japanese word for homework

Mastering the Phrase: How to Say Homework in Japanese

Are you looking to expand your Japanese language skills? Learning how to express academic tasks like “homework” in Japanese is a great place to start. In this section, we will guide you through the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese, providing you with the necessary tools to communicate more effectively in the language.

Although it may seem simple, expressing “homework” in Japanese is not as straightforward as you may think. Japanese has multiple words and expressions for this concept, depending on the context and level of formality. But fear not! By the end of this article, you will know how to say “homework” in Japanese like a pro.

So, are you ready to learn the Japanese word for homework and other relevant phrases? Let’s get started!

How to Say Homework in Japanese

When it comes to expressing the concept of homework in Japanese, there are various phrases and expressions you can use. Here are some common ways to say “homework” in Japanese:

Note that the word “宿題” (shukudai) is the most commonly used term for “homework” in Japanese. However, the other phrases can also be used depending on the context and level of formality.

How to Say Homework in Japanese in Different Contexts

Depending on the situation, the appropriate Japanese phrase for “homework” may vary. Here are some examples:

• If you want to ask your teacher about the homework: 「今日の宿題は何ですか？」(Kyou no shukudai wa nan desu ka?) which means “What is today’s homework?”
• If you want to tell a friend that you have homework to do: 「宿題があるんだよ」(Shukudai ga aru n da yo) which means “I have homework to do.”
• If you want to express that the homework is difficult: 「宿題が難しいです」(Shukudai ga muzukashii desu) which means “The homework is difficult.”

By using these phrases in the appropriate context, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese.

Japanese Vocabulary for Homework

As mentioned earlier, the Japanese language has multiple words and expressions for “homework”, depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some of the most commonly used vocabulary words and phrases related to homework in Japanese:

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of each word and phrase can vary depending on the speaker’s region and dialect, so it’s best to listen to native speakers for proper pronunciation.

Homework Phrase in Japanese

The most commonly used phrase for “homework” in Japanese is “shukudai” (宿題), which is also the most casual and familiar. For a more formal or academic context, “kadai” (課題) can be used instead.

In addition to these phrases, Japanese educators may use the term “jishu gakushu” (自主学習) when referring to self-study or homework outside of class. Students may also use the phrases “yoshu” (予習) for preparing for a lesson and “fukushu” (復習) for reviewing material covered in class or for exams.

By familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words and phrases, you can accurately express and discuss homework in Japanese conversations.

Ways to Express Homework in Japanese

Japanese has multiple words and expressions for “homework” depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some common ways to express homework in Japanese :

In addition to the words listed above, there are also many expressions commonly used to talk about homework in Japanese. Here are some examples:

• しゅくだいのりょうがおおい
• The amount of homework is large
• まいばんしゅくだいをする
• To do homework every night
• しゅくだいをほうちする
• To leave homework undone

By learning these variations for expressing homework in Japanese, you can showcase your language prowess and effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts.

Pronunciation and Usage Tips

Now that you know how to say homework in Japanese and have familiarized yourself with the related vocabulary and expressions, it’s important to understand how to pronounce these phrases correctly.

The Japanese word for homework is しゅくだい (shukudai). To pronounce it correctly, begin with the “shu” sound, which is similar to the English “shoe” sound, but with a slightly shorter duration. Next, move on to the “ku” sound, which is similar to the English “koo” sound. Finally, say “dai” with a long “i” sound, similar to the English word “die.”

Another word commonly used for homework in Japanese is 宿題 (shukudai). To pronounce this word, start with “shu” as before, then say “ku” and “dai” as you did previously. The final syllable “kai” is pronounced with a long “i” sound as in the English word “high.”

It’s important to note that Japanese has different levels of politeness and formality, and the appropriate word choice and expressions will depend on the context and situation. For example, if you want to ask a friend if they have any homework, you might use the phrase “shukudai aru?” which means “Do you have homework?” In a more formal setting, you may use “shukudai ga arimasu ka?” which has the same meaning, but with a higher level of politeness.

By paying attention to pronunciation and using the appropriate level of formality, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a master of the phrase!

Summary and Conclusion

In conclusion, learning the various ways to express “homework” in Japanese is an essential part of mastering the language. The Japanese language has multiple words for homework, and it’s important to understand the context and level of formality when choosing which phrase to use.

By familiarizing yourself with the specific vocabulary and expressions related to homework in Japanese, you can effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts. Additionally, understanding the correct pronunciation of these phrases will enhance your language skills and improve your overall communication in Japanese.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese and has helped you improve your language proficiency. Remember to practice and use these phrases in your Japanese conversations to further enhance your skills!

Q: How do you say “homework” in Japanese?

A: The word for “homework” in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai).

Q: Are there any other ways to express “homework” in Japanese?

A: Yes, besides “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai), you can also use the phrases “宿題をする” (しゅくだいをする, shukudai o suru) which means “to do homework,” or “宿題を出す” (しゅくだいをだす, shukudai o dasu) which means “to assign homework.”

Q: How do you pronounce “宿題”?

A: “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai) is pronounced as “shoo-koo-die” in English.

Q: Can you provide an example sentence using the word “宿題”?

A: Sure! An example sentence could be “毎晩、宿題をします” (まいばん、しゅくだいをします, Maiban, shukudai o shimasu) which means “I do homework every night.”

Q: Are there any other words or phrases related to homework in Japanese?

A: Yes, some related words and phrases include “テストの勉強” (てすとのべんきょう, tesuto no benkyou) for “studying for a test” and “レポートを書く” (れぽーとをかく, repooto o kaku) for “writing a report.”

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May 28, 2022 By Masaki Mori Leave a Comment

Shukudai is the Japanese word for ‘homework’, explained

What does “shukudai” mean in japanese.

Native speakers use shukudai to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese. Perhaps, some Japanese learners know this word as it is sometimes used in Japanese textbooks. In this blog post, however, I will explain this word in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I will explain how to use it through example sentences. My explanations would help Japanese learners understand shukudai more clearly. Then, let’s get started!

Definition and meaning of “shukudai”

How to say “homework” in japanese, another example of “shukudai”.

Let me start with the definition and meaning of shukudai .

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese.

Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage is very similar to that of the English noun, homework , I think.

The definition and meaning are simple and clear. To understand this noun more clearly, however, let me explain its kanji characters in detail, one by one.

Shukudai in kanji

The kanji expression of shukudai consists of the following two kanji characters:

• 宿 : a kanji character used to refer to a place where people stay.
• 題 : a kanji character used to mean a ‘theme’, ‘subject’, ‘question’, or ‘problem’ in Japanese.

From these two kanji characters, we can understand that shukudai literally means ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

When we meet new kanji expressions, we should check their kanji characters in detail to understand their meanings clearly and deeply. In many cases, kanji characters tell us a lot about the meanings of the expressions they form. Actually, here, we could get the better understanding of shukudai through the detailed kanji check above.

So far, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai together with its kanji characters. Then, let me explain how to use it through the example sentences below.

kyou wa shukudai ga takusan aru – 今日は宿題がたくさんある (きょうはしゅくだいがたくさんある) Today, I have a lot of homework.

Below are the new words used in the example sentence.

• kyou – 今日 (きょう) : a noun meaning ‘today’ in Japanese.
• wa – は : a binding particle working as a case marker or topic marker. In the example, this works as a topic marker after kyou to put a focus on it.
• ga – が : a case particle used to make the subject word or the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the subject in the sentence.
• takusan – たくさん : an adverb of quantity meaning ‘many’, ‘much’, or such in Japanese. In the example, this works to emphasize the amount of the homework.
• aru – ある : a verb meaning ‘to be’, ‘to exist’, ‘to present’, or such in Japanese.

This is a typical usage of shukudai . In this example, it works as a part of the commonly-used phrase, shukudai ga aru , which literally means ‘homework exists’ in Japanese. This phrase is often translated into English as ‘to have homework’, though.

boku wa shukudai wo katazuke mashi ta – 僕は宿題を片付けました (ぼくはしゅくだいをかたづけました) I finished my homework.

• boku – 僕 (ぼく) : a pronoun meaning ‘I’ in Japanese. This is used mainly by boys and young males.
• wo – を : a case particle used to make the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the object in the sentence.
• katazuke – 片付け (かたづけ) : one conjugation of the verb, katazukeru , which means ‘to clean’, ‘to clear’, ‘to finish’, or such in Japanese. In the example, it has been conjugated for the better connection with its following word.
• mashi – まし : one conjugation of the auxiliary verb, masu , which is used after a verb to make it polite. In the example, this is used after katazuke to make it sound polite.
• ta – た : an auxiliary verb used after a verb, adjective, or auxiliary verb to make its past tense form. Probably, this is well known as a part of Japanese ta form. In the example, this is used at the end of the verb phrase to mean ‘to have finished’ in Japanese.

This is another example of shukudai . In this example, it works together with the case particle, wo , to become the object in the sentence. When we want to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese, anyway, this noun is always a very good option.

In this blog post, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I’ve explained how to use it through the example sentences. Let me summarize them as follows.

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese. Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage of this noun is very similar to that of the English one, homework . These two kanji characters literally mean ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

Hope my explanations are understandable and helpful for Japanese learners.

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• jreibun/4436/1 小学生の息子はいつも自分の部屋ではなく、リビングルームで宿題をしている。わからないことがあるとき私にすぐ聞けるから、リビングルームのほうがいいそうだ。 My elementary school son always does his homework in the living room, not in his room. He says he prefers the living room because he can immediately ask me a question when he doesn’t understand something. — Jreibun Details ▸

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Japanese translation of 'homework'

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What is the translation of "homework" in Japanese?

"homework" in japanese, homework {noun}, homeworking scheme {noun}, translations, monolingual examples, english how to use "homework" in a sentence.

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Synonyms (English) for "homework":

• preparation
• homeroom activities
• homeroom teacher
• homesickness
• homestretch
• homeward voyage or flight
• homeworking scheme
• homicidal maniac
• homicide department
• homing instinct
• homing torpedo
• homochromatic

Translations into more languages in the bab.la Spanish-English dictionary .

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How to Say Homework in Japanese Hiragana

Learning a new language involves not only memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules but also understanding various aspects of its culture. As you dive into the Japanese language, it’s important to acquire everyday vocabulary that includes terms like “homework.” In Japanese, the word for homework can be expressed using hiragana, one of the three main scripts used in writing. This guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say homework in Japanese and offer several tips and examples to assist your learning journey.

1. The Formal Way: 宿題 (しゅくだい)

In formal situations, such as when talking to your teachers or superiors, the appropriate term for homework in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい). This word is written using kanji characters but can also be expressed in hiragana as “しゅくだい.” The pronunciation remains the same, but it emphasizes the formal and polite context.

Example: 先生、宿題を提出しました。(Sensei, shukudai o teishutsu shimashita.) Translation: Teacher, I have submitted my homework.

2. The Informal Way: テスト (てすと)

In informal and casual conversations with friends or peers, the Japanese language often adopts loanwords from English. In this context, the word “homework” is commonly replaced with the borrowed term “テスト” (てすと), which directly translates to “test” in English but is used more broadly to refer to homework as well.

Example: 明日、てすとがたくさんあるよ。(Ashita, tesuto ga takusan aru yo.) Translation: I have a lot of homework tomorrow.

These informal expressions can be used comfortably among friends or when in casual settings, but it’s essential to be mindful of your audience and the level of politeness required in the given situation.

3. Additional Regional Variations

In addition to the formal and informal ways mentioned above, regional variations exist within Japan. While these may not typically be used in everyday conversation, it’s useful to be aware of them to deepen your understanding of the language’s diversity. Here are a few regional variations for the word homework:

• 関東 (かんとう) Variation: テツド (てつど) This variation is used in the Kanto region, which includes major cities like Tokyo. The pronunciation “テツド” represents the word “宿題” (しゅくだい) in hiragana form.
• 九州 (きゅうしゅう) Variation: モド (もど) People in the Kyushu region, located in southwestern Japan, may use the term “モド” (もど) for homework instead of the more standard expressions.

4. Tips for Learning Vocabulary

Building vocabulary skills is crucial when learning any language, including Japanese. Here are some tips to help you effectively learn and reinforce new words:

• Create Flashcards: Write the Japanese term for homework on one side of the flashcard and its English translation on the other. Test yourself regularly to enhance memorization.
• Use Mnemonics: Conjure up mental images or associate the word “しゅくだい” or other variations with something memorable. For example, you could imagine a school bus that transports homework instead of students.
• Practice with Native Speakers: Engage in language exchange programs or find Japanese language partners to practice speaking and using new vocabulary in conversations.
• Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with Japanese media, such as anime or dramas, and actively listen for vocabulary in context. This exposure helps reinforce your understanding of how words are used.

Congratulations on taking the initiative to learn how to say “homework” in Japanese using hiragana! Remember that “宿題” (しゅくだい) is the formal term, while “テスト” (てすと) represents the more informal way to refer to homework, even though it directly translates to “test” in English. Be mindful of the context and level of politeness required in various situations.

Additionally, knowing regional variations, such as the Kanto region’s “テツド” (てつど) and the Kyushu region’s “モド” (もど), can deepen your understanding of the language’s diversity.

Remember to employ effective vocabulary learning techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonics, conversation practice, and language immersion, to reinforce new words and concepts effectively.

Enjoy your journey of learning the Japanese language and discovering its rich cultural heritage!

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How to say "homework" in Japanese?

What is the Japanese word for homework ? Learn the Japanese translation for "homework" with Tobo English-Japanese Picture Dictionary. What does 宿題 (shukudai) mean? Meaning of 宿題 (shukudai) is homework in English.

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Common Japanese Words and Phrases Used in Classroom

The language used in a classroom setting will differ depending on whether you are a student or teacher, and whether you are talking to other students or teachers. To sort this all out, let’s first go over the basics. What do I call my teacher? How do I ask questions during the class? How do I reply during the roll call? By going through the common vocabulary and phrases first, you will be able to then modify and arrange them to communicate smoothly with your peers and teachers.

Whether you’re studying in a Japanese language school as a foreign student, taking Japanese group lessons online or in-person, or teaching in a Japanese school, we will help nail down key Japanese vocabulary and phrases for the classroom. 

Essential Japanese Vocabulary Related to School: Classroom, Teacher, and Student in Japanese

Before we go into the common Japanese phrases used in a class, let’s take a look at what class and classroom are in Japanese. You may be familiar with jugyou (授業), kyoushitsu (教室), sensei (先生), and gakusei (学生), the general terms for the lesson, classroom, teacher, and student in Japanese, but other terms may be used depending on the circumstance.

Jugyou (授業) is an umbrella term for the lesson and refers to any format of the lesson where students learn from teachers. It is commonly used in high school and below, as well as language schools, but can be used for any lesson in an educational institution. Kougi (講義), which is the term for a lecture in Japanese, is a specific type of jugyou where teachers talk in front of a group of students at their desks. It is commonly used in universities or other tertiary educational institutions, This can also be referred to as zagaku (座学), which basically means education received while sitting at a desk.

Kyoushitsu (教室) is the general term for classrooms and is the most common one used in any setting. However, those in universities or other tertiary education may also hear the term kougishitsu (講義室), meaning lecture hall.

Sensei (先生) is the most common way to refer to any teacher of any kind, in schools, other academic institutions, and even extracurricular activities. Until high school, the terms kyouin (教員) and kyoushi (教師), which both mean teacher, are commonly used to refer to a teaching position or title. On the other hand, teachers in universities will have different titles depending on their rank, such as koushi (講師), junkyouju (准教授), and kyouju (教授), which mean lecturer, associate professor, and professor respectively. In all cases, sensei (先生) is still the most common and appropriate way to refer to educators, but knowing the different classifications will come in handy especially if you are a university student or are teaching in Japan.

Students are generally referred to as one of the following: gakusei (学生) or seito (生徒). In legal terms, the former is used for students receiving higher education such as in universities or vocational schools, whereas the latter is used for junior high to high school students. The two are used interchangeably in daily conversation, however, there is a tendency to use gakusei (学生) when talking about students generally, and seito (生徒) when talking about students of a specific institution or under a specific teacher.

Japanese Expressions for Greeting in a Class 

As with all other interactions, classes start and end with greetings. Students may greet each other formally in keigo (敬語) or informally in tameguchi (タメ口), but interactions between students and teachers are almost always in keigo (敬語).

At the start of the class, the sensei (先生) usually greets students using the greeting appropriate for the time of the day, with either ohayougozaimasu (おはようございます): good morning, konnichiwa (こんにちは): hello, or konbanwa (こんばんは): good evening. Some may even follow this with yoroshikuonegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします), which is loosely translated to ‘please treat me favorably’ in English. Check out our guide on basic Japanese greetings and phrases.

The class usually ends with arigatougozaimashita (ありがとうございました) to thank the students, and sometimes with otsukare sama deshita (お疲れ様でした) to acknowledge the students’ hard work during the class. Some teachers may also use goseichou arigatougozaimashita (ご清聴ありがとうございました), which takes a step further to thank students for listening quietly. This phrase is often used after presentations by students as well.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom for Taking Attendance

Attendance is shusseki (出席) in Japanese, with its kanji meaning to be in your seat. Therefore the Japanese for absence is kesseki (欠席), to be absent from your seat. Depending on the school, teachers may take attendance through roll calls, paper slips, or online.

A roll call, called tenko (点呼) in Japanese, but typically, the teacher will usually proceed in the following way:

出席を取ります。Aさん。 Shusseki o torimasu. A-san. I will be taking roll call (attendance). A-san.

If Person A is present, they would simply respond by saying yes with hai (はい). This will repeat until everyone is called. If you will be absent, it’s best to notify the teacher or staff by email beforehand for it to be an excused absence or kounin kesseki (公認欠席). Unexcused absences, or mudan kesseki (無断欠席), are commonly frowned upon and may even lead to consequences. Here is an example of how to notify your absence through email.

​​件名：本日の（授業名）を欠席します（名前） kenmei : honjitsu no (jugyoumei) o kesseki shimasu (namae) Subject : I will be absent from today’s (class name) (name)

〇〇先生 〇〇sensei   〇〇 teacher

お世話になっております。 osewa ni natte orimasu. *Loosely translated to Thank you for your assistance.

(名前と学籍番号）と申します。 (namae to gakuseki bangou) to moushimasu. I am (name and student number)

昨日から熱があるので、本日の（授業名）は欠席させていただきたいと思います。 kinou kara netsu ga aru node, honjitsu no (jugyoumei) wa kesseki sasete itadakitai to omoimasu. I’ve had a fever since yesterday, so I would like to be absent from today’s class.

本日の課題を後日取りにうかがってもよろしいでしょうか。 honjitsu no kadai o gojitsu torini ukagattemo yoroshiideshouka. May I pick up my assignment for today’s class at a later date?

よろしくお願いします。 yoroshiku onegaishimasu. *Loosely translated to thank you in advance.

（名前と学籍番号） (namae to gakuseki bangou) (name and student number)

Interestingly, there is a term for faking someone’s attendance in Japanese, called daihen (代返). It comes from 代 わりに 返 事する (kawarini henji suru) , meaning to respond in place of someone else during roll call. This is strongly prohibited in all schools, so be careful not to do this!

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Listening to Instructions

Apart from sitting and listening to your teacher’s jugyou (授業), you may have other tasks to complete such as answering questions or solving a quiz, reading something for the class, or having class discussions. In these cases, you will most likely hear the command for the task in a Verb ~て + ください (verb ~te + kudasai) form.

For example:

答えてください kotaete kudasai Please answer.

解答してください kaitoushite kudasai. Please answer. (Used in written form)

話し合ってください hanashiatte kudasai. Please discuss.

読んでください yonde kudasai.   Please read.

手を挙げて Te o agete. Please raise your hand.

Your teacher usually instructs the last example in the class. If you want to say or ask anything, we should avoid disrupting the flow of the lesson. Raising your hand allows the teacher to decide if it’s the best time to address your concern in the class at the moment.

Take a look at this blog post to learn other ways kudasai (ください) is used , and this blog post for how to conjugate verbs into the ~te (~て) form.

How to Ask Questions in a Class in Japanese

Some teachers prefer students to ask questions during class, but others may prefer for students to ask all their questions at the end of the lesson. If you have a question during class, raise your hand and ask your question! Teachers may also ask:

ここまで何か質問はありますか？ kokomade nanika shitsumon wa arimasuka? Are there any questions so far?

Outside of class, students can find the opportunity to talk to the teacher in the time between classes called jugyou no aima (授業の合間), or during office hours, or ofisu awa a (オフィスアワー). When you go up to the teacher, here are some examples of how you can start the conversation:

〇〇先生、今お時間よろしいでしょうか？ 〇〇sensei, ima ojikan yoroshii deshouka? Teacher 〇〇, may I have a moment?

本日の授業について質問があります。 honjitsu no jugyou ni tsuite shitsumon ga arimasu. I have a question about today’s class.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Homework and Assignments in Japanese

Although many may dread the idea of homework, it’s a must-know when learning Japanese in the classroom. Assignments including homework are called kadai (課題), which can also mean ‘issue that needs to be solved’. The word to use for homework specifically is shukudai (宿題), with its kanji referring literally to work that is completed at home.

Teachers will also provide students with information about submission or teishutsu (提出), including the due date, which is kigen (期限) or shimekiri (締め切り). 

Let’s put all the vocabulary together in some example sentences:

宿題を出します。 shukudai o dashimasu. I will be giving out homework.

これについてのレポートを来週までの課題にします。 kore ni tsuite no repooto o raishuu madeno kadai ni shimasu. The assignment until next week will be a report about this topic.

ちゃんと期限までに終わらせて提出してください。 chanto kigen made ni owarasete teishutsu shite kudasai. Make sure to finish and submit it before the due date.

この課題の締め切りは来週の火曜日です。 kono kadai no shimekiri wa raishuu no kayoubi desu. The due date for this assignment is next Tuesday.

Whether you are taking a Japanese class or you want to teach at a Japanese local school and/or study with native students, knowing Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary ahead will make your school life easier. On top of the basic terminology of lesson, classroom, teacher, and student, learning other common phrases will allow you to understand and communicate better with the rest of the class. Feel free to refer back to this guide for a free email sample for being absent from class, or vocabulary needed to remind your classmates about the due date of your assignment!

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, why not join a Japanese class at Coto Academy? We offer online and in-person courses , with a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese speaking skill. 

Head to our contact page for a free level check and consultation !

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Home » Articles » 150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now

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written by Caitlin Sacasas

Language: Japanese

Reading time: 11 minutes

Published: Jan 15, 2021

Updated: Apr 12, 2024

150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now

Are you ready to start speaking Japanese, right now?

Even if you just thought about learning Japanese today, you can start speaking from Day 1 !

Whether you are learning Japanese to prepare for travel to Japan, or for a language exchange, it’s a good idea to learn Japanese essential words and phrases to get the ball rolling. I’ve got your back with this list to help you get started!

Japanese Words for Beginners: An Essential List

Japanese greetings:.

• Yes: はい ( hai )
• No: いいえ ( iie )
• Hello: こんにちは ( konnichiwa )
• Goodbye: じゃね ( ja ne )
• Thank you: ありがとう ( arigatou )
• I’m Sorry: ごめんなさい ( gomen nasai )
• Excuse me: すみません ( sumimasen )

Learn more: Japanese Greetings: 17 Ways to Say “Hello” in Japanese

Japanese Pronouns:

• I: 私 ( watashi )
• You: あなた ( anata )
• This: これ ( kore )
• That: それ ( sore )
• He: 彼 ( kare )
• She: 彼女 ( kanojo )
• They: 彼ら ( karera )

Learn more: Japanese Honorifics: How to Show Respect in Japanese

Japanese Numbers:

• One: いち ( ichi )
• Two: に ( ni )
• Three: さん ( san )
• Four: し ( shi ) or よん ( yon )
• Five: ご ( go )
• Six: ろく ( roku )
• Seven: なな ( nana ) or しち ( shichi )
• Eight: はち ( hachi )
• Nine: く ( ku ) or きゅう ( kyuu )
• Ten: じゅう ( juu )

Learn more: Japanese Numbers: Counting in Japanese from 1 – 100+

Time in Japanese:

• Today: 今日 ( kyou )
• Tomorrow: 明日 ( ashita )
• Yesterday: 昨日 ( kinou )
• Now: 今 ( ima )
• Before: 前に ( mae ni )
• Later: 後で ( ato de )

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Particles (with Examples)

Japanese Nouns:

• Home: 家 ( ie or uchi )
• Shop: 店 ( mise )
• Movie: 映画 ( eiga )
• School: 学校 ( gakkou )
• Car: 車 ( kuruma )
• Town: 町 ( machi )
• Music: 音楽 ( ongaku )
• Family: 家族 ( kazoku )
• Hometown: 出身 ( shusshin )
• Bathroom: トイレ ( toire )

*Learn more: 101 Core Japanese Words: The Most Commonly Used Words in Japanese

Japanese Verbs:

• To do: する ( suru )
• To be: です ( desu )
• To become: なる ( naru )
• There is (inanimate): ある ( aru )
• There is (living): いる ( iru )
• To go: 行く ( iku )
• To say: 言う ( iu )
• To see: 見る ( miru )
• To come: 来る ( kuru )
• To eat: 食べる ( taberu )

*Learn more: Japanese Grammar Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started Speaking Japanese

Even though I speak often now with Japanese language exchange partners , it wasn’t always that way. I found it hard to speak Japanese at first, too.

It can be a bit intimidating to know where to begin. Any time you learn a new language, especially one where the writing system is very different, it can become difficult to make the connections between grammar, memorized words, and creating sentences .

Don’t get too stressed about it, though. These basic Japanese words and phrases helped me start to get to know others in Japanese.

And that’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Learning some stock phrases and words to fall back on to keep the conversation going or ask questions is the key to relaxing a bit when speaking.

So, of course you must know your essential 挨拶 (aisatsu: “greetings”) and basic Japanese words.

By the way, if you’re wondering “How do you say ‘words’ in Japanese,” it’s 単語 ( tango ) or 言葉 ( kotoba ). The only difference is kotoba is used to express the plural form “words” and can also mean “phrases.” Tango is used mainly for the singular form, “word.”

Below, I’ll also go over questions, cool Japanese words, and cute Japanese words and expressions to go far in your speaking.

Once you've learned these Japanese words, you’ll sound めっちゃかっこい (meccha kakkoi: “very cool”).

Editor's note: before we get started, if you’re looking for an online Japanese course, here’s the course I actually recommend: Japanese Uncovered – Learn Japanese Through the Power of Story, a course with a fascinating new method.

Japanese Words and Phrases for Beginners:

Want to hear how these words and phrases sound, plus some bonus tips? Watch this video:

Japanese Greetings for Everyday

おはようございます！ ( Ohayou gozaimasu : “Good morning!”)

A formal way to greet someone in the morning, you’ll use this with co-workers, strangers, or superiors. With friends and family, you can shorten it by saying おはよう！( Ohayou , “‘Morning!”)

こんにちは ( Konnichiwa : “Hello” or “Good afternoon”)

This is a formal greeting, and not usually how you greet friends and family. It’s used for strangers or formal situations. But it’s the most standard greeting for hello.

あー、＿＿＿さん。( Ahh, _-san : “Ah, Mr./Mrs. _”)

Although it may sound strange to speakers in English, greeting someone with “Ah!” like you’re surprised to see someone is most common.

You greet them with this exclamation and their name, followed by the appropriate suffix (“-san” is standard and good to use for most people). You follow it with a question, like asking about the weather.

Speaking of which…

いい天気ですね！( Ii tenki desu ne : “Good weather, huh!”)

いい ( ii ) means “good” and 天気 ( tenki ) means weather. So you can change いい to whatever word fits the day, but this is the common greeting.

元気ですか ( Genki desu ka : “How are you?”)

Although it’s instinct to always greet everyone with “How are you?” in English, it’s not the case in Japanese.

Greeting your friends and family with this phrase every time you see them is a bit strange. And it’s awkward when said to strangers (often strangers barely nod and say nothing, anyway).

This phrase is actually only used when it’s been quite some time since you’ve seen the person.

久しぶり！( Hisashiburi : “Long time, no see!”)

If you haven’t seen someone for about 3 weeks or longer, then you’ll often be greeted with 久しぶり ( hisashiburi )! This is when it’s good to follow up with, 元気ですか ( genki desu ka ).

こんばんは ( Konbanwa : “Good evening”)

This is said in the evening around dinner time. It’s a formal greeting.

おやすみなさい ( Oyasumi nasai : “Goodnight”)

When you say goodnight to someone you’re close to, you can shorten it by saying おやすみ (oyasumi: “‘night!”)

じゃまた ( Ja Mata : “See you later” or “Goodbye”)

Although you probably know さようなら ( sayounara ) is “goodbye,” it has a very strong sense of finality, almost like you may not see that person again.

So it’s often better to say じゃまた ( ja mata ).

Other variations are じゃね ( ja ne : “see you”), バイバイ ( baibai : “bye-bye”), and お元気で ( o-genki de : “take care”).

Other Aisatsu (Greetings) in Daily Life

ただいまー ( tadaima- : “i’m home”).

When someone comes home, or you arrive home, you announce it with this phrase. Then, whoever is home replies…

おかえりなさい ( Okaeri nasai : “Welcome home” or “Welcome back”)

You can also use these two phrases to greet a coworker if they’ve returned back to work from somewhere else, like a business meeting or trip.

失礼します ( Shitsurei shimasu : “Please excuse me (for leaving)”)

When you leave ahead of someone else, you say this as an apology for leaving before them.

Especially at work, you always want to say this before leaving because you’re leaving them to finish the work for the day.

お疲れ様でした ( Otsukaresama deshita : “Thanks for your hard work”)

You say this in reply to 失礼します (“please excuse me for leaving”) as a thank you for their hard work that day, but it can be used in many other situations.

Any time anyone works hard, you can say this to acknowledge their hard work — like a child who did well and finished their homework. You can also use it as a greeting when someone returns from a hard task.

行ってきます ( Ittekimasu : “I’m going”)

Say this to family at home, friends, or co-workers to announce you’re heading out.

行ってらっしゃい ( Itterasshai : “Go and come back”)

In reply to 行ってきます ( ittekimasu , “I’m going”), you say this — it's kind of like saying, “Be careful!” or “Okay, take care” and lets them know you’ll see them when they get back.

Basic Japanese Words and Phrases for All Situations

• ありがとうございます ( arigatou gozaimasu ): “Thank you”
• ごめんなさい ( gomen nasai ): “I’m sorry”
• はい or うん ( Hhai or un ): “Yes” (formal and informal)
• いいえ or ううん ( iie or uun ): “No” (formal and informal)
• 名前は_ ( namae wa _ ): “My name is _ ”
• _ です。( desu ): “I am” (*See note below)
• いいですよ。( ii desu yo ): “It’s good.”
• だめです。( dame desu ): “It’s bad.”
• もう一度お願いします。( mou ichido onegai shimasu ): “Again, please.”
• ゆっくりお願いします ( yukkuri onegai shimasu ): “More slowly, please”
• わかりません ( wakarimasen ): “I don’t understand”
• 良かった ( yokatta ): “Great!” or “I’m glad!”
• すみません ( sumimasen ): “Excuse me”
• どういたしまして ( Dou itashimashite ): “You’re welcome”
• 少し日本語を話します ( Sukoshi nihongo wo hanashimasu ): “I speak a little Japanese”
• また会いましょう ( Mata aimashou ): “Let’s meet again!”

Please in Japanese: どうぞ、お願いします、ください ( Douzo, Onegai Shimasu, Kudasai )

The word for “please” changes with intent.

どうぞ ( douzo ) is the most straight forward. You use this word when you are offering something to someone else. Like, “お先にどうぞ” ( osaki ni douzo : “Please, you first” or “Please, after you”).

お願いします ( onegai shimasu ) and ください ( kudasai ) are almost interchangeable but have different formality.

お願いします is used to ask a request of someone with higher status than you, or for a service (because those offering services are usually considered to have higher status). So if you make a request of your boss, or take a taxi ride, you would use お願いします.

ください is used when you ask a request of someone close to you, like a friend, or when what you ask for is expected, like when ordering at a restaurant.

You also use ください whenever the verb it follows is in て-form, like ちょっと待ってください ( chotto matte kudasa i: “please wait”), no matter the formality.

About Desu in Japanese

If you’ve listened to Japanese at all, you probably have wondered “what means desu?” Because you hear the word “desu” ALL the time.

That’s because です ( desu ) means “is, to be.” It’s often used at the end of sentences, and can complete a sentence by adding a noun.

You can add anything to describe yourself before です.

You could say 二十七歳です ( ni juu nana sai desu : “I am 27 years old”), アメリカ人です ( amerikajin desu : “I am American”), or 作家です ( sakka desu : “I am a writer”).

You could also use it to describe other things, like いいほんです ( ii hon desu : “A good book”).

Japanese Questions to Boost Your Conversation

With any question word, you can use a raised inflection at the last syllable to express that it’s a question. But, more formally, you can add the Japanese equivalent of a question mark: ですか ( desu ka ).

Let’s start with the basics:

• 誰 ( dare ): “Who?”
• 何 ( nani or nan ): “What?”
• いつ ( itsu ): “When?”
• どこ ( doko ): “Where?”
• どうして ( doushite ): “Why?”
• どう ( dou ): “How?”
• どちら? ( dochira ): “Which?”

Learn more: Japanese Question Words: “What”, “Where”, “When”, “Who”, “How” and “Why” in Japanese

And more helpful Japanese questions:

• お名前は何ですか ( o-namae wa nan desu ka ): “What’s your name?”
• いくらですか ( ikura desu ka ): “How much Is It?”
• わかりますか ( wakarimasu ka ): “Do you understand?”
• はどこですか ( __ wa doko desu ka ): “Where is the _ ?”
• これは何ですか ( kore wa nan desu ka ): “What’s this?”
• これは何意味ですか ( kore wa nan imi desu ka ): “What does this mean?”
• 日本語で_は何ですか ( nihongo de _ wa nan desu ka ): “What is _ in Japanese?”
• 英語を話せますか ( eigo wo hanasemasu ka ): “Can you speak English?”
• 何って言ったの ( nani tte itta no ): “What did you say?”
• _ がありますか ( _ ga arimasu ka ): “Do you have __?”
• 大丈夫ですか ( daijoubu desu ka ): “Are you okay?”
• どうしたんだ ( doushitanda ): “What happened?”
• E-メール／電話番号を教えてもらえますか ( e-meru/denwa bango wo oshiete moraemasu ka ): “Could I have your email address/phone number?”
• _ を利用しますか (* wo riyou shimasu ka*): “Do you use _?”
• いつは会えますか ( Itsu wa aemasu ka ): “When can we meet?”

Bonus: Some Cute and Cool Japanese Words to Level Up Your Speech

What are some cool Japanese words? I’m glad you asked! Use these Japanese slang words to sound cool in Japanese.

かわいい ( Kawaii : “Cute”)

You probably know this one, as it’s become a staple of otaku in America, but it’s very common in Japan too. Everything is “kawaii.”

かっこいい ( Kakkoii : “Cool”)

Also, “handsome.” It’s mostly used to describe dreamy guys or cool objects.

すごい！( Sugoi : “Wow!” or “Amazing!”)

I promise you, if you reply すごい ( sugoi ) to most everything that has a positive tone and body language, you'll sound like a native.

This is hands down the most overused word in Japanese, and it’s a reply to everything. In fact, you’ll probably hear “すごい!” in reply to your attempt to speak Japanese!

ヤバい ( Yabai : “Uncool”)

The opposite of すごい, this means something is uncool or terrible.

ちょ、めっちゃ、とっても ( Cho, Meccha, Tottemo : “Very,” “Super”)

Depending on the dialect, you’ll hear one of these three words to say something is “very __.” とっても (tottemo) is most standard, and the small つ ( tsu ) means it has extra emphasis.

マジで ( Maji de : “Seriously,” “Really”)

Like ちょ ( cho ), マジ ( maji ) is used as an intensifier, but this one is more masculine.

うそ! ( Uso! : “No way!”)

It actually means “a lie,” but it’s used as “no way!” in casual conversation when you hear something unbelievable.

ばか！ ( Baka! : “Idiot!”)

Is “baka” a bad word? Well… It certainly isn’t nice. ばか ( baka ) in Japanese means “idiot”, but it’s pretty strong.

Japanese don’t use cuss words as freely as other countries, so calling someone this to their face is a big insult.

Similarly, if you’re wondering how do you say “asshole” in Japanese? Well, you can say あほ ( aho , “stupid”) which is an even stronger form of ばか and has a nuance of meaning a “dumbass” or “asshole.”

But there’s also 下衆野郎 ( gesu yarou ) which means exactly that: “asshole.”

So, in case you felt like offending someone in Japanese today, now you’re prepared. (But please don’t!)

よし ( Yoshi : “OK!”)

A common question is: “What is OK in Japanese?” Because there are a few versions, and it’s a bit confusing!

First, there’s よし ( yoshi ), pronounced more like “yosh” than “Yoshi” the video game character.

It’s used as an exclamation, like “Okay, let’s do this!”

Then there’s オーケー ( o-ke- ). It’s used to respond to someone, just like in English. You’ll often hear “オーケーです” ( o-ke- desu ), which means “OK / Got it / It’s okay.”

Last, there’s まあまあ ( maamaa ). This means “okay” but in the sense that you’re “so-so.”

Learn more: 63 Must-Know Japanese Slang Words (to Sound like a Local)

Japanese Words and Phrases to Speak NOW!

How will you use these phrases to start speaking Japanese now? If you’re looking for a Japanese language exchange partner, learn how you can find one in your area or check out   italki (our review is here ) or Teacher AI .

Caitlin Sacasas

Content Writer, Fluent in 3 Months

Caitlin is a copywriter, content strategist, and language learner. Besides languages, her passions are fitness, books, and Star Wars. Connect with her: Twitter | LinkedIn

Speaks: English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

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