Want to hold a real Japanese conversation — at a café, with a local, or on your next trip to Japan?
Then mastering the 1000 most common Japanese words for daily conversation is your fastest path forward. Studies in language acquisition consistently show that a core vocabulary of 1,000 high-frequency words covers the vast majority of everyday speech. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, making new friends, or preparing for the JLPT exam, these words are the engine of real communication.
In this complete guide, trusted Japanese tutor Fumito Emi from reading-japanese.com has compiled all 1,000 conversational Japanese words — each with Japanese script, romaji pronunciation, English meaning, and example sentences for the most important entries.
Before diving in, make sure you can read hiragana and katakana. If not, our free hiragana chart and katakana chart are the perfect starting point.
Let’s build your Japanese vocabulary — one conversation at a time.
![1000 Most Common Japanese Words for Daily Conversation [With Examples & PDF]](https://reading-japanese.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f42e2c55-c6e0-4586-a7d2-149eb687222f-683x1024.webp "1000 Most Common Japanese Words for Daily Conversation [With Examples & PDF]")
Why Focus on Conversational Japanese Words?
Most Japanese textbooks teach grammar rules before vocabulary — but real conversations don’t work that way.
Native speakers rely on a core set of high-frequency words in almost every exchange. According to the Wikipedia overview of the Japanese language, modern Japanese blends native yamato kotoba words, Chinese-origin kango, and modern gairaigo loanwords. Knowing how these layers work helps you learn Japanese fast.
The words in this list are specifically chosen for daily use — conversations at restaurants, shops, train stations, schools, and homes across Japan. They also align heavily with JLPT N5 and N4 vocabulary. For a dedicated exam list, see our JLPT N5 vocabulary guide.
Top 50 Must-Know Daily Conversation Words
These 50 words appear in virtually every Japanese conversation. Master these before anything else.
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | はい | hai | Yes | はい、そうです。(Hai, sou desu.) — Yes, that’s right. |
| 2 | いいえ | iie | No | いいえ、ちがいます。(Iie, chigaimasu.) — No, that’s not right. |
| 3 | ありがとう | arigatou | Thank you | ありがとうございます。(Arigatou gozaimasu.) — Thank you very much. |
| 4 | すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry | すみません、ちょっといいですか？(Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka?) — Excuse me, do you have a moment? |
| 5 | こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello | こんにちは！お元気ですか？(Konnichiwa! O-genki desu ka?) — Hello! How are you? |
| 6 | おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning | おはようございます、今日もよろしく。(Ohayou gozaimasu, kyou mo yoroshiku.) — Good morning, let’s have a good day. |
| 7 | こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening | こんばんは、遅くなりました。(Konbanwa, osoku narimashita.) — Good evening, I’m late. |
| 8 | さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye | さようなら、またね！(Sayounara, mata ne!) — Goodbye, see you! |
| 9 | またね | mata ne | See you later | じゃあ、またね！(Jaa, mata ne!) — OK, see you later! |
| 10 | わかりました | wakarimashita | I understand | はい、わかりました。(Hai, wakarimashita.) — Yes, I understand. |
| 11 | わかりません | wakarimasen | I don’t understand | すみません、わかりません。(Sumimasen, wakarimasen.) — Sorry, I don’t understand. |
| 12 | もう一度 | mou ichido | One more time | もう一度言ってください。(Mou ichido itte kudasai.) — Please say it one more time. |
| 13 | ゆっくり | yukkuri | Slowly | ゆっくり話してください。(Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.) — Please speak slowly. |
| 14 | なに | nani | What | それは何ですか？(Sore wa nani desu ka?) — What is that? |
| 15 | どこ | doko | Where | トイレはどこですか？(Toire wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the restroom? |
| 16 | だれ | dare | Who | あの人は誰ですか？(Ano hito wa dare desu ka?) — Who is that person? |
| 17 | いつ | itsu | When | それはいつですか？(Sore wa itsu desu ka?) — When is that? |
| 18 | どうして | doushite | Why | どうして遅れましたか？(Doushite okuremashita ka?) — Why were you late? |
| 19 | どう | dou | How | 気分はどうですか？(Kibun wa dou desu ka?) — How are you feeling? |
| 20 | いくら | ikura | How much | これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) — How much is this? |
| 21 | いい | ii | Good / Fine | それはいいですね。(Sore wa ii desu ne.) — That’s great. |
| 22 | だめ | dame | No good / Not allowed | それはだめです。(Sore wa dame desu.) — That’s not allowed. |
| 23 | ちょっと | chotto | A little / Hey | ちょっと待ってください。(Chotto matte kudasai.) — Please wait a moment. |
| 24 | まって | matte | Wait! | ちょっと待って！(Chotto matte!) — Wait a moment! |
| 25 | おねがい | onegai | Please / Request | お願いします。(Onegai shimasu.) — Please. |
| 26 | くだ さい | kudasai | Please give me | 水をください。(Mizu wo kudasai.) — Please give me water. |
| 27 | どうぞ | douzo | Please / Go ahead | どうぞ、座ってください。(Douzo, suwatte kudasai.) — Please, sit down. |
| 28 | もちろん | mochiron | Of course | もちろんです！(Mochiron desu!) — Of course! |
| 29 | だいじょうぶ | daijoubu | It’s okay / Fine | 大丈夫ですか？(Daijoubu desu ka?) — Are you okay? |
| 30 | たぶん | tabun | Probably | たぶん大丈夫です。(Tabun daijoubu desu.) — Probably fine. |
| 31 | ほんとうに | hontou ni | Really | ほんとうに？(Hontou ni?) — Really? |
| 32 | そうですね | sou desu ne | That’s right / I agree | そうですね、難しいですね。(Sou desu ne, muzukashii desu ne.) — That’s right, it’s difficult. |
| 33 | なるほど | naruhodo | I see / I understand | なるほど！(Naruhodo!) — I see! |
| 34 | えー | ee | Eh? / Really? | えー、本当ですか？(Ee, hontou desu ka?) — Eh, is that true? |
| 35 | あのう | anou | Umm / Excuse me | あのう、質問があります。(Anou, shitsumon ga arimasu.) — Um, I have a question. |
| 36 | じゃあ | jaa | Well then / OK then | じゃあ、行きましょう。(Jaa, ikimashou.) — Well then, let’s go. |
| 37 | でも | demo | But / However | でも、難しいです。(Demo, muzukashii desu.) — But it’s difficult. |
| 38 | それから | sorekara | And then / After that | それから、どうしましたか？(Sorekara, dou shimashita ka?) — And then, what did you do? |
| 39 | だから | dakara | So / Therefore | だから、早く来てください。(Dakara, hayaku kite kudasai.) — So please come quickly. |
| 40 | でも | demo | But | でも、時間がありません。(Demo, jikan ga arimasen.) — But I don’t have time. |
| 41 | とにかく | tonikaku | Anyway | とにかく、やってみます。(Tonikaku, yatte mimasu.) — Anyway, I’ll try it. |
| 42 | やっぱり | yappari | As I thought | やっぱり、そうですね。(Yappari, sou desu ne.) — As I thought, that’s right. |
| 43 | もう | mou | Already | もう食べました。(Mou tabemashita.) — I already ate. |
| 44 | まだ | mada | Not yet / Still | まだ終わっていません。(Mada owatte imasen.) — I’m not done yet. |
| 45 | ぜひ | zehi | By all means | ぜひ来てください！(Zehi kite kudasai!) — Please come by all means! |
| 46 | よかった | yokatta | That’s great / I’m glad | よかった！(Yokatta!) — Great! / I’m so glad! |
| 47 | たいへん | taihen | Terrible / Very | たいへんでしたね。(Taihen deshita ne.) — That must have been tough. |
| 48 | すごい | sugoi | Amazing / Wow | すごい！(Sugoi!) — Amazing! |
| 49 | かわいい | kawaii | Cute | かわいいですね！(Kawaii desu ne!) — How cute! |
| 50 | がんばって | ganbatte | Good luck / Do your best | がんばってください！(Ganbatte kudasai!) — Please do your best! |
Full List: 1000 Japanese Words for Daily Conversation
Words 1–100: Greetings, Questions & Core Phrases
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | はい | hai | Yes |
| 2 | いいえ | iie | No |
| 3 | ありがとう | arigatou | Thank you |
| 4 | すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry |
| 5 | こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello |
| 6 | おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| 7 | こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening |
| 8 | さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye |
| 9 | またね | mata ne | See you later |
| 10 | わかりました | wakarimashita | I understand |
| 11 | わかりません | wakarimasen | I don’t understand |
| 12 | もう一度 | mou ichido | One more time |
| 13 | ゆっくり | yukkuri | Slowly |
| 14 | なに / なん | nani / nan | What |
| 15 | どこ | doko | Where |
| 16 | だれ | dare | Who |
| 17 | いつ | itsu | When |
| 18 | どうして | doushite | Why |
| 19 | どう | dou | How |
| 20 | いくら | ikura | How much |
| 21 | いい | ii | Good / Fine |
| 22 | だめ | dame | No good |
| 23 | ちょっと | chotto | A little / Excuse me |
| 24 | まって | matte | Wait |
| 25 | おねがいします | onegai shimasu | Please (request) |
| 26 | ください | kudasai | Please give me |
| 27 | どうぞ | douzo | Please / Go ahead |
| 28 | もちろん | mochiron | Of course |
| 29 | だいじょうぶ | daijoubu | Okay / Fine |
| 30 | たぶん | tabun | Probably |
| 31 | ほんとうに | hontou ni | Really / Truly |
| 32 | そうですね | sou desu ne | That’s right |
| 33 | なるほど | naruhodo | I see |
| 34 | えー | ee | Eh? / Hmm |
| 35 | あのう | anou | Um / Excuse me |
| 36 | じゃあ | jaa | Well then |
| 37 | でも | demo | But / However |
| 38 | それから | sorekara | And then |
| 39 | だから | dakara | So / Therefore |
| 40 | とにかく | tonikaku | Anyway |
| 41 | やっぱり | yappari | As I thought |
| 42 | もう | mou | Already |
| 43 | まだ | mada | Not yet / Still |
| 44 | ぜひ | zehi | By all means |
| 45 | よかった | yokatta | I’m glad / Great |
| 46 | たいへん | taihen | Tough / Very |
| 47 | すごい | sugoi | Amazing |
| 48 | かわいい | kawaii | Cute |
| 49 | がんばって | ganbatte | Good luck |
| 50 | おやすみなさい | oyasumi nasai | Good night |
| 51 | いただきます | itadakimasu | Before eating (let’s eat) |
| 52 | ごちそうさまでした | gochisousama deshita | After eating (thanks for meal) |
| 53 | いってきます | ittekimasu | I’m heading out |
| 54 | いってらっしゃい | itterasshai | Take care / Have a good trip |
| 55 | ただいま | tadaima | I’m home |
| 56 | おかえり | okaeri | Welcome back |
| 57 | おめでとうございます | omedetou gozaimasu | Congratulations |
| 58 | はじめまして | hajimemashite | Nice to meet you |
| 59 | よろしくおねがいします | yoroshiku onegai shimasu | Please treat me well |
| 60 | ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | I’m sorry |
| 61 | しつれいします | shitsurei shimasu | Excuse me (formal) |
| 62 | おじゃまします | ojama shimasu | Sorry to intrude |
| 63 | どういたしまして | dou itashimashite | You’re welcome |
| 64 | かまいません | kamaimasen | I don’t mind |
| 65 | もしもし | moshi moshi | Hello (on the phone) |
| 66 | しばらく | shibaraku | For a while / Long time |
| 67 | おひさしぶり | o-hisashiburi | Long time no see |
| 68 | おかげさまで | okagesama de | Thanks to you |
| 69 | きをつけて | ki wo tsukete | Take care |
| 70 | たのしんで | tanoshinde | Enjoy yourself |
| 71 | どれ | dore | Which one |
| 72 | どれくらい | dore kurai | About how much/long |
| 73 | なんで | nande | Why (casual) |
| 74 | なんでも | nandemo | Anything / Everything |
| 75 | どちら | dochira | Which / Where (polite) |
| 76 | どっち | docchi | Which (casual) |
| 77 | いくつ | ikutsu | How many / How old |
| 78 | なんにん | nannin | How many people |
| 79 | なんじ | nanji | What time |
| 80 | なんがつ | nangatsu | What month |
| 81 | なんねん | nannnen | What year |
| 82 | ほど | hodo | About / To the extent that |
| 83 | くらい / ぐらい | kurai / gurai | About / Approximately |
| 84 | ごろ | goro | Around (time) |
| 85 | ぐらいに | gurai ni | Around / At about |
| 86 | まで | made | Until / As far as |
| 87 | から | kara | From / Because |
| 88 | より | yori | Than / From |
| 89 | でも | demo | Even / Or something |
| 90 | しか | shika | Only (with negative) |
| 91 | だけ | dake | Only / Just |
| 92 | ほかに | hoka ni | Besides / Anything else |
| 93 | いっしょに | issho ni | Together |
| 94 | ひとりで | hitori de | Alone / By oneself |
| 95 | みんなで | minna de | All together |
| 96 | そろそろ | sorosoro | About time / Gradually |
| 97 | さっき | sakki | Just now / A moment ago |
| 98 | あとで | ato de | Later |
| 99 | すぐ | sugu | Right away / Soon |
| 100 | いま | ima | Now |
Words 101–200: People, Family & Relationships
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | わたし | watashi | I / Me |
| 102 | ぼく | boku | I / Me (male, casual) |
| 103 | あたし | atashi | I / Me (female, casual) |
| 104 | あなた | anata | You |
| 105 | きみ | kimi | You (casual) |
| 106 | かれ | kare | He / Boyfriend |
| 107 | かのじょ | kanojo | She / Girlfriend |
| 108 | われわれ | wareware | We (formal) |
| 109 | わたしたち | watashitachi | We |
| 110 | あなたたち | anatatachi | You (plural) |
| 111 | かれら | karera | They |
| 112 | ひと | hito | Person |
| 113 | おとこのひと | otoko no hito | Man |
| 114 | おんなのひと | onna no hito | Woman |
| 115 | おとこのこ | otoko no ko | Boy |
| 116 | おんなのこ | onna no ko | Girl |
| 117 | こども | kodomo | Child / Children |
| 118 | あかちゃん | akachan | Baby |
| 119 | わかもの | wakamono | Young person |
| 120 | おとな | otona | Adult |
| 121 | おじいさん | ojiisan | Grandfather / Old man |
| 122 | おばあさん | obaasan | Grandmother / Old woman |
| 123 | かぞく | kazoku | Family |
| 124 | りょうしん | ryoushin | Parents |
| 125 | おとうさん | otousan | Father |
| 126 | おかあさん | okaasan | Mother |
| 127 | ちち | chichi | My father |
| 128 | はは | haha | My mother |
| 129 | おにいさん | oniisan | Older brother |
| 130 | おねえさん | oneesan | Older sister |
| 131 | おとうと | otouto | Younger brother |
| 132 | いもうと | imouto | Younger sister |
| 133 | あに | ani | My older brother |
| 134 | あね | ane | My older sister |
| 135 | おじさん | ojisan | Uncle / Middle-aged man |
| 136 | おばさん | obasan | Aunt / Middle-aged woman |
| 137 | いとこ | itoko | Cousin |
| 138 | まご | mago | Grandchild |
| 139 | しんせき | shinseki | Relative |
| 140 | ともだち | tomodachi | Friend |
| 141 | しんゆう | shinyuu | Close friend / Best friend |
| 142 | なかよし | nakayoshi | Good friends |
| 143 | きんじょのひと | kinjo no hito | Neighbor |
| 144 | しりあい | shiriai | Acquaintance |
| 145 | こいびと | koibito | Partner / Lover |
| 146 | かれし | kareshi | Boyfriend |
| 147 | かのじょ | kanojo | Girlfriend |
| 148 | おっと / しゅじん | otto / shujin | Husband |
| 149 | つま / かない | tsuma / kanai | Wife |
| 150 | ふうふ | fuufu | Married couple |
| 151 | せんせい | sensei | Teacher |
| 152 | がくせい | gakusei | Student |
| 153 | こうはい | kouhai | Junior |
| 154 | せんぱい | senpai | Senior |
| 155 | どうりょう | douryou | Colleague |
| 156 | じょうし | joushi | Boss / Superior |
| 157 | ぶか | buka | Subordinate |
| 158 | きゃく | kyaku | Guest / Customer |
| 159 | てんいん | ten’in | Shop staff |
| 160 | うんてんしゅ | untenshu | Driver |
| 161 | いしゃ | isha | Doctor |
| 162 | かんごし | kangoshi | Nurse |
| 163 | けいさつかん | keisatsukan | Police officer |
| 164 | しょうぼうし | shoubоushi | Firefighter |
| 165 | りょうり にん | ryourin’in | Cook / Chef |
| 166 | うけつけ | uketsuke | Receptionist |
| 167 | ガイド | gaido | Guide |
| 168 | つうやく | tsuuyaku | Interpreter |
| 169 | ボランティア | borantia | Volunteer |
| 170 | あいて | aite | Partner / Opponent |
| 171 | ライバル | raibaru | Rival |
| 172 | なかま | nakama | Companion / Fellow |
| 173 | メンバー | menbaa | Member |
| 174 | チーム | chiimu | Team |
| 175 | グループ | guruupu | Group |
| 176 | しゃちょう | shachou | Company president |
| 177 | かいしゃいん | kaishain | Company employee |
| 178 | パートタイム | paato taimu | Part-time (worker) |
| 179 | アルバイト | arubaito | Part-time job |
| 180 | フリーランス | furiransu | Freelance |
| 181 | りんじ | rinji | Temporary |
| 182 | せいしゃいん | seishain | Full-time employee |
| 183 | なまえ | namae | Name |
| 184 | みょうじ | myouji | Family name / Surname |
| 185 | したのなまえ | shita no namae | First name |
| 186 | あだな | adana | Nickname |
| 187 | じこしょうかい | jiko shoukai | Self-introduction |
| 188 | あいさつ | aisatsu | Greeting |
| 189 | えんりょ | enryo | Restraint / Hesitation |
| 190 | きずな | kizuna | Bond / Tie |
| 191 | しんらい | shinrai | Trust |
| 192 | あんしん | anshin | Relief / Peace of mind |
| 193 | しんぱい | shinpai | Worry / Concern |
| 194 | おせわ | osewa | Care / Help (received) |
| 195 | きょりょく | kyouryoku | Cooperation |
| 196 | えんじょ | enjo | Support / Aid |
| 197 | しんせつ | shinsetsu | Kindness |
| 198 | れいぎ | reigi | Courtesy / Manners |
| 199 | そんけい | sonkei | Respect |
| 200 | あいじょう | aijou | Affection / Love |
Words 201–300: Daily Activities & Verbs
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | おきる | okiru | To wake up |
| 202 | ねる | neru | To sleep |
| 203 | あらう | arau | To wash |
| 204 | みがく | migaku | To brush (teeth) |
| 205 | きがえる | kigaeru | To change clothes |
| 206 | たべる | taberu | To eat |
| 207 | のむ | nomu | To drink |
| 208 | つくる | tsukuru | To make / Cook |
| 209 | でかける | dekakeru | To go out |
| 210 | かえる | kaeru | To return home |
| 211 | あるく | aruku | To walk |
| 212 | はしる | hashiru | To run |
| 213 | のる | noru | To ride |
| 214 | おりる | oriru | To get off |
| 215 | つく | tsuku | To arrive |
| 216 | でる | deru | To leave / Exit |
| 217 | まつ | matsu | To wait |
| 218 | いそぐ | isogu | To hurry |
| 219 | とまる | tomaru | To stop |
| 220 | かう | kau | To buy |
| 221 | うる | uru | To sell |
| 222 | しはらう | shiharau | To pay |
| 223 | よやくする | yoyaku suru | To make a reservation |
| 224 | たのむ | tanomu | To request / Order |
| 225 | もらう | morau | To receive |
| 226 | あげる | ageru | To give |
| 227 | かりる | kariru | To borrow |
| 228 | かす | kasu | To lend |
| 229 | おくる | okuru | To send |
| 230 | うけとる | uketoru | To receive (package) |
| 231 | よむ | yomu | To read |
| 232 | かく | kaku | To write |
| 233 | はなす | hanasu | To speak |
| 234 | きく | kiku | To listen / Ask |
| 235 | こたえる | kotaeru | To answer |
| 236 | しつもんする | shitsumon suru | To ask a question |
| 237 | でんわする | denwa suru | To make a phone call |
| 238 | メールする | meeru suru | To email |
| 239 | みる | miru | To watch / See |
| 240 | しらべる | shiraberu | To look up / Investigate |
| 241 | さがす | sagasu | To search for |
| 242 | みつける | mitsukeru | To find |
| 243 | えらぶ | erabu | To choose |
| 244 | きめる | kimeru | To decide |
| 245 | かんがえる | kangaeru | To think |
| 246 | おもう | omou | To feel / Think |
| 247 | しる | shiru | To know |
| 248 | わかる | wakaru | To understand |
| 249 | おぼえる | oboeru | To remember |
| 250 | わすれる | wasureru | To forget |
| 251 | まなぶ | manabu | To learn |
| 252 | おしえる | oshieru | To teach |
| 253 | れんしゅうする | renshuu suru | To practice |
| 254 | べんきょうする | benkyou suru | To study |
| 255 | はたらく | hataraku | To work |
| 256 | やすむ | yasumu | To rest |
| 257 | あそぶ | asobu | To play / Hang out |
| 258 | たのしむ | tanoshimu | To enjoy |
| 259 | わらう | warau | To laugh |
| 260 | なく | naku | To cry |
| 261 | おこる | okoru | To get angry |
| 262 | よろこぶ | yorokobu | To rejoice |
| 263 | おどろく | odoroku | To be surprised |
| 264 | こまる | komaru | To be troubled |
| 265 | なやむ | nayamu | To be troubled / Worry |
| 266 | あきれる | akireru | To be amazed (negatively) |
| 267 | あきらめる | akirameru | To give up |
| 268 | がんばる | ganbaru | To do one’s best |
| 269 | つづける | tsuzukeru | To continue |
| 270 | やめる | yameru | To stop / Quit |
| 271 | はじめる | hajimeru | To begin |
| 272 | おわる | owaru | To finish |
| 273 | できる | dekiru | Can / Be able to |
| 274 | ためす | tamesu | To try |
| 275 | なれる | nareru | To get used to |
| 276 | かわる | kawaru | To change |
| 277 | なおる | naoru | To get better / Be fixed |
| 278 | なおす | naosu | To fix / Repair |
| 279 | こわれる | kowareru | To break |
| 280 | つかう | tsukau | To use |
| 281 | ひらく | hiraku | To open |
| 282 | しめる | shimeru | To close |
| 283 | つける | tsukeru | To turn on |
| 284 | けす | kesu | To turn off / Delete |
| 285 | いれる | ireru | To put in |
| 286 | だす | dasu | To take out |
| 287 | おく | oku | To put / Place |
| 288 | もつ | motsu | To hold / Have |
| 289 | はこぶ | hakobu | To carry |
| 290 | なげる | nageru | To throw |
| 291 | ひろう | hirou | To pick up |
| 292 | すてる | suteru | To throw away |
| 293 | きる | kiru | To cut |
| 294 | まぜる | mazeru | To mix |
| 295 | にる | niru | To boil / Simmer |
| 296 | やく | yaku | To grill / Bake |
| 297 | あげる | ageru | To deep-fry |
| 298 | ひやす | hiyasu | To cool down |
| 299 | あたためる | atatameru | To warm up |
| 300 | そうじする | souji suru | To clean |
Words 301–400: Food, Drink & Dining Out
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | たべもの | tabemono | Food |
| 302 | のみもの | nomimono | Drink / Beverage |
| 303 | りょうり | ryouri | Cuisine / Cooking |
| 304 | しょくじ | shokuji | Meal |
| 305 | あさごはん | asagohan | Breakfast |
| 306 | ひるごはん | hirugohan | Lunch |
| 307 | ばんごはん | bangohan | Dinner |
| 308 | おやつ | oyatsu | Snack |
| 309 | ごはん | gohan | Rice / Meal |
| 310 | パン | pan | Bread |
| 311 | めん | men | Noodles |
| 312 | すし | sushi | Sushi |
| 313 | ラーメン | raamen | Ramen |
| 314 | うどん | udon | Udon noodles |
| 315 | そば | soba | Soba noodles |
| 316 | てんぷら | tenpura | Tempura |
| 317 | おにぎり | onigiri | Rice ball |
| 318 | カレー | karee | Curry |
| 319 | とんかつ | tonkatsu | Pork cutlet |
| 320 | やきとり | yakitori | Grilled chicken |
| 321 | たこやき | takoyaki | Octopus balls |
| 322 | おでん | oden | Japanese hot pot |
| 323 | みそしる | misoshiru | Miso soup |
| 324 | つけもの | tsukemono | Pickled vegetables |
| 325 | さしみ | sashimi | Sashimi (raw fish) |
| 326 | にく | niku | Meat |
| 327 | とりにく | toriniku | Chicken meat |
| 328 | ぶたにく | butaniku | Pork |
| 329 | ぎゅうにく | gyuuniku | Beef |
| 330 | さかな | sakana | Fish |
| 331 | えび | ebi | Shrimp / Prawn |
| 332 | たこ | tako | Octopus |
| 333 | いか | ika | Squid |
| 334 | たまご | tamago | Egg |
| 335 | とうふ | toufu | Tofu |
| 336 | やさい | yasai | Vegetables |
| 337 | くだもの | kudamono | Fruit |
| 338 | こめ | kome | Rice (uncooked) |
| 339 | こむぎこ | komugiko | Flour |
| 340 | さとう | satou | Sugar |
| 341 | しお | shio | Salt |
| 342 | こしょう | koshou | Pepper |
| 343 | しょうゆ | shouyu | Soy sauce |
| 344 | みそ | miso | Miso paste |
| 345 | す | su | Vinegar |
| 346 | あぶら | abura | Oil |
| 347 | バター | bataa | Butter |
| 348 | みりん | mirin | Sweet rice wine |
| 349 | だし | dashi | Soup stock |
| 350 | スープ | suupu | Soup |
| 351 | みず | mizu | Water |
| 352 | おちゃ | ocha | Green tea |
| 353 | こうちゃ | koucha | Black tea |
| 354 | コーヒー | koohii | Coffee |
| 355 | ジュース | juusu | Juice |
| 356 | ぎゅうにゅう | gyuunyuu | Milk |
| 357 | ビール | biiru | Beer |
| 358 | ワイン | wain | Wine |
| 359 | さけ | sake | Rice wine |
| 360 | ミネラルウォーター | mineraru wootaa | Mineral water |
| 361 | おいしい | oishii | Delicious |
| 362 | まずい | mazui | Bad-tasting |
| 363 | あまい | amai | Sweet |
| 364 | からい | karai | Spicy / Salty |
| 365 | すっぱい | suppai | Sour |
| 366 | にがい | nigai | Bitter |
| 367 | しょっぱい | shoppai | Salty |
| 368 | こい | koi | Strong / Rich (flavor) |
| 369 | うすい | usui | Thin / Weak (flavor) |
| 370 | あつい | atsui | Hot (food/drink) |
| 371 | つめたい | tsumetai | Cold (food/drink) |
| 372 | レストラン | resutoran | Restaurant |
| 373 | いざかや | izakaya | Japanese pub |
| 374 | カフェ | kafe | Café |
| 375 | ファストフード | fasuto fuudo | Fast food |
| 376 | テイクアウト | teiku auto | Takeout |
| 377 | デリバリー | deribarii | Delivery |
| 378 | よやく | yoyaku | Reservation |
| 379 | メニュー | menyuu | Menu |
| 380 | ちゅうもん | chuumon | Order |
| 381 | おかわり | okawari | Refill / Another helping |
| 382 | かんじょう | kanjou | Bill / Check |
| 383 | ワリカン | warikan | Splitting the bill |
| 384 | おごる | ogoru | To treat someone |
| 385 | テーブル | teebu ru | Table |
| 386 | いす | isu | Chair |
| 387 | はし | hashi | Chopsticks |
| 388 | スプーン | supuun | Spoon |
| 389 | フォーク | fooku | Fork |
| 390 | ナイフ | naifu | Knife |
| 391 | さら | sara | Plate / Dish |
| 392 | どんぶり | donburi | Bowl (large) |
| 393 | おわん | owan | Bowl (small, traditional) |
| 394 | コップ | koppu | Cup / Glass |
| 395 | グラス | gurasu | Glass |
| 396 | ビン | bin | Bottle |
| 397 | かん | kan | Can |
| 398 | ちょうみりょう | choumiryou | Seasoning |
| 399 | レシピ | reshipi | Recipe |
| 400 | アレルギー | arerugii | Allergy |
Words 401–500: Getting Around & Transportation
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | えき | eki | Train station |
| 402 | でんしゃ | densha | Train |
| 403 | しんかんせん | shinkansen | Bullet train |
| 404 | ちかてつ | chikatetsu | Subway / Metro |
| 405 | バス | basu | Bus |
| 406 | タクシー | takushii | Taxi |
| 407 | くるま | kuruma | Car |
| 408 | じてんしゃ | jitensha | Bicycle |
| 409 | バイク | baiku | Motorbike |
| 410 | ひこうき | hikouki | Airplane |
| 411 | ふね | fune | Ship / Boat |
| 412 | フェリー | ferii | Ferry |
| 413 | くうこう | kuukou | Airport |
| 414 | みなと | minato | Port / Harbor |
| 415 | バスてい | basutei | Bus stop |
| 416 | のりば | noriba | Boarding platform |
| 417 | ホーム | hoomu | Platform (train) |
| 418 | きっぷ | kippu | Ticket |
| 419 | ていきけん | teikiken | Commuter pass |
| 420 | じどうけんばいき | jidou kenbaiki | Ticket machine |
| 421 | かいさつ | kaisatsu | Ticket gate |
| 422 | のりかえ | norikae | Transfer (trains) |
| 423 | しゅうてん | shuuten | Last stop / Terminal |
| 424 | つぎのえき | tsugi no eki | Next station |
| 425 | しゅっぱつ | shuppatsu | Departure |
| 426 | とうちゃく | touchaku | Arrival |
| 427 | おくれ | okure | Delay |
| 428 | かいせん | kaisen | Going back / Return |
| 429 | みちがわからない | michi ga wakaranai | Lost / Don’t know the way |
| 430 | ちず | chizu | Map |
| 431 | じゅうしょ | juusho | Address |
| 432 | みち | michi | Road / Street |
| 433 | こうさてん | kousaten | Intersection |
| 434 | しんごう | shingou | Traffic light |
| 435 | かど | kado | Corner |
| 436 | まっすぐ | massugu | Straight ahead |
| 437 | みぎ | migi | Right |
| 438 | ひだり | hidari | Left |
| 439 | まわる | mawaru | To turn / Go around |
| 440 | わたる | wataru | To cross |
| 441 | ちかく | chikaku | Nearby / Near |
| 442 | とおい | tooi | Far |
| 443 | きたがわ | kitagawa | North side |
| 444 | みなみぐち | minamiguchi | South exit |
| 445 | ひがしぐち | higashiguchi | East exit |
| 446 | にしぐち | nishiguchi | West exit |
| 447 | でぐち | deguchi | Exit |
| 448 | いりぐち | iriguchi | Entrance |
| 449 | のぼり | nobori | Going up / Upbound |
| 450 | くだり | kudari | Going down / Downbound |
| 451 | ちゅうしゃじょう | chuushajou | Parking lot |
| 452 | がそりんすたんど | gasorin sutando | Gas station |
| 453 | こうそくどうろ | kousoku douro | Highway / Expressway |
| 454 | てんきよほう | tenki yohou | Weather forecast |
| 455 | こうつうじょうほう | koutsuu jouhou | Traffic information |
| 456 | ほどうきょう | hodoukyou | Pedestrian bridge |
| 457 | ちかみち | chikamichi | Shortcut |
| 458 | とおりみち | toorimichi | Thoroughfare |
| 459 | いちわ | ichi wa | One (birds, rabbits counter) |
| 460 | かいだん | kaidan | Stairs |
| 461 | エレベーター | erebeetaa | Elevator |
| 462 | エスカレーター | esukaareetaa | Escalator |
| 463 | かくにんする | kakunin suru | To confirm |
| 464 | よやくする | yoyaku suru | To book / Reserve |
| 465 | キャンセルする | kyanseru suru | To cancel |
| 466 | へんこうする | henkou suru | To change (booking) |
| 467 | りょこう | ryokou | Travel |
| 468 | りょこうがいしゃ | ryokou gaisha | Travel agency |
| 469 | ホテル | hoteru | Hotel |
| 470 | りょかん | ryokan | Japanese inn |
| 471 | チェックイン | chekku in | Check-in |
| 472 | チェックアウト | chekku auto | Check-out |
| 473 | フロント | furonto | Front desk |
| 474 | ルームサービス | ruumu saabisu | Room service |
| 475 | かんこう | kankou | Sightseeing / Tourism |
| 476 | めいしょ | meisho | Famous place |
| 477 | おみやげ | omiyage | Souvenir |
| 478 | たびさき | tabisaki | Travel destination |
| 479 | いどう | idou | Movement / Transportation |
| 480 | じかん | jikan | Time |
| 481 | ふんかん | funkan | A few minutes |
| 482 | じかんひょう | jikanhyou | Timetable |
| 483 | まにあう | mani au | To be on time |
| 484 | おくれる | okureru | To be late |
| 485 | はやく | hayaku | Quickly / Early |
| 486 | じかんどおり | jikan doori | On schedule |
| 487 | ゆうせん | yuusen | Priority |
| 488 | せいかつけん | seikatsuken | Living area / Zone |
| 489 | たんじょうち | tanjоuchi | Birthplace |
| 490 | こきょう | kokyou | Hometown |
| 491 | にほん | nihon | Japan |
| 492 | とうきょう | toukyou | Tokyo |
| 493 | おおさか | oosaka | Osaka |
| 494 | きょうと | kyouto | Kyoto |
| 495 | ほっかいどう | hokkaidou | Hokkaido |
| 496 | おきなわ | okinawa | Okinawa |
| 497 | かいがい | kaigai | Overseas / Abroad |
| 498 | がいこく | gaikoku | Foreign country |
| 499 | りゅうがく | ryuugaku | Study abroad |
| 500 | パスポート | pasupooto | Passport |
Words 501–600: Shopping, Money & Services
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 501 | かいもの | kaimono | Shopping |
| 502 | みせ | mise | Shop / Store |
| 503 | デパート | depaato | Department store |
| 504 | スーパー | suupaa | Supermarket |
| 505 | コンビニ | konbini | Convenience store |
| 506 | ドラッグストア | doraggu sutoa | Drug store / Pharmacy |
| 507 | ブランドショップ | burando shoppu | Brand shop |
| 508 | アウトレット | autoretto | Outlet mall |
| 509 | ネットショッピング | netto shoppingu | Online shopping |
| 510 | ふくろ | fukuro | Bag |
| 511 | かばん | kaban | Bag / Handbag |
| 512 | ねだん | nedan | Price |
| 513 | ねびき | nebiki | Discount |
| 514 | セール | seeru | Sale |
| 515 | わりびき | waribiki | Discount / Reduction |
| 516 | ポイント | pointo | Points (loyalty) |
| 517 | クーポン | kuupon | Coupon |
| 518 | おつり | otsuri | Change (money) |
| 519 | ぜいこみ | zeikomi | Tax-included |
| 520 | ぜいぬき | zeinuki | Tax-excluded |
| 521 | レジ | reji | Cash register |
| 522 | りょうしゅうしょ | ryoushuusho | Receipt |
| 523 | げんきん | genkin | Cash |
| 524 | クレジットカード | kurejitto kaado | Credit card |
| 525 | デビットカード | debitto kaado | Debit card |
| 526 | でんしマネー | denshi manee | Electronic money |
| 527 | りょうきん | ryoukin | Fee / Charge |
| 528 | しきん | shikin | Funds / Capital |
| 529 | よさん | yosan | Budget |
| 530 | ちょきん | chokin | Savings |
| 531 | こうざ | kouza | Bank account |
| 532 | ひきだす | hikidasu | To withdraw |
| 533 | ふりこむ | furikomu | To transfer (money) |
| 534 | かわせ | kawase | Exchange rate |
| 535 | えん | en | Yen (currency) |
| 536 | まんえん | man en | Ten thousand yen |
| 537 | せんえん | sen en | One thousand yen |
| 538 | ひゃくえん | hyaku en | One hundred yen |
| 539 | こぜに | kozeni | Small change / Coins |
| 540 | こうかん | koukanする | To exchange |
| 541 | サイズ | saizu | Size |
| 542 | いろ | iro | Color |
| 543 | てざわり | tezawari | Texture / Feel |
| 544 | ざいしつ | zaishitsu | Material |
| 545 | めんせつ | mensetsu | Interview |
| 546 | みほん | mihon | Sample |
| 547 | こんにゅう | kon’nyuu | Purchase |
| 548 | はいたつ | haitatsu | Delivery |
| 549 | おくりもの | okurimono | Gift |
| 550 | プレゼント | purezento | Present / Gift |
| 551 | ラッピング | rappingu | Gift wrapping |
| 552 | のしがみ | noshigami | Formal gift wrapping |
| 553 | ほしょう | hoshou | Guarantee / Warranty |
| 554 | こうかん | koukanする | To exchange (product) |
| 555 | へんぴん | henpin | Return (product) |
| 556 | しゅうり | shuuri | Repair |
| 557 | かんり | kanri | Management |
| 558 | サービス | saabisu | Service |
| 559 | クレーム | kuremu | Complaint |
| 560 | よきん | yokin | Bank deposit |
| 561 | ローン | roon | Loan |
| 562 | しゅうにゅう | shuunyuu | Income |
| 563 | ししゅつ | shishutsu | Expenditure |
| 564 | ぜいきん | zeikin | Tax |
| 565 | ほけん | hoken | Insurance |
| 566 | ゆうびんきょく | yuubinkyoku | Post office |
| 567 | てがみ | tegami | Letter |
| 568 | はがき | hagaki | Postcard |
| 569 | こづつみ | kozutsumi | Package |
| 570 | ゆうびんばんごう | yuubin bangou | Postal code |
| 571 | とどける | todokeru | To deliver |
| 572 | うけとる | uketoru | To receive (delivery) |
| 573 | しんぶん | shinbun | Newspaper |
| 574 | ざっし | zasshi | Magazine |
| 575 | ほん | hon | Book |
| 576 | だいがく | daigaku | University |
| 577 | としょかん | toshokan | Library |
| 578 | きんこう | kinkou | Neighborhood |
| 579 | やっきょく | yakkyoku | Pharmacy |
| 580 | クリニック | kurinikku | Clinic |
| 581 | びょういん | byouin | Hospital |
| 582 | じゅうたく | juutaku | Residence |
| 583 | ふどうさん | fudousan | Real estate |
| 584 | ちんたい | chintai | Rental |
| 585 | やちん | yachin | Rent |
| 586 | でんきだい | denkidai | Electricity bill |
| 587 | すいどうだい | suidoudai | Water bill |
| 588 | ガスだい | gasudai | Gas bill |
| 589 | かいかんりひ | kanri hi | Management fee |
| 590 | ごみ | gomi | Garbage / Trash |
| 591 | ぶんべつ | bunbetsu | Sorting (garbage) |
| 592 | リサイクル | risaikuru | Recycling |
| 593 | かんきょう | kankyou | Environment |
| 594 | エコ | eko | Eco-friendly |
| 595 | マイバッグ | mai baggu | Reusable bag |
| 596 | レジぶくろ | reji bukuro | Plastic shopping bag |
| 597 | もったいない | mottainai | What a waste! |
| 598 | こうりつ | kouritsu | Efficiency |
| 599 | じかんをつかう | jikan wo tsukau | To spend time |
| 600 | おかねをつかう | okane wo tsukau | To spend money |
Words 601–700: Home, Daily Life & Routines
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601 | うち | uchi | Home / House |
| 602 | アパート | apaato | Apartment |
| 603 | マンション | manshon | Condo / Apartment building |
| 604 | いっかだて | ikkadatei | Single-family house |
| 605 | へや | heya | Room |
| 606 | だいどころ | daidokoro | Kitchen |
| 607 | リビング | ribingu | Living room |
| 608 | しんしつ | shinshitsu | Bedroom |
| 609 | おてあらい | otearai | Restroom |
| 610 | ふろば | furoba | Bathroom |
| 611 | げんかん | genkan | Entryway |
| 612 | にわ | niwa | Garden |
| 613 | ベランダ | beranda | Balcony |
| 614 | ちかしつ | chikashitsu | Basement |
| 615 | おくじょう | okujou | Rooftop |
| 616 | かべ | kabe | Wall |
| 617 | ゆか | yuka | Floor |
| 618 | てんじょう | tenjou | Ceiling |
| 619 | まど | mado | Window |
| 620 | ドア | doa | Door |
| 621 | かぎ | kagi | Key / Lock |
| 622 | でんき | denki | Electricity / Light |
| 623 | ガス | gasu | Gas |
| 624 | すいどう | suidou | Water supply |
| 625 | エアコン | eakon | Air conditioner |
| 626 | だんぼう | danbou | Heating |
| 627 | れいぼう | reibou | Cooling / Air conditioning |
| 628 | れいぞうこ | reizouko | Refrigerator |
| 629 | でんしれんじ | denshi renji | Microwave oven |
| 630 | すいはんき | suihanki | Rice cooker |
| 631 | せんたっき | sentakki | Washing machine |
| 632 | かんそうき | kansouki | Dryer |
| 633 | そうじき | soujiiki | Vacuum cleaner |
| 634 | テレビ | terebi | Television |
| 635 | ラジオ | rajio | Radio |
| 636 | パソコン | pasokon | Computer |
| 637 | スマートフォン | sumaatofon | Smartphone |
| 638 | タブレット | taburetto | Tablet |
| 639 | ベッド | beddo | Bed |
| 640 | ふとん | futon | Futon (Japanese bedding) |
| 641 | まくら | makura | Pillow |
| 642 | もうふ | moufu | Blanket |
| 643 | シーツ | shiitsu | Bed sheet |
| 644 | つくえ | tsukue | Desk |
| 645 | いす | isu | Chair |
| 646 | ソファ | sofa | Sofa |
| 647 | たんす | tansu | Chest of drawers |
| 648 | ほんだな | hondana | Bookshelf |
| 649 | かがみ | kagami | Mirror |
| 650 | でんきゅう | denkyuu | Light bulb |
| 651 | カーテン | kaaten | Curtain |
| 652 | じゅうたん | juutan | Carpet / Rug |
| 653 | たたみ | tatami | Tatami mat |
| 654 | ざぶとん | zabuton | Floor cushion |
| 655 | こたつ | kotatsu | Heated table |
| 656 | センスのいい | sensu no ii | Has good taste |
| 657 | かたづける | katazukeru | To tidy up |
| 658 | そうじする | souji suru | To clean |
| 659 | せんたくする | sentaku suru | To do laundry |
| 660 | りょうりする | ryouri suru | To cook |
| 661 | かいものする | kaimono suru | To go shopping |
| 662 | ゴミをだす | gomi wo dasu | To take out the trash |
| 663 | ふとんをしく | futon wo shiku | To lay out the futon |
| 664 | ふとんをあげる | futon wo ageru | To put away the futon |
| 665 | シャワーをあびる | shawaa wo abiru | To take a shower |
| 666 | おふろにはいる | ofuro ni hairu | To take a bath |
| 667 | はをみがく | ha wo migaku | To brush teeth |
| 668 | かおをあらう | kao wo arau | To wash face |
| 669 | けしょうする | keshou suru | To put on makeup |
| 670 | かみをとかす | kami wo tokasu | To comb hair |
| 671 | いふくをきる | ifuku wo kiru | To get dressed |
| 672 | くつをはく | kutsu wo haku | To put on shoes |
| 673 | めざましどけい | mezamashi dokei | Alarm clock |
| 674 | ねぼうする | nebou suru | To oversleep |
| 675 | よてい | yotei | Schedule / Plan |
| 676 | しゅうかん | shuukan | Habit / Week |
| 677 | まいにち | mainichi | Every day |
| 678 | まいあさ | maiasa | Every morning |
| 679 | まいばん | maiban | Every evening |
| 680 | まいしゅう | maishuu | Every week |
| 681 | しごとにいく | shigoto ni iku | To go to work |
| 682 | がっこうにいく | gakkou ni iku | To go to school |
| 683 | うちにいる | uchi ni iru | To stay home |
| 684 | でかける | dekakeru | To go out |
| 685 | てれる | tereru | To feel shy / Embarrassed |
| 686 | くつろぐ | kutsurogu | To relax |
| 687 | のんびりする | nonbiri suru | To take it easy |
| 688 | よる | yoru | Night / Evening |
| 689 | ひる | hiru | Noon / Daytime |
| 690 | あさ | asa | Morning |
| 691 | まよなか | mayonaka | Midnight |
| 692 | ゆうがた | yuugata | Early evening |
| 693 | あさはやく | asa hayaku | Early in the morning |
| 694 | おそくまで | osoku made | Until late |
| 695 | きゅうじつ | kyuujitsu | Holiday |
| 696 | やすみのひ | yasumi no hi | Day off |
| 697 | ウイークエンド | uiiku endo | Weekend |
| 698 | へいじつ | heijitsu | Weekday |
| 699 | もうすこし | mou sukoshi | A little more |
| 700 | ちょうどいい | choudo ii | Just right |
Words 701–800: Feelings, Opinions & Social Talk
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 701 | きもち | kimochi | Feeling |
| 702 | うれしい | ureshii | Happy / Glad |
| 703 | かなしい | kanashii | Sad |
| 704 | たのしい | tanoshii | Fun / Enjoyable |
| 705 | つまらない | tsumaranai | Boring |
| 706 | こわい | kowai | Scary |
| 707 | はずかしい | hazukashii | Embarrassed |
| 708 | おこっている | okotte iru | Angry |
| 709 | びっくりした | bikkuri shita | Surprised |
| 710 | さびしい | sabishii | Lonely |
| 711 | なつかしい | natsukashii | Nostalgic |
| 712 | しあわせ | shiawase | Happiness / Bliss |
| 713 | あんき | anki | Easy / Without worry |
| 714 | ストレス | sutoresu | Stress |
| 715 | きんちょう | kinchou | Nervous / Tension |
| 716 | ゆとり | yutori | Margin / Ease |
| 717 | まんぞく | manzoku | Satisfaction |
| 718 | ふまん | fuman | Dissatisfaction |
| 719 | きたい | kitai | Expectation |
| 720 | がっかり | gakkari | Disappointed |
| 721 | なっとく | nattoku | Convinced / Satisfied |
| 722 | ふしぎ | fushigi | Strange / Mysterious |
| 723 | おもしろい | omoshiroi | Interesting / Funny |
| 724 | つまる | tsumaru | To be stuck / Clogged |
| 725 | かんどう | kandou | Moved / Touched |
| 726 | かんしゃ | kansha | Gratitude |
| 727 | こうかい | koukai | Regret |
| 728 | あこがれ | akogare | Longing / Admiration |
| 729 | しっと | shitto | Jealousy |
| 730 | きにいる | ki ni iru | To like / To take a liking to |
| 731 | すき | suki | Like |
| 732 | きらい | kirai | Dislike |
| 733 | だいすき | daisuki | Love / Really like |
| 734 | だいきらい | daikirai | Really dislike |
| 735 | とくい | tokui | Good at / Specialty |
| 736 | にがて | nigate | Not good at |
| 737 | じまん | jiman | Pride / Boast |
| 738 | けんそん | kenson | Modesty |
| 739 | まじめ | majime | Serious / Earnest |
| 740 | のんき | nonki | Easygoing |
| 741 | やさしい | yasashii | Kind / Gentle |
| 742 | きびしい | kibishii | Strict |
| 743 | おとなしい | otonashii | Quiet / Well-behaved |
| 744 | にぎやか | nigiyaka | Lively / Cheerful |
| 745 | あかるい | akarui | Bright / Cheerful |
| 746 | くらい | kurai | Dark / Gloomy |
| 747 | ポジティブ | pojiteibu | Positive |
| 748 | ネガティブ | negatibu | Negative |
| 749 | しゃこうてき | shakou teki | Sociable |
| 750 | ないきょう | naikou | Introverted |
| 751 | じぶんのいけん | jibun no iken | One’s own opinion |
| 752 | さんせい | sansei | Agreement |
| 753 | はんたい | hantai | Opposition / Against |
| 754 | ちゅうりつ | chuuritsu | Neutral |
| 755 | もんく | monku | Complaint |
| 756 | ていあん | teian | Suggestion / Proposal |
| 757 | はなしあい | hanashiai | Discussion |
| 758 | けいかく | keikaku | Plan |
| 759 | もくひょう | mokuhyou | Goal / Target |
| 760 | ゆめ | yume | Dream |
| 761 | きぼう | kibou | Hope |
| 762 | みらい | mirai | Future |
| 763 | かこ | kako | Past |
| 764 | げんじつ | genjitsu | Reality |
| 765 | りそう | risou | Ideal |
| 766 | けいけん | keiken | Experience |
| 767 | ちしき | chishiki | Knowledge |
| 768 | ちえ | chie | Wisdom |
| 769 | ちょうせん | chousen | Challenge |
| 770 | どりょく | doryoku | Effort |
| 771 | じしん | jishin | Confidence |
| 772 | よわき | yowaki | Weak-minded / Timid |
| 773 | ゆうき | yuuki | Courage |
| 774 | いしりょく | ishiryoku | Willpower |
| 775 | にんたい | nintai | Perseverance |
| 776 | がまん | gaman | Patience / Endurance |
| 777 | あきらめない | akiramenai | Don’t give up |
| 778 | じゆう | jiyuu | Freedom |
| 779 | せきにん | sekinin | Responsibility |
| 780 | ぎむ | gimu | Duty / Obligation |
| 781 | きそく | kisoku | Rule / Regulation |
| 782 | じょうしき | joushiki | Common sense |
| 783 | マナー | manaa | Manners |
| 784 | エチケット | echiketto | Etiquette |
| 785 | はなしかた | hanashikata | Way of speaking |
| 786 | ことばづかい | kotobazukai | Word choice / Language use |
| 787 | ていねいごと | teinei go | Polite language |
| 788 | けいご | keigo | Honorific language |
| 789 | タメぐち | tameguchi | Casual speech |
| 790 | うわさ | uwasa | Rumor |
| 791 | ひみつ | himitsu | Secret |
| 792 | ないしょ | naisho | Confidential |
| 793 | はなし | hanashi | Talk / Story |
| 794 | むかしばなし | mukashibanashi | Old story / Folktale |
| 795 | じょうだん | joudan | Joke |
| 796 | ほんき | honki | Serious / Earnest |
| 797 | ふざける | fuzakeru | To joke around |
| 798 | かいわ | kaiwa | Conversation |
| 799 | ディスカッション | disukasshon | Discussion |
| 800 | いけん | iken | Opinion / View |
Words 801–900: Work, Study & Technology
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 801 | しごと | shigoto | Work / Job |
| 802 | かいしゃ | kaisha | Company |
| 803 | じむしょ | jimusho | Office |
| 804 | かいぎしつ | kaigishitsu | Conference room |
| 805 | かいぎ | kaigi | Meeting |
| 806 | プレゼン | purezen | Presentation |
| 807 | ほうこく | houkoku | Report |
| 808 | しめきり | shimekiri | Deadline |
| 809 | タスク | tasuku | Task |
| 810 | プロジェクト | purojekuto | Project |
| 811 | ちーむわーく | chiimu waaku | Teamwork |
| 812 | ぶんたん | buntan | Division of labor |
| 813 | まかせる | makaseru | To leave to someone |
| 814 | たしかめる | tashikameru | To confirm / Verify |
| 815 | ていしゅつ | teishutsu | Submission |
| 816 | しんせい | shinsei | Application |
| 817 | しょるい | shorui | Documents / Paperwork |
| 818 | けいやく | keiyaku | Contract |
| 819 | きゅうりょう | kyuuryou | Salary |
| 820 | ざんぎょう | zangyou | Overtime |
| 821 | きゅうか | kyuuka | Paid leave |
| 822 | やすみ | yasumi | Day off |
| 823 | たいしょく | taishoku | Resignation |
| 824 | てんしょく | tenshoku | Job change |
| 825 | しゅうかつ | shuukatsu | Job hunting |
| 826 | めんせつ | mensetsu | Job interview |
| 827 | ろうむ | roumu | Labor affairs |
| 828 | ほうりつ | houritsu | Law |
| 829 | ぜいむ | zeimu | Tax affairs |
| 830 | けいえい | keiei | Management / Business |
| 831 | えいぎょう | eigyou | Sales |
| 832 | マーケティング | maaketingu | Marketing |
| 833 | こうこく | koukoku | Advertisement |
| 834 | ブランド | burando | Brand |
| 835 | がっこう | gakkou | School |
| 836 | じゅぎょう | jugyou | Class / Lesson |
| 837 | きょうかしょ | kyoukasho | Textbook |
| 838 | ノート | nooto | Notebook |
| 839 | しゅくだい | shukudai | Homework |
| 840 | しけん | shiken | Exam / Test |
| 841 | せいせき | seiseki | Grades |
| 842 | そつぎょう | sotsugyou | Graduation |
| 843 | にゅうがく | nyuugaku | School enrollment |
| 844 | しょうがっこう | shougakkou | Elementary school |
| 845 | ちゅうがっこう | chuugakkou | Middle school |
| 846 | こうこう | koukou | High school |
| 847 | だいがく | daigaku | University |
| 848 | だいがくいん | daigakuin | Graduate school |
| 849 | せんもんがっこう | senmon gakkou | Vocational school |
| 850 | りゅうがく | ryuugaku | Study abroad |
| 851 | インターネット | intaanetto | Internet |
| 852 | ウェブ | webu | Web |
| 853 | ホームページ | hoomu peeji | Website / Homepage |
| 854 | ブログ | burogu | Blog |
| 855 | SNS | esu en esu | Social media |
| 856 | ツイート | tsuiito | Tweet |
| 857 | フォロー | foroo | Follow (social media) |
| 858 | いいね | ii ne | Like (social media) |
| 859 | シェア | shea | Share |
| 860 | アップロード | appuroodo | Upload |
| 861 | ダウンロード | daunroodo | Download |
| 862 | パスワード | pasuwaado | Password |
| 863 | ログイン | roguin | Login |
| 864 | アカウント | akaunto | Account |
| 865 | メール | meeru | |
| 866 | チャット | chatto | Chat |
| 867 | ビデオ通話 | bideo tsuuwa | Video call |
| 868 | オンライン | onrain | Online |
| 869 | オフライン | ofurain | Offline |
| 870 | クラウド | kuraudo | Cloud |
| 871 | データ | deeta | Data |
| 872 | ファイル | fairu | File |
| 873 | アプリ | apuri | App |
| 874 | ソフトウェア | sofutouea | Software |
| 875 | ハードウェア | haaodouea | Hardware |
| 876 | AI | eii ai | Artificial intelligence |
| 877 | プログラム | puroguramu | Program |
| 878 | コード | koodo | Code |
| 879 | エラー | eraa | Error |
| 880 | バグ | bagu | Bug (software) |
| 881 | アップデート | appudeeto | Update |
| 882 | バックアップ | bakku appu | Backup |
| 883 | セキュリティ | sekyuriti | Security |
| 884 | プライバシー | puraibashii | Privacy |
| 885 | キーボード | kiiboodo | Keyboard |
| 886 | マウス | mausu | Mouse (computer) |
| 887 | スクリーン | sukuriin | Screen |
| 888 | カメラ | kamera | Camera |
| 889 | マイク | maiku | Microphone |
| 890 | スピーカー | supiikaa | Speaker |
| 891 | ヘッドホン | heddohon | Headphones |
| 892 | イヤホン | iyahon | Earphones |
| 893 | でんち | denchi | Battery |
| 894 | じゅうでん | juuden | Charging |
| 895 | でんげん | dengen | Power / Power source |
| 896 | Wi-Fi | wai fai | Wi-Fi |
| 897 | ブルートゥース | buruutuusu | Bluetooth |
| 898 | GPS | jii pii esu | GPS |
| 899 | マップ | mappu | Map (app) |
| 900 | ナビ | nabi | Navigation |
Words 901–1000: Advanced Connectors & Nuanced Speech
| # | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 901 | そういえば | sou ieba | Come to think of it |
| 902 | ところで | tokoro de | By the way |
| 903 | ちなみに | chinami ni | Incidentally / By the way |
| 904 | つまり | tsumari | In other words |
| 905 | たとえば | tatoeba | For example |
| 906 | すなわち | sunawachi | That is to say / Namely |
| 907 | くわしくいうと | kuwashiku iu to | To put it in detail |
| 908 | かんたんにいうと | kantan ni iu to | To put it simply |
| 909 | それに | soreni | Moreover / Besides |
| 910 | さらに | sara ni | Furthermore |
| 911 | しかも | shikamo | What’s more |
| 912 | いっぽうで | ippou de | On the other hand |
| 913 | たいして | taishite | In contrast |
| 914 | むしろ | mushiro | Rather |
| 915 | それでも | soredemo | Even so |
| 916 | それにもかかわらず | sore ni mo kakawarazu | Nevertheless |
| 917 | もしも | moshimo | If (hypothetical) |
| 918 | かりに | kari ni | Suppose / Hypothetically |
| 919 | たとえ～ても | tatoe ~te mo | Even if |
| 920 | ～にもかかわらず | ~ni mo kakawarazu | Despite |
| 921 | おかげで | okage de | Thanks to |
| 922 | せいで | sei de | Because of (negative) |
| 923 | ために | tame ni | For the purpose of |
| 924 | のに | noni | Even though |
| 925 | くせに | kuse ni | Even though (resentful) |
| 926 | なのに | na noni | And yet / Even though |
| 927 | ～ながら | ~nagara | While doing |
| 928 | ～てから | ~te kara | After doing |
| 929 | ～まえに | ~mae ni | Before doing |
| 930 | ～あいだに | ~aida ni | During / While |
| 931 | ～について | ~ni tsuite | About / Regarding |
| 932 | ～にとって | ~ni totte | For (someone) |
| 933 | ～によって | ~ni yotte | By / Depending on |
| 934 | ～にたいして | ~ni taishite | Toward / Against |
| 935 | らしい | rashii | Seems / Apparently |
| 936 | そうだ | sou da | Seems / I heard |
| 937 | はずだ | hazu da | Should be |
| 938 | かもしれない | kamoshirenai | Might be |
| 939 | にちがいない | ni chigai nai | Must be |
| 940 | だろう | darou | Probably |
| 941 | べきだ | beki da | Should / Ought to |
| 942 | てはいけない | te wa ikenai | Must not |
| 943 | なければならない | nakereba naranai | Must / Have to |
| 944 | てもいい | te mo ii | It’s okay to |
| 945 | たほうがいい | ta hou ga ii | Better to |
| 946 | ざるをえない | zaru wo enai | Cannot avoid / Must |
| 947 | わけにはいかない | wake ni wa ikanai | Cannot possibly |
| 948 | ～こそ | ~koso | Precisely / It is … that |
| 949 | ～さえ | ~sae | Even / As long as |
| 950 | ～ばかり | ~bakari | Only / Just |
| 951 | ～ほど | ~hodo | To the extent that |
| 952 | ～くらい | ~kurai | About / Approximately |
| 953 | ～しか～ない | ~shika~nai | Nothing but / Only |
| 954 | ～だけ | ~dake | Only / Just |
| 955 | ～まで | ~made | Until / Up to |
| 956 | ～より | ~yori | Than / More than |
| 957 | ～ほど～ない | ~hodo~nai | Not as … as |
| 958 | ～のほうが | ~no hou ga | The … side / Compared to |
| 959 | いちばん | ichiban | The most / Number one |
| 960 | もっとも | mottomo | The most / Most |
| 961 | ぜんぜん | zenzen | Not at all (with neg) |
| 962 | まったく | mattaku | Completely / Not at all |
| 963 | かなり | kanari | Considerably |
| 964 | わりと | warito | Relatively / Fairly |
| 965 | けっこう | kekkou | Quite / Rather |
| 966 | ひじょうに | hijou ni | Extremely |
| 967 | めちゃくちゃ | mechakucha | Extremely (casual) |
| 968 | ものすごく | monosugoku | Incredibly |
| 969 | そこそこ | sokosoko | So-so / Moderately |
| 970 | なんとか | nantoka | Somehow / Barely |
| 971 | かろうじて | karoujite | Barely / Just managing |
| 972 | まさか | masaka | No way! / Surely not |
| 973 | よもや | yomoya | Surely not (literary) |
| 974 | あながち | anagachi | Not entirely (with neg) |
| 975 | いまさら | imasara | At this late stage |
| 976 | かまわない | kamawanai | It doesn’t matter |
| 977 | さしつかえない | sashitskaenai | No problem / Fine |
| 978 | ようするに | you suru ni | In short / Bottom line |
| 979 | けっきょく | kekkyoku | In the end |
| 980 | おそらく | osoraku | Probably / Perhaps |
| 981 | あいにく | ainiku | Unfortunately |
| 982 | さいわい | saiwai | Fortunately |
| 983 | しかたなく | shikata naku | Inevitably / No choice |
| 984 | しぶしぶ | shibushibu | Reluctantly |
| 985 | よろこんで | yorokonde | Gladly / With pleasure |
| 986 | もちろん | mochiron | Of course |
| 987 | ぎゃくに | gyaku ni | Conversely |
| 988 | あべこべ | abekobe | Topsy-turvy / Reversed |
| 989 | ものの | mono no | Although / But |
| 990 | といっても | to itte mo | Even though one says |
| 991 | というのも | to iu no mo | The reason is that |
| 992 | だとしたら | dato shitara | If that’s the case |
| 993 | それはそうと | sore wa sou to | That aside / Anyway |
| 994 | はなしがかわるけど | hanashi ga kawaru kedo | Changing the subject |
| 995 | あとで かんがえると | ato de kangaeru to | Looking back on it |
| 996 | じぶんのことばで | jibun no kotoba de | In my own words |
| 997 | しょうじきなところ | shoujiki na tokoro | Honestly speaking |
| 998 | おもうんですが | omoun desu ga | I think that… |
| 999 | さいごに | saigo ni | Finally / In closing |
| 1000 | よろしくおねがいします | yoroshiku onegai shimasu | Please treat me well / Thank you in advance |
Real-Life Conversation Examples
These mini-dialogues show how the words above work in real daily Japanese conversations. Practice these as full scenes.
🛒 At a Convenience Store (コンビニ)
てんいん: いらっしゃいませ！ (Ten’in: Irasshaimase!) — Welcome!
あなた: すみません、これをください。それから、レジぶくろはいりません。 (Anata: Sumimasen, kore wo kudasai. Sorekara, reji bukuro wa irimasen.) — Excuse me, I’ll take this. Also, I don’t need a bag.
てんいん: かしこまりました。ポイントカードはおもちですか？ (Ten’in: Kashikomarimashita. Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?) — Certainly. Do you have a points card?
あなた: いいえ、もっていません。 (Anata: Iie, motte imasen.) — No, I don’t have one.
てんいん: ごひゃくえんになります。 (Ten’in: Gohyaku en ni narimasu.) — That’ll be 500 yen.
🚃 Asking for Directions (道をきく)
あなた: すみません、しんじゅくえきはどこですか？ (Sumimasen, Shinjuku eki wa doko desu ka?) — Excuse me, where is Shinjuku Station?
ひと: まっすぐいって、ふたつめのかどをみぎにまがってください。 (Hito: Massugu itte, futatsume no kado wo migi ni magatte kudasai.) — Go straight and turn right at the second corner.
あなた: ここからとおいですか？ (Koko kara tooi desu ka?) — Is it far from here?
ひと: いいえ、あるいてごふんくらいです。 (Iie, aruite gofun kurai desu.) — No, it’s about a 5-minute walk.
あなた: ありがとうございます！ (Arigatou gozaimasu!) — Thank you very much!
☕ Making Plans with a Friend (ともだちとやくそく)
ともだち: あした、いっしょにカフェにいかない？ (Tomodachi: Ashita, issho ni kafe ni ikanai?) — Want to go to a café together tomorrow?
あなた: いいね！なんじがいい？ (Ii ne! Nanji ga ii?) — Sounds great! What time is good?
ともだち: ひるすぎ、じゅうにじごろはどう？ (Hiru sugi, juuniji goro wa dou?) — How about around noon, 12 o’clock?
あなた: ちょっとまって。ひるはしごとがあるから、さんじはどう？ (Chotto matte. Hiru wa shigoto ga aru kara, sanji wa dou?) — Wait a moment. I have work at noon, how about 3 o’clock?
ともだち: いいよ、じゃあ、えきのまえでまちあわせしよう！ (Ii yo, jaa, eki no mae de machiawasei shiyo!) — OK, let’s meet in front of the station!
🏥 At the Doctor’s Office (いしゃのところで)
いしゃ: どうしましたか？ (Isha: Dou shimashita ka?) — What’s the matter?
あなた: きのうからのどがいたくて、ねつもすこしあります。 (Kinou kara nodo ga itakute, netsu mo sukoshi arimasu.) — My throat has been hurting since yesterday and I have a slight fever.
いしゃ: わかりました。くすりをだしますね。みっかぶんのんでください。 (Wakarimashita. Kusuri wo dashimasu ne. Mikkabun nonde kudasai.) — I understand. I’ll prescribe some medicine. Please take it for three days.
あなた: わかりました。ありがとうございます。 (Wakarimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu.) — Understood. Thank you.
💼 At Work (しごとで)
じょうし: このプロジェクトのほうこくをしめきりまでにだしてください。 (Joushi: Kono purojekuto no houkoku wo shimekiri made ni dashite kudasai.) — Please submit the report for this project before the deadline.
あなた: はい、わかりました。しめきりはいつですか？ (Hai, wakarimashita. Shimekiri wa itsu desu ka?) — Yes, understood. When is the deadline?
じょうし: こんしゅうのきんようびです。 (Konshu no kinyoubi desu.) — It’s this Friday.
あなた: かしこまりました。かならずまにあわせます。 (Kashikomarimashita. Kanarazu mani awasemasu.) — Understood. I will definitely make it in time.
How to Memorize Japanese Words Fast
Becoming fluent in everyday Japanese conversation starts with smart vocabulary study. Here are Fumito Emi’s top strategies from years of teaching at reading-japanese.com:
1. Learn the Scripts First
You cannot learn Japanese effectively through romaji alone. Commit two weeks to learning hiragana and katakana — use our free hiragana chart and katakana chart. Once you can read the scripts, vocabulary acquisition speeds up dramatically.
2. Use Spaced Repetition (SRS)
Apps like Anki or Wanikani use algorithms to show you words right before you forget them. This is the most efficient way to memorize 1,000 words. Create decks based on the sections in this list.
3. Study Words in Conversational Context
Don’t memorize words in isolation. Attach every new word to a sentence from this list. Your brain stores language in patterns — so わかりました (wakarimashita) sticks better when you remember saying it after “はい.”
4. Shadow Native Speakers
Find Japanese podcasts, YouTube videos, or dramas. Pause and repeat what you hear. Listening and repeating trains your pronunciation and ear simultaneously. Look up words that appear repeatedly.
5. Use the 20-Words-Per-Day Rule
Twenty new words per day = 1,000 words in 50 days. Review the previous day’s words before starting new ones. Consistent daily practice beats long, infrequent sessions.
6. Focus on High-Frequency Conversational Words First
The words in Section 1 (Words 1–100) of this list appear in nearly every Japanese conversation. Learn these first before moving to more specific vocabulary. This matches how we recommend approaching JLPT N5 vocabulary.
7. Speak from Day One
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start using phrases like すみません, ありがとうございます, and もう一度おねがいします the moment you learn them. Conversation is the best teacher.
Download: PDF, Audio & Flashcards
Want to study these 1,000 words anywhere, anytime?
Fumito Emi and the team at reading-japanese.com offer a full suite of free and premium study tools:
- 📄 PDF Download — Printable, clean table format of all 1,000 words organized by category
- 🔊 Native Audio — Listen to every word spoken by a Japanese native speaker
- 🃏 Anki Flashcard Deck — Pre-built deck sorted by the 10 conversational categories in this guide
- ✍️ Writing Practice Sheets — Trace and practice writing in hiragana and katakana
- 📝 Sentence Practice Worksheets — Fill-in-the-blank exercises using real example sentences
👉 Access all resources free at reading-japanese.com
For official Japanese proficiency standards, visit the JLPT official website to learn about exam levels and vocabulary requirements.
FAQ
❓ How many Japanese words do I need to speak daily conversational Japanese?
Research consistently shows that 1,000–1,500 words is enough for most everyday conversations. With 1,000 words, you can handle greetings, shopping, travel, dining, and basic social situations confidently. Fluency in the full language requires 3,000–5,000 words, but daily conversation is very achievable at 1,000.
❓ Is this list enough for the JLPT exam?
The JLPT N5 (beginner) exam requires approximately 800 words — all of which are covered in this list. For JLPT N4, you’ll need closer to 1,500 words, so this list provides an excellent N4 foundation as well. Check our dedicated JLPT N5 vocabulary guide for a targeted N5 list.
❓ What is the difference between this list and a general vocabulary list?
This list is curated specifically for daily conversational Japanese — the words you’ll actually hear and use at restaurants, train stations, offices, and social situations. It emphasizes spoken language, pragmatic expressions, and connectors that textbooks often skip.
❓ Do I need to learn kanji to use these words?
Not immediately. For beginners, focusing on reading hiragana and katakana first is enough. Many of the most common conversational words are written in hiragana. Kanji becomes important at JLPT N4 and above. Start with our free hiragana chart today.
❓ How long does it take to memorize 1,000 Japanese words?
At 20 words per day with daily review, you can complete the list in 50 days — about 7 weeks. With spaced repetition software, long-term retention is strong. Most learners who study consistently for 2–3 months can actively use the majority of words on this list.
❓ Should I memorize all 1,000 words before practicing conversation?
No. Start speaking from the very first day. Learn the words in Section 1 (Greetings and Core Phrases) and immediately practice them with a language partner, tutor, or app like HelloTalk or iTalki. Conversation practice accelerates vocabulary retention dramatically.
❓ What apps are best for learning Japanese conversational words?
For vocabulary: Anki (customizable SRS flashcards) and Wanikani (kanji + vocabulary). For listening: JapanesePod101 and NHK World Easy Japanese. For conversation practice: HelloTalk and iTalki. Pair any of these tools with the structured word list from reading-japanese.com for maximum results.
Related Articles
Explore more expert resources from Fumito Emi at reading-japanese.com:
- 📘 Learn Hiragana — Free Chart & Complete Guide
- 📗 Learn Katakana — Free Chart & Complete Guide
- 📙 JLPT N5 Vocabulary — Complete Study List
🎯 Start Speaking Japanese Today
You now have everything you need — all 1,000 most common Japanese words for daily conversation, organized by theme, with romaji, meanings, and real example sentences.
The next step is simple: pick Words 1–20 from this list. Study them today. Use them in a sentence. Come back tomorrow.
Small steps, every day — that’s how fluency is built.
📥 Download the free PDF of this full word list at reading-japanese.com and start your Japanese conversation journey today!
Written by Fumito Emi | Japanese Language Tutor | reading-japanese.com References: Japanese Language — Wikipedia | JLPT Official Site