
If you’re an advanced learner or starting to move ahead to an upper level, you may soon face a phenomenon known as “diminishing returns.” The learning curve theory indicates that the more you advance, the slower your progress will be. This concept also applies to your Japanese language learning! As such, you’ll need to be patient and make a steady effort in order to achieve the advanced level of Japanese and reach true proficiency.
After learning the grammar and vocabulary of the intermediate level, all you need to do is increase your vocabulary by learning more advanced Japanese phrases. In particular, you’ll want to pick up a variety of idioms, proverbs, expressions, and slang terms. You’ll also benefit from expanding your knowledge of grammatical variations, such as 敬語 (Keigo), or “honorific speech,” as well as the very formal language for particular settings (e.g., only used in official letters or legal texts).
While conquering the advanced Japanese level may feel like an endless journey, remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! You have already achieved so much since Day 1 to arrive at your current level. Now you just need to continue filling the holes in your vocabulary and learning new expressions through books, the news, TV, movies, and other media.
Boost your journey with our list of the most useful advanced Japanese phrases for various occasions!

You can handle any situation if you’re at an advanced level.

- Useful Phrases for Academic Writing
- Power Phrases for Your Cover Letter
- Smart Proverbs for Business and Meetings
- Advanced Japanese Idioms and Sayings for Everyday Usage
- Conclusion
1. Useful Phrases for Academic Writing
The use of logical and structured sentences is a key element in good academic writing. Below, we will introduce advanced Japanese phrases that are frequently used to organize, articulate, and connect thoughts in writing. These phrases are useful not only in writing but also in public speaking, where they allow the audience to more easily follow and understand the content.
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
first of all | まず初めに | まずはじめに | mazu hajime ni |
Example:
まず初めに、本研究の趣旨について説明します。
Mazu hajime ni, hon kenkyū no shushi ni tsuite setsumei shimasu.
“First of all, I’d like to explain the purpose of this research.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
firstly secondly thirdly | 第一に 第二に 第三に | だいいちに だいにに だいさんに | daiichi ni daini ni daisan ni |
Example:
小論文を書くために重要なことが三点ある。第一に、論理的であること。第二に、分かりやすいこと。第三に、納得できること、である。
Shōronbun o kaku tame ni, jūyō na koto ga san-ten aru. Daiichi ni, rironteki de aru koto. Daini ni, wakariyasui koto. Daisan ni, nattoku dekiru koto, de aru.
“There are three important points in writing an essay. Firstly, it is logical. Secondly, it’s easy to understand. Thirdly, it is convincing.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
in regard to… | …に関して | …にかんして | …ni kanshite |
Example:
地球温暖化のトピックに関して意見を交換しましょう。
Chikyū ondanka no topikku ni kanshite iken o kōkan shimashō.
“Let’s exchange views in regard to global warming.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
according to… | ー | …によると | …ni yoruto |
Example:
中小企業白書によると、日本の中小企業数は3,578,176社で全企業数のうち99.7%を占めています。
Chūshō kigyō hakusho ni yoruto, Nihon no chūshō kigyōsū wa 3,578,176 sha de, zen kigyōsū no uchi 99.7% o shimete imasu.
“According to White Paper on Small and Medium Enterprises, the number of small and medium enterprises in Japan is 3,578,176, accounting for 99.7% of the total number of companies.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
in other words | 言い換えれば | いいかえれば | iikaereba |
Example:
地球温暖化の問題は、言い換えれば、私たちひとりひとりの問題です。
Chikyū ondanka no mondai wa, iikaereba, watashi-tachi hitori hitori no mondai desu.
“The problem of global warming is, in other words, the problem of each one of us.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
moreover / furthermore / in addition | 更に | さらに | sara ni |
Example:
パンデミックの発生は、人々の健康に影響を及ぼしました。 更に、国内および世界の経済にも大きな打撃となりました。
Pandemikku no hassei wa, hitobito no kenkō ni eikyō o oyoboshimashita. Sara ni, kokunai oyobi sekaijū no keizai ni mo ōkina dageki to narimashita.
“The outbreak of the pandemic has affected people’s health. In addition, it also had a major impact on the domestic and global economies.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
on the contrary /on the other hand | 一方で | いっぽうで | ippō de |
Example:
九州地方では大雨警報が出ています。 一方で、北関東地方では干ばつが連日続いています。
Kyūshū chihō de wa ōame keihō ga dete imasu. Ippō de, kita Kantō chihō de wa kanbatsu ga renjitsu tsuzuite imasu.
“Heavy rain warnings have been issued in the Kyushu region. On the other hand, droughts continue every day in the northern Kanto region.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
therefore / consequently | 従って | したがって | shitagatte |
Example:
日本は火山が多い。従って、天然の温泉も多い。
Nihon wa kazan ga ōi. Shitagatte, tennen no onsen mo ōi.
“Japan has a lot of volcanic mountains. Therefore, there are also many natural hot springs.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
to some extent | ある程度 | あるていど | aru teido |
Example:
作業過程をある程度自動化してくれるツールがいくつかあります。
Sagyō katei o aru teido jidōka shite kureru tsūru ga ikutsuka arimasu.
“There are some tools that automate the work process to some extent.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
as long as… / as far as… | …である限り…いる限り | …であるかぎり …いるかぎり | …de aru kagiri…iru kagiri |
Example:
津波が発生した時は、高台にいる限り身の安全を確保できます。
Tsunami ga hassei shita toki wa, takadai ni iru kagiri mi no anzen o kakuho dekimasu.
“When a tsunami occurs, you can secure your safety as long as you are on a hill.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
by / in contrast | 対照的に | たいしょうてきに | taishōteki ni |
Example:
日本列島の南に位置する沖縄の年間平均気温は摂氏23.1度です。対照的に、北に位置する北海道では8.9度です。
Nihon rettō no minami ni ichi suru Okinawa no nenkan heikin kion wa sesshi 23.1-do desu. Taishōteki ni, kita ni ichi suru Hokkaidō wa 8.9-do desu.
“The average annual temperature of Okinawa, located south of the Japanese archipelago, is 23.1 degrees Celsius. By contrast, it is 8.9 degrees in Hokkaido, which is located in the North.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
as a result | 結果として | けっかとして | kekka to shite |
Example:
高速道路での大きな事故によりひどい渋滞に巻き込まれました。結果として、飛行機に乗り遅れました。
Kōsoku dōro de no ōkina jiko ni yori hidoi jūtai ni makikomaremashita. Kekka to shite, hikōki ni noriokuremashita.
“I was caught in a terrible traffic jam due to a big accident on the highway. As a result, I missed the flight.”

2. Power Phrases for Your Cover Letter
When it comes to writing an official letter in Japanese, there are some particular rules and style guidelines to follow.
A cover letter (送付状 [sōfujō] or 添え状 [soejō] in Japanese) is a letter of introduction that a job seeker attaches to their resume or CV. In most cases, its function is to greet and to indicate what document(s) you’re sending by clarifying “to whom,” “by whom,” “what,” and “why.” It may also contain a supplementary explanation of what you want to emphasize in the main document.
Most importantly, however, it can be proof that you have business etiquette and common sense. Therefore, it should be a “decent” letter that follows the rules expected of an official document.
Here is a brief list of advanced-level Japanese phrases you should consider including in your cover letter.
Formal Greeting | 拝啓、貴社ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。 Haikei, kisha masumasu go-seiei no koto to o-yorokobi mōshiagemasu. |
English | Dear sirs, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for considering my application. (in case you’re applying with a CV) |
Literal Translation | Humbly (respectfully) I say, I am glad that your company is prospering more and more. |
Explanation:
This is a common formal greeting that is used only in official writing. It should be used as the first line of your text, especially when you’re writing to a company.
When beginning with 拝啓 (haikei), meaning “Dear sirs” (literally: “Humbly I say”) you have to finish the letter with 敬具 (keigu), meaning “Sincerely yours” (literally: “Humbly I said”).
Stating Reason for Writing | この度、貴社の___職の採用情報を拝見し、応募書類をお送りいたします。 Kono tabi, kisha no ___shoku no saiyō jōhō o haiken shi, ōboshorui o o-okuri itashimasu. |
English | I saw your company’s employment information about the ___ position, and I’d like to send you the application documents. |
Literal Translation | This time, I humbly saw your company’s employment information for ___, and I will kindly send you the application documents. |
Discussing Interests | 貴社の求人で特に、___のグローバルプロジェクトについて関心を持ちました。 Kisha no kyūjin de toku ni, ___ no gurōbaru purojekuto ni tsuite kanshin o mochimashita. |
English | In your company’s job offer advertisement, I am particularly interested in the global projects of ___. |
Talking About Your Experience | ___の分野において幅広い経験を持ち、新規顧客の獲得と売り上げの拡大に努めてまいりました。 ___ no bun’ya ni oite habahiroi keiken o mochi, shinki kokyaku no kakutoku to uriage no kakudai ni tsutomete mairimashita. |
English | Having extensive work experience in (the field of) ___, I have endeavored to acquire new customers and expand sales. |
Explaining the Relevance of Your Experience | 私のX年における___の経験をこのポジションで即戦力として活かし、貴社の業績拡大に貢献できると思っております。 Watashi no X-nen ni okeru ___ no keiken o kono pojishon de sokusenryoku to shite ikashi, kisha no gyōseki kakudai ni kōken dekiru to omotte orimasu. |
English | I believe I can apply my X years of experience in ___ to this position from day one, and I will be able to contribute to the expansion of your business. |
Asking for a Presentation Opportunity | 是非私のプレゼンテーションとポートフォリオをご覧になっていただける機会をいただけたら幸いです。 Zehi watashi no purezentēshon to pōtoforio o goran ni natte itadakeru kikai o itadaketara saiwai desu. |
English | I would appreciate it if you could give me a chance to show you my presentation and portfolio. |
Asking for an Interview | ご検討の上、是非面接の機会をいただけましたら幸いです。 Go-kentō no ue, zehi mensetsu no kikai o itadakemashitara saiwai desu. |
English | I would appreciate it if you could give me a chance to have an interview. |
Formal Closing | 何卒よろしくお願いいたします。 敬具 [名前] Nanitozo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Keigu [Namae] |
English | Thank you very much for your consideration. Sincerely yours, [Name] |
Literal Translation | Please kindly be favorable. |
Explanation:
よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) is an untranslatable Japanese phrase that is often used in business contexts. It’s a useful phrase in that it has many meanings and can be used in various situations to express gratitude, humbleness, and the desire to have a good relationship from that point forward.
And remember: When you use 拝啓 (haikei) at the beginning of your letter, you must finish it with 敬具 (keigu).
- ➜ For more expressions related to business and other formal contexts, please also check out our blog posts Essential Business Japanese: Learn the Most Useful Phrases and The Most Useful Japanese Phone Phrases.

3. Smart Proverbs for Business and Meetings
In Japanese culture, idiomatic expressions (慣用表現 kan’yō hyōgen) and proverbs (ことわざ kotowaza) are often used in daily conversations in order to enrich statements or to include a moralistic meaning. The following phrases are popular Japanese idioms and proverbs that are frequently used in business contexts.
Japanese | 埒があかない rachi ga akanai |
Literal Translation | the fence (of a horse riding ground) does not open |
Meaning | make no progress / remain unsettled |
Example:
同じ議論を繰り返しても、埒があかない。
Onaji giron o kurikaeshite mo, rachi ga akanai.
“Repeating the same discussion does not make any progress.”
Japanese | 案ずるより産むが易し anzuru yori umu ga yasushi |
Literal Translation | It’s easier to give birth than to worry about it. |
Meaning | It’s easier to do something than to worry about it. / An attempt is sometimes easier than expected. |
Example:
案ずるより産むが易しと言います。まずはリスクを恐れずに実行することが大切です。
Anzuru yori umu ga yasushi to iimasu. Mazu wa risuku o osorezu ni jikkō suru koto ga taisetsu desu.
“It is said that it’s easier to do something than to worry about it; it’s important to take action without fear of risk.”
Japanese | 善は急げ zen wa isoge |
Literal Translation | hurry up goodness |
Meaning | Strike while the iron is hot. / Good deeds (ideas) should be done quickly. |
Example:
それは良い案ですね!善は急げ、早速それをプロジェクトに取り入れましょう。
Sore wa ii an desu ne! Zen wa isoge, sassoku sore o purojekuto ni toriiremashō.
“That’s a good idea! Strike while the iron is hot; let’s adopt it into the project now.”
Japanese | 損して得取れ son shite toku tore |
Literal Translation | obtain benefit by losing |
Meaning | Even if you’re at a temporary loss, keep striving for virtue so that you will get a bigger return later. |
Example:
損して得取れと言うように、設備投資による費用はかかりますが、長期的に見ると生産コストとCO2排出を大幅に削減できます。
Son shite toku tore to iu yō ni, setsubi tōshi ni yoru hiyō wa kakarimasu ga, chōkiteki ni miru to seisan kosuto to CO2 haishutsu o ōhaba ni sakugen dekimasu.
“As the proverb says, ‘Obtain benefit by losing.’ Although there are costs associated with capital investment, production costs and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced in the long run.”
Japanese | 苦肉の策 kuniku no saku |
Literal Translation | idea of (from) suffering body |
Meaning | last resort / desperate measure taken under pressure of necessity |
Example:
その企業は事業存続のために苦肉の策として、大手企業との業務提携に踏み切りました。
Sono kigyō wa jigyō sonzoku no tame ni kuniku no saku to shite, ōte kigyō to no gyōmu teikei ni fumikirimashita.
“The company has decided to make a business alliance with a major company as a desperate measure for business survival.”
Japanese | 乗りかかった船 norikakatta fune |
Literal Translation | the ship that already got on |
Meaning | having started on something that you can’t quit / having gone too far to turn back |
Example:
一度引き受けた案件は、乗りかかった船です。情勢が変化しても全力でやり遂げましょう。
Ichi-do hikiuketa anken wa, norikakatta fune desu. Jōsei ga henka shite mo zenryoku de yaritogemashō.
“The project that we once undertook is the ship we have already gotten on. Even if the situation changes, let’s do our best to complete it.”
Japanese | 先んずれば人を制す sakinzureba hito o seisu |
Literal Translation | If you go ahead, you will get the better of (other) people. |
Meaning | Take the initiative, and you will win. / The foremost dog catches the hare. |
Example:
先んずれば人を制す。ライバル社が参入する前に新規事業を軌道にのせましょう。
Sakinzureba hito o seisu. Raibarusha ga sannyū suru mae ni shinki jigyō o kidō ni nosemashō.
“The foremost dog catches the hare. Let’s get the new business on track before our rivals enter the market.”
Japanese | 白羽の矢が立つ shiraha no ya ga tatsu |
Literal Translation | An arrow with a feather stands. |
Meaning | to be singled out / to be selected from among other people |
Example:
新規プロジェクトのリーダーとして、経験豊富な彼に白羽の矢がたった。
Shinki purojekuto no rīdā to shite, keiken hōfu na kare ni shiraha no ya ga tatta.
“As someone who is well experienced, he was chosen to be the leader of the new project.”
Japanese | 後の祭り ato no matsuri |
Literal Translation | later festival |
Meaning | a day after the fair / a stage when it’s too late |
Example:
彼は間違って非常に重要な書類を破棄してしまった。後悔しても所詮、後の祭りだ。
Kare wa machigatte hijō ni jūyō na shorui o haki shite shimatta. Kōkai shitemo shosen, ato no matsuri da.
“He accidentally discarded the very important document. Even if he regrets it, it’s too late after all.”
Japanese | 運を天に任せる un o ten ni makaseru |
Literal Translation | leave luck to heaven |
Meaning | to leave one’s fate to a deity / to leave the rest to heaven |
Example:
イベントの準備に最前を尽くしてきました。成功するかどうかは、あとは運を天に任せましょう。
Ibento no junbi ni saizen o tsukushite kimashita. Seikō suru ka dō ka wa, ato wa un o ten ni makasemashō.
“We have been doing our best to prepare for the event. Let’s leave luck to heaven as to whether we succeed or not.”

4. Advanced Japanese Idioms and Sayings for Everyday Usage
Idiomatic expressions are frequently used not only in daily conversations but also in the stories that make our lives so rich and colorful.
Japanese idioms are very fun to learn! They feature unique and sometimes eccentric combinations of words that would make no sense at all if you were to translate them word for word.
What do you imagine when you hear “bite a parent’s shin” (親のすねをかじる oya no sune o kajiru)? It does not refer to someone actually biting their parent’s shin, but rather to an adult who still lives off of their parents.
Below are several idiomatic phrases in Japanese for advanced learners.
Japanese | 油を売る abura o uru |
Literal Translation | sell oil |
Meaning | to loaf (particularly on the job) / to idle one’s time away |
Example:
彼はよく営業の外回り中に、カフェで油を売っている。
Kare wa yoku eigyō no sotomawarichū ni, kafe de abura o utte iru.
“He often idles his time away at a cafe when he’s meeting clients out of office.”
Japanese | 顔に泥を塗る kao ni doro o nuru |
Literal Translation | smear mud on one’s face |
Meaning | disgrace somebody / make somebody lose face |
Example:
彼女は犯罪を犯して、誠実な両親の顔に泥を塗った。
Kanojo wa hanzai o okashite, seijitsu na ryōshin no kao ni doro o nutta.
“She committed a crime and disgraced her sincere parents.”
Japanese | 口を酸っぱくする kuchi o suppaku suru |
Literal Translation | make a mouth sour |
Meaning | to repeatedly admonish / to tell over and over |
Example:
口を酸っぱくして何度も言うように、交通事故には気をつけてください。
Kuchi o suppaku shite nan-do mo iu yō ni, kōtsū jiko ni wa ki o tsukete kudasai.
“As I tell you over and over, please be careful of traffic accidents.”
Japanese | さじを投げる saji o nageru |
Literal Translation | throw a (small) spoon |
Meaning | give up hopelessly |
Example:
彼女はダイエットしようと決めたが、トレーニングと食事制限が辛くてさじを投げた。
Kanojo wa daietto o shiyō to kimeta ga, torēningu to shokuji seigen ga tsurakute saji o nageta.
“She decided to go on a diet, but she gave up because of the painful training and dietary restrictions.”
Japanese | 雀の涙 suzume no namida |
Literal Translation | sparrow’s tears |
Meaning | very small quantity |
Example:
世界的な不景気の影響で、今年のボーナスは雀の涙ほどでした。
Sekaiteki na fukeiki no eikyō de, kotoshi no bōnasu wa suzume no namida hodo deshita.
“Due to the global recession, this year’s bonus was very little.”
Japanese | 喉から手が出る nodo kara te ga deru |
Literal Translation | hands come out from a throat |
Meaning | to want something desperately |
Example:
喉から手が出るほど、来月発売の新しいスマートフォンがほしい。
Nodo kara te ga deru hodo, raigetsu hatsubai no atarashii sumātofon ga hoshii.
“I desperately want the new smartphone that will be released next month.”
Japanese | 根も葉もない ne mo ha mo nai |
Literal Translation | no roots or leaves |
Meaning | completely untrue / groundless (rumor) |
Example:
根も葉もない噂を信じて人を判断しないでください。
Ne mo ha mo nai uwasa o shinjite hito o handan shinaide kudasai.
“Don’t judge people by believing groundless rumors.”
Japanese | 身を粉にする mi o ko ni suru |
Literal Translation | make one’s body into powder |
Meaning | work hard / make the utmost effort |
Example:
彼女は身を粉にして働き、女手一つで3人の子供を育てました。
Kanojo wa mi o ko ni shite hataraki, onnade hitotsu de san-nin no kodomo o sodatemashita.
“She worked very hard and raised three children all by herself.”
Japanese | 水に流す mizu ni nagasu |
Literal Translation | flush in water |
Meaning | let bygones be bygones / forgive and forget |
Example:
過去のことは水に流して、今と将来のことに目を向けよう。
Kako no koto wa mizu ni nagashite, ima to shōrai no koto ni me o mukeyō.
“Let’s forgive and forget about the past, and focus on the present and the future.”
Japanese | 胸が騒ぐ mune ga sawagu |
Literal Translation | chest makes a fuss |
Meaning | to feel uneasy / to feel a strange presentiment |
Example:
帰り道で救急車のサイレンを聞いて胸が騒いだので、家族を心配して家まで走って帰った。
Kaerimichi de kyūkyūsha no sairen o kiite mune ga sawaida node, kazoku o shinpai shite ie made hashitte kaetta.
“I felt uneasy when I heard the ambulance siren on my way home, so I ran home because I was worried about my family.”

5. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the most useful advanced Japanese phrases for academic writing, cover letters, and business. We even included a few idioms and sayings for daily usage. Some of these phrases are only used in a particular context, such as the formal greeting for letters, and mastering such advanced Japanese phrases will make you appear more fluent!
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 more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese language skills.
As you approach the advanced level in your Japanese studies, the following articles will also be very useful for you:
- Advanced Japanese Words
- Essential Business Japanese
- Japanese Proverbs – Gain Japanese Wisdom and Insight
And there’s so much more! Be a faster learner and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!

Useful Intermediate Japanese Phrases

Have you gotten bored of learning the basic Japanese grammar rules, reviewing beginner-level words, and practicing beginner phrases? Then it’s time to level up and start learning intermediate Japanese phrases!
Once you’re confident in your ability to master the beginner levels (N5 and N4) of the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), you can aim to achieve the intermediate level (N3 and above). Achieving this level of proficiency will allow you to cope with more complicated everyday situations while in Japan. The intermediate level is surely more difficult, requiring continuous effort and patience; however, it’s also an enjoyable stage of learning as you’ll start being able to understand more complex things and express more subtle feelings.
In this article, we’ll introduce a list of the most useful intermediate Japanese phrases for various situations. Whether you want to talk about past events, change plans, or make recommendations, this useful phrase list here at JapanesePod101.com covers it all!

Knowing some intermediate-level phrases will make your conversations more enjoyable.

- Talking About Past Events
- Making and Changing Plans
- Explaining and Giving Reasons
- Making Recommendations and Complaints
- Reaction Phrases for Everyday Conversations
- Etiquette Phrases for Social and Business Settings
- Conclusion
1. Talking About Past Events
When you first start learning Japanese, you primarily study and use the present tense. However, talking about the past and the future is inevitable in our daily lives; for example, we make plans for the weekend with friends and tell stories about our past experiences.
When it comes to grammatical tense, Japanese is much simpler than other languages such as English or the Romance languages. This is because Japanese does not have a future tense nor any perfect tenses. Things concerning the future are expressed using the present tense and a time-indicating word, such as “later” or “tomorrow.” It is also relatively easy to use the past tense in Japanese because there is no verb conjugation according to “how far” in the past something took place.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is the formality level you use (casual vs. formal) and 敬語 (Keigo), the Japanese honorific language. For each of the following intermediate phrases in Japanese, we have included both the casual version and the polite version.
1.
[Casual] ___はさっき終わったよ。
___ wa sakki owatta yo.
[Polite] ___はさっき終わりました
___ wa sakki owarimashita.
[English] ___ has just finished.
2.
[Casual] 今日は忙しくてとても疲れた。
Kyō wa isogashikute totemo tsukareta.
[Polite] 今日は忙しくてとても疲れました。
Kyō wa isogashikute totemo tsukaremashita.
[English] Today was busy, and I got really tired.
3.
[Casual] 今日は幸運/不運な日だった。
Kyō wa kōun/fūn na hi datta.
[Polite] 今日は幸運/不運な日でした。
Kyō wa kōun/fūn na hi deshita.
[English] Today was a lucky/unlucky day.
4.
[Casual] 昨日のパーティーは楽しかったよ。
Kinō no pātī wa tanoshikatta yo.
[Polite] 昨日のパーティーは楽しかったです。
Kinō no pātī wa tanoshikatta desu.
[English] The party yesterday was fun. (I enjoyed the party yesterday.)
5.
[Casual] 去年の夏にハワイへ旅行した。
Kyonen no natsu ni Hawai e ryokō shita.
[Polite] 去年の夏にハワイへ旅行しました。
Kyonen no natsu ni Hawai e ryokō shimashita.
[English] I traveled to Hawaii last summer.
6.
[Casual] 私はこの会社で5年前から働いている。
Watashi wa kono kaisha de go-nen mae kara hataraite iru.
[Polite] 私はこの会社で5年前から働いています。
Watashi wa kono kaisha de go-nen mae kara hataraite imasu.
[English] I have been working for this company for five years.
7.
[Casual] 昔「ポチ」という犬を飼っていた。
Mukashi “Pochi” to iu inu o katte ita.
[Polite] 昔「ポチ」という犬を飼っていました。
Mukashi “Pochi” to iu inu o katte imashita.
[English] I used to have a dog called Pochi (in the past).
8.
[Casual] 子供の頃は東京に住んでいた。
Kodomo no koro wa Tōkyō ni sunde ita.
[Polite] 子供の頃は東京に住んでいました。
Kodomo no koro wa Tōkyō ni sunde imashita.
[English] I used to live in Tokyo when I was a kid.

去年の夏にハワイへ旅行しました。(Kyonen no natsu ni Hawai e ryokō shimashita.)
“I traveled to Hawaii last summer.”
2. Making and Changing Plans
As mentioned in the section above, we can use the present tense to express the future by using a time-indicating word. This is the structure we use when making or changing plans.
In order to form a question, you only have to add a question mark to the end of a casual sentence or か (ka) to the end of a formal sentence. In Japanese, the subject is often omitted when it’s obvious who is speaking or whom you are talking to.
Below are a few examples of how to use this type of intermediate Japanese sentence structure to talk about plans.
1.
[Casual] 来週空いている日ある?
Raishū aite iru hi aru?
[Polite] 来週空いている日ありますか。
Raishū aite iru hi arimasu ka.
[English] Do you have a free day next week?
2.
[Casual] 来月都合の良い日はいつ?
Raigetsu tsugō no yoi hi wa itsu?
[Polite] 来月都合の良い日はいつですか。
Raigetsu tsugō no yoi hi wa itsu desu ka.
[English] When is your convenient day next month? (When is the best day next month for you?)
3.
[Casual] お寿司食べに行く?
O-sushi tabe ni iku?
[Polite] お寿司食べに行きませんか。
O-sushi tabe ni ikimasen ka.
[English] Would you like to go eat sushi?
4.
[Casual] 彼氏/彼女も連れて来ていい?
Kareshi/ kanojo mo tsurete kite ii ?
[Polite] 彼氏/彼女も連れて来ていいですか。
Kareshi/ kanojo mo tsurete kite ii desu ka.
[English] Can I bring my boyfriend/girlfriend?
5.
[Casual] スケジュールを確認してまた連絡するよ。
Sukejūru o kakunin shite mata renraku suru yo.
[Polite] スケジュールを確認してまた連絡しますね。
Sukejūru o kakunin shite mata renraku shimasu ne.
[English] I will let you know after checking my schedule.
6.
[Casual] 来週にスケジュールを変更できる?
Raishū ni sukejūru o henkō dekiru?
[Polite] 来週にスケジュールを変更できますか。
Raishū ni sukejūru o henkō dekimasu ka.
[English] Is it possible to reschedule for next week?
7.
[Casual] 今週の金曜日にオンライン会議で詳細を話そう
Konshū no kin-yōbi ni onrain kaigi de shōsai o hanasō.
[Polite] 今週の金曜日にオンライン会議で詳細を話しましょう。
Konshū no kin-yōbi ni onrain kaigi de shōsai o hanashimashō.
[English] Let’s discuss the details during the online meeting this Friday.

来週にスケジュールを変更できますか。(Raishū ni sukejūru o henkō dekimasu ka.)
“Is it possible to reschedule for next week?”
3. Explaining and Giving Reasons
If you’re a native speaker of English or a Romance language, you may feel that giving reasons in Japanese is a bit awkward due to the Japanese word order and sentence structure. Contrary to English and many other languages, we usually mention the reason before the action or event.
For example:
[English] I drank a glass of water because it was hot.
(a person’s action) (the reason why)
[Japanese] 暑かったので、 グラス1杯の水を飲みました。
Atsukatta node, gurasu ippai no mizu o nomimashita.
(the reason why) (a person’s action)
1.
[Polite] アレルギーがあるので卵を食べられません。
Arerugī ga aru node tamago o taberaremasen.
[English] I can’t eat eggs because I have an allergy.
2.
[Polite] 雨が降っているので、今日の花火大会は中止になりました。
Ame ga futte iru node, kyō no hanabi taikai wa chūshi ni narimashita.
[English] Today’s fireworks festival has been canceled because it is raining.
3.
[Polite] 風邪をひいて頭痛がひどいです。そのため、今日は早く帰ります。
Kaze o hiite zutsū ga hidoi desu. Sono tame, kyō wa hayaku kaerimasu.
[English] I caught a cold, and I have a severe headache. For that reason, I will go home early today.
4.
[Polite] 午後に会議が予定されています。このため、会議室は使用できません。
Gogo ni kaigi ga yotei sarete imasu. Kono tame, kaigishitsu wa shiyō dekimasen.
[English] A meeting is scheduled in the afternoon. Therefore, the meeting room is not available.
5.
[Polite] 最近少し太ったのでダイエットをしています。
Saikin sukoshi futotta node daietto o shite imasu.
[English] I’m on a diet because I’ve gained a little weight recently.
6.
[Polite] 終電を逃してしまったため、歩いて家に帰りました。
Shūden o nogashite shimatta tame, aruite ie ni kaerimashita.
[English] I missed the last train, so I walked back home.
7.
[Polite] 私がこの車を選んだのには三つ理由があります。
一つ目はデザイン、二つ目は機能性、そして最後は価格が理由です。
Watashi ga kono kuruma o eranda no ni wa mittsu riyū ga arimasu.
Hitotsu-me wa dezain, futatsu-me wa kinōsei, soshite saigo wa kakaku ga riyū desu.
[English] There are three reasons why I chose this car.
Firstly, because of its design; secondly, its functionality; and lastly, its price.

午後に会議が予定されています。このため、会議室は使用できません。
(Gogo ni kaigi ga yotei sarete imasu. Kono tame, kaigishitsu wa shiyō dekimasen.)
“A meeting is scheduled in the afternoon. Therefore, the meeting room is not available.”
4. Making Recommendations and Complaints
Giving your opinion by recommending or complaining about something is a good way to share and exchange ideas in a conversation. 口コミ情報, or word-of-mouth information, is somewhat reliable as it comes from one’s firsthand experience. Sharing experiences and insights is not only useful when deciding what to buy or try, but it also creates rapport between speakers.
The following are frequently used words and phrases for making recommendations and complaints.
- おすすめ (osusume) = recommendation [noun]
- おすすめする (osusume suru) = to recommend [verb]
- おすすめしない (osusume shinai) = not to recommend [verb]
1.
[Casual] この映画は今年見た中で一番面白いよ。
Kono eiga wa kotoshi mita naka de ichi-ban omoshiroi yo.
[Polite] この映画は今年見た中で一番面白いです。
Kono eiga wa kotoshi mita naka de ichi-ban omoshiroi desu.
[English] This movie is the most interesting I’ve seen this year.
2.
[Casual] 広島に旅行するなら、厳島神社に行くことをおすすめするよ。
Hiroshima ni ryokō suru nara, Itsukushima Jinja ni iku koto o osusume suru yo.
[Polite] 広島に旅行するなら、厳島神社に行くことをおすすめします。
Hiroshima ni ryokō suru nara, Itsukushima Jinja ni iku koto o osusume shimasu.
[English] If you’re traveling to Hiroshima, I recommend you go to Itsukushima Shrine.
3.
[Casual] 本当においしいお寿司を食べたいなら、銀座の次郎が有名だよ。
Hontō ni oishii o-sushi o tabetai nara, Ginza no Jirō ga yūmei da yo.
[Polite] 本当においしいお寿司を食べたいなら、銀座の次郎が有名です。
Hontō ni oishii o-sushi o tabetai nara, Ginza no Jirō ga yūmei desu.
[English] If you want to eat really delicious sushi, Jiro in Ginza is famous.
4.
[Casual] この携帯電話の充電器はメーカーの純正を使った方が良いよ。
Kono keitai denwa no jūdenki wa mēkā no junsei o tsukatta hō ga ii yo.
[Polite] この携帯電話の充電器はメーカーの純正を使った方が良いですよ。
Kono keitai denwa no jūdenki wa mēkā no junsei o tsukatta hō ga ii desu yo.
[English] It’s better to use the manufacturer’s genuine charger for this mobile phone.
5.
[Casual] あのホテルはカスタマーサービスが最悪だよ。
Ano hoteru wa kasutamā sābisu ga saiaku da yo.
[Polite] あのホテルはカスタマーサービスが最悪です。
Ano hoteru wa kasutamā sābisu ga saiaku desu.
[English] That hotel has the worst customer service.
6.
[Casual] あそこは値段が高い割においしくないので、おすすめしないよ。
Asoko wa nedan ga takai wari ni oishikunai node, osusume shinai yo.
[Polite] あそこは値段が高い割においしくないので、おすすめしません。
Asoko wa nedan ga takai wari ni oishikunai node, osusume shimasen.
[English] I don’t recommend that place because it’s not delicious for the expensive price.
7.
[Casual] 商品が1回使ってすぐ壊れた。このショップからは二度と購入しない。
Shōhin ga ikkai tsukatte sugu kowareta. Kono shoppu kara wa ni-do to kōnyū shinai.
[Polite] 商品が1回使ってすぐ壊れました。このショップからは二度と購入しません。
Shōhin ga ikkai tsukatte sugu kowaremashita. Kono shoppu kara wa ni-do to kōnyū shimasen.
[English] The product broke immediately after I used it once. I will never buy anything from this shop.

広島に旅行するなら、厳島神社に行くことをおすすめします。
(Hiroshima ni ryokō suru nara, Itsukushima Jinja ni iku koto o osusume shimasu.)
“If you’re traveling to Hiroshima, I recommend you go to Itsukushima Shrine.”
5. Reaction Phrases for Everyday Conversations
You’ll also need some intermediate Japanese phrases for reacting to others’ statements. Knowing various ways to reply to someone will help make your conversations more colorful and enjoyable. Below, we have included a few short conversation samples using common reaction phrases.
1.
A:
昨日のパーティーは楽しかったね。
Kinō no pātī wa tanoshikatta ne.
The party last night was fun.
B:
うん、みんなに会って話せて良かったよ!
Un, minna ni atte hanasete yokatta yo!
Yeah, I was glad to meet and talk to everyone!
2.
A:
来週空いている日ある ?
Raishū aite iru hi aru?
Do you have a free day next week?
B:
土曜日なら一日中空いてるよ。
Do-yōbi nara ichi-nichijū aite ru yo.
I’m free all day next Saturday.
3.
A:
この映画は今年見た中で一番面白いよ。
Kono eiga wa kotoshi mita naka de ichi-ban omoshiroi yo.
This movie is the most interesting I’ve seen this year.
B:
そうなんだ。Netflixで配信されたら見てみるよ。
Sō nan da. Nettofurikkusu de haishin saretara mite miru yo.
Oh yeah? I’ll watch it when it’s released on Netflix.
4.
A:
来週にスケジュールを変更できますか。
Raishū ni sukejūru o henkō dekimasu ka.
Is it possible to reschedule for next week?
B:
はい、大丈夫です。来週の月曜日から金曜日の午後なら調整できます。
Hai, daijōbu desu. Raishū no getsu-yōbi kara kin-yōbi no gogo nara chōsei dekimasu.
Yes, it’s okay. I can make adjustments in the afternoon from next Monday to Friday.
5.
A:
アレルギーがあるので卵を食べられません。
Arerugī ga aru node tamago o taberaremasen.
I can’t eat eggs because I have an allergy.
B:
卵を使用していないメニューはこちらです。
Tamago o shiyō shite inai menyū wa kochira desu.
Here is the menu that does not contain eggs.
6.
A:
あのホテルはカスタマーサービスが最悪です。
Ano hoteru wa kasutamā sābisu ga saiaku desu.
That hotel has the worst customer service.
B:
本当ですか?有名なホテルなのに残念ですね。
Hontō desu ka? Yūmei na hoteru na noni zannen desu ne.
Really? It’s a shame, though; it’s a famous hotel.

小麦粉を使用していないメニューはこちらです。
(Komugiko o shiyō shite inai menyū wa kochira desu.)
“Here is the menu that does not contain wheat.”
6. Etiquette Phrases for Social and Business Settings
Japanese has some very unique and polite expressions that are frequently used in social and business settings. It’s good to know such phrases even if you’re a traveler to Japan, as you’ll hear them often in restaurants, shops, and hotels.
1.
[Polite] いらっしゃいませ。
Irasshaimase.
[English] Welcome. (Staff members of shops and restaurants will say this to customers.)
2.
[Very Polite] 少々お待ち下さいませ。
Shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.
[English] Please wait for a moment.
3.
[Very Polite] 大変お待たせしました。
Taihen o-matase shimashita.
[English] Thank you very much for your patience. (Literally: I made you waiting for long time.)
4.
[Very Polite] ごゆっくりお過ごしください。
Go-yukkuri o-sugoshi kudasai.
[English] Please have a relaxed time.
5.
[Very Polite] 何かご質問がありましたらお知らせください。
Nani ka go-shitsumon ga arimashitara o-shirase kudasai.
[English] Please let us know if you have any questions.
6.
[Very Polite] お忙しい中お時間をいただき、どうもありがとうございます。
O-isogashii naka o-jikan o itadaki, dōmo arigatō gozaimasu.
[English] Thank you very much for your time while you are busy.
7.
[Very Polite] お返事お待ちしております。
O-henji o-machi shite orimasu.
[English] I look forward to hearing from you.
8.
[Very Polite] お気をつけていってらっしゃいませ。
O-ki o tsukete itterasshai mase.
[English] Please take care and have a safe trip.

少々お待ち下さいませ。
(Shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.)
“Please wait for a moment.”
7. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the most useful intermediate Japanese phrases for various situations, including:
- Talking about past events
- Making and changing plans
- Explaining and listing reasons
- Making recommendations and complaints
- Reacting to others during a conversation
- Being polite in social and business settings
With these intermediate phrases, you’ll be able to have more complex conversations and explain what you want to say in more detail.
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find a lot more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. This is the best place to learn Japanese online, providing a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese-language skills.
If you’re at the intermediate level in your Japanese studies, the following articles are a great place to start:
And there’s so much more! Be a faster learner and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any specific topics or situations you’d like to learn Japanese phrases for. We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

The Top 12 Podcasts for Learning Japanese

Are you listening to any good podcasts at the moment?
Maybe podcasts are not as popular as other services like YouTube or Netflix, but they’re still one of the most useful and entertaining forms of online media. As of April 2021, there were over two million podcasts (and over 48 million episodes) on various topics, including many helpful Japanese podcasts for learning the language.
Did you know that you could benefit from these useful podcasts by adding them to your Japanese study routine? Listening to podcasts in Japanese will allow you to learn the language efficiently and effortlessly from anywhere you are—even without having direct access to native speakers.
Since there are plenty of Japanese podcasts out there, choosing the right channels and finding the right resources for you are the keys to more effective learning.
In this article, we’ll introduce the twelve best podcast channels to supplement your Japanese studies, including our JapanesePod101 podcast!

Listening to podcasts is one of the most easygoing ways to learn Japanese.

- Why learn Japanese with podcasts?
- The 12 Best Japanese Podcasts
- How to Make the Most of Podcasts for Japanese Learning
- Conclusion
1. Why learn Japanese with podcasts?
Before we get to our list, let’s talk about why improving your Japanese with podcasts is totally possible—and why it may just be a gamechanger!
1 – Benefits of Passive Learning
Along with more traditional methods, such as taking a class or studying grammar from textbooks, one of the most effective ways to learn a new language is to experience it through immersion.
If it’s not feasible to live and study in Japan, you can still take full advantage of the internet and technology! Whether it’s streaming audiobooks, listening to online radio, watching YouTube videos, or discovering your favorite podcasts, we recommend making it a habit to listen to Japanese daily. This way, you can efficiently learn even when you’re driving, exercising at the gym, doing chores around the house, etc.
Even such effortless passive learning brings a lot of benefits:
- Improving your listening skills
- Helping you get used to real pronunciation
- Familiarizing you with real-life conversations
- Upgrading your vocabulary on chosen topics
- Training you to recognize and confirm the usage of grammar rules you’ve already learned
You’ll also benefit from “Nagara Learning,” or ながら勉強 (Nagara benkyō) in Japanese.
ーながら (-nagara) means “while —ing.” In other words, you listen to and learn a language while you’re doing something else, such as commuting, walking, or cooking. The advantage of Nagara Learning is that you can use your time efficiently and stay motivated due to the less stressful (and more entertaining) nature of your study time.
2 – Benefits of Podcasts
So why do we recommend podcasts for learning Japanese when there are various other online services? Well, it’s because podcasts have some advantages over other media when it comes to learning.
A podcast is basically an episodic series of digital audio files that you can download onto your device. Therefore, you’re able to listen easily at any time and from anywhere—even without internet access.
You can find podcasts in a wide range of genres and covering various topics. Some podcasts are also exclusively auditory, which means you won’t have to rely on visual aids and will be able to concentrate on listening.
Many episodes are only a few minutes in length, which will allow you to easily shift into and out of your “focusing mode.” In addition, short episodes are ideal for repetition learning, which can keep you focused and interested; repetition is one of the most important elements for learning and for retaining memories. Their short length will also contribute to keeping you motivated rather than suffocating you in endlessly lengthy content.
3 – How to Choose the Best Channel for You
Firstly, choose topics you’re into. The important things are to keep yourself interested and make learning a daily habit. As a Japanese proverb says:
- 好きこそ物の上手なれ (Suki koso mono no jōzu nare) – “What one likes, one will do well!”
There are a variety of popular Japanese podcasts to choose from, and you’ll definitely find one (or more) that suits your interests and needs. Even new learners can find different podcasts suited to their level, including those focusing on topics such as daily conversations, everyday news, etc.
Secondly, whether you’re new to the world of Japanese or already have a solid understanding of it, choosing the right level for you is essential for effective learning. If you’re a complete beginner, don’t jump into an IT podcast right away, even if tech is a great interest of yours. The language used would be too far ahead of where you are since you still don’t know the basic Japanese vocabulary or verb conjugations.

It’s free, easy, and convenient.
2. The 12 Best Japanese Podcasts
1 – Let’s Talk in Japanese
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Covers levels N5-N1 (JLPT)
This Japanese learning podcast is hosted by Tomo, a real teacher who gives Japanese lessons to foreigners. There are more than 170 episodes (as of June 2021), and most episodes are around 10 minutes long—just the right length for listening practice!
Although the podcast is made for Japanese learners, the episodes are not laid out like traditional lessons. Tomo talks about a variety of topics, from daily life to private thoughts, in easy (but not too easy) Japanese. You can just relax and enjoy. The level (N5 to N1) is indicated beside the title of each episode so that you can easily pick one that’s suitable for you.
This podcast is quite popular among learners, having a high customer rating score of 4.8 on Apple Podcast. Listeners are happy to learn not only the Japanese language but also about Japanese culture and society.
2 – Sakura Tips
https://sakuratips.com/
https://podcastranking.jp/1536540690
Level: Beginner
Theme: Daily Stories
Features: Japanese and English transcripts available on the website
Although this podcast is completely in Japanese, don’t be afraid! The host of Sakura Tips, Mari, speaks Japanese very slowly and uses simple vocabulary. This channel is suitable for beginners who want to get used to spoken Japanese but feel that the dialogue in Japanese TV series or movies is too fast.
Each episode is short (around 4-5 minutes), and you can listen without stress. Her slow speech and the mellow background music will make you feel relaxed, and you’ll always look forward to tuning in again. The topics of her stories vary, covering everything from daily life activities to general topics, so you’re not likely to get bored.
Mari also has an online community for those who are learning Japanese. Check it out if you want to meet like-minded people and make friends.
3 – JapanesePod101
https://www.japanesepod101.com/
JapanesePod101 (Apple Podcast)
Level: Absolute Beginner to Advanced
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Structured online lessons and useful learning tools for free + paid premium content
If you’ve just started learning Japanese and researching the best online learning platforms, you’ve probably come across JapanesePod101.com. Our website is an expert resource for Japanese learners at every level. All language lessons and learning materials on the JapanesePod101 podcast are designed with foreign students in mind. Our website and app feature an array of tools:
- Audio and/or video material
- Slowed-down audio
- PDF lesson notes
- Transcripts
- Vocabulary lists
Especially if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll find it useful that we explain everything in English. Our lessons cover a range of topics, from everyday vocabulary and conversational phrases to Japanese culture, so you can always find something that interests you. And while our lessons vary in length, most of them are around 5-10 minutes long for easy listening.
4 – NHK Easy Japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/
NHK World (Apple Podcast)
Level: Complete Beginner and Beginner
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Structured online lessons and programs; domestic and international news
NHK is a major Japanese media broadcaster that offers structured lessons and programs online in addition to domestic and international news channels.
NHK’s Easy Japanese podcast has 48 episodes of about 10 minutes each. They are not currently uploading new episodes, but the podcast includes everything you need for a solid introduction to the Japanese language. This is especially true if you’re a complete beginner who prefers audio learning.
In each episode, there is a Japanese dialogue that focuses on the topic at hand; this is followed by an explanation in English about the usage and grammar of the Japanese used. Some episodes focus on things like grammar and vocabulary, while others focus on tips for improving your Japanese.
This podcast is more like a lesson than entertainment, but it’s a good choice to begin with if you prefer mastering the basics and getting used to Japanese with audio.

5 – Learn Japanese w/ Manga Sensei
Learn Japanese w/Manga Sensei (Apple Podcast)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Plenty of episodes and topics to choose from (best audio learning for JLPT N5-N3 levels)
This podcast offers abundant content for learners of Japanese, containing more than 630 episodes. You’ll find it easy to listen daily and stay engaged since the host also explains lots of non-textbook, more natural expressions and information. It also helps that the episodes are only 5 minutes long and focus on just one topic each. Manga Sensei is especially suitable for those who are studying in line with the JLPT or plan on taking the exam soon.
The host explains Japanese grammar and spoken expressions in English, so you don’t have to worry about understanding the content itself. However, it’s probably better for you to learn the very basic grammar and standard speech rules of Japanese first. After you master that, this podcast would be a great tool for improving your Japanese.
6 – Beginning Japanese
Level: Beginner to Upper Beginner
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Very short episodes
No matter what study method you follow, you can casually add this podcast to your routine without stress. Why? Because each episode is very short (only 2 or 3 minutes).
The host explains a Japanese word or expression in English and then provides an example Japanese sentence, which is repeated at both normal speed and slow speed. You’ll probably master a given word or expression quickly after just a few listens, as it will really stick in your brain.
The content might be a little too simple, but that’s one of the reasons why you’ll be able to increase your vocabulary so quickly. There are no lengthy explanations or excessive examples to bog you down. If you’re a beginner, spare a few extra minutes listening to this podcast every day—you’ll be amazed at the results!
7 – Japanese Podcast for Beginners (Nihongo Con Teppei)
https://nihongoconteppei.com/
Nihongo Con Teppei (Apple Podcast)
Level: Intermediate
Theme: Life, Culture, Small Talk
Features: An all-Japanese podcast on various topics; slow speech
The Nihongo Con Teppei podcast has more than 420 episodes, most of which are around 5 minutes long. The content consists of Teppei (the host) making small talk and sharing opinions about various topics, including daily life, culture, social issues, food, and even private matters.
Although the podcast title says “for beginners,” this channel is probably most suitable for intermediate learners who already have some basic Japanese vocabulary and listening experience. Indeed, Teppei speaks very slowly and pronounces words clearly, but we imagine that beginners would find it difficult to understand the all-Japanese content without transcripts.
If you want to strengthen your Japanese listening skills and are interested to know how a Japanese person views certain topics, this podcast is for you. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the talk. It’s rather addictive to listen to Teppei’s slow speech and low tone of voice.
8 – News in Slow Japanese
News in Slow Japanese (Apple Podcast)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Theme: News
Features: Super short episodes in very slow Japanese
This Japanese news podcast is unique in that each episode consists of two versions: a 1-minute version where the host speaks at a fast speed and a 2-minute version where she uses slow speech. While you would think this type of podcast had been around a while, News in Slow Japanese was the first of its kind.
You’ll be able to easily pick up every word the host Sakura says, as she speaks very slowly and clearly. This podcast is made for learners who are studying for JLPT levels N3, N2, or N1, though it’s also useful for beginners thanks to her slow speech. While listening to this Japanese podcast, you’ll also get to learn about daily news and current events in Japan.
This is one of the best audio tools for practicing the language, especially in terms of shadowing. You can also download transcripts and translations with ふりがな (Furigana), or Japanese reading aid, from their website.
9 – バイリンガルニュース (Bilingual News)
https://bilingualnews.libsyn.com/
Bilingual News (Apple Link)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Theme: News
Features: Japanese- and English-speaking hosts; no sponsors or ads
The hosts, Mami and Michael, introduce several recent news stories from around the world in Japanese and English. Their explanations and opinions regarding the news are presented as a bilingual conversation.
This podcast serves as a great tool for listening practice, especially for intermediate- and advanced-level Japanese language learners. You’ll be able to learn colloquial speech and new vocabulary from their casual and unedited Japanese-English conversation. You may find it a bit difficult when a news topic is about science, technology, etc., as it will require a high level of vocabulary to follow along.
There are over 460 episodes so far, and a new episode is released weekly. The length of each episode is very long (usually from 1 to 3 hours), so it’s good to listen while you’re cooking or commuting rather than using it for intensive studying. In case you want to check what they’re saying, transcripts are also available from the official Bilingual News app.
10 – Tofugu
Tofugu (Apple Podcast)
https://www.tofugu.com/podcast/
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Theme: Language Lessons and Culture
Features: Lots of info on Japanese words, phrases, and grammar
The Tofugu podcast has around 100 episodes so far, and it’s updated regularly. Each episode focuses on a certain Japanese word, phrase, or tip on how to do things in Japan. The podcasters explain the topic in English, providing many examples and giving useful information on the cultural context.
Episodes are around 30 minutes to an hour long. Each one contains plenty of informative explanations, which makes it an ideal Japanese podcast for supplementing your studies and becoming familiar with new vocabulary and grammar. But you can still relax while listening due to the easygoing nature of audio learning.
In addition to its podcasts, Tofugu offers a lot of information about the Japanese language and how to get around in Japan on their website. It’s specifically designed for foreigners who want to visit or live in Japan.
11 – Japanese Swotter
https://japaneseswotter.wordpress.com/
Japanese Swotter (Apple Podcast)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Theme: Lesson Podcast
Features: Focuses on speaking and shadowing practice
Yoko, the host, makes this Japanese learning podcast very easy to follow. In a 6- to 10-minute episode, she explains slowly (in English and Japanese) the meaning and usage of a word or phrase. She also introduces examples in the form of simple dialogue. All you need to do is listen to the explanation in English and repeat in Japanese after Yoko.
Japanese Swotter covers the upper beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, even going into detail about 敬語 (Keigo), or Japanese honorific speech. Although the podcast has less of an entertainment atmosphere compared to the others on our list, it’s a useful tool for those who prefer to study Japanese intensively with audio.
On her website, you can find some information and tips for learning. In addition, the transcripts and translations are provided on Patreon with a paid subscription.
12 – Rebuild
https://rebuild.fm/
Rebuild (Apple Podcast)
Level: Advanced
Theme: Tech, Software Development, Gadgets
Features: All-Japanese
With over 420 episodes and a customer rating of 4.7, the Japanese podcast Rebuild has a lot of hardcore fans. This all-Japanese podcast is hosted by Tatsuhiko Miyagawa, who has unscripted conversations with a different guest speaker in each episode. The main themes are tech, software, and gadgets; sometimes it expands to topics about culture and social issues, but it’s always discussed from the angle of technology or science.
If you’re already at an advanced level and can listen to Japanese without much difficulty, this podcast will serve as a good Japanese vocabulary builder for you. This is mainly because they use many technical terms and produce plenty of tech-geek content.
We recommend sitting back and listening to it like a radio show as each free talk is around 2 to 3 hours long.
3. How to Make the Most of Podcasts for Japanese Learning
(1) Stimulate your interests.
Follow podcasts that cover topics you enjoy, as this will make you feel like listening more without the sense of having a study obligation. However, it’s also true that you need to have the basics down to understand spoken Japanese on any topic. Even if you’re at the beginner level, try different Japanese podcasts for beginners to find one that attracts you.
(2) Don’t stress yourself.
The important thing is to continue learning. Don’t aim high from the very beginning; rather, start with an easier level until you get used to it. Enjoy learning and make it a daily habit in order to avoid stress.
(3) Repetition helps you learn faster.
Once you find your favorite podcasts and episodes, just repeat, repeat, repeat! Long-term memories are often created or fixed through habitual activities or repeated input, like how an infant starts to speak their native language. Not only is repeated listening effective, but so is the repeated imitation of speech (also called “shadowing”).
(4) Immerse yourself.
The key is not to listen once a week for long hours, but rather to get daily exposure for even just a couple of minutes a day. “I’m busy” is never a plausible excuse. No matter who you are, you definitely have a few minutes to spare every day—while you’re getting ready to go out, commuting to work, relaxing before bed, etc. You can find podcasts with 1- to 5-minute episodes for busy weekdays, and use those with longer episodes for the weekends or when you have free time.
(5) Put in a little extra effort.
Okay, whatever thing you’re working on (sports, work, studying, or a favorite hobby), you need to make an effort to improve and excel, right? The same thing goes for audio learning. Passive learning is easy to take up and is more relaxed than traditional study methods; however, just listening repeatedly won’t take you to the next level anytime soon. To be more efficient and effective, put in a little more effort: listen with and without transcripts, write down new words and phrases in your notebook, use a recorder to shadow the podcast host, etc.

Your continuous efforts will be rewarded.
4. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the twelve best podcasts for learning Japanese at different levels. Once you find your favorite and most suitable podcast, listening every day will really help you improve your skills (especially in listening, speaking, and pronunciation). Continuation and repetition are the keys for effective learning. Let’s get started and make the most of your Japanese podcast time!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, from basic grammar to practical phrases for any occasion, you’ll find a lot more useful content on JapanesePod101.com. Together with the JapanesePod101 podcast channel, our variety of free lessons and materials will help you improve your Japanese skills in every key area.
Our personal 1-on-1 coaching service, MyTeacher, is also available when you subscribe to a Premium PLUS membership with us. Your private teacher will help you practice pronunciation, and you’ll get personalized feedback and advice to help you improve more efficiently.
And we have so much more to offer you! Learn Japanese faster and enjoy studying at JapanesePod101.com.

Japanese Phrases for Beginners

If you’re a beginner, one of the easiest ways to get familiar with Japanese is to learn and practice the most frequently used Japanese phrases for beginners.
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Japanese is a Category IV language. This means it’s considered one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn—but don’t lose heart! Japanese might just be easier than you think.
While it could take a very long time to master the Kanji, the listening comprehension and speaking aspects are quite easy to pick up. Here are just a few reasons why Japanese is actually simpler than English or Latin languages:
- There are no separate singular/plural forms.
- There are no articles.
- There is no verb conjugation for person (I am / she is / they are / etc.).
- We also have fewer vowel and consonant sounds than English does, making Japanese pronunciation much simpler.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most useful Japanese beginner phrases: greetings and self-introduction phrases, courtesy and social expressions, dining and shopping phrases, and expressions for getting help.
Let’s master Japanese beginner phrases here at JapanesePod101.com!

The best way to improve at this stage is to learn the most useful phrases for beginners.

- Greetings and Self-introductions
- Courtesy Phrases & Social Expressions
- Dining & Shopping Phrases
- Asking for Help
- Conclusion
1. Greetings and Self-introductions
The very first thing you should learn as a beginner is how to use the most common greeting phrases, starting with “hello.” In Japanese, there are two types of expressions: polite (formal) and casual (informal). The polite language is referred to as 敬語 (Keigo), and the type of polite language used for addressing others is called 丁寧語 (Teineigo). We recommend learning these expressions first, as they’re useful for most social situations. Casual language is only used among close friends and family.
1 – Greetings
English | Formality | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
Good morning. [Literally: It’s early.] | Polite: | ー | おはようございます | ohayō gozaimasu |
Casual: | ー | おはよう | ohayō | |
Hello. [Literally: today is] | Polite / Neutral: | ー | こんにちは | kon’nichiwa |
Good evening. [Literally: tonight is] | Polite / Neutral: | ー | こんばんは | konbanwa |
Goodnight. [Literally: Rest (well).] | Polite: | ー | おやすみなさい | oyasuminasai |
Casual: | ー | おやすみ | oyasumi | |
Hello. (on the phone) | Polite / Neutral: | ー | もしもし | moshi-moshi |
Goodbye. | Polite: | ー | さようなら | sayōnara |
Casual: | ー | バイバイ | baibai | |
Bye. | Casual: | ー | じゃあね | jā ne |
See you later. [Literally: again] | Casual: | ー | またね | mata ne |
See you tomorrow. [Literally: again tomorrow] | Casual: | また明日 | またあした | mata ashita |
How are you? [Literally: (Are you) well?] | Polite: | (お)元気ですか | (お)げんきですか | (o)-genki desu ka* |
Casual: | 元気? | げんき? | genki? | |
I’m good. [Literally: (I’m) well.] | Polite: | 元気です | げんきです | genki desu |
Casual: | 元気だよ | げんきだよ | genki da yo | |
Long time, no see. [Literally: long (time)] | Polite: | (お)久しぶりです | (お)ひさしぶりです | (o)-hisashiburi desu* |
Casual: | 久しぶり | ひさしぶり | hisashiburi |
*It becomes more polite if you add お (o) in front.
Examples:
- おはよう!よく眠れた? [casual]
Ohayō! Yoku nemureta?
“Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
- もしもし、鈴木です。高木さんと話したいのですが。[polite / on the phone]
Moshimoshi, Suzuki desu. Takagi-san to hanashitai no desu ga.
“Hello, I’m Suzuki. I’d like to speak to Mr. Takagi.”
- じゃあね、また明日学校で![casual]
Jā ne, mata ashita gakkō de!
“Bye, see you tomorrow at school!”
To learn more, please check out our blog articles on how to say hello in Japanese, how to say sorry in Japanese, and Japanese phone phrases.

久しぶり!元気? [informal]
Hisashiburi! Genki?
“Long time, no see! How are you?”
2 – Self-introduction
When meeting someone for the first time, you should introduce yourself using polite language. Here are some essential Japanese phrases you can use when introducing yourself.
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
Nice to meet you. | 初めまして | はじめまして | hajimemashite |
My name is… | 私の名前は…です | わたしのなまえは…です | watashi no namae wa…desu |
What is your name? | (お)名前は何ですか | (お)なまえはなんですか | (o)-namae wa nan desu ka* |
I am… | 私は…です | わたしは…です | watashi wa…desu |
Where are you from? | 出身はどこですか | しゅっしんはどこですか | shusshin wa doko desu ka |
I’m from… | …出身です | …しゅっしんです | …shusshin desu |
I come from… | …から来ました | …からきました | …kara kimashita |
How old are you? | 何歳ですか | なんさいですか | nan-sai desu ka |
ー | (お)いくつですか | (o)-ikutsu desu ka* | |
I’m … years old. | …歳です | …さいです | …sai desu |
*It becomes more polite if you add お (o) in front.
Examples:
- 初めまして、私の名前は田中まりです。
Hajimemashite, watashi no namae wa Tanaka Mari desu.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Mari Tanaka.”
- 出身はイタリアです。私は東京大学の留学生です。
Shusshin wa Itaria desu. Watashi wa Tōkyō daigaku no ryūgakusei desu.
“I’m from Italy. I’m an international student at Tokyo University.”
- 失礼ですが、おいくつですか。
Shitsurei desu ga, o-ikutsu desu ka.
“I’m sorry if I’m rude, but how old are you?”
For more details about self-introduction in Japanese, check out our article How to Say “My Name is,” in Japanese + More!

初めまして、私は田中です。[formal]
Hajimemashite, watashi wa Tanaka desu.
“Nice to meet you. I am Tanaka.”
2. Courtesy Phrases & Social Expressions
Our next set of beginner phrases in Japanese consists of expressions you can use in different social situations to show respect and be polite. Memorize and practice these phrases to put your best foot forward and impress native Japanese speakers.
English | Formality | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
Yes. | Polite / Neutral: | ー | はい | hai |
Casual: | うん | un | ||
No. | Polite / Neutral: | ー | いいえ | iie |
Casual: | ううん | ūn | ||
Thank you. | Polite / Neutral: | ー | ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu |
Casual: | ありがとう | arigatō | ||
You’re welcome. | Polite / Neutral: | ー | どういたしまして | dōitashimashite |
I’m sorry. | Polite / Neutral: | ー | すみません | sumimasen |
Polite / Neutral: | ー | ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | |
Casual: | ー | ごめん | gomen | |
I’m terribly sorry. | Polite: | 申し訳ございません | もうしわけございません | mōshiwake gozaimasen |
Excuse me. | Polite: | ー | すみません | sumimasen |
Polite: | 失礼します | しつれいします | shitsurei shimasu* | |
Best regards. /Favorably, please. | Polite: | よろしくお願いします | よろしくおねがいします | yoroshiku onegai shimasu** |
Casual: | ー | よろしく | yoroshiku** | |
Please take care. | Polite: | お気をつけて | おきをつけて | o-ki o tsukete |
Take care of yourself. / Get well soon. | Polite: | お大事にどうぞ | おだいじにどうぞ | o-daiji ni dōzo |
Casual: | お大事に | おだいじに | o-daiji ni | |
Good luck. / Do your best. | Polite: | 頑張ってください | がんばってください | ganbatte kudasai |
Casual: | 頑張ってね | がんばってね | ganbatte ne |
* 失礼します(shitsurei shimasu) literally translates as “I do rudeness,” but it means “I’m sorry if I’m rude, but excuse me.” This phrase is normally used when parting ways with someone, leaving an office, or knocking on the door before entering someone’s room/office.
** よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) is an untranslatable Japanese word that can mean different things depending on the context. This phrase is most often used when someone is entering a situation or environment that is new to them: meeting new people at work, starting a new job or project, greeting someone who will be taking care of them, etc.
Examples:
- 今日からこのチームに加わりました木村です。よろしくお願いします。
Kyō kara kono chīmu ni kuwawarimashita Kimura desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
“I’m Kimua, who joined this team today. Best regards / Thank you for your cooperation.”
- お大事にどうぞ、怪我が早く治りますように。
O-daiji ni dōzo, kega ga hayaku naorimasu yō ni.
“Take care of yourself; I hope your injury will heal soon.”
- 明日の国家試験、頑張ってくださいね!
Ashita no kokka shiken, ganbatte kudasai ne!
“Good luck on the national exam tomorrow!”

よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) is one of the most frequently used courtesy phrases in Japanese.
3. Dining & Shopping Phrases
When speaking with waiters/waitresses or shop staff, it’s appropriate to use polite language. Below are some simple Japanese phrases for beginners to learn and start using right away; they’ll help you make the most of your dining and shopping experiences in Japan!
1 – Restaurants
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
I have a reservation under… | 予約した…です | よやくした…です | yoyaku shita … desu |
We are [number]. / There are [number] of us. | [number] 人です | [number] にんです | [number]-nin desu |
May I have the menu, please? | ー | メニューをください | menyū o kudasai |
What do you recommend? | お勧めは何ですか | おすすめはなんですか | osusume wa nan desu ka |
I have an allergy to… | ー | …のアレルギーがあります | … no arerugī ga arimasu |
Does this contain…? | これに…は入っていますか | これに…ははいっていますか | kore ni … wa haitte imasu ka |
I’ll have this one. | ー | これにします | kore ni shimasu |
Could you bring me some water? | お水をください | おみずをください | o-mizu o kudasai |
Check, please. | お会計をお願いします | おかいけいをおねがいします | o-kaikei o onegai shimasu |
Examples:
- 4人です。テーブル席を希望します。
Yo-nin desu. Tēburu seki o kibō shimasu.
“There are four of us. We would like a table.”
- 卵のアレルギーがあります。これに卵は入っていますか。
Tamago no arerugī ga arimasu. Kore ni tamago wa haitte imasu ka.
“I am allergic to eggs. Does this contain eggs?”
- お腹いっぱいなので、デザートはいりません。お会計をお願いします。
Onaka ippai na node, dezāto wa irimasen. O-kaikei o onegai shimasu.
“I’m full and don’t want dessert. Check, please.”
To learn more relevant vocabulary, please visit our articles on Japanese numbers and the top 100 Japanese nouns.

お勧めは何ですか。
Osusume wa nan desu ka.
“What do you recommend?”
2 – Shopping
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
How much is this? | ー | これはいくらですか | kore wa ikura desu ka |
I’m looking for… | … を探しています | … をさがしています | … o sagashite imasu |
Do you have other colors/sizes? | 他の色/サイズはありますか | ほかのいろ/サイズはありますか | hoka no iro/saizu wa arimasu ka |
Can I try it on? | 試着してもいいですか | しちゃくしてもいいですか | shichaku shite mo ii desu ka |
It’s a little big/small. | ちょっと大きい/小さいです | ちょっとおおきい/ちいさいです | chotto ōkii /chiisai desu |
I’ll think about it. | ちょっと考えます | ちょっとかんがえます | chotto kangaemasu |
I’ll buy this. | これを買います | これをかいます | kore o kaimasu |
Can I use a credit card? | クレジットカードは使えますか | クレジットカードはつかえますか | kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka |
I’ll pay in cash / by card. | 現金/カードで支払います | げんきん/カードでしはらいます | genkin/kādo de shiharaimasu |
I don’t need a shopping bag. | 袋はいらないです | ふくろはいらないです | fukuro wa iranai desu |
Examples:
- 黒いシャツを探しています。Mサイズはありますか。
Kuroi shatsu o sagashite imasu. Emu saizu wa arimasu ka.
“I’m looking for a black shirt. Do you have one in medium?”
- これを買います。VISAのクレジットカードは使えますか。
Kore o kaimasu. Biza no kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka.
“I’ll buy this. Can I use a VISA credit card?”
- 自分のバッグに入れるので、袋はいりません。
Jibun no baggu ni ireru node, fukuro wa irimasen.
“I put it in my bag, so I don’t need a shopping bag.”

クレジットカードは使えますか。
Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka.
“Can I use a credit card?”
4. Asking for Help
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, it’s quite possible that you’ll get lost at some point or not know how to get somewhere. In addition, you never know when communication issues or actual emergencies will crop up! Get prepared for any situation by learning these easy Japanese beginner phrases for getting help.
1 – Directions / Communication
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
Where is a toilet / … station? | トイレ/… 駅は どこですか | といれ/… えきはどこですか | toire /… eki wa doko desu ka |
How can I get to…? | … へどうやって行けばいいですか | … へどうやっていけばいいですか | … e dō yatte ikeba ii desu ka |
I don’t know/understand. | 分かりません | わかりません | wakarimasen |
Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか | えいごを はなせますか | Eigo o hanasemasu ka |
Does anyone speak English? | 英語を話せる 人はいますか | えいごをはなせる ひとはいますか | Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka |
Can you repeat slowly? | もう一度ゆっくり言ってください | もういちどゆっくりいってください | mō ichi-do yukkuri itte kudasai |
How do you say … in Japanese? | … は日本語で何と言いますか | … はにほんごでなんといいますか | … wa Nihon-go denan to iimasu ka |
Examples:
- すみません、新宿駅の南口はどこですか。
Sumimasen, Shinjuku eki no minamiguchi wa doko desu ka.
“Excuse me, where is the southern exit of Shinjuku Station?”
- 日本語がわかりません。英語を話せる人いますか?
Nihongo ga wakarimasen. Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka?
“I don’t understand Japanese. Does anyone speak English?”
- すみません、もう一度ゆっくり言ってください。
Sumimasen, mō ichi-do yukkuri itte kudasai.
“I’m sorry, but can you repeat slowly?”
To learn more useful phrases for travel, please read our article on Japanese travel phrases.

渋谷駅はどこですか。
Shibuya eki wa doko desu ka.
“Where is Shibuya Station?”
2 – Emergency
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
Please help me. | 助けてください | たすけてください | tasukete kudasai |
I lost… | … を失くしました | … をなくしました | … o nakushimashita |
I feel sick. | 気分が悪いです | きぶんがわるいです | kibun ga warui desu |
I got injured. | 怪我をしました | けがをしました | kega o shimashita |
Where is the police station? | 警察署はどこですか | けいさつしょはどこですか | keisatsusho wa doko desu ka |
Please call the ambulance/police. | 救急車/警察を呼んでください | きゅうきゅうしゃ/けいさつをよんでください | kyūkyūsha/keisatsu oyonde kudasai |
It’s an emergency. | 緊急事態です | きんきゅうじたいです | kinkyū jitai desu |
What is it? | 何ですか | なんですか | nan desu ka |
What happened? | どうしましたか | どうしましたか | dō shimashita ka |
I’m okay. | 大丈夫です | だいじょうぶです | daijōbu desu |
I’m not okay. | 大丈夫ではありません | だいじょうぶではありません | daijōbu de wa arimasen |
Examples:
- 財布を失くしました。警察署はどこですか。
Saifu o nakushimashita. Keisatsusho wa doko desu ka.
“I lost my wallet. Where is the police station?”
- 友達が事故で怪我をしました。救急車を呼んでください!
Tomodachi ga jiko de kega o shimashita. Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai!
“My friend got injured in an accident. Please call the ambulance!”
- 電車がずっと止まったままです。どうしましたか。
Densha ga zutto tomatta mama desu. Dō shimashita ka.
“The train has been stopped for a long time. What happened?”

すみません、気分が悪いです。
Sumimasen, kibun ga warui desu.
“Excuse me, I feel sick.”
5. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced useful Japanese beginner phrases in a number of categories:
- Greetings and self-introductions
- Courtesy phrases and social expressions
- Dining and shopping phrases
- Phrases for getting directions and asking for help
With these Japanese beginner phrases, you’ll be able to survive your travels in Japan and communicate with locals!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and culture, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese language skills in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way possible.
If you’re a beginner, you’re sure to find the following articles useful:
- Japanese Words for Beginners
- Japanese Sentence Structure & Word Order
- The 10 Most Useful Japanese Sentence Patterns
And there’s so much more! Be a faster learner and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there’s any specific topic you’d like to learn words and phrases for! We’d be glad to help, and look forward to hearing from you.

Level Up with These Advanced Japanese Words

If you’re looking at this page, it means that you’ve achieved the intermediate level and are interested in moving ahead to advanced-level Japanese. That’s great—you’re in the right place!
Levels N1 and N2 of the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) are equivalent to the advanced level, and aiming to pass these levels would be a good source of motivation at this point in your studies. It surely takes tremendous effort and dedication to reach this stage, especially when it comes to learning the more difficult Kanji that are mostly used for special occasions or in official settings.
Apart from conventional studying, however, there are more enjoyable ways to learn advanced Japanese words. For example, you could start reading books in Japanese and watching Japanese movies or TV shows in more serious genres; history shows, biographies, thrillers, and action films are great examples. Once you learn enough advanced Japanese words, you can utilize such tools to reinforce your knowledge and memory.
In this article, we will introduce a list of frequently used advanced Japanese words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, as well as other sophisticated words you can use to substitute basic everyday words. Let’s start climbing to the summit here at JapanesePod101.com!

You will be able to more easily read Japanese newspapers with advanced Japanese words.

- Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
- Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
- Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
- Adverbs – 副詞 (Fukushi)
- Alternative Words for Greater Sophistication
- Conclusion
1. Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
The Kanji for advanced Japanese nouns is often complicated and difficult. However, the good news is that you’ll never have to worry about which article to use or how to change a word from singular to plural.
Advanced Japanese nouns are usually just as simple as beginner nouns in terms of reading and pronunciation, but learning the high-level Kanji will take a lot of time and effort.
1 – Advanced Academic Words
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
concept | 概念 | がいねん | gainen |
precision | 精密 | せいみつ | seimitsu |
expansion / extension | 拡張 | かくちょう | kakuchō |
pressure | 圧力 | あつりょく | atsuryoku |
efficiency | 効率 | こうりつ | kōritsu |
specimen / sample | 標本 | ひょうほん | hyōhon |
evidence | 証拠 | しょうこ | shōko |
verification / inspection | 検証 | けんしょう | kenshō |
atom | 原子 | げんし | genshi |
molecule | 分子 | ぶんし | bunshi |
radioactivity | 放射能 | ほうしゃのう | hōshanō |
concentration / density | 濃度 | のうど | nōdo |
coagulation / solidification | 凝固 | ぎょうこ | gyōko |
fusion / melting / liquefaction | 融解 | ゆうかい | yūkai |
Examples:
- この実験は新しい説の分析と検証です。
Kono jikken wa atarashii setsu no bunseki to kenshō desu.
“This experiment is an analysis and verification of a new theory.”
- この地域は放射能の濃度が高く危険です。
Kono chiiki wa hōshanō no nōdo ga takaku kiken desu.
“This area is dangerous because of its high concentration of radioactivity.”
- その物質は温度の変化により凝固と融解を繰り返した。
Sono busshitsu wa ondo no henka ni yori gyōko to yūkai o kurikaeshita.
“The substance repeatedly solidified and melted by changes in temperature.”

物質の濃度を測る (busshitsu no nōdo o hakaru)
“measure the concentration of the substance”
2 – Advanced Business Words
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
negotiation | 交渉 | こうしょう | kōshō |
strategy | 戦略 | せんりゃく | senryaku |
capital / fund | 資本 | しほん | shihon |
stockholder / shareholder | 株主 | かぶぬし | kabunushi |
revenue | 歳入 | さいにゅう | sainyū |
investment | 投資 | とうし | tōshi |
securities / stock | 証券 | しょうけん | shōken |
loan / financing | 融資 | ゆうし | yūshi |
repayment / payment / settlement | 返済 | へんさい | hensai |
debt | 債務 | さいむ | saimu |
mortgage / guarantee | 担保 | たんぽ | tanpo |
credit | 債権 | さいけん | saiken |
assets | 資産 | しさん | shisan |
bankruptcy | 倒産 | とうさん | tōsan |
trademark | 商標 | しょうひょう | shōhyō |
patent | 特許 | とっきょ | tokkyo |
employment | 雇用 | こよう | koyō |
dismissal / termination of employment | 解雇 | かいこ | kaiko |
company director / board member | 取締役 | とりしまりやく | torishimariyaku |
board of directors | 理事会 | りじかい | rijikai |
permanent employee | 正社員 | せいしゃいん | seishain |
contract-based employee | 契約社員 | けいやくしゃいん | keiyaku shain |
outsourced temporary employee | 派遣社員 | はけんしゃいん | haken shain |
Examples:
- その証券会社は巨額の債務を抱え倒産しました。
Sono shōkengaisha wa kyogaku no saimu o kakae tōsan shimashita.
“The securities company went bankrupt with huge debt.”
- 新しい事業のため銀行から融資を受けたいです。
Atarashii jigyō no tame ginkō kara yūshi o uketai desu.
“I’d like to get a loan from a bank for a new business.”
- 革新的な技術の特許を取得した後、その企業の株価が上がりました。
Kakushinteki na gijutsu no tokkyo o shutoku shita ato, sono kigyō no kabuka ga agarimashita.
“After acquiring the patent of an innovative technology, the company’s stock price went up.”

交渉を有利に行う戦略 (kōshō o yūri ni okonau senryaku)
“a strategy to negotiate favorably”
3 – Advanced Medical Words
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
medical care | 医療 | いりょう | iryō |
gene | 遺伝子 | いでんし | idenshi |
immunity | 免疫 | めんえき | men’eki |
artery | 動脈 | どうみゃく | dōmyaku |
vein | 静脈 | じょうみゃく | jōmyaku |
blood transfusion | 輸血 | ゆけつ | yuketsu |
spinal cord | 脊髄 | せきずい | sekizui |
radioactive ray | 放射線 | ほうしゃせん | hōshasen |
medical treatment / therapy | 治療 | ちりょう | chiryō |
department of surgery | 外科 | げか | geka |
internal medicine | 内科 | ないか | naika |
symptom | 症状 | しょうじょう | shōjō |
infection | 感染 | かんせん | kansen |
inflammation | 炎症 | えんしょう | enshō |
fit / spasm / seizure | 発作 | ほっさ | hossa |
paralysis / palsy | 麻痺 | まひ | mahi |
coma | 昏睡 | こんすい | konsui |
tumor | 腫瘍 | しゅよう | shuyō |
bruise | ー | あざ | aza |
vomiting | 嘔吐 | おうと | ōto |
diarrhea | 下痢 | げり | geri |
pneumonia | 肺炎 | はいえん | haien |
cancer | 癌 | がん | gan |
Examples:
- 日本の医療システムは国民健康保険で成り立っています。
Nihon no iryō shisutemu wa kokumin kenkō hoken de naritatte imasu.
“The Japanese medical system works with National Health Insurance.”
- 昨日から嘔吐と下痢の症状があります。
Kinō kara ōto to geri no shōjō ga arimasu.
“I have had the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea since yesterday.”
- その男性は発作を起こして昏睡状態になりました。
Sono dansei wa hossa o okoshite konsui jōtai ni narimashita.
“The man had a seizure and went into a coma.”

放射線治療で癌を治す (hōshasen chiryō de gan o naosu)
“cure cancer with radiation therapy”
4 – Advanced Legal Words
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
arrest | 逮捕 | たいほ | taiho |
detention / custody | 拘留 | こうりゅう | kōryū |
prosecution / indictment | 起訴 | きそ | kiso |
probation / suspension of sentence | 執行猶予 | しっこうゆうよ | shikkō yūyo |
arbitration / mediation | 調停 | ちょうてい | chōtei |
trial | 裁判 | さいばん | saiban |
court | 裁判所 | さいばんしょ | saibansho |
judge | 裁判官 | さいばんかん | saibankan |
plaintiff / accuser | 原告 | げんこく | genkoku |
defendant / accused | 被告 | ひこく | hikoku |
public prosecutor | 検察官 | けんさつかん | kensatsukan |
imprisonment / penal servitude | 懲役 | ちょうえき | chōeki |
appeal | 控訴 | こうそ | kōso |
detention center / jail | 拘置所 | こうちしょ | kōchisho |
prison | 刑務所 | けいむしょ | keimusho |
death penalty / capital punishment | 死刑 | しけい | shikei |
fraud | 詐欺 | さぎ | sagi |
bribery | 賄賂 | わいろ | wairo |
tax evasion | 脱税 | だつぜい | datsuzei |
forgery / falsification / counterfeiting | 偽造 | ぎぞう | gizō |
threatening / intimidation | 脅迫 | きょうはく | kyōhaku |
theft / stealing | 窃盗 | せっとう | settō |
assault / act of violence | 暴行 | ぼうこう | bōkō |
murder / homicide | 殺人 | さつじん | satsujin |
Examples:
- 彼は懲役5年執行猶予3年の判決を受けました。
Kare wa chōeki go-nen shikkō yūyo san-nen no hanketsu o ukemashita.
“He was sentenced to five years in prison suspended for three years.”
- あの会社の元社長は脱税罪で刑務所にいます。
Ano kaisha no moto shachō wa datsuzeizai de keimusho ni imasu.
“The former president of that company is in prison for tax evasion.”
- 日本には死刑制度があります。
Nihon ni wa shikei seido ga arimasu.
“Japan has the death penalty system.”

裁判官の判決 (saibankan no hanketsu)
“judgment by a judge”
To review the basic Japanese nouns, please check out our blog post titled Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns.
2. Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
Below, we have divided the most important advanced Japanese verbs into two groups: general verbs and those that are formed using the word する(suru) – “do.”
1 – General Verbs
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
force / compel | 強いる | しいる | shiiru |
range / lie in a line / stretch out | 連なる | つらなる | tsuranaru |
go through / pierce | 貫く | つらぬく | tsuranuku |
rub / chafe | 擦れる | すれる | sureru |
judge | 裁く | さばく | sabaku |
dedicate / commit / give | 捧げる | ささげる | sasageru |
prosper | 栄える | さかえる | sakaeru |
prohibit / ban | 禁じる | きんじる | kinjiru |
endure / bear / tolerate / withstand | 耐える | たえる | taeru |
deal / treat / handle | 取り扱う | とりあつかう | toriatsukau |
accompany / entail | 伴う | ともなう | tomonau |
nod | 頷く | うなずく | unazuku |
influence / affect / exert / cause | 及ぼす | およぼす | oyobosu |
become weak / become old | 衰える | おとろえる | otoroeru |
control / regulate / manage | 取り締まる | とりしまる | torishimaru |
investigate / examine | 取り調べる | とりしらべる | torishiraberu |
remove | 取り除く | とりのぞく | torinozoku |
be made up of / consist of / be composed of | 成り立つ | なりたつ | naritatsu |
install / attach | 備え付ける | そなえつける | sonaetsukeru |
Examples:
- その地位は重大な責任を伴う。
Sono chii wa jūdai na sekinin o tomonau.
“The position entails grave responsibility.”
- この古い建物は大きな地震に耐えてきた。
Kono furui tatemono wa ōkina jishin ni taete kita.
“This old building has withstood big earthquakes.”
- 警察は彼を賄賂の疑いで取り調べた。
Keisatsu wa kare o wairo no utagai de torishirabeta.
“Police investigated him on suspicion of bribery.”

アンテナを備え付ける (antena o sonaetsukeru)
“install an antenna”
2 – Verbs Formed Using [ Noun + する (suru) ]
This type of Japanese verb is formed with the following pattern:
- [ Noun ] + [ する (suru) – “do” ]
For example:
- 運動する(undō suru) – “to exercise”
- 運動 (undō) – “exercise” + する (suru) – “do”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
fermentate | 発酵する | はっこうする | hakkō suru |
make use of / have a command | 駆使する | くしする | kushi suru |
vibrate | 振動する | しんどうする | shindō suru |
bear (a cost, a responsibility, etc.) | 負担する | ふたんする | futan suru |
deploy / lay out | 配置する | はいちする | haichi suru |
shut down / lock out | 閉鎖する | へいさする | heisa suru |
evacuate | 避難する | ひなんする | hinan suru |
criticize / blame / condemn | 非難する | ひなんする | hinan suru |
intervene / interfere | 干渉する | かんしょうする | kanshō suru |
collapse / break down | 崩壊する | ほうかいする | hōkai suru |
Examples:
- ブドウを発酵させてワインを作ります。
Budō o hakkō sasete wain o tsukurimasu.
“Ferment the grapes to make wine.”
- その建物は人々が避難した後に崩壊した。
Sono tatemono wa hitobito ga hinan shita ato ni hōkai shita.
“The building collapsed after people evacuated.”
- 私が車の修理費を負担します。
Watashi ga kuruma no shūrihi o futan shimasu.
“I will bear the car repair cost.”
To review the basics regarding Japanese verbs, please check out our articles The 100+ Most Common Japanese Verbs and Japanese Verb Conjugations.

エンジンが振動する (enjin ga shindō suru)
“engine vibrates”
3. Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
As you approach an advanced level in Japanese, you should start strengthening your vocabulary with more nuanced descriptive words. Below is a list of Japanese adjectives to get you started.
1 – I Adjectives
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
suitable / appropriate / compatible | 相応しい | ふさわしい | fusawashii |
delusive / misleading / confusing | 紛らわしい | まぎらわしい | magirawashii |
grateful | 有難い | ありがたい | arigatai |
brave/ courageous | 勇ましい | いさましい | isamashii |
shameful / pitiful | 情けない | なさけない | nasakenai |
equal | 等しい | ひとしい | hitoshii |
regrettable | 惜しい | おしい | oshii |
great | 偉い | えらい | erai |
dangerous / critical | 危うい | あやうい | ayaui |
hurried / busy / frantic | 慌しい | あわただしい | awatadashii |
impudent / shameless | 図々しい | ずうずうしい | zūzūshii |
quick | 素早い | すばやい | subayai |
incredible / enormous / dreadful | 物凄い | ものすごい | monosugoi |
odious / hateful | 憎らしい | にくらしい | nikurashii |
chilly | 肌寒い | はだざむい | hadazamui |
careful / cautious / vigilant | 用心深い | ようじんぶかい | yōjinbukai |
extreme / terrible | 甚だしい | はなはだしい | hanahadashii |
Examples:
- これはあなたに相応しい車です。
Kore wa anata ni fusawashii kuruma desu.
“This is a suitable car for you.”
- 今日は慌ただしい一日でした。
Kyō wa awatadashii ichinichi deshita.
“Today was a very frantic day.”
- 彼はとても用心深い男で、人を簡単に信用しない。
Kare wa totemo yōjinbukai otoko de, hito o kantan ni shin’yō shinai.
“He is a very cautious man, and he does not trust people easily.”
2 – NA Adjectives
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
immature | 未熟 | みじゅく | mijuku |
thoughtless / careless | 軽率 | けいそつ | keisotsu |
generous | 寛容 | かんよう | kan’yō |
essential / main point | 肝心 | かんじん | kanjin |
depressed / melancholic / gloomy | 憂鬱 | ゆううつ | yūtsu |
sensitive | 敏感 | びんかん | binkan |
quick / rapid / prompt | 迅速 | じんそく | jinsoku |
loyal | 忠実 | ちゅうじつ | chūjitsu |
cruel | 残酷 | ざんこく | zankoku |
detailed | 詳細 | しょうさい | shōsai |
Examples:
- 私はいつも肝心なところで失敗する。
Watashi wa itsumo kanjin na tokoro de shippai suru.
“I always fail where it matters.”
- この化粧品は敏感な肌に適しています。
Kono keshōhin wa binkan na hada ni tekishite imasu.
“This cosmetic is suitable for sensitive skin.”
- 自然破壊が進む残酷な現実に目を向けなければならない。
Shizen hakai ga susumu zankoku na genjitsu ni me o mukenakereba naranai.
“We must face the cruel reality of the destruction of nature.”

仕事で失敗した憂鬱な日 (shigoto de shippai shita yūtsu na hi)
“a gloomy day that failed at work”
To review the basics of Japanese adjectives, please check out Learn the Top 100 Essential Japanese Adjectives and -I vs. -NA Adjectives in Japanese on our blog.
4. Adverbs – 副詞 (Fukushi)
Another set of words you’ll need to add to your advanced Japanese vocabulary is adverbs. You likely know a few of these already, but below is a list of more refined adverbs you can start practicing right away.
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
at once / right away / promptly / suddenly | 咄嗟に | とっさに | tossa ni |
just as one thought / as usual | 案の定 | あんのじょう | annojō |
by far / far off | 遥かに | はるかに | haruka ni |
indeed / truly / certainly | 如何にも | いかにも | ikanimo |
taking the trouble to do / intentionally | ー | わざわざ | wazawaza |
dare to do / not necessarily to do | 敢えて | あえて | aete |
above all | 何より | なにより | naniyori |
quite / reasonably / fairly | 結構 | けっこう | kekkō |
once / before / never before | ー | かつて | katsute |
in spite of / regardless of | ー | かかわらず | kakawarazu |
as it is / as you are | ー | ありのまま | arinomama |
naturally | 当たり前に | あたりまえに | atarimae ni |
vaguely / ambiguously | ー | あやふやに | ayafuya ni |
easily / lightly | ー | あっさり | assari |
properly / neatly | ー | きちんと | kichinto |
thoughtlessly / recklessly | ー | むやみに | muyami ni |
quite / very (emphasizing a size, frequency, etc.) | ー | ごく | goku |
Examples:
- 問い詰められて私は咄嗟に嘘をついた。
Toitsumerarete watashi wa tossa ni uso o tsuita.
“Being pressed for an answer, I lied promptly.”
- 敢えてそうする訳を教えてください。
Aete sō suru wake o oshiete kudasai.
“Please tell me why you dare to do so.”
- ごくわずかな違いで結果が大きく変わります。
Goku wazuka na chigai de kekka ga ōkiku kawarimasu.
“A very subtle difference greatly changes the result.”

きちんとお辞儀する (kichinto ojigi suru)
“bow properly”
5. Alternative Words for Greater Sophistication
Whether you aim to get higher scores on writing exams or you want to write proper sentences for official documents, using high-level vocabulary and the appropriate expressions will refine your writing.
In Japanese, many basic words have more nuanced or formal synonyms. A great example of these advanced counterparts are 熟語 Jukugo (Kanji compounds), which are combinations of different Kanji that create words at different levels of difficulty and specify a meaning.
In addition, having a good command of 敬語 Keigo (“honorific language”) in Japanese is a sign of being at an advanced level, which is essential for official occasions and business settings.
In this section, you’ll learn the more sophisticated counterparts of simple Japanese words, including frequently used Keigo.
1 – Alternative Verbs
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading | |
生むうむ (umu)to give birth / to generate / to produce | to be born | 出生する | しゅっしょうする | shusshō suru |
to be born | 誕生する | たんじょうする | tanjō suru | |
to derive / to generate from something | 派生する | はせいする | hasei suru | |
to produce / to yield | 産出する | さんしゅつする | sanshutsu suru | |
to generate | 生成する | せいせいする | seisei suru |
始めるはじめる (hajimeru)to start / to begin | to begin / to commence | 開始する | かいしする | kaishi suru |
to start / to initiate | 始動する | しどうする | shidō suru | |
to start / to undertake | 着手する | ちゃくしゅする | chakushu suru | |
to start / to get down to / to set about | 取りかかる | とりかかる | torikakaru | |
to start / to set up / to be established | 発足する | ほっそくする | hossoku suru |
言ういう (iu)to say | to say / to state | 述べる | のべる | noberu |
to speak | 発言する | はつげんする | hatsugen suru | |
to mention / to refer to | 言及する | げんきゅうする | genkyū suru |
見るみる (miru)to see / to look / to watch | to view / to browse | 閲覧する | えつらんする | etsuran suru |
to stare / to gaze | 凝視する | ぎょうしする | gyōshi suru | |
to watch / to look carefully | 注視する | ちゅうしする | chūshi suru | |
to see / to visit (a temple, a shrine, etc.) | 拝観する | はいかんする | haikan suru |
食べるたべる (taberu)to eat | to eat | 食す | しょくす | shokusu |
to eat / to take in | 摂取する | せっしゅする | sesshu suru |
書くかく (kaku)to write | to write (a thesis, a book, etc.) | 執筆する | しっぴつする | shippitsu suru |
to write / to transcribe / to take notes | 筆記する | ひっきする | hikki suru |
読むよむ (yomu)to read | to read (books) | 読書する | どくしょする | dokusho suru |
to read well or thoroughly | 熟読する | じゅくどくする | jukudoku suru | |
to read carefully | 精読する | せいどくする | seidoku suru |
描くえがく (egaku)to draw / to paint / to depict | to depict / to portray | 描写する | びょうしゃする | byōsha suru |
to imitate and draw | 模写する | もしゃする | mosha suru |
比べるくらべる (kuraberu)to compare | to compare | 比較する | ひかくする | hikaku suru |
to compare and check each other | 照らし合わせる | てらしあわせる | terashiawaseru |
調べるしらべる (shiraberu)to search / to look up / to examine | to examine / to investigate | 調査する | ちょうさする | chōsa suru |
to examine / to inspect | 検査する | けんさする | kensa suru | |
to check / to inspect | 点検する | てんけんする | tenken suru |
Examples:
- 彼は新しい本を書き始めた。 → 彼は新しい本の執筆に着手した。
Kare wa atarashii hon o kakihajimeta. Kare wa atarashii hon no shippitsu ni chakushu shita.
“He started writing a new book.”
- 実験結果の違いを比べます。 → 実験結果の違いを比較します。
Jikken kekka no chigai o kurabemasu. Jikken kekka no chigai o hikaku shimasu.
“Compare the differences in the experimental results.”
- 車の調子が悪いので、エンジンを調べてください。 → 車の調子が悪いので、エンジンを点検してください。
Kuruma no chōshi ga warui node, enjin o shirabete kudasai. Kuruma no chōshi ga warui node, enjin o tenken shite kudasai.
“The car has a problem, so please check the engine.”
2 – Alternative Adjectives & Adverbs
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading | |
今いま (ima)now | now / present | 現在 | げんざい | genzai |
今日きょう (kyō)today | today | 本日 | ほんじつ | honjitsu |
前にまえに (mae ni)before | before / earlier / back in the past | 以前 | いぜん | izen |
後であとで (ato de)later | later on / afterwards | 後ほど | のちほど | nochihodo |
この先このさき (kono saki)from this time on | from now on / in the future / hereafter | 今後 | こんご | kongo |
簡単にかんたんに (kantan ni)easily | easily | 容易に | よういに | yōi ni |
もっと(motto)more | what is more / furthermore / moreover | 更に | さらに | sara ni |
even more / all the more | より一層 | よりいっそう | yori issō | |
本当にほんとうに (hontō ni)really | really / truly | 正に | まさに | masani |
それぞれ(sorezore)each | each | 各々 | おのおの | ono’ono |
まだ(mada)yet / still | as yet / still | 依然として | いぜんとして | izen toshite |
少しすこし (sukoshi)a little / a few | a little / a small quantity | 少々 | しょうしょう | shōshō |
Examples:
- 後で資料を送ります。 → 後ほど資料を送信します。
Ato de shiryō o okurimasu. Nochihodo shiryō o sōshin shimasu.
“I will send the document later.”
- 原因はまだはっきりしない。 → 原因は依然としてはっきりしない。
Gen’in wa mada hakkiri shinai. Gen’in wa izen toshite hakkiri shinai.
“The cause is still unclear.”
- 少し待ってください。 → 少々お待ちください。
Sukoshi matte kudasai. Shōshō o-machi kudasai.
“Please wait for a moment.”
3 – 敬語 (Keigo) [Japanese Honorific Language]
Meaning | Keigo | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
見るみる (miru)look / watch / see | Respectful | ご覧になる | ごらんになる | goran ni naru |
Humble | 拝見する | はいけんする | haiken suru | |
食べるたべる (taberu)eat | Respectful | 召し上がる | めしあがる | meshiagaru |
Humble | 頂く | いただく | itadaku | |
言ういう (iu)say | Respectful | ー | おっしゃる | ossharu |
Humble | 申す申し上げる | もうすもうしあげる | mōsumōshiageru | |
いる(iru)be there / exist | Respectful | ー | いらっしゃる | irassharu |
Humble | ー | おる | oru | |
する(suru)do | Respectful | ー | なさる | nasaru |
Humble | ー | いたす | itasu | |
行くいく (iku)go | Respectful | ー | いらっしゃる | irassharu |
Humble | 参る | まいる | mairu | |
くれる (kureru)give me/us | Respectful | ー | くださる | kudasaru |
Humble | ー | ー | ー | |
あげる (ageru)give someone something | Respectful | ー | ー | ー |
Humble | 差し上げる | さしあげる | sashiageru | |
知るしる (shiru)know | Respectful | ご存じ | ごぞんじ | gozonji |
Humble | 存じ上げる | ぞんじあげる | zonjiageru | |
聞くきく (kiku)ask / listen | Respectful | お聞きになる | おききになる | o-kiki ni naru |
Humble | 伺う | うかがう | ukagau |
Examples:
- [Normal Polite] 彼は流れ星を見ました。 Kare wa nagareboshi o mimashita.
(“He saw a shooting star.”)
[Respectful] こちらのデータをご覧ください。Kochira no dēta o goran kudasai.
(“Please look at this data.”)
[Humble] 求人広告を拝見し、応募いたしました。Kyūjin kōkoku o haiken shi, ōbo itashimashita.
(“I saw the job advertisement and applied.”)
- [Normal Polite] 彼女は会議で意見を言いました。 Kanojo wa kaigi de iken o iimashita.
(“She gave her opinion in the meeting.”)
[Respectful] 社長は会議でご意見をおっしゃいました。Shachō wa kaigi de go-iken o osshaimashita.
(“The president gave her/his opinion in the meeting.”)
[Humble] 私は会議で意見を申し上げました。 Watashi wa kaigi de iken o mōshiagemashita.
(“I gave my opinion in the meeting.”)
- [Normal Polite] この新しい技術を知っていますか。 Kono atarashii gijutsu o shitte imasu ka.
(“Do you know this new technology?”)
[Respectful] この新しい技術をご存じですか。 Kono atarashii gijutsu o gozonji desu ka.
(“Do you know this new technology?”)
[Humble] この新しい技術を存じ上げております。 Kono atarashii gijutsu o zonjiagete orimasu.
(“I know this new technology.”)
6. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the most frequently used advanced Japanese words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and sophisticated alternative words. Although the Kanji is difficult at this level, once you conquer it, you’ll be able to successfully work in Japan and watch any Japanese movie without stress!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and pick up other useful Japanese phrases for different situations, you’ll find more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese-language skills.
If you want to review and check your knowledge of the intermediate level, the following articles will be very useful: Intermediate Japanese Words, Essential Business Japanese, and Japanese Phone Phrases. On the other hand, if you’re ready to press onward, then we recommend visiting our advanced Japanese course.
And there’s so much more! Learn Japanese faster and enjoy studying at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are Japanese words related to any specific topic you want to know! We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Intermediate Japanese Words

So, you’ve already mastered the beginner level in Japanese? Congratulations! That means you know how to write Hiragana, Katakana, and the basic Kanji, as well as the basic grammar rules. Now you’re ready to level up to intermediate Japanese!
At some point during your studies, you probably heard about the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test). This is a standardized test that evaluates the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers, including their language knowledge (vocabulary/grammar), reading ability, and listening ability. Level N3 is equivalent to the intermediate level, and setting a goal for yourself to pass this level would be a good source of motivation to help you keep up your studies.
You faced the first challenge when you started learning Japanese, a language with a totally new set of characters and grammar rules from English. However, the beginner level is rewarding in that you can easily see your progress the more you study. On the other hand, the intermediate level is when things start getting hard—you need continuous effort and patience to make meaningful advances at this stage. Although the progress may seem very slow, you’ll steadily move forward as long as you don’t give up!
In this article, we’ll introduce a list of frequently used intermediate Japanese words, including larger numbers, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and even conjunctions and Japanese particles. Let’s start the journey toward conquering the next level here at JapanesePod101.com!

The Japanese intermediate level gets harder, but you can still have fun learning with JapanesePod101.com.

- Larger Numbers
- Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
- Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
- Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
- Adverbs – 副詞 (Fukushi)
- Conjunctions – 接続詞 (Setsuzokushi)
- Auxiliary Words and Particles – 助詞 (Joshi)
- Conclusion
1. Larger Numbers
Once you know the basic Japanese numbers, counting to larger numbers is fairly simple. We can easily express these numbers with Kanji using relatively few digits.
Keep in mind, however, that we group larger numbers by every 10,000 (rather than every 1,000 like in Western counting). That said, when we do write the Arabic numbers in Japan, it’s common to use commas for every thousand just like it’s done in the West.
Arabic Number | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
100 | 百 | ひゃく | hyaku |
1,000 | 千 | せん | sen |
10,000 | 万 | まん | man |
100,000 | 十万 | じゅうまん | jū-man |
1,000,000 | 百万 | ひゃくまん | hyaku-man |
10,000,000 | 千万 | せんまん | sen-man |
100,000,000 | 億 | おく | oku |
1,000,000,000 | 十億 | じゅうおく | jū-oku |
10,000,000,000 | 百億 | ひゃくおく | hyaku-oku |
100,000,000,000 | 千億 | せんおく | sen-oku |
1,000,000,000,000 | 兆 | ちょう | chō |
Number-related Vocabulary
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
number | 数字 | すうじ | sūji |
calculation | 計算 | けいさん | keisan |
arithmetic | 算数 | さんすう | sansū |
mathematics | 数学 | すうがく | sūgaku |
addition | 足し算 | たしざん | tashizan |
subtraction | 引き算 | ひきざん | hikizan |
multiplication | 掛け算 | かけざん | kakezan |
division | 割り算 | わりざん | warizan |
Examples:
- 私のいとこは宝くじで2億円を当てました。
Watashi no itoko wa takarakuji de ni-oku-en o atemashita.
“My cousin won 200 million Yen in the lottery.”
- 2020年の日本の国家予算は約103兆円です。
Ni-sen ni-jū-nen no Nihon no kokka yosan wa yaku hyaku san-chō-en desu.
“Japan’s national budget in 2020 was around 103 trillion Yen.”
- 私は毎日その日の利益を計算します。
Watashi wa mainichi sono hi no rieki o keisan shimasu.
“I calculate the profit for the day every day.”

We can easily express larger numbers with Kanji.
2. Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
Our next set of intermediate Japanese vocabulary words will cover the most practical nouns in a range of categories. At this stage in your learning journey, picking up as many new nouns as possible will help you better express yourself and allow you to hold conversations on a greater number of topics.
Time
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
sunrise | 日の出 | ひので | hinode |
sunset | 日没 | にちぼつ | nichibotsu |
instant (a very short moment) | 一瞬 | いっしゅん | isshun |
a whole life / lifetime / for life | 一生 | いっしょう | isshō |
a time / while / one time | 一時 | いちじ | ichiji |
a short period or term | 短期 | たんき | tanki |
a medium-length period or term | 中期 | ちゅうき | chūki |
a long period or term | 長期 | ちょうき | chōki |
a school term / semester | 学期 | がっき | gakki |
this time | 今回 | こんかい | konkai |
hereafter / from now on / onward | 今後 | こんご | kongo |
Examples:
- 夏は日の出が早く、日没が遅い。
Natsu wa hinode ga hayaku, nichibotsu ga osoi.
“In summer, the sunrise (time) is early and the sunset (time) is late.”
- 彼は短期目標を設定しました。
Kare wa tanki mokuhyō o settei shimashita.
“He has set a short-term goal.”
- 私は今後一切タバコを吸いません。
Watashi wa kongo issai tabako o suimasen.
“I will never smoke cigarettes from now on.”
2. People
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
individual | 個人 | こじん | kojin |
group | 集団 | しゅうだん | shūdan |
citizen | 市民 | しみん | shimin |
people (of a country) or nation | 国民 | こくみん | kokumin |
man / boy / male | 男子 | だんし | danshi |
woman / girl / female | 女子 | じょし | joshi |
infant | 幼児 | ようじ | yōji |
young man / young people / youth | 青年 | せいねん | seinen |
elderly | 年配 | ねんぱい | nenpai |
old person / the aged | 老人 | ろうじん | rōjin |
stranger / others | 他人 | たにん | tanin |
colleague / coworker | 同僚 | どうりょう | dōryō |
boss / superior | 上司 | じょうし | jōshi |
subordinate | 部下 | ぶか | buka |
employee / staff | 社員 | しゃいん | shain |
president / head (of a company) | 社長 | しゃちょう | shachō |
Examples:
- 国民の三大義務は、教育、労働、納税です。
Kokumin no sandai gimu wa, kyōiku, rōdō, nōzei desu.
“The three major duties of the people in Japan are education, labor, and paying taxes.”
- あの青年は老人介護施設で働いています。
Ano seinen wa rōjin kaigo shisetsu de hataraite imasu.
“That young man works at a nursing home for the elderly.”
- 私の目標は起業して社長になることです。
Watashi no mokuhyō wa kigyō shite shachō ni naru koto desu.
“My goal is to start a business and become president.”
To learn more work-related vocabulary words with audio, we recommend you check out our wordlists Jobs / Work and Workplace.

昼休みに同僚と雑談する (hiruyasumi ni dōryō to zatsudan suru)
“chat with colleagues during lunch break”
3. Other Nouns
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
start / beginning | 開始 | かいし | kaishi |
end / close / termination | 終了 | しゅうりょう | shūryō |
stop / suspension | 停止 | ていし | teishi |
base / fundament / standard | 基本 | きほん | kihon |
basis / foundation | 基礎 | きそ | kiso |
(practical) application | 応用 | おうよう | ōyō |
input / entry / filling in / filling out | 記入 | きにゅう | kinyū |
article | 記事 | きじ | kiji |
right | 権利 | けんり | kenri |
rules / regulations | 規則 | きそく | kisoku |
law | 法律 | ほうりつ | hōritsu |
accounting | 会計 | かいけい | kaikei |
business / commerce | 商売 | しょうばい | shōbai |
profit | 利益 | りえき | rieki |
product | 製品 | せいひん | seihin |
lack / shortage / deficiency | 不足 | ふそく | fusoku |
income | 収入 | しゅうにゅう | shūnyū |
documents | 書類 | しょるい | shorui |
cooperation / collaboration | 協力 | きょうりょく | kyōryoku |
satisfaction / contentment | 満足 | まんぞく | manzoku |
dissatisfaction | 不満 | ふまん | fuman |
Examples:
- 開始と終了の時間に、ベルが鳴ります。
Kaishi to shūryō no jikan ni, beru ga narimasu.
“The bell rings at the start and end times.”
- 法律に基づき、18歳以上の国民は投票する権利があります。
Hōritsu ni motozuki, jū hassai ijō no kokumin wa tōhyō suru kenri ga arimasu.
“By law, citizens over 18 years old have the right to vote.”
- パンデミックの影響で、衛生製品が不足しています。
Pandemikku no eikyō de, eisei seihin ga fusoku shite imasu.
“Due to the influence of the pandemic, there is a shortage of hygiene products.”

書類に記入する (shorui ni kinyū suru)
“fill out the document”
To learn more Japanese nouns, please check out Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns on our website.
3. Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
Verbs, like nouns, make up a huge chunk of any language’s vocabulary. At the beginner level, you picked up a number of useful action words and auxiliaries to get your point across—but as you approach the intermediate level, you may find yourself needing more advanced verbs to clearly express your thoughts. Below is a list to get you started.
General Verbs
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
to encounter / to meet / to come across | 出会う | であう | deau |
to remove / to undo | 外す | はずす | hazusu |
to like / to be pleased with | 気に入る | きにいる | ki ni iru |
to fall down / to fall over | 転ぶ | ころぶ | korobu |
to receive | 受け取る | うけとる | uketoru |
to take (something) out | 取り出す | とりだす | toridasu |
to divide / to split / to separate | 分ける | わける | wakeru |
to give up | 諦める | あきらめる | akirameru |
to lose interest in / to get tired of | 飽きる | あきる | akiru |
to be enough / to be sufficient | 足りる | たりる | tariru |
to remain / to be in excess | 余る | あまる | amaru |
to appear / to show up / to turn up | 現れる | あらわれる | arawareru |
to express / to show | 表す | あらわす | arawasu |
to treat / to handle / to deal with | 扱う | あつかう | atsukau |
to put together / to combine / to add to / to match | 合わせる | あわせる | awaseru |
to deposit / to consign / to entrust | 預ける | あずける | azukeru |
to touch | 触れる | ふれる | fureru |
to shake / to tremble / to vibrate / to shudder / to shiver | 震える | ふるえる | furueru |
to prevent / to guard against | 防ぐ | ふせぐ | fusegu |
to wear (trousers, skirt, shoes) / to put on | 履く | はく | haku |
to discuss | 話し合う | はなしあう | hanashiau |
to separate / to keep apart / to isolate | 離す | はなす | hanasu |
to release / to free / to let go | 放す | はなす | hanasu |
to decrease | 減る | へる | heru |
to pull | 引く | ひく | hiku |
to celebrate | 祝う | いわう | iwau |
to dislike | 嫌がる | いやがる | iyagaru |
to be concerned with / to engage in / to be related to | 関わる | かかわる | kakawaru |
to hide | 隠す | かくす | kakusu |
to earn / to make money | 稼ぐ | かせぐ | kasegu |
to pile up / to put on top of one another | 重ねる | かさねる | kasaneru |
to shine / to sparkle | 輝く | かがやく | kagayaku |
to repeat | 繰り返す | くりかえす | kurikaesu |
to stretch / to get longer / to grow | 伸びる | のびる | nobiru |
to remove / to get rid of / to exclude | 除く | のぞく | nozoku |
Examples:
- 諦めたらそこで試合は終了です。
Akirametara soko de shiai wa shūryō desu.
“If you give up, the game ends there.”
- あなたに預けた書類を受け取りに来ました。
Anata ni azuketa shorui o uketori ni kimashita.
“I came to pick up the documents I entrusted to you.”
- 彼は彼女に関わることを嫌がった。
Kare wa kanojo ni kakawaru koto o iyagatta.
“He disliked getting involved with her.”
[ Noun + する (suru) ] Verbs
This type of Japanese verb is formed by using this pattern: noun + する (suru). You may remember that する (suru) means “do,” and in this case, we use it to create verbs. For example:
- 期待する (kitai suru) or “to expect” = 期待 (kitai) “expectation” + する (suru) “do”
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
to go out | 外出する | がいしゅつする | gaishutsu suru |
to make (an) effort | 努力する | どりょくする | doryoku suru |
to memorize / to store data | 記憶する | きおくする | kioku suru |
to expect / to hope to | 期待する | きたいする | kitai suru |
to grow (up) | 成長する | せいちょうする | seichō suru |
to lack | 不足する | ふそくする | fusoku suru |
to match / to coincide | 一致する | いっちする | itchi suru |
to agree with / to support (a measure) | 賛成する | さんせいする | sansei suru |
to oppose / to object | 反対する | はんたいする | hantai suru |
to concentrate | 集中する | しゅうちゅうする | shūchū suru |
to import | 輸入する | ゆにゅうする | yunyū suru |
to export | 輸出する | ゆしゅつする | yushutsu suru |
to sell | 販売する | はんばいする | hanbai suru |
to zoom / to enlarge / to expand | 拡大する | かくだいする | kakudai suru |
to shrink / to reduce / to diminish | 縮小する | しゅくしょうする | syukushō suru |
Examples:
- 彼は彼女に会えることを期待して外出しました。
Kare wa kanojo ni aeru koto o kitai shite gaishutsu shimashita.
“He went out hoping to see her.”
- この会社は日本茶を海外へ輸出して、世界中で販売しています。
Kono kaisha wa nihoncha o kaigai e yushutsu shite, sekaijū de hanbai shite imasu.
“This company exports Japanese tea overseas and sells it all over the world.”
- 勉強する時はテレビを消して集中しなさい。
Benkyō suru toki wa terebi o keshite shūchū shinasai.
“When you study, turn off the TV and concentrate.”
To learn more about Japanese verbs, please check out our articles The 100+ Most Common Japanese Verbs and Ultimate Japanese Verb Conjugation Guide.

努力して試験に合格 (doryoku shite shiken ni gōkaku)
“passing the exam by making an effort”
4. Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
As a beginner, you probably spent most of your time memorizing nouns, verbs, and practical sentence patterns. But once you have the basics down, picking up a few common adjectives can help you enrich your conversations and add flavor to your writing. Below, we’ve listed the most useful adjectives for intermediate Japanese learners.
i-Adjectives
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
intense / hard / violent / fierce / furious | 激しい | はげしい | hageshii |
nostalgic / dear | 懐かしい | なつかしい | natsukashii |
shameful / pitiful / miserable | 情けない | なさけない | nasakenai |
frightening / terrifying / fearful | 恐ろしい | おそろしい | osoroshii |
persistent / insistent | ー | しつこい | shitsukoi |
powerful | 力強い | ちからづよい | chikarazuyoi |
smart / wise / clever | 賢い | かしこい | kashikoi |
childlike / childish / infant | 幼い | おさない | osanai |
hard / tough / painful / bitter | 辛い | つらい | tsurai |
jealous / envious | 羨ましい | うらやましい | urayamashii |
loose / lax | 緩い | ゆるい | yurui |
equal / equivalent | 等しい | ひとしい | hitoshii |
itchy | 痒い | かゆい | kayui |
noisy | 騒がしい | さわがしい | sawagashii |
funny | 可笑しい | おかしい | okashii |
empty / void / fruitless | 空しい | むなしい | munashii |
refreshing / refreshed | 清々しい | すがすがしい | sugasugashii |
menial / vulgar / greedy | 卑しい | いやしい | iyashii |
lovely / adorable | 可愛らしい | かわいらしい | kawairashii |
missed / longed for | 恋しい | こいしい | koishii |
smelly / stinky | 臭い | くさい | kusai |
tight / hard / tough | ー | きつい | kitsui |
detailed | 詳しい | くわしい | kuwashii |
regretful / mortifying | 悔しい | くやしい | kuyashii |
dazzling / bright | 眩しい | まぶしい | mabushii |
poor | 貧しい | まずしい | mazushii |
gentle / mild / quiet | 大人しい | おとなしい | otonashii |
fortunately / luckily | 幸い | さいわい | saiwai |
sharp | 鋭い | するどい | surudoi |
dull / slow | 鈍い | にぶい | nibui |
rough / harsh / wild | 荒い | あらい | arai |
Examples:
- 台風の影響で激しい雨が降っています。
Taifū no eikyō de hageshii ame ga futte imasu.
“It is raining hard due to the typhoon.”
- 公園で可愛らしい女の子が一人で遊んでいました。
Kōen de kawairashii onnanoko ga hitori de asonde imashita.
“The adorable girl was playing alone in the park.”
- 彼は大人しいが、鋭い洞察力を持っています。
Kare wa otonashii ga, surudoi dōsatsuryoku o motte imasu.
“He is quiet but has keen insight.”

太陽が眩しい。 (Taiyō ga mabushii.)
“The sun is bright.”
na-Adjectives
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
serious / earnest | 真面目 | まじめ | majime |
eager / zealous / ardent | 熱心 | ねっしん | nesshin |
advantageous | 有利 | ゆうり | yūri |
flat / even | 平ら | たいら | taira |
troublesome / cumbersome | 厄介 | やっかい | yakkai |
rich / abundant / fertile | 豊か | ゆたか | yutaka |
luxurious | 贅沢 | ぜいたく | zeitaku |
slight / subtle | 僅か | わずか | wazuka |
obstructive | 邪魔 | じゃま | jama |
obvious | 明らか | あきらか | akiraka |
troublesome / annoying / unwelcome | 迷惑 | めいわく | meiwaku |
troublesome / onerous / perplexing | 面倒 | めんどう | mendō |
Examples:
- この箱は平らな所に置いてください。
Kono hako wa taira na tokoro ni oite kudasai.
“Please place this box on a flat surface.”
- 私は僅かな可能性があれば、希望を捨てない。
Watashi wa wazuka na kanōsei ga areba, kibō o sutenai.
“I will not lose hope if there is a slight possibility.”
- 彼は明らかな間違いを犯しました。
Kare wa akiraka na machigai o okashimashita.
“He made an obvious mistake.”
To learn more about Japanese adjectives, please check out our articles Learn the Top 100 Essential Japanese Adjectives and -I vs. -NA Adjectives in Japanese.
5. Adverbs – 副詞 (Fukushi)
While adjectives describe nouns, adverbs provide additional information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. At this stage in your learning journey, having a few Japanese adverbs up your sleeve will allow you to give more detailed descriptions of events and help your writing flow more smoothly.
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
at once / immediately / promptly / right away | 早速 | さっそく | sassoku |
as … as possible | ー | なるべく | narubeku |
carelessly / thoughtlessly | ー | うっかり | ukkari |
probably / presumably | 恐らく | おそらく | osoraku |
quite / pretty | ー | かなり | kanari |
approximately / about / roughly | ー | およそ | oyoso |
just like / as if | ー | まるで | marude |
abruptly / suddenly | 急に | きゅうに | kyū ni |
rather | ー | むしろ | mushiro |
kind of / sort of / fairly / reasonably | ー | なかなか | nakanaka |
what is more / furthermore / moreover | 更に | さらに | sara ni |
already | 既に | すでに | sude ni |
for some time / for a while | 暫く | しばらく | shibaraku |
surely / definitely / indeed | 確かに | たしかに | tashika ni |
rather / quite a | 随分 | ずいぶん | zuibun |
at one time / at once / all at once | 一度に | いちどに | ichi-do ni |
all / whole | 全て | すべて | subete |
desperately / frantically | 必死に | ひっしに | hisshi ni |
deliberately / on purpose | ー | わざと | wazato |
increasingly / more and more | 益々 | ますます | masumasu |
one after another | 次々と | つぎつぎと | tsugitsugi to |
anytime / at all times | ー | いつでも | itsu demo |
before one is aware / before one knows | いつの間にか | いつのまにか | itsunomanika |
indeed / really | 実に | じつに | jitsu ni |
as it is | ー | そのまま | sonomama |
each / respectively | ー | それぞれ | sorezore |
sometimes | 時々 | ときどき | tokidoki |
always / at all times / constantly | 常に | つねに | tsune ni |
suddenly | 突然 | とつぜん | totsuzen |
in/at the beginning | 始めに | はじめに | hajime ni |
early / earlier / ahead of time | 早めに | はやめに | hayame ni |
before long / shortly | 間もなく | まもなく | mamonaku |
at least | 少なくとも | すくなくとも | sukunakutomo |
by chance / accidentally / unintentionally | ー | たまたま | tamatama |
in particular / particularly | 別に | べつに | betsu ni |
anyways / in any case | ー | とにかく | tonikaku |
by all means | ー | どうしても | dōshitemo |
again / once again | 再び | ふたたび | futatabi |
together | 共に | ともに | tomo ni |
a short while ago / a moment ago | 先程 | さきほど | sakihodo |
Examples:
- なるべく早く返信してください。
Narubeku hayaku henshin shite kudasai.
“Please reply as soon as possible.”q145
- 間もなく電車が到着します。
Mamonaku densha ga tōchaku shimasu.
“The train will arrive shortly.”
- 私は別にこれを欲しくない。
Watashi wa betsu ni kore o hoshikunai.
“I don’t want this in particular.”

次々と良い案が浮かぶ (tsugitsugi to ii an ga ukabu)
“come up with good ideas one after another”
6. Conjunctions – 接続詞 (Setsuzokushi)
English | Kanji | Hiragana | Reading |
finally / at last | 遂に | ついに | tsuini |
to sum up / in short / in a word | ー | つまり | tsumari |
therefore / accordingly / consequently | 従って | したがって | shitagatte |
so / therefore / hence | ー | ゆえに | yueni |
therefore / wherefore | ー | それゆえに | soreyueni |
and then | ー | すると | suruto |
however | ー | しかしながら | shikashinagara |
and yet / but even so | ー | それなのに | sorenanoni |
nevertheless / in spite of | それにも関わらず | それにもかかわらず | sorenimo kakawarazu |
having said that | とは言うものの | とはいうものの | towa iumonono |
and / as well as | 及び | および | oyobi |
besides / moreover / also | ー | かつ | katsu |
and also / both…and | 並びに | ならびに | narabini |
first / first of all | 最初に | さいしょに | saisho ni |
next / secondly | 次に | つぎに | tsugi ni |
at last / finally | 最後に | さいごに | saigo ni |
moreover / besides / on top of | ー | しかも | shikamo |
in addition | 加えて | くわえて | kuwaete |
moreover / in addition | その上で | そのうえで | sonouede |
on the one hand | 一方 | いっぽう | ippō |
conversely / contrarily | 逆に | ぎゃくに | gyaku ni |
while / on the other hand | 反面 | はんめん | hanmen |
the reason why is / because | なぜかと言うと | なぜかというと | naze ka to iu to |
still / yet / even | ー | なお | nao |
on the condition that… | ー | ただし | tadashi |
by the way | ー | ちなみに | chinamini |
in truth / in fact | 実は | じつは | jitsu wa |
namely / that is to say | ー | すなわち | sunawachi |
in short / in a word /to sum up | 要するに | ようするに | yōsuruni |
especially / in particular | 特に | とくに | tokuni |
above all / in particular | ー | とりわけ | toriwake |
anyhow / in any case / either way / anyway | ー | いずれにしても | izurenishitemo |
anyways / above all things | ー | ともあれ | tomoare |
then / if that is the case | ー | それでは | soredewa |
Examples:
- 従って、規則によりこれは無効となります。
Shitagatte, kisoku ni yori kore wa mukō to narimasu.
“Therefore, this is invalid according to regulation.”
- レストランは12時に閉まります。なお、ラストオーダーは11時です。
Resutoran wa jū ni-ji ni shimarimasu. Nao, rasuto ōdā wa jū ichi-ji desu.
“The restaurant closes at twelve. Yet, the last order is at eleven.”
- いずれにしても、納期は守ってください。
Izurenishitemo, nōki wa mamotte kudasai.
“In any case, please keep the delivery date.”

いずれにしても、来月は赤字になりそうです。
Izurenishitemo, raigetsu wa akaji ni narisō desu.
“In any case, it looks like it will be in the red next month.”
7. Auxiliary Words and Particles – 助詞 (Joshi)
Japanese particles, or 助詞 (joshi), are suffixes or short words that follow a modified noun, verb, adjective, or sentence. Particles play a very important role in Japanese grammar because even a slight difference in this regard could change the meaning/nuance of a sentence. Memorizing and becoming familiar with how to use these particles is a great way to start improving your Japanese as an intermediate learner.
English | Hiragana | Reading |
the more…the more | ば…ほど | ba…hodo |
would have / should have | ば…のに | ba…noni |
degree / extent | ほど | hodo |
is not as…as | ほど…ない | hodo…nai |
no matter how | いくら…ても | ikura…te mo |
through / from [A] to [B] | [A]から[B]にかけて | [A] kara [B] ni kakete |
only / just / since / after | …きり | …kiri |
for sure (emphasizes the preceding word) | …こそ | …koso |
if / suppose | もしも…たら | moshimo…tara |
although / despite | …ながらも | …nagaramo |
even if / even though / regardless of | …ても | …te mo |
to / for / as far as…is concerned / regarding | …にとって | … ni totte |
even / so much as / not even | さえ | sae |
if only / as long as | さえ…ば | sae…ba |
Examples:
- 勉強すればするほど賢くなります。
Benkyō sureba suru hodo kashikoku narimasu.
“The more you study, the smarter you become.”
- もしも大金があったら、豪華客船で世界一周したい。
Moshimo taikin ga attara, gōka kyakusen de sekai isshū shitai.
“If I had a lot of money, I would want to go around the world on a luxury cruise ship.”
- あなたさえ良ければ、一緒に行きませんか。
Anata sae yokereba, issho ni ikimasen ka.
“If only you’re okay, would you like to go with us?”

いくら寝ても眠い。 (Ikura nete mo nemui.)
“(I’m) sleepy no matter how much I sleep.”
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the most frequently used intermediate Japanese words, including large numbers, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, and particles—we even threw in some example sentences for you. Some Kanji are a bit harder than those you learned at the beginner level, but you’ll now be able to deal with a wider range of topics and converse in more detail.
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and culture, you’ll find a lot 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 at the intermediate level in your Japanese studies, you’ll find the following articles very useful:
- Learn Japanese with Netflix
- Essential Business Japanese
- Japanese Phone Phrases
And there’s so much more! Learn Japanese faster and enjoy studying with JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if you would like to learn Japanese words related to any specific topic. We’d be glad to help, and look forward to hearing from you!

Japanese Animal Names

Like many other countries, Japan is blessed with beautiful nature and all kinds of animals.
When you start learning the Japanese language, picking up the most common Japanese animal names will be an inevitable part of the process! Animals play a central role in our lives, so learning what to call them is important. Doing so will not only allow you to talk about your pets or favorite animals with native speakers, but also help you understand Japanese idioms and stories related to them.
The good news is that learning Japanese animal names is actually very easy! Do you know why? It’s because animal names in Japanese are often short and simple, and we also use plenty of loanwords from other languages (usually English) to label foreign animals.
While the Kanji for many Japanese animal names is difficult, don’t let this worry you. Even ordinary Japanese people don’t know how to write or read them, so the much simpler Hiragana and Katakana are more commonly used.
In this article from JapanesePod101.com, you’ll learn popular animal names in Japanese, from pets and farm animals to sea animals and insects. We’ll also introduce animal sounds in Japanese and animal-related Japanese proverbs.
Ready to boost your vocabulary and cultural knowledge? Let’s go!


- Pets
- Farm Animals
- Wild Animals
- Sea Animals
- Bugs and Insects
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Animal Body Parts
- Animal Sounds
- Animal-Related Proverbs
- Conclusion
1. Pets
The Japanese word for “animal” is 動物 (dōbutsu). Literally, this breaks down to 動 (“moving”) + 物 (“thing”).
Japanese does not distinguish between singular and plural nouns, so the word 動物 (dōbutsu) and all of the animals listed in this article can refer to one animal or many.
To talk about baby animals in Japanese, we add the word for “child” to the beginning of the animal name in question: 子 こ (ko).
- うさぎ (usagi) – “rabbit” → 子うさぎ (kousagi) – “baby bunny”
The most common Japanese counter word for animals is 匹 ひき (hiki), which we place after the number. Or, if we’re counting larger animals, we can use the word 頭 とう (tō), meaning “head.”
For example:
- 私は犬を2匹飼っています。
Watashi wa inu o ni-hiki katte imasu.
“I have two dogs.”
To learn more about numbers in Japanese, please check out our article Japanese Numbers: Let’s Master the Basic Japanese Numbers!
Following is a list of popular pet animals in Japan.
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“dog” | 犬 | いぬ | inu |
“puppy” | 子犬 | こいぬ | koinu |
“cat” | 猫 | ねこ | neko |
“kitten” | 子猫 | こねこ | koneko |
“rabbit” | 兎 | うさぎ | usagi |
“hamster” | ー | ハムスター | hamusutā |
“mouse” / “rat” | 鼠 | ねずみ | nezumi |
“budgerigar” | ー | インコ | inko |
“parrot” | ー | オウム | ōmu |
“goldfish” | 金魚 | きんぎょ | kingyo |
“hedgehog” | ー | ハリネズミ | harinezumi * literally “needle mouse” in Japanese. |
* The Kanji for “rabbit” (兎) and “mouse” (鼠) are difficult and uncommon. We normally use Hiragana or Katakana for these words.

Like many other countries, dogs and cats are popular pets in Japan.
2. Farm Animals
Popular farm animals in Japan include cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and horses. Ducks and swans are commonly seen in the countryside.
In addition to the counter words 匹 ひき (hiki) and 頭 とう(tō), meaning “head,” there’s also a counter used for birds: 羽 わ (wa), meaning “feather.”
For example:
- この農場には馬が4頭います。
Kono nōjō ni wa uma ga yon-tō imasu.
“There are four horses on this farm.”
- この湖には白鳥が10羽います。
Kono mizūmi ni wa hakuchō ga jū-wa imasu.
“There are ten swans in this lake.”
Here’s a list of animals in Japanese you’re likely to find on a farm or in the countryside:
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“cow” | 牛 | うし | ushi |
“calf” | 子牛 | こうし | koushi |
“pig” | 豚 | ぶた | buta |
“piglet” | 子豚 | こぶた | kobuta |
“horse” | 馬 | うま | uma |
“foal” | 子馬 | こうま | kouma |
“sheep” | 羊 | ひつじ | hitsuji |
“baby sheep” | 子羊 | こひつじ | kohitsuji |
“goat” | 山羊 | やぎ | yagi |
“donkey” | ー | ロバ | roba |
“chicken” | 鶏 | にわとり | niwatori*literally “garden bird” in Japanese. |
“chick” | ー | ひよこ | hiyoko |
“duck” | 鴨 | かも | kamo |
“goose” | ー | ガチョウ | gachō |
“swan” | 白鳥 | はくちょう | hakuchō* literally: “white bird” in Japanese |
You can also hear the pronunciation of these words on our Animal Names vocabulary list.

Sheep farms are famous in Hokkaido.
3. Wild Animals
Now that we’ve looked at a few domesticated creatures, it’s time to learn the names of different wild animals in Japanese. Below, you’ll also find some interesting facts about indigenous animals in Japan and how mythology influenced our naming of the giraffe!
A- In the Forest
Did you know that Japan is actually a country of forests, despite the image foreigners often have of a sushi-eating island country surrounded by the sea? Around 73% of the land in Japan is mountainous, 66% of which is forested.
This means there are a lot of forest animals! Some of you might have seen pictures of Japanese monkeys enjoying natural hot springs (温泉 Onsen) in the snowy weather, for example.
Forest animals often appear in Japanese folktales, idioms, and proverbs. Monkeys are considered clever and are thought to be the closest animal to humans. Raccoon dogs and foxes are often seen as animals that have mysterious powers and the ability to play tricks on humans.
Since many of the following forest animals are indigenous to Japan, they have original names in Japanese (including their own Kanji).
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“deer” | 鹿 | しか | shika |
“bear” | 熊 | くま | kuma |
“monkey” | 猿 | さる | saru |
“wild boar” | 猪 | いのしし | inoshishi |
“raccoon dog” | 狸 | たぬき | tanuki |
“fox” | 狐 | きつね | kitsune |
“squirrel” | 栗鼠 * | りす | risu |
“wolf” | 狼 | おおかみ | ōkami |
* The Kanji for “squirrel” (栗鼠) is difficult and uncommon. We normally use Hiragana or Katakana instead.

Japanese monkeys love Onsen hot springs.
B- Safari Animals (and Others)
There is no Kanji for animals that originate from places that are very far away from Japan, such as safari animals or those from Oceania. They’re typically expressed in Katakana as loanwords or named in Japanese after their characteristics.
Some animals—such as elephants, tigers, and leopards—have Kanji because they’re indigenous to Asian countries (China, India, etc.), and they became known to Japan through trading. Such Kanji were directly imported from the Chinese language, but the names (phonetic readings) are original to Japanese.
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“elephant” | 象 | ゾウ | zō |
“giraffe” | ー | キリン | kirin |
“lion” | ー | ライオン | raion |
“tiger” | 虎 | トラ | tora |
“panda bear” | ー | パンダ | panda |
“zebra” | ー | シマウマ | shimauma*literally “striped horse” in Japanese. |
“hippopotamus” | ー | カバ | kaba |
“rhinoceros” | ー | サイ | sai |
“ostrich” | ー | ダチョウ | dachō*It means “camel bird” in Japanese. |
“baboon” | ー | ヒヒ | hihi |
“hyena” | ー | ハイエナ | haiena |
“cheetah” | ー | チーター | chītā |
“leopard” | 豹 | ヒョウ | hyō |
“koala bear” | ー | コアラ | koara |
“kangaroo” | ー | カンガルー | kangarū |
“camel” | ー | ラクダ | rakuda |

The キリン (kirin), or “giraffe,” was named after the Chinese dragon-like mythical animal called 麒麟 (qílín).
4. Sea Animals
A recent study revealed that there are about 34,000 species of sea animals living in the oceans near Japan, including everything from plankton to mammals. This means that about 13.5% of all confirmed marine life abound in less than 1% of the world’s ocean.
As a country blessed with lots of ocean, Japan has an abundance of words related to fish, called 魚 さかな (sakan), and sea animals. However, most of their Kanji are difficult, so Hiragana and Katakana are more commonly used to express their names.
Again, loanwords are used for sea animals that are not indigenous to Japan, such as ペンギン (pengin), or “penguin.”
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“whale” | 鯨 | くじら | kujira |
“dolphin” | 海豚 | イルカ | iruka |
“shark” | 鮫 | サメ | same |
“seal” | 海豹 | アザラシ | azarashi |
“sealion” | 海馬 | トド | todo |
“penguin” | ー | ペンギン | pengin |
“sea turtle” | 海亀 | うみがめ | umigame *literally “sea turtle” in Japanese |
“jellyfish” | 海月 | くらげ | kurage |
“pufferfish” | 河豚 | ふぐ | fugu |
“octopus” | 蛸 | たこ | tako |
“squid” | 烏賊 | いか | ika |
“crab” | 蟹 | かに | kani |
“shrimp” / “prawn” | 海老 | えび | ebi |
“shell” | 貝 | かい | kai |
“starfish” | 人手 | ヒトデ | hitode * literally “human hand” in Japanese |
You can also hear the pronunciation of these words (and more) in our vocabulary list Marine Animals & Fish.

鮫 サメ (same) – “shark”
5. Bugs and Insects
As with sea animals, there is a lot of vocabulary related to bugs and insects in Japan. Most of their Kanji are very difficult, so Hiragana and Katakana are more commonly used to express their names.
Considering the abundance of mountains and forests in Japan, it’s said that there could be as many as 100,000 insect species in the country. It’s possible that only about 10,000 of these species have been published in books.
Below are the names of some well-known bugs and insects that are commonly seen in Japan.
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“bugs” / “insects” | 虫 | むし | mushi |
“bee” | 蜂 | ハチ | hachi |
“fly” | 蠅 | ハエ | hae |
“mosquito” | 蚊 | カ | ka |
“butterfly” | 蝶 | チョウ | chō |
“moth” | 蛾 | ガ | ga |
“cicada” | 蝉 | セミ | semi |
“dragonfly” | 蜻蛉 | トンボ | tonbo |
“ant” | 蟻 | アリ | ari |
“spider” | 蜘蛛 | クモ | kumo |
“ladybug” | 天道虫 | てんとうむし | tentōmushi |
“beetle” | 甲虫 | かぶとむし | kabutomushi |
“grasshopper” | 飛蝗 | バッタ | batta |
“mantis” | 蟷螂 | カマキリ | kamakiri |

てんとう虫 (tentōmushi) – “ladybug”
6. Birds
Thanks to the wealth of nature in Japan, the country is home to a diverse range of birds. There are 658 species of birds here, 22 of which are foreign.
Despite the rich variety of birds in Japan, the ones we see most often are pigeons, crows, sparrows, and swallows. In Japan, swallows are said to be “summer birds.” This is because seeing them is a sign that summer is coming, as swallows spend winter in the warmer southern areas (such as Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia) before flying back to Japan in spring to raise their chicks.
There are also Japanese superstitions related to birds. For example, it’s believed that sparrows bring good luck and that crows bring bad luck.
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“bird” | 鳥 | とり | tori |
“small (baby) bird” | 小鳥 | ことり | kotori |
“pigeon” | 鳩 | はと | hato |
“crow” | 烏 | からす | karasu |
“sparrow” | 雀 | すずめ | suzume |
“swallow” | 燕 | つばめ | tsubame |
“seagull” | ー | かもめ | kamome |
“eagle” | 鷲 | わし | washi |
“crane” | 鶴 | つる | tsuru |
“owl” | 梟 | ふくろう | fukurō |

The フクロウ (fukurō), or “owl,” is considered an animal of good omen.
7. Reptiles
In Japanese, reptiles are called 爬虫類 はちゅうるい (hachūrui).
There are 142 reptile species in Japan (19 species of newt, 39 species of frog, 10 species of turtle, 32 species of lizard, and 42 species of snake). Some reptiles, such as turtles and snakes, are popular as pets in Japan.
Reptiles are normally expressed in Katakana, even though most of them have Kanji.
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“turtle” | 亀 | カメ | kame |
“crocodile” / “alligator” | 鰐 | ワニ | wani |
“snake” | 蛇 | ヘビ | hebi |
“frog” | 蛙 | カエル | kaeru |
“lizard” | 蜥蜴 | トカゲ | tokage |
“chameleon” | ー | カメレオン | kamereon |

ワニ (wani) – “crocodile” / “alligator”
8. Animal Body Parts
Now that you’ve learned the names of several different animals in Japanese, you should take some time to study the words for animal body parts. Keep in mind that many of the basic body parts listed below are the same for humans and animals. You can learn even more useful words, along with their pronunciation, on our vocabulary list Body Parts in Japanese!
English | Kanji | Hiragana / Katakana | Reading |
“horn” | 角 | つの | tsuno |
“beak” | 口ばし | くちばし | kuchibashi |
“wing” (birds) | 翼 | つばさ | tsubasa |
“wing” (insects) / “feather” | 羽 | はね | hane |
“tusk” | 牙 | きば | kiba |
“mane” | 立て髪 | たてがみ | tategami |
“fur” | 毛皮 | けがわ | kegawa |
“claw” | 鉤爪 | かぎつめ | kagitsume |
“tail” | 尾 / 尻尾 | お / しっぽ | o / shippo |
“hoof” | 蹄 | ひづめ | hizume |
“fin” | 鰭 | ひれ | hire |
“gill” | 鰓 | えら | era |
“scale” | 鱗 | うろこ | uroko |

角 つの (tsuno) – “horn”
9. Animal Sounds
The Japanese language has a wide range of onomatopoeia, and animal sounds are one of the most common 擬声語 (gisei-go), or “animate phonomimes” we use.
Here are the sounds animals make in Japanese:
Animal | Katakana | Reading |
dog | ワンワン | wanwan |
cat | ニャーニャー | nyānyā |
mouse | チューチュー | chūchū |
pig | ブーブー | būbū |
sheep | メーメー | mēmē |
cow | モーモー | mōmō |
horse | ヒヒーン | hihīn |
small bird | チュンチュン | chunchun |
crow | カーカー | kākā |
chicken | コケコッコー | kokekokkō |
pigeon | ポッポー | poppō |
owl | ホーホー | hōhō |
lion | ガオー | gaō |
elephant | パオーン | paōn |
cicada | ミーンミーン | mīnmīn |

Lions say ガオー (Gaō) in Japanese.
10. Animal-Related Proverbs
There are many Japanese proverbs and sayings that mention animals. Here are some of the most common ones:
- 猿も木から落ちる。
Saru mo ki kara ochiru.
“Even monkeys fall off trees.”
Meaning: Even Homer sometimes nods. / Even someone who is the best at what they do can make mistakes.
Example:
気にすることないよ。猿も木から落ちると言うし、誰でも失敗することがあるよ。
Ki ni suru koto nai yo. Saru mo ki kara ochiru to iu shi, dare de mo shippai suru koto ga aru yo.
“Don’t worry. It says ‘Even monkeys fall off trees,’ and anyone can make mistakes.”
- 飼い犬に手を噛まれる
Kaiinu ni te o kamareru
“To have one’s hand bitten by one’s own dog”
Meaning: To be betrayed by one’s trusted follower
Example:
ずっと面倒をみていた部下に裏切られて、飼い犬に手を噛まれた気分だ!
Zutto mendō o mite ita buka ni uragirarete, kaiinu ni te o kamareta kibun da!
“I feel like I got my hand bitten by my dog, as my subordinate, whom I have been taking care of, betrayed me!”
- 猫の手も借りたい
Neko no te mo karitai
“Wanting even the help of a cat”
Meaning: Being extremely busy, so that you need every little bit of help you can get
Example:
昨日は猫の手も借りたいほど、とても忙しかったです。
Kinō wa neko no te mo karitai hodo, totemo isogashikatta desu.
“Yesterday was so busy that I even wanted to get help from a cat.”
- 捕らぬ狸の皮算用
Toranu tanuki no kawazanyō
“Counting fur of raccoon dogs which you haven’t caught yet”
Meaning: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. / Do not count on something that has not yet happened. / Do not expect all your hopes to come true.
Example:
昇給とボーナスを期待して家を買うのは、捕らぬ狸の皮算用だよ。
Shōkyū to bōnasu o kitai shite ie o kau no wa, toranu tanuki no kawazanyō da yo.
“Buying a house because you expect a pay-raise and a bonus is like counting the fur of raccoon dogs which you haven’t caught yet.”
To learn more Japanese proverbs, please visit our blog post Japanese Proverbs – Gain Japanese Wisdom and Insight.

捕らぬ狸の皮算用
Toranu tanuki no kawazanyō
“counting fur of raccoon dogs which you haven’t caught yet” = “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
11. Conclusion
In this article, we introduced Japanese animal words for a number of categories:
- Pets
- Farm animals
- Wild animals
- Sea animals
- Birds
- Insects
- Reptiles
In addition, we covered the most important animal body parts, Japanese animal sounds, and proverbs related to animals. If you happen to know of any other animal words, sounds, or idioms we didn’t include, please share them in the comments!
Do you want to continue learning about the Japanese language and culture? Then create your free lifetime account on JapanesePod101.com today! We provide a variety of free lessons designed to help improve your Japanese language skills. Also, with our Premium PLUS service, MyTeacher, you’ll have personal 1-on-1 coaching with your own private teacher.
If you want to increase your Japanese vocabulary even further, you’ll find the following articles quite useful:
- Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns
- Learn the Top 100 Essential Japanese Adjectives
- The 100+ Most Common Japanese Verbs
And there’s so much more! Learn Japanese faster (and enjoy every second of it) at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any topics or situations you’d like to learn Japanese words for! We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you.

The Most Useful Japanese Phone Phrases

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!

- Picking up the Phone
- Introducing Yourself
- Stating the Reason for Your Call
- Asking to Speak to Someone
- Responding to the Caller / Asking Someone to Wait
- Leaving a Message
- Asking for Clarification
- Ending the Phone Call
- Sample Phone Conversations
- 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!

Japanese Words for Beginners

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.”

- Pronouns – 代名詞 (Daimeishi)
- Numbers – 数字 (Sūji)
- Nouns – 名詞 (Meishi)
- Verbs – 動詞 (Dōshi)
- Adjectives – 形容詞 (Keiyōshi)
- Conjunctions – 接続詞 (Setsuzokushi)
- Other – その他 (Sonota)
- 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!

The Top 10 Japanese Filler Words

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.

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!
