20+ Must-Know Japanese Words for Beginners

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Japan has one of the world’s oldest traditions dating back thousands of years. Having diverse and versatile cultures, Japan also has one of the world’s oldest languages. Many of us may not know the Japanese language completely, yet we use a few Japanese words daily. The term “emoji” is a Japanese word which means “picture characters”. Strong relations between Japan and India lead young individuals to participate in cultural exchange programs because of which many are learning the Japanese language. One should be aware of the basic of the language like Japanese words for greeting, people, food etc and in what context are these Japanese words used in a sentence. Thus, learning a foreign language should be considered a serious career option.

 If you are a pilgrim who is frantic for old culture, temples and shrines, food and music, then Japan will be on your list. Therefore, having sound knowledge of various aspects of the language will help you when in a foreign land and will surely stand a strong ground in long-term voyages. Japanese words are most popular among the youth due to the worldwide popularity of Amime (Japanese animation) and Manga (Japanese comic).

Don’t worry, I know learning a language can be a bit intimidating but learning a few Japanese words would take a short amount of your time and effort. This article will help you with more than 25 Japanese words for beginners which will certainly help you to squeeze in a regular conversation in Japan.

As they say in Japanese, 行こう!(Ikkou, “Let’s go!”).

Japanese Words for Beginners: Essential list

At first, it might look challenging to know where to begin. Learning a new language altogether can be a bit difficult, especially when it comes to a language where the writing system is very different from any other language in the world with three separate writing systems, an opposite sentence structure to English, and a complicated hierarchy of politeness.

The following list of basic Japanese words you will make your way through the crowd in Japan.

Japanese Words for Greetings

Japanese people greet each other by bowing their heads in respect which showcases love and gratitude.

1. Yes: はい (hai)
2. No: いいえ (iie)
3. hello : こんにちは (konnichiwa)
4. Goodbye: じゃね (ja ne)
5. Thank you: ありがとう (arigatou)
6. Im sorry: ごめんなさい (gomen nasai)

Japanese Words for Pronouns:

Unlike any other language, Japanese speakers avoid using pronouns. It is considered rude to frequently use pronouns if you know the person’s name. 

7. I: 私 (watashi)

8. You: あなた (anata)

9. This: これ (kore)

10. That:それ (sore)

11. He:彼 (kare)

12. She:彼女 (kanojo)

Japanese Words for Numbers:

Japanese numbers are quite easy to understand and can be useful when learning a few basics:

13. One: いち (ichi)

14. Two: に (ni)

15. Three: さん (san)

16. Four: し (shi) or よん (yon)

17. Five:ご (go)

18. Six:ろく (roku)

19. Seven: なな (nana) or しち (shichi)

20. Eight: はち (hachi)

21. Nine: く (ku) or きゅう (kyuu)

22. Ten:じゅう (juu)

Japanese words for Time:

Knowing time in Japanese will certainly help while travelling to Japan.

23. Later: 後で (ato de)

24. Before: 前に (mae ni)

25. Now: 今 (ima)

26. Yesterday: 昨日 (kinou)

27. Tomorrow: 明日 (ashita)

28. Today: 今日 (kyou)

Japanese words for Food:

Japan has a variety of food cultures from all over the world. Tokyo (the capital) is famous for its 5-star-rated food in the world. Here are some words in Japanese for food and drinks:

29. Coffee: コーヒー (kohi) 

30. Bread: パン (pan) 

31. Lunch: 昼ご飯 (hirogohan) 

32. Dinner: 夕食 (yūshoku) 

33. Food: 食べ物 (tabemono) 

34. Fruit: 果物 (kudamono) 

Japanese words for people:

Addressing people with their name, family name/role and social role is quite common in Japan. So, here are a few Japanese words for people:

35. Boy: 男の子 (otoko no ko) 

36. Girl: 女の子 (onna no ko) 

37. Child: 子供 (kodomo) 

38. Mother: 母 (haha) 

39. Father: 父 (chichi) 

40. Friend: 友達 (tomodachi) 

Benefits of learning the Japanese Language

There are several benefits of learning the Japanese language

1. Higher education in Japan
2. Travel and explore Japan and other native countries
3. Understanding Japanese art and culture.
4. Increase in job opportunities
5. Gives you an edge when learning Korean or Chinese.

Japanese Language Course

Learn the most extravagant language of the world in Henry Harvin. Japanese language course in Henry Harvin aims to develop the interpersonal skills of the candidates.  The course is designed to gain exquisite knowledge of the Japanese language at 5 different levels. The training program is divided into 5 levels-

1. Elementary level
2. pre-elementary level
3. Intermediate level
4. Pre-advanced level
5. Advanced level

Henry Harvin also provides courses in other languages such as German, Spanish, Mandarin, French etc. 

Key features of the course

1. 9 in 1 course
2. JLPT & NAT Exam Guidance
3. 100% Practical Training
4. E-Learning Access
5. 24×7 Lifetime Support and Access

Career benefits

• Better scope of jobs as translator and interpreter.
• Boosting professional value by understanding Linguistics and Translation.
• Distinguished profile from other peers.
• Get hired by international brands like Amazon, Google, JP Morgan, and other topmost industries.
• Improve your CV and Linkedin profile with professional and technical development.
• Get job security with exceptional career growth.
• Connect with people globally in the arena of the Japanese Language.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning to travel to Japan for a job opportunity or to explore the culture, food or educational purposes, it is a good idea to learn a few essential Japanese words which might help you to get the ball rolling. 

Other language courses offered by Henry Harvin

1. Korean Language course
2. Indonesian language course
3. Italian language course

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