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The 100 most common words in Japanese to know

Learning a language begins with acquiring a solid foundation of basic vocabulary. A single well-chosen Japanese word often allows one to be understood in many everyday situations, even without perfectly mastering the grammar. This list brings together the most frequently used terms to build lasting foundations.

Japanese functions with three writing systems, but the pronunciation remains relatively accessible for English speakers. The words presented here cover immediate needs such as introducing oneself, counting, eating or getting around. Mastering these one hundred terms greatly facilitates immersion and overall comprehension.

Greetings and politeness

Japanese culture places respect and manners at its centre. Knowing these common words constitutes the first step to social interaction. There are several levels of language, but the following terms remain universal.

Gratitude and apologies are omnipresent in conversations. One encounters these common expressions several times a day, whether at the shop or amongst friends.

Pronouns and people

In Japanese, the subject is often omitted if the context is clear. However, it remains necessary to know how to refer to the people around oneself. The use of pronouns requires some caution so as not to appear too direct.

Numbers from 1 to 10

The Japanese numerical system is logical, but it uses specific counters according to the shape of objects. To begin with, knowledge of the basic numbers suffices for reading prices or giving a simple quantity.

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Question words and linking words

To construct sentences and ask questions, certain grammatical tools are indispensable. These words allow one to structure thoughts and obtain precise information during a conversation.

Daily action verbs

The verb is always placed at the end of the sentence in Japanese. Here are the most common actions in their dictionary form. To speak politely, one often adds the ending “-masu” at the end.

Common adjectives

Japanese adjectives are divided into two categories (-i and -na adjectives) and serve to describe the surrounding world. They are indispensable for expressing an opinion, a taste or a physical state.

Time and calendar

Finding one’s bearings in time is a necessity for organising one’s days or travelling. Temporal vocabulary allows one to situate an action in the past, present or immediate future.

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Food and daily life

Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide, and vocabulary related to food comes up constantly. These terms cover primary needs and everyday objects of daily life.

Places and directions

To navigate in a city or indicate a destination, one must know the main urban locations. These words are very useful for reading road signs or asking for directions.

Immediate family

Japanese family vocabulary changes depending on whether one is speaking about one’s own family or that of others. The terms below mainly refer to members of one’s own family, which is the foundation for introducing oneself.