Japanese Study Notes

Classroom Language

gakusee: student
sensee: teacher/instructor
jukoosha: participant
minasan/minna: everyone
tomodachi: friend
tonari no hito: the person next to you
gakkoo: school
jimushitsu: office room
jugyoo: class/school lessons
kurasu: class/lesson
kyooshitsu: classroom

Nouns

isu: chair
tsukue: desk
enpitsu: pencil
pen: pen
keshigomu: eraser
nooto: notebook
jisho: dictionary
keetai-denwa: mobile phone/cellular phone
kyookasho: textbook
peeji: page
konpyuutaa: computer
howaito-boodo: whiteboard

Classroom Language 2

mondai: question / problem
kotae: answer
bangoo: number
maru: circle (true)
batsu: cross (false)
ree: example
kaiwa (o) shimasu: to have a conversation
iimasu: to say / to tell
kikimasu: to listen
mimasu: to look
yomimasu: to read
hanashimasu: to talk / to speak

Verbs & Actions

kakimasu: to write / to draw
benkyoo (o) shimasu: to study
renshuu (o) shimasu: to practise
yoshuu: preparation (for the lesson)
fukushuu: review
shukudai: homework
shiken/tesuto: examination/test
shitsumon (o) shimasu: to ask a question
setsumee (o) shimasu: to explain
soodan (o) shimasu: to consult / to discuss
chekku (o) shimasu: to check
kopii (o) shimasu: to copy

Classroom Language 3

~ o oshiete kudasai: Could you tell me ~ , please?
~ tte doo yuu imi desu ka: What does "~" mean?
~ o wasuremashita: I forgot ~
~ o misete kudasai: Could you show me ~, please?
~ o kashite kudasai: May I borrow ~?
mada desu: not yet
okuremasu: to be late / to be delayed
yasumimasu: to be absent / to take a day off / to take a rest
moo ichido itte kudasai: Could you say that again, please?
moo sukoshi yukkuri itte kudasai: Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
wakarimashita: I see / understand
wakarimasen: I can't understand

Self-Introduction

watashi: myself / I
jiko-shookai: self-introduction
jiko-shookai (shimasu): self-introduction (to introduce oneself)
~ to yonde kudasai: Please call me "~"
aisatsu: greetings
namae: name
hito: people / person
watashitachi: we
anata: you
kare: he
kanojo: she
jibun: oneself
meeshi: business card

People

akachan: baby
kodomo: child
wakamono: youth
otona: adult
otoshiyori: elderly person
otoko: man / male
onna: woman / female
otoko-no-ko: boy
onna-no-ko: girl
otoko-no-hito: man
onna-no-hito: woman

Professions

shigoto: job
isha: medical doctor
enjinia: engineer
kaishain: company employee
kaigoshi: care worker
gakusee: student
kangoshi: nurse
kyooshi: teacher
koomuin: civil servant
jieegyoo: self employed
shufu: housewife / homemaker
nooka: farmer
arubaito (baito): part time job
paatotaimu (paato): part time job
kaisha: company / firm
gakkoo: school
byooin: hospital
~ de hataraite imasu: to work at / to work in / to work for
nenkin de seekatsu-shite imasu: to live on a pension

Family

kazoku: family
ryooshin: parents
~ ni nite imasu ne: to look like ~
kyoodai: brothers and sisters
chichi: (my) father
otoosan: (someone else's) father
haha: (my) mother
okaasan: (someone else's) mother
ane: (my) elder sister
oneesan: (someone else's) elder sister
ani: (my) elder brother
oniisan: (someone else's) elder brother
imooto: (my) younger sister
imootosan: (someone else's) younger sister
otooto: (my) younger brother
otootosan: (someone else's) younger brother

Pets

petto: pet
~ o katte imasu: to have / to keep (an animal)
inu: dog
neko: cat
tori: bird
usagi: rabbit
kingyo: goldfish
sofu: (my) grandfather
ojiisan: (someone else's) grandfather
sobo: (my) grandmother
obaasan: (someone else's) grandmother
mago: grandchild
musuko: (my) son
musume: (my) daughter
otto: (my) husband
goshujin: (someone else's) husband
tsuma: (my) wife
okusan: (someone else's) wife
okosan: (someone else's) child

Countries

kuni: country
Ajia: Asia
Afurika: Africa
Yooroppa: Europe
Amerika: U.S.A. / America
Igirisu: U.K.
Itaria: Italy
Indo: India
Indoneshia: Indonesia
Ejiputo: Egypt
Oosutoraria: Australia
Kanada: Canada
Kankoku: South Korea
Supein: Spain
Suriranka: Sri Lanka
Tai: Thailand
Chuugoku: China
Doitsu: Germany
Nihon / Nippon: Japan
Nyuujiirando: New Zealand
Hangarii: Hungary
Firipin: The Philippines
Burajiru: Brazil
Furansu: France
Betonamu: Vietnam
Mareeshia: Malaysia
Mekishiko: Mexico
Roshia: Russia

Language

gaikoku: foreign country
gaikokujin: foreigner
Nihonjin: Japanese person
~jin: people from … (nationality)
ryuugakusee: student studying abroad / international student
kotoba: language
Nihongo: Japanese language
Eego: English language
Kankokugo: Korean language
Chuugokugo: Chinese language
Doitsugo: German language
Supeingo: Spanish language
Furansugo: French language
Arabiago: Arabic language
~go: ~ language
gaikokugo: foreign language
~ga dekimasu: I can speak (language)

Food

tabemono: food
gohan/raisu: cooked rice
pan: bread
shiriaru: cereal
jamu: jam
bataa: butter
sakana: fish
ebi: shrimp / prawn
kani: crab
niku: meat
gyuuniku / biifu: beef
toriniku / chikin: chicken
butaniku / pooku: pork
tamago: egg
chiizu: cheese
yooguruto: yogurt
yasai: vegetable
kyabetsu: cabbage
kyuuri: cucumber
jagaimo: potato
tamanegi: onion
tomato: tomato
ninjin: carrot
retasu: lettuce
kudamono: fruit
ichigo: strawberry
suika: watermelon
banana: banana
budoo: grapes
mikan: orange
ringo: apple
remon: lemon
okashi: sweets / confectionery
aisu-kuriimu: ice cream
ame: (hard) candy
kukkii: cookie
keeki: cake
chokoreeto: chocolate
satoo: sugar
shio: salt
shooyu: soy sauce
kome: rice
toofu: bean curd/tofu
nattoo: natto (fermented soybeans)
nori: seaweed
wasabi: wasabi (Japanese horseradish)

Drinks

nomimono: drink
ocha: tea / Japanese tea
koocha: black tea
koohii: coffee
gyuunyuu / miruku: milk
aisu: iced (coffee / tea)
hotto: hot (coffee / tea)
juusu: juice
koora: cola
orenji-juusu: orange juice
mizu: water
oyu: hot water
osake: alcoholic drinks / Japanese sake
biiru: beer
wain: wine
uisukii: whisky
nihonshu: Japanese sake / rice wine

Tableware

shokki: tableware
gurasu: glass
koppu: glass / cup
fooku: fork
supuun: spoon
naifu: knife
hashi: chopsticks
sara: dish / plate
chawan: rice bowl

Cooking & Dishes

ryoori: cooking / dish
karee: curry
sandoicchi: sandwich
sarada: salad
suupu: soup
suteeki: steak
supagethi (pasuta): spaghetti / pasta
chiizu-baagaa: cheese burger
hanbaagaa: hamburger
piza: pizza
furaido-poteto: fried potatoes / french fries / chips
hottodoggu: hot dog
nihon-ryoori: Japanese food
~ryoori: ~ food / ~ cuisine
onigiri (omusubi): rice ball
udon: udon noodles
sashimi: raw fish dish
osushi / sushi: sushi
soba: soba noodles
tenpura: tempura
bentoo: packed lunch / lunch box
misoshiru: miso soup
yakisoba: fried noodles
raamen: ramen noodles

Restaurants & Meals

mise: shop / restaurant
kissaten: coffee shop
faasuto-fuudo-ten: fast-food restaurant
resutoran: restaurant
~ya (san): ~ shop / restaurant
menyuu: menu
shokuji: meal
asa-gohan: breakfast
hiru-gohan: lunch
ban-gohan: evening meal
~o tabemasu: to eat ~
~o nomimasu: to drink ~
suki: like
kirai: dislike / hate
koohii-shoppu: coffee shop

Adjectives 1

oishii: delicious / tasty
takai: expensive
hayai: quick
mazui: unappetizing
yasui: inexpensive / cheap
osoi: slow
amai: sweet
karai: hot / spicy / salty
shoppai: salty
suppai: sour
atatakai: warm
atsui: hot
tsumetai: cold

Home

ie: Home / House
apaato: flat / apartment
ikkodate: house / single house
manshon: condominium
heya: room
genkan: entrance
toire: toilet
ofuro: bathroom / bath
daidokoro: kitchen
ima / ribingu: living room
beddo-ruumu: bedroom
niwa: garden
mado: window
kaidan: staircase
kabe: wall
doa: door
beranda: balcony
rooka: corridor

Furniture

kagu: furniture
isu: chair
sofa: sofa
tsukue: desk / table
teeburu: table
tana: shelf
hon-dana: bookshelf
beddo: bed
kaaten: curtain

Electrical Appliances

denki-seehin: electrical appliance
airon: iron
sentakuki / sentakki: washing machine
soojiki: vacuum cleaner
denshi-renji: microwave oven
reezooko: refrigerator
eakon: air conditioner
senpuuki: electric fan
danboo: heater
denki: light
terebi: television
denwa: telephone
rajio: radio

Home Items

mono: things (found at home)
e: picture
shashin: photograph
karendaa: calendar
tokee: clock
kappu: cup
ningyoo: doll
hon: book
hako: box
ie no chikaku: the neighborhood
chikaku: nearby
kooen: park
depaato: department store
resutoran: restaurant

Japanese House

nihon no ie: Japanese house
oshiire: sliding-door closet
fusuma: sliding door
tokonoma: alcove
shoji: sliding screen
tatami: tatami mat
washitsu: Japanese-style room
yooshitsu: Western-style room
surippa: slippers
futon: bedding
zabuton: floor cushion

Adjectives 2

akarui: bright
atarashii: new
ookii: big / large
kurai: dark
furui: old
chiisai: small
kiree: tidy / clean / beautiful
hiroi: big / spacious / large
ii: nice / good
kitanai: untidy / dirty
semai: small / cramped

Daily Life

seikatsu: daily life
ichinichi no katsudoo: daily routines
okimasu: to get up / to wake up
nemasu: to go to bed / to sleep
shawaa o abimasu: to take a shower
ofuro ni hairimasu: to take a bath
kao o araimasu: to wash one's face
ha o migakimasu: to brush / clean one's teeth
okeshoo (o) shimasu: to put on make up
hige o sorimasu: to shave
fuku o kimasu: to put on your clothes
fuku o nugimasu: to take off your clothes
~ni ikimasu: to go to ~
uchi ni kaerimasu: to go home
kaisha: office / company / firm
gakkoo: school
shigoto (o) shimasu: to work / do one's job
benkyoo (o) shimasu: to study
zangyoo (o) shimasu: to work overtime / extra hours
arubaito/baito (o) shimasu: to do a part-time job
shokuji (o) shimasu: to have a meal
asa / hiru / ban-gohan o tabemasu: to have breakfast / lunch / dinner
kaimono (o) shimasu: to do some shopping / to go shopping
sentaku (o) shimasu: to wash clothes
sooji (o) shimasu: to clean
ryoori (o) shimasu: to cook
kaji (o) shimasu: to do housework
~no sewa o shimasu: to take care of / look after
katazukemasu: to tidy up
tetsudaimasu: to help
asobimasu: to play
yasumimasu: to rest / take a rest
yukkuri-shimasu: to relax
E-meeru (o) shimasu: to write / send an e-mail
intaanetto (o) shimasu: to use / surf the Internet
geemu (o) shimasu: to play a game
denwa (o) shimasu / kakemasu: to make a phone call
oinori (o) shimasu: to pray
tabako o suimasu: to smoke
undoo (o) shimasu: to do exercise
sanpo (o) shimasu: to take a walk
yoga (o) shimasu: to do yoga
tomodachi ga kimasu: a friend comes to visit
~to oshaberi (o) shimasu: to chat with ~
shinbun o yomimasu: to read a newspaper
terebi o mimasu: to watch TV
ongaku o kikimasu: to listen to music
nikki o kakimasu: to keep a diary

More Adjectives

isogashii: busy
nemui: sleepy
hima: free / not occupied

Activities & Events

konsaato: concert
tenisu: tennis
hakubutsukan: museum
bijutsukan: art museum
byooin: hospital
tanjoobi / baasudee: birthday
paathii: party
shokuji (o) shimasu: to have a meal
~o agemasu: to give
~o moraimasu: to receive
kaado: card
keeki: cake
purezento: present

Hobbies & Interests

shumi: hobby / interest
eega: movie / film
akushon: action
anime: anime / animated cartoons
komedhi: comedy
horaa: horror
ren'ai: romance / love story
dokusho: reading
shoosetsu: novel
bungaku: literature
manga: manga / comic strips / comic books
SF: science fiction
fantajii: fantasy fiction
misuterii: mystery
supootsu: sport

Sports

gorufu: golf
sakkaa: soccer / football
juudoo: Judo
jogingu: jogging
suiee: swimming
sukeeto: skating
takkyuu / pinpon: table tennis / ping-pong
tenisu: tennis
basuketto-booru: basketball
yakyuu: baseball

Music & Dance

ongaku: music
kurashikku: classical music
jazu: jazz
J-poppu: Japanese pop music
poppusu: pop music
rokku: rock music
uta: song
utaimasu: to sing
karaoke: karaoke
gitaa: guitar
piano: piano
hikimasu: to play the guitar / piano
dansu: dance
odori: dance
odorimasu: to dance

Other Activities

e (o kakimasu): picture (to draw a picture)
gaikokugo: foreign language
kamera: camera
kyanpu (o shimasu): camping / to go camping
geemu: video game / computer game
shashin (o torimasu): photograph (to take a photo)
tsuri (o shimasu): fishing / to go fishing
baabekyuu: barbecue
yamanobori (o shimasu): mountain-climbing (to climb a mountain)

Traditional Japanese Culture

dentoo bunka: traditional Japanese culture
ikebana: flower arrangement
origami: origami
sadoo: tea ceremony
haiku: Haiku
bonsai: Bonsai

Adjectives Part 4

isogashii: busy
ureshii: happy / glad / delighted
oishii: delicious / tasty
(hito ga) ooi: lots of (people) / crowded (with people)
omoshiroi: interesting
kanashii: sad
kowai: scary / frightening
subarashii: amazing / wonderful
tanoshii: fun / enjoyable
tsumaranai: boring / dull
nagai: long
muzukashii: difficult
yasashii: easy
atatakai: warm
atsui: hot
samui: cold
suzushii: cool
kiree: beautiful / pretty
suki: like
taihen: terrible
tsukaremasu: to get tired

Events

ibento: event
kabuki: Kabuki
kimono: kimono
sumoo: Sumo
taiko: taiko drumming
hanabi: fireworks
hanabi-taikai: fireworks display
matsuri: festival / celebration
konsaato: concert
kontesuto: contest
shoo: show
paathii: party
karendaa: calendar
chiketto: ticket

Travel & Tourism

ryokoo: travel / trip
ryokoo (shimasu): trip / to go on a trip
kankoochi: tourist spot / sightseeing area
Nihon / Nippon: Japan
Tookyoo: Tokyo
Fujisan: Mt. Fuji
otera: temple
jinja: shrine
omiyage: souvenir
osushi / sushi: sushi
tenpura: tempura
hoteru: hotel
ryokan: hotel / Japanese inn
~ni Tomarimasu: to stop over / stay at(a hotel)
yoyaku (o shimasu): Reservation / booking (to make a reservation)
kippu: ticket
kuukoo: airport
suutsukeesu: suitcase
chizu: map
nimotsu: baggage / luggage
pasupooto: passport
biza: visa

Towns & Transportation

machi: towns
norimono: vehicle
Jitensha: Bicycle
baiku: motorbike / motorcycle
kuruma: car
takushii: taxi
basu: bus
densha: train
chikatetsu: metro / subway / underground
monoreeru: monorail
shinkansen: bullet train
hikooki: plane
fune: ship
aruite: by foot
kyuukyuusha: ambulance
patokaa: police car
~ni norimasu: to get on
~o orimasu: to get off
~de ikimasu: to go by
magarimasu: to turn
tomarimasu: to stop
arukimasu: to walk
kootsuu: traffic
noriba: (taxi) stand
eki: station
basu-tee: bus stop
kuukoo: airport
iriguchi: entrance
deguchi: exit
hidari: left
migi: right
massugu: straight
chuushajoo: parking space
kuusha: vacant / empty taxi
nishiguchi: west exit
higashiguchi: east exit
minamiguchi: south exit
kitaguchi: north exit
toori: street
shingoo: traffic light
michi: road
kippu: ticket
nimotsu: baggage / luggage
chizu: map
untenshu: driver
eki'in: station staff
keesatsukan: police officer

Adjectives, part 5

chikai: near
tooi: far
hayai: fast / quick
osoi: slow / late
benri: convenient
fuben: inconvenient
yasui: inexpensive / cheap
takai: expensive
raku: easy
tsukaremasu: tiring
tatemono: Building

Places:

machi: town
otera: temple
jinja: shrine
kyookai: church
mosuku: mosque
gakkoo: school
kaisha: company
koojoo: factory
ginkoo: bank
yuubinkyoku: post office
keesatsu: police station
kooban: police booth
byooin: hospital
hoteru: hotel
kissaten: coffee shop
resutoran: restaurant
kooen: park
doobutsuen: zoo
eegakan: cinema
toshokan: library
hakubutsukan: museum
bijutsukan: art museum
taishikan: embassy
mise: store / shop
shootengai: shopping street
konbini: convenience store
shoppingu-sentaa: shopping center
depaato: department store
biru: building

Adjectives, part 6

atarashii: new
furui: old
ookii: big
chiisai: small
eegyoo-jikan: business hours
shukujitsu: holiday
teekyuubi: shop holiday / fixed holiday
heejitsu: weekday
takai: high
hikui: low
anzen: safe
abunai: dangerous
kiken: danger
shizuka: quiet
nigiyaka: lively / busy
yuumee: famous
konde imasu: crowded

Shopping

kaimono: shopping
purezento / omiyage: presents / souvenirs
purezento: present / gift
omiyage: souvenir
ehagaki / posuto-kaado: (picture) postcard
kasa: umbrella
kamera: camera
saifu: wallet / purse
zasshi: magazine
shuriken: ninja star / throwing star
thiikappu: teacup
denshi-jisho: electronic dictionary
hashi: chopsticks
hashi'oki: chopstick holder
hana: flower
hankachi: handkerchief
bideo-kamera: video camera
pen: pen
mimikaki: earpick
omocha: toy
kitte: stamp
nuigurumi: stuffed toy
geemu: video game / computer game
shiidhii: CD
dhiibuidhii: DVD
~o agemasu: to give
~o moraimasu: to receive

Adjectives 7

oshare: fashionable / stylish
kakkoii: cool
kawaii: cute
sugoi: great
suteki: lovely
maamaa: alright / not bad
omoshiroi: interesting
nihon-teki: Japanese
mezurashii: rare / unusual
ookii: large / big
chiisai: small
omoi: heavy
karui: light
nagai: long
mijikai: short
futoi: big / baggy
hosoi: skinny
yurui: loose
kitsui: tight

Fashion

fasshon: Fashion
fuku: clothes
yoofuku: clothes / western clothes
kimono: kimono
yukata: cotton summer kimono
kooto: coat
jaketto: jacket
suutsu: suit
wanpiisu: dress
shatsu: shirt
T-shatsu: t-shirt
seetaa: sweater
sukaato: skirt
jiinzu: jeans
pantsu: pants / trousers
pajama: pajamas
shitagi: underwear

Accessories:

kutsu: shoes
kutsushita: socks
Akusesarii: Accessories
ude-dokee: watch
nekkuresu: necklace
piasu: pierced earrings
yubiwa: ring
sukaafu: scarf
mafuraa: scarf / muffler
tebukuro: gloves
nekutai: necktie / tie
beruto: belt
ribon: ribbon
megane: glasses
booshi: hat / cap
megane o kakemasu: to put on / wear glasses
booshi o kaburimasu: to put on / wear a hat / cap
baggu: bag
kaban: bag
*~o kimasu: (Upper body)
*~o hakimasu: (Lower body)
*~o nugimasu: (Take off)

Colours

iro: Colour
ao (i): blue
aka (i): red
orenji (no): orange
*kiiro (i): yellow
guree (no): grey
kuro (i): black
shiro (i): white
chairo (i): brown
pinku (no): pink
midori (no): green
kin'iro (no): gold
gin'iro (no): silver
mizuiro (no): light blue

Sizes

saizu: Size
eru: L-size
emu: M-size
esu: S-size
en: yen
okane: money
muryoo: free of charge
kaado: credit card
sain: signature
tada: free of charge
otsuri: change
reshiito: receipt
uriba: sales floor/department
okyaku-san / kyaku: customer
ten'in: shop assistant / sales person
ikura desu ka: How much is it?
~ o kudasai: Could I have ~