Collocation cuts
1034 candidates didn’t make the list. Each has a reason, so you can ask for any of them back.
Within each group, the most frequent in the subtitle corpus come first; × is how many times it was heard.
Maybe (103)
Strong sets that only just missed.
- dainashi ni surupolite dainashi ni shimasuruin, spoilDescribing people. Means 'ruin, spoil' (a day off, a dinner, a surprise). Film drama inflates its 466 hits, but sekkaku no ... ga dainashi is everyday talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shigoto ni modorupolite shigoto ni modorimasuget back to workWork & school. Common (463): sorosoro shigoto ni modoranakya, 'I'd better get back to work'. Films inflate it, but offices say it every day.
- iya na kao o surupolite iya na kao o shimasumake a face, look annoyedPeople & talk. Making a face is X na kao o suru (435 hits for kao + suru): sonna kao shinaide, iya na kao shita. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- owari ni surupolite owari ni shimasuwrap up, call it a dayWork & school. Common (279) and typical: kyou wa kore de owari ni shiyou ('let's call it a day') ends classes, shifts and practice.
- sainou ga arupolite sainou ga arimasube talentedDescribing people. The usual way to say someone is talented (sainou aru yo). Film pep talks push up its 275 hits, but it is still frequent. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- omoi o surupolite omoi o shimasugo through (a feeling)Senses & mind. Very common (246 hits) and closely paired. Kowai omoi o shita means 'I had a scary time'. It only missed because it always needs a feeling word in front.
- tegami o kakupolite tegami o kakimasuwrite a letterPhone, photos & screens. Very frequent (218) and typical: tegami is mostly written. It only missed because people write fewer letters now (judged 3). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hito no sei ni surupolite hito no sei ni shimasublame (someone else), pin it on someonePeople & talk. Blaming is X no sei ni suru (139 hits as written, judged 4): ore no sei ni suru na.
- kikai ga arupolite kikai ga arimasuhave a chanceTime, money & plans. Common (153). Kikai ga areba ('if I get the chance') is an everyday line, and it only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- souzou ga tsukupolite souzou ga tsukimasucan imagineSenses & mind. Common (146 hits) in everyday talk: souzou tsuku, souzou mo tsukanai ('I can't even imagine'). It only just missed.
- namae o tsukerupolite namae o tsukemasuname (a baby, pet or file)People & talk. Naming a baby, pet, file or group is everyday (119 hits as written, judged 4), and the verb is tsukeru.
- kouka ga arupolite kouka ga arimasube effective, workDescribing people. The everyday way to ask whether a diet, cream or study method works (kouka aru?), with 137 hits. The added kusuri ga kiku only covers medicine.
- byouin ni tsurete ikupolite byouin ni tsurete ikimasutake someone to the hospitalBody & health. Taking a child or parent to the doctor is everyday family talk (119 hits, judged 4/5). It only just missed.
- isu ni suwarupolite isu ni suwarimasusit on a chairHome & daily routine. Frequent (106 hits) and strongly paired (typical 0.27). It's the standard 'sit on a chair', though people often just say suwatte. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shokku o ukerupolite shokku o ukemasube shocked, be hurt (by news, a remark)Senses & mind. Common (104 hits) and closely paired: half of all shokku in the corpus is shokku uketa ('I was shocked, it hurt'). It is ordinary casual speech.
- kakkou o surupolite kakkou o shimasube dressed (a certain way)Clothes & wearing. Commenting on how someone is dressed (sonna kakkou de iku no?, kawaii kakkou shiteru) comes up all the time in casual talk; sonna/konna kakkou alone has about 185 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- te o tsunagupolite te o tsunagimasuhold handsPeople & talk. Holding hands is always te o tsunagu (84 hits as written): te tsunaide, with kids or a partner. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- honki de iupolite honki de iimasumean it, say it seriouslyPeople & talk. Honki de itteru? ('are you serious?') is a stock question (120 hits with maji de, judged 4).
- oto o taterupolite oto o tatemasumake noiseHome & daily routine. Fairly frequent (92 hits). Oto tatenaide ('keep the noise down') is everyday flat and night-time talk, and the verb tateru can't be guessed.
- oogoe o dasupolite oogoe o dashimasushout, raise your voicePeople & talk. Raising your voice is oogoe o dasu (86 hits as written, judged 4): oogoe dasanaide. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- yakusoku o yaburupolite yakusoku o yaburimasubreak a promiseTime, money & plans. The other half of yakusoku o mamoru, which is now on the list, and said often (83, yakusoku yabutta). It only just missed.
- ki ga chirupolite ki ga chirimasuget distractedSenses & mind. Everyday and very typical: three quarters of all chiru in the corpus is ki ga chiru (urusakute ki ga chiru, 'it's too noisy to focus'). It just missed at 81 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- tayori ni narupolite tayori ni narimasube reliable, dependable (someone you can count on)Describing people. The everyday way to praise someone as dependable (tayori ni naru ne). It has 81 hits in films and is even more common in daily life, so it only just missed.
- shashin o miserupolite shashin o misemasushow a photoPhone, photos & screens. Shashin misete comes up whenever someone mentions a photo (79, judged 4). It pairs with the added shashin o miru, and it lost out only because miseru goes with anything.
- yakedo o surupolite yakedo o shimasuget burned, burn oneselfBody & health. Burning yourself while cooking is a common everyday mishap (77 hits, very typical pairing), built just like kega o suru on the list. It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- takushii o yobupolite takushii o yobimasucall a taxiGetting around. The usual way to call or ask for a taxi (takushii yonde moraemasu ka?). It has 69 hits and a strong pairing, and only just missed.
- henji ga naipolite henji ga arimasenno replyPeople & talk. Henji nai / henji konai ('no reply yet') is everyday about messages (44 hits as written, judged 4). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kyaku ga kurupolite kyaku ga kimasuhave guests comingPeople & talk. Guests coming over is (o)kyaku(-san) ga kuru (69 hits as written, judged 4): kyou okyakusan kuru kara. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kagami o mirupolite kagami o mimasulook in the mirrorHome & daily routine. A common daily-routine set (57 hits, typical 0.34, native rating 4/5), and the mirror takes o, not ni.
- memai ga surupolite memai ga shimasufeel dizzyBody & health. Feeling dizzy is a common complaint (from heat, standing up, low blood pressure), and memai almost always goes with suru (56 hits). It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- terebi ni derupolite terebi ni demasuappear on TVPhone, photos & screens. Terebi ni deteta! is a common thing to say about someone seen on TV (54, with 46 for the exact phrase). It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- nagame ga iipolite nagame ga ii desuhave a nice viewGetting around. A very typical pairing (half of all uses of nagame), said about hotel rooms, flats and lookouts, often as ii nagame!. It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- okane o kasegupolite okane o kasegimasumake / earn moneyTime, money & plans. Common once plain kane is counted too (50 for okane + 128 for kane). It's the everyday verb for earning money, and it only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- nakama ni irerupolite nakama ni iremasulet someone join inPeople & talk. Nakama ni irete ('let me join') is a stock line (71 hits as written, judged 4). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kuse ga arupolite kuse ga arimasuhave a habit (of)Describing people. The usual way to say someone has a habit or quirk (... suru kuse ga aru), with 48 hits. It is also said of food or people with a strong character.
- chikara o irerupolite chikara o iremasuput effort into; push harderWork & school. Common (47) with two uses: chikara irete ('push harder, grip tighter') and X ni chikara o ireru ('put effort into X').
- yume ni derupolite yume ni demasuappear in a dream; dream about (someone)Home & daily routine. A purely Japanese framing (yume ni dete kita, 'you appeared in my dream'), it comes up often (46 hits), and English gives no route to it.
- kyuuryou o moraupolite kyuuryou o moraimasuget paid, receive a salaryTime, money & plans. Kyuuryou moratta ('I got paid') is everyday, and this pairing takes almost a quarter of what's said with kyuuryou (43). It only just missed.
- michi o oshierupolite michi o oshiemasugive directionsGetting around. The core phrase for asking the way (eki made no michi oshiete kuremasen ka?), with 42 hits. One of the strongest travel sets still out.
- ruuru o mamorupolite ruuru o mamorimasufollow / keep to the rulesWork & school. Common (40) and typical: ruuru mamotte for games, school and rubbish days. Same mamoru as yakusoku o mamoru, being added. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ana ga akupolite ana ga akimasuget a hole (in something)Clothes & wearing. The fixed way to say something has a hole in it (kutsushita ni ana aiteru yo), about 80 hits; the same aku as seki ga aku.
- seki o torupolite seki o torimasusave / hold a seatGetting around. Everyday for saving a seat at a café, the cinema or a hanami spot (seki totte oku ne), with 38 hits.
- shokuyoku ga naipolite shokuyoku ga arimasenhave no appetiteBody & health. 'Shokuyoku nai' is a common complaint when ill or worn down by summer heat (37 hits, typical pairing). It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jimu ni ikupolite jimu ni ikimasugo to the gymHobbies, sport & games. The everyday way to say you work out (37 hits, plus 8 for jimu ni kayou). It only just missed because it is a plain place + ni iku.
- kangaegoto o surupolite kangaegoto o shimasube lost in thoughtSenses & mind. Natural, judged 4: gomen, kangaegoto shiteta is 'sorry, I was lost in thought'. Only 35 hits, but closely paired.
- okane o kaesupolite okane o kaeshimasupay back moneyTime, money & plans. Common once plain kane is counted (34 for okane + 134 for kane). Ashita kaesu ne ('I'll pay you back tomorrow') is everyday among friends. It only just missed.
- denwa ga tsunagarupolite denwa ga tsunagarimasuget through (on the phone), reach someonePhone, photos & screens. Denwa tsunagaranai ('I can't get through') is a common complaint (32). It matches the kept netto ga tsunagaru.
- ashi ga itaipolite ashi ga itai desumy feet / legs hurtBody & health. Sore feet or legs after a day of walking is an everyday complaint (31 hits, judged 4/5), as common as koshi ga itai, which was added. It only just missed.
- doraibu ni ikupolite doraibu ni ikimasugo for a driveGetting around. The normal way to suggest a drive for fun or a drive date (doraibu ikou), with 28 hits and judged 4.
- okane o kasupolite okane o kashimasulend moneyTime, money & plans. Common once plain kane is counted (27 for okane + 62 for kane). Okane kashite ('lend me some money') is an everyday ask, and it only just missed.
- ibiki o kakupolite ibiki o kakimasusnoreHome & daily routine. Very fixed (typical 0.64). Ibiki kaiteta yo is common between family and partners, and the verb kaku can't be guessed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- menkyo o torupolite menkyo o torimasuget a licenceWork & school. Everyday life talk (22): menkyo totta? for a driving licence. You 'take' it (toru), not 'get' it (morau).
- samuke ga surupolite samuke ga shimasuhave the chillsBody & health. 'Samuke ga suru' (I've got the chills) is how a cold or flu is often first noticed, and samuke nearly always takes suru (21 hits, very typical). It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kamigata o kaerupolite kamigata o kaemasuchange your hairstyleBody & health. 'Kamigata kaeta?' is a stock small-talk remark (21 hits, judged 4/5), next to kami o kiru on the list. It only just missed.
- reberu ga takaipolite reberu ga takai desube high-level, of a high standardDescribing people. Very common in everyday talk about schools, teams, food and skills (reberu takai ne). It is judged 4, and films undercount it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- okane o karirupolite okane o karimasuborrow moneyTime, money & plans. Common once plain kane is counted (20 for okane + 46 for kane), and judged everyday (4). It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jugyou o saborupolite jugyou o saborimasuskip class, cut classWork & school. Students say it all the time (20, and a quarter of all saboru is about class). The same verb covers skipping work or the gym.
- kyuuryou ga iipolite kyuuryou ga ii desube well paid, pay wellWork & school. A common line in job talk (20): kyuuryou ii, 'it pays well'. English 'well paid' gives no clue to the shape. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- honki o dasupolite honki o dashimasuget serious, give it your allPeople & talk. Honki dasu / mada honki dashite nai (20 hits, judged 4) is everyday in games, sport and work.
- kawa o mukupolite kawa o mukimasupeel (fruit, vegetables)Food & drink. Peeling mikan and apples (ringo muite ageru) is constant home talk, and muku is a verb learners would not guess. It has a solid 19 hits even in films. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ochitsuki ga naipolite ochitsuki ga arimasenbe restless, fidgetyDescribing people. The usual way to say a child or adult is restless or fidgety (ochitsuki nai ne). It is judged 4, with 19 hits, and is almost always said this way. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- futa o akerupolite futa o akemasuopen the lid, take the cap offHome & daily routine. Common (19 hits, typical 0.23, native rating 4/5), and the opposite of the added futa o suru. Japanese names the lid where English says 'open the jar'.
- shumi ga arupolite shumi ga arimasuhave a hobbyHobbies, sport & games. A staple of getting-to-know-you talk (nanka shumi aru?), rated 3 with 18 hits. It only just missed because people often ask shumi wa? instead.
- oyogi ni ikupolite oyogi ni ikimasugo swimmingHobbies, sport & games. Rated 3 with 18 hits, and about half of all uses of oyogi come in this set. It has the same frame as the added asobi ni iku and sanpo ni iku.
- yarigai ga arupolite yarigai ga arimasube rewarding, worthwhile (work)Work & school. Common in job talk (18, and most yarigai takes aru): yarigai no aru shigoto, 'rewarding work'. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- iyami o iupolite iyami o iimasumake snide remarks, be sarcasticPeople & talk. Iyami is everyday (87 hits for the noun, judged 4), and it takes iu: iyami iwanaide yo.
- shigoto ga kitsuipolite shigoto ga kitsui desuthe job is hard, demandingWork & school. A very common complaint (17), and kitsui (tough, draining) is not muzukashii (hard to do). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jugyou ni derupolite jugyou ni demasuattend classWork & school. Common student talk that films under-count (16), and the ni is a real trap. Pairs with jugyou ga aru, being added.
- hitorigoto o iupolite hitorigoto o iimasutalk to yourselfPeople & talk. Talking to yourself is hitorigoto (68 hits for the noun, judged 4), and it takes iu: hitorigoto desu.
- toire o karirupolite toire o karimasuuse someone's bathroomHome & daily routine. You'll need toire karite mo ii? in any home or shop, and 'borrow' is not the verb English suggests (15 hits).
- kusuri o moraupolite kusuri o moraimasuget medicine (from the clinic or pharmacy)Body & health. 'Kusuri moratte kita' follows nearly every clinic visit (14 hits, judged 4/5), and it pairs with kusuri o nomu on the list. It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- toshi ga chikaipolite toshi ga chikai desube close in agePeople & talk. Toshi chikai ne comes up whenever people compare ages (34 hits as written, judged 4); pairs with the added toshi ga ue.
- kaigi ni derupolite kaigi ni demasuattend a meetingWork & school. An everyday office line that films under-count (13), and kaigi o deru would mean walking out. Pairs with kaigi ga aru, being added. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hi ga nagaipolite hi ga nagai desuthe days are longWeather & nature. 'Hi ga nagaku natta ne' (the days are getting longer) is classic seasonal small talk, with 12 hits. It is a strong set that only just missed.
- hana o kamupolite hana o kamimasublow one's noseBody & health. Blowing your nose is everyday talk with kids and in hay-fever season, and it goes with hanamizu ga deru (now added). It only just missed.
- monowasure ga hidoipolite monowasure ga hidoi desube very forgetfulPeople & talk. Saikin monowasure ga hidoi is a stock adult complaint (judged 4); films under-count it (10 hits).
- ka ni sasarerupolite ka ni sasaremasuget bitten by a mosquitoBody & health. 'Ka ni sasareta' is said all summer long in Japan; the film count (9) undersells seasonal daily life. It only just missed.
- tomari ni kurupolite tomari ni kimasucome to stay over (a sleepover, a visit)People & talk. Tomari ni kuru / iku for a sleepover or visit (15 hits as written, judged 4) is everyday. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- wagamama o iupolite wagamama o iimasube demanding, make selfish requestsPeople & talk. Wagamama iwanaide is what parents and partners say all the time (judged 4). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hanabi o surupolite hanabi o shimasudo fireworks (sparklers yourself)Hobbies, sport & games. A summer staple (sparklers in the park or on the beach), rated 3. Films show only 7 hits because they under-count Japanese seasonal life. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hana ga tsumarupolite hana ga tsumarimasuhave a stuffy noseBody & health. A stuffy nose is one of the most common cold and hay-fever complaints, next to hanamizu ga deru (now added). It only just missed.
- karada ga hierupolite karada ga hiemasuget chilledBody & health. 'Karada hiechau yo' (you'll get chilled) is a constant everyday warning in cold weather and air-conditioned rooms (judged 4/5); the film count (5) undersells it. It only just missed. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- keshou o otosupolite keshou o otoshimasutake off makeupClothes & wearing. A nightly-routine phrase (meiku otoshite kara neru) that films rarely show (4 hits); otosu is the same verb used for stains.
- shashin o kesupolite shashin o keshimasudelete a photoPhone, photos & screens. Sono shashin keshite ('delete that photo') is everyday phone talk (judged 4). Films under-count it at 4.
- tairyoku ga ochirupolite tairyoku ga ochimasulose stamina, get out of shapeBody & health. 'Saikin tairyoku ochita' is a very common adult complaint (judged 4/5), and it pairs with tairyoku ga aru (now added). It only just missed.
- densha ga tomarupolite densha ga tomarimasuthe train stopsGetting around. In Japan, trains stopping after an accident or a typhoon is a constant excuse (densha tomatteru). Films just don't show it, hence only 3 hits.
- netsu o hakarupolite netsu o hakarimasutake one's temperatureBody & health. 'Netsu hakatta?' is asked whenever anyone feels ill, and Japanese homes, schools and workplaces check temperatures daily; the film count (3) undersells it. It only just missed.
- toshi ga uepolite toshi ga ue desube older (than someone)Describing people. How people say 'older than me', and age gaps come up constantly in Japan (judged 4). It was already written up; films undercount it. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- gohan o takupolite gohan o takimasucook riceFood & drink. Cooking rice is a daily chore in most Japanese homes (gohan taiteoku), and taku is a rice-only verb. Films barely show it (1 hit).
- shouyu o kakerupolite shouyu o kakemasuput soy sauce onFood & drink. Shouyu kakeru? is everyday table talk, and it teaches kakeru for any sauce poured over food (mayo, dressing). Films barely show it.
- tenki ga kuzurerupolite tenki ga kuzuremasuthe weather turns badWeather & nature. People repeat the forecast in chat all year ('gogo kara kuzureru rashii yo'). The zero count comes from foreign-film subtitles, which leave this out.
- oto o ookiku surupolite oto o ookiku shimasuturn the volume upPhone, photos & screens. The usual way to ask for the volume up (judged 4; oto o chiisaku for down has 15 more), and the list has no volume set. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- sukikirai ga ooipolite sukikirai ga ooi desube a picky eaterFood & drink. Sukikirai aru? / sukikirai nai is asked whenever someone feeds a guest or a child, and there is no adjective for 'picky'. It would come back as sukikirai ga aru, the form people actually say (25 hits for the noun).
- ofuro kara agarupolite ofuro kara agarimasuget out of the bathHome & daily routine. Ofuro agatta? is a daily family phrase (native rating 4/5), and agaru isn't the 'get out' verb English suggests. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- uchi made okurupolite uchi made okurimasutake, walk or drive someone homePeople & talk. Everyday set (judged 4; films miss it): okutte iku yo, 'I'll walk you home'. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- gohan o nokosupolite gohan o nokoshimasuleave food (uneaten)Food & drink. Nokosanaide tabete and nokoshite ii? come up at every family table and in restaurants. Films show the verb a lot (nokosazu 63, nokosanai 82), but rarely with food.
- sentakumono o torikomupolite sentakumono o torikomimasubring in the laundryHome & daily routine. The other half of the kept sentakumono o hosu, and a daily chore in Japan (ame futte kita, torikonde!) that films never show.
- osake o tsugupolite osake o tsugimasupour a drink (for someone)Food & drink. Pouring for each other is the core manners of any Japanese work dinner or nomikai, and tsugu is not ireru. Strong if you will drink with Japanese people.
- mezamashi o tomerupolite mezamashi o tomemasuturn off the alarmHome & daily routine. Pairs with the kept mezamashi o kakeru, comes up every morning (native rating 4/5), and the verb is tomeru, not kesu.
- tsukare ga tamarupolite tsukare ga tamarimasuget worn out, tiredness builds upBody & health. 'Tsukare tamatteru' (I'm worn out, it's built up) is a very common adult complaint (judged 4/5), the partner of tsukare ga toreru (now added). It only just missed.
- hana ga chirupolite hana ga chirimasublossoms fall, petals scatterWeather & nature. The natural partner of the added hana ga saku: 'sakura mou chitchatta?' is everyday spring talk. The film corpus barely has it, so the low count undersells it.
- asa ga yowaipolite asa ga yowai desunot be a morning personHome & daily routine. Asa yowai is the stock way to say you're not a morning person, it's common in small talk, and English offers no calque.
- iyahon o surupolite iyahon o shimasuhave earphones in, wear earphonesClothes & wearing. Newer than most of the films (0 hits), but iyahon shiteta kara kikoenakatta is everyday talk now. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
Already covered (194)
A set in the list does the same job.
- shitsumon o surupolite shitsumon o shimasuask a questionPeople & talk. Covered by shitsumon ga aru. Really the suru verb shitsumon suru; the kept shitsumon ga aru already handles asking questions.
- jikan ga arupolite jikan ga arimasuhave time, be freeTime, money & plans. Covered by jikan ga nai. Very common (725), but it is just jikan ga nai with aru, so learning that one gives you this.
- sewa o surupolite sewa o shimasulook after (pets, kids, plants)People & talk. Covered by mendou o miru. The added mendou o miru says 'look after' for kids, pets and juniors; sewa suru is a plain suru verb.
- kyoumi ga naipolite kyoumi ga arimasennot be interestedSenses & mind. Covered by kyoumi ga aru. Just the negative of the kept kyoumi ga aru, so kyoumi nai comes with it for free.
- me o samasupolite me o samashimasuwake upBody & health. Covered by me-ga-sameru. Same 'wake up' as me ga sameru, which is on the list and is the form people say more.
- ie o derupolite ie o demasuleave the houseHome & daily routine. Covered by uchi-o-deru. Means the same as uchi o deru, and uchi is the everyday word for home.
- tasuke ni narupolite tasuke ni narimasube a helpPeople & talk. Covered by yaku ni tatsu. Says the same as the kept yaku ni tatsu; people also just say tasukaru.
- hi o tsukerupolite hi o tsukemasulight the stove or a fire; light a cigaretteFood & drink. Covered by denki o tsukeru. Lighting the stove uses the same tsukeru as denki o tsukeru, which already lists hi (fire) as a partner. The high count (256) is mostly films lighting fires and cigarettes. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- you ga arupolite you ga arimasuhave something to doPeople & talk. Covered by youji ga aru. Same meaning as the kept youji ga aru (have something to do).
- moto ni modorupolite moto ni modorimasugo back to how it wasDescribing people. Covered by moto-ni-modosu. The added moto ni modosu (put it back) teaches the same phrase. Modoru is just the version where it goes back on its own.
- denwa o kurerupolite denwa o kuremasugive me a callPhone, photos & screens. Covered by denwa-o-kakeru. This is the same call as the kept denwa o kakeru. Kureru only adds 'to me', and people mostly say denwa shite or denwa kurete.
- kyoumi o motsupolite kyoumi o mochimasubecome interested inSenses & mind. Covered by kyoumi ga aru. Means the same as the kept kyoumi ga aru, which is the everyday way to say you're interested.
- renraku ga torerupolite renraku ga toremasube able to reach someonePeople & talk. Covered by renraku o toru. The can-form of the kept renraku o toru (renraku ga torenai = can't reach them).
- heya o derupolite heya o demasuleave the roomHome & daily routine. Covered by uchi-o-deru. Same 'place + o deru' pattern as uchi o deru, with the room in place of the house.
- himitsu o mamorupolite himitsu o mamorimasukeep a secretPeople & talk. Covered by naisho ni suru. The kept naisho ni suru covers keeping something secret in everyday talk.
- suutsu o kirupolite suutsu o kimasuwear a suitClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. A suit is just another thing you kiru; fuku o kiru already gives you the verb.
- ii nioia nice smellSenses & mind. Covered by nioi ga suru. The kept nioi ga suru already teaches ii nioi (suru), 'it smells nice'. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- kuruma kara orirupolite kuruma kara orimasuget out of the carGetting around. Covered by densha o oriru. Getting out of a car uses the same oriru as the kept densha o oriru.
- tanomi ga arupolite tanomi ga arimasuhave a favor to askPeople & talk. Covered by onegai ga aru. Same as the kept onegai ga aru, with a more casual noun.
- messeeji o okurupolite messeeji o okurimasusend a messagePhone, photos & screens. Covered by meeru-o-okuru. The kept meeru o okuru uses the same verb for any message, LINE included.
- junbi ga totonoupolite junbi ga totonoimasupreparations are completeWork & school. Covered by junbi-ga-dekiru. The stiff, written way to say 'ready'. The kept junbi ga dekiru is what people say.
- oto ga kikoerupolite oto ga kikoemasuhear a sound, can hearSenses & mind. Covered by koe-ga-kikoeru. The same set as the added koe ga kikoeru, with a sound in place of a voice. The kept oto ga suru also covers hearing a noise. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- daigaku ni ikupolite daigaku ni ikimasugo to universityWork & school. Covered by gakkou-ni-iku. The kept gakkou ni iku with a different noun, and daigaku ni hairu (being added) covers starting university.
- yakusoku ga arupolite yakusoku ga arimasuhave plans with someoneTime, money & plans. Covered by yotei ga aru. 'I'm meeting someone' is close enough to yotei ga aru.
- jishin ga naipolite jishin ga arimasennot be confidentSenses & mind. Covered by jishin-ga-aru. It comes with the added jishin ga aru: jishin nai is simply its negative. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- keiken ga naipolite keiken ga arimasenhave no experienceWork & school. Covered by keiken-ga-aru. Just the negative of keiken ga aru, which is being added.
- biiru o nomupolite biiru o nomimasudrink beerFood & drink. Covered by osake o nomu. Same drink + nomu as osake o nomu, which lists biiru as a partner. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kega wa naipolite kega wa arimasennot hurt, no injuriesBody & health. Covered by kega-o-suru. 'Kega nai?' is just the question form of kega o suru, which is on the list.
- ohanashi ga arupolite ohanashi ga arimasuhave something to tell youPeople & talk. Covered by hanashi ga aru. The polite form of the kept hanashi ga aru.
- kuuki o suupolite kuuki o suimasubreathe (fresh) airBody & health. Covered by kaze-ni-ataru. 'Get some fresh air' is now on the list as kaze ni ataru; kuuki o suu is the less common way to say it.
- jishin o motsupolite jishin o mochimasube confidentDescribing people. Covered by jishin-ga-aru. The added jishin ga aru says 'be confident' and is what people actually say. The motsu version sounds like a speech.
- kyuuka o torupolite kyuuka o torimasutake time offWork & school. Covered by yasumi-o-toru. 'Take leave' in office words. The kept yasumi o toru says the same thing. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- wain o nomupolite wain o nomimasudrink wineFood & drink. Covered by osake o nomu. Same drink + nomu as osake o nomu, which lists wain as a partner.
- kokyou ni kaerupolite kokyou ni kaerimasugo back to one's hometownGetting around. Covered by jikka-ni-kaeru. With jikka ni kaeru now added, that is the everyday way to say you're going home for the holidays. Kokyou sounds bookish.
- kanshin o motsupolite kanshin o mochimasutake an interest inSenses & mind. Covered by kyoumi ga aru. A more formal way to say you're interested. The kept kyoumi ga aru is the everyday version.
- monku ga arupolite monku ga arimasuhave a complaint, got a problemPeople & talk. Covered by monku o iu. The kept monku o iu covers it; nanka monku aru? uses the same noun.
- doresu o kirupolite doresu o kimasuwear a dressClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. Just fuku o kiru with a dress as the garment; nothing new to learn.
- shigoto o yamerupolite shigoto o yamemasuquit one's jobWork & school. Covered by kaisha-o-yameru. The kept kaisha o yameru with a different noun (94 hits); both say 'quit my job'.
- me o tsuburupolite me o tsuburimasuclose one's eyesBody & health. Covered by me-o-tojiru. The casual twin of me o tojiru (now added), with the same meaning; once you have one you will recognise the other.
- yoyuu ga arupolite yoyuu ga arimasuhave time or money to spare; be relaxed about itTime, money & plans. Covered by yoyuu ga nai. The positive of yoyuu ga nai. Learn that one and you have this too.
- kuruma o dasupolite kuruma o dashimasudrive (someone), offer to take the carGetting around. Covered by kuruma-ni-noseru. The added kuruma ni noseru (nosete ageru yo) already covers offering someone a lift. Kuruma dasu yo is just a second way to say it.
- yuuki o dasupolite yuuki o dashimasuwork up the courage, be braveSenses & mind. Covered by genki o dasu. Yuuki (courage) is already a partner of the kept genki o dasu, as in yuuki dashite ('I worked up the courage'). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- uta o kikupolite uta o kikimasulisten to a songPhone, photos & screens. Covered by ongaku-o-kiku. Same verb and meaning as the kept ongaku o kiku. Only the noun changes.
- kodomo o umupolite kodomo o umimasuhave a babyPeople & talk. Covered by kodomo ga umareru. The added kodomo ga umareru is how conversation says having a baby; umu is narration.
- zutsuu ga surupolite zutsuu ga shimasuhave a headacheBody & health. Covered by atama-ga-itai. Means the same as atama ga itai, which is on the list and is what people actually say; zutsuu is the bookish word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shatsu o kirupolite shatsu o kimasuput on a shirtClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. Tops take kiru, and fuku o kiru already lists shirts as a partner.
- masuku o tsukerupolite masuku o tsukemasuwear a maskClothes & wearing. Covered by masuku-o-suru. Means the same as masuku o suru, which is what people actually say; tsukeru sounds like an announcement.
- meshi o kuueat, grab a mealFood & drink. Covered by gohan o taberu. A rough, mostly male way of saying gohan o taberu. Same set, different register. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kouka ga naipolite kouka ga arimasenit doesn't work, no effectBody & health. Covered by kusuri-ga-kiku. For medicine, 'it didn't work' is kikanakatta from kusuri ga kiku (now added); kouka ga nai is the more formal 'no effect'.
- tabi ni derupolite tabi ni demasuset off on a journeyGetting around. Covered by ryokou ni iku. People say they're going on a trip with the kept ryokou ni iku. Tabi ni deru sounds literary.
- koe ga surupolite koe ga shimasuhear a voiceSenses & mind. Covered by koe-ga-kikoeru. The added koe ga kikoeru says the same thing ('I can hear a voice'), and koe is a partner of the kept oto ga suru.
- akumu o mirupolite akumu o mimasuhave a nightmareBody & health. Covered by yume-o-miru. Works just like yume o miru, which is on the list: nightmares are 'seen' too.
- guai ga iipolite guai ga ii desufeel well; work wellBody & health. Covered by choushi-ga-ii. When things are going well people mostly say choushi ga ii (now added); guai is usually talked about when it is bad (70 vs 227 hits).
- seifuku o kirupolite seifuku o kimasuwear a uniformClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. A uniform is just another thing you kiru; fuku o kiru covers it.
- kakushigoto o surupolite kakushigoto o shimasukeep secrets (from someone)People & talk. Covered by naisho ni suru. The kept naisho ni suru covers keeping secrets.
- tomodachi o tsukurupolite tomodachi o tsukurimasumake friendsPeople & talk. Covered by tomodachi ga dekiru. Says the same as the kept tomodachi ga dekiru, the more natural way to put it.
- koohii o irerupolite koohii o iremasumake coffeeFood & drink. Covered by ocha o ireru. Uses the same ireru as ocha o ireru, which lists koohii as a partner. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- yotei ga naipolite yotei ga arimasenhave no plansTime, money & plans. Covered by yotei ga aru. Just yotei ga aru with nai.
- hi o kesupolite hi o keshimasuturn off the stove / heatFood & drink. Covered by denki o kesu. Turning off the stove (hi keshita?) is the kesu of denki o kesu, which lists gasu and hi as partners. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ippai ogorupolite ippai ogorimasubuy someone a drinkFood & drink. Covered by gohan-o-ogoru. Same ogoru as gohan o ogoru, which is being added. The 62 hits are boosted by 'let me buy you a drink' bar scenes in foreign films. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shigoto o mitsukerupolite shigoto o mitsukemasufind a jobWork & school. Covered by shigoto-ga-mitsukaru. The transitive form sounds less natural for landing a job. Shigoto ga mitsukaru, being added, is what people say.
- yuushoku o tsukurupolite yuushoku o tsukurimasumake dinnerFood & drink. Covered by gohan-o-tsukuru. Yuushoku sounds bookish. People say gohan tsukuru, which is being added.
- joudan wa yamerupolite joudan wa yamete kudasaistop jokingPeople & talk. Covered by joudan o iu. The kept joudan o iu teaches the noun; joudan yamete is just its negative use.
- orei o surupolite orei o shimasudo something in thanksPeople & talk. Covered by okaeshi o suru. Paying back a favour with something is the added okaeshi o suru; the kept orei o iu covers thanking.
- juusho o oshierupolite juusho o oshiemasugive someone your addressPeople & talk. Covered by namae o oshieru. Same oshieru frame as the added namae o oshieru and bangou o oshieru; swap in juusho.
- hakike ga surupolite hakike ga shimasufeel nauseousBody & health. Covered by kibun-ga-warui. In casual talk nausea is kimochi warui or kibun ga warui, which is on the list.
- inu no sanpo ni ikupolite inu no sanpo ni ikimasuwalk the dogHome & daily routine. Covered by sanpo-ni-iku. Only useful if you have a dog. Its useful part, sanpo ni iku, is now on the list.
- kooto o kirupolite kooto o kimasuput on a coatClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. Coats take kiru, and fuku o kiru already lists coats as a partner.
- hako o akerupolite hako o akemasuopen a boxHome & daily routine. Covered by doa-o-akeru. Same akeru as doa o akeru. It works for boxes, bags and the like.
- chiketto o kaupolite chiketto o kaimasubuy a ticketHobbies, sport & games. Covered by chiketto o toru. Buying a ticket is just kau, as you would guess. The kept chiketto o toru (get tickets) covers the same talk and is the more typical way to say it.
- pantsu o hakupolite pantsu o hakimasuput on underpantsClothes & wearing. Covered by zubon-o-haku. Anything on the lower body takes haku, which zubon o haku already teaches.
- sankou ni narupolite sankou ni narimasube helpful (as info)Work & school. Covered by benkyou-ni-naru. The business version of the kept benkyou ni naru ('that's useful to know'), doing the same job in thanks.
- yachin o haraupolite yachin o haraimasupay the rentTime, money & plans. Covered by okane o harau. Same verb as okane o harau, with the rent as the object.
- migi ni magarupolite migi ni magarimasuturn rightGetting around. Covered by hidari ni magaru. The kept hidari ni magaru with 'right' in place of 'left'. Kado o magaru is also being added.
- yuushoku o taberupolite yuushoku o tabemasueat dinnerFood & drink. Covered by gohan o taberu. Same set as gohan o taberu, and speech uses gohan or bangohan rather than yuushoku.
- omote ni derupolite omote ni demasugo outsideHome & daily routine. Covered by soto-ni-deru. Soto ni deru (now added) is the everyday 'go outside'. Omote ni dero is mostly a film threat.
- gakkou ni kayoupolite gakkou ni kayoimasuattend school regularlyWork & school. Covered by gakkou-ni-iku. Regular attendance, but casual speech says gakkou itteru with the kept gakkou ni iku.
- zeikin o haraupolite zeikin o haraimasupay taxesTime, money & plans. Covered by okane o harau. Same verb as okane o harau, and taxes rarely come up in talk.
- kaori ga surupolite kaori ga shimasuthere's a nice smellSenses & mind. Covered by nioi ga suru. Kaori (a nice scent) is already listed as a partner of the kept nioi ga suru.
- takushii ni norupolite takushii ni norimasutake a taxiGetting around. Covered by basu ni noru. Uses the same noru-with-ni pattern as the kept bus, train and car sets.
- choushoku o taberupolite choushoku o tabemasueat breakfastFood & drink. Covered by gohan o taberu. Same set as gohan o taberu, and speech says asagohan rather than choushoku.
- eigo ga wakarupolite eigo ga wakarimasuunderstand EnglishPeople & talk. Covered by eigo o hanasu. The kept eigo o hanasu covers English; wakaru takes ga as in the kept imi ga wakaru.
- tema o kakerupolite tema o kakemasutake trouble, put in effortPeople & talk. Covered by tema ga kakaru. The deliberate side of the added tema ga kakaru, like jikan o kakeru beside jikan ga kakaru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- raito o tsukerupolite raito o tsukemasuturn on the lightHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-tsukeru. Same as denki o tsukeru, and denki is the usual word for the room light.
- hima ga arupolite hima ga arimasuhave free timeTime, money & plans. Covered by hima ga nai. Just hima ga nai (now added) with aru, and jikan ga aku already covers 'are you free?'.
- suitchi o kirupolite suitchi o kirimasuturn off the switchHome & daily routine. Covered by dengen-o-kiru. Same kiru as dengen o kiru: switches and power are cut.
- bangumi o mirupolite bangumi o mimasuwatch a TV programPhone, photos & screens. Covered by terebi-o-miru. This is the kept terebi o miru with another noun, and in speech people just name the show.
- ii kaorinice smell, fragranceSenses & mind. Covered by nioi ga suru. The kept nioi ga suru covers it: ii nioi and kaori are both taught there.
- gitaa o hikupolite gitaa o hikimasuplay the guitarHobbies, sport & games. Covered by piano o hiku. It uses hiku like the kept piano o hiku, so once you know that one, you only need to swap the instrument (37 hits).
- yaruki ga arupolite yaruki ga arimasube motivatedDescribing people. Covered by yaruki-ga-nai. The kept yaruki ga nai teaches the same noun, and you just swap nai for aru.
- iji ga waruipolite iji ga warui desumean, spitefulDescribing people. Covered by seikaku-ga-warui. The added seikaku ga warui says 'mean' and is more common, and people also just say ijiwaru.
- hiyou ga kakarupolite hiyou ga kakarimasucost money, be expensiveTime, money & plans. Covered by okane ga kakaru. A more formal okane ga kakaru, with the same verb.
- kubetsu ga tsukupolite kubetsu ga tsukimasucan tell them apartSenses & mind. Covered by chigai-ga-wakaru. Means much the same as the added chigai ga wakaru ('can tell them apart') and is said less often (34 hits).
- igokochi ga waruipolite igokochi ga warui desufeel uncomfortable, awkwardSenses & mind. Covered by igokochi ga ii. Just the negative of the kept igokochi ga ii: swap ii for warui.
- bideo o torupolite bideo o torimasutake a videoPhone, photos & screens. Covered by shashin-o-toru. Same toru as the kept shashin o toru. Filming a video comes free once you know it.
- shatsu o nugupolite shatsu o nugimasutake off a shirtClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-nugu. Every garment comes off with nugu; fuku o nugu says the same.
- koucha o nomupolite koucha o nomimasudrink (black) teaFood & drink. Covered by ocha o nomu. Same tea + nomu as ocha o nomu, which lists koucha as a partner.
- okane o dasupolite okane o dashimasupay, chip inTime, money & plans. Covered by okane o harau. Close enough to okane o harau, though watashi ga dasu yo ('I'll pay') is a nice extra.
- daigaku ni kayoupolite daigaku ni kayoimasuattend universityWork & school. Covered by gakkou-ni-iku. Same idea as the kept gakkou ni iku; casual talk says daigaku itteru.
- shumi ga iipolite shumi ga ii desuhave good tasteDescribing people. Covered by sensu-ga-ii. The kept sensu ga ii says 'have good taste', and people use it more.
- detarame o iupolite detarame o iimasutalk nonsense / liePeople & talk. Covered by uso o tsuku. The kept uso o tsuku covers lying; detarame is a rarer cousin.
- terebi o tsukerupolite terebi o tsukemasuturn on the TVHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-tsukeru. Same tsukeru as denki o tsukeru. It carries straight over to the TV. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- akachan ga umarerupolite akachan ga umaremasuhave a baby (baby is born)People & talk. Covered by kodomo ga umareru. Same as the added kodomo ga umareru with akachan swapped in.
- raito o kesupolite raito o keshimasuturn off the lightHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-kesu. Same as denki o kesu, and denki is the usual word for the room light.
- seki o surupolite seki o shimasucoughBody & health. Covered by seki-ga-deru. Means the same as seki ga deru (now added), which is the usual way to say you have a cough.
- fuhei o iupolite fuhei o iimasucomplainPeople & talk. Covered by monku o iu. Same as the kept monku o iu, more formal.
- denwa ga kakatte kurupolite denwa ga kakatte kimasuget a phone callPhone, photos & screens. Covered by denwa-ga-kakaru. Just the kept denwa ga kakaru with kuru added ('a call came in').
- zutsuu ga hidoipolite zutsuu ga hidoi desuhave a bad headacheBody & health. Covered by atama-ga-itai. A bad headache is just atama ga itai (plus sugoku); zutsuu sounds bookish.
- ishou o kirupolite ishou o kimasuwear a costumeClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. Costumes take kiru like any clothes, so fuku o kiru covers it, and it rarely comes up anyway.
- sensu ga naipolite sensu ga arimasenhave no taste or flairDescribing people. Covered by sensu-ga-ii. The kept sensu ga ii teaches it, and you just swap ii for nai.
- aiso ga iipolite aiso ga ii desufriendly, pleasantDescribing people. Covered by kanji-ga-ii. The kept kanji ga ii also describes a friendly, pleasant manner.
- taiyou ga noborupolite taiyou ga noborimasuthe sun risesWeather & nature. Covered by hi-ga-noboru. A more formal way to say the added hi ga noboru (29 hits against 54).
- nimotsu o hakobupolite nimotsu o hakobimasucarry luggageGetting around. Covered by nimotsu-o-motsu. The added nimotsu o motsu covers carrying bags. Hakobu is moving things from place to place, as when moving house.
- kigen ga iipolite kigen ga ii desuin a good moodSenses & mind. Covered by kigen-ga-warui. It comes as a pair with the added kigen ga warui, and kigen is also a partner of the kept kibun ga ii.
- baiku ni norupolite baiku ni norimasuride a motorbikeGetting around. Covered by jitensha-ni-noru. Same noru-with-ni pattern as the added jitensha ni noru. Baiku means a motorbike.
- fuman o iupolite fuman o iimasucomplainPeople & talk. Covered by monku o iu. Same as the kept monku o iu, more formal.
- pajama o kirupolite pajama o kimasuput on pajamasClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-kiru. The same kiru as fuku o kiru, with pyjamas as the garment.
- kujou o iupolite kujou o iimasumake a complaintPeople & talk. Covered by monku o iu. A formal complaint to a business; the kept monku o iu is the everyday one.
- eigo o shaberupolite eigo o shaberimasuspeak EnglishWork & school. Covered by eigo-o-hanasu. A casual variant of the kept eigo o hanasu.
- ikura ni narupolite ikura ni narimasuhow much it comes to (in total)Time, money & plans. Covered by ikura suru. Another way to ask a price, which ikura suru covers. Cashiers' sen-en ni narimasu is worth knowing to hear.
- nakigoto o iupolite nakigoto o iimasuwhine, moanPeople & talk. Covered by guchi o iu. Moaning about your lot is the added guchi o iu; nakigoto iu na is the same idea.
- dengen ga hairupolite dengen ga hairimasu(a device) turns onPhone, photos & screens. Covered by dengen-o-ireru. The intransitive side of the added dengen o ireru. Dengen hairanai means 'it won't turn on'.
- onaka ga pekopekopolite onaka ga pekopeko desube starving, really hungryBody & health. Covered by onaka-ga-suku. The playful, emphatic version of onaka ga suku, which is on the list.
- kibun ga sugurenaipolite kibun ga suguremasenfeel unwell, be under the weatherBody & health. Covered by kibun-ga-warui. The polite, slightly formal way to say kibun ga warui, which is on the list.
- kagi o shimerupolite kagi o shimemasulock (the door)Home & daily routine. Covered by kagi-o-kakeru. The same act as the kept kagi o kakeru (20 hits against 221).
- ki ga noranaipolite ki ga norimasennot be in the mood, not feel like itSenses & mind. Covered by yaruki ga nai. Close to the kept yaruki ga nai ('can't be bothered, not feeling it'). Only 19 hits.
- i ga itaipolite i ga itai desuhave a stomach ache; feel sick with stressBody & health. Covered by onaka-ga-itai. For a stomach ache people mostly say onaka ga itai, which is on the list.
- kareshi ga dekirupolite kareshi ga dekimasuget a boyfriend / girlfriendPeople & talk. Covered by tomodachi ga dekiru. Same ga dekiru frame as the kept tomodachi ga dekiru; swap in kareshi or kanojo.
- miwake ga tsukupolite miwake ga tsukimasucan tell apartSenses & mind. Covered by chigai-ga-wakaru. Says the same as the added chigai ga wakaru, usually in the negative ('can't tell them apart'). Only 17 hits.
- yubiwa o hamerupolite yubiwa o hamemasuput on / wear a ringClothes & wearing. Covered by yubiwa-o-suru. Means the same as yubiwa o suru (now on the list), which is the everyday way to say it.
- youji ga dekirupolite youji ga dekimasusomething comes upTime, money & plans. Covered by yotei ga hairu. 'Something came up' is already covered by yotei ga hairu.
- denchi ga kirerupolite denchi ga kiremasuthe battery runs out / diesHome & daily routine. Covered by juuden-ga-kireru. The same 'battery dies' kireru as the kept juuden ga kireru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- juutai ni hamarupolite juutai ni hamarimasuget stuck in trafficGetting around. Covered by michi ga komu. The kept michi ga komu already covers heavy traffic. Juutai ni hamaru is the stronger way to say you got stuck in it.
- tokei o surupolite tokei o shimasuwear a watchClothes & wearing. Covered by masuku-o-suru. masuku o suru already teaches this suru and names watches in its note; tokei shiteru is just a noun swap (12 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- petto o kaupolite petto o kaimasuhave / keep a petHome & daily routine. Covered by inu-o-kau. Same kau (keep an animal) as inu o kau.
- nimotsu o uketorupolite nimotsu o uketorimasureceive a parcelHome & daily routine. Covered by nimotsu-ga-todoku. Nimotsu ga todoku (now added) is how people usually talk about a parcel arriving.
- suupu o nomupolite suupu o nomimasuhave soupFood & drink. Covered by mizu o nomu. Mizu o nomu already lists suupu and misoshiru as partners, which teaches that soup is drunk with nomu.
- kuji o hikupolite kuji o hikimasudraw lots; draw a fortune slipHobbies, sport & games. Covered by omikuji-o-hiku. Same verb as the added omikuji o hiku. Drawing lots or a raffle ticket is hiku in both (11 hits).
- yoi ga samerupolite yoi ga samemasusober upFood & drink. Covered by me ga sameru. Me ga sameru lists yoi (drunkenness) as a partner with the same sameru, and sobering up is rarely said (10 hits).
- sara o araupolite sara o araimasuwash the dishesHome & daily routine. Covered by osara-o-arau. Same set as osara o arau (now added). The polite o- form is how people say it.
- shuushoku ga kimarupolite shuushoku ga kimarimasuland a jobWork & school. Covered by shigoto-ga-mitsukaru. Landing a job (10). Shigoto ga mitsukaru, being added, says the same in everyday words.
- toranpu o surupolite toranpu o shimasuplay cardsHobbies, sport & games. Covered by geemu o suru. The kept geemu o suru already covers card games, and both take suru (10 hits).
- denpa ga hairupolite denpa ga hairimasuget a signalPhone, photos & screens. Covered by denpa-ga-warui. The added denpa ga warui covers talk about phone signal, and denpa hairanai is the same complaint.
- ame ni nurerupolite ame ni nuremasuget wet in the rainWeather & nature. Covered by ame ni furareru. Getting soaked by rain is already handled by the kept 'get caught in the rain' set, and the bare verb nureta does the rest.
- netto ni tsunagupolite netto ni tsunagimasuconnect to the internetPhone, photos & screens. Covered by netto-ga-tsunagaru. The transitive pair of the kept netto ga tsunagaru, and the same idea.
- sutoobu o tsukerupolite sutoobu o tsukemasuturn on the heaterHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-tsukeru. Same tsukeru as denki o tsukeru. It carries straight over to the heater.
- otesuu o kakerupolite otesuu o okake shimasuput someone to trouble (polite)Work & school. Covered by meiwaku-o-kakeru. The polite business form of the kept meiwaku o kakeru, with the same frame.
- kutsushita o hakupolite kutsushita o hakimasuput on / wear socksClothes & wearing. Covered by kutsu-o-haku. kutsu o haku already lists socks as a partner, with the same haku. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- sukaato o hakupolite sukaato o hakimasuwear a skirtClothes & wearing. Covered by zubon-o-haku. zubon o haku already lists skirts as a partner, with the same haku.
- eki made okurupolite eki made okurimasutake / drop someone to the station, see someone offGetting around. Covered by uchi-made-okuru. The added uchi made okuru teaches the same made okuru for walking or driving someone somewhere. Just swap in eki. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- niku o yakupolite niku o yakimasugrill / cook meatFood & drink. Covered by pan-o-yaku. Pan o yaku, being added, teaches the same yaku for all dry-heat cooking. Meat is just another partner.
- eakon o tsukerupolite eakon o tsukemasuturn on the air conditionerHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-tsukeru. Same tsukeru as denki o tsukeru. It carries straight over to the AC. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- netsu o dasupolite netsu o dashimasurun a fever, come down with a fever (of a person, often a child)Body & health. Covered by netsu-ga-deru. The same event as netsu ga deru on the list, told from the person's side.
- nooto o torupolite nooto o torimasutake notesWork & school. Covered by memo-o-toru. Same act and verb as memo o toru, being added (6 hits against 16).
- yotei o taterupolite yotei o tatemasumake plansTime, money & plans. Covered by keikaku o tateru. Same tateru as keikaku o tateru, now added, which people say far more (128 vs 6). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jitensha o kogupolite jitensha o kogimasupedal a bikeGetting around. Covered by jitensha-ni-noru. Riding a bike is the added jitensha ni noru. Kogu just adds the detail of pedalling.
- jishin ga tsukupolite jishin ga tsukimasugain confidenceSenses & mind. Covered by jishin-ga-aru. Builds on the added jishin ga aru (jishin tsuita = I've gained confidence). Only 6 hits.
- kaze o utsusupolite kaze o utsushimasugive someone your coldBody & health. Covered by kaze-ga-utsuru. The other side of kaze ga utsuru on the list (giving the cold instead of catching it).
- tebukuro o hamerupolite tebukuro o hamemasuput on / wear glovesClothes & wearing. Covered by masuku-o-suru. masuku o suru already lists gloves as a partner (tebukuro shiteru, the everyday form); hameru is stiffer.
- jikan ni maniaupolite jikan ni maniaimasumake it in timeTime, money & plans. Covered by densha ni maniau. The low count comes from the tokenizer splitting ma ni au. Densha ni maniau already teaches the verb. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- oyu ga wakupolite oyu ga wakimasuthe water boilsFood & drink. Covered by oyu-o-wakasu. The intransitive half of oyu o wakasu, which is being added. Oyu waita follows from it, and it has only 5 hits.
- kami ga mijikaipolite kami ga mijikai desuhave short hairDescribing people. Covered by kami-ga-nagai. Swap nagai for mijikai in the added kami ga nagai. The short version is also said less (5 hits).
- ame ga agarupolite ame ga agarimasuthe rain lets upWeather & nature. Covered by ame ga yamu. Means the same as the kept ame ga yamu, which is the more usual way to say the rain has stopped (agaru: about 5 hits).
- okane ga tamarupolite okane ga tamarimasumoney builds upTime, money & plans. Covered by okane o tameru. The intransitive half of okane o tameru, and you learn it with that one.
- isha ni kakarupolite isha ni kakarimasusee a doctorBody & health. Covered by byouin-ni-iku. Same 'see a doctor' as byouin ni iku, which is on the list and is what people usually say.
- ippai nomupolite ippai nomimasuhave a drinkFood & drink. Covered by nomi-ni-iku. Only 4 hits. The everyday invitation for a drink is nomi ni iku, which is being added.
- yubune ni tsukarupolite yubune ni tsukarimasusoak in the bathHome & daily routine. Covered by ofuro-ni-hairu. Taking a bath is covered by ofuro ni hairu (kept). Yubune ni tsukaru is the narrower 'soak instead of just showering' (4 hits).
- nekutai o shimerupolite nekutai o shimemasuput on a tieClothes & wearing. Covered by nekutai-o-suru. nekutai o suru (now on the list) is how people say they're wearing a tie; shimeru is only the act of tying it.
- tsukare o torupolite tsukare o torimasushake off tiredness, rest upBody & health. Covered by tsukare-ga-toreru. The 'do it' side of tsukare ga toreru (now added), and said less often than that one.
- danbou o irerupolite danbou o iremasuturn on the heatingHome & daily routine. Covered by denki-o-tsukeru. Danbou tsukeru works just as well, the same tsukeru as denki o tsukeru (only 3 hits for the ireru form).
- kaado de haraupolite kaado de haraimasupay by cardTime, money & plans. Covered by kaado o tsukau. Paying by card is covered by kaado o tsukau, now added, which people say far more (79 vs 3). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- bentou o tsukurupolite bentou o tsukurimasumake a packed lunchFood & drink. Covered by gohan-o-tsukuru. Same tsukuru as gohan o tsukuru, which is being added. Bentou is just another thing you make.
- futon o hosupolite futon o hoshimasuair the futon in the sunHome & daily routine. Covered by sentakumono-o-hosu. Same hosu as the kept sentakumono o hosu, with the futon in place of the laundry. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- seki ga tomarupolite seki ga tomarimasua cough stops (mostly: can't stop coughing)Body & health. Covered by seki-ga-deru. Mostly heard as 'seki ga tomaranai'; seki ga deru (now added) is the general cough set.
- tesuuryou ga kakarupolite tesuuryou ga kakarimasuthere's a fee, a charge appliesTime, money & plans. Covered by okane ga kakaru. The same kakaru as okane ga kakaru, with a fee as the subject, and rare in films (1). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shiryoku ga ochirupolite shiryoku ga ochimasuone's eyesight gets worseBody & health. Covered by me-ga-warui. Worsening eyesight is usually me ga waruku natta, from me ga warui on the list.
- koi koohiistrong coffeeFood & drink. Covered by aji-ga-koi. Aji ga koi, being added, teaches koi for strong flavour. Coffee and tea are just partners of it.
- mafuraa o surupolite mafuraa o shimasuwear a scarfClothes & wearing. Covered by masuku-o-suru. masuku o suru already lists scarves as a partner (mafuraa shiteru).
- shashin ga torerupolite shashin ga toremasua photo comes out (well)Phone, photos & screens. Covered by shashin-o-toru. Just the 'can be taken' form of the kept shashin o toru (yoku toreteru).
- douga o torupolite douga o torimasufilm a videoPhone, photos & screens. Covered by shashin-o-toru. Same toru as the kept shashin o toru, used for phone videos.
- shukudai ga derupolite shukudai ga demasuget homework (assigned)Work & school. Covered by shukudai-o-dasu. The intransitive half of shukudai o dasu, being added: shukudai deta follows once you know it.
- ofuro o wakasupolite ofuro o wakashimasurun / heat the bathHome & daily routine. Covered by oyu-o-wakasu. Same wakasu as oyu o wakasu (now added). For the bath itself, people mostly say ofuro ni hairu.
- isha ni mite moraupolite isha ni mite moraimasusee a doctor, get checked by a doctorBody & health. Covered by byouin-ni-iku. Same idea as byouin ni iku on the list; people usually just say they're going to the clinic.
- sentakumono o tatamupolite sentakumono o tatamimasufold the laundryHome & daily routine. Covered by fuku-o-tatamu. Same tatamu as fuku o tatamu (now added).
- heya o chirakasupolite heya o chirakashimasumake a mess (of the room)Home & daily routine. Covered by heya-ga-chirakaru. The transitive partner of heya ga chirakaru (now added), which is said more.
- kaze o naosupolite kaze o naoshimasuget over a cold (actively), shake off a coldBody & health. Covered by kaze-ga-naoru. Mostly heard as 'hayaku kaze naoshite ne'; kaze ga naoru (now added) is the general form.
- pointo ga tamarupolite pointo ga tamarimasuearn / rack up points (loyalty card)Time, money & plans. Covered by pointo o tameru. The intransitive half of pointo o tameru, now added, and you learn it with that one.
- ongaku ga kakarupolite ongaku ga kakarimasumusic is playing (in a shop, at a party, on the radio)Phone, photos & screens. Covered by ongaku-o-kakeru. The intransitive pair of the kept ongaku o kakeru ('music is on').
- nihongo o shaberupolite nihongo o shaberimasuspeak JapanesePeople & talk. Covered by eigo o hanasu. Same as the kept eigo o hanasu with Japanese swapped in.
- zubon o nugupolite zubon o nugimasutake off trousersClothes & wearing. Covered by fuku-o-nugu. Trousers come off with nugu like all clothes; fuku o nugu covers it.
- erebeetaa ni norupolite erebeetaa ni norimasutake the elevatorGetting around. Covered by densha ni noru. Same noru-with-ni pattern as the kept vehicle sets (28 hits once counted properly).
- geemu ni katsupolite geemu ni kachimasuwin a gameHobbies, sport & games. Covered by shiai ni katsu. It works like the kept shiai ni katsu: you win at something with ni.
- kikime ga arupolite kikime ga arimasube effective, workBody & health. Covered by kusuri-ga-kiku. 'It works' is usually just kiku, as in kusuri ga kiku (now added); kikime ga aru sounds like advertising.
- sukusho o torupolite sukusho o torimasutake a screenshotPhone, photos & screens. Covered by shashin-o-toru. Same toru as the kept shashin o toru. Only the noun changes.
Less common (474)
Real sets, but said less often than the ones kept.
- koe o kikupolite koe o kikimasuhear someone's voicePeople & talk. Mostly 'I wanted to hear your voice' on the phone (koe kikitakatta, 58 hits); judged 3. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- iki o surupolite iki o shimasubreatheBody & health. Real 'breathe' (310 hits), but outside 'iki shite!' in a scare or at the doctor's, daily talk rarely needs it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- atama o utsupolite atama o uchimasuhit one's headBody & health. Hitting your head comes up now and then; most of its 231 hits are accident scenes, and atama o butsukeru is the everyday 'I bumped my head'.
- eikyou o ataerupolite eikyou o ataemasuhave an influence onDescribing people. Means 'have an influence on' but sounds like the news (judged 2). In conversation people say eikyou suru or eikyou ga aru.
- mi o mamorupolite mi o mamorimasuprotect oneselfBody & health. Formal, news-style 'protect oneself' (judged 2/5); casual speech rarely uses it.
- warugi wa naipolite warugi wa arimasenmean no harmPeople & talk. Mostly heard in drama apologies (warugi wa nakatta, 197 hits); judged 3.
- jikan o sugosupolite jikan o sugoshimasuspend time (with someone, somewhere)Time, money & plans. High in films (190), but wordy ('spend a pleasant time'). In talk people name the activity or say shuumatsu dou sugoshita without jikan.
- fune ni norupolite fune ni norimasuget on a boatGetting around. Real (186 hits), but boats rarely come up in daily life, and the car, bus and train sets on the list already teach noru with ni.
- uwasa o kikupolite uwasa o kikimasuhear a rumourPeople & talk. Real (169 hits) but judged 3; rumours are a narrower topic than the kept talk sets.
- sekinin o torupolite sekinin o torimasutake responsibilityWork & school. Real (168), but mostly apologies, news and drama showdowns. People say it far less in daily life. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- sora o tobupolite sora o tobimasufly in the skyGetting around. People say it about birds, planes and daydreams, not about trips. Most of the 159 hits come from fantasy and action films.
- setsumei ga tsukupolite setsumei ga tsukimasucan be explainedSenses & mind. 155 hits, but most are mystery plots ('it can't be explained'). Daily talk uses it less than the kept sets.
- zenryoku o tsukusupolite zenryoku o tsukushimasudo one's very bestWork & school. Speech and pledge language (152). In conversation people say ganbaru.
- kuchi o tojirupolite kuchi o tojimasuclose your mouthBody & health. 'Close your mouth' is rare in real talk (judged 2/5); people just say damatte.
- machigai o okasupolite machigai o okashimasumake a mistakeWork & school. Formal (150). Everyday speech says machigaeta or misu shita.
- koe o dasupolite koe o dashimasuspeak up; say it out loudPeople & talk. Real (148 hits, judged 3); the main use is motto koe dashite. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- iken o kikupolite iken o kikimasuask someone's opinionWork & school. Meeting language (145): minna no iken o kiku. Much rarer in daily talk than the kept hanashi o kiku.
- me o akerupolite me o akemasuopen your eyesBody & health. The pair of me o tojiru (now added), but said less than it (145 vs 353 hits); you hear it mostly at the eye doctor or when waking someone.
- atama o sagerupolite atama o sagemasubow your headPeople & talk. Bowing or apologising humbly (141 hits, judged 3); more narration than talk.
- mondai ga okirupolite mondai ga okimasua problem comes upWork & school. Plots inflate the 138. Casual talk more often says nanka atta? or mondai aru? 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jinsei o okurupolite jinsei o okurimasulead a lifePeople & talk. Bookish (judged 2); conversation just says ikiru.
- kioku ga naipolite kioku ga arimasenhave no memory ofSenses & mind. 128 hits, but 'I don't remember' is mostly oboetenai. Kioku nai sounds more dramatic.
- reigi tadashiipolite reigi tadashii desupolite, well-manneredDescribing people. Means 'polite, well-mannered'. It is real, but people describe someone this way less often than the kept sets (judged 3).
- sekinin o motsupolite sekinin o mochimasutake responsibilityWork & school. A formal variant of 'take responsibility' (120), said less than sekinin o toru, which also missed.
- hitokoto iupolite hitokoto iimasusay a word, say somethingPeople & talk. Real (111 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept talk sets.
- sekinin o oupolite sekinin o oimasubear responsibilityWork & school. Formal and written (111). Rare in conversation.
- nioi o kagupolite nioi o kagimasusmell (sniff) somethingSenses & mind. Judged 2: actively sniffing (kaide mite, 'smell this') comes up much less than the kept nioi ga suru.
- paatii o surupolite paatii o shimasuhave a partyPeople & talk. Fine (103 hits, judged 3), but suru is generic here.
- kara ni surupolite kara ni shimasuempty (something) outHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5, and the pairing is loose.
- tayori ni surupolite tayori ni shimasucount on someonePeople & talk. Real (102 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept people sets.
- eikyou o ukerupolite eikyou o ukemasube influenced byPeople & talk. Formal and written-leaning (99 hits, judged 3).
- te o furupolite te o furimasuwave (one's hand)People & talk. Waving (96 hits, judged 3) is described more than said.
- besuto o tsukusupolite besuto o tsukushimasudo one's bestWork & school. Pep-talk language (94). In conversation people say ganbaru.
- seikatsu o okurupolite seikatsu o okurimasulead a lifeHome & daily routine. Sounds formal (native rating 2/5). In speech people say ~na seikatsu o shiteru or kurasu.
- namae o kakupolite namae o kakimasuwrite your nameWork & school. Kaku is just the ordinary 'write', and the set lives mostly on forms (koko ni namae kaite).
- kodomo ga dekirupolite kodomo ga dekimasube expecting, have a baby on the wayPeople & talk. 'We're expecting' (86 hits, judged 3); the added kodomo ga umareru is the stronger baby set.
- yuuki ga naipolite yuuki ga arimasennot have the courageDescribing people. Means 'not have the courage'. It is real but less everyday than the kept sets, and film drama pushes up its 86 hits.
- paatii o hirakupolite paatii o hirakimasuthrow a partyPeople & talk. Formal 'hold a party' (judged 2); people just say paatii suru.
- chiryou o ukerupolite chiryou o ukemasuget medical treatmentBody & health. Formal, medical-sounding 'receive treatment'; in casual speech people say byouin ni iku.
- koudou o okosupolite koudou o okoshimasutake actionWork & school. Speeches and plot climaxes (85). Rare in daily life.
- ushiro ni sagarupolite ushiro ni sagarimasustep backBody & health. 'Step back' is mostly heard in station announcements and crowds (judged 3/5).
- jouhou o atsumerupolite jouhou o atsumemasugather informationWork & school. Research and investigation talk (82). Everyday speech uses shiraberu.
- jijou ga arupolite jijou ga arimasuhave one's reasonsPeople & talk. Real (82 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept aru sets.
- misu o okasupolite misu o okashimasumake a mistakeWork & school. Formal (80). Casual speech just says misu shita.
- namae o oboerupolite namae o oboemasuremember a namePeople & talk. Real (38 hits as written), but oboeru goes with anything you remember.
- beruto o shimerupolite beruto o shimemasufasten a beltClothes & wearing. Over half of the 79 hits are seatbelts; doing up a trouser belt rarely comes up. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shinbun o yomupolite shinbun o yomimasuread the newspaperPhone, photos & screens. Fewer people read a paper newspaper now (78, judged 3). News talk goes through the added nyuusu o miru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ushiro o mukupolite ushiro o mukimasuturn aroundBody & health. 'Turn around' comes up only now and then (77 hits, judged 3/5).
- deeto ni sasoupolite deeto ni sasoimasuask someone outPeople & talk. Real (76 hits, judged 3) but one dating situation.
- dainashi ni narupolite dainashi ni narimasuget ruinedDescribing people. Means 'get ruined'. It is the less used half of dainashi ni suru (75 hits), so ask for that one first.
- nagai tsukiailong friendship; go way backPeople & talk. Real (75 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- jiko ni aupolite jiko ni aimasuhave an accidentGetting around. A real set (74 hits), but accidents come up mostly in the news and in film plots, not in everyday travel talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- yume ga kanaupolite yume ga kanaimasua dream comes trueSenses & mind. 71 hits. 'A dream comes true' is heard in songs, speeches and wishes more than in daily talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- bideo o mirupolite bideo o mimasuwatch a videoPhone, photos & screens. Common in films (71), but people now call phone and online clips douga. Miru is the same verb as in terebi o miru.
- owakare o iupolite owakare o iimasusay goodbyePeople & talk. Real (70 hits, judged 3); people usually just say jaa ne or sayonara.
- kisoku o yaburupolite kisoku o yaburimasubreak the rulesWork & school. Mostly plot and school-lecture lines (70). Ruuru o mamoru, the keep-the-rules side, is the commoner set.
- meeru o mirupolite meeru o mimasucheck email or messagesPhone, photos & screens. Meeru mita? is real (70), but the verb is plain miru, and the kept meeru ga kuru / meeru o kaesu already cover the message routine.
- tooi mukashilong, long agoTime, money & plans. A storybook phrase ('long, long ago'), rare in everyday talk.
- atsuryoku o kakerupolite atsuryoku o kakemasuput pressure onPeople & talk. Business or drama phrasing (68 hits, judged 3).
- shigoto ni tsukupolite shigoto ni tsukimasutake up a job, go into a line of workWork & school. Somewhat formal career talk (68): donna shigoto ni tsukitai? Daily life says ... ni naritai.
- mizu o nagasupolite mizu o nagashimasuflush (the toilet); run waterHome & daily routine. Real (67 hits) but said less than the kept home sets. For the toilet people say toire nagashite. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kiji o yomupolite kiji o yomimasuread an articlePhone, photos & screens. Reading an article is a narrower habit than the kept media sets (67, judged 3).
- muki o kaerupolite muki o kaemasuturn around; change directionHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5. It mostly describes turning an object to face another way.
- ie o taterupolite ie o tatemasubuild a houseHome & daily routine. Real (65 hits) but building a house is a once-in-a-lifetime topic.
- ruuru o yaburupolite ruuru o yaburimasubreak the rulesPeople & talk. Real (64 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept sets.
- tema o habukupolite tema o habukimasusave the troubleTime, money & plans. A tight pairing, but mid-frequency (63) and work-flavoured. Tema ga kakaru, now added, is the one people say most.
- kikai o nogasupolite kikai o nogashimasumiss a chanceWork & school. Somewhat formal (61). Casual talk uses chansu o nogasu, and both are fairly rare.
- hashi o watarupolite hashi o watarimasucross a bridgeGetting around. It shows that wataru takes o, but you rarely need to talk about crossing a bridge.
- iki o suupolite iki o suimasubreathe inBody & health. 'Breathe in' comes up at the doctor's or in yoga ('iki o sutte'), not in everyday chat (59 hits).
- kaidan o noborupolite kaidan o noborimasugo up the stairsHome & daily routine. Real (58 hits) but stairs rarely come up in conversation. The only twist is that the route takes o.
- ruuru ni shitagaupolite ruuru ni shitagaimasufollow the rulesPeople & talk. Formal (judged 2); everyday talk says ruuru o mamoru.
- kitai ni kotaerupolite kitai ni kotaemasulive up to expectationsWork & school. Speech and sports-interview language (58).
- ii taimingugood timingTime, money & plans. Mostly the English loan used as an exclamation (57), and said less than the kept sets.
- mikata ni narupolite mikata ni narimasutake someone's sidePeople & talk. Real (57 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept sets.
- ketsudan o kudasupolite ketsudan o kudashimasumake a decisionWork & school. Formal and dramatic (57). Everyday speech just says kimeru.
- sainou ga naipolite sainou ga arimasenhave no talentDescribing people. The negative of sainou ga aru and much rarer (57 hits). It comes along for free if sainou ga aru comes back.
- yakuwari o hatasupolite yakuwari o hatashimasuplay a roleWork & school. Written and formal (57). Rare in conversation.
- waruguchi o iupolite waruguchi o iimasubadmouth, speak ill of someonePeople & talk. Badmouthing (56 hits, judged 3) is said less than the kept monku o iu and the added guchi o iu. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- me ga aupolite me ga aimasumake eye contactPeople & talk. Literal eye contact (55 hits, judged 3).
- kawa o watarupolite kawa o watarimasucross a riverGetting around. Crossing a river rarely comes up in daily talk.
- umi o watarupolite umi o watarimasucross the seaGetting around. Belongs to history and stories, not daily talk (judged 2).
- gyougi ga iipolite gyougi ga ii desuwell-manneredDescribing people. Means 'well-mannered'. It is real but uncommon, and the polite ogyougi ga ii is the more usual form.
- tsuba o hakupolite tsuba o hakimasuspitBody & health. Spitting rarely comes up in conversation (judged 2/5).
- mimi ga kikoerupolite mimi ga kikoemasube able to hearBody & health. Talking about whether someone can hear at all is uncommon; everyday hearing is just kikoeru.
- hondai ni hairupolite hondai ni hairimasuget to the pointWork & school. Meeting talk (52), 'let's get to the point'. A niche moment in daily life.
- kanmei o ukerupolite kanmei o ukemasube deeply impressedSenses & mind. Formal and written-sounding (judged 2). In speech people just say kandou shita or sugoi.
- tanomi o kikupolite tanomi o kikimasudo someone a favourPeople & talk. Agreeing to a favour (52 hits); real but less frequent than the kept onegai ga aru.
- kimae ga iipolite kimae ga ii desugenerousDescribing people. Means 'generous' with money or treats. It is real and always said this way, but people don't need it every day (51 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- tegami o yomupolite tegami o yomimasuread a letterPhone, photos & screens. Rare in daily life (51, judged 3). In films a letter being read is mostly a plot device.
- kisoku ni shitagaupolite kisoku ni shitagaimasufollow the rulesWork & school. Stiff (50). People say ruuru o mamoru.
- ichiin ni narupolite ichiin ni narimasubecome a member (of)People & talk. Formal 'become a member' (judged 2).
- kyouiku o ukerupolite kyouiku o ukemasuget an educationWork & school. News and formal language (49). Rare in conversation.
- taido o torupolite taido o torimasuact a certain wayPeople & talk. Real (49 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept sets.
- fuman ga arupolite fuman ga arimasube dissatisfiedSenses & mind. 49 hits. In speech, being dissatisfied usually comes out as the kept monku o iu or a plain adjective.
- omoiyari ga arupolite omoiyari ga arimasube considerateDescribing people. Means 'considerate'. It is real, but in casual talk people usually just say yasashii (49 hits).
- chuumoku o atsumerupolite chuumoku o atsumemasuattract attentionDescribing people. Means 'attract attention' and sounds like news writing. It is rare in conversation (judged 2).
- kaidan o orirupolite kaidan o orimasugo down the stairsHome & daily routine. Real (48 hits) but stairs rarely come up. Said less than the kept sets.
- yuushoku o torupolite yuushoku o torimasuhave dinnerFood & drink. Formal hotel and news wording (judged 2/5). Friends say gohan tabeta.
- ana o horupolite ana o horimasudig a holeHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5, and most film hits are plot digging.
- kikioboe ga arupolite kikioboe ga arimasusound familiarSenses & mind. Real for 'that sounds familiar', but rare in conversation (48 hits).
- kone ga arupolite kone ga arimasuhave connectionsWork & school. Real slang for 'have connections' (47), but it comes up rarely.
- kioku ni nokorupolite kioku ni nokorimasustay in one's memorySenses & mind. Judged 2, with only 47 hits. 'It stuck with me' is said less than the kept sets.
- nagusame ni narupolite nagusame ni narimasube a comfortPeople & talk. Formal-leaning (47 hits, judged 2).
- okane o torupolite okane o torimasucharge money (for something)Time, money & plans. Toru meaning 'charge' (kore okane toru no?) is real, but mid-frequency (47), and many of those film hits are taking or stealing money.
- rusu ni surupolite rusu ni shimasube away from homeHome & daily routine. Sounds formal. In speech people say ie ni inai or dekaketeru.
- muri o iupolite muri o iimasuask too muchPeople & talk. Real (46 hits, judged 3); muri iwanaide is the main use.
- warui kusebad habitDescribing people. Means 'bad habit' (45 hits). It is a natural pair, but kuse ga aru is the more useful set.
- warui joudanjoke in bad tastePeople & talk. Real (45 hits, judged 2) but said less than the kept joudan o iu.
- shiai o mirupolite shiai o mimasuwatch a gameHobbies, sport & games. Watching a match is plain miru, as in the kept eiga o miru. It's real but only middling (rated 3, 45 hits).
- mikomi ga arupolite mikomi ga arimasushow promise / be likelyDescribing people. Means 'show promise' or 'be likely'. It is a bit formal and uncommon in casual speech (judged 2).
- shirushi o tsukerupolite shirushi o tsukemasumark (something)Work & school. Real ('mark it', 45), but it comes up only now and then.
- yo ga akerupolite yo ga akemasudawn breaksTime, money & plans. Literary ('dawn breaks'). In speech people say asa ni naru or akaruku naru.
- namida o nagasupolite namida o nagashimasushed tearsBody & health. Literary 'shed tears'; in speech people just say naku.
- rajio o kikupolite rajio o kikimasulisten to the radioPhone, photos & screens. Radio is a smaller daily habit (44, judged 3). It uses the same kiku as the kept ongaku o kiku.
- kaeri o matsupolite kaeri o machimasuwait for someone to come homeHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5. People usually just say matteru.
- beruto o surupolite beruto o shimasuwear a beltClothes & wearing. Wearing a belt is rarely worth mentioning (44 hits); if you need it, beruto shiteru uses the same suru as masuku o suru.
- kyoumi o sosorupolite kyoumi o sosorimasupique your interestSenses & mind. 'Pique your interest' sounds a bit literary (judged 2, 44 hits).
- yume o kanaerupolite yume o kanaemasumake one's dream come true, achieve a dreamSenses & mind. Judged 2, with 43 hits, mostly in speeches and song lyrics.
- tegiwa ga iipolite tegiwa ga ii desudeft, efficientDescribing people. Means 'deft, efficient'. It is a bookish compliment you will seldom need (judged 2).
- wadai o kaerupolite wadai o kaemasuchange the subjectPeople & talk. Real (43 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- keikaku o nerupolite keikaku o nerimasuwork out a planWork & school. Bookish (43). People say keikaku o tateru, which is being added.
- kuchibue o fukupolite kuchibue o fukimasuwhistleBody & health. Whistling rarely comes up (judged 2/5).
- tsurai omoia painful experienceSenses & mind. Almost always part of tsurai omoi o suru ('go through a hard time'). It would come back with omoi o suru, not on its own.
- jiko ga okirupolite jiko ga okimasuan accident happensGetting around. Mostly news and film-plot talk (42 hits). Jiko ni au is the version for something that happens to you.
- ketsuron o dasupolite ketsuron o dashimasucome to a conclusionWork & school. Meeting and debate language (42). Fairly rare in daily talk.
- shiji o dasupolite shiji o dashimasugive instructionsWork & school. Work talk (42), mostly from the boss's side.
- taimingu ga waruipolite taimingu ga warui desubad timingTime, money & plans. Real but not frequent (41).
- yousu ga okashiipolite yousu ga okashii desuacting strange, seem offDescribing people. Means 'someone's acting strange'. It is handy, but film plots push up its 41 hits and it is said less than the kept sets.
- kyoka o torupolite kyoka o torimasuget permissionWork & school. Real (41), but mostly a work or plot line ('get clearance'); morau is also heard.
- nokori sukunaipolite nokori sukunai desunot much leftTime, money & plans. 'Not much left' is fine but mid-frequency (40).
- kai o hirakupolite kai o hirakimasuhold a gatheringPeople & talk. Formal 'hold a gathering' (judged 2).
- miryoku ga arupolite miryoku ga arimasube attractive, have charmDescribing people. Means 'have charm'. In talk people more often say miryokuteki, or just kakkoii or kawaii (39 hits).
- negai ga kanaupolite negai ga kanaimasua wish comes trueSenses & mind. 'A wish comes true' comes up even less than yume ga kanau, which also missed (39 hits).
- you ga sumupolite you ga sumimasube done with one's errandPeople & talk. Real (39 hits, judged 3); the kept youji ga aru is the common side.
- chuudoku ni narupolite chuudoku ni narimasuget addictedBody & health. Real 'get addicted', but casual speech prefers hamaru, as in geemu ni hamaru on the list.
- ii omoidegood memoriesPeople & talk. Ii goes with many nouns (39 hits); ii omoide ni naru is the one fixed use.
- tegami o dasupolite tegami o dashimasupost (send) a letterPhone, photos & screens. Posting letters is rare now (38, judged 2). New Year cards are the main time people do it.
- kagi o akerupolite kagi o akemasuunlock (the door)Home & daily routine. Real (38 hits) but said less than kagi o kakeru, and akeru carries over from doa o akeru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hanashi ga aupolite hanashi ga aimasuhave things to talk about, click in conversationPeople & talk. Real (38 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- hone o orupolite hone o orimasubreak a boneBody & health. Breaking a bone is uncommon to talk about (38 hits), and hone o oru also means 'take pains'; hone ga oreru is the plain 'it broke'. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- wakare o iupolite wakare o iimasusay goodbyePeople & talk. Plain version of owakare o iu (38 hits); same verdict.
- dengon o kikupolite dengon o kikimasuget the messagePeople & talk. Passed-on messages (38 hits, judged 2) are a narrow situation.
- risuku o oupolite risuku o oimasutake a riskWork & school. Formal and business-like (38). Rare in casual speech.
- hitome mirupolite hitome mimasutake one lookSenses & mind. Mostly the romantic 'just to see them once' line. Only 38 hits.
- konkyo ga naipolite konkyo ga arimasenno grounds, baselessDescribing people. Means 'baseless'. It sounds like an argument or a courtroom, not an everyday description (37 hits).
- ii inshougood impressionDescribing people. Means 'a good impression'. It is real but said less than the kept sets (37 hits, judged 3).
- ii dekiwell made, a good resultDescribing people. Means 'well made, a good result'. It is a set phrase for judging work rather than an everyday description (37 hits).
- chansu o nogasupolite chansu o nogashimasumiss a chanceWork & school. Real, but only moderately common (37).
- kikkake ni narupolite kikkake ni narimasube what got it startedPeople & talk. Real (37 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- wadai ni narupolite wadai ni narimasubecome the talk of the townPhone, photos & screens. A real set (36), but it's heard more on TV and in the news than in casual talk.
- chiimu ni hairupolite chiimu ni hairimasujoin a teamHobbies, sport & games. Joining a team takes ni hairu (35 hits), but it's rated 3 and most hits come from sports plots.
- oosawagi ni narupolite oosawagi ni narimasuturn into a big fussPeople & talk. Real (35 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- mizu o kumupolite mizu o kumimasudraw water, fetch waterHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5. It's mostly wells, buckets and fetching water.
- zenin soroupolite zenin soroimasueveryone is herePeople & talk. Zenin / minna sorotta? (48 hits as written) is real but tied to group gatherings.
- inshou o ataerupolite inshou o ataemasugive an impressionDescribing people. Means 'give an impression'. It is formal or written and rare in casual talk (judged 2).
- kaidan o agarupolite kaidan o agarimasugo up the stairsHome & daily routine. Same idea as kaidan o noboru, and stairs rarely come up in talk (35 hits).
- konagona ni narupolite konagona ni narimasushatter into piecesDescribing people. Means 'shatter to pieces'. It only fits the moment something breaks and is uncommon overall (35 hits).
- ana o fusagupolite ana o fusagimasuplug a holeHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5. Holes and gaps rarely come up.
- iken ga aupolite iken ga aimasuagree, see eye to eyePeople & talk. Real (35 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- hiza o tsukupolite hiza o tsukimasukneel downBody & health. Kneeling rarely comes up in conversation (judged 2/5).
- ketsuron ga derupolite ketsuron ga demasua conclusion is reachedWork & school. Meeting talk (34). Fairly rare in daily life.
- suimin o torupolite suimin o torimasuget some sleepBody & health. Suimin is a formal word; in speech people say yoku neru or nemuru.
- beru o narasupolite beru o narashimasuring the bellHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5 in everyday life.
- tetsudai ni kurupolite tetsudai ni kimasucome to helpPeople & talk. Real (34 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept ni iku sets.
- kao o agerupolite kao o agemasulook up, raise one's headBody & health. 'Look up' comes up now and then (34 hits, judged 3/5); ue o miru often does the job.
- atama o butsukerupolite atama o butsukemasubump / hit one's headBody & health. The everyday 'I bumped my head' (33 hits); it comes up now and then, mostly with kids, cupboards and low doorways.
- tsugou ga tsukupolite tsugou ga tsukimasucan make it, can fit it inTime, money & plans. Useful for scheduling, but said less than tsugou ga ii / warui (33).
- hitode ga tarinaipolite hitode ga tarimasenbe short-handedWork & school. A real workplace complaint (33), but said less than the kept work sets; hitode busoku is also common.
- chiimu o kumupolite chiimu o kumimasuform a team, team upWork & school. Real ('team up', 33), but it comes up only occasionally.
- aoi sorablue skyWeather & nature. Mostly a song-lyric and narration phrase. When chatting about the weather, people say ii tenki or the single word aozora.
- chuukoku o kikupolite chuukoku o kikimasutake someone's advicePeople & talk. Formal-leaning (judged 2).
- keiken o tsumupolite keiken o tsumimasugain experienceWork & school. Somewhat formal career talk (33). Keiken ga aru, being added, is the everyday set.
- oshirase ga arupolite oshirase ga arimasuhave an announcementWork & school. Mostly an announcer's or teacher's line (33).
- kisoku o mamorupolite kisoku o mamorimasufollow the rulesWork & school. The stiffer twin of ruuru o mamoru (33 against 40). Ask for ruuru o mamoru first.
- retsu ni narabupolite retsu ni narabimasustand in lineGetting around. People usually leave out retsu and just say narabu or naranderu.
- yuushoku ni sasoupolite yuushoku ni sasoimasuinvite someone to dinnerPeople & talk. Formal-leaning (judged 2); casual talk says gohan ni ikou.
- panikku o okosupolite panikku o okoshimasupanic / have a panic attackSenses & mind. Used mostly for a panic attack (32 hits, judged 2). Panikku ni naru is the everyday one.
- shoujou ga derupolite shoujou ga demasuhave / show symptomsBody & health. 'Symptoms appear' is medical and news language more than chat.
- funbetsu ga arupolite funbetsu ga arimasube sensibleDescribing people. Means 'be sensible'. It sounds bookish and is rare in casual talk (judged 2).
- ato ga nokorupolite ato ga nokorimasuleave a mark / scarBody & health. Talking about a mark or scar left behind is occasional.
- kurashi o surupolite kurashi o shimasulive a (certain) lifeHome & daily routine. Natives rate it only 2/5, and it needs a describing word in front.
- byouki o naosupolite byouki o naoshimasucure an illness / get wellBody & health. Curing an illness is talked about less than catching one; people usually just say naotta, as in kaze ga naoru (now added).
- dokyou ga arupolite dokyou ga arimasuhave guts / nerveDescribing people. Means 'have guts, have nerve'. It is real but said less than the kept sets (31 hits, judged 3).
- kyori ga arupolite kyori ga arimasube quite farGetting around. People more often just say tooi.
- seika o agerupolite seika o agemasuachieve resultsWork & school. Formal, business-report language (31).
- tachi ga waruipolite tachi ga warui desunasty, viciousDescribing people. Means 'nasty, vicious', about a person, a cold or a prank. It is real but uncommon (31 hits).
- koshi o kakerupolite koshi o kakemasusit down, take a seatBody & health. Mostly staff saying 'okake kudasai'; for yourself people just say suwaru.
- gimon o idakupolite gimon o idakimasuhave doubtsSenses & mind. Bookish (judged 2). In speech people say gimon ga aru, or just naze?
- sa ga arupolite sa ga arimasuthere's a differenceDescribing people. Means 'there's a difference' and sounds a bit formal. In talk people say chigai ga aru or zenzen chigau.
- konjou ga arupolite konjou ga arimasuhave gutsDescribing people. Means 'have guts, grit'. It is real but said less than the kept sets (30 hits).
- mimi o fusagupolite mimi o fusagimasucover your earsBody & health. Covering your ears comes up only now and then (30 hits).
- memo o nokosupolite memo o nokoshimasuleave a noteHome & daily routine. Real (30 hits) but said less than the kept sets.
- ayamari o okasupolite ayamari o okashimasumake an errorWork & school. Formal (30). Speech uses machigaeru.
- yosou ga tsukupolite yosou ga tsukimasube able to predictSenses & mind. 30 hits, mostly yosou ga tsukanai ('no telling what'll happen'). Souzou ga tsuku covers similar ground and is far more common.
- yoyaku o torupolite yoyaku o torimasuget a reservationTime, money & plans. Plain yoyaku suru is the more usual way to say it (29 for the toru version).
- shou o torupolite shou o torimasuwin a prizeHobbies, sport & games. Real (rated 3, 29 hits), but people talk about winning prizes far less than winning matches (the kept shiai ni katsu).
- shitashii yuujina close friendPeople & talk. Written style (judged 2); people say naka ii tomodachi.
- zenrei ga naipolite zenrei ga arimasenthere's no precedentWork & school. Bureaucratic and news language (29). Rare in conversation.
- ketten ga arupolite ketten ga arimasuhave a flawDescribing people. Means 'have a flaw'. It sounds formal and is uncommon in casual talk (judged 2).
- jugyou o ukerupolite jugyou o ukemasutake a classWork & school. Real (29), but students more often say jugyou ga aru (being added) or jugyou ni deru.
- kyori o tamotsupolite kyori o tamochimasukeep your distancePeople & talk. Formal (judged 2); kyori o toru is the everyday form.
- yakume o hatasupolite yakume o hatashimasudo your partWork & school. Formal (29). Rare in speech.
- kizuato ga arupolite kizuato ga arimasuhave a scarBody & health. Talking about scars is uncommon (judged 2/5).
- beruto o hazusupolite beruto o hazushimasuundo your beltClothes & wearing. Undoing a belt rarely comes up (about 24 hits); masuku o hazusu already teaches hazusu and lists seatbelts.
- osoi jikanlate hourTime, money & plans. Mostly heard in the apology osoi jikan ni sumimasen, and mid-frequency (29).
- hone ga orerupolite hone ga oremasubreak a boneBody & health. Breaking a bone is uncommon to talk about (28 hits); this is the natural 'it broke' form if you want one.
- baransu o torupolite baransu o torimasukeep your balanceBody & health. 'Keep your balance' is occasional (28 hits, judged 3/5).
- tegami ga todokupolite tegami ga todokimasua letter arrivesPhone, photos & screens. Letters arriving is not a daily topic now (28). For parcels, the added nimotsu ga todoku uses the same verb.
- handan o kudasupolite handan o kudashimasumake a judgmentWork & school. Formal and dramatic (28). Rare in speech.
- choushoku o torupolite choushoku o torimasuhave breakfastFood & drink. Formal hotel wording (judged 2/5). In speech it is asagohan tabeta.
- yama o orirupolite yama o orimasugo down a mountainHobbies, sport & games. The other half of the added yama ni noboru, but it's rated 2 and said much less (28 hits).
- egao o miserupolite egao o misemasusmile, show a smilePeople & talk. Written style (judged 2).
- ogyougi ga iipolite ogyougi ga ii desuwell-behaved, good mannersDescribing people. Means 'well-behaved', mostly about children. It is real but uncommon (28 hits).
- higai o ukerupolite higai o ukemasusuffer damageWeather & nature. News and report wording for storm or disaster damage. It is rarely heard in casual talk.
- shoku o ushinaupolite shoku o ushinaimasulose one's jobWork & school. Formal (28). People say shigoto nakushita or kubi ni natta.
- seki o tatsupolite seki o tachimasuget up from one's seat, leave the tablePeople & talk. Real (28 hits, judged 3); at work people say seki o hazusu.
- akachan ga dekirupolite akachan ga dekimasube expecting a baby, get pregnantPeople & talk. Variant of kodomo ga dekiru, 'we're expecting' (27 hits).
- toire o nagasupolite toire o nagashimasuflush the toiletHome & daily routine. Useful but rarely said aloud (27 hits). Toire nagashite is the form if you need it.
- kettei o kudasupolite kettei o kudashimasumake a decisionWork & school. Formal (27). Everyday speech says kimeru.
- menkyo o motsupolite menkyo o motte imasuhave a licenseGetting around. Real (menkyo motteru?), but licences rarely come up (27 hits). Getting one is menkyo o toru.
- kanjou o osaerupolite kanjou o osaemasuhold back emotionsSenses & mind. Judged 2. 'Hold back your emotions' sounds more like an advice column than conversation.
- shakkin ga arupolite shakkin ga arimasube in debtTime, money & plans. Uncommon in daily talk (27), and films overplay debt.
- hidoi shiuchicruel treatmentPeople & talk. Drama-leaning (27 hits, judged 2).
- engi ga waruipolite engi ga warui desubad luck, bad omenDescribing people. Means 'a bad omen'. It is the set way to say it, but it only comes up around superstitions (27 hits).
- kaoiro ga iipolite kaoiro ga ii desulook healthyBody & health. The good side of kaoiro ga warui (now added), and said far less often (27 vs 64 hits).
- fuyu o kosupolite fuyu o koshimasuget through the winterWeather & nature. Mostly said of animals or plants getting through winter, or used in stories. Native judgement rates it uncommon.
- te o tatakupolite te o tatakimasuclap your handsBody & health. Clapping comes up now and then (27 hits, judged 3/5).
- shigoto ga nokorupolite shigoto ga nokorimasuhave work left to doWork & school. A real office line (mada shigoto nokotteru, 27), but said less than the kept and added work sets.
- kyori o torupolite kyori o torimasukeep one's distancePeople & talk. Real (27 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept people sets.
- kakuritsu ga takaipolite kakuritsu ga takai desuthe odds are highDescribing people. Means 'the odds are high'. In talk people usually just say tabun or ... kamo.
- owari ni chikazukupolite owari ni chikazukimasudraw to a closeTime, money & plans. Formal or narrating ('draw to a close'), and rare in talk.
- meneki ga arupolite meneki ga arimasube immune; be used to itBody & health. The literal 'be immune' is narrow; the common 'I'm used to it' sense is figurative and belongs on the idiom list.
- kippu o kaupolite kippu o kaimasubuy a ticketGetting around. Easy to guess, and less often said now that most people tap an IC card (26 hits).
- mokuhyou ni mukaupolite mokuhyou ni mukaimasuwork toward a goalWork & school. Pep-talk language (26). It comes up only occasionally.
- araamu ga narupolite araamu ga narimasuthe alarm goes offHome & daily routine. Real (26 hits, some from film alarms) but said less than the kept mezamashi o kakeru.
- shita o kamupolite shita o kamimasubite one's tongueBody & health. Biting your tongue only comes up now and then (judged 3/5).
- kibun ga harerupolite kibun ga haremasufeel better, cheer upSenses & mind. Real for 'feel better', but only 26 hits. In speech people mostly say sukkiri shita.
- kazoku o yashinaupolite kazoku o yashinaimasusupport a family (financially)People & talk. Real (26 hits, judged 3) but said less than the kept family sets.
- denwa ga kirerupolite denwa ga kiremasuthe call drops, get cut offPhone, photos & screens. 'The call dropped' is real (25), but it comes up less than hanging up (the kept denwa o kiru).
- ishi ga tsuyoipolite ishi ga tsuyoi desustrong-willedDescribing people. Means 'strong-willed'. It is real but said less than the kept sets (25 hits).
- youji ga sumupolite youji ga sumimasufinish one's errandsHome & daily routine. Said much less than the kept youji ga aru (25 hits).
- chikai shouraiin the near futureTime, money & plans. News and speech register ('in the near future'), rare in talk.
- seikou o osamerupolite seikou o osamemasuachieve successWork & school. Written language (25). Speech says seikou suru.
- boushi o torupolite boushi o torimasutake off a hatClothes & wearing. Taking off a hat isn't said much (about 35 hits for toru and nugu together, judged 2).
- kouritsu ga iipolite kouritsu ga ii desube efficientWork & school. Real ('efficient', 24), but less everyday than the sets being kept.
- kesshin ga tsukupolite kesshin ga tsukimasumake up one's mindPeople & talk. Real (24 hits, judged 3), mostly as kesshin ga tsukanai.
- penki o nurupolite penki o nurimasupaint (a wall, a fence)Home & daily routine. Real (24 hits) but DIY painting rarely comes up in daily talk.
- kizu ga naorupolite kizu ga naorimasua wound healsBody & health. A wound healing comes up now and then (23 hits, judged 3/5).
- reisei ni narupolite reisei ni narimasucalm down, think clearlyPeople & talk. Mostly heated drama lines (23 hits, judged 3); everyday talk says ochitsuite.
- uwasa ga hiromarupolite uwasa ga hiromarimasua rumour spreadsPeople & talk. Real (23 hits, judged 3); rumours are a narrower topic.
- daigaku o derupolite daigaku o demasugraduate from universityWork & school. Life-story talk (22): daigaku deta. It comes up now and then.
- gokai o tokupolite gokai o tokimasuclear up a misunderstandingPeople & talk. Real (21 hits, judged 3); people more often just say gokai shinaide.
- negaigoto o surupolite negaigoto o shimasumake a wishPeople & talk. Real (22 hits, judged 3) but tied to shrines, shooting stars and birthdays.
- hanaji ga derupolite hanaji ga demasuhave a nosebleedBody & health. A nosebleed comes up only now and then (21 hits, judged 3/5). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ressun o ukerupolite ressun o ukemasutake lessonsHobbies, sport & games. Real (21 hits, rated 3), but people more often talk about lessons with narau, as in the added piano o narau.
- se ga nobirupolite se ga nobimasugrow tallerDescribing people. Means 'grow taller' and is mostly said to kids (se nobita ne). It has 20 hits and is narrower than se ga takai or se ga hikui.
- onara o surupolite onara o shimasufart, pass gasBody & health. Comes up in family talk with kids (20 hits, judged 4/5), but less often than the sets that were added.
- ude o kumupolite ude o kumimasufold your arms; link armsBody & health. Folding or linking arms comes up now and then (20 hits), more in descriptions than talk.
- basho o torupolite basho o torimasutake up space; save a spotHome & daily routine. Real (20 hits) but splits across two senses (be bulky, save a spot), each said only now and then.
- okure o torimodosupolite okure o torimodoshimasucatch up (on lost time or work)Work & school. Real (20), but occasional.
- tsukiai ga arupolite tsukiai ga arimasuhave a social obligation (drinks with colleagues); know someonePeople & talk. Real (20 hits, judged 3); tsukiai ga warui is the commoner use.
- yubi o kirupolite yubi o kirimasucut one's fingerBody & health. Cutting your finger while cooking comes up occasionally (19 hits); chi ga deru (now added) covers what you say next.
- omoi byoukiserious illnessBody & health. Serious illness comes up only occasionally (19 hits, judged 3/5).
- rei o agerupolite rei o agemasugive an exampleWork & school. Mostly the fixed rei o ageru to ('for example', 19); speech usually says tatoeba.
- kami o tokasupolite kami o tokashimasubrush / comb one's hairHome & daily routine. Real but rarely talked about (18 hits).
- kuruma ni hikarerupolite kuruma ni hikaremasuget hit / run over by a carGetting around. Mostly heard in warnings and accident scenes (18 hits).
- wasuremono o surupolite wasuremono o shimasuleave something behindGetting around. Real (wasuremono shinai you ni), but people mostly say wasureta or wasuremono nai?.
- namida o fukupolite namida o fukimasuwipe away tearsBody & health. Wiping away tears comes up now and then (18 hits), mostly in stories.
- sasshi ga tsukupolite sasshi ga tsukimasucan guess, have a pretty good ideaPeople & talk. Real (18 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- kui wa naipolite kui wa arimasenhave no regretsPeople & talk. Real (18 hits, judged 3) but more a speech line than everyday talk.
- booru o nagerupolite booru o nagemasuthrow a ballHobbies, sport & games. Easy to guess and real (18 hits, rated 3), but throwing a ball comes up less than the kept sports sets.
- sen o hikupolite sen o hikimasudraw a line, underlineWork & school. Real ('draw a line', 17), but it comes up only now and then.
- kurabemono ni naranaipolite kurabemono ni narimasenbe in a different league, beyond comparisonDescribing people. Means 'there's no comparison'. People do use this fixed negative phrase, but less often than the kept sets (17 hits).
- miren ga arupolite miren ga arimasustill have feelings for, can't let goPeople & talk. Real (17 hits, judged 3) but mostly about exes.
- peeji o mekurupolite peeji o mekurimasuturn the pageWork & school. Real (17), but occasional, mostly as a classroom instruction.
- shiai ni derupolite shiai ni demasuplay in a matchHobbies, sport & games. Playing in a match takes deru, but it's rated 3 (16 hits) and mostly said by people on a team.
- fue o fukupolite fue o fukimasuplay the flute or recorderHobbies, sport & games. Rated 2 (16 hits), and it's mostly about the recorder at school.
- hige o hayasupolite hige o hayashimasugrow a beard / moustacheDescribing people. Means 'grow a beard or moustache'. It is real but only comes up now and then (16 hits).
- aishou ga iipolite aishou ga ii desube compatible, go well together (people, also food pairings)People & talk. Real (20 hits as written, judged 3); used for people, blood types and food pairings.
- onegai o kikupolite onegai o kikimasudo someone a favour (agree to a request)People & talk. Agreeing to a request (16 hits); less frequent.
- mise o yarupolite mise o yarimasurun a shop, bar or restaurantWork & school. Real (oya ga izakaya yatteru), but it comes up only occasionally (16).
- hagemi ni narupolite hagemi ni narimasube encouraging, keep you goingPeople & talk. A polite thank-you formula (16 hits); judged 4 but rarer than the kept people sets.
- ashi o fumupolite ashi o fumimasustep on someone's footGetting around. Mostly heard as the passive ashi o fumareta on a crowded train (16 hits), and you rarely need to say it.
- baransu o kuzusupolite baransu o kuzushimasulose one's balanceBody & health. Losing your balance comes up now and then (16 hits, judged 3/5).
- garasu ga warerupolite garasu ga waremasuglass breaks / shattersHome & daily routine. Real (16 hits), but many hits are film break-ins. It comes up rarely in daily life.
- sesuji o nobasupolite sesuji o nobashimasusit or stand up straightBody & health. 'Sesuji nobashite' is heard from teachers and parents (15 hits), but only now and then.
- kouza ni furikomupolite kouza ni furikomimasupay by bank transfer, transfer into an accountTime, money & plans. Paying by bank transfer is common in Japan, but the set is mid-frequency (15), and people often just say furikomu.
- futan o kakerupolite futan o kakemasuput a burden / strain on (someone, the body)People & talk. Real (15 hits, judged 4); same kakeru frame as the kept meiwaku o kakeru and shinpai o kakeru.
- kaisha ni tsutomerupolite kaisha ni tsutomemasuwork for a companyWork & school. Self-introduction language (14). Casual talk says ... de hataraiteru, and kaisha ni hairu is being added. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- takushii o hiroupolite takushii o hiroimasucatch a taxiGetting around. Hailing a taxi in the street, with 14 hits. Calling one (takushii o yobu) is the more common set.
- tsumetai kazea cold windWeather & nature. Only 14 hits. In conversation people usually just say samui or kaze tsuyoi.
- uso ga barerupolite uso ga baremasua lie gets found outPeople & talk. Casual and real (uso bareta, judged 3) but less frequent than the kept uso o tsuku.
- atomawashi ni surupolite atomawashi ni shimasuput something off, deal with it laterTime, money & plans. Useful for 'put off', but not frequent (14).
- moufu o kakerupolite moufu o kakemasuput a blanket over someoneHome & daily routine. Real but occasional (14 hits). It mainly comes up when tucking someone in.
- namari ga arupolite namari ga arimasuhave an accent (regional or foreign)People & talk. Real (14 hits, judged 3) but accents are a narrow topic.
- kogoto o iupolite kogoto o iimasunag, scold over small thingsPeople & talk. Real (14 hits, judged 3); the kept monku o iu and added guchi o iu are said more.
- kanshaku o okosupolite kanshaku o okoshimasuthrow a tantrum, fly into a temperPeople & talk. Mostly about children's tantrums (14 hits, judged 3).
- michi o watarupolite michi o watarimasucross the roadGetting around. You rarely need to say you're crossing the road (13 hits).
- okawari o surupolite okawari o shimasuhave seconds / a refillFood & drink. People mostly say just okawari or okawari kudasai, with no verb (13 hits, nearly all bare).
- aza ga dekirupolite aza ga dekimasuget a bruiseBody & health. Getting a bruise comes up now and then (13 hits, judged 3/5).
- ninki ga derupolite ninki ga demasubecome popular, catch onPhone, photos & screens. Becoming popular comes up less (13) than being popular, the kept ninki ga aru.
- reberu ga agarupolite reberu ga agarimasulevel up, get betterHobbies, sport & games. Talk about games and getting better at skills, rated 3 with 13 hits.
- zeitaku o iupolite zeitaku o iimasube picky, ask for too muchPeople & talk. Mostly the fixed zeitaku wa iwanai (13 hits, judged 3).
- omoide o tsukurupolite omoide o tsukurimasumake memoriesPeople & talk. Real (13 hits, judged 3) but less frequent.
- yuuwaku ni makerupolite yuuwaku ni makemasugive in to temptationPeople & talk. Real (13 hits, judged 3), mostly about sweets and diets.
- airon o kakerupolite airon o kakemasuiron (clothes)Home & daily routine. Ironing rarely comes up in talk (12 hits).
- jikan o mamorupolite jikan o mamorimasube on time, be punctualTime, money & plans. Said ('be on time'), but rarely (12).
- kami o somerupolite kami o somemasudye one's hairDescribing people. Means 'dye your hair' and works like the kept kami o kiru. Films undercount it, but it is still said less (12 hits, judged 3).
- shashin ni utsurupolite shashin ni utsurimasube in a photo, appear in a picturePhone, photos & screens. 'Who's in this photo?' is a real use, but it comes up less than taking or looking at photos (12).
- koe ga hikuipolite koe ga hikui desuhave a deep (low) voiceDescribing people. Means 'have a deep voice'. It is real but said much less than the added koe ga ookii (12 hits).
- hana o susurupolite hana o susurimasusniffle, sniff back a runny noseBody & health. Sniffling comes up only now and then (12 hits, judged 3/5).
- kiri ga koipolite kiri ga koi desuthe fog is thickWeather & nature. A tight pairing, but only 12 hits. Fog is rarely talked about.
- denki ga kierupolite denki ga kiemasuthe light goes outHome & daily routine. The light going out by itself comes up less (11 hits) than switching it off.
- okane o kakerupolite okane o kakemasuspend money on (something)Time, money & plans. The transitive of okane ga kakaru, and rare (11, or 28 with plain kane).
- yogore o otosupolite yogore o otoshimasuget dirt or a stain off, clean it offHome & daily routine. Real but rarely talked about (11 hits).
- aisatsu ni ikupolite aisatsu ni ikimasugo and pay your respects (neighbours, clients, in-laws)People & talk. Real (26 hits for ni iku / ni kuru, judged 3) but tied to moving house, clients or in-laws.
- eiyou o torupolite eiyou o torimasuget proper nutritionBody & health. Health-advice language (11 hits) more than casual chat.
- teiden ni narupolite teiden ni narimasuhave a power cutHome & daily routine. Only 11 hits, and most of the corpus's power cuts come from films. People also just say teiden da.
- hana o hojirupolite hana o hojirimasupick one's noseBody & health. Nose-picking comes up mostly when telling kids off (11 hits).
- keiki ga iipolite keiki ga ii desubusiness is good; (of a person) be flush, generousTime, money & plans. Talk about the economy, or teasing someone who's splashing out. Rare in speech (11).
- torie ga naipolite torie ga arimasenhave nothing going for one, have no strong pointsDescribing people. Means 'have nothing going for you' and is mostly self-deprecating (nan no torie mo nai). It is real but uncommon (11 hits).
- hidoi kazebad coldBody & health. Mostly heard inside 'hidoi kaze hiita'; kaze o hiku on the list does the work.
- mizu o tomerupolite mizu o tomemasuturn off the water (tap)Home & daily routine. Real but rarely talked about (10 hits).
- shuuri ni dasupolite shuuri ni dashimasusend (something) for repair, get it fixedPhone, photos & screens. Sending something to be repaired is a real set, but it only comes up now and then (10).
- kami ga nukerupolite kami ga nukemasuhair falls out, lose hairBody & health. Hair falling out comes up occasionally (judged 3/5).
- kaminari ga ochirupolite kaminari ga ochimasulightning strikesWeather & nature. 10 hits, and lightning striking somewhere is a rare event. The added kaminari ga naru covers ordinary storm talk.
- nikki o tsukerupolite nikki o tsukemasukeep a diaryHobbies, sport & games. Rated 2 (10 hits). Few people keep a diary now.
- on o kaesupolite on o kaeshimasurepay a kindnessPeople & talk. Real (10 hits, judged 3) and drama-leaning; the added okaeshi o suru covers paying people back.
- mune ga itaipolite mune ga itai desuhave chest pain; it breaks my heartBody & health. Chest pain is uncommon to mention (10 hits); the 'it breaks my heart' sense is figurative and belongs on the idiom list.
- te o awaserupolite te o awasemasuput your palms together (to pray, or before eating)Body & health. The praying gesture at shrines and graves comes up only now and then (10 hits).
- kubi o furupolite kubi o furimasushake your head (or nod)Body & health. Describing a head shake or nod is more for stories than daily talk (10 hits).
- gamu o kamupolite gamu o kamimasuchew gumFood & drink. Only 10 hits and judged 3/5. Chewing gum rarely comes up in conversation.
- posuto ni irerupolite posuto ni iremasupost (a letter), put it in the mailboxHome & daily routine. Real (10 hits) but few people post letters day to day now.
- hiniku o iupolite hiniku o iimasube sarcastic, make a snide remarkPeople & talk. Real (10 hits as a set, judged 3); close to iyami o iu, which is in maybe.
- jikan o akerupolite jikan o akemasukeep time freeTime, money & plans. The transitive partner of jikan ga aku, and rare (9).
- takai netsuhigh feverBody & health. People usually say netsu ga takai or just netsu ga aru, which is on the list.
- ne ga harupolite ne ga harimasube pricey, cost a bitTime, money & plans. A real expression, but people mostly just say takai (9).
- shikaku o torupolite shikaku o torimasuget a qualificationWork & school. A popular topic in Japan, but only 9 hits. Menkyo o toru uses the same verb and is more common. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- negoto o iupolite negoto o iimasutalk in your sleepPeople & talk. Talking in your sleep (9 hits, judged 3) is a narrow topic.
- iki ga kurushiipolite iki ga kurushii desuhave trouble breathing, be short of breathBody & health. Trouble breathing comes up only occasionally (9 hits, judged 3/5).
- karada o kitaerupolite karada o kitaemasuwork out, build yourself upBody & health. Working out to build yourself up comes up now and then (9 hits, judged 3/5).
- yuki ga tokerupolite yuki ga tokemasuthe snow meltsWeather & nature. About 16 hits across both spellings, and it only comes up where snow lies. The added yuki ga tsumoru covers most snow-day talk.
- yodare ga derupolite yodare ga demasudrool; make one's mouth waterBody & health. Drooling over food comes up now and then (9 hits, judged 3/5).
- terebi de yarupolite terebi de yarimasube on TV (a programme)Phone, photos & screens. 'It's on TV tonight' is useful but rarely said (8).
- iki ga kirerupolite iki ga kiremasuget out of breathBody & health. Getting out of breath comes up occasionally (8 hits, judged 3/5).
- hanashi ga moriagarupolite hanashi ga moriagarimasuthe conversation gets lively, have a great chatPeople & talk. Real (judged 3) but less frequent than the kept hanashi sets.
- hanashi ga sorerupolite hanashi ga soremasuget off topic, digressPeople & talk. Real (judged 3) but less frequent; for a chat drifting off topic.
- tameiki o tsukupolite tameiki o tsukimasusighSenses & mind. 'Sigh' is mostly narration. People rarely say it about themselves in conversation (8 hits).
- kioku ga tobupolite kioku ga tobimasublack out; one's memory goes blank (from drinking)Food & drink. Mostly heard in drinking stories (8 hits), and less often than the kept drinking sets.
- nemuri ni tsukupolite nemuri ni tsukimasufall asleepBody & health. Literary 'fall asleep'; in speech people say nechatta.
- kao ga chiisaipolite kao ga chiisai desuhave a small face (a compliment)Describing people. A common compliment in Japan (kao chiisai ne), but not frequent overall (8 hits, judged 3).
- kigen o naosupolite kigen o naoshimasustop sulking, cheer upPeople & talk. Real (7 hits as written, judged 3); the added kigen ga warui covers moods.
- denkyuu o kaerupolite denkyuu o kaemasuchange a light bulbHome & daily routine. Changing a light bulb comes up rarely (8 hits).
- kozeni ga naipolite kozeni ga arimasenhave no change, have no coinsTime, money & plans. Useful at shop counters, but rare in films (8), which undercount shop talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hi ni yakerupolite hi ni yakemasuget a tan / get sunburntBody & health. Tanning and sunburn come up mostly in summer, and people more often use the noun (hiyake shita).
- kami ga nobirupolite kami ga nobimasuhair grows longerDescribing people. Means 'your hair's grown' (kami nobita ne). It is real but only comes up now and then (7 hits).
- shigoto ga tamarupolite shigoto ga tamarimasuwork piles upWork & school. A real complaint (shigoto tamatteru), but rare in the corpus (7).
- karada o kowasupolite karada o kowashimasuruin one's health, make oneself ill (from overwork)Body & health. A real warning about overwork, but said less than the kept health sets (judged 3/5).
- nioi ga tsukupolite nioi ga tsukimasua smell gets into (clothes, hair)Clothes & wearing. Said after yakiniku or a smoky bar (nioi tsuichatta), but not often (about 6 hits).
- suibun o torupolite suibun o torimasustay hydrated, drink enough fluidsBody & health. Mostly health advice and summer heat warnings rather than casual chat (7 hits).
- inshou ni nokorupolite inshou ni nokorimasustick in one's mind, be memorableSenses & mind. Useful for 'the most memorable part was...' but only 7 hits and judged 3.
- kyuuryou ga agarupolite kyuuryou ga agarimasuget a pay rise / raiseWork & school. Real, but it comes up only occasionally (7).
- taijuu ga fuerupolite taijuu ga fuemasuput on weight, gain weightBody & health. In casual talk people say futotta instead.
- oseji o iupolite oseji o iimasuflatter, pay a polite complimentPeople & talk. Real (judged 3) but rare as a set (15 hits as written); oseji demo ureshii is the main use.
- boryuumu o agerupolite boryuumu o agemasuturn up the volumePhone, photos & screens. Real (7), but people say oto o ookiku suru and oto o ageru (11) more for the same request. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- medo ga tatsupolite medo ga tachimasuthe end comes in sight, have a clear outlookWork & school. Business and planning talk (7).
- karada ga yowaipolite karada ga yowai desube sickly, often illDescribing people. Means 'be sickly, get ill a lot'. It is a natural everyday phrase but not a frequent one (6 hits, judged 3).
- kabi ga haerupolite kabi ga haemasugo mouldy, get mouldHome & daily routine. Real but rare (6 hits). It comes up mainly in the rainy season.
- yotei ga tsumarupolite yotei ga tsumarimasuhave a packed scheduleTime, money & plans. A nice image, but said less than yotei ga aru / hairu (6).
- shumi ga aupolite shumi ga aimasuhave the same tastes, share interestsPeople & talk. Real (judged 3) but less frequent than the kept people sets.
- kan ga iipolite kan ga ii desube perceptive, quick to catch on, have good instinctsDescribing people. Means 'perceptive, quick to catch on'. It is real but said less than the kept sets (6 hits).
- oto ga urusaipolite oto ga urusai desube noisySenses & mind. Only 6 hits. A noise complaint is usually urusai! on its own, and the kept oto ga suru covers hearing the noise.
- me ni gomi ga hairupolite me ni gomi ga hairimasuget something in one's eyeBody & health. Getting something in your eye happens now and then (6 hits).
- michi o kikupolite michi o kikimasuask for directionsGetting around. Rare in the counts (5 hits). People usually ask the way with michi o oshiete kudasai.
- hizashi ga tsuyoipolite hizashi ga tsuyoi desuthe sun is strongWeather & nature. Said on hot summer days, but it has only 5 hits. People more often just say atsui.
- mezamashi ga narupolite mezamashi ga narimasuthe alarm goes offHome & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. The kept mezamashi o kakeru is said more.
- yogore ga ochirupolite yogore ga ochimasua stain or dirt comes outHome & daily routine. Stains rarely come up (5 hits).
- shimi ga tsukupolite shimi ga tsukimasuget a stainHome & daily routine. Stains rarely come up (5 hits).
- onaka ga narupolite onaka ga narimasuone's stomach growls, rumblesBody & health. A rumbling stomach comes up occasionally (judged 3/5).
- onaka ga derupolite onaka ga demasuget a belly, have a paunchDescribing people. Means 'get a belly' (onaka dete kita). It is real but only comes up now and then (5 hits).
- botan o tomerupolite botan o tomemasudo up (fasten) buttonsClothes & wearing. Doing up or undoing buttons is rarely said (about 11 hits for both, judged 2).
- gyouretsu ga dekirupolite gyouretsu ga dekimasua queue forms, there's a lineFood & drink. Only 5 hits. People usually just say naranderu (people are lining up).
- kinniku o tsukerupolite kinniku o tsukemasubuild muscleHobbies, sport & games. Gym and diet talk, rated 3 with only 5 hits.
- meeru o utsupolite meeru o uchimasutype a message / emailPhone, photos & screens. Typing a message is real (5), but people mostly say meeru o okuru or LINE suru.
- kuse ga tsukupolite kuse ga tsukimasuget into a habitDescribing people. Means 'get into a habit'. It is real but rare next to kuse ga aru (3 to 5 hits).
- michi ga sukupolite michi ga sukimasuthe roads are clearGetting around. People mention heavy traffic far more often than clear roads (4 hits).
- yotei o irerupolite yotei o iremasuschedule something inTime, money & plans. The transitive of yotei ga hairu, and rarely heard (4).
- kami o kawakasupolite kami o kawakashimasudry your hairHome & daily routine. Rarely said aloud (4 hits).
- kion ga agarupolite kion ga agarimasuthe temperature risesWeather & nature. Weather-forecast wording (4 hits). In conversation people say atsuku naru.
- kami o nobasupolite kami o nobashimasugrow one's hair outDescribing people. Means 'grow your hair out'. It is real but said less (4 hits).
- nemuri ga asaipolite nemuri ga asai desusleep lightly, be a light sleeperHome & daily routine. Comes up only when talking about how you sleep.
- kizu ga tsukupolite kizu ga tsukimasuget scratchedPhone, photos & screens. A real set for scratches on phones and cars, but rare (4).
- mise ga dekirupolite mise ga dekimasua new shop opensGetting around. Real (atarashii mise dekita), but said less often than the kept mise ga aku.
- kusuri o nurupolite kusuri o nurimasuput on ointment, apply creamBody & health. Putting on cream or ointment comes up only now and then (judged 3/5).
- konsento o nukupolite konsento o nukimasuunplug (it)Home & daily routine. Unplugging rarely comes up (4 hits).
- kata o momupolite kata o momimasumassage someone's shouldersBody & health. Massaging someone's shoulders comes up now and then (4 hits, judged 3/5).
- nimotsu o okurupolite nimotsu o okurimasusend a parcelHome & daily routine. Real (native rating 4/5) but rare in the counts (4 hits), and said less than nimotsu ga todoku (now added). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- nedan ga agarupolite nedan ga agarimasuprices go upTime, money & plans. Rising prices do come up, but this exact set is rare (4). People also say takaku natta or neage. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- koshi o itamerupolite koshi o itamemasuhurt one's (lower) backBody & health. Hurting your back comes up now and then; koshi ga itai (now added) is the everyday complaint.
- kuchikazu ga sukunaipolite kuchikazu ga sukunai desube quiet, not say muchDescribing people. Means 'quiet, doesn't say much' about a person. It is real but uncommon (4 hits).
- ashi ga shibirerupolite ashi ga shibiremasuone's foot / leg falls asleepBody & health. Mostly heard after sitting seiza (judged 3/5).
- eakon ga kikupolite eakon ga kikimasuthe AC is working (cooling or heating properly)Home & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. It's mainly said when the AC isn't keeping up (eakon kiitenai).
- netto ni norupolite netto ni norimasube online, be posted on the internetPhone, photos & screens. Netto ni notteru ('it's online') is real but much rarer than the kept internet set (3).
- yoi ga mawarupolite yoi ga mawarimasuthe alcohol kicks in; start to feel drunkFood & drink. Only 3 hits and judged 3/5. A nice drinking phrase, but not a top one.
- seiseki ga agarupolite seiseki ga agarimasugrades improveWork & school. Rare (3). Seiseki ga ii, being added, is the common grades set.
- aizuchi o utsupolite aizuchi o uchimasumake listening noises (un, sou, hee)People & talk. People do it constantly but rarely name it (2 hits).
- agura o kakupolite agura o kakimasusit cross-leggedBody & health. Sitting cross-legged comes up only now and then (3 hits, judged 3/5).
- kiri ga kakarupolite kiri ga kakarimasube foggy, fog sets inWeather & nature. Only 3 hits. Fog comes up far less often than rain, wind or snow.
- ondo o sagerupolite ondo o sagemasuturn the temperature down (AC, heating)Home & daily routine. Rare (2 hits). It comes up only for AC and heating settings.
- machigai o naosupolite machigai o naoshimasucorrect a mistakeWork & school. Rare in the corpus (2), and naosu is just the ordinary 'fix' here.
- jaguchi o shimerupolite jaguchi o shimemasuturn off the tapHome & daily routine. Rare (1 hit). Taps rarely come up in talk.
- taijuukei ni norupolite taijuukei ni norimasustep on the scales, weigh oneselfBody & health. Stepping on the scales comes up only occasionally (judged 3/5).
- kaze ga derupolite kaze ga demasuthe wind picks upWeather & nature. Only 1 hit. 'The wind's picking up' is more often kaze ga tsuyoku natte kita, built from the kept kaze ga tsuyoi.
- mokuhyou o taterupolite mokuhyou o tatemasuset a goalWork & school. Rare (1), and it uses the same tateru as keikaku o tateru, being added.
- kotoba ga tsuujirupolite kotoba ga tsuujimasumake yourself understood; speak the same languagePeople & talk. Useful abroad (kotoba ga tsuujinai, 16 hits as written) but judged 3.
- akusesarii o tsukerupolite akusesarii o tsukemasuwear jewellery / accessoriesClothes & wearing. People name the item (piasu shiteru, nekkuresu tsuketeru) rather than saying 'accessories' (judged 2).
- kami o musubupolite kami o musubimasutie one's hair upClothes & wearing. Tying hair up is rarely said (about 6 hits for musubu, shibaru and matomeru together).
- sentakuki o mawasupolite sentakuki o mawashimasurun the washing machineHome & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. Most people just say sentaku suru.
- niji ga derupolite niji ga demasua rainbow appearsWeather & nature. Rainbows are occasional, and the set does not appear in the corpus at all. Native judgement rates it uncommon.
- me ga tsukarerupolite me ga tsukaremasueyes get tiredBody & health. Easy to guess and said only now and then, e.g. after screens (judged 3/5).
- ashi o kujikupolite ashi o kujikimasusprain one's ankleBody & health. Spraining your ankle is uncommon to talk about (judged 2/5).
- kyuuryou ga hairupolite kyuuryou ga hairimasuget paidWork & school. A payday line (kyuuryou haitta), but it comes up only once a month (2 hits).
- iro ga shiroipolite iro ga shiroi desube fair-skinnedDescribing people. Means 'fair-skinned' (also iroshiro). It is real in Japan but not frequent (17 hits, counting iroshiro).
- futon o shikupolite futon o shikimasulay out the futon (make up the bed)Home & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5, and many homes now use beds.
- ji ga kireipolite ji ga kirei desuhave neat handwritingDescribing people. Means 'have neat handwriting'. It only comes up when someone sees your writing (1 to 2 hits).
- nikibi ga dekirupolite nikibi ga dekimasuget a pimpleBody & health. Getting a pimple comes up occasionally (judged 3/5).
- koe ga karerupolite koe ga karemasulose one's voice, get hoarseBody & health. Losing your voice comes up occasionally, e.g. after karaoke (judged 3/5).
- kushami ga derupolite kushami ga demasusneezeBody & health. Sneezing rarely needs saying outside hay-fever season (judged 3/5).
- ashi ga tsurupolite ashi ga tsurimasuget a cramp in one's legBody & health. Leg cramps come up only now and then (judged 2/5).
- bansoukou o harupolite bansoukou o harimasuput on a plaster / band-aidBody & health. Putting on a plaster comes up only after small cuts (judged 3/5).
- mizu o dasupolite mizu o dashimasuturn on the tap / the waterHome & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. Said less than the kept sets.
- suicchi o irerupolite suicchi o iremasuswitch onHome & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. Said less than denki o tsukeru and dengen o kiru.
- denwa ga tooipolite denwa ga tooi desucan't hear (the caller) wellPhone, photos & screens. A polite stock phrase for a bad line (judged 2). Most people just say yoku kikoenai.
- akubi ga derupolite akubi ga demasuyawnBody & health. Yawning rarely needs saying (judged 3/5).
- shakkuri ga derupolite shakkuri ga demasuget the hiccupsBody & health. Hiccups rarely come up (judged 2/5).
- kasa o tatamupolite kasa o tatamimasuclose (fold up) an umbrellaWeather & nature. Only 1 hit. Folding an umbrella rarely needs saying, and putting one up (kasa o sasu) is already kept.
- ofuro ga wakupolite ofuro ga wakimasuthe bath is ready (heated)Home & daily routine. Ofuro waita yo is a family phrase (native rating 3/5) but said less than ofuro ni hairu.
- kuma ga dekirupolite kuma ga dekimasuget dark circles under one's eyesBody & health. Dark circles under the eyes come up only occasionally (judged 3/5).
- tabemono ni atarupolite tabemono ni atarimasuget food poisoning (from something)Food & drink. Food poisoning does not come up often (judged 2/5).
- kinniku ga tsukupolite kinniku ga tsukimasubuild muscle, get more muscularHobbies, sport & games. Rated 3 with no film hits. It's heard mostly in fitness talk.
- infuru ni kakarupolite infuru ni kakarimasucome down with the fluBody & health. Common in flu season but seasonal (judged 3/5); kaze o hiku on the list covers most illness talk.
- shigoto ga ochitsukupolite shigoto ga ochitsukimasuthings quieten down at workWork & school. Real ('things calm down at work'), but occasional, with no film hits.
- shigoto ni owarerupolite shigoto ni owaremasube swamped with workWork & school. A set phrase for 'swamped', but said less than shigoto ga isogashii, which is being added.
- tenki ni narupolite tenki ni narimasuturn out fine, clear up (the weather)Weather & nature. Only 2 hits. For 'clear up', people far more often say hareru (about 145 hits).
- konsento ni sasupolite konsento ni sashimasuplug (something) inPhone, photos & screens. Plugging in is real, but people mostly say juuden suru or name the device (judged 3).
- kuuki o irekaerupolite kuuki o irekaemasuair out a room, let fresh air inHome & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. Said less than mado o akeru, which usually goes with it.
- demae o torupolite demae o torimasuorder food deliveryFood & drink. Sounds dated (judged 2/5). Younger people say Uubaa tanomu.
- shoku ga hosoipolite shoku ga hosoi desube a small eater, not eat muchDescribing people. Means 'be a small eater'. It is real but uncommon (no film hits, judged 2).
- juudenki o sasupolite juudenki o sashimasuplug in the chargerPhone, photos & screens. Real, but in speech people mostly just say juuden suru (judged 3).
- keshou ga koipolite keshou ga koi desuwear heavy makeupDescribing people. Means 'wear heavy makeup'. It belongs to one narrow topic and is rarely said (1 hit).
- hada ga arerupolite hada ga aremasuskin gets rough or irritated, break outBody & health. Skin breaking out comes up occasionally, more among people who talk about skincare (judged 3/5).
- futsukayoi ni narupolite futsukayoi ni narimasuget a hangoverFood & drink. People mostly just say futsukayoi da, without ni naru.
- kaze ga hayarupolite kaze ga hayarimasua cold is going aroundBody & health. 'A cold is going around' is seasonal and occasional (judged 3/5).
- mushiba ga dekirupolite mushiba ga dekimasuget a cavityBody & health. Cavities come up mostly in dentist talk (judged 3/5).
- jikan o muda ni surupolite jikan o muda ni shimasuwaste timeTime, money & plans. People more often say the noun phrase jikan no muda ('a waste of time').
- uchi ni yobupolite uchi ni yobimasuinvite someone over (to your place), have people overPeople & talk. Having people over (9 hits as written, judged 3).
- kinnikutsuu ni narupolite kinnikutsuu ni narimasuget sore muscles (after exercise)Body & health. Sore muscles come up after exercise only (judged 3/5).
- me ga saerupolite me ga saemasube wide awake (and can't get to sleep)Home & daily routine. Natives rate it 3/5. It's mostly said when you can't get to sleep.
- jisho o hikupolite jisho o hikimasulook up (a word) in the dictionaryWork & school. Old-fashioned now that people look words up on phones (no film hits).
- itami o kanjirupolite itami o kanjimasufeel painBody & health. Formal 'feel pain'; in speech people just say itai.
- sekinin o kanjirupolite sekinin o kanjimasufeel responsibleSenses & mind. 55 hits, but formal: you hear it in apologies and the news more than in daily talk.
- ji ga yomerupolite ji ga yomemasucan read (writing)Work & school. Real (ji ga yomenai, 'can't read the writing'), but occasional, with no film hits.
- kodoku o kanjirupolite kodoku o kanjimasufeel lonely, feel isolatedSenses & mind. 28 hits and sounds written. In speech people say sabishii.
- puragu o nukupolite puragu o nukimasuunplugHome & daily routine. Unplugging rarely comes up, and konsento o nuku is the same idea.
- miryoku o kanjirupolite miryoku o kanjimasufind something appealingSenses & mind. 23 hits and sounds written. In speech people say ii yo ne or miryokuteki.
- hibi ga hairupolite hibi ga hairimasucrack, get a crackHome & daily routine. Cracks rarely come up (native rating 3/5).
- puresshaa o kanjirupolite puresshaa o kanjimasufeel pressureSenses & mind. 17 hits. In speech people say puresshaa ga sugoi or kinchou suru.
- fuan o kanjirupolite fuan o kanjimasufeel uneasySenses & mind. 24 hits and formal. In speech people say fuan da or shinpai.
- me ga kayuipolite me ga kayui desuhave itchy eyesBody & health. Itchy eyes come up mainly in hay-fever season (judged 3/5).
- negaeri o utsupolite negaeri o uchimasutoss and turn, roll over in one's sleepBody & health. Rolling over in your sleep rarely needs saying, except about babies (judged 3/5).
- shimekiri o mamorupolite shimekiri o mamorimasumeet a deadlineWork & school. Work talk with no film hits; shimekiri ni maniau is said about as often. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- jisho ni norupolite jisho ni norimasube in the dictionaryWork & school. No film hits, and occasional in life.
- nihongo ni naosupolite nihongo ni naoshimasuput into Japanese, translateWork & school. No film hits. Handy in class (eigo ni naoshite), but occasional.
- uranai ga atarupolite uranai ga atarimasua fortune comes true, a horoscope is accurateHobbies, sport & games. Rated 3 with no film hits. It's mostly chat about horoscopes and fortune-tellers.
Narrow (154)
Only useful in one topic or situation.
- ana o akerupolite ana o akemasumake a hole; get (one's ears) piercedClothes & wearing. Most of the 159 hits are about drilling or punching holes, and only a few are ear piercings, so it rarely comes up in daily talk.
- kuchi o akerupolite kuchi o akemasuopen your mouthBody & health. You hear 'kuchi akete' mainly at the dentist or doctor.
- okuyami o moushiagerupolite okuyami moushiagemasuoffer condolencesPeople & talk. A funeral condolence formula only.
- seki o hazusupolite seki o hazushimasustep away (from one's desk or the table)Work & school. Mostly the office phone line tadaima seki o hazushite orimasu ('they've stepped away').
- esa o yarupolite esa o yarimasufeed (a pet or animal)Home & daily routine. Only used for feeding a pet or another animal.
- supiido o otosupolite supiido o otoshimasuslow downGetting around. Only used when driving or riding something.
- enjin o kakerupolite enjin o kakemasustart the engineGetting around. Only used by drivers, and car scenes in films push up its 61 hits.
- shujutsu o ukerupolite shujutsu o ukemasuhave surgery, have an operationBody & health. Only for talking about surgery.
- iki o tomerupolite iki o tomemasuhold one's breathBody & health. Mostly heard from the X-ray technician ('iki o tomete kudasai') or in swimming.
- todoke o dasupolite todoke o dashimasufile an official noticeWork & school. Official paperwork only: marriage, moving or absence forms.
- kensa o ukerupolite kensa o ukemasuget tested, have a (medical) check or testBody & health. Only for medical check-ups and tests.
- fuku o kiserupolite fuku o kisemasudress someoneClothes & wearing. Dressing someone else is mostly something parents do with small children.
- ki ni noborupolite ki ni noborimasuclimb a treeHobbies, sport & games. Climbing trees is said almost only about children or animals (rated 2, 42 hits).
- beru ga narupolite beru ga narimasuthe bell ringsWork & school. One situation (41), and Japanese schools usually say chaimu ga naru.
- sokudo o agerupolite sokudo o agemasuspeed upGetting around. Driving or technical talk, and sokudo is a formal word.
- mizu o yarupolite mizu o yarimasuwater the plantsHome & daily routine. Only used for watering plants or giving an animal water.
- shousetsu o kakupolite shousetsu o kakimasuwrite a novelHobbies, sport & games. Only comes up when talking about writers (rated 2).
- kyoku o kakupolite kyoku o kakimasuwrite a songHobbies, sport & games. Mostly said by or about songwriters (rated 2).
- ii hibikihas a nice ring to itSenses & mind. Only used for how a name or word sounds ('it has a nice ring to it').
- ouen ni kurupolite ouen ni kimasucome to cheer someone onPeople & talk. Only for coming to cheer at a match or show.
- hoken ni hairupolite hoken ni hairimasutake out insuranceTime, money & plans. Only comes up when talking about insurance.
- supiido o agerupolite supiido o agemasuspeed upGetting around. Mostly used for driving or running faster.
- kyuuryou o haraupolite kyuuryou o haraimasupay wagesTime, money & plans. The employer's side of pay, which rarely comes up in a learner's life.
- keiyaku o musubupolite keiyaku o musubimasusign a contractWork & school. Contracts only: business and plot language (33).
- ronbun o kakupolite ronbun o kakimasuwrite a paper / thesisWork & school. University and academic life only (33).
- youshi ni surupolite youshi ni shimasuadopt a childPeople & talk. Adoption only (judged 2).
- suteeji ni agarupolite suteeji ni agarimasugo up on stageHobbies, sport & games. Only for performers going on stage (rated 2).
- apo o torupolite apo o torimasumake an appointmentWork & school. Business appointments only (32).
- gan ni narupolite gan ni narimasuget cancerBody & health. Only for talking about cancer.
- uri ni dasupolite uri ni dashimasuput up for saleTime, money & plans. Only for putting things up for sale, and rare in talk.
- tatuu o irerupolite tatuu o iremasuget a tattooBody & health. Only for talking about tattoos.
- supiikaa ni surupolite supiikaa ni shimasuput on speakerphonePhone, photos & screens. Only for switching a call to speaker, and it uses the general X ni suru pattern.
- shinbun ni norupolite shinbun ni norimasuappear in the newspaperPhone, photos & screens. Appearing in the paper is a rare event (29), not an everyday topic.
- enjin o kirupolite enjin o kirimasuturn off the engineGetting around. Only used by drivers.
- tamago o umupolite tamago o umimasulay eggsFood & drink. About animals laying eggs. Only comes up in nature or farm talk.
- ohanashi o ukagaupolite ohanashi o ukagaimasuhear what you have to sayWork & school. The humble form of hanashi o kiku, used only with customers or superiors.
- doramu o tatakupolite doramu o tatakimasuplay the drumsHobbies, sport & games. Mostly said by or about drummers (rated 3, 26 hits).
- ha o nukupolite ha o nukimasupull a toothBody & health. Only at the dentist.
- supiido o dasupolite supiido o dashimasudrive fast, speed upGetting around. Only used for driving fast.
- mantan ni surupolite mantan ni shimasufill up (the tank)Getting around. Only at the petrol pump (23 hits).
- takarakuji ga atarupolite takarakuji ga atarimasuwin the lotteryTime, money & plans. Only comes up for lotteries and prize draws.
- takarakuji ni atarupolite takarakuji ni atarimasuwin the lotteryTime, money & plans. The ni version of the lottery set, which only comes up for lotteries.
- tane o makupolite tane o makimasusow seedsHobbies, sport & games. Gardening and farming talk (22 hits, rated 3).
- gasorin o irerupolite gasorin o iremasuget petrol / gas, fill upGetting around. Only for car owners at the petrol station.
- bureeki o fumupolite bureeki o fumimasuhit the brakesGetting around. Only for drivers and cyclists (20 hits).
- ato o tsugupolite ato o tsugimasutake over (the family business), succeed someoneWork & school. Family businesses only (20): taking over the shop, farm or temple.
- seki ni tsukupolite seki ni tsukimasutake your seatWork & school. Mostly the classroom or meeting instruction seki ni tsuite (18).
- bureeki o kakerupolite bureeki o kakemasubrake, put the brakes onGetting around. Only used about driving (18 hits).
- kurakushon o narasupolite kurakushon o narashimasuhonk the hornGetting around. Only for drivers, and most of its 18 hits are car scenes in films.
- handoru o nigirupolite handoru o nigirimasutake the wheel, driveGetting around. Only used about driving, mostly in film car scenes (18 hits).
- fairu o hirakupolite fairu o hirakimasuopen a filePhone, photos & screens. Computer-work talk (17), not everyday life.
- kopii o torupolite kopii o torimasumake a (photo)copyWork & school. Office photocopying only (16), and kopii suru also works.
- meishi o watasupolite meishi o watashimasuhand over your business cardWork & school. Business-card exchange only (16).
- manaa moodo ni surupolite manaa moodo ni shimasuput one's phone on silentPhone, photos & screens. Fits one situation, putting your phone on silent (15, judged 2), and you mostly hear it in announcements.
- mensetsu o ukerupolite mensetsu o ukemasuhave a (job) interviewWork & school. Job-hunting season only (15). Same ukeru as the kept shiken o ukeru.
- oyu ga derupolite oyu ga demasuhot water comes out / runs (tap, shower)Home & daily routine. Mostly one situation: the hot water not working (oyu ga denai).
- seki o yuzurupolite seki o yuzurimasugive up your seatGetting around. One situation: giving up your seat to someone on a train or bus. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- chuusha o utsupolite chuusha o uchimasugive or get a shotBody & health. Only for injections at the clinic.
- kouza o hirakupolite kouza o hirakimasuopen a bank accountTime, money & plans. Only comes up when opening a bank account (13).
- roon o kumupolite roon o kumimasutake out a loanTime, money & plans. Only for mortgages and other big loans (13).
- omutsu o kaerupolite omutsu o kaemasuchange a nappyPeople & talk. Baby care only (12 hits).
- monogokoro ga tsukupolite monogokoro ga tsukimasube old enough to understand things / rememberPeople & talk. Only in monogokoro tsuita koro kara, 'for as long as I can remember' (12 hits).
- tento o harupolite tento o harimasupitch a tentHobbies, sport & games. Only comes up on camping trips (12 hits, rated 3). The added kyanpu ni iku covers the outing itself.
- nimotsu o tsumerupolite nimotsu o tsumemasupack (a bag or suitcase)Getting around. Only used for packing a suitcase or bag (11 hits).
- akuseru o fumupolite akuseru o fumimasustep on the acceleratorGetting around. Only for drivers (11 hits).
- boonasu ga derupolite boonasu ga demasuget a bonus (a bonus is paid out)Work & school. Bonus season only (10).
- osoushiki ni derupolite osoushiki ni demasuattend a funeralPeople & talk. Funerals only (10 hits).
- tamago o warupolite tamago o warimasucrack an eggFood & drink. Only comes up while cooking or following a recipe.
- omimai ni ikupolite omimai ni ikimasuvisit someone in hospital, visit a sick personPeople & talk. Only for visiting someone sick or in hospital.
- hi ga atarupolite hi ga atarimasuget sun (a room or spot)Weather & nature. Mostly used to describe rooms and flats, e.g. hi ga ataru heya or hiatari ga ii when flat-hunting.
- chaimu ga narupolite chaimu ga narimasuthe bell rings (school bell, doorbell)Work & school. One situation: the school bell or the doorbell (9).
- kamin o torupolite kamin o torimasutake a short nap (at work, between shifts)Work & school. Short naps at work or on night shifts only (9). At home it's hirune.
- kuriiningu ni dasupolite kuriiningu ni dashimasutake (clothes) to the dry cleaner'sClothes & wearing. Only for one errand, taking clothes to the dry cleaner's (7 hits).
- hi ni kakerupolite hi ni kakemasuput (a pot) on the stoveFood & drink. Kitchen-only: putting a pot on the stove (8 hits, judged 3/5).
- tenkin ni narupolite tenkin ni narimasube transferred (to another office/city)Work & school. Company-transfer talk only (8).
- shinro o kimerupolite shinro o kimemasudecide what to do after school (university, job)Work & school. School-leavers' talk only (8).
- gomeifuku o inorupolite gomeifuku o oinori shimasupray for someone's soul (on a death)People & talk. A condolence formula for a death only.
- tako o agerupolite tako o agemasufly a kiteHobbies, sport & games. A children's New Year pastime (8 hits, rated 3).
- deeta ga kierupolite deeta ga kiemasudata gets lost / wipedPhone, photos & screens. Losing data is a one-off mishap, not something people talk about routinely (7).
- keihou ga derupolite keihou ga demasua weather warning is issuedWeather & nature. Storm-day talk (7 hits). It matters when a warning closes schools and rarely comes up otherwise. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kuruma ni youpolite kuruma ni yoimasuget carsickGetting around. One situation: getting carsick (6 hits).
- taiko o tatakupolite taiko o tatakimasuplay the drumsHobbies, sport & games. Mostly about festival drums (6 hits, rated 3).
- kodomo o azukerupolite kodomo o azukemasuleave your child (at daycare, with someone)People & talk. Only for parents leaving a child at daycare or with family (6 hits).
- ocha o dasupolite ocha o dashimasuserve tea (to a guest)Food & drink. Mainly for serving tea to guests or office visitors (6 hits, judged 3/5).
- shiken ni derupolite shiken ni demasube on the examWork & school. Exam season only: kore tesuto ni deru? (5).
- naitei o moraupolite naitei o moraimasuget a job offerWork & school. Job-hunting season only (5).
- kekkonshiki ni derupolite kekkonshiki ni demasuattend a weddingPeople & talk. Weddings only (5 hits).
- ketsuatsu ga takaipolite ketsuatsu ga takai desuhave high blood pressureBody & health. Mostly comes up at health check-ups and with older relatives.
- saifu o otosupolite saifu o otoshimasulose your wallet (drop it somewhere)Getting around. One mishap: losing your wallet or phone while you're out (4 hits).
- mushi ga derupolite mushi ga demasua bug turns up (in the house)Home & daily routine. One situation: a bug turning up indoors.
- seki o tsumerupolite seki o tsumemasumove along (to make room)Getting around. One situation: moving along a bench or row of seats to make room (4 hits).
- wakuchin o utsupolite wakuchin o uchimasuget a vaccine shotBody & health. Only for vaccinations.
- aji o mirupolite aji o mimasutaste (to check seasoning)Food & drink. Only used for tasting while you cook, and many people say ajimi suru.
- paama o kakerupolite paama o kakemasuget a permDescribing people. Means 'get a perm' and only comes up at the hair salon (judged 2).
- ohakamairi ni ikupolite ohakamairi ni ikimasuvisit the family gravePeople & talk. Obon, higan and New Year only (13 hits for the noun).
- aji o tsukerupolite aji o tsukemasuseason, flavour (food)Food & drink. Cooking-only. Seasoning a dish comes up in the kitchen or in recipes (3 hits).
- tsurikawa ni tsukamarupolite tsurikawa ni tsukamarimasuhold on to a strap (on a train)Getting around. One situation: standing on a moving train (2 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- ryoushuusho o moraupolite ryoushuusho o moraimasuget a receipt (for expenses)Time, money & plans. Only for receipts you need for expenses, and rare in talk (2).
- teiji de agarupolite teiji de agarimasuleave work on timeWork & school. Office workers' talk only (2); teiji de kaeru is also said.
- kuchi o yusugupolite kuchi o yusugimasurinse your mouthBody & health. Mostly heard at the dentist.
- choushoku ga tsukupolite choushoku ga tsukimasubreakfast is includedGetting around. Only comes up when booking a hotel (choushoku tsuki), with 2 hits.
- shattaa o kirupolite shattaa o kirimasupress the shutter, take the picturePhone, photos & screens. A camera phrase (1 in the films). With a phone people just say shashin o toru.
- shiryou o tsukurupolite shiryou o tsukurimasuprepare documents / handoutsWork & school. Office work only (1 hit).
- ashi o kuzusupolite ashi o kuzushimasustop kneeling formally and sit comfortablyBody & health. Only after sitting formally in seiza, when the host invites you to relax.
- hangaku ni narupolite hangaku ni narimasube marked down to half priceTime, money & plans. Only for supermarket markdowns (1).
- maru o tsukerupolite maru o tsukemasucircle (an answer), mark as correctWork & school. Forms and tests only (1).
- bureekaa ga ochirupolite bureekaa ga ochimasuthe breaker tripsHome & daily routine. One situation: the breaker tripping.
- kontakuto o irerupolite kontakuto o iremasuput in contact lensesClothes & wearing. Only comes up for people who wear contact lenses (about 7 hits).
- nimotsu o azukerupolite nimotsu o azukemasuleave your bagsGetting around. Only used at hotels, coin lockers and check-in desks. Handy on a trip but rare otherwise (1 hit).
- neguse ga tsukupolite neguse ga tsukimasuget bed headHome & daily routine. One situation: bed head in the morning.
- gohan ga takerupolite gohan ga takemasuthe rice is doneFood & drink. Only for the moment the rice cooker finishes (judged 2/5).
- niku ga yakerupolite niku ga yakemasuthe meat is doneFood & drink. Mostly heard at yakiniku or a BBQ while checking the meat.
- tsuyu ni hairupolite tsuyu ni hairimasuthe rainy season startsWeather & nature. Specific to Japan, but it only comes up once a year, when the rainy season starts (tsuyu iri: 3 hits).
- shashin o agerupolite shashin o agemasupost a photo onlinePhone, photos & screens. Only for posting on social media. It is a narrower use of ageru than the photo sets on the list.
- gamen ga warerupolite gamen ga waremasuthe screen cracksPhone, photos & screens. A cracked screen is an occasional mishap, not something said every day.
- waifai ga tobupolite waifai ga tobimasuWi-Fi is availablePhone, photos & screens. Only used when asking about Wi-Fi somewhere, and waifai aru? does the same job.
- okane o kuzusupolite okane o kuzushimasubreak a large note (into change)Time, money & plans. Only for breaking a large note into change.
- tamago o yuderupolite tamago o yudemasuboil an eggFood & drink. Cooking-only (judged 2/5).
- sumaho ga katamarupolite sumaho ga katamarimasuthe phone freezes / hangsPhone, photos & screens. Only for a frozen phone or computer screen.
- kafun ga tobupolite kafun ga tobimasupollen is in the air (hay-fever season)Weather & nature. Very common in Japan, but only in spring hay-fever season. People also just say kafun sugoi or kafunshou hidoi. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- shouyu o tsukerupolite shouyu o tsukemasudip in soy sauceFood & drink. Dipping in soy sauce comes up mostly in sushi and sashimi talk.
- shiitoberuto o shimerupolite shiitoberuto o shimemasufasten one's seatbeltGetting around. Only used when getting into a car or onto a plane.
- uchi ni agarupolite uchi ni agarimasucome in (to someone's home)Home & daily routine. One situation: inviting a guest in (douzo agatte).
- megusuri o sasupolite megusuri o sashimasuput in eye dropsBody & health. Only for eye drops.
- hiyakedome o nurupolite hiyakedome o nurimasuput on sunscreenWeather & nature. Only for beach or summer days. Using nuru for creams carries over to other lotions anyway.
- tsuyu ga akerupolite tsuyu ga akemasuthe rainy season endsWeather & nature. Specific to Japan, but it only comes up once a year, when the rainy season ends (tsuyu ake: 2 hits).
- apuri ga ochirupolite apuri ga ochimasuan app crashesPhone, photos & screens. Only for apps crashing, which comes up only now and then.
- gokiburi ga derupolite gokiburi ga demasua cockroach shows up, there's a cockroachHome & daily routine. One situation: a cockroach turning up (gokiburi deta!).
- megane ga kumorupolite megane ga kumorimasuyour glasses fog upClothes & wearing. Only for one moment: glasses fogging up in the cold or under a mask.
- kidoku ga tsukupolite kidoku ga tsukimasua message shows as readPhone, photos & screens. It belongs to LINE read receipts: one app, one situation.
- shifuto ni hairupolite shifuto ni hairimasuwork a shift, be on the rotaWork & school. Shift and part-time work only.
- kekkonshiki o agerupolite kekkonshiki o agemasuhave a wedding, hold the ceremonyPeople & talk. Weddings only.
- dorinku ga tsukupolite dorinku ga tsukimasucome with a drink (a set includes it)Food & drink. Only comes up when ordering a set meal and asking what it includes.
- shio o furupolite shio o furimasusprinkle salt, season with saltFood & drink. Cooking-only. Salting food rarely comes up outside the kitchen.
- netchuushou ni narupolite netchuushou ni narimasuget heatstrokeWeather & nature. Summer only, mostly in heatstroke warnings (netchuushou ni ki o tsukete). The word itself has just 5 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- hi ga toorupolite hi ga toorimasube cooked throughFood & drink. Only for checking whether meat or fish is cooked through.
- gohan o yosoupolite gohan o yosoimasuserve (dish up) rice or soupFood & drink. Dishing up rice or soup at home: one specific moment (judged 3/5).
- aji ga shimirupolite aji ga shimimasuthe flavour has soaked in (simmered food)Food & drink. Only said about simmered dishes like oden or nimono.
- shingou ni hikkakarupolite shingou ni hikkakarimasuget caught at a red lightGetting around. One situation: getting stopped at red lights.
- kutsu no himo ga hodokerupolite kutsu no himo ga hodokemasua shoelace comes undoneClothes & wearing. Only for one moment, a shoelace coming undone (judged 2).
- yaku o enjirupolite yaku o enjimasuplay a rolePhone, photos & screens. Only used when talking about acting (judged 2), and casual speech says yaku o yaru.
- kakurenbo o surupolite kakurenbo o shimasuplay hide-and-seekHobbies, sport & games. A children's game, talked about only with or about kids (rated 3).
- borantia o surupolite borantia o shimasudo volunteer workPeople & talk. One topic, volunteering.
- kutsu o soroerupolite kutsu o soroemasuline up your shoes (at the entrance)Clothes & wearing. A single genkan manner, said mostly by parents and teachers to children (0 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kome o togupolite kome o togimasurinse rice (before cooking)Food & drink. Only for the rice-washing step of cooking, and many people just say kome o arau (0 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- bukatsu ni hairupolite bukatsu ni hairimasujoin a school clubWork & school. School-club talk only. The hairu frame comes with kaisha ni hairu and daigaku ni hairu, both being added.
- otoshidama o moraupolite otoshidama o moraimasuget New Year moneyTime, money & plans. Only comes up at New Year, mostly said by or about children. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- nengajou o kakupolite nengajou o kakimasuwrite New Year cardsPeople & talk. New Year cards only, a fading custom (2 hits for nengajou).
- kenkou shindan o ukerupolite kenkou shindan o ukemasuhave a health check-upBody & health. Only for the yearly check-up, and people usually shorten it to kenshin.
- nijikai ni ikupolite nijikai ni ikimasugo on to the after-partyFood & drink. Only comes up at the end of a work dinner, party or wedding. Nomi ni iku, being added, covers going drinking in general.
- onigiri o nigirupolite onigiri o nigirimasumake rice ballsFood & drink. Only for making rice balls by hand, and onigiri o tsukuru is also heard (0 hits).
- nengajou o dasupolite nengajou o dashimasusend New Year's cardsPeople & talk. New Year cards only, a fading custom (2 hits for nengajou).
- ohashi o tsukerupolite ohashi o tsukemasuinclude chopsticks (with a takeaway)Food & drink. Mostly the konbini clerk's question (ohashi otsuke shimasu ka?), which you answer rather than say yourself.
- ofuro ga nuruipolite ofuro ga nurui desuthe bath is lukewarmHome & daily routine. One situation: the bath having gone lukewarm.
Film-only (56)
Common in film and TV plots, not in everyday life.
- keisatsu o yobupolite keisatsu o yobimasucall the policePeople & talk. Crime films inflate it (379 hits); judged only 2 for daily life.
- hitori ni surupolite hitori ni shimasuleave someone alonePeople & talk. Hitori ni shite ('leave me alone') is mostly a drama line.
- te o hanasupolite te o hanashimasulet go (of someone's hand)Body & health. 'Let go of my hand!' is a stock film-scene line (283 hits); everyday life rarely calls for it.
- koi ni ochirupolite koi ni ochimasufall in lovePeople & talk. Romance-plot phrasing inflated by films; judged 2 for daily talk.
- mondai o kakaerupolite mondai o kakaemasuhave problemsPeople & talk. Drama-plot phrasing; daily talk says mondai ga aru.
- shiji ni shitagaupolite shiji ni shitagaimasufollow instructionsWork & school. 'Follow orders' is a military and crime-plot line (156). Real workplaces rarely say it.
- teokure ni narupolite teokure ni narimasube too late (to save)Time, money & plans. 'Too late to save' is mostly said in medical and rescue scenes.
- iya na yokan ga surupolite iya na yokan ga shimasuhave a bad feelingSenses & mind. The 'I have a bad feeling about this' movie line. Most of its 152 hits come from film plots.
- nimotsu o matomerupolite nimotsu o matomemasupack up your thingsGetting around. Most of the 152 hits are the film line 'pack your things and get out'. In real life it comes up much less. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- tasuke o yobupolite tasuke o yobimasucall for helpPeople & talk. Calling for help is an action-film situation (judged 2).
- iki ga dekirupolite iki ga dekimasube able to breatheBody & health. Almost always 'iki ga dekinai!' (I can't breathe) in emergency scenes, far more in films than in daily life.
- mondai o okosupolite mondai o okoshimasucause troublePeople & talk. 'Cause trouble' in the plot sense; inflated by crime and drama.
- michi o akerupolite michi o akemasumake way, step asideGetting around. 'Make way!' gets shouted in crowd and chase scenes. In real life people say sumimasen or toorimasu.
- mawari o mirupolite mawari o mimasulook aroundSenses & mind. In subtitles, 'look around' is mostly action-scene direction, and the literal pairing is easy to build yourself.
- messeeji o nokosupolite messeeji o nokoshimasuleave a messagePhone, photos & screens. Its 119 hits come from answering-machine scenes. Few people in Japan leave voicemail now.
- hon o kakupolite hon o kakimasuwrite a bookHobbies, sport & games. Its 119 hits come from films about writers. Few people ever talk about writing a book (rated 2).
- panikku ni narupolite panikku ni narimasupanicSenses & mind. People do say it, but thriller scenes inflate its 110 hits. Casual speech often shortens it to panikutta.
- mioboe ga arupolite mioboe ga arimasulook familiarSenses & mind. Mostly the detective line 'do you recognise this?'. It is uncommon in daily conversation.
- hossa o okosupolite hossa o okoshimasuhave a seizure or attackBody & health. Heart attacks and seizures are medical-drama plot points, rare in everyday talk.
- kokoroatari ga arupolite kokoroatari ga arimasuhave an idea (who or where)Senses & mind. A detective-interview line ('any idea who did it?'). It is rare in ordinary conversation.
- kibou o motsupolite kibou o mochimasuhave hopeSenses & mind. 'Have hope' is the language of speeches and drama, judged 2 for daily life.
- ishiki o ushinaupolite ishiki o ushinaimasulose consciousnessBody & health. 'Lose consciousness' belongs to hospital and action scenes, not daily life (judged 2/5).
- hokori o motsupolite hokori o mochimasutake pride (in)Describing people. Belongs to film speeches like 'be proud of who you are'. Daily talk uses hokori ni omou or jiman.
- toraburu ni makikomarerupolite toraburu ni makikomaremasuget caught up in troublePeople & talk. Getting dragged into trouble is a plot situation.
- himei o agerupolite himei o agemasulet out a screamSenses & mind. 'Let out a scream' is horror and thriller narration, judged 2 for daily life.
- fuyu ga kurupolite fuyu ga kimasuwinter comesWeather & nature. Most of its 67 hits are 'Winter is coming' lines from dubbed fantasy. In daily talk people just say it's got cold (samuku natta).
- ishiki ga modorupolite ishiki ga modorimasucome to; regain consciousnessBody & health. 'Regain consciousness' is a hospital-drama line (judged 2/5).
- kokoroatari ga naipolite kokoroatari ga arimasenhave no idea who/whySenses & mind. The detective-interview answer ('no idea who'd do this'). It is rare outside crime plots.
- kankaku ga naipolite kankaku ga arimasencan't feel it, numbBody & health. 'I can't feel my legs' is an injury-scene line, rare in normal life (judged 2/5).
- hi o okosupolite hi o okoshimasubuild a fireHobbies, sport & games. Mostly from survival and camping scenes (59 hits). People rarely say it in daily life (rated 2).
- ishiki ga arupolite ishiki ga arimasube consciousBody & health. 'Is he conscious?' is an emergency-scene line (judged 2/5).
- dengon o nokosupolite dengon o nokoshimasuleave a messagePhone, photos & screens. A formal 'leave a message', heard in answering-machine and office scenes in films (56).
- ishiki ga naipolite ishiki ga arimasenbe unconsciousBody & health. 'He's unconscious' is an emergency-scene line (judged 2/5).
- genjitsu o mirupolite genjitsu o mimasuface realityPeople & talk. 'Face reality' is a drama line.
- arashi ga kurupolite arashi ga kimasua storm is comingWeather & nature. 'A storm is coming' is a stock foreign-film line. The storm Japanese people actually talk about is a typhoon, and taifuu ga kuru is kept.
- kakugo o kimerupolite kakugo o kimemasumake up one's mindSenses & mind. 'Steel yourself' is a dramatic plot phrase that is rare in everyday talk.
- byouin ni hakobupolite byouin ni hakobimasurush to hospitalBody & health. 'Rushed to hospital' is news and drama language (judged 2/5).
- kehai ga naipolite kehai ga arimasenno sign ofSenses & mind. 'No sign of anyone' is mostly suspense-scene narration (judged 2).
- bouryoku o furuupolite bouryoku o furuimasube violent (toward)People & talk. Violence is a crime-plot topic (judged 2).
- tadashii handanthe right callWork & school. 'The right call' is a drama line (46). Uncommon in daily life.
- konagona ni surupolite konagona ni shimasusmash to piecesDescribing people. 'Smash to pieces' belongs to action scenes and threats, and you will seldom need it in daily life.
- sawagi o okosupolite sawagi o okoshimasucause a commotionPeople & talk. 'Cause a commotion' is a plot set (judged 2).
- ishi o nagerupolite ishi o nagemasuthrow stonesBody & health. Throwing stones happens in film scenes, not in daily talk.
- kitanai kotobafoul languageDescribing people. Mostly translates film lines like 'watch your language!' and is rare in everyday Japanese (judged 2).
- warui yokana bad feeling about itSenses & mind. The same 'bad feeling about this' movie line as iya na yokan ga suru.
- toraburu o okosupolite toraburu o okoshimasucause troublePeople & talk. 'Cause trouble' in the plot sense.
- ude o tsukamupolite ude o tsukamimasugrab someone's armBody & health. Grabbing someone's arm is something that happens in film scenes.
- dorobou ga hairupolite dorobou ga hairimasua burglar breaks inHome & daily routine. Crime films inflate the count for break-ins. They rarely come up in everyday talk.
- kioku ga yomigaerupolite kioku ga yomigaerimasumemories come backSenses & mind. 'Memories come flooding back' is plot narration from amnesia and flashback scenes, judged 2.
- taigaku ni narupolite taigaku ni narimasuget expelled from schoolWork & school. School-drama plot material (29). It rarely comes up in real life.
- hossa ga okirupolite hossa ga okimasuhave a seizure or attackBody & health. Seizures and attacks are medical-drama plot points.
- irai o ukerupolite irai o ukemasutake on a requestWork & school. Detective and hitman plots 'accepting a job' (26).
- iki ga araipolite iki ga arai desubreathing hardBody & health. 'Breathing hard' is mostly scene description, rare in talk (judged 2/5).
- kaji ni narupolite kaji ni narimasucatch fire, have a fire (building)Home & daily routine. Building fires are mostly film plot (24 hits). They rarely come up in daily talk.
- kyuukyuusha o yobupolite kyuukyuusha o yobimasucall an ambulanceBody & health. 'Call an ambulance!' is a stock emergency-scene line, rare in daily life.
- kaminari ni utarerupolite kaminari ni utaremasube struck by lightningWeather & nature. It has 17 hits, mostly from film plots or the dramatic 'as if struck by lightning'. Real lightning strikes rarely come up.
Not a collocation (39)
Grammar, a plain suru verb, a single verb, or a free combination.
- jama o surupolite jama o shimasuget in the way, disturbPeople & talk. A plain suru verb (jama suru, 1342 hits); ojama shimasu is a greeting you learn on its own.
- kao o mirupolite kao o mimasusee someone's facePeople & talk. Free combination: miru goes with anything you look at; kao mitai is just 'want to see you'.
- kenka o surupolite kenka o shimasufight, arguePeople & talk. A plain suru verb (kenka suru, 507 hits); learn it as one verb: kare to kenka shita.
- kanji ga surupolite kanji ga shimasufeel like, seemSenses & mind. A sentence frame (... kanji ga suru, 'it feels like...') that works like ki ga suru on your versatility list. It is not a noun + verb set.
- henji o surupolite henji o shimasureply, answer (someone)People & talk. A plain suru verb (henji suru); for messages the kept meeru o kaesu does the job.
- nakanaori o surupolite nakanaori o shimasumake up (after a fight)People & talk. A plain suru verb (nakanaori suru).
- iiwake o surupolite iiwake o shimasumake excusesPeople & talk. A plain suru verb (iiwake suru); learn it as one verb: iiwake shinaide.
- on ni surupolite on ni shimasuturn on (a setting)Phone, photos & screens. This is the general 'set it to X' pattern (X ni suru) used on a toggle, not a fixed set.
- seki ni suwarupolite seki ni suwarimasusit in a seatGetting around. Suwaru works with any place, and people usually just say suwatte. Seki adds nothing.
- asa ni narupolite asa ni narimasumorning comesTime, money & plans. Just a time word + ni naru, an open pattern that works with any time of day.
- ofu ni surupolite ofu ni shimasuturn off (a setting)Phone, photos & screens. The same 'set it to X' pattern as on ni suru, not a fixed set.
- tonari ni suwarupolite tonari ni suwarimasusit next to someonePeople & talk. Free combination: tonari ni goes with any verb (tonari suwatte ii?).
- beddo de nerupolite beddo de nemasusleep in a bedHome & daily routine. A free combination: any place + de neru, so there's nothing to learn beyond neru.
- keitai o motsupolite keitai o mochimasuhave your phone on youPhone, photos & screens. Motsu is the ordinary verb for carrying anything, so this is a free combination (67).
- noo to iupolite noo to iimasusay noPeople & talk. Quote grammar (X to iu), not a fixed set.
- risuto o tsukurupolite risuto o tsukurimasumake a listWork & school. A free combination: tsukuru is the generic 'make', and nothing is special about the pairing.
- asa okirupolite asa okimasuget up in the morningHome & daily routine. Asa is just a time word. Okiru alone already means 'get up'.
- buji de yokattapolite buji de yokatta desuglad you're safePeople & talk. A grammar pattern (X de yokatta), not a noun + verb set.
- kazu ga ooipolite kazu ga ooi desuthere are a lot of themDescribing people. A loose pairing: ooi just means 'many', and people usually say takusan aru or ooi on its own.
- okane o moraupolite okane o moraimasuget money (from someone)Time, money & plans. Morau works with anything you receive, so this is a free combination.
- yoru osokulate at nightTime, money & plans. A time phrase ('late at night'), not a noun + verb set.
- keshou o surupolite keshou o shimasuput on makeupClothes & wearing. This is the suru verb (o)keshou suru or meiku suru, not a noun + verb set. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- baggu o motsupolite baggu o mochimasucarry a bagClothes & wearing. motsu (hold, carry) goes with any object, so this is just an ordinary combination.
- sofaa de nerupolite sofaa de nemasusleep on the sofaHome & daily routine. A free combination: any place + de neru.
- honnin ni kikupolite honnin ni kikimasuask the person directlyPeople & talk. Free combination: honnin ni plus any verb.
- tokei o mirupolite tokei o mimasulook at the clock / watchTime, money & plans. Just miru with an object, a free combination.
- poketto ni irerupolite poketto ni iremasuput in one's pocketClothes & wearing. ireru (put in) works with any container, so this is an ordinary combination, not a set.
- kaban o motsupolite kaban o mochimasucarry a bagClothes & wearing. motsu (hold, carry) goes with anything, so there's no special pairing to learn here.
- tsumetai mizucold waterFood & drink. Tsumetai goes with any cold drink or object. It is a vocabulary point (tsumetai vs samui), not a fixed pair.
- sagashimono ga mitsukarupolite sagashimono ga mitsukarimasufind what you were looking forHome & daily routine. A free combination: anything + ga mitsukaru. The only point is the verb.
- ocha surupolite ocha shimasugo for tea or coffeeFood & drink. A plain noun + suru verb (ocha shinai? = want to grab a coffee?), so it falls outside this list.
- kuroi kamiblack hairDescribing people. Just 'black hair' in its literal sense, so there is nothing to learn as a set (judged 2).
- fukuro ni irerupolite fukuro ni iremasuput in a bagHome & daily routine. A free combination: any container + ni ireru.
- netto de kaupolite netto de kaimasubuy onlineTime, money & plans. A free combination: netto de goes with any verb, and kau is the plain verb for buying (6).
- atsugi o surupolite atsugi o shimasudress warmly, wrap upClothes & wearing. This is the suru verb atsugi suru, and it's fairly uncommon too (judged 2).
- gohan ni surupolite gohan ni shimasuhave a meal now, make it mealtimeFood & drink. This is the general 'X ni suru' (go with X) pattern, as in koohii ni suru, not a set tied to gohan.
- osake ni youpolite osake ni yoimasuget drunkFood & drink. People almost always say just yotta or yopparatta. The osake ni part is rarely spoken.
- sumaho ga kowarerupolite sumaho ga kowaremasumy phone brokePhone, photos & screens. Kowareru is the default 'break' for any device, so this is a free combination.
- kanojo ni furarerupolite kanojo ni furaremasuget dumped by one's girlfriendPeople & talk. The useful part is the verb furareru, 'get dumped' (152 hits); kanojo ni is just who did it.
Idioms (8)
Figurative; these belong in the idiom list.
- ki ga kawarupolite ki ga kawarimasuchange one's mindTime, money & plans. A ki phrase ('change one's mind'), so it goes on the idiom list with the other ki sets.
- ki ga aupolite ki ga aimasuget along, hit it offPeople & talk. A figurative ki expression ('spirits match'); it is on the idiom list. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kotsu o tsukamupolite kotsu o tsukamimasuget the hang of it, get the knackHobbies, sport & games. Figurative: 'grab the knack' means get the hang of something. It belongs on the idiom list.
- mimi ga tooipolite mimi ga tooi desube hard of hearingDescribing people. A Japanese idiom ('far ears' for hard of hearing), so it belongs on the idiom list rather than here.
- kuchi ni aupolite kuchi ni aimasusuit one's taste (food)Food & drink. 'Fits the mouth' for 'suits your taste' is figurative. It is very common when hosting and belongs on the idiom list. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kuse ni narupolite kuse ni narimasube addictive, become a habitFood & drink. 'It becomes a habit' meaning moreish or addictive is figurative. It belongs on the idiom list.
- gohan ga susumupolite gohan ga susumimasu(a dish) makes you eat more rice; goes great with riceFood & drink. 'The rice moves forward' for a dish that goes great with rice is figurative. It belongs on the idiom list.
- ki o waruku surupolite ki o waruku shimasube offended, take it the wrong wayPeople & talk. A figurative ki expression; it belongs on the idiom list.
Other (6)
Dropped in review.
- kakkou o tsukerupolite kakkou o tsukemasushow off, try to look coolPeople & talk. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- okaeshi o surupolite okaeshi o shimasugive a return gift; pay someone back in kindPeople & talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
- kibarashi ni narupolite kibarashi ni narimasube a nice change, take one's mind off thingsHobbies, sport & games. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- shutchou ni ikupolite shutchou ni ikimasugo on a business tripWork & school. 2 of 3 judges kept it.
- bentou o atatamerupolite bentou o atatamemasuheat up a boxed lunchFood & drink. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
- hanami ni ikupolite hanami ni ikimasugo cherry-blossom viewingHobbies, sport & games. 3 of 3 judges kept it.