Top 100 Japanese words for beginners are essential, high-frequency words covering greetings, pronouns, common verbs, time, and basic nouns for everyday conversation (e.g., kore, suru, sensei, arigatou). Focusing on this core vocabulary often found in JLPT N5 lists allows beginners to understand approximately 80% of daily, basic, or routine interactions.
Check out our Japanese Language Course in Delhi Online for flexible online learning.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| 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 |
| ありがとう | Arigatou | Thank you |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me/Sorry |
| ごめんなさい | Gomennasai | I'm sorry |
| はい | Hai | Yes |
| いいえ | Iie | No |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please (polite request) |
| どういたしまして | Douitashimashite | You're welcome |
Prepare effectively with our NAT Japanese Test February guide.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| 行く | Iku | To go |
| 来る | Kuru | To come |
| 見る | Miru | To see/watch |
| 話す | Hanasu | To speak |
| 聞く | Kiku | To listen/ask |
| 食べる | Taberu | To eat |
| 飲む | Nomu | To drink |
| する | Suru | To do |
| 買う | Kau | To buy |
| 勉強する | Benkyou suru | To study |
Find fee details in our JLPT 2026 Registration Fees in India post.
| Number | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| 1 | 一 | Ichi |
| 2 | 二 | Ni |
| 3 | 三 | San |
| 4 | 四 | Yon/Shi |
| 5 | 五 | Go |
| 6 | 六 | Roku |
| 7 | 七 | Nana/Shichi |
| 8 | 八 | Hachi |
| 9 | 九 | Kyuu/Ku |
| 10 | 十 | Juu |
See where you can test in our JLPT Exam Centres in India guide.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| 家 | Ie/Uchi | House/Home |
| 学校 | Gakkou | School |
| 会社 | Kaisha | Company/Office |
| 病院 | Byouin | Hospital |
| 駅 | Eki | Train station |
| 車 | Kuruma | Car |
| 猫 | Neko | Cat |
| 犬 | Inu | Dog |
| 本 | Hon | Book |
| 友達 | Tomodachi | Friend |
Learn more in our Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) guide.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| 大きい | Ookii | Big |
| 小さい | Chiisai | Small |
| 高い | Takai | Expensive/High |
| 安い | Yasui | Cheap |
| 速い | Hayai | Fast |
| 遅い | Osoi | Slow |
| 暑い | Atsui | Hot (weather) |
| 寒い | Samui | Cold (weather) |
| 美味しい | Oishii | Delicious |
| かわいい | Kawaii | Cute |
Understand characters in our What Is Kanji? Japanese Language article.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| 今日 | Kyou | Today |
| 明日 | Ashita | Tomorrow |
| 昨日 | Kinou | Yesterday |
| 午前 | Gozen | AM (morning) |
| 午後 | Gogo | PM (afternoon) |
| 今年 | Kotoshi | This year |
| 来年 | Rainen | Next year |
| 先月 | Sengetsu | Last month |
| 今週 | Konshuu | This week |
| 週末 | Shuumatsu | Weekend |
Learn the structure in our Levels and Sections of NAT Exam breakdown.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? |
| どこですか？ | Doko desu ka? | Where is it? |
| 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? | Can you speak English? |
| 助けてください！ | Tasukete kudasai! | Please help! |
| トイレはどこですか？ | Toire wa doko desu ka? | Where is the bathroom? |
At Team Language Services (TLS), learning Japanese isn’t just about memorizing words—it’s about using them confidently in real conversations. Our approach includes:
Interactive Lessons – Learn through real-life examples that make vocabulary stick.
Practical Exercises – Reinforce your learning with hands-on practice.
Personalized Coaching – Get guidance tailored to your pace for faster, effective improvement.
With TLS, you don’t just memorize Japanese words you internalize them and use them naturally in everyday conversation.
Check the dates in our Japanese Language NAT Test 2026 – Test Schedule by Country post.
Boost your Japanese vocabulary faster with these expert tips from TLS:
Flashcards & Mnemonics – Link words to images or stories for easy recall.
Daily Conversations – Practice speaking with a tutor or language partner to use words naturally.
Immerse in Japanese Media – Watch anime, movies, or listen to podcasts to reinforce learning in context.
Follow these strategies, and you’ll remember words effortlessly and use them confidently in real-life conversations.
See updates in our When Will JLPT December Result Come Out? article.
1. How can I learn Japanese words quickly?
Learning Japanese words effectively combines visual memory, repetition, and practical use. Flashcards and mnemonics help you remember words faster, while daily practice in conversation or writing ensures you retain them long-term. Immersing yourself in Japanese media like anime, movies, and podcasts also reinforces learning naturally.
2. What are the most important Japanese words for beginners?
Start with everyday essentials:
3. How many words do I need to know to be fluent in Japanese?
4. Is Japanese vocabulary hard to learn?
Japanese vocabulary can seem challenging because of kanji characters, multiple readings, and pronunciation nuances. However, many words are simple to learn if you combine structured study, repetition, and practical usage. With the right approach, even beginners can start speaking confidently in a few months.
5. Do I need to learn kanji to understand Japanese words?
You can begin with hiragana and katakana, which cover most basic words and sentences. Kanji becomes essential for reading newspapers, signs, or advanced texts. Learning kanji gradually while practicing vocabulary ensures you don’t feel overwhelmed.
6. What’s the best way to remember Japanese words long-term?
7. Can I learn Japanese words without a tutor?
Yes! Many learners use apps, flashcards, and online media to study independently. However, a tutor or language partner accelerates progress by providing corrections, feedback, and real conversational practice.
8. How long does it take to memorize 100 Japanese words?
With daily practice, most learners can confidently memorize 100 essential words in 2–3 weeks. Combining flashcards, mnemonics, and speaking exercises will make retention faster and more natural.
9. Are there tricks to remember difficult Japanese words?
Yes! Techniques like:
10. How do I use these top 100 Japanese words in daily conversation?
Start small: greet people, ask simple questions, order food, or introduce yourself. The more you use words in context, the easier it becomes to remember them naturally.
