Skip to content
What are some essential Japanese vocabulary words for everyday use visualisation

What are some essential Japanese vocabulary words for everyday use

Learn Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners – A1 Level: What are some essential Japanese vocabulary words for everyday use
Learn with Comprenders App About Comprenders

Here are some essential Japanese vocabulary words and phrases for everyday use, categorized for convenience:

Basic Greetings

  • こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello/Good afternoon
  • おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu): Good morning (formal)
  • こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening
  • さようなら (Sayounara): Goodbye
  • おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai): Good night

Polite Expressions

  • ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you (formal)
  • どういたしまして (Douitashimashite): You’re welcome
  • すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me/I’m sorry
  • お願いします (Onegaishimasu): Please (used when making a request)
  • はい (Hai): Yes
  • いいえ (Iie): No

Introductions

  • はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you
  • 私の名前は〜です (Watashi no namae wa ~ desu): My name is ~
  • よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu): Please treat me well/Nice to meet you

Daily Life Vocabulary

  • いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?): How much is it?
  • これ、それ、あれ (Kore, Sore, Are): This, That, That over there
  • どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?): Where is it?
  • トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?): Where is the bathroom?
  • 水をください (Mizu o kudasai): Please give me water

Food and Dining

  • おいしい (Oishii): Delicious
  • メニューをください (Menu o kudasai): Can I have the menu, please?
  • いただきます (Itadakimasu): Said before eating (“I humbly receive”)
  • ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita): Said after eating (“Thank you for the meal”)

Numbers

  1. 一 (Ichi) - One
  2. 二 (Ni) - Two
  3. 三 (San) - Three
  4. 四 (Shi/Yon) - Four
  5. 五 (Go) - Five

Travel and Directions

  • 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?): Where is the station?
  • 右に曲がってください (Migi ni magatte kudasai): Please turn right
  • 左に曲がってください (Hidari ni magatte kudasai): Please turn left

Emergency Phrases

  • 助けてください！(Tasukete kudasai!): Please help!
  • 病院はどこですか？(Byouin wa doko desu ka?): Where is the hospital?

These words and phrases are practical for navigating daily life in Japan and interacting politely in various situations. They are foundational for beginners learning Japanese and can be expanded upon as your proficiency grows.

References

Open the App About Comprenders