Common -i Adjectives

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Part of Speech Meaning Extra Info

大き  おおき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi) 

big; large 

高い  たかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  high; tall; expensive 

新しい  あたらしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  new 

美しい  うつくしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  beautiful; lovely 

好い  いい; よい  adjective (keiyoushi) good; nice; pleasant; fine; excellent; agreeable; ok 

kana alone

細かい  こまかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  small; fine; minute 

鋭い  するどい  adjective (keiyoushi)  pointed; sharp 

好ましい  このましい  adjective (keiyoushi)  nice; likeable; desirable 

見当たらない  みあたらない  adjective (keiyoushi)  not be found 

愛しい  いとしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  lovely; dear; beloved; darling 

低い  ひくい  adjective (keiyoushi)  short; low; humble; low (voice) 

熱い  あつい  adjective (keiyoushi)  hot (thing) 

優しい  やさしい  adjective (keiyoushi) tender; kind; gentle; graceful; affectionate; amiable; suave 

赤い  あかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  red 

愉しい  たのしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  enjoyable; fun 

古い  ふるい  adjective (keiyoushi) old (not person); aged; ancient; antiquated; stale; threadbare; outmoded; obsolete article 

素晴らしい  すばらしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  wonderful; splendid; magnificent 

早い  はやい  adjective (keiyoushi)  early 

痛い  いたい  adjective (keiyoushi)  painful 

白い  しろい  adjective (keiyoushi)  white 

安い  やすい  adjective (keiyoushi) cheap; inexpensive; peaceful; quiet; gossipy; thoughtless 

面白い  おもしろい  adjective (keiyoushi)  interesting; amusing 

遠い  とおい  adjective (keiyoushi)  far; distant 

美味しい  おいしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  delicious; tasty 

1

忙しい  いそがしい; せわしい 

adjective (keiyoushi)  busy; irritated 

詰らない  つまらない  adjective (keiyoushi)  insignificant; boring; trifling  kana alone

近い  ちかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  near; close by; short 

甘い  あまい adjective (keiyoushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.) 

generous; indulgent; easy-going; sweet; fond of; soft on; overly optimistic; naive 

kana alone

望ましい  のぞましい  adjective (keiyoushi)  desirable; hoped for 

面白い  おもしろい  adjective (keiyoushi)  interesting; amusing 

怖い  こわい  adjective (keiyoushi)  scary; frightening; eerie; dreadful 

丸い  まるい  adjective (keiyoushi)  round; circular; spherical 

喜ばしい  よろこばしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  delightful; joyous; happy 

恐ろしい  おそろしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  terrible; dreadful 

近い  ちかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  near; close by; short 

太い  ふとい  adjective (keiyoushi)  fat; thick 

薄い  うすい  adjective (keiyoushi)  thin; weak; watery; diluted 

生生しい  なまなましい  adjective (keiyoushi)  lively; green; fresh; raw 

軟らかい  やわらかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  soft; tender; limp 

疑わしい  うたがわしい  adjective (keiyoushi) doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious 

凝った  こった  adjective (keiyoushi)  elaborate; exquisite; tasty; refined; artistic 

黒っぽい  くろっぽい  adjective (keiyoushi)  dark; blackish 

手堅い  てがたい  adjective (keiyoushi)  steady; firm; solid; secure 

暖い  あたたかい; あったかい 

adjective (keiyoushi)  warm; mild; genial  あたたかい

快い  こころよい  adjective (keiyoushi)  pleasant; agreeable 

名高い  なだかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  famous; celebrated; well-known 

激しい  はげしい  adjective (keiyoushi) violent; vehement; intense; furious; tempestuous 

言うまでもない  いうまでもない adjective (keiyoushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.) 

it goes without saying; there is no need to say so, but of course; it is needless to say; it need scarcely be said 

手痛い  ていたい  adjective (keiyoushi)  severe; hard 

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深い  ふかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  deep; profound; thick; close 

懐かしい  なつかしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  dear; desired; missed 

弱い  よわい  adjective (keiyoushi) weak; frail; delicate; tender; unskilled; weak (wine) 

手ごわい  てごわい  adjective (keiyoushi)  difficult; tough; stubborn; redoubtable 

小さい  ちいさい  adjective (keiyoushi)  small; little; tiny 

真新しい  まあたらしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  brand new 

親しい  したしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  intimate; close (e.g., friend) 

辛い  からい  adjective (keiyoushi) hot (spicy); salty; tough (on someone); adverse; harsh 

正しい  ただしい  adjective (keiyoushi) right; just; correct; righteous; honest; truthful; proper; straightforward; perfect 

惜しまない  おしまない  adjective (keiyoushi)  without sparing (effort, funds, etc.) 

薄暗い  うすぐらい  adjective (keiyoushi)  dim; gloomy 

何気無い  なにげない  adjective (keiyoushi)  casual; unconcerned 

似合わしい  にあわしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  well-matched; suitable; becoming 

手厚い  てあつい  adjective (keiyoushi)  courteous 

重い  おもい  adjective (keiyoushi) heavy; massive; serious; important; severe; oppressed 

碧い  あおい  adjective (keiyoushi)  blue; pale; green; unripe; inexperienced 

短かい  みじかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  short 

痛ましい  いたましい  adjective (keiyoushi)  pitiful; heartbreaking 

四角い  しかくい  adjective (keiyoushi)  square 

醜い  みにくい  adjective (keiyoushi)  ugly 

八本  はちほん; はっぽん  adjective (keiyoushi)  eight (long cylindrical things) 

湿っぽい  しめっぽい  adjective (keiyoushi)  damp; gloomy 

小高い  こだかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  slightly elevated 

目まぐるしい  めまぐるしい  adjective (keiyoushi)  hectic; bewildering; bustling; dizzy 

芳しい  かんばしい; こうばしい 

adjective (keiyoushi)  sweet; fragrant; aromatic; savory; savoury 

口惜しい  くちおしい; くやし adjective (keiyoushi)  regrettable; mortifying; vexing 

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い 

貴い  とうとい; たっとい  adjective (keiyoushi) precious; valuable; priceless; noble; exalted; sacred 

程遠い  ほどとおい  adjective (keiyoushi)  far off or away 

Common na Adjectives

Kanji Reading

Kana Reading Part of Speech MeaningExtra Info

安全  あんぜん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

safety; security 

可能  かのう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

possible; practicable; feasible 

具体的  ぐたいてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  concrete; tangible; definite 

最高  さいこう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

highest; supreme; the most 

自然  しぜん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

nature; spontaneous 

自由  じゆう adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

freedom; liberty; as it pleases you 

重要  じゅうよう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

important; momentous; essential; principal; major 

新た  あらた  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

new; fresh; novel 

積極的  せっきょくてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  positive; active; proactive 

大幅  おおはば  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

full width; large scale; drastic 

特別  とくべつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

special 

反対  はんたい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

opposition; resistance; antagonism; hostility; contrast; objection; dissension; reverse; opposite; vice versa 

必用  ひつよう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

necessary; essential; indispensable 

不況  ふきょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

recession; depression; slump 

平和  へいわ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

peace; harmony 

明らか  あきらか  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

obvious; evident; clear; plain 

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安定  あんてい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

stability; equilibrium 

確実  かくじつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

certainty; reliability; soundness 

簡短  かんたん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

simple 

危険  きけん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

danger; peril; hazard 

共通  きょうつう adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

commonness; community 

緊急  きんきゅう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

urgent; pressing; emergency 

健康  けんこう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

health; sound; wholesome 

公式  こうしき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

formula; formality; official 

国際的  こくさいてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  international 

主要  しゅよう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

chief; main; principal; major 

充分  じゅうぶん adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

plenty; enough; sufficient; satisfactory; adequate; division into ten; perfect; thorough; fully; in full 

深刻  しんこく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

serious 

正式  せいしき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

due form; official; formality 

正常  せいじょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

normalcy; normality; normal 

大切  たいせつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

important; valuable; worthy of care 

大変  たいへん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

serious; grave; dreadful; terrible; immense; enormous; difficult; hard 

直接  ちょくせつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi) 

direct; immediate; personal; firsthand 

同様  どうよう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

identical; equal to; same (kind); like 

独自  どくじ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

original; peculiar; characteristic 

独立  どくりつ adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

independence (e.g., Ind. Day); self-support 

非常  ひじょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

emergency; extraordinary; unusual 

不安  ふあん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

anxiety; uneasiness; insecurity; suspense 

不足  ふそく adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

insufficiency; shortage; deficiency; lack; dearth 

不満  ふまん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

dissatisfaction; displeasure; discontent; complaints; unhappiness; disgruntled 

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不明  ふめい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

unknown; obscure; indistinct; uncertain; ambiguous; ignorant; lack of wisdom; anonymous; unidentified 

普通  ふつう adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

generally; ordinarily; usually; train that stops at every station 

豊か  ゆたか  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

abundant; wealthy; plentiful; rich 

本当  ほんとう; ほんと  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

truth; reality 

名誉  めいよ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

honor; honour; credit; prestige 

明確  めいかく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

clear up; clarify; define 

有効  ゆうこう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

validity; availability; effectiveness 

有力  ゆうりょく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

influence; prominence; potent 

確か  たしか adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

certain; sure; definite; if I'm not mistaken; if I remember correctly 

活溌  かっぱつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

vigor; vigour; active; lively 

基本的  きほんてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  fundamental; standard; basic 

急  きゅう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

urgent; sudden; steep 

急速  きゅうそく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

rapid (e.g., progress) 

現金  げんきん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

cash; ready money; mercenary; self-interested 

公的  こうてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

public; official 

公明  こうめい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

fairness; justice 

好調  こうちょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

favourable; favorable; promising; satisfactory; in good shape 

合同  ごうどう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

combination; incorporation; union; amalgamation; fusion; congruence 

最低  さいてい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

least; lowest; worst; nasty; disgusting; horrible; yuck! 

残念  ざんねん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

deplorable; bad luck; regret; disappointment 

重大  じゅうだい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

serious; important; grave; weighty 

政治的  せいじてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  political 

相当  そうとう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi) 

suitable; fair; tolerable; proper; extremely 

多様  たよう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

diversity; variety 

大規模  だいきぼ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

large-scale 

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大形  おおがた adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

large; large scale; big; jumbo 

大量  たいりょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

large quantity 

当然  とうぜん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

naturally; as a matter of course 

特定  とくてい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

specific; special; particular 

微妙  びみょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

delicate; subtle; sensitive; difficult; delicate (situation); complicated; doubtful; questionable; dicey 

複雑  ふくざつ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

complexity; complication 

本格的  ほんかくてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi) full-blown; regular; genuine; earnest; normal; typical; fundamental; real 

味  あじ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

flavor; flavour; taste 

有名  ゆうめい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

fame 

最終的  さいしゅうてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  finally 

圧倒的  あっとうてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

overwhelming 

意外  いがい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

unexpected; surprising 

異例  いれい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

exception; illness; singular; exceptional; unprecedented 

遺伝子  いでんし  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

gene; genetic 

楽しみ  たのしみ  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

enjoyment; pleasure 

完全  かんぜん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

perfection; completeness 

貴重  きちょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

precious; valuable 

巨額  きょがく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

great sum 

巨大  きょだい  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

huge; gigantic; enormous 

強硬  きょうこう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

firm; vigorous; unbending; unyielding; strong; stubborn 

強力  きょうりょく  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

powerful; strong 

高級  こうきゅう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

high class; high grade 

骨  ほね  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

bone kana alone

困難  こんなん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

difficulty; distress 

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自動  じどう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

automatic; self-motion 

実質的  じっしつてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  substantially 

柔軟  じゅうなん  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

flexible; lithe 

順調  じゅんちょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

favourable; favorable; doing well; O.K.; all right 

症  しょう  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun, used as a suffix 

illness 

心配  しんぱい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

worry; concern; anxiety; care 

世界的  せかいてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  global; international; world-famous 

真面  まとも  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

the front; honesty; uprightness; direct 

kana alone

絶対  ぜったい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

absolute; unconditional; absoluteness 

全面的  ぜんめんてき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi) all-out; general; over-all; complete; extensive; full-scale 

大き  おおき  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi)  big; large 

Common Godan Verbs

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Meaning Extra Info

言う  いう; ゆう  to say 

行なう  おこなう  to perform; to do; to conduct oneself; to carry out 

使わす  つかわす  to send; to dispatch; to despatch 

呼ぶ  よぶ  to call out; to invite 

使う  つかう to use; to handle; to manipulate; to employ; to need; to want; to spend; to consume; to speak (English); to practise (fencing); to practice (fencing); to take (one's lunch); to circulate (bad money) 

知る  しる  to know; to understand; to be acquainted with; to feel 

訪う  とう  to ask; to question; to inquire; to charge (i.e. with a crime); to accuse; to care (about); without regard to (with negative verb) 

択ぶ  えらぶ  to choose; to select 

想う  おもう  to think; to feel 

出す  だす  to take out; to get out; to put out; to submit (e.g., thesis); to turn in; to publish; to make public; to send (e.g., letter); to start (fire) 

迫る  せまる  to draw near; to press 

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変る  かわる  to change; to be transformed; to vary; to be revised; to be different; to move location 

優る  まさる  to excel; to surpass; to outrival 

許す  ゆるす  to permit; to allow; to approve; to exempt (from fine); to excuse (from); to confide in; to forgive; to pardon; to excuse; to release; to let off 

盛り込む  もりこむ  to incorporate; to include 

聞かす  きかす  to inform about; to read to; to sing for  transitive verb 

造る  つくる to make; to create; to manufacture; to draw up; to write; to compose; to build; to coin; to cultivate; to organize; to organise; to establish; to make up (a face); to trim (a tree); to fabricate; to prepare (food); to commit (sin); to construct 

遺す  のこす  to leave (behind, over); to bequeath; to save; to reserve 

限る  かぎる  to restrict; to limit; to confine 

在る  ある  to live; to be kana alone (irregular verb) 

示す  しめす  to denote; to show; to point out; to indicate 

贈る  おくる  to send; to give to; to award to; to confer on 

奪う  うばう  to snatch away; to dispossess 

追い込む  おいこむ  to herd; to corner; to drive 

追う  おう  to chase; to run after 

運ぶ  はこぶ  to transport 

欠かす  かかす  to miss (doing); to fail (to do) 

殺す  ころす  to kill 

失う  うしなう  to lose; to part with 

取る  とる  to take; to pick up; to harvest; to e; arn; to choose 

送る  おくる  to send (a thing); to dispatch; to despatch; to take or escort (a person somewhere); to see off (a person); to spend a period of time; to live a life 

打つ  うつ; ぶつ  to hit; to strike 

抛る  ほうる  to let go; to abandon; to leave undone; to throw; to toss; to fling 

包む  くるむ; つつむ 

to wrap up; to tuck in; to pack; to do up; to cover with; to dress in; to conceal; to hide; to be engulfed in; to be enveloped by 

囲む  かこむ  to surround; to encircle 

巻込む  まきこむ  to roll up; to involve; to enfold; to swallow up; to drag into 

9

持ち込む  もちこむ  to lodge; to take something into ..; to bring in  transitive verb 

襲う  おそう  to attack 

生る  なる  to bear fruit 

押す  おす  to push; to press; to stamp (i.e. a passport) 

結ぶ  むすぶ  to tie; to bind; to link 

見込む  みこむ  to anticipate; to estimate 

見送る  みおくる  to see off; to farewell; to escort; to let pass; to wait and see; to let a pitch go by (baseball); to watch a batted ball go into the stands 

見舞う  みまう  to ask after (health); to visit 

高まる  たかまる  to rise; to swell; to be promoted 

合う  あう  to fit; to suit; to agree with; to match; to be ; correct; to be profitable 

支払う  しはらう  to pay 

持つ  もつ  to hold; to carry; to possess 

相次ぐ  あいつぐ  to follow in succession 

売る  うる  to sell 

頼む  たのむ  to request; to beg; to ask 

流す  ながす  to drain; to float; to shed (blood, tears); to cruise (e.g., taxi) 

及ぶ  およぶ  to reach; to come up to; to amount to; to befall; to happen to; to extend; to match; to equal 

繰り返す  くりかえす  to repeat; to do something over again 

語らう  かたらう  to talk; to tell; to recite; to pledge; to conspire with 

語る  かたる  to talk; to tell; to recite 

守る  まもる  to protect; to obey; to guard; to abide (by the rules) 

盗む  ぬすむ  to steal 

黙る  だまる  to be silent 

記す  しるす  to note; to write down 

言い渡す  いいわたす  to announce; to tell; to sentence; to order 

走る  はしる  to run 

10

断わる  ことわる  to refuse; to reject; to dismiss; to turn down; to decline; to inform; to give notice; to ask leave; to excuse oneself (from) 

買う  かう  to buy 

物語る  ものがたる  to tell; to indicate 

誘う  さそう  to invite; to call out 

殴る  なぐる  to strike; to hit 

切らす  きらす  to be out of; to run out of; to be short of; to be out of stock 

切る  きる to cut; to chop; to hash; to carve; to saw; to clip; to shear; to slice; to strip; to fell; to cut down; to punch; to sever (connections); to pause; to break off; to disconnect; to turn off; to hang up; to cross (a street); to discount; to sell below cost 

争う  あらそう  to dispute; to argue; to be at variance; to compete 

打ち出す  うちだす  to begin; to beat; to end; to close; to set out (forth); to work out; to hammer out 

渡す  わたす  to pass over; to hand over 

募る  つのる  to invite; to solicit help, participation, etc. 

満たす  みたす  to fill (e.g., a cup); to satisfy; to ingratiate; to fulfill 

話し合う  はなしあう  to discuss; to talk together 

掩う  おおう  to cover; to hide; to conceal; to wrap; to disguise 

終わる  おわる  to finish; to close 

見つかる  みつかる  to be found; to be discovered  kana alone

辞す  じす  to resign; to leave post 

相手取る  あいてどる  to take on an opponent; to challenge 

隠す  かくす  to hide; to conceal 

競る  せる  to compete; to bid; to sell at auction 

叫ぶ  さけぶ  to shout; to cry 

撃つ  うつ  to attack; to defeat; to destroy 

見直す  みなおす  to look again; to get a better opinion of 

持ち越す  もちこす  to carry over; to carry forward; to keep (for later); to defer 

受取る  うけとる  to receive; to get; to accept; to take; to interpret; to understand 

11

飾る  かざる  to decorate; to ornament; to adorn 

親しむ  したしむ  to be intimate with; to befriend 

組み込む  くみこむ  to insert; to include; to cut in (printing) 

読む  よむ  to read 

悩ます  なやます  to afflict; to torment; to harass; to molest 

縛る  しばる  to tie; to bind 

飛び出す  とびだす  to jump out; to rush out; to fly out; to appear suddenly; to protrude; to project 

望む  のぞむ  to desire; to wish for; to see; to command (a view of) 

落ち込む  おちこむ  to fall into; to feel down (sad) 

生かす  いかす  to revive; to resuscitate; to make use of 

絞る  しぼる  to press; to wring; to squeeze 

謀る  はかる; たばかる 

to plot; to attempt; to plan; to take in; to deceive; to devise; to design; to refer A to B 

競り合う  せりあう  to struggle for; to compete with; to vie with 

Common Ichidan Verbs

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Meaning Extra Info

較べる  くらべる  to compare; to calibrate 

挙げる  あげる  to raise; to fly; to give (an example) 

活きる  いきる  to live; to exist 

抑える  おさえる  to check; to curb; to suppress; to control; to arrest 

分ける  わける  to divide; to separate; to make distinctions; to differentiate (between) 

離れる  はなれる  to be separated from; to leave; to go away; to be a long way off 

応じる  おうじる  to respond; to satisfy; to accept; to comply with; to apply for 

努める  つとめる  to serve; to fill a post; to serve under; to work (for); to exert oneself; to endeavor; to endeavour; to be diligent; to play (the part of) 

控える  ひかえる  to draw in; to hold back; to make notes; to be temperate in 

終える  おえる  to finish 

訪ねる  たずねる  to visit 

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追いかける  おいかける; おっかける 

to chase or run after someone; to run down; to pursue 

応える  こたえる  to respond; to answer; to strike home; to take its toll; to reward 

下げる  さげる  to hang; to lower; to move back; to wear; to dismiss; to grant 

掲げる  かかげる  to publish; to print; to carry (an article); to put up; to hang out; to hoist; to fly (a sail); to float (a flag) 

受け止める  うけとめる  to catch; to stop the blow; to react to; to take 

集める  あつめる  to collect; to assemble transitive verb 

低める  ひくめる  to lower; to be lowered 

広げる  ひろげる  to spread; to extend; to expand; to enlarge; to widen; to broaden; to unfold; to open; to unroll 

合わせる  あわせる  to join together; to be opposite; to face; to unite; to combine; to connect; to add up; to mix; to match; to overlap; to compare; to check with 

受入れる  うけいれる  to accept; to receive 

崩れる  くずれる  to collapse; to crumble 

抱える  かかえる  to hold or carry under or in the arms 

押さえる  おさえる  to stop; to restrain; to seize; to repress; to suppress; to press down 

感じる  かんじる  to feel; to sense; to experience 

寄せる  よせる  to come near; to let someone approach; to collect; to gather; to add; to put aside 

強める  つよめる  to strengthen; to emphasize; to emphasise 

備える  そなえる  to furnish; to provide for; to equip; to install; to have ready; to prepare for; to possess; to have; to be endowed with; to be armed with 

堅める  かためる  to harden; to freeze; to fortify transitive verb 

攻める  せめる  to attack; to assault 

重ねる  かさねる  to pile up; to put something on another; to heap up; to add; to repeat 

埋める  うめる to bury; to fill up (e.g., audience fills a hall); to fill (a seat, a vacant position); to plug gaps; to stop a gap; to make amends; to cover up for something; to put cold water in a bath 

浴びる  あびる  to bathe; to bask in the sun; to shower 

打ち留める  うちとめる  to kill; to slay; to shoot to death; to bring down (bird) 

考える  かんがえる  to consider; to think about 

高める  たかめる  to raise; to lift; to boost 

倒れる  たおれる  to collapse; to break down; to go bankrupt; to fall; to drop; to die; to succumb to; to fall senseless; to be ruined; to have a bad debt 

13

当てる  あてる  to hit; to expose; to apply (e.g., patch); to allot; to call on someone (e.g.; , in class); to guess (an answer); to make a hit (e.g., in a lottery) 

落る  おちる  to fall down; to drop; to fail (e.g., exam); to crash; to degenerate; to degrade 

降りる  おりる  to alight (e.g., from bus); to get off; to descend (e.g., a mountain) 

速める  はやめる  to hasten; to quicken; to expedite; to precipitate; to accelerate 

分かれる  わかれる  to branch off; to diverge from; to fork; to split; to dispense; to scatter; to divide into 

検める  あらためる  to change; to alter; to reform; to revise 

怺える  こらえる; こたえる;

たえる to bear; to stand; to endure; to put up with; to support; to withstand; to resist; to brave; to be fit for; to be equal to 

深める  ふかめる  to deepen; to heighten; to intensify transitive verb 

超える  こえる  to exceed; to cross over; to cross; to pass through; to pass over (out of) 

載せる  のせる to place on (something); to take on board; to give a ride; to let (one) take part; to impose on; to record; to mention; to load (luggage); to publish; to run (an ad) 

出る  でる  to appear; to come forth; to leave 

転じる  てんじる  to turn; to shift; to alter; to distract 

暮れる  くれる  to get dark; to end; to come to an end; to close; to run out 

脹れる  ふくれる  to get cross; to get sulky; to swell (out); to expand; to be inflated; to distend; to bulge 

凝める  みつめる  to stare at; to gaze at; to look hard at; to watch intently; to fix one's eyes on  kana alone

取りまとめる  とりまとめる  to collect; to arrange; to settle 

借りる  かりる  to borrow; to have a loan; to hire; to rent; to buy on credit 

着る  きる  to wear; to put on (from shoulders down) 

預け入れる  あずけいれる  to make a deposit 

経る  へる  to pass; to elapse; to experience 

見る  みる  to see; to watch; (as an auxiliary verb) to try 

漬ける  つける  to soak; to moisten; to pickle 

位置付ける  いちづける; いちずける 

to place (in relation to the whole); to rank; to position; to locate 

煮る  にる  to boil; to cook transitive verb 

出来る  できる to be able (in a position) to do; to be up to the task; to be ready; to be completed; to be made; to be built; to be good at; to be permitted (to do); to become intimate; to take up (with somebody); to grow; to be raised 

kana alone

寝る  ねる  to go to bed; to lie down; to sleep 

14

定める  さだめる  to decide; to establish; to determine 

逃げる  にげる  to escape; to run away 

併せる  あわせる  to unite; to put together 

恐れる  おそれる  to fear; to be afraid of 

引き揚げる  ひきあげる  to withdraw; to leave; to pull out; to retire 

引下げる  ひきさげる  to pull down; to lower; to reduce; to withdraw 

洗い上げる  あらいあげる  to finish washing; to wash well; to investigate thoroughly 

見える  みえる  to be seen; to be in sight; to look; to seem; to appear 

見極める  みきわめる  to see through; to probe; to make sure of 

呼び掛ける  よびかける  to call out to; to accost; to address (crowd); to appeal 

交える  まじえる  to mix; to converse with; to cross (swords) 

受ける  うける  to undertake; to accept; to take (lesson, test, damage); to undergo; to experience; to catch (e.g., a ball); to become popular 

出迎える  でむかえる  to meet; to greet 

燃える  もえる  to burn 

問い合わせる  といあわせる  to enquire; to inquire; to seek information 

連れるつれる  to lead; to take (a person) 

驚かされる  おどろかされる  to be surprised 

苦しめる  くるしめる  to torment; to harass; to inflict pain 

慌てる  あわてる  to become confused (disconcerted, disorganized, disorganised) 

始める  はじめる  to start; to begin transitive verb 

唱える  となえる  to recite; to chant; to call upon 

乗り越える  のりこえる  to climb over; to ride across; to surmount 

申し上げる  もうしあげる  to say; to tell; to state 

数える  かぞえる  to count 

先駆ける  さきがける  to be the first 

告げる  つげる  to inform 

15

強いる  しいる  to force; to compel; to coerce 

禁じる  きんじる  to prohibit 

薄れる  うすれる  to fade; to become dim 

乱れる  みだれる  to get confused; to be disordered; to be disturbed 

行き過ぎる  いきすぎる  to go too far; to go to extremes 

待たせる  またせる  to keep (a person) waiting 

据える  すえる  to set (table); to lay (foundation); to place (gun); to apply (moxa) 

待ち受ける  まちうける  to await; to expect 

塗り替える  ぬりかえる  to repaint 

投じる  とうじる  to throw; to cast; to invest 

Common Suru Verbs

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Part of Speech Meaning

本格化  ほんかくか  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

regularization; regularisation; getting up speed; proceeding at full tilt 

接する  せっする  suru verb - special class to come in contact with; to touch; to connect (with); to attend (to); to receive (visitors) 

要する  ようする  suru verb - special class  to demand; to require; to take 

逆転勝ち  ぎゃくてんがち  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

winning after defeat seems certain; coming from behind to win 

愛する  あいする  suru verb - special class  to love 

嘱する  ぞくする  suru verb - special class to belong to; to come under; to be affiliated with; to be subject to 

制する  せいする  suru verb - special class  to control; to command; to get the better of 

課する  かする  suru verb - special class  to impose 

即する  そくする  suru verb - special class to conform to; to agree with; to be adapted to; to be based on 

達する  たっする  suru verb - special class  to reach; to get to 

擁する  ようする  suru verb - special class  to have; to possess 

決する  けっする  suru verb - special class  to decide; to determine 

徹する  てっする  suru verb - special class to sink in; to penetrate; to devote oneself; to believe in; to go through; to do intently and exclusively 

資する  しする  suru verb - special class  to contribute; to finance 

16

喫する  きっする  suru verb - special class to take; to drink; to suffer (e.g., defeat); to receive a blow 

出どころ  しゅっしょ; でどころ; でどこ 

noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru; noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

birthplace; origin; source; authority; release (discharge) from prison; exit; point of departure; time to take action 

揺する  ゆする; ゆる Godan verb with 'ru' ending; noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

to shake; to jolt; to rock (cradle); to swing 

欲する  ほっする  suru verb - special class  to want; to desire 

称する  しょうする  suru verb - special class to take the name of; to call oneself; to pretend; to feign; to purport 

表する  ひょうする  suru verb - special class  to express; to show 

脱する  だっする  suru verb - special class  to escape from; to get out 

発する  はっする  suru verb - special class  to fire (a gun); to emit; to gi; ve forth 

題する  だいする  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

to be titled (e.g., a book); to be named 

科する  かする  suru verb - special class  to inflict; to impose (a fine, etc.) 

反する  はんする  suru verb - special class to be inconsistent with; to oppose; to contradict; to transgress; to rebel 

罰する  ばっする  suru verb - special class  to punish; to penalize; to penalise 

有する  ゆうする  suru verb - special class  to own; to be endowed with 

熱する  ねっする  suru verb - special class  to heat 

液状化  えきじょうか  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

liquefaction; liquefy 

会する  かいする  suru verb - special class  to meet; to assemble; to mediate 

処する  しょする  suru verb - special class  to manage; to deal with; to cope with 

化する  かする  suru verb - special class to change into; to convert into; to transform; to be reduced; to influence; to improve (someone) 

画する  かくする  suru verb - special class  to draw; to demarcate; to mark; to divide; to map out 

価する  あたいする  suru verb - special class  to be worth; to deserve; to merit 

害する  がいする  suru verb - special class  to injure; to damage; to harm; to kill; to hinder 

察する  さっする  suru verb - special class to guess; to sense; to presume; to judge; to sympathize with; to sympathise with 

類する  るいする  suru verb - special class  to be similar to 

面する  めんする  suru verb - special class  to face on; to look out on to 

介する  かいする  suru verb - special class  to worry; to mind; to care 

屈する  くっする  suru verb - special class  to yield; to bend; to be daunted; to shrink 

17

対する  たいする  suru verb - special class  to face; to confront; to oppose 

逸する  いっする  suru verb - special class to lose (a chance); to miss ; (a chance); to deviate; to forget 

適する  てきする  suru verb - special class  to fit; to suit 

解する  かいする  suru verb - special class  to interpret; to understand; to appreciate 

恋する  こいする  suru verb - special class  to fall in love with; to love 

比する  ひする  suru verb - special class  to compare 

関する  かんする  suru verb - special class  to concern; to be related 

入交  いりまじり  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

mixing with; being mixed 

留飲  りゅういん  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

gloating; satisfaction 

失する  しっする  suru verb - special class  to lose; to miss; to forget; to be excessive 

際する  さいする  suru verb - special class  to arrive; to come to pass 

服する  ふくする  suru verb - special class to be subject to; to submit to; to obey; to abide by; to serve, e.g., in the army, or a sentence in jail (gaol); to observe, e.g., mourning 

薫蒸  くんじょう  noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

fumigation; smoking 

Essentials: Time and Date

Kanji Reading

Kana Reading Part of Speech MeaningExtra Info

月曜日  げつようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Monday 

火曜日  かようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Tuesday 

水曜日  すいようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Wednesday 

木曜日  もくようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Thursday 

金曜日  きんようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Friday 

土曜日  どようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Saturday 

日曜日  にちようび  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

Sunday 

平日  へいじつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

weekday; ordinary days 

週末  しゅうまつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

weekend 

一月  いちがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  January 

18

二月  にがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  February 

三月  さんがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  March 

四月  しがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  April 

五月  ごがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  May 

六月  ろくがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  June 

八月  はちがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  August 

九月  くがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  September 

十月  じゅうがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  October 

十一月  じゅういちがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  November 

十二月  じゅうにがつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  December 

週  しゅう  noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

week 

一週間  いっしゅうかん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  one week 

今週  こんしゅう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

this week 

先週  せんしゅう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

last week; the week before 

毎週  まいしゅう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

every week 

来週  らいしゅう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

next week 

週間  しゅうかん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  week; weekly 

今日  きょう; こんにち  noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi)  today; this day 

本日  ほんじつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

today 

一昨日  いっさくじつ; おとつい; おととい 

adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

day before yesterday 

昨日  きのう; さくじつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

yesterday 

明日  あした; あす; みょうにち 

noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi)  tomorrow 

明後日  あさって; みょうごにち 

adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

day after tomorrow 

今朝  けさ; こんちょ; う  noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi)  this morning 

朝  あさ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

morning 

毎朝  まいあさ; まいちょう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

every morning 

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午后  ごご  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

afternoon; p.m.; pm 

毎日  まいにち  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

every day 

一時  いちじ; いっとき  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

one hour; 1 o'clock; short time; once; a time; temporarily; at one time; 

午前  ごぜん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

morning; a.m. 

夜  よる  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

evening; night 

夕  ゆう  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun, used as a suffix; noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

evening 

夕方  ゆうがた  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

evening 

晩  ばん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

evening 

夜中  よなか  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

midnight; dead of night 

今夜  こんや  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

this evening; tonight 

前夜  ぜんや  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

last night; the previous night 

明夜  みょうや  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

tomorrow night 

時間  じかん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

time 

昨年  さくねん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

last year 

来年  らいねん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

next year 

今年  ことし; こんねん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

this year 

年間  ねんかん  noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi)  year 

一年間  いちねんかん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  (period of) one year 

時  とき  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

time; hour; occasion; moment 

時半  じはん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  about an hour; short time 

昼  ひる  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

noon; daytime 

正午  しょうご  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

noon; mid-day 

零時  れいじ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  12 o'clock (midnight) 

深夜  しんや  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

late at night 

何時  なんじ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  what time? kana alone

春  はる  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

spring 

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冬  ふゆ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

winter 

秋  あき  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  autumn; fall 

夏  なつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

summer 

夏休み  なつやすみ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  summer vacation; summer holiday 

休日  きゅうじつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

holiday; day off 

前年  ぜんねん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

the preceding year; last year 

去年  きょねん; こぞ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

last year 

再来年  さらいねん  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

year after next 

Essentials: Directions, Amounts, and Degrees

Kanji ReadingKana

ReadingPart of Speech Meaning

Extra Info

北  きた  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  North 

東  ひがし  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  east 

南  みなみ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

South; proceeding south 

西  にし  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  west 

北西  ほくせい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  northwest 

北東  きたひがし;

ほくとう noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  northeast 

南西  なんせい; みなみにし 

noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  southwest 

左  ひだり  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  left hand side 

右  みぎ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) right hand side; above; afore-mentioned; foregoing; forgoing 

前  まえ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

before; in front; fore part; ago; previously; head (of a line); in the presence of; lady (so-and-so); (five minutes) to; helping; portion 

後  あと nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

after; behind; later; rear; remainder; successor 

後  うしろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  back; behind; rear  うしろ

上  うえ  nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

above; over; on top of; up; upper part; summit; surface; far better; higher; (in) authority; as far as .. is concerned; besides; after; emperor; sovereign; upon (examination); influence of (liquor); lord; shogun; superior; my dear (father) 

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下  した  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  under; below; beneath 

隣  となり  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  next to; next door to 

表  おもて  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) surface; front; right side; face; exterior; outside; the street; mat covers; head (of a coin); first half (of an innings) 

おもて

真っ直ぐ  ますぐ; まっすぐ 

adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

straight (ahead); direct; upright; erect; honest; frank 

少し  すこし  adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

small quantity; little; few; something; little while; short distance 

沢山  たくさん adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

many; a lot; much kana alone

可也  かなり  adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi) 

considerably; fairly; quite kana alone

迚も  とても; とっても 

adverb (fukushi)  very; awfully; exceedingly kana alone

余り  あまり; あんまり 

adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

not very (this form only used as adverb); not much; remainder; rest; remnant; surplus; balance; excess; remains; scraps; residue; fullness; other; too much 

kana alone

全然  ぜんぜん  adverb (fukushi) wholly; entirely; completely; not at all (with neg. verb) 

許り  ばかり; ばっかり 

  approximately; just; only; merely; nothing but kana alone

普通  ふつう adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

generally; ordinarily; usually; train that stops at every station 

随分  ずいぶん adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi) 

extremely 

偶に  たまに  adverb (fukushi)  occasionally; once in a while 

大抵  たいてい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

usually; generally 

大変  たいへん adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

serious; grave; dreadful; terrible; immense; enormous; difficult; hard 

多分  たぶん  adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

perhaps; probably 

度度  たびたび  adverb (fukushi)  often; repeatedly; frequently 

中中  なかなか  adverb (fukushi) very; considerably; easily; readily; fairly; quite; highly; rather; by no means (with negative verb) 

kana alone

皆  みな; みんな  adverb (fukushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

all; everyone; everybody 

全部  ぜんぶ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi) 

all; entire; whole; altogether 

凡て  すべて nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

all; the whole; entirely; in general; wholly 

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Essentials: Who, What, When, Where

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Part of Speech MeaningExtra Info

誰  だれ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  who kana alone

何  なに; なん  interjection (kandoushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

what  なに

何時  いつ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi)  when; how soon kana alone

何処  どこ; いずく; いずこ; どこいら 

noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  where; what place 

kana alone どこ

誰でも  だれでも  conjunction  anyone; anybody; whoever kana alone

何でも  なんでも  adverb (fukushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.) 

by all means; everything 

何処でも  どこでも  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  anywhere kana alone

  どうした  pre-noun adjectival (rentaishi) what's the matter?; what's wron; g? 

何で  なんで  adverb (fukushi)  Why?; What for? 

如何して  どうして  adverb (fukushi); interjection (kandoushi) why?; for what reason; how; in what way; for what purpose; what for 

kana alone

何時まで  いつまで  adverb (fukushi)  how long?; till when? kana alone

何時頃  いつごろ  noun (temporal) (jisoumeishi)  about when; how soon 

何の位  どのくらい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  how long; how far; how much kana alone

何時から  いつから  Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.)  since when; how long 

今  いま  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

now; the present time; just now; soon; immediately; (one) more 

今迄  いままで  adverb (fukushi) until now; so far; up to the present 

今に  いまに  adverb (fukushi)  before long; even now 

此処  ここ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  here; this place kana alone

惟  これ  interjection (kandoushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

this kana alone

其れ  それ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  it; that kana alone

  あれ  interjection (kandoushi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

that; that thing; genitals; menses 

  あっち  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  over there 

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彼の  あの  pre-noun adjectival (rentaishi)  that over there kana alone

其方  そちら  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  over there; the other kana alone

其の  その  pre-noun adjectival (rentaishi)  the; that kana alone

此の  この  pre-noun adjectival (rentaishi); interjection (kandoushi) 

this kana alone

何方  どなた  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  who? 

あの人  あのひと  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  he; she; that person 

彼  かれ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  he; boyfriend 

彼女  かのじょ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  she; girl friend; sweetheart 

何か  なにか  Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.)  something 

何も  なにも  adverb (fukushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.) 

nothing 

何度  なんど  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  how many times?; how often? 

何とか  なんとか  adverb (fukushi); Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

somehow; anyhow; one way or another 

  どんな adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); pre-noun adjectival (rentaishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

what; what kind of 

誰か  だれか  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  someone; somebody kana alone

誰も  だれも  conjunction everyone; anyone; no-one (with neg. verb) 

kana alone

其処  そこ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  that place; there kana alone

  くらい; ぐらい    approximately 

頃  けい; ころ; ごろ  adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

time; about; toward; approximately (time) 

kana alone

Shapes & Colors

Kanji Reading

Kana Reading Part of Speech Meaning

色  いろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  colour; color; sensuality; lust 

赤い  あかい  adjective (keiyoushi)  red 

青  あお  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  blue; green; green light 

白  しろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  white 

黒  くろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  black; dark 

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水色  みずいろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  light blue 

茶色  ちゃいろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  light brown; tawny 

灰色  はいいろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  grey; gray; ashen 

緑色  みどりいろ; りょくしょく 

adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

green 

黄色  きいろ; こうしょく;

おうしょく 

adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

yellow 

紫  むらさき  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  purple colour; purple color; violet; type of soy sauce 

  ピンク nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

pink 

銀色  ぎんいろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  silver (color, colour) 

鼠  ねずみ; ねず  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  mouse; rat; dark gray; dark grey; slate (color, colour) 

無色  むしょく  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  colourless; colorless; achromatic 

橙色  だいだいいろ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  orange-colored; orange-coloured 

形  かたち  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  form; shape; figure; type 

方形  ほうけい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  square 

長方形  ちょうほうけい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  rectangle; oblong 

三角形  さんかくけい; さんかっけい 

nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

triangle 

三角  さんかく  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  triangle; triangular 

四角い  しかくい  adjective (keiyoushi)  square 

長四角  ながしかく  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  rectangle 

丸い  まるい  adjective (keiyoushi)  round; circular; spherical 

立方体  りっぽうたい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  cube 

線  せん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

line (also telephone, railway); wire; beam 

球  きゅう; たま  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  globe; sphere; ball 

多辺形  たへんけい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  polygon 

五辺形  ごへんけい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  pentagon 

八辺形  はちへんけい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  octagon 

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無定形  むていけい adjectival nouns or quasi-adjectives (keiyodoshi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi) 

amorphous; shapeless 

左側  さそく; ひだりがわ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  left; left (hand) side 

右側  うそく; みぎがわ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  right side; right hand 

上  うえ nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; adverbial noun (fukushitekimeishi); noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun, used as a suffix 

above; over; on top of; up; upper part; summit; surface; far better; higher; (in) authority; as far as .. is concerned; besides; after; emperor; sovereign; upon (examination); influence of (liquor); lord; shogun; superior; my dear (father) 

下  した  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  under; below; beneath 

角  かど  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  corner (e.g., desk, pavement); edge 

曲線  きょくせん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  curve 

湾曲  わんきょく  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  curve 

Talking About Family

Kanji Reading Kana Reading Part of Speech Meaning Extra Info

父  ちち  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  father (familiar) 

お父さん  おとうさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  father 

母  はは  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  mother (familiar) 

母親  ははおや  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  mother 

お母さん  おかあさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  mother 

父親  ちちおや  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  father 

父母  ふぼ; ちちはは  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  father and mother; parents 

弟  おと; おとうと;

おとと noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  younger brother 

兄  あに  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  older brother 

弟さん  おとうとさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  younger brother 

兄さん  にいさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  older brother 

兄弟  きょうだい  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  siblings 

妹  いもうと  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  younger sister 

姉  あね  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  older sister 

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妹さん  いもうとさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  younger sister  いもうとさん

姉さん  ねえさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  elder sister; waitress; girl 

叔父  おじ; しゅくふ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) uncle (younger than one's parent) 

伯父  おじ; はくふ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  uncle (older than one's parent) 

叔母  おば; しゅくぼ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) aunt (younger than one's parent) 

伯母  おば; はくぼ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  aunt (older than one's parent) 

祖母  そぼ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  grandmother 

お婆さん  おばあさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) grandmother; female senior-citizen 

祖父  そふ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  grandfather 

お爺さん  おじいさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) grandfather; male senior-citizen 

叔父さん  おじさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  middle-aged gentleman; uncle  kana alone

小母さん  おばさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi) aunt; middle-aged lady; woman; ma'am 

kana alone

娘  むすめ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  daughter 

御嬢さん  おじょうさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  daughter; young lady  おじょうさん

長男  ちょうなん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  eldest son 

息子  むすこ  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  son 

妻  つま  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  wife 

夫人  ふじん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  wife; Mrs; madam 

お子さん  おこさん  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  (someone else's) child 

夫  おっと  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  (my) husband 

主  あるじ; しゅじん 

noun (common) (futsuumeishi) master; head (of a household); landlord; one's husband; employer; host 

結婚  けっこん nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'; noun (common) (futsuumeishi); noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru 

marriage 

育てる  そだてる  Ichidan verb; transitive verb  to raise; to rear; to bring up 

居る  いる  Ichidan verb  to be (animate); to exist 

家族  かぞく  noun (common) (futsuumeishi)  family; members of a family 

Stores and Buildings (普通名詞)

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Kanji Reading Kana Reading Meaning

  ビル  building; bill 

駅  えき  station 

事務所  じむしょ  office 

本社  ほんしゃ  head office; main office; headquarters 

支局  しきょく  branch office 

支店  してん  branch store (office) 

大使館  たいしかん  embassy 

美術館  びじゅつかん  art gallery; art museum 

博物館  はくぶつかん  museum 

図書館  としょかん  library 

映画館  えいがかん  movie theatre (theater); cinema 

旅館  りょかん  Japanese hotel; inn 

公民館  こうみんかん  public hall; community center; community centre 

迎賓館  げいひんかん  reception hall 

本館  ほんかん  main building 

水族館  すいぞくかん  aquarium 

領事館  りょうじかん  consulate 

屋上  おくじょう  rooftop 

料理屋  りょうりや  restaurant 

家屋  かおく  house; building 

問屋  といや; とんや  wholesale store 

借屋  かりや; かりいえ; しゃくや; しゃっか  house for rent; rented house; renting a house 

本屋  ほんや  bookstore; bookshop; publisher; main building 

茶屋  ちゃや  tea house; tea dealer 

酒屋  さかや  liquor store 

社屋  しゃおく  company office building 

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八百屋  やおや  greengrocer 

魚屋  さかなや  fish market; fish dealer 

芝居小屋  しばいごや  playhouse; theatre; theater 

米屋  こめや  rice shop; rice dealer 

菓子屋  かしや  confectionery shop 

靴屋  くつや  shoemaker; shoe store 

写真屋  しゃしんや  photo studio; photographer 

薬局  やっきょく  pharmacy; chemist; drugstore 

餅屋  もちや  rice cake shop keeper; rice cake store (shop) 

土産物屋  みやげものや  souvenir store; gift shop 

店屋  みせや  store; shop 

電気屋  でん; きや  electric appliance store 

家具屋  かぐや  furniture store; furniture dealer 

果物屋  くだものや  fruit store 

乾物屋  かんぶつや  grocery store 

古道具屋  ふるどうぐや  secondhand store 

屋  ごふくや  draper; dry-goods store 

時計屋  とけいや  watch store; watch dealer 

ペット屋  ペットや  pet store 

荒物屋  あらものや  variety store 

金物屋  かなものや  hardware store or dealer 

紙屋  かみや  paper store 

食堂  しょくどう  cafeteria; dining hall 

講堂  こうどう  auditorium 

会堂  かいどう  church; chapel; synagogue; tabernacle 

公会堂  こうかいどう  town hall; public hall 

殿堂  でんどう  palace; palatial building 

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金堂  こんどう  main temple structure (sanctuary, hall) 

中堂  ちゅうどう  main temple building 

音楽堂  おんがくどう  concert hall 

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