fun / enjoyable	楽しい	たのしい	tanoshii
sleepy	眠い	ねむい	nemui

Examples:

• 私は背が低いが、兄は背が高い。
  Watashi wa se ga hikui ga, ani wa se ga takai.
  “I’m short but my brother is tall.”

• 彼女は可愛いのに難しい性格です。
  Kanojo wa kawaii noni muzukashii seikaku desu.
  “She is pretty but has a difficult personality.”

• 怖い映画は嫌いです。
  Kowai eiga wa kirai desu.
  “I don’t like scary movies.”

Describing Weather

Technically, there is no one-word adjective to describe the weather in Japanese; weather is usually described using a weather noun and a particle, which together function like an adjective. 

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
sunny	晴れの	はれの	hare no
rainy	雨の	あめの	ame no
cloudy	曇りの	くもりの	kumori no
windy	風の(ある/強い)	かぜの(ある/つよい）	kaze no aru / tsuyoi
snowy	雪の	ゆきの	yuki no

Examples:

•  風の強い日はよく電車が止まる。
  Kaze no tsuyoi hi wa yoku densha ga tomaru.
  “Trains often stop on windy days.”

• 雨の日は学校に行きたくない気分になります。
  Ame no hi wa gakkō ni ikitakunai kibun ni narimasu.
  “I feel like I don’t want to go to school on a rainy day.”

• 秋は晴れの日が多いです。
  Aki wa hare no hi ga ōi desu.
  “There are many sunny days in autumn.”

To learn more about Japanese adjectives, please check out our article Learn the Top 100 Essential Japanese Adjectives and -I vs. -NA Adjectives in Japanese.

晴れの日は楽しい 
hare no hi wa tanoshii
“sunny days are fun”

6. Conjunctions – 接続詞 (Setsuzokushi)

English	Kanji	Hiragana	Reading
and / then	ー	そして	soshite
because / therefore / thus	ー	だから	dakara
but	ー	だが	daga
however / on the contrary	ー	ところが	tokoroga
also	ー	また	mata
or	又は	または	matawa
by the way	ー	ところで	tokorode
moreover / furthermore	ー	さらに	sarani
for example	例えば	たとえば	tatoeba

Examples:

• 彼は学校へ行き、そして試験を受けた。
  “He went to school, and took an exam.”
  Kare wa gakkō e iki, soshite shiken o uketa.

• 朝はとても寒かった。ところが、午後はとても暑くなった。
  Asa wa totemo samukatta. Tokoroga, gogo wa totemo atsuku natta.
  “It was very cold in the morning. However, it became very hot in the afternoon.”

• お寿司またはラーメンを食べたいです。
  O-sushi matawa rāmen o tabetai desu.
  “I want to eat Sushi or Rāmen.”

For more information about Japanese conjunctions, please see Japanese Conjunctions: Learn Japanese Linking Words.

7. Other – その他 (Sonota)

Particles, or 助詞 (joshi), play a crucial role in Japanese grammar. Japanese particles are postpositional and they’re placed after nouns, verbs, and adjectives. In the table below are the most common beginner-level particles, as well as the basic predicates.

English	Hiragana	Reading
Case marker: topic, theme, and subject	は *	wa
Case marker: topic, theme, and subject (emphasizing)	が	ga
too	も	mo
of	の	no
in / at / to	に	ni
by	で	de
a predicate that is placed at the end of a sentence (present tense / casual)	だ	da
a predicate that is placed at the end of a sentence (present tense / polite)	です	desu
a predicate that is placed at the end of a sentence(past tense / casual)	だった	datta
a predicate that is placed at the end of a sentence(past tense / polite)	でした	deshita

* As a case marker particle, Hiragana “は” is read as “wa” instead of “ha.“

Examples:

• 彼も学生でした。
  Kare mo gakusei deshita.
  “He was a student, too.”

• 荷物は11月の第１週目に届きました。
  Nimotsu wa jū-ichi-gatsu no dai isshū-me ni todokimashita.
  “The package arrived in the first week of November.”

• 彼女は今学校にいます。
  Kanojo wa ima gakkō ni imasu.
  “She is at school now.”

Feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point? To learn more about the Japanese language in a simplified manner, please check out An Easy Guide to Japanese Grammar.

Particles play a very important role in Japanese grammar.

8. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced the most common Japanese beginner words, including pronouns, numbers, nouns, verbs, adjectives, conjunctions, and particles. Once you master this list, you’ll be able to understand quite a bit during your daily Japanese conversations in everyday situations!

If you would like to learn even more about the Japanese language, you’ll find more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese language skills. 

If you’re a beginner, the following articles will be quite useful:  

• Japanese Language Overview: All the Facts You Need to Know 
• Japanese Sentence Structure & Word Order
• The 10 Most Useful Japanese Sentence Patterns

And there’s so much more! Learn faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are Japanese words in any category you still want to know! We’d be glad to help and look forward to hearing from you! 

When learning a foreign language, one studies the phrases and grammar rules laid out in their textbook or taught in the classroom. But once a language student begins to practice what they’ve learned in the real world, it’s not long until they encounter a number of unfamiliar expressions in the spoken language.

Filler words are a great example of this. 

Japanese filler words are small words or sounds often used to fill pauses in conversation, emphasize a point, soften a statement, and so on. 

Once you master Japanese filler words and start using them in conversations, you’ll begin to sound more and more like a native speaker. But while filler words can help your speech sound more natural, overusing them can be annoying or leave an undesirable impression of you on others. The key is to use them naturally and effectively. 

In this article, we’ll introduce the top 10 Japanese filler words, explain the characteristics and functions of each, and discuss the pros and cons of using them.

→ If you’re looking for more ways to make your Japanese sound more natural, why not learn a few Japanese idioms or funny Japanese expressions?

ええと・・・ (eeto…) – “umm…” You can use this Japanese filler when you’re thinking.

Table of Contents

1. What are filler words?
2. Top 10 Japanese Filler Words
3. Pros and Cons of Filler Words
4. Conclusion

1. What are filler words? 

Filler words are short words or sounds used to fill pauses in conversations, usually to let the other party know you’re not done speaking yet. In English, commonly used filler words and sounds include: 

• “Uh…”
• “Um…” 
• “Er…”
• “Well…”
• “So…”
• “You know…”
• “I mean…”
• “Like…” 

Although filler words and sounds add no particular meaning to the speaker’s statement, they do have a function in speech. As mentioned, filler words are most often used to let the other party know that you’re thinking about what to say next and that you’re not finished speaking. This signals to the other party that they should keep listening rather than take their turn to speak. 

Fillers can also be used for a variety of other purposes, depending on the context. For example, they can be used to… 

• …speak more indirectly in order to be polite.
• …approach a delicate topic gently.
• …emphasize an idea.
• …provide clues about the speaker’s emotions or behaviors.
• …communicate uncertainty.

Filler words are used to fill the little pauses in conversations.

How are they used in Japanese?

Filler words in Japanese are used in almost the same way as those in English.

Most Japanese filler words are casual. That said, some of them—such as あの (ano) and その (sono)—can also be used in formal/official situations. Others are only used by young people or thoughtless adults and are referred to as 若者言葉 (wakamono kotoba) or “young people’s words.” Fillers that fall into this category include てゆーか (te yū ka) and てかさー (teka sā).

In the following section, we’ll go into more detail about the usage of each commonly used Japanese filler word.

The most frequently used Japanese filler words are あのー (anō), meaning “um…” / “er…,” and ええと (eeto…), meaning “well…”

2. Top 10 Japanese Filler Words

#1 ええと (eeto) / えっと (etto) / えー (ē) 

English Equivalents: “er” / “err” / “uh” / “um”

This is one of the most common Japanese filler words. You can use it to indicate that you’re pausing to think or to precede something that you’re hesitant to say. 

While ええと (eeto) and えー (ē) can be used both casually and in formal situations—such as in an official speech or a business presentation—えっと (etto) should only be used casually. These filler words may be used multiple times in one sentence.

Examples

• ええと、何を言おうとしていたんだっけ・・
  Eeto, nani o iō to shite ita n dakke…
  “Err, what I was trying to say…”

• えっと、今から授業が始まるから、後でね。
  Etto, ima kara jugyō ga hajimaru kara, ato de ne.
  “Um, maybe later because the class is starting now.”

• えー、先ほども述べた通り、えー、今期の営業利益はマイナスです。
  Ē, sakihodo mo nobeta tōri, ē, konki no eigyō rieki wa mainasu desu.
  “Uh, as I mentioned before, um, the operating profit of this period is negative.”

#2 あの (ano) / あのー (anō)

English Equivalents: “well” / “uh” / “um”

This is another frequently used Japanese filler word that can be used in both casual and formal situations. It’s very similar to ええと(eeto) and えー (ē), but this one can also be used to get the listener’s attention.

Examples

• あの、ちょっといいですか、あの、言いたいことがあります。
  Ano, chotto ii desu ka, ano, iitai koto ga arimasu.
  “Err, can I have a minute, um, I have something to say.”

• ええと、ここに問題があります。あのー、ようするに流通の問題です。
  Eeto, koko ni mondai ga arimasu. Anō, yōsuruni, ryūtsū no mondai desu.
  “Um, the problem lies here. Well, in a word, the distribution problem.”

田中さん、あの、ランチ一緒に行きませんか。
Tanaka-san, ano, ranchi issho ni ikimasen ka.
“Ms. Tanaka, um, would you like to have lunch together?”

#3 その (sono) / そのー (sonō)

English Equivalents: “well” / “uh” / “um” 

These are similar to あの (ano) and あのー (anō). They’re used to pause a little so you can think of what to say next, or before talking about a delicate subject.

Examples

• 私は、その、これが良い案とは思いません。
  Watashi wa, sono, kore ga ii an to wa omoimasen.
  “I, uh, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

• そのー、いわゆる、それはザイアンス効果によるものです。
  Sonō, iwayuru, sore wa Zaiansu kōka ni yoru mono desu.
  “Well, so to speak, it is due to the mere-exposure effect.”

#4 うーん (ūn) / うーんと (ūnto) 

English Equivalent: “umm”

This is the Japanese version of “umm.” It’s an example of 擬態語 (Gitaigo), or “onomatopoeia,” used to describe a state of “thinking.” You can use this filler to let the other person know you’re gathering your thoughts, or to precede something that you’re hesitant to say. 

Examples

• うーん、どっちにしようかな。 うーん、この二つから決めるのは難しい。
  Ūn, dotchi ni shiyō ka na. Ūn, kono futatsu kara kimeru no wa muzukashii.
  “Umm, which one should I choose? Ummm, it’s hard to decide between these two.”

• うーんと、今週の土曜日なら大丈夫です。
  Ūnto, konshū no do-yōbi nara daijōbu desu.
  “Umm, it’s okay on this Saturday.”

うーん、それはちょっと難しいです。
Ūn, sore wa chotto muzukashii desu.
“Umm, that’s a bit difficult.”

#5 なんか (nanka)

English Equivalents: “like” / “you know”

As a casual filler word, なんか (nanka) is similar to the English word “like,” but it has a nuance that’s more like saying “hey” or “wait” after noticing or discovering something that you want to share with another party. 

Examples

• なんか、私にとってはどっちでもいいって感じ。
  Nanka, watashi ni totte wa dotchi demo ii tte kanji.
  “Like, I don’t care whichever.”

• なんか、今日はいつもより道が混んでるよ。
  Nanka, kyō wa itsumo yori michi ga konde ru yo.
  “Hey, it seems there is more traffic today than usual.”

#6 ていうか (te iu ka) 

English Equivalents: “I mean” / “you know”

This Japanese filler word is very casual and it’s often used to express disagreement with something in a softer way.

There are a few variations of this filler, including:

• なんていうか (nante iu ka) – “what do I say…” / “let me see..” 
  • This variation can also be used in formal situations.
• てゆーか (te yū ka) – “I mean” / “you know” 
  • This one is very casual, and used primarily among young people.
• てかさ (teka sa) – “I mean” / “you know”  
  • This one is very casual, and used primarily among young people. 

Examples

• ていうか、むしろ彼に感謝したほうがいいよ。
  Te iu ka, mushiro, kare ni kansha shita hō ga ii yo.
  “I mean, you should rather thank him.”

• ええと、なんていうか、この計画は見直しが必要だと思います。
  Eeto, nante iu ka, kono keikaku wa minaoshi ga hitsuyō da to omoimasu.
  “Er, I mean, I think this plan needs to be reviewed.”

• てかさ、前にも言ったけど、勝手に私の部屋に入らないで。
  Teka sa, mae ni mo itta kedo, katte ni watashi no heya ni hairanaide.
  “You know, as I said before, don’t enter my room without asking me.”

#7 まぁ・・(mā)

English Equivalent: “well”

This filler word is used to express hesitance or to mildly approach a delicate topic.

For reference, the sound ま (ma) has different nuances depending on how it’s said. For example:

• まぁ！(mā!) – “Wow!” / “Oh!”
  • In this variation, there is an accent over the a in ma. It’s often expressed with a small Hiragana “あ.”
• まぁ まぁ (mā mā) – “so-so” 
  • When the long mā is repeated, it means “so-so.”

Examples

• まぁ、別に私はいいけど、他の人にも意見を聞いた方がいいと思う。
  Mā, betsu ni watashi wa ii kedo, hoka no hito ni mo iken o kiita hō ga ii to omou.
  

“Well, I don’t mind, but I think it’s better to ask other people their opinions.”

• まぁ、仕方ないです。誰も天気をコントロールできないですから。
  
  

Mā, shikatanai desu. Dare mo tenki o contorōru dekinai desu kara.

“Well, it can’t be helped, because nobody can control the weather.”

#8 それで (sorede) 

English Equivalents: “so” / “and then”

This Japanese filler is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to start a new topic in the conversation or to ask for additional information. It can also be used to explain something involving a series of events. 

The short version of それで  (sorede) is just で (de), which is used very casually.

Examples

• それで、週末に釣りに行く計画はどうなったんですか。
  
  

Sorede, shūmatsu ni tsuri ni iku keikaku wa dō natta n desu ka.

“So, what happened to the plan to go fishing on the weekend?”

• で、何が言いたいの？
  
  

De, nani ga iitai no?

“So, what do you want to say?”

それで、第２話はどんな展開になったの?

Sorede, dai-ni-wa wa donna tenkai ni natta no?

“So, what happened in the second episode?”

#9 そうか (sōka) 

English Equivalents: “is that so” / “I see” / “oh”

You could use this filler word to indicate that you’ve finally realized or understood something. 

.

There are two other variations you could use: 

1. そっか (sokka) – the very casual version 

2. そうですか (sō desu ka) – the most polite version using 敬語 (Keigo), or honorifics 

Examples

• そうか、その形には重要な意味があったのか。
  
  

Sōka, sono katachi ni wa jūyō na imi ga atta no ka.

“I see, there is an important meaning for that shape.”

• そっか、わかった！やっと謎が解けたよ。
  
  

Sokka, wakatta! Yatto nazo ga toketa yo.

“Oh, I understand it. Finally the mystery is solved.”

#10 そうそう (sō sō)

English Equivalent: “yes, yes” / “that’s right”

This filler word is used to affirm something or agree with someone.

Examples

• そうそう! まさにこれが欲しかったんです！ありがとう。
  
  

Sō sō! Masani kore ga hoshikatta n desu! Arigatō.

“Yes, yes! This is exactly what I wanted! Thank you.”

• そうそう、そういうこと！
  
  

Sō sō, sō iu koto!

“Yes, yes, that’s what I’m talking about!”

3. Pros and Cons of Filler Words

Japanese people use a variety of filler words in their daily conversations. As these words are short and often found at the beginning of a sentence, you may easily pick them up while watching Japanese anime or TV shows, for example. 

But even though they’re simple to pick up, there are some tips to keep in mind regarding how to use Japanese filler words effectively and wisely!

1 – Pro: Using filler words makes you sound like a local.

Every language learner would appreciate the obvious benefit of using filler words: it instantly makes you sound more natural and “like-native” in everyday conversations. 

For beginners and intermediate learners, filler words can serve two key functions: 

1) Helping you avoid the awkward sentence examples sometimes found in textbooks

2) Giving you a simple way to gain time in a conversation to conjure up vocab words and construct sentences

If you have an advanced level of fluency, learning the differences in nuance and usage of similar Japanese conversation fillers can help you sound like a native speaker. Using them in the right contexts will impress locals and give the impression that you’re truly fluent.

Using filler words in conversations makes it sound natural.

2 – Con: Overusing them can leave a bad impression.

Here’s the tricky part of using filler words. 

Overuse can create the impression that you’re indecisive and lack confidence. In addition, there are variations of Japanese filler words for different levels of formality; if you use overly casual ones all the time, people might think you’re childish or even stupid.

Especially in formal settings—such as when you’re giving a public speech, a business presentation, or an interview—it’s wise to avoid using filler words. This is because they will distract your listener(s) from the point you’re trying to make. It’s often pointed out that poor speakers frequently use えー (ē), あのー (anō), and そのー (sonō) in their speech.

In order to avoid overusing filler words in your important speech, and to give the impression that you’re a confident and smart professional, please consider the following tips. 

(1) Use short sentences.

You probably use filler words unconsciously, especially when saying a long sentence or when you have a lot to say. To avoid this, make the important points clear and state them in short sentences. This will keep you from needing to pause often or connect your ideas with filler words. Stating things clearly also makes a confident and crisp impression.

(2) Don’t be afraid to pause. 

Some people hate awkward silences in conversations. However, when giving a public speech or business presentation, you are the sole speaker. As such, you shouldn’t be afraid of long pauses or moments of silence. 

While many people feel that they must continue speaking and rush to find their next words, a short pause is actually an effective way to draw the audience’s attention. In addition, it gives the listeners more time to follow along with and understand the content of the speech. 

For these reasons, it’s better to pause every once in a while rather than filling that pause with unnecessary words.

The repetition of filler words like あのー (anō…) and ええと (eeto…) in a presentation does not give a good impression.

4. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced the top 10 Japanese filler words. We also outlined the pros and cons of using them in your speech and gave you tips on how to limit their use. How many of these Japanese filler words did you already know, and did you find any new useful ones?   

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and other useful Japanese phrases, you’ll find lots of helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese language skills. 

To learn more everyday Japanese, make sure to see our article The 10 Most Useful Japanese Questions and Answers. Or, if you’re curious how to pick up the language even faster, you’ll enjoy reading The Top 10 Japanese YouTube Channels to Improve Your Japanese.

And there’s so much more! Learn the language faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any not-in-the-textbooks spoken Japanese phrases you still want to know! We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

When learning a language, negation is an essential part of grammar that should be mastered as early on as possible. This skill allows us to answer “no” to questions and form negative sentences, which in turn improves our communication with others. 

Japanese negation is not very complicated, but there are some points to note. 

As is often said, a language reflects the culture surrounding it. In Japanese culture, where people are expected to be polite and respect others, saying “no” directly is often considered to be rough and rude as it may offend others’ feelings. In order to avoid conflict and maintain 和 (wa), or “harmony,” Japanese people have particular ways of saying “no.”

In this article, we’ll introduce the Japanese negative forms and show you how to answer “no.” You’ll learn frequently used phrases that make polite impressions, in addition to other Japanese negating words and double negative expressions.

Ready to master Japanese negation with JapanesePod101.com?

Negation is an essential topic to master when learning a new language.

Table of Contents

1. Negate a Statement
2. Giving a Negative Response to a Question
3. Other Japanese Negating Words and Phrases
4. Double Negatives
5. Conclusion

1. Negate a Statement

In order to make a sentence or phrase negative, you must negate the verb. There are two types of expressions used for Japanese verb negation: Informal (Plain / Casual) and Formal (Polite). In the following sections, we’ll show you how to conjugate verbs to the negative form for both informal and formal expressions, as well as in both present tense and past tense.

Before learning verb conjugations in the negative form, however, you first need to know the classification of Japanese verbs. All Japanese verbs are categorized into three classes: 

• Ru-verbs
• U-verbs
• Irregular verbs 

Note that there are only two irregular verbs in the positive form (する [suru] – “do” // くる [kuru] – “come”) and three for the negative form (the previous two, with the addition of ある [aru] – “be” for the existence of non-living things). 

While Ru-verbs end in る (ru), U-verbs can end in various Hiragana with u-vowel sounds. These include る (ru), う (u), く (ku), す (su), つ (tsu), む (mu), る (ru), ぶ (bu), etc. 

Please check the Japanese Alphabet page on our website as well as our Japanese Verb Conjugation article for more details.

1. Informal Negative Form (Present Tense)

For the informal/plain negative form in the present tense, verbs in different classes conjugate in the following ways. 

• Ru-verbs

Add ない (nai) instead of る (ru) after the verb stem. Let’s look at the Japanese verb for “to eat” as an example:

食べる (taberu) → 食べない  (tabenai)

Here, 食べ/ たべ (tabe) is the verb stem. 

English	Verb(Informal/Plain)	Hiragana	Reading	Negative Form(Informal/Plain)	Reading
see / look / watch	見る	みる	miru	見ない	mi-nai
eat	食べる	たべる	taberu	食べない	tabe-nai
sleep	寝る	ねる	neru	寝ない	ne-nai
change	変える	かえる	kaeru	変えない	kae-nai
think	考える	かんがえる	kangaeru	考えない	kangae-nai

Examples:

私は朝ごはんを食べない。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabenai.
“I don’t eat breakfast.”

かな子は夜テレビを見ない。
Kanako wa yoru terebi o minai.
“Kanako does not watch TV at night.”

彼はよく考えない。
Kare wa yoku kangaenai.
“He does not think well.”

• U-verbs

To conjugate U-verbs in the informal negative form, conjugate the Hiragana after the verb stem into あ段 (a-dan), which is the line in the Hiragana chart with vowel sound “a,” and add ない (nai).

Let’s look at an example using the Japanese verb for “talk” or “speak.”

話す (hanasu) → 話さない (hanasa nai)

As you can see, はな (hana) is the verb stem, and we changed the す(su) into さ (sa). 

English	Verb(Informal/Plain)	Hiragana	Reading	Negative Form(Informal/Plain)	Reading
talk / speak	話す	はなす	hanasu	話さない	hana-sa–nai
go	行く	いく	iku	行かない	i-ka–nai
wait	待つ	まつ	matsu	待たない	ma-ta–nai
buy	買う	かう	kau	買わない	ka-wa–nai
listen / hear	聞く	きく	kiku	聞かない	ki-ka–nai

*For U-verbs that end in う (u), replace う (u) with わ (wa).

Examples:

夏休みの間、子供たちは学校へ行かない。
Natsuyasumi no aida, kodomo-tachi wa gakkō e ikanai.
“Children don’t go to school during the summer vacation.”

彼は親の言うことを聞かない。
Kare wa oya no iu koto o kikanai.
“He does not listen to what his parents say.”

彼女は安い服を買わない。
Kanojo wa yasui fuku o kawanai.
“She does not buy cheap clothes.”

• Irregular Verbs

There are only three exceptions to the conjugation rules above, as shown in this table: 

English	Verb(Informal/Plain)	Hiragana	Reading	Negative Form(Informal/Plain)	Reading
do	する	する	suru	しない	shi-nai
come	来る	くる	kuru	来ない	ko-nai
be(existence of non-living thing)	ある	ある	aru	ない	nai

Examples:

私は休日に何もしない。
Watashi wa kyūjitsu ni nani mo shinai.
“I don’t do anything on a day off.”

バスが時間通りに来ない。
Basu ga jikandōri ni konai.
“The bus does not come on time.”

銀行口座にお金がない。
Ginkō kōza ni o-kane ga nai.
“There is no money in the bank account.”

2. Formal Negative Form (Present Tense)

• Ru-verbs

For Ru-verbs, change ない (nai) to ません (masen).

So, for the verb “to eat,” this would look like:

食べない (tabe-nai)  → 食べません (tabe-masen)

Negative Form    (Formal / Polite)	Reading
見ません	mi-masen
食べません	tabe-masen
寝ません	ne-masen
変えません	kae-masen
考えません	kangae-masen

Examples:

私は朝ごはんを食べません。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabemasen.
“I don’t eat breakfast.”

かな子は夜テレビを見ません。
Kanako wa yoru terebi o mimasen.
“Kanako does not watch TV at night.”

彼はよく考えません。
Kare wa yoku kangaemasen.
“He does not think well.”

• U-verbs

Conjugate the Hiragana after the verb stem into い段 (i-dan), which is the line in the Hiragana chart with vowel sound “i,” and add ません (masen):

話さない (hanasa nai) →  話しません (hana shi masen)

As you can see, we changed さ (sa) into し (shi). 

Negative Form    (Formal / Polite)	Reading
話しません	hana-shi–masen
行きません	i-ki–masen
待ちません	ma-chi–masen
買いません	ka-i–masen
聞きません	ki-ki–masen

Examples:

夏休みの間、子供たちは学校へ行きません。
Natsuyasumi no aida, kodomo-tachi wa gakkō e ikimasen.
“Children don’t go to school during the summer vacation.”

彼は親の言うことを聞きません。
Kare wa oya no iu koto o kikimasen.
“He does not listen to what his parents say.”

彼女は安い服を買いません。
Kanojo wa yasui fuku o kaimasen.
“She does not buy cheap clothes.”

• Irregular Verbs

In the formal negative form, irregular verbs change as follows:

Negative Form    (Formal / Polite)	Reading
しません	shi-masen
来ません	ki-masen
ありません	ari-masen

Examples:

私は休日に何もしません。
Watashi wa kyūjitsu ni nani mo shimasen.
“I don’t do anything on a day off.”

バスが時間通りに来ません。
Basu ga jikandōri ni kimasen.
“The bus does not come on time.”

銀行口座にお金がありません。
Ginkō kōza ni o-kane ga arimasen.
“There is no money in the bank account.”

3. Informal Negative Form (Past Tense)

In the past tense of the informal/plain negative form, change the ない (nai) of the present tense informal/plain form to なかった (nakatta). This is done for all Ru-verbs, U-verbs, and irregular verbs.

• Ru-Verbs

Negative Form    (Informal / Past)	Reading
見なかった	mi-nakatta
食べなかった	tabe-nakatta
寝なかった	ne-nakatta
変えなかった	kae-nakatta
考えなかった	kangae-nakatta

Examples:

私は朝ごはんを食べなかった。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabenakatta.
“I didn’t eat breakfast.”

かな子は夜テレビを見なかった。
Kanako wa yoru terebi o minakatta.
“Kanako did not watch TV at night.”

彼はよく考えなかった。
Kare wa yoku kangaenakatta.
“He did not think well.”

• U-Verbs

Negative Form              (Informal / Past)	Reading
話さなかった	hana-sa-nakatta
行かなかった	i-ka-nakatta
待たなかった	ma-ta-nakatta
買わなかった	ka-wa-nakatta
聞かなかった	ki-ka-nakatta

Examples:

夏休みの間、子供たちは学校へ行かなかった。
Natsuyasumi no aida, kodomo-tachi wa gakkō e ikanakatta.
“Children didn’t go to school during the summer vacation.”

彼は親の言うことを聞かなかった。
Kare wa oya no iu koto o kikanakatta.
“He did not listen to what his parents said.”

彼女は安い服を買わなかった。
Kanojo wa yasui fuku o kawanakatta.
“She did not buy cheap clothes.”

• Irregular Verbs

Negative Form    (Informal / Past)	Reading
しなかった	shi-nakatta
来なかった	ko-nakatta
なかった	nakatta

Examples:

私は休日に何もしなかった。
Watashi wa kyūjitsu ni nani mo shinakatta.
“I didn’t do anything on a day off.”

バスが時間通りに来なかった。
Basu ga jikandōri ni konakatta.
“The bus did not come on time.”

銀行口座にお金がなかった。
Ginkō kōza ni o-kane ga nakatta.
“There was no money in the bank account.”

4. Formal Negative Form (Past Tense)

In the past tense of the formal/polite negative form, add the expression でした (deshita) after the present tense formal/polite form for all Ru-verbs, U-verbs, and irregular verbs.

• Ru-Verbs

Negative Form    (Formal / Past)	Reading
見ませんでした	mi-masen deshita
食べませんでした	tabe-masen deshita
寝ませんでした	ne-masen deshita
変えませんでした	kae-masen deshita
考えませんでした	kangae-masen deshita

Examples:

私は朝ごはんを食べませんでした。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabemasen deshita.
“I didn’t eat breakfast.”

かな子は夜テレビを見ませんでした。
Kanako wa yoru terebi o mimasen deshita.
“Kanako did not watch TV at night.”

彼はよく考えませんでした。
Kare wa yoku kangaemasen deshita.
“He did not think well.”

• U-Verbs

Negative Form    (Formal / Past)	Reading
話しませんでした	hana-shi-masen deshita
行きませんでした	i-ki-masen deshita
待ちませんでした	ma-chi-masen deshita
買いませんでした	ka-i-masen deshita
聞きませんでした	ki-ki-masen deshita

Examples:

夏休みの間、子供たちは学校へ行きませんでした。
Natsuyasumi no aida, kodomo-tachi wa gakkō e ikimasen deshita.
“Children didn’t go to school during the summer vacation.”

彼は親の言うことを聞きませんでした。
Kare wa oya no iu koto o kikimasen deshita.
“He did not listen to what his parents said.”

彼女は安い服を買いませんでした。
Kanojo wa yasui fuku o kaimasen deshita.
“She did not buy cheap clothes.”

• Irregular Verbs

Negative Form    (Formal / Past)	Reading
しませんでした	shi-masen deshita
来ませんでした	ki-masen deshita
ありませんでした	ari-masen deshita

Examples:

私は休日に何もしませんでした。
Watashi wa kyūjitsu ni nani mo shimasen deshita.
“I didn’t do anything on a day off.”

バスが時間通りに来ませんでした。
Basu ga jikandōri ni kimasen deshita.
“The bus did not come on time.”

銀行口座にお金がありませんでした。
Ginkō kōza ni o-kane ga arimasen deshita.
“There was no money in the bank account.”

彼は肉を食べません。でも、魚は食べます。
Kare wa niku o tabemasen. Demo, sakana wa tabemasu.
“He does not eat meat. However, he eats fish.”

2. Giving a Negative Response to a Question

There are a few different Japanese negative forms and set phrases used to answer questions in the negative. Remember that saying “no” directly is often considered impolite, so this is reflected in how Japanese speakers give negative responses as well.

1. How to Say “No” to a Question

When you’re asked a yes-or-no question and want to reply “no,” typical answers are as follows:

With verb:

いいえ (iie) – “no” 、+  — Negative Form

Without verb:

いいえ (iie) – “no”、 +  —では ない              — de wa nai  [Informal]     いいえ (iie) – “no”、 +  —では ありません   —de wa arimasen  [Formal]

では (de wa) can be substituted with じゃ (ja), which is typically used in spoken conversations.

Examples:

[With verb]

Q: お肉を食べますか。(O-niku o tabemasu ka.) – “Do you eat meat?”
A: いいえ、食べません。(Iie, tabemasen.) – “No, I don’t eat it.”

Q: 普段運動をしますか。(Fudan undō o shimasu ka.) – “Do you usually do exercise?”
A: いいえ、日常的な運動はしません。(Iie, nichijōteki na undō wa Iie.) – “No, I don’t do daily exercise.”

[Without verb]

Q: この本はあなたのですか。(Kono hon wa anata no desu ka.) – “Is this book yours?”
A: いいえ、それは私の本ではありせん。(Iie, sore wa watashi no hon de wa arimasen.) – “No, it’s not my book.”

Q: 映画館の入り口はここですか。(Eigakan no iriguchi wa koko desu ka.) – “Is the entrance to the cinema here?”
A: いいえ、入り口はここではありません。(Iie, iriguchi wa koko de wa arimasen.) – “No, the entrance is not here.”

→ To learn more about Japanese questions and answers, please visit our article The 10 Most Useful Japanese Questions and Answers.

いいえ、お肉は食べません。
Iie, o-niku wa tabemasen.
“No, I don’t eat meat.”

2. Polite Expressions for Saying No in Japanese

Japanese people are expected to be polite and respectful to others, and they tend to avoid saying “no” directly because it sounds rough and rude. In order to say “no” without sounding rude, we often use クッション言葉 (kusshon kotoba), literally “cushion words,” or words to soften awkward topics, when rejecting an unwanted offer or invitation.

Following is a list of frequently used kusshon kotoba for saying “no” politely.

3. 残念ですが ___。(Zannen desu ga ___.)  – “I’m afraid but ___.”

Example:

A:
ビールをどうぞ。
Bīru o dōzo.
“Please have a beer.”

B:
残念ですが、私はお酒を飲めません。
Zannen desu ga, watashi wa o-sake o nomemasen.
“I’m afraid but I cannot drink alcohol.”

4. せっかくですが ___。 (Sekkaku desu ga ___.) – “Unfortunately ___.”

Example:

A:
無料券があるので、明日一緒に映画を見に行きませんか。
Muryōken ga aru node, ashita issho ni eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka.
“I have a free ticket, would you like to go see a movie together tomorrow?”

B:
せっかくですが、明日は予定があるのでご一緒できません。
Sekkaku desu ga, ashita wa yotei ga aru node go-issho dekimasen.
“Unfortunately I have a plan tomorrow and we can’t go together.”

5. 申し訳ないのですが ___。(Mōshiwake nai no desu ga ___.) – “I’m so sorry but ___.”

Example:

A:
来週末にホームパーティをやるので来ませんか。
Raishūmatsu ni hōmu pātī o yaru node kimasen ka.
“I will have a home party next weekend and would you like to come?”

B:
申し訳ないのですが、来週末は兄の結婚式があるので行けません。
Mōshiwake nai no desu ga, raishūmatsu wa ani no kekkonshiki ga aru node ikemasen.
“I’m so sorry, but I can’t go because there’s my brother’s wedding on that weekend.”

6. お気持ちは嬉しいのですが ___。(O-kimochi wa ureshii no desu ga ___.) – “I’m glad for your thoughtfulness but ___.”

Example:

A:
クッキーをたくさん焼いたので食べませんか。
Kukkī o takusan yaita node tabemasen ka.
“I baked a lot of cookies, would you like to have some?”

B:
お気持ちは嬉しいのですが、小麦アレルギーなので食べられません。
O-kimochi wa ureshii no desu ga, komugi arerugī na node taberaremasen.
“I’m glad for your kindness, but I’m allergic to wheat and I can’t eat them.”

Saying “no” directly sounds a bit too strong, or even rude, in Japanese.

3. Other Japanese Negating Words and Phrases

The basic Japanese negation forms are ない (nai) [Informal / Plain] and ません (masen) [Formal / Polite]. However, there are other negation expressions, such as those for partial negation, emphatic negation, and the imperative form.

Negation in Japanese can take the following forms:

Partial Negation   決して (kesshite)   ほとんど (hotondo)   これ以上 (kore ijō)	[Verb] (ない [nai] / ません [masen])
	[Noun] + ではない (de wa nai)
	[な na-adjective] + ではない (de wa nai)
	[い i-adjective] + いくない (kunai)

1. 決して ___ない (kesshite ___nai) – “never ___”

Examples:

同じ日は決して来ない。 
Onaji hi wa kesshite konai.
“The same day will never come.”

彼は決して嘘をつきません。 
Kare wa kesshite uso o tsukimasen.
“He never lies.”

その部屋へ防護服なしに決して入ってはいけません。
Sono heya e bōgofuku nashi ni kesshite haitte wa ikemasen.
“Never enter that room without protective suits.”

2. ほとんど ___ない (hotondo ___nai) – “barely/hardly ___”

Examples:

この公園にはほとんど人がいない。 
Kono kōen ni wa hotondo hito ga inai
“There are barely even a few people in this park.”

Mサイズはほとんど残っていません。 
Emu saizu wa hotondo nokotte imasen.
“There is hardly/almost no M size left.”

商店街のお店はほとんど開いていません。
Shōtengai no o-mise wa hotondo hiraite imasen.
“Most of the shops in the shopping district are not open.”

3. これ以上 ___ない (kore ijō ___nai) – “no more/no longer/anymore ___”

Examples:

その子は怖くて、これ以上目を開けていられない。
Sono ko wa kowakute, kore ijō me o akete irarenai.
“The kid is scared and can’t open his eyes anymore.”

これ以上の幸せはありません。 
Kore ijō no shiawase wa arimasen.
“There is no more happiness than this.”

今日はこれ以上勉強したくない。
Kyō wa kore ijō benkyō shitakunai.
“I don’t want to study anymore today.”

4. 誰もいない (dare mo inai) – “nobody”

Examples:

ここには誰もいない。 
Koko ni wa dare mo inai.
“There is nobody here.”

この映画を見たい人は誰もいません。 
Kono eiga o mitai hito wa dare mo imasen.
“There is no one who wants to watch this movie.”

その試験に合格した人は誰もいませんでした。
Sono shiken ni gōkaku shita hito wa dare mo imasen deshita.
“There is no one who passed the exam.”

5. どこにもない (doko ni mo nai) – “nowhere”

Examples:

完全に自由になれる場所はどこにもない。 
Kanzen ni jiyū ni nareru basho wa doko ni mo nai.
“There is nowhere you can be completely free.”

靴下の片方がどこにも見つからない。 
Kutsushita no katahō ga doko ni mo mitsukaranai.
“I can’t find one of my socks anywhere.”

金のなる木はどこにもありません。
Kane no naru ki wa doko ni mo arimasen.
“There is no tree that money grows on anywhere.”

6. どちらも ___ない (dochira mo ___nai) – “neither ___ nor ___”

Examples:

りんごもみかんも、どちらも食べたくない。 
Ringo mo mikan mo, dochira mo tabetakunai.
“I don’t want to eat either apples or oranges.”

桜もひまわりも、どちらも咲いていません。 
Sakura mo himawari mo, dochira mo saite imasen.
“Neither cherry blossoms nor sunflowers are in bloom.”

どちらも大したことはありません。
Dochira mo taishita koto wa arimasen.
“Neither of them is a big deal.”

7. [Imperative Form] (“Do not ___.”)

 [casual/strong] ___(する)な              ___(suru) na 
 [polite/mild] 　 ___ないでください   ___naide kudasai 

Examples:

壁に落書きするな。 
Kabe ni rakugaki suru na.
“Don’t scribble / do graffiti on the wall.”

ここで子供を遊ばせないでください。 
Koko de kodomo o asobasenaide kudasai.
“Please don’t let children play here.”

この危険区域に立ち入らないでください。
Kono kiken kuiki ni tachiiranaide kudasai.
“Please do not enter this dangerous area.”

私は決してお酒を飲みません。
Watashi wa kesshite o-sake o nomimasen.
“I never drink Sake/alcohol.”

4. Double Negatives

When negative forms are used twice in the same sentence, it’s called a double negative. While some double negative expressions intensify the negation, most double negatives cancel each other out and produce a positive. 

Keep in mind that when a double negative constructs a positive meaning, the nuance is not the same as that of a normal positive sentence. Rather, its meaning is closer to that of a negative sentence. Such expressions often lose their nuance when translated into English.

There are various double negative expressions in Japanese, but it’s recommended not to use them often (especially in business contexts), because using double negatives is not straight to the point and is a bit difficult to understand.

1. ___ないはずがない (___nai hazu ga nai) – “can’t be ___”

Examples:

彼がお酒を飲まないはずがない。 
Kare ga o-sake o nomanai hazu ga nai.
“It can’t be true that he doesn’t drink.”
[He definitely drinks.]

ここに置いた財布がないはずがない。 
Koko ni oita saifu ga nai hazu ga nai.
“The wallet I put here can’t be gone.”
[The wallet I put here should be here.]

天気予報によると、明日は晴れないはずがない。 
Tenki yohō ni yoru to, ashita wa harenai hazu ga nai.
“According to the weather, it can’t be not sunny tomorrow.”
[It must be sunny tomorrow.]

2. ___ないとも限らない (___nai to mo kagiranai) – “may possibly ___” / “perhaps it might be ___”

Examples:

いつも上手くいくからといって、次は失敗しないとも限らない。 
Itsumo umaku iku kara to itte, tsugi wa shippai shinai to mo kagiranai.
“Just because it always works well doesn’t mean it won’t fail next time.”
[It may possibly fail.]

その件について親が反対しないとも限らない。 
Sono ken ni tsuite oya ga hantai shinai to mo kagiranai.
“It is not always the case that parents do not object to the matter.”
[Parents may possibly object.]

努力すれば必ず夢が叶うわけではないが、叶わないとも限らない。 
Doryoku sureba kanarazu yume ga kanau wake de wa nai ga, kanawanai to mo kagiranai.
“Although making efforts does not mean a dream will definitely come true, it may not be the case that the dream won’t come true.”
[The dream may possibly come true.]

3. ___ ないことはない (___ nai koto wa nai) – “There is nothing ___ not do.”

Examples:

期限内に完了できないことはない。 
Kigennai ni kanryō dekinai koto wa nai.
“There is nothing I cannot complete within the deadline.”
[I am probably able to complete everything within the deadline.”

彼が知らないことは何もない。 
Kare ga shiranai koto wa nani mo nai.
“There is nothing at all that he doesn’t know.”
[He knows everything.]

強い意志と努力があれば、あなたは難関試験に合格できないことはない。
Tsuyoi ishi to doryoku ga areba, anata wa nankan shiken ni gōkaku dekinai koto wa nai.
“With a strong will and effort, there is no way you cannot pass the difficult exam.”
[You may be able to pass the difficult exam.]

4 ___なしには ___ない (___nashi ni wa ___nai) – “There is no / can’t ___ without ___.”

Examples:

この話は、涙なしには語れない。 
Kono hanashi wa namida nashi ni wa katarenai.
“(I) can’t tell this story without tears.”

ここは許可なしには通れません。 
Koko wa kyoka nashi ni wa tōremasen.
“You cannot pass here without permission.”

バナナケーキはバターなしには美味しく作れません。 
Banana kēki wa batā nashi ni wa oishiku tsukuremasen.
“Banana cakes cannot be made delicious without butter.”

今日は雨が降らないとも限らない。
Kyō wa ame ga furanai to mo kagiranai.
(“It might rain today.” / “It wouldn’t be that it won’t rain today.”)

5. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced Japanese negation and discussed a number of relevant topics: 

• negative expressions for answering “no” to questions 
• being polite when rejecting an invitation
• using partial negation
• double negatives

Although Japanese has informal and formal forms to remember, Japanese negation is easy to handle once you learn the patterns! 

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and other useful Japanese phrases for any situation, you’ll find more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. 

To learn more about Japanese grammar and syntax, check out the following blog posts: 

• The 10 Most Useful Japanese Sentence Patterns
• Japanese Sentence Structure & Word Order

And there’s so much more! Learn Japanese faster and truly enjoy studying the language at JapanesePod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any Japanese grammatical rules you still want to know! We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Did you know that the Japanese language does not have a future tense nor any perfect tenses like English does? Japanese tenses are much simpler to handle, as there are only two: the present tense and the past tense. However, there are some unique rules concerning tenses in Japanese that are quite different from what English speakers are used to.

Auxiliary verbs and post positional particles play important roles in the Japanese language, especially in verb conjugations. This is because Japanese tenses are expressed via auxiliary verbs that connect to verbs. So forget about how you form tenses in English (I do, I will do, I did, I have done, I had done, etc.), and learn Japanese tenses with new rules!

In this article, we’ll explain Japanese tenses and cover the following points: 

• How Japanese verb conjugations work 
• The role of auxiliary verbs
• The present and past tenses
• How to express things about the future in Japanese

By the end of this article from JapanesePod101.com, you’ll be able to grasp the whole picture of Japanese verbs and tenses—in fact, you’ll better understand Japanese grammar in general!

In Japanese, there’s no particular future tense form like the word “will” in English.

Table of Contents

1. Japanese Tenses Overview
2. Present Tense
3. Past Tense
4. How to Express the Future in Japanese
5. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

1. Japanese Tenses Overview

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s go over some basic information regarding Japanese verb tenses and forms. 

How Many Tenses are There in Japanese?

Japanese has only two verb tenses, which are the present tense and the past tense. The present tense is also used to express things about the future in Japanese, so there’s no clear distinction between the present tense and the future tense.

Having said that, Japanese grammar technically does not treat verbs for tense. Rather, Japanese verbs take one of five basic conjugation forms and are followed by 助動詞 (jodōshi), or auxiliary verbs/post positional particles, in order to express and determine their tense. 

Verb Conjugations and Auxiliary Verbs

As mentioned, there are five basic Japanese verb conjugation forms. When verbs conjugate, the verb base (or “stem”) does not change; the stem rather takes on a different suffix or auxiliary verb to convey the proper meaning. 

The correct form is determined by elements such as voice, mood, tense, and politeness level. 

• Voice
  
  There are two types of grammatical voice:
  
  能動態 (nōdōtai) – “active voice”
  受動態 (judōtai) – “passive voice”

• Mood
  Mood is the attitude of the speaker toward the action of the verb. Was the speaker giving an order? Making an assumption? Offering a suggestion?

• Tense
  Tense refers to the time of the verb’s action: past, present, or future.

• Politeness Level
  The Japanese language has honorific speech called 敬語 (keigo). There are three types of honorific language depending on the level of respect intended:
  
  丁寧語 (teinei-go) – “polite language”
  尊敬語 (sonkei-go) – “respectful language”
  謙譲語 (kenjō-go) – “humble / modest language”

Example: Tense as an Influential Factor 

• 食べる (tabe-ru) – “eat” [present and plain/informal form]
  食べ (tabe-) is the verb stem and る (ru) is the suffix.

• 食べた (tabe-ta) – “ate” [past and informal form]
  食べ (tabe-) is the verb stem and た (-ta) is an auxiliary verb that expresses the past form.

To learn more details about Japanese verbs and verb conjugations, please see our articles 100+ Most Common Japanese Verbs and Ultimate Japanese Verb Conjugation Guide.

Tenses are expressed by the post positional particles or auxiliary verbs that connect to the verbs:
寿司を食べる /食べた。
Sushi o tabe-ru / tabe-ta.
([I] eat / ate Sushi.)

Formal and Informal Forms

As mentioned in the previous section, there are three Japanese honorific speech levels. Native Japanese people, especially in official settings, are expected to have total command over the three different levels so they can use them according to the situation and to whom they’re talking. However, you won’t experience any problems as a foreigner, as long as you can use polite language in daily conversations.

The polite language usually ends with です(-desu) or ます (-masu) in the present/future tense, and でした (-deshita) or ました (-mashita) in the past tense.

The polite language is generally used as a formal form, and casual/plain language is used as an informal form. While the latter is used for talking with family and friends, most people use the former when talking to strangers or staff members at a store or restaurant. 

Example:

歩く(あるく) (aru-ku) – “to walk” 

• ある (aru-) = verb stem

• 歩く (あるく) (aru-ku) = informal/plain form

• 歩きます (あるきます) (aru-kimasu) = formal/polite form

Each Japanese tense has a formal form (honorific) and an informal form:
列車が到着します、ご注意ください。
Ressha ga tōchaku shimasu, go-chūi kudasai.
(The train is coming, please be careful.) [formal and polite form]

2. Present Tense

The Japanese present tense is used to talk about things that are happening now, recurring actions, and events set to happen in the future. 

Present Tense 

Japanese verbs in their informal form always end in -u or -ru. These suffixes correspond to the syllables found in the う段 (u-dan) or “U row” of the Hiragana table. 

Japanese verbs in their formal or polite form end with an い段 (i-dan) or え段 (e-dan) syllable followed by ます (-masu): -imasu or -emasu. 

Examples [Informal / Formal]

飲む・のむ (no-mu) – “drink”
[ の (no-) is the verb stem ]

➢ 私は水を飲む / 飲みます。
    Watashi wa mizu o nomu / nomimasu.
    I drink water.

付ける・つける (hira-ku) – “turn on”
[ つけ (tsuke-) is the verb stem ]

➢ 寒いので暖房をつける / つけます。
    Samui node danbō o tsukeru / tsukemasu.
    I turn on a heater because it’s cold.

開く・ひらく (hira-ku) – “open”
[ ひら (hira-) is the verb stem ]

➢ お店は午前9時に開く / 開きます。
    O-mise wa gozen ku-ji ni hiraku / hirakimasu.
    The store opens at 9:00 a.m.

Present Progressive Tense

The present progressive tense is used when expressing a continuous action or things that are happening now. 

This tense is formed by adding -て いる (-te iru) for informal verbs or -て います (-te imasu) for formal verbs that conjugate in the te-form. Below is a quick description of how to conjugate in the te-form for different verb types. 

For u-verbs (Class 1 Verbs):

Add either して (-shite), いて (-ite), って (-tte), or  んで (-nde) after the verb stem.

• 話す (hanasu), “talk” → 話して (hanashite)
• 書く (kaku), “write” → 書いて (kaite)
• 買う (kau), “buy” → 買って (katte)
• 読む (yomu), “read” → 読んで (yonde)

For ru-verbs(Class 2 Verbs):

Drop the る (-ru) part of the verb and add て (-te). 

• 食べる (taberu), “eat” → 食べて (tabete)
• 調べる (shiraberu), “investigate” → 調べて (shirabete)

As an exception to this pattern, some verbs change form slightly accompanying the sokuon (促音) “っ” before て (-te) for easier pronunciation (in the alphabet, it’s expressed with a double “t”). 

•  座る (suwaru), “sit” → 座って (suwatte)
• 当たる (ataru), “hit on,” “bump into” → 当って (atatte)
• 降る (furu), “fall (such as rain, snow, etc.)” → 降って (futte)

Unlike that in English, the Japanese progressive tense cannot indicate an action that is going to happen in the near future. (E.g. In English, it’s okay to say: She is moving to the USA this coming summer.) The Japanese present progressive tense only indicates actions that are ongoing.

Examples [Informal / Formal]

➢ 私はいすに座っている / 座っています。
    Watashi wa isu ni suwatte iru / suwatte imasu.
    I’m sitting on a chair.

    [座る・すわる (suwa-ru) or “sit”]:  すわ (suwa-) is the verb stem.

➢ 彼はテレビを見ながら食べている / 食べています。
    Kare wa terebi o minagara tabete iru / tabete imasu.
    He is eating while watching TV.

    [食べる・たべる (tabe-ru) or “eat”]:  たべ (tabe-) is the verb stem.

➢ 猫と犬が庭で遊んでいる / 遊んでいます。
    Neko to inu ga asonde iru / asonde imasu.
    A cat and a dog are playing in the garden.

    [遊ぶ・あそぶ (aso-bu) or “play”]:  あそ (aso-) is the verb stem.

今行きます。(Ima ikimasu.) – “I go now.” [ in a polite/formal form ]

3. Past Tense

Forming the Japanese past tense is very simple! Whether an action took place just a few minutes ago, happened many centuries ago, or was being talked about by someone in the past who was talking about an even older past, the Japanese past tense has just one form. There are no such variations as “did,” “have done,” “had done,” etc.

Past Tense 

Japanese verbs in the past tense normally end with た (-ta) in the informal form, though sometimes た (-ta) changes to った (-tta) or だ (-da) depending on the verb. In the formal form, verbs conjugating into い段 (i-dan) or え段 (e-dan) end with ました (-mashita). I-dan and e-dan refer to the rows of syllables on the Hiragana table that end with the vowel sound “i” or “e” respectively.

Examples [Informal / Formal]

➢ 彼は映画を見た / 見ました。
    Kare wa eiga o mita / mimashita.
    He watched a movie.

    [見る・みる (mi-ru) or “watch”/”see”/”look”]:  み (mi-) is the verb stem.

➢ 昨日友達と泳いだ / 泳ぎました。
    Kinō tomodachi to oyoida / oyogimashita.
    I swam with my friend yesterday.

    [泳ぐ・およぐ (oyo-gu) or “swim”]:  およ (oyo-) is the verb stem.

➢ 父親が昔宝くじに当たったことを話した / 話しました。
    Chichioya ga mukashi takarakuji ni atatta koto o hanashita / hanashimashita.
    My father told a story about winning a lottery in the past.

    [当たる・あたる (ata-ru) or “win prize/lottery”]:  あた (ata-) is the verb stem.
    [話す・はなす (hana-su) or “talk”/”tell”]:  はな (hana-) is the verb stem.

Past Progressive Form

The past progressive tense is used when expressing continuing actions in the past. In order to form the Japanese past progressive tense, add -て いた (-te ita) [informal] / -て いました (-te imashita) [formal] after a verb that conjugates in the te-form as explained in the Present Progressive Tense section.

Examples [Informal / Formal]

➢ 彼女が来た時、彼は寝ていた / 寝ていました。
    Kanojo ga kita toki, kare wa nete ita / nete imashita.
    When she came, he was sleeping.

    [寝る・ねる (ne-ru) or “sleep”]:  ね (ne-) is the verb stem.

➢ 買い物をしていた時、外は雨が降っていた / 降っていました。
    Kaimono o shite ita toki, soto wa ame ga futte ita / futte imashita.
    When I was shopping, it was raining outside.

    [する (su-ru) or “do”] Irregular Verb: Please see the detailed explanation of irregular verbs in our conjugation article.
    [降る・ふる (fu-ru) or “fall (rain/snow/etc.)”]:  ふ (fu-) is the verb stem.

➢ そのとき、あなたは何をしていた / していましたか。
    Sono toki, anata wa nani o shite ita / shite imashita ka.
    What were you doing then?

    [する (su-ru) or “do”]: Irregular Verb

先月家族と旅行に行った。(Sengetsu kazoku to ryokō ni itta.)
“(I) took a trip with (my) family last month.” [informal/casual]

4. How to Express the Future in Japanese

As mentioned, the Japanese present tense is also used to talk about actions in the future. Speakers can express the future using the present tense in the following ways.  

Context

With context and extra information, listeners can understand that an action is set in the future.

Examples:

➢ 試験が終わったら、友達と何か美味しいものを食べに行きます。
    Shiken ga owattara, tomodachi to nani ka oishii mono o tabe ni ikimasu.
    When the exams are over, I will go to eat something delicious with my friends.

➢ 彼は毎日ピアノを練習しています。彼は絶対、プロのピアニストになります。
    Kare wa mainichi piano o renshū shite imasu. Kare wa zettai, puro no pianisuto ni narimasu.
    He practices piano everyday. He will definitely become a professional pianist.

➢ 全員の準備ができ次第、出発します。
    Zen’in no junbi ga deki shidai, shuppatsu shimasu.
    As soon as everyone is ready, we will depart.

Time Words

Using time words (such as specific dates or terms like “later” and “tomorrow”) is the easiest way to indicate that an action is set in the future.

Examples:

➢ 明日の午後、小包が届きます。
    Ashita no gogo, kozutsumi ga todokimasu.
    The parcel will arrive in the afternoon tomorrow.

➢ 私は3月に大学を卒業します。
    Watashi wa san-gatsu ni daigaku o sotsugyō shimasu.
    I will graduate from university in March.

➢ 私の両親は来月沖縄へ旅行に行きます。
    Watashi no ryōshin wa raigetsu Okinawa e ryokō ni ikimasu.
    My parents will take a trip to Okinawa next month.

Words That Indicate an Intention or Plan

Another way to express things about the future is to use words that indicate an intention or plan. 

There are two words often used for this purpose: 

• つもり(tsumori) – “intend to” or “plan to” 
• 予定 (yotei) – “plan to” 

Examples:

➢ 私はこの仕事を辞めるつもりです。
    Watashi wa kono shigoto o yameru tsumori desu.
    I intend to quit this job.

➢ 卒業パーティーには参加しない予定です。
    Sotsugyō pātī ni wa sanka shinai yotei desu.
    I plan not to participate in the graduation party.

➢ 彼女は看護師になる予定です。
    Kanojo wa kangoshi ni naru yotei desu.
    She plans to become a nurse.

The Particle に (ni)

A future intention is also expressed by placing the particle に (ni) between two verbs, with the latter verb often being: 

• 行く (iku) – “go” 

or 

• 来る (kuru) – “come”

Examples:

➢ 彼氏が私に会いに来ます。
    Kareshi ga watashi ni ai ni kimasu.
    My boyfriend will come to see me.

➢ 美術館の特別展を見に行きます。
    Bijutsukan no tokubetsuten o mi ni ikimasu.
    I will go to see the special exhibition at the museum.

➢ 兄の引越しを手伝いに行きます。
    Ani no hikkoshi o tetsudai ni ikimasu.
    I will go and help (my) brother’s moving.

明日の朝9時までに書類を提出しに行きます。
Ashita no asa ku-ji made ni shorui o teishutsu shi ni ikimasu.
“I will go to submit the document by 9:00 in the morning tomorrow.”

How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

In this article, we introduced you to Japanese tenses and how they work. We also touched on verb conjugation and the role auxiliary verbs play in the process. Japanese tenses are quite simple, yet there are unique rules that learners of the language should study early on. Once you get used to it, you’ll find that Japanese tenses are very easy! 

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and pick up some useful Japanese phrases for any situation, you’ll find tons of helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills and become familiar with the culture. To get you started, here’s some more information regarding the basics of Japanese: 

• 50 Most Common Nouns
• 50 Most Common Verbs
• 50 Most Common Adjectives

To learn more about Japanese verbs and other grammar-related topics, check out Basic Kanji for Verbs and The 50 Most Common Japanese Verbs You’ll Find in Textbooks. Useful pages for improving your conversation skills in Japanese include How to Improve Your Speaking Skills and Must-Know Adverbs and Phrases for Connecting Thoughts.

And there’s so much more! Learn Japanese faster and enjoy every minute of your studies at JapanesePod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments if you still have any questions about Japanese tenses. We’d be glad to help, and look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re like most aspiring learners, you may be wondering: How long does it take to learn Japanese? Some people think that learning Japanese is too hard, that it takes forever and requires tremendous painstaking effort. But is that really true?

The answer to this question varies depending on multiple factors, such as your…

• …mother tongue.
• …educational background.
• …previous language learning experience.
• …level of interest and enthusiasm.
• …learning goals.
• …study methods.

In this article, we’ll give you some insight on how long it takes to learn Japanese for the different proficiency levels, keeping these influencing factors in mind. We’ll also provide tips to help you make the most of your study time. 

Are you ready? Set your goals and join JapanesePod101.com on the first step of your language learning journey!

How long does it take to learn Japanese and how can you reach your goals faster?

Table of Contents

1. Japanese Learning Overview
2. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Beginner Level?
3. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Intermediate Level?
4. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Advanced Level?
5. Conclusion

1. Japanese Learning Overview 

Before we get into the details, let’s go over how the proficiency levels are defined. This will give you a good idea of what to expect at each stage of your learning journey and give you the knowledge you need to prepare accordingly. 

Language Difficulty Rankings

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) projects how difficult it will be and how long it will take for an English speaker to achieve a “Professional Working Proficiency” level in a given language. The difficulty levels are grouped into five categories, from the easiest languages (Category I) to the most difficult (Category IV). Category I languages are the most similar to English, and Category IV languages are the least similar.

Although the length of time needed to achieve proficiency can vary depending on many factors, FSI estimates the average approximate time for Category I languages to be 24-30 weeks (600-750 class hours). On the other hand, Category IV languages like Japanese take about 88 weeks (2200 class hours) to learn. Japanese is considered an “exceptionally difficult” language for native English speakers to master.

This assessment includes proficiency in reading, one of the most difficult parts of le/arning Japanese. The Japanese writing system is very different from the English alphabet, so many English speakers struggle to adapt. 

That said, you can expect the learning process to be less difficult if your goal has more to do with speaking and listening (such as being able to make conversation and watch Japanese movies without subtitles). There are also some areas where Japanese is simpler than English, which can make learning the language a bit easier. For example, Japanese has fewer vowel and consonant sounds, simple rules for using tense, no plural form or articles, and no verb conjugations according to person.

→ Please see our article Is Japanese Hard to Learn? in order to discover the easiest and most difficult aspects of the language.

JLPT: Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is an official standardized criterion-referenced test that evaluates and certifies the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. It assesses language knowledge (grammar and vocabulary), reading ability, and listening ability.

The JLPT has five levels: N1 (the most difficult), N2, N3, N4, and N5 (the easiest).

N1	Advanced	The ability to understand all of the Japanese used in different everyday contexts.
N2	Pre-Advanced	The ability to understand the majority of Japanese phrases used in different everyday contexts.
N3	Intermediate	The ability to understand some of the Japanese phrases used in everyday situations.
N4	Elementary	The ability to understand basic Japanese.
N5	Beginner	The ability to understand some basic Japanese.

The Japanese Language Education Center shows the study-hour data for JLPT by level, as well as the comparison between students with and without prior Kanji knowledge. The information indicates that students without prior Kanji knowledge will need more study time to reach each level.

[JLPT Study-Hour Comparison Data 2010-2015]

	Students with Kanji Knowledge　(e.g. speakers of Chinese or Korean)	Students without Kanji Knowledge
N1	1700~2600 hours	3000~4800 hours
N2	1150~1800 hours	1600~2800 hours
N3	700~1100 hours	950~1700 hours
N4	400~700 hours	575~1000 hours
N5	250~450 hours	325~600 hours

Make progress step by step to increase your language proficiency level.

Influencing Factors

That being said, there are numerous factors that influence how long it takes to learn Japanese.

Your Mother Tongue / Language Learning Experience

If your native language is similar to your target language, the learning process will be much faster and easier than if you tried learning a very different language. Likewise, if you have some language learning experience and are somewhat familiar with your target language already, this will definitely help you learn faster and more effectively.  

In this regard, English speakers and learners unfortunately have little privilege when it comes to learning Japanese. 

The classification of the Japonic languages (Japanese and its dialects) is still unclear, but many linguists see the Japonic languages as an independent family. Thus, Japanese doesn’t really have a family of close and similar languages, such as the Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, and French). 

However, Japanese Kanji characters were originally brought from Ancient China and incorporated into Japanese. Although Chinese people cannot read or pronounce Japanese Kanji, they can often guess their meanings. While Chinese grammar and phonetics are very different from those of Japanese, the Korean language has some grammatical and phonetic similarities. Therefore, Chinese and Korean speakers (as well as learners of these languages) have a slight advantage when it comes to learning Japanese.

→ For more about the Japanese language, please see Japanese Language Overview: All the Facts You Need to Know.

Your Learning Goal / Motivation 

What is your definition of ‘learning Japanese’ and what is your learning goal? 

If your goal is to learn basic survival Japanese for traveling, then it won’t take very long to achieve. You would only have to learn some essential greetings and other useful phrases. 

However, it would take a lot of time and effort to reach a level where you could watch Japanese movies and anime without subtitles, or speak fluently with Japanese natives. This requires good speaking and listening skills.

Learning to read and write high-level Kanji would also require a lot of time and effort. You would need to attain solid grammatical knowledge and gain a good command of Kanji. This would allow you to read Japanese newspapers and write official documents. 

Whatever your learning goal may be, your motivation and enthusiasm play an important role as well. Whether you’re a big fan of Japanese culture and anime or you wish to live and work in Japan, your motivation impacts your level of commitment and your attitude toward learning Japanese. Your level of motivation determines how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to learning.

Study Method / Time You Dedicate to Learning 

As the proverb says, “There is no royal road to learning.” The more time you spend, the more knowledge you get. The accumulation of small but continuous effort is important.

Even for the same hour spent on language learning, the results you’d get will differ depending on how you’re learning and how that time was used. For example, were you watching Japanese anime, reading a textbook, or talking with a Japanese teacher in class?

If you want to focus on daily conversations, then reading a textbook about grammar may not be the best learning method. You would probably fare better talking with a Japanese tutor online and watching Japanese movies with subtitles, as this would improve your speaking and listening skills faster.

Once you set your goal, try to find the best learning methods for your purposes. There are multiple options you can work on from your home, even if you’re outside of Japan. These include online lessons and online tutoring for more effective learning, and using YouTube and Netflix for a more laid-back and fun approach to studying.

Thanks to the internet, there are numerous ways we can learn from anywhere.

2. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Beginner Level?

Those who are thinking of starting to learn Japanese often wonder where to start, what to aim for as a beginner, and how long it will take to reach the beginner level. In this section, we’ll answer these questions and provide you with tips for how to learn Japanese effectively at this stage. 

JLPT: N5 & N4 Levels

Even if you don’t take an actual exam, JLPT can be a good guideline to help you know what needs to be done to achieve a certain level. If you want to reach the N5 & N4 levels, you’ll need to build a foundation by learning the basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary.

N5 Level: Beginner

Reading

You should be able to… 

• …understand typical daily expressions and sentences written in Hiragana, Katakana, and very basic Kanji. 

[Example Exercise]

A:  あの 人 は だれ です か。 Ano hito wa dare desu ka. Who is that person? B:  かれ は 田中さん です。 Kare wa Tanaka-san desu. He is Mr. Tanaka.

Listening

You should be able to…

• …listen to and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations. 
• …pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly. 

[Example Exercise]　

Listen to a question and a conversation and choose the best answer. — 男の人と女の人が話しています。男の人は何時に寝ましたか。 Otoko no hito to onna no hito ga hanashite imasu. Otoko no hito wa nan-ji ni nemashita ka. The man and the woman are talking. What time did the man go to bed? — (女/woman)  眠そうな顔してるね。  Nemusō na kao shiteru ne.  You look sleepy. (男/man)       昨夜は遅くまで勉強していて。 Sakuya wa osoku made benkyō shite ite.  I was studying until late last night. (女/woman)  何時ごろ寝たの？  Nan-ji goro neta no? Around what time did you go to bed? (男/man)       3時半ごろ。 San-ji han goro. Around three thirty.

N4 Level: Elementary

Reading

You should be able to…

• …read and understand passages on familiar everyday topics written in basic vocabulary and Kanji. 

[Example Exercise]

パスポート ばんごう を おしえて ください。  Pasupōto bangō o oshiete kudasai.  Please tell me the passport number. ここ に あなた の うちの じゅうしょ を かいて ください。 Koko ni anata no uchi no jūsho o kaite kudasai.  Please write your home address here.

Listening

You should be able to…

• …listen to and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents (provided that they’re spoken slowly).

[Example Exercise]　

Listen to the question and answer options, and choose the best answer. — 仕事が終わって帰ります。何と言いますか。 Shigoto ga owatte kaerimasu. Nan to iimasu ka. (You) finished work and are going home. What do you say? おじゃまします。(Ojama shimasu.) お大事に。(Odaiji ni.) お先に失礼します。(Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.)

Native English speakers, or those who do not have previous Kanji knowledge, need approximately 325-600 hours of studying for N5 and 575-1000 hours for N4 level.

JLPT assesses mainly reading and listening skills, so you may need to put in some extra effort to write and speak at such levels. 

How to Get to Elementary Level Faster

The most important thing for beginners to do is familiarize themselves with the Japanese language. You can get used to Japanese sentence structure, pronunciation, and basic vocabulary by doing simple exercises and repeating them until you feel comfortable with the content or concepts. With apps and online lessons, you can study anytime and anywhere.

Apps: 

Imiwa? and Japanese by Renzo Inc. are dictionary apps that allow you to look up any Japanese word you want to know. You can also use them to check the reading of Kanji, learn how to write Kanji, and see some usage examples.

The NHK Easy Japanese News app is a news app provided by Japan’s national broadcaster. It provides news articles written in simple sentences with 振り仮名 (furigana), or reading aid, for Kanji. 

Online Lessons: 

JapanesePod101.com offers informative yet fun audio and video lessons for absolute beginners. Together with grammar essentials, you’ll learn real and practical spoken Japanese. Our short and easy-to-understand lessons will keep you hooked from Level 1.

To learn a language, the output of knowledge is just as important as the input.

3. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Intermediate Level?

Depending on your goals, the next logical step is probably to learn even more and reach an intermediate level of fluency. So how long will it take you to learn Japanese to such an extent, and how can you get there? 

JLPT: N3 Level

Reading

You should be able to…

• …read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics.
• …grasp summarized information such as newspaper headlines. 
• …read the kind of writing encountered in everyday situations that may be a bit more difficult, understanding the main points (as long as alternative phrases are available to you if needed). 

[Example] 

山本さんはクラスの代表に選ばれた。  Yamamoto-san wa kurasu no daihyō ni erabareta. Mr./Ms. Yamamoto was selected as a representative of the class. その会社は海外から輸入したバッグを日本で売っている。 Sono kaisha wa kaigai kara yunyū shita baggu o Nihon de utte iru.  The company sells bags in Japan which they imported from abroad.

Listening

You should be able to…

• …listen to and comprehend coherent everyday conversations spoken at near-natural speed, while following most of the spoken content and determining the relationships of the people speaking. 

[Example Exercise]　

Listen to the question and answer options, and choose the best answer. — 試験に合格したので先生に伝えたいです。何と言いますか。 Shiken ni gōkaku shita node sensei ni tsutaetai desu. Nan to iimasu ka. (You) passed the exam and you want to tell this to the teacher. What do you say? 1 – 今回はおめでとうございます。(Konkai wa omedetō gozaimasu.) – Congratulations this time. 2 – 今度、合格なさいました。(Kondo, gōkaku nasaimashita.) – This time (he) passed. [in respectful form for others] 3 – おかげさまで、試験に受かりました。(Okage-sama de, shiken ni ukarimashita.) – Thanks to you, I passed the exam.

For native English speakers, it’s estimated that around 950-1700 hours of studying is needed to achieve the N3 level. 

How to Get to Intermediate Level Faster

To reach the intermediate level, you need to increase your knowledge of more complex grammar concepts and memorize a variety of everyday vocabulary words and phrases. In addition, it’s time to get used to the natural and native speaking speed. In order to achieve that, the amount of output is just as important as the amount of input—in other words, you need to practice active listening as well as speaking. Textbooks and lessons can only teach you so much! 

Paper Materials: 

Master intermediate-level grammar from your textbooks, and consider reading light novels and magazines to increase your daily input of Japanese.

Apps: 

Wondering how to learn more Japanese vocabulary? Anki is an intelligent flashcard app that helps you memorize words more easily and increase your vocabulary. 

Once you know the basics of how to compose Japanese sentences and have a solid vocabulary base, it’s time to start practicing. Hello Talk is a language exchange app that you can download on iOS or Android devices. With this app, you can find Japanese online friends to talk to.

Audio/Video Materials: 

There’s a variety of audio/video sources for learning Japanese out there. YouTube and Netflix are easy options. Immerse yourself in Japanese-speaking environments every day—right from the comfort of your couch! 

Need some recommendations? Then check out the following blog posts on JapanesePod101.com: 

★ Top 10 Japanese YouTube Channels to Improve Your Japanese
★ Japanese Netflix Programs: Learn Japanese with Netflix

Online Lessons and Online Tutoring:  
In addition to online lessons, useful vocab lists, and insightful articles on various topics, JapanesePod101.com provides a one-on-one tutoring service called MyTeacher. This service allows you to interact with your own personal teacher, who can help you personalize your learning program based on your progress and provide you with valuable feedback.

4. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Advanced Level?

Are you looking to become completely fluent in Japanese? Then be prepared to dedicate a lot of your time and effort to the task. This is a long journey, and you might begin to feel like you’re not progressing anymore no matter how much time you spend studying. Your progress may be slower than it was reaching the previous two levels, but every small effort counts. You’ll surely advance if you keep at it and don’t give up! 

1. JLPT: N2 & N1 Level 

N2 Level: Pre-Advanced

Reading

You should be able to…

• …read and comprehend clearly written content on various topics, including articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines, as well as simple critiques. 
• …read written materials on various topics, follow their narratives, and understand the writers’ intent. 

[Example Exercise]

(1)  _____の言葉を漢字で書くとき、最もよいものを一つ選びなさい。　 _____ no kotoba o kanji de kaku toki, mottomo yoi mono o hitotsu erabinasai. Choose the most appropriate one when the word _____ is written in Kanji. — 今日は、ゴミのしゅうしゅう日ですか。  Kyō wa, gomi no shūshūbi desu ka. Is it garbage collection today? 1. 拾集、2. 収拾、3. 修集、4. 取集 (2)  (　　)に入るのに、最もよいものを一つ選びなさい。 (　　) ni hairu no ni, mottomo yoi mono o hitotsu erabinasai. Choose the most appropriate one for (    ). — 日本人の平均（　　）は、男性が79歳、女性が86歳である。 Nihon-jin no heikin（　　） wa, dansei ga 79-sai, josei ga 86-sai de aru.  The Japanese average（　　）is male 79 years old and female 86 years old. 1. 生命、2. 寿命、3. 人生、4. 一生 seimei        jumyō　  jinsei       isshō

Listening

You should be able to…

• …understand orally presented materials (coherent conversations, news reports, etc.) on a variety of topics and in different settings, spoken at nearly natural speed. 
• …follow the main ideas and content of such materials. 
• …understand the relationships of the people involved. 

[Example Exercise] 

Listen to the sentence and choose the best reply. — あの、今、お時間よろしいでしょうか。 Ano, ima, o-jikan yoroshii deshō ka. Excuse me, do you have time now? [Can I talk to you?] 1 – えっと、4時5分ですよ。(Etto, yo-ji go-fun desu yo.) – Well, it’s 4:05. 2 – あいにく私も時計がなくて。(Ainiku watashi mo tokei ga nakute.) – Unfortunately, I don’t have a watch either. 3 – 10分くらいなら。(Juppun kurai nara.) – [Yes, I have] about ten minutes.

N1 Level: Advanced

Reading 

You should be able to…

• …read texts featuring complex logic or abstract ideas on a variety of topics (newspaper editorials, critiques, etc.) and comprehend their structure and content. 
• …read texts featuring profound content on various topics, follow their narratives, and understand the writers’ intent. 

[Example Exercise] 

(1)  _____の言葉の読み方として、最もよいものを一つ選びなさい。　 _____ no kotoba o yomikata to shite, mottomo yoi mono o hitotsu erabinasai. Choose the most appropriate reading for the word_____. — 彼は今、新薬の研究開発に挑んでいる。  Kare wa ima, shin’yaku no kenkyū kaihatsu ni _____iru. He is now challenging the research and development of new drugs. 1. はげんで、2. のぞんで、3. からんで、4. いどんで (2)  (　　)に入るのに、最もよいものを一つ選びなさい。 (　　) ni hairu no ni, mottomo yoi mono o hitotsu erabinasai. Choose the most appropriate one for (    ). — 私の主張は単なる（　　）ではなく、確たる証拠に基づいている。 Watashi no shuchō wa tan naru（　　）de wa naku, kakutaru shōko ni motozuite iru.  My claim is based on solid evidence, not just (       ). 1. 模索、2. 思索、3. 推測、4. 推移 mosaku     shisaku     suisoku     suii

Listening

You should be able to…

• …comprehend spoken content in the form of conversations, news reports, and lectures in various contexts, when spoken at natural speed.
• …follow the ideas and understand the implicit meaning of such spoken content. 
• …understand important details of such spoken content, including the relationships of those involved, logical structures, and essential points. 

[Example Exercise]

Listen to the sentence and choose the best reply. — 今日は、お客さんからの苦情が多くて仕事にならなかったよ。 Kyō wa, o-kyaku-san kara no kujō ga ōkute shigoto ni naranakatta yo. I couldn’t work much today because there were many complaints from customers. 1 – いい仕事、できて良かったね。(Ii shigoto, dekite yokatta ne.) – That’s good you have done a great job. 2 – 仕事、なくて大変だったね。(Shigoto, nakute taihen datta ne.) – It must have been tough without work. 3 – お疲れ様、ゆっくり休んで。(Otsukare-sama, yukkuri yasunde.) – You must be tired (well done), rest well.

It’s estimated that it takes about 1600-2800 hours to achieve N2 and 3000-4800 hours to achieve N1. However, if you also want to master the Japanese Kanji of these levels, you’ll probably need to put in even more hours. 

How to Get to Advanced Level Faster

At this point, you probably don’t have any issues with daily Japanese conversations. You just need to focus on expanding your high-level vocabulary, getting a good working knowledge of official and formal language (including different honorifics), and picking up some spoken colloquial language that’s not often found in ordinary textbooks or written documents. Below are a few ways you can speed up your learning process.

Paper Materials: 

You can gain exposure to a wider range of vocabulary (including official words and technical terms) by reading more advanced paper materials. These include Japanese newspapers, magazines, and books on topics that interest you (business, biographies, IT, health, etc.). 

Apps: 

If you can, utilize all of the dictionary apps we mentioned earlier; this will surely take you to the next level. Kanji Senpai is another useful app that you can use to brush up on your Kanji skills by practicing and writing characters. Using news apps for daily reading is another effective way to learn official language. 

Audio/Video Materials: 

When using audio/video materials, try to focus on quality. Watching Japanese anime is fun and interesting, but it won’t take you to an advanced level. If you get bored of watching serious news channels and want something fun, you can choose to watch Japanese movies/TV shows in more complex genres (mystery, science fiction, crime thriller, techno thriller, etc.).

Online Lessons / Online Tutoring:

JapanesePod101.com offers plenty of more advanced online lessons in the form of written, audio, and video content. Our materials are designed to help you learn practical and natural Japanese in a fun and effective way. As an intermediate or advanced learner, you’ll greatly benefit from our one-on-one tutoring service MyTeacher; you’ll need the guidance and corrections of a native speaker in order to advance more quickly.

Reading newspapers will help you expand your vocabulary and reach an advanced level of Japanese.

Conclusion

In this article, we talked about how long it takes to learn Japanese by level and discussed a number of influencing factors. As you can see, the amount of time it takes you to learn the language has a lot to do with what your goals are: becoming a fluent speaker and listener will be much easier than mastering the Japanese reading and writing system. 

If you would like to explore the Japanese language further, stay with JapanesePod101.com for the fastest and easiest way to fluency. With our variety of rich, free lessons and tools, your Japanese language skills will improve immensely. 

Don’t forget that you’re not alone. When you use our MyTeacher service, your own teacher can always help you practice through personalized activities and assignments. You can also reach out to native speakers and your fellow Japanese learners through the JapanesePod101 forum! 

Before you go, let us know in the comments if you feel ready to start learning Japanese. If not, we’d love to hear your questions or concerns, and we’ll be glad to help any way we can. 
Now, it’s time to get started with JapanesePod101.com!

Being able to use appropriate business-level Japanese proves that you’ve achieved the advanced level.

Based on experience and timeless common sense, proverbs tell a perceived truth, often metaphorically, in a short sentence. Proverbs offer us wisdom and advice, and they’re extremely popular. You can find them quoted in articles, used in daily conversations, and even showcased on people’s wall decor. 

Proverbs often reflect the cultures from which they originate, and Japanese proverbs—called 諺 / ことわざ (Kotowaza)—are no exception. Some Japanese proverbs are very unique and funny, and there are some that are only valued and understood in Japan due to the ideas and values they reference. By learning Japanese proverbs, you’ll not only strengthen your language learning muscles, but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and values.

In this article, we’ll introduce thirty popular Japanese proverbs that you’ll be glad to know. Learn Japanese and get inspired here at JapanesePod101.com!

→ By the way, you may also be interested in learning about the Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker and Japanese Slang Nouns for Conversation.





Japanese proverbs are unique expressions that give timeless wisdom and insight.

Table of Contents

1. Life and Society
2. Relationships
3. Studying / Learning / Gaining Wisdom
4. Behaviors / Feelings
5. A Few More Proverbs For You…
6. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese



1. Life and Society

These Japanese proverbs about life teach us lessons and truths to keep in mind as we go about our daily lives. 

Note: You may notice that animals often appear in Japanese proverbs.

1. 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)

• Literal Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.


• Meaning: Nobody is perfect and anyone can make a mistake, even in what they’re good at.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Even Homer sometimes nods.


• Example:　
  
  [when someone made a mistake]
  
  「猿も木から落ちる」と言うし、気にすることないよ！
  “Saru mo ki kara ochiru” to iu shi, ki ni suru koto nai yo!
  The proverb says “Even monkeys fall from trees,” so don’t worry about it!



2. 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Ni-to o ō mono wa itto o mo ezu)

• Literal Translation: Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.


• Meaning: If you’re greedy and try to get/do two things at once, you will fail at both.


• Equivalent English Proverb: If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.


• Example:　
  
  「二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず」だよ。一つずつ着実にやり遂げよう！
  “Ni-to o ō mono wa itto o mo ezu” da yo. Hitotsu zutsu chakujitsu ni yaritogeyō!
  It says, “Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.” Let’s steadily accomplish one thing at a time!



3. 人のふり見てわがふり直せ (Hito no furi mite waga furi naose)

• Literal Translation: Watch others’ behavior and correct your own behavior. 


• Meaning: If you see good or bad behavior in others, you can improve your own behavior based on what you observe. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: One man’s fault is another’s lesson.


• Example:　
  
  友達の言動を批判する暇があったら、「人のふり見てわがふり直せ」だよ。
  Tomodachi no gendō o hihan suru hima ga attara, “hito no furi mite waga furi naose” da yo.
  If you have time to criticize the behavior of your friend, watch his behavior and correct your own behavior.



4. 悪銭身につかず (Akusen mi ni tsukazu)

• Literal Translation: Dirty money doesn’t stay with a person for long.


• Meaning: Money gained through wrongful means such as stealing or gambling will be wasted and quickly disappear.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Easy come, easy go.


• Example:　
  
  「悪銭身につかず」というように、賭け事で大金を当ててもお金持ちにはなれないよ。
  “Akusen mi ni tsukazu” to iu yō ni, kakegoto de taikin o atete mo o-kanemochi ni wa narenai yo.
  As it says, “Dirty money doesn’t stay with a person for long.” You won’t become rich even if you win a jackpot in gambling.



5. 出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru)

• Literal Translation: The stake that sticks out gets hammered down.


• Meaning: Being different or exceptional will subject you to criticism; the outstanding get ousted.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Envy is the companion of honor.


• Example:　
  
  「出る杭は打たれる」と言うけど、出過ぎた杭は打たれない。批判を気にしないでね!
  “Deru kui wa utareru” to iu kedo, desugita kui wa utarenai. Hihan o ki ni shinaide ne!
  It says, “The stake that sticks out gets hammered down,” but the one sticking too far out doesn’t. Never mind criticisms!





出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru) – “The stake that sticks out gets hammered down.”




6. 苦あれば楽あり (Ku areba raku ari)

• Literal Translation: There are hardships and also there are pleasures.


• Meaning: After the hard times in life, we can look forward to the fun things. Also, hard work is always rewarded and you’ll feel at ease afterward.


• Equivalent English Proverb: No pain, no gain. / No cross, no crown. / No rain, no rainbow.


• Example:　
  
  人生、「苦あれば楽あり」！ 若いうちは苦労をたくさんした方がいい。
  Jinsei, “ku areba raku ari”! Wakai uchi wa kurō o takusan shita hō ga ii.
  Life is “no pain, no gain”! You should work hard a lot when you are young.



7. 口は災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto)

• Literal Translation: Mouth is a source of disaster.


• Meaning: Your careless remarks will invite troubles for yourself, so watch your mouth.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Out of the mouth comes evil. / The tongue is the root of calamities.


• Example:
  
  人の悪口を言うと良いことないよ。「口は災いの元」だよ！
  Hito no waruguchi o iu to ii koto nai yo. “Kuchi wa wazawai no moto” da yo.
  There’s nothing good about talking ill of someone. It says, “Out of the mouth comes evil!”





口は災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto) – “Out of the mouth comes evil.”

2. Relationships

Wherever you are in the world, relationships are an essential aspect of everyday life. The following Japanese proverbs about relationships lend us some practical wisdom on the topic! 

8. 一期一会 (Ichigo ichie)

• Literal Translation: One lifetime, one meeting.


• Meaning: This proverb refers to a once-in-a-lifetime meeting/opportunity. You should cherish each moment and do your best, as though it were the only chance you would have to do so in your lifetime. This word originates from the traditional Japanese tea ceremony called 茶道 (Sadō), or “the Way of Tea.” It expresses the spirit of Sadō, according to which all participants should be sincere and do their best, as though each tea ceremony were a once-in-a-lifetime event. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: Live every day as though it were your last.


• Example:　
  
  旅先での素敵な出会いは、まさに「一期一会」だ。
  Tabisaki de no suteki na deai wa, masa ni “ichigo ichie” da.
  A wonderful encounter on a trip is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime meeting.”



9. 犬猿の仲 (Ken’en no naka)

• Literal Translation: A relationship of dogs and monkeys.


• Meaning: This phrase refers to a relationship of mutual hatred, or two people who absolutely despise and hate each other.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Fight like cats and dogs.


• Example:　
  
  ミカとさゆりは「犬猿の仲」です。
  Mika to Sayuri wa “ken’en no naka” desu.
  Mika and Sayuri have a relationship of mutual hatred.



10. 蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru)

• Literal Translation: The child of a frog is a frog.


• Meaning: The nature and ability of a child resembles that of his or her parents. The child of an ordinary person is nothing but an ordinary person. A frog is a tadpole when it’s a child, and thus doesn’t look like its parents, but it becomes a frog like its parents in the end.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Like father, like son. / Nits will be lice.


• Example:　
  
  「蛙の子は蛙」と言うように、私の息子も数学が苦手です。
  “Kaeru no ko wa kaeru” to iu yō ni, watashi no musuko mo sūgaku ga nigate desu.
  “Kaeru no ko wa kaeru” to iu yō ni, watashi no musuko mo sūgaku ga nigate desu.



11. 同じ釜の飯を食う(Onaji kama no meshi o kū)

• Literal Translation: Eat rice/food out of the same pot.


• Meaning: This saying refers to a very close friendship/relationship, especially those who spend a lot of time together each day.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Two peas in a pod.


• Example:　
  
  たかしとケンタは「同じ釜の飯を食った」仲だ。
  Takashi to Kenta wa “onaji kama no meshi o kutta” naka da.
  Takashi and Kenta have a very close friendship.



12. 金の切れ目が縁の切れ目 (Kane no kireme ga en no kireme)

• Literal Translation: The end of money is the end of relationship.


• Meaning: When the money runs out, the relationship also ends. In other words, relationships dependent upon wealth will end when the money does.


• Equivalent English Proverb: The end of money is the end of love. / When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out the window.


• Example:　
  
  「金の切れ目が縁の切れ目」と言うし、友達にお金を貸さない方がいいですよ。
  “Kane no kireme ga en no kireme” to iu shi, tomodachi ni o-kane o kasanai hō ga ii desu yo.
  It says, “the end of money is the end of relationship,” so you shouldn’t lend money to your friends.





同じ釜の飯を食う (Onaji kama no meshi o kū) – “to eat out of the same pot”

3. Studying / Learning / Gaining Wisdom

Continuing to accumulate wisdom is key to long-term success and happiness. Here are a few Japanese proverbs on success and the necessity of learning. 

13. 初心忘るべからず (Shoshin wasuru bekarazu)

• Literal Translation: Should not forget our original intention.


• Meaning: We should never forget the beginner’s spirit of when we first started learning or doing something. Don’t be arrogant or underestimate things, even if you’ve mastered it. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: Don’t forget where you came from. / Don’t let success get to your head. 


• Example:　
  
  一度成功しても、「初心忘るべからず」で、気を抜かないように。
  Ichi-do seikō shite mo, “shoshin wasuru bekarazu” de, ki o nukanai yō ni.
  As it says “don’t forget beginner’s spirit,” don’t lose focus even if you once succeeded.



14. 千里の道も一歩から (Sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara)

• Literal Translation: A thousand Ri begins with a single step on the road.


• Meaning: You achieve big things by taking them one step at a time, slow and steady. 千里 (sen-ri) literally means “thousand 里 (Ri),” which is the old Japanese measurement unit for distance (1 Ri is about 4 km). It’s also used to indicate a far distance. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.


• Example:　
  
  語学の習得は簡単ではないけれど、「千里の道も一歩から」。小さな積み重ねが大切です。
  Gogaku no shūtoku wa kantan de wa nai keredo, “sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara”. Chiisana tsumikasane ga taisetsu desu.
  Mastering a language is not easy, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The accumulation of small steps is important.



15. 雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru)

• Literal Translation: After the rain, the earth hardens.


• Meaning: Just as ground that gets rained on hardens later, so will our troubles result in good situations over time. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: After a storm comes the calm. / Good comes out of evil. / Adversity strengthens the foundations.


• Example:　
  
  「雨降って地固まる」と言うように、二人は大喧嘩をした後、かえって仲良しになった。
  “Ame futte ji katamaru” to iu yō ni, futari wa ōgenka o shita ato, kaette nakayoshi ni natta.
  As it says “after the rain, the earth hardens,” after they had a big argument, they became closer friends than before.



16. チリも積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)

• Literal Translation: When dust accumulates, it becomes a mountain.


• Meaning: Even something as small as dust particles can grow to be as large as a mountain when piled up. This proverb means that we shouldn’t neglect the little things, as they will make a big difference later.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Many a little makes a mickle. / A penny saved is a penny earned. / Little strokes fell great oaks. 


• Example:　
  
  地道な基礎練習が大切です。「チリも積もれば山となる」ですよ。
  Jimichi na kiso renshū ga taisetsu desu. “Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru” desu yo.
  Steady and basic practice is important. It says, “Many a little makes a mickle.”



17. 三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (San-nin yoreba monju no chie)

• Literal Translation: When three people gather, get the wisdom of Manjushri.


• Meaning: Even ordinary people can come up with good ideas when brainstorming with others. It’s better to have multiple brains working on something than only one. Manjushri, or 文殊 もんじゅ (monju), is one of the Bodhisattva that’s on the path toward Buddhahood.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Two heads are better than one.


• Example:　
  
  「三人寄れば文殊の知恵」！一人で悩むより周りの人に相談したほうがいいよ。
  Sannin yoreba monju no chie! Hitori de nayamu yori mawari no hito ni soudan shita hōga iiyo.
  Two heads are better than one! Rather than worrying alone, you should talk to people around you and ask for advice.



18. 長所は短所 (Chōsho wa tansho)

• Literal Translation: Strength is weakness.


• Meaning: One’s strength can also be his own weakness, depending on the context and on one’s point of view. If you rely too much on your strength, it may become a cause of failure, so be careful.


• Equivalent English Proverb: One’s strength is his weakness. / Every medal has two sides.


• Example:　
  
  自信があるのは良いことですが、人の意見を聞くことも大事ですよ。「長所は短所」です。
  Jishin ga aru no wa yoi koto desu ga, hito no iken o kiku koto mo daiji desu yo. “Chōsho wa tansho” desu.
  It’s good to have confidence in yourself, but listening to others is also important. It says, “One’s strength is his weakness.”





千里の道も一歩から (Sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara) – “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

4. Behaviors / Feelings

It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of Japanese sayings on behaviors and feelings, since they play a large role in a person’s identity—and in how we view them. Here are some of the most common ones. 

19. 耳にたこができる (Mimi ni tako ga dekiru)

• Literal Translation: Grow calluses on ear.


• Meaning: This saying refers to someone who’s fed up with hearing the same thing over and over again. They’re so annoyed that they form “calluses” on their ears to stop hearing—just like how calluses grow as a response to repeated friction and pressure. 


• Additional Note: たこ (Tako) is pronounced the same way as 蛸 (Tako), meaning “octopus” in Japanese, but it is a homonym in this case. To avoid confusion, one can use the Kanji characters 胼胝 (Tako), meaning “callus,” but the Kanji version is difficult and not commonly used. Instead, the word is usually written in either Hiragana or Katakana.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Talk one’s ear off.


• Example:　
  
  その話もう100回は聞いたよ。「耳にたこができる」！
  Sono hanashi mō hyakkai wa kiita yo. “Mimi ni tako ga dekiru”!
  I’ve heard that story 100 times already. Calluses are growing in my ear!



20. 馬の耳に念仏 (Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu)

• Literal Translation: Buddhist invocation into horse’s ears.


• Meaning: If you were to tell a horse a Buddhist invocation, it would not understand or appreciate it. Likewise, you could give someone the best advice or opinion about something, but it’s in vain if the other person doesn’t want to hear it. 


• Equivalent English Proverb: Preaching to the deaf.


• Example:　
  
  いくらあなたが親身になって助言しても、彼には「馬の耳に念仏」だよ！
  Ikura anata ga shinmi ni natte jogen shite mo, kare ni wa “uma no mimi ni nenbutsu” da yo!
  No matter how much thoughtful advice you give, it’s like preaching to the deaf!



21. 灯台下暗し (Tōdai moto kurashi)

• Literal Translation: It is dark under the candle stand.


• Meaning: We tend not to notice things that are familiar to us, and we often overlook things that lie near at hand.


• Equivalent English Proverb: It is darkest under the lamp post. / It’s hard to see what is under your nose.


• Example:　
  
  ペンを探していたけど、胸のポケットに入っていた！「灯台下暗し」だね。
  Pen o sagashite ita kedo, mune no poketto ni haitte ita! “Tōdai moto kurashi” da ne.
  I was looking for a pen, but it was in my chest pocket! It’s hard to see what is under your nose.



22. 豚に真珠 (Buta ni shinju)

• Literal Translation: Pearls to pigs.


• Meaning: It’s meaningless and useless to give something worthwhile to someone who doesn’t know its value.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Cast pearls before swine.


• Example:　
  
  赤ちゃんに$500のブランドの洋服を着せるのは、私は「豚に真珠」だと思う。
  Akachan ni $500 no burando no yōfuku o kiseru no wa, watashi wa “buta ni shinju” da to omō.
  I think it’s like casting pearls before swine to dress a baby in $500 luxury brand clothes.



23. 因果応報 (Inga ōhō)

• Literal Translation: Cause brings result.


• Meaning: Bad actions bring bad results (and vice-versa). This proverb originally comes from the Buddhist concept that those who do good deeds receive good rewards in return, and those who do bad deeds will have retributive justice.


• Equivalent English Proverb: What goes around comes around.


• Example:　
  
  彼は昔ひどいイジメっ子だったので、今は困った時に助けてくれる本当の友達がいない。「因果応報」だね。
  Kare wa mukashi hidoi ijimekko datta node, ima wa komatta toki ni tasukete kureru hontō no tomodachi ga inai. “Inga ōhō” da ne.
  He does not have real friends now to help when he’s in trouble, because he was a terrible bully in the past. It is “what goes around comes around.”



24. 開いた口が塞がらない (Aita kuchi ga fusagaranai)

• Literal Translation: Open mouth does not close.


• Meaning: You might use this phrase when someone’s words or behavior are appalling and beyond understanding, and you’re lost for words. 


• Equivalent English Saying: To be at a loss for words


• Example:　
  
  またギャンブルのためにお金借りたいの？「開いた口が塞がらない」よ！
  Mata gyanburu no tame ni o-kane karitai no? “Aita kuchi ga fusagaranai” yo!
  You want to borrow money for gambling again? I’m appalled and lost for words!





灯台下暗し (Tōdai moto kurashi) – “It is dark under the lamp post.” / “It’s hard to see what is under your nose.”

5. A Few More Proverbs For You…

To conclude our Japanese proverbs list, here are just a few more proverbs you may enjoy. 

25. どんぐりの背比べ (Donguri no sei kurabe)

• Literal Translation: Height comparison among acorns.


• Meaning: This phrase is used in situations where everything or everyone seems about the same, and there’s no one who has outstanding strength, ability, or skill.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Neither barrel the better herring. / Much of a muchness.


• Example:　
  
  今回の美人コンテストの応募者は全員普通で、勝者を選べません。「どんぐりの背比べ」です。
  Konkai no bijin kontesuto no ōbosha wa zen’in futsū de, shōsha o erabemasen. “Donguri no sei kurabe” desu.
  All the applicants for this beauty contest are ordinary and we cannot choose the winner. They are all much of a muchness.



26. 蛇足 (Dasoku)

• Literal Translation: Legs of a snake.


• Meaning: Something that is unnecessary, redundant, and superfluous.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Put a fifth wheel to the coach/Gilding the lily.
• Example:　
  
  お祝いの席であんなコメントは「蛇足」でした。
  O-iwai no seki de anna komento wa “dasoku” deshita.
  Such a comment was unnecessary on the occasion of celebration.



27. 雲泥の差 (Undei no sa)

• Literal Translation: Difference between clouds and mud.


• Meaning: This refers to a wide difference. Because clouds represent heaven and mud is the ground, this phrase alludes to a big gap like that between heaven and earth.


• Equivalent English Proverb: As different as night and day. 


• Example:　
  
  都市部と田舎では生活費に「雲泥の差」があります。
  Toshibu to inaka de wa seikatsuhi ni “undei no sa” ga arimasu.
  There is a huge difference in living costs between urban and rural areas.



28. 青天の霹靂 (Seiten no hekireki)

• Literal Translation: Sudden thunder in the blue sky.


• Meaning: The sudden occurrence of unexpected events or changes.


• Equivalent English Proverb: A bolt out of the blue.


• Example:　
  
  あの有名俳優が突然逮捕されたのは、青天の霹靂だ。
  Ano yūmei haiyū ga totsuzen taiho sareta no wa, “seiten no hekireki” da.
  It’s a bolt out of the blue that that famous actor got suddenly arrested.





青天の霹靂 (Seiten no hekireki) – “a bolt out of the blue”

29. 後の祭り (Ato no matsuri)

• Literal Translation: After the festival.


• Meaning: This phrase means that someone has missed their chance or an event has occurred too late. After the festival is over, it’s meaningless to go to see the festival. 


• Additional Note: A traditional Japanese 祭り (matsuri), or “festival,” usually has main events such as 神輿担ぎ (Mikoshi katsugi), which is “carrying a portable Shinto shrine,” 山車 (dashi), or “floats” parade, and group dances. There’s also a variety of food stalls and entertainment booths around the area.


• Equivalent English Proverb: A day after the fair. / After death, the doctor.


• Example:　
  
  テストが終わった後に勉強を始めても、「後の祭り」です。
  Tesuto ga owatta ato ni benkyō o hajimete mo, “ato no matsuri” desu.
  It’s too late to start studying after the test is over.



30. 縁の下の力持ち (En no shita no chikaramochi)

• Literal Translation: Powerful man under the edge.


• Meaning: A person who does a thankless task and makes an effort to support others in ways that are not visible to others.


• Additional Notes: The 縁 えん (en) is the long wooden porch in traditional Japanese-style houses. Though unseen, there are many foundation pillars under the en that hold up the porch.


• Equivalent English Proverb: Unsung hero.


• Example:　
  
  この社会はたくさんの縁の下の力持ちがいるおかげで成り立っています。
  Kono shakai wa takusan no en no shita no chikaramochi ga iru okagede naritatte imasu.
  This society is made possible by the existence of many unsung heroes.





To learn more about Japanese proverbs and quotes, please also check out our article Japanese Quotes That Enrich Your Life.

6. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

In this article, we introduced thirty popular Japanese proverbs and idioms in various categories. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic, gained some useful insight from these Japanese words of wisdom, and deepened your understanding of Japanese culture! 

Which of these Japanese proverbs is your favorite, and why? And what are some common proverbs in your language? We look forward to hearing from you! 

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find even more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. To start, why not study these inspiring Japanese quotes and motivational phrases for language learning?

• Top 10 Quotes About Language Learning
• Encouraging Phrases
• Habits for Highly Effective Language Learners

And there’s so much more! 

By subscribing for a Premium PLUS membership, you’ll also gain access to MyTeacher. This service gives you a private teacher who will help you practice pronunciation and give you personalized feedback and advice.

Learn Japanese in the fastest, easiest, and most effective way possible with JapanesePod101.com!

Have you ever been to Tokyo or thought about visiting? Japan is a very unique and fascinating country, and you can never get bored in Tokyo, one of the biggest capital cities in the world!

Tokyo has a range of sights and experiences for travelers to take in: traditional and cutting-edge modern culture, a wide variety of food choices, shopping, entertainment, nightlife, and even nature and outdoor activities. With so many reasons to visit Tokyo, it’s worth making the trip at least once in a lifetime to enjoy what this wonderful city has to offer.

In this Tokyo travel guide, we’ll help you plan a visit to Tokyo by introducing you to some of the best locations in the city. We will also provide you with basic city and travel information, as well as a list of useful Japanese travel phrases. Let’s get you all ready for your Tokyo adventure!

Central Tokyo has a range of skyscraper buildings.

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information for Traveling
2. Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip
3. Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer)
4. Nature and Outdoor Activities in Tokyo
5. Japanese Survival Phrases for Travelers
6. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

1. Basic Information for Traveling

While international travel can be fun, exciting, and relaxing, we know that it can also be a stressful experience. To give you a hand, we’ve compiled some of the most useful information about Tokyo, including when and how to visit for the best experience. 

City of Tokyo

Facts

Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of approximately 14 million (2020) and a total land area of 2,194 km². To give you an idea, this is larger than London (approx. 9.3 million & 1,572 km²), New York (approx. 19 million & 1,213 km²), and Paris (approx. 2.3 million & 105km²).

History

The history of modern-day Tokyo can be traced back to the Edo period, some 400 years ago. The Tokugawa Shogunate was established by a Shōgun (Japanese General) named 徳川家康 (Tokugawa Ieyasu) in 1603. Over time, the city grew to become the capital of Japan and has flourished to this day. Prior to this, 京都 (Kyoto) was Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years.

People and Language

Being a huge capital city, Tokyo serves as the center of business, culture, and fashion. This draws many Japanese people from other prefectures to study and work here. 

Although Japanese is the main language used here, there are many people in Tokyo who can communicate in English, especially among the younger generations. English is also used at public transportation facilities and large commercial buildings, as well as in some restaurants (especially those in central areas and touristic places).

Food and Accomodation

In this huge city of Tokyo, you can find food and accommodation to suit any budget. Whether you’re a backpacker or a posh traveler who seeks only the finest lodging and dining, Tokyo has what you need. 

There’s a variety of restaurants, from those offering one-coin meals (¥500 Yen coin) to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants. You can also find a wide diversity of cuisines here: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, French, American, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and the list goes on. Believe it or not, Tokyo is the world’s most Michelin-starred city, with 226 restaurants receiving stars for the thirteenth consecutive year, according to the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2020!

居酒屋 (Izakaya)-style bars are also popular among locals and they make for a great experience for those visiting the city. You’ll get to taste variations of Japanese tapas and Japanese sake for a relatively low price.

Likewise, you can find any type of accommodation in Tokyo, from hostels/guest houses to five-star luxury hotels. 

To learn more about Japanese food, please check out our Guide to the Best Japanese Foods.

The Best Time to Visit Tokyo

The two best seasons to visit are spring and cherry blossom season, but you can enjoy traveling in Japan any time of year. Do keep in mind that the middle of summer can be very hot and winter can be a bit too cold to get around comfortably. But with the right preparation, the weather won’t prevent you from enjoying the city! 

Each season has its own positive features and benefits. Following are the key points of each season.

• Spring (March, April, May)
  
  The climate starts to warm up in March, and April is the best time to view beautiful full-bloom cherry blossoms. The month of May also has nice and comfortable weather, and it’s the final month of mild temperatures before it gets really hot in the summer.

• Summer (June, July, August)
  
  The rainy season, or 梅雨 (Tsuyu), starts in June and lasts until the beginning of July. There are many rainy days during this time, which makes it less pleasant to spend time outdoors. Although there are a lot of indoor facilities and activities you can enjoy in Tokyo, it’s recommended to avoid traveling during this season.
  
  After Tsuyu is over, full-blown summer arrives and the temperature increases to as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat usually continues until the middle of September.
  
  Because the summer season is so hot and humid, it’s a bit tiring to get around outdoors. But don’t worry too much, as Japanese trains and subways have cool air conditioning!

• Autumn (September, October, November)
  
  Autumn is a nice season to visit Tokyo as the temperature has cooled down but is not yet cold. In addition, there is far less rainy weather during this season. The Japanese consider autumn to be 食欲の秋, or a “season of good appetite,” and you can enjoy a lot of good foods made with seasonal ingredients.
  
  In November, it’s very beautiful to see the leaves changing colors on the mountains with a gradation of yellow, orange, and red. It’s worth visiting mountains in the outskirts of Tokyo, which are less than two hours from the center.

• Winter (December, January, February)
  
  If you plan to visit Tokyo during winter, keep in mind that it gets very cold, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing; sometimes it even snows in January and February. However, as long as you wear warm clothes, it’s still manageable. It’s a good season to enjoy 温泉 (Onsen), or “hot springs,” and a variety of 鍋料理 /鍋物 (Nabemono), or “hot pot dishes.”
  
  Depending on how much time you have, you can also extend your Tokyo trip to include ski resorts so you can enjoy winter sports activities.

How to Get Around

Due to the massive size of Tokyo, trains are the most useful means of transportation. The train systems connect the different smaller cities within Tokyo, including so-called Central Tokyo with its 23 wards (each of which can be broken down into smaller cities and areas, as well). 

First-time visitors may find the train system in Tokyo a bit complicated at first. There are many lines for overground trains, which include the public JR (Japan Railway) service and the private Odakyu Line, Seibu Line, and Keiō Line services. There are also two subway systems in central Tokyo: Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway (which literally means, “metropolis managed subway”). 

While you can buy tickets each time you need to board, it’s recommended to get one of the smart cards (Suica or Pasmo). These are rechargeable contactless cards which you can use to pay fare; they can also be used as electronic money to buy things at kiosks and convenience stores, for example. They’re available at train/subway stations. 

If you plan to visit other regions and cities outside of Tokyo (such as Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima) by using 新幹線 (Shinkansen), or the super express train, buy the Japan Rail Pass in advance. This will allow you to use transportation at a cheaper price. 

Taxis are available anywhere in the central part of Tokyo, but fare can be expensive. Also, the doors of Japanese taxis open automatically, so don’t be surprised!

Other Travel Tips

• What to Bring
  
  It’s recommended to have some Japanese Yen in cash while you’re traveling in Japan. Although there are many places where credit cards and Smart Pay are available, cash transactions are still big in Japan, especially at local stores and restaurants.
  
  You should also buy a SIM card so you can use the internet on your phone at the airport. Availability of free public wifi is still limited even in Tokyo, although there’s free wifi at most of the JR and Subway stations as well as in the main touristic areas. Internet access is the most useful thing for traveling!
  
  In case of an unexpected rainy day, a foldable umbrella would be useful; you can buy one at any convenience store in Japan. As a matter of fact, you can find almost anything you could need in Japan—especially in Tokyo—so don’t worry too much!

• Emergency
  
  In case of an emergency, here are some important phone numbers you can call for free:
  
  110: 警察 (Keisatsu) – “Police”
  119: 救急車 (Kyūkyūsha) – “Ambulance”
  119: 消防 (Shōbō) – “Fire Fighting”
  
  You should also find the telephone number and location for an embassy of your country in advance; this will be useful in case you lose your passport or run into a similar issue.

2. Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip

Just a couple of days isn’t enough to experience what Tokyo has to offer, but if you plan to stay in other regions and spare a few days in Tokyo, the following cities and areas are not to be missed!

新宿 (Shinjuku)

Shinjuku is the busiest city in Tokyo. The Shinjuku Station is the hub of many extended lines that connect to various regions, including the surrounding prefectures.

Shinjuku itself is a big city which can be divided into different areas, each with its own unique aspects.  

From the center of the station, there are a few key places to visit, outlined below. Note that it’s very easy to get lost around the Shinjuku Station because there are hundreds of exits and paths, both underground and aboveground. Make sure you have Google Maps with you.

• West (West Exit) 
  
  After passing the Izakaya bars close to the station, you’ll find a range of skyscraper buildings, most of which are offices and luxury hotels. One of the tallest buildings is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Its observatory on the 45th floor (202m from the ground) is very famous and it’s popular among tourists as well as locals. What’s even more amazing is that it’s free of charge to visit!
  
  Drinking a cocktail at the “Peak Bar” of Park Hyatt Tokyo on the 41st floor will take you to the world of the movie Lost in Translation.

• Southeast & East (South Exit and Central East Exit) 
  
  There are thousands of dining bars and restaurants here, but this area is especially a paradise for shopping-lovers! There are many department stores and large shopping buildings, starting from above the station itself. In addition to clothing and fashion shops, there are also mega electronic stores that are not to be missed. Even if you don’t purchase anything, just window shopping can be very interesting.
  
  Further southeast, there is an oasis in the midst of the Tokyo Desert (a metaphor for a crowded city with buildings, neons, and concrete), which is 新宿御苑 (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden). You’ll enjoy relaxing in the beautiful Japanese garden after your time in the hustle and bustle of the city areas.

• Northeast (East Exit) 
  
  There are thousands of bars and restaurants here as well, but this area—known as 歌舞伎町 (Kabukichō)—is famous for its nightlife and for being a red-light district. There are thousands of neons around Shinjuku that never go off and it’s a city that never sleeps. When you walk around this area at night (it’s safe to walk around at night), you’ll see some interesting people.
  
  Some of the most popular places to visit in this area among tourists are ゴールデン街 (Golden Gai) and ロボットレストラン (Robot Restaurant). Golden Gai is a small area which preserves the traditional small buildings for restaurants and bars. Its retro atmosphere reminds one of the old times and foreigners find it fascinating. Robot Restaurant is literally a restaurant that features huge robots which people can actually get on.
  
  Throughout the area, customers can enjoy shows while having meals and drinks in the colorful restaurants decorated with thousands of flashy neons.

The observatory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the most famous observatories in Tokyo.

渋谷 (Shibuya)

Shibuya is known as the epicenter of younger generations, new cultures, and venture and startup businesses. The city has everything that young people and trendsetters need: fashion shops, art galleries, shared workspaces, hip cafés and bar restaurants, night clubs, entertainment facilities, and the list goes on. 

If you’re interested in Japan, you may have seen a picture of Shibuya’s iconic scramble crossing where thousands of people cross the street in just a few minutes. While chaotic, this crossing is also rather organized and reputable because Japanese people follow the traffic lights decently—even during the more hectic times of year like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Another iconic feature is the faithful dog Hachiko statue in front of the Shibuya Station; the story behind it is so famous that it even became a Hollywood movie.

Shibuya is another energetic city that never sleeps, as youngsters enjoy drinking and clubbing all night long till dawn.

Shibuya Crossing is famous for thousands of people crossing in a couple of minutes.

原宿 (Harajuku)

Harajuku is famous for new fashion and the “Kawaii” culture of the younger generations, especially teenagers and those in their early 20s. 

There are thousands of trendy fashion shops, hair salons, and cafés on every street in Harajuku. The most famous streets, which have recently become a bit too touristy, are 竹下通り (Takeshita Dōri) and キャットストリート (Cat Street).

If you keep walking east, there’s a big main street for high fashion called 表参道 (Omotesando Street), where many fashion-conscious people love to go. At the end of Omotesando Street, there’s another trendy area called 青山 (Aoyama). Here, there are many chic fashion shops, hair salons, art galleries, fancy bars, and trendy restaurants. This area is regarded as a sophisticated city for stylish adults. You might even have a chance encounter with Japanese celebrities! 

Harajuku is a city within Shibuya Ward, which is the first municipality in Japan to acknowledge same-sex partnership. In addition, Harajuku and Shibuya lead the new LGBTQ+ culture. The biggest rainbow parade in Japan is conducted in Harajuku every year.

While the Harajuku area is renowned for its openness to new cultures, you can also find old Japanese traditions preserved here. A great example is the 明治神宮 (Meiji Shrine). Located just behind Harajuku Station, it’s one of the largest and most famous shrines in Tokyo. Here, VIPs conduct festive events and celebrities have traditional Japanese weddings.

Right next to Meiji Shrine, there is 代々木公園 (Yoyogi Park) where you can find flea markets, world food festivals, and other events on the weekend. 

明治神宮 (Meiji Jingu Shrine) is the most famous and important shrine in Tokyo.

皇居 (Imperial Palace and Imperial Garden)

In order to deepen your understanding of the hearts of Japanese people, it’s recommended to visit the Imperial Palace and gain insight on the Imperial House system. 

Located right in the center of Tokyo (next to Tokyo Station), the Imperial Palace is a symbol of Japan. To enroll in a guided tour of the Imperial Palace and walk around the beautiful Imperial Garden, you have to queue in the time slots which are limited per day. Make sure you check the opening schedule on their official website (there’s an English page). 

The surroundings of the Imperial Palace are stunning during cherry blossom season, as you can see hundreds of beautiful cherry trees along the moat of the palace.  

The architecture and landscape of the Imperial Palace and Imperial Garden represent the ultimate sense of Japanese beauty. That said, you may be surprised to see that it’s far from luxurious when compared to palaces in Europe. The Japanese sense of beauty values simplicity and quality rather than luxury.

The Japanese Imperial Palace is located close to Tokyo Station.

浅草 (Asakusa)

In Tokyo, you can find both old and new traditions downtown. In Japanese, downtown is called 下町 (Shitamachi), and literally translates to “down town.” It’s the physically low part of central Tokyo along the east side of the Sumida River, and it refers to areas that are traditional and rooted in local communities from the Edo period.

Asakusa is one such Shitamachi city in Tokyo. The most famous things here are:

• 雷門 (Kaminarimon) – “Thunder Gate”
• 浅草寺 (Sensō-ji Temple)
• 仲見世通り (Nakamise Dōri) – the street that approaches the temple

Along the lively street of Nakamise Dōri, there are hundreds of gift shops that sell a variety of traditional Japanese goods, arts, and crafts, as well as traditional snacks and sweets. 

After visiting the temple and tasting some delicious Japanese snacks, you can enjoy strolling around the Asakusa area or riding on the 人力車 (Jinrikisha) or Rickshaw (“human-powered vehicle”), which is pulled by a man dressed in traditional clothing.

Or, you can also enjoy the river cruise. Right next to Asakusa is the mighty Sumida River, along which there are many landmarks. These include the Tokyo Skytree Tower and the huge golden sculpture on the Asahi headquarters building. From the pier near Asakusa Station, you can cruise up to 日の出 (Hinode Pier), お台場 (Odaiba) Marine Park, 浜離宮 (Hama-rikyu Japanese Gardens), and 豊洲 (Toyosu).

The 雷門 (Kaminarimon Gate of Sensō-ji) Temple is a popular site for taking pictures.

上野 (Ueno)

Ueno is another well-known Shitamachi city and it has some features that are worth visiting.

• Ueno Park: 上野公園 (Ueno Park) is very famous for cherry blossoms and お花見 (O-hanami) parties where people view the blossoms. Even after cherry blossom season, you can enjoy walking around this huge park.

• Museums: Next to Ueno Park, there are a range of famous museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. If you’re a fan of art and science, you’ll need to set aside more than a day to explore the many museums located here! 

• Ueno Zoo: This is the only zoo you can find in central Tokyo. Here, you can meet cute panda bears.

• Ameyoko Market Street: アメヤ横丁 (Ameya Yokochō), or アメ横  (Ameyoko) for short, is a bustling market street where you can find a variety of things at relatively low prices: vegetables, fish, dried foods, spices, snacks, utensils, clothing, etc. It’s interesting to see the lively markets.

Ueno Park is famous for the beautiful blooming of cherry blossoms and hanami parties.

秋葉原 (Akihabara)

If you’re a fan of gadgets, Anime, and Manga, you can’t miss this city. Akihabara is known for electronics and Anime/Manga, so it’s often called the city of オタク (Otaku), or “geeks,” and subcultures.

There are hundreds of shops selling all kinds of electronics and gadgets, video games, Manga comics, Anime figures, cosplay costumes, and accessories. You may also see cosplayers and amateur pop-idols gathering on the street of Akihabara on the weekends, as well as Otaku photographers having photo sessions.

Maid café and other themed cafés (such as a particular Manga comic theme or an animal café where you can see and touch animals such as cats, owls, or hedgehogs) are also popular and fun to experience!

Akihabara is a famous city in Tokyo, known for Anime and Manga.

3. Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer)

Are you planning a longer trip? Great! That means you’ll also be able to experience these must-visit Tokyo places. 

お台場 & ゆりかもめモノレール (Odaiba & Yurikamome Monorail)　

Odaiba is the waterfront area of Tokyo Bay. Not only does it have a spectacular ocean and city view, but there are also so many things to enjoy on these artificial islands.

• Shopping Malls: There are huge shopping malls here, such as Diversity, Venus Fort, and Aqua City.

• Entertainment Facilities: If you’re bored of shopping or walking around, there are tons of other things you can enjoy:
  
  Cinema
  A Virtual Reality (VR) experience
  Joypolis (an indoor amusement park that offers arcade games and amusement rides)
  RoundOne/Spoccha
  
  The last place we mentioned is an all-you-can-play amusement center that offers a variety of indoor/outdoor activities. These include bowling alleys, arcade games, karaoke, Manga room, billiards, batting cages, basketball, volleyball, tennis, futsal, driving range, rollerblades, and more.

• Museums: The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is fun to explore and allows you to enjoy a huge planetarium. The Tokyo Water Science Museum is an interactive museum where you can learn about water.

• Yurikamome Monorail: Running from 新橋 (Shinbashi) all the way to 豊洲 (Toyosu), this monorail system is not only a means of transportation but also a fun ride that allows you to explore the waterfront and enjoy the wonderful 360° view of Tokyo Bay.  

• Onsen Hot Spring: 大江戸温泉 (Ōedo Onsen) is a hot spring facility. Onsen is an important aspect of Japanese culture, and you can enjoy Onsen in the central city! When you’re tired from walking around all day, you can wash your sweaty body and relax in a hot tub.

Odaiba is located right in Tokyo Bay, which is the artificial land. There is a replica of the Statue of Liberty here.

六本木 (Roppongi)

Roppongi is traditionally known as a city of nightlife, having many bars and popular nightclubs. In addition, many foreign embassies are located around the Roppongi area and lots of expats enjoy the city’s nightlife as much as the locals do. This gives the city a sort of international atmosphere.

In recent decades, Roppongi has undergone a variety of new development projects and has become a place to enjoy high-end shopping, fancy restaurants, and posh entertainment thanks to the mega-complex buildings called Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. Both buildings are huge skyscrapers incorporating office spaces, luxury apartments, shops, restaurants, cafés, movie theatres, a museum, a hotel, an outdoor amphitheatre, and some parks.

Roppongi is famous for night clubs and high-grade shops and restaurants in commercial skyscraper buildings.

銀座 & 築地 (Ginza & Tsukiji)

If you love sophisticated shopping, go to Ginza. 

銀座中央通り (Ginza Chūō-dōri), or Ginza Central Avenue, is the Tokyo version of 5th Avenue in New York. It’s very famous for shopping, and its main road turns into a pedestrian precinct that bans cars on the weekends. There are a number of high-end boutiques, department stores, commercial buildings, hair salons, beauty shops, and exclusive restaurants in Ginza. 

Even if you’re a budget traveler who’s trying to avoid expensive shopping, please don’t miss the デパ地下 (Depachika), or “basement floors of department stores,” such as those in 銀座三越 (Ginza Mitsukoshi) and 松屋銀座 (Matsuya Ginza). There are thousands of delicious choices of sweets, delicatessen foods, and ingredients sold in Depachika and it’s all worth tasting!

If you’re interested in the traditional Japanese Kabuki theatre, visit 歌舞伎座, or Kabukiza Theatre, in Higashi Ginza (East Ginza). Kabuki is a classical dance-drama which has more than 400 years of history behind it and is registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. You have to buy tickets in advance to see a Kabuki performance, but you can also visit the Kabukiza building if you just want to buy souvenirs.

If you keep walking southeast from Ginza, you’ll enter the 築地 (Tsukiji) area. It’s traditionally famous for the world’s biggest fish market, called 築地市場 (Tsukiji Shijō), as well as its tuna bidding (マグロの競り). The fish market itself was relocated to 豊洲 (Toyosu) in 2018, but there are still many sushi restaurants and seafood shops just outside the area of the old market. Tsukiji is home to 江戸前寿司 (Edomaezushi), or Tokyo-style sushi, and it remained a famous place to eat fresh sushi even after the relocation of the fish market.

Ginza is a high fashion street that turns into a pedestrian precinct that bans cars on weekends and national holidays.

東京タワーとスカイツリー (Tokyo Tower and Skytree)

If you want to visit iconic landmarks and see the city of Tokyo from different angles, Tokyo Tower and Skytree Tower are both wonderful options. 

Established in 1958, Tokyo Tower is one of the earliest landmarks in Tokyo. It’s 333m tall, which is taller than the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris at 300m. Tokyo Tower has two observatories: the main deck at 150m and the top deck at 250m. You’ll get to enjoy a stunning 360° view of the world’s metropolitan city.

Tokyo Skytree is a relatively new landmark, established in 2012. The tower is 634m and it’s the tallest building in Japan. The observatory is 450m above the ground, and there are also restaurants with skyscraper views. In addition to taking in the view, you can enjoy shopping and cinemas in the complex commercial building.

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan, is the new iconic tower of Tokyo.

東京ディズニーランド & ディズニーシー (Tokyo Disney Resort & DisneySea)

Whether you’re a Disney fan or not, the Tokyo Disney Resort is worth visiting—especially Tokyo DisneySea, which is the only sea-themed Disney park in the world! You’ll experience something amazing and unique that can only be found in Tokyo. Located right next to Tokyo in the Tokyo Bay, it will take you to a dream world with a scent of sea breeze. The parks are very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s recommended to visit during weekdays.

Tokyo DisneySea is the only sea-themed Disney park in the world.

Outside of Central Tokyo

There are many more cities outside of Tokyo’s city center. 

If you have plenty of time, take a twenty-minute ride on the Chūō Line of the JR train from Shinjuku to visit 吉祥寺 (Kichijoji). There are shopping department stores, shopping arcades, movie theaters, and 井の頭公園 (Inokashira Park) which is often used as a shooting location for TV dramas and movies.

Also, if you’re a big fan of Ghibli movies and director 宮崎駿 (Hayao Miyazaki), you can visit Studio Ghibli Museum in 三鷹 (Mitaka) to immerse yourself in the world of Ghibli. Make sure you make a booking in advance.

If you’re a fan of Ghibli Anime movies, the Ghibli Museum is worth visiting.

4. Nature and Outdoor Activities in Tokyo

Don’t be surprised that there are mountains in Tokyo! As a prefecture, Tokyo Metropolis spreads to the mountains in the west. Believe it or not, Tokyo has an abundance of nature less than two hours from the central city. 

Following is a list of places that are worth visiting when you have a lot of time in Tokyo and want to do something different.

高尾山 (Mt. Takao)

Located two hours away when taking a train from the Shinjuku 中央本線 (Chūō Line), Mt. Takao is one of the most-visited mountains in Tokyo. The mountain is just 599m above sea level, and it offers an easy hiking/climbing path while allowing you to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the spectacular nature view. You don’t need a heavy set of gear for the mountain, but sneakers are a good idea.

Once you come down from the mountain, you can refresh and relax at the Onsen facility called 極楽湯 (Gokurakuyu). 

奥多摩 (Okutama)

Okutama is another popular destination from the city center, and it’s a two-hour train ride from Shinjuku and at the end of the train line 青梅線 (Ōme Line). Basically, Okutama is in a location between mountains where you’ll find 奥多摩湖 (Lake Okutama), valleys and rivers, a water dam, 日原鍾乳洞 (Nippara Limestone Caves), and more.

You can enjoy hiking in the forests, fishing, rafting, canyoning, BBQ by the riverside, local cuisine, and the Onsen hot spring at もえぎの湯 (Moeginoyu). There are also camping sites and lodges for overnight stays.

秋川 (Akigawa)

Akigawa is another great option for nature and outdoor activities. It’s about 1.5 hours by train from Shinjuku to the final station of 武藏五日市線 (Musashi-itsukaichi Line).

It’s a popular spot for hiking in the forest, fishing, BBQ, and riverside activities in 秋川渓谷 (Akigawa Keikoku Valley).

There are also Onsen hot spring facilities at つるつる温泉 (Tsurutsuru Onsen) and 瀬音の湯 (Seotonoyu Spa), where you can relax in an open‐air bath with beautiful views of nature and the greenery. Onsen facilities also offer massages and restaurants where you can taste local cuisines. 

If you want to stay overnight, there are camping sites and lodges.

5. Japanese Survival Phrases for Travelers

Due to Tokyo’s diverse cultural scene and immense size, many younger Japanese people do pretty well with English. That said, knowing at least a few Japanese phrases will make your whole trip go a lot smoother and allow you to form deeper connections with locals. Here are just a few survival phrases you should definitely try to memorize before your trip! 

Hello. 

Japanese: こんにちは (Kon’nichiwa)

Example

こんにちは、私たちはカナダから来ました。
Kon’nichiwa, watashi-tachi wa Kanada kara kimashita.
“Hello, we come from Canada.”

Thank you.

Japanese: ありがとう (Arigatō)

In order to say it more politely, add ございます (gozaimasu) so that it becomes: ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu).

For the past tense, add ございました (gozaimashita).

Example

親切にしていただき、ありがとうございます。
Shinsetsu ni shite itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.
“Thank you for being kind to me.”

Goodbye.

Japanese: さようなら (Sayōnara)

Example

どうもありがとうございました、さようなら。
Dōmo arigatō gozaimashita, sayōnara.
“Thank you very much, goodbye.”

I’m sorry.

Japanese: すみません (Sumimasen)

Sumimasen is a very useful phrase that can also be used to say, “Excuse me.”

To express a deeper apology, you can also say ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) or, more politely, 申し訳ございません (mōshiwake gozaimasen). This is something you would hear staff members/businesspeople saying to customers.

Example

[When you bump into someone or take someone else’s baggage by mistake]

すみません!　
Sumimasen!
“I’m sorry!”

To learn more on the topic, please read our articles about Japanese Etiquette and How to Say Sorry.

I don’t understand. / I don’t know.

Japanese: わかりません (Wakarimasen)

Example

すみません、日本語がわかりません。
Sumimasen, Nihon-go ga wakarimasen.
“Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese.”

Is there anyone who speaks English?    

Japanese: 英語を話せる人はいますか。(Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka.)

Example

すみません、英語を話せる人はいますか。
Sumimasen, Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka.
“Excuse me, is there anyone who speaks English?”

Where is the restroom?

In Japanese: トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka.)

Example

ここから一番近いトイレはどこですか。
Koko kara ichi-ban chikai toire wa doko desu ka.
“Where is the nearest restroom from here?”

How much is it?

Japanese: いくらですか (Ikura desu ka.)

Example

これはいくらですか。
Kore wa ikura desu ka.
“How much is this?”

I want/take this.

Japanese: これをください (Kore o kudasai)

Example

[While pointing out what you want on the menu or at a store:]

これをください。いくらですか。
Kore o kudasai. Ikura desu ka.
“I’ll have this. How much is it?”

For more useful phrases for restaurants, please check out our vocabulary lists of Vocabulary and Phrases at the Restaurant and Restaurant.

Help!

Japanese: たすけて! (Tasukete!)

In order to say it more politely, add ください (kudasai) to make it: 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai).

Example

助けてください! 友達が事故にあいました。
Tasukete kudasai! Tomodachi ga jiko ni aimashita.
“Please help! My friend had an accident.”

To learn more useful travel phrases, please read our article on Japanese Travel Phrases.

これをください (Kore o kudasai) – “I’ll have this one.”

How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

In this article, we introduced the must-visit places in Tokyo, gave you an overview of the city, presented you with useful travel tips, and went over a few practical Japanese travel phrases. I hope you enjoyed this article and that it made you feel like traveling to Tokyo right away! Which of the locations we mentioned is first on your list, and why? 

If you would like to learn the Japanese language together with cultural information, you’ll find a lot more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. Here are some pages with useful words and phrases for Japan travel:

• Top 30 Travel Phrases You Should Know 
• Traveling
• Don’t Travel Without Knowing These Top 10 Verbs

You can also get personal one-on-one coaching through our MyTeacher service, which is available when you subscribe for a Premium PLUS membership. Your private teacher will help you practice pronunciation and give you personal feedback to help you constantly improve.

And there’s so much more! Enjoy studying Japanese with JapanesePod101.com!