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Learn Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners – A1 Level
Fundamental Japanese Vocabulary for Beginners (A1 Level).
When learning Japanese at the A1 level, it is essential to focus on fundamental vocabulary that covers everyday situations and basic communication. Below is a categorized list of important words and phrases for beginners:
Essential Vocabulary for A1 Japanese
Greetings and Basic Expressions
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Hello
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) - Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) - Goodbye
- ありがとう (Arigatou) - Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen) - Excuse me / Sorry
- はい (Hai) - Yes
- いいえ (Iie) - No
Numbers and Time
- 一 (Ichi) - One
- 二 (Ni) - Two
- 三 (San) - Three
- 時間 (Jikan) - Time
- 今日 (Kyou) - Today
- 明日 (Ashita) - Tomorrow
Common Verbs
- 食べる (Taberu) - To eat
- 飲む (Nomu) - To drink
- 行く (Iku) - To go
- 見る (Miru) - To see/watch
- 話す (Hanasu) - To speak
- 聞く (Kiku) - To listen
Daily Life Vocabulary
Places
- 家 (Ie) - Home/House
- 学校 (Gakkou) - School
- 駅 (Eki) - Station
- スーパー (Suupaa) - Supermarket
Objects
- 本 (Hon) - Book
- ペン (Pen) - Pen
- 携帯電話 (Keitai denwa) - Mobile phone
Food
- ご飯 (Gohan) - Rice/Meal
- 水 (Mizu) - Water
- お茶 (Ocha) - Tea
Adjectives
- 大きい (Ookii) - Big
- 小さい (Chiisai) - Small
- 新しい (Atarashii) - New
- 古い (Furui) - Old
People and Pronouns
- 私 (Watashi) - I/Me
- あなた (Anata) - You
- 彼/彼女 (Kare/Kanojo) - He/She
Question Words
- 何? (Nani?) - What?
- どこ? (Doko?) - Where?
- いつ? (Itsu?) - When?
Basic Phrases for Interaction
- ~はどこですか? (~ wa doko desu ka?) – Where is ~?
- お元気ですか?(Ogenki desu ka?) – How are you?
These vocabulary items form the foundation for beginners learning Japanese and are commonly used in daily conversations, making them essential for A1-level learners. Resources like the “IRODORI A1 Vocabulary” series and beginner-friendly textbooks can further help reinforce these words in context 3, 5.