Core words

The everyday verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs and connectors that the main list, collocations and idioms don’t already teach, ordered by how much they help you keep a conversation going.

1204 words in 290 chunks, ordered into four stages that run alongside the main list’s stages. Each chunk is a short page; use Next at the bottom of each page. Cuts lists the 1614 candidates left out. The data is 23-list-core.json.

Stages

Stage 1 · 222 words222 words for small talk, getting to know someone and saying what you think; half of them rank in the top 1,815 of spoken Japanese.

Stage 2 · 331 words331 words that come up in most chats; half of them rank in the top 1,812 of spoken Japanese.

Stage 3 · 319 words319 words for narrower topics; half of them rank in the top 1,704 of spoken Japanese.

Errands, chores and formal · 332 words332 words for errands, chores, service and formal talk: there for when you need them, not for chatting.

Topics

Verbs: moving

1. Walking and runningStage 2aruku walkisogu hurryhashiru runtobu fly; jump
2. Taking people alongStage 2tsureru have someone with you; take or bring someone alongmukae ni kuru come to pick (someone) uptsurete kuru bring (a person or pet)tsurete iku take (a person or pet) somewhere
3. Sitting and lining upStage 3suwaru sit, sit downnarabu line up, queue; be in a rowatsumaru gather, get together, meet updoku get out of the way, move aside
4. Following and chasingStage 3tsuite kuru follow (me); come along (with me)tsuite iku go along with, follow; keep upchikazuku approach, get closeoikakeru chase, run aftermikakeru happen to see, spot, come across
5. Trains and busesStage 3noru get on, ride (a train, bus, car, bike)oriru get off (a train, bus); go downkomu get crowded, be busy (with people)norikaeru change (trains, buses), transfer
6. Welcoming and guidingStage 4irassharu come; go; be (respectful)oide come here (to a child or pet)mairu go; come (humble); be stumped (as maitta)annai suru show around, guide; show the way
7. Driving and stoppingStage 4tomaru stop, come to a stopugoku move; work, run (machines)magaru turn (a corner); bendunten suru drive (a car)
8. Trips and movesStage 4hikkosu move housetouchaku arrival; arrive (formal)idou suru move (from one place to another), get from A to Bshuppatsu suru leave, set off, depart

Verbs: the body

1. Hungry, thirsty, sleepy, drunkStage 1suku get hungry (stomach); empty out, get less crowdedkawaku dry, get dry; get thirsty (nodo ga kawaku)nemuru sleep, fall asleepyopparau get drunk
2. Laugh, sing, dance, kissStage 2warau laugh; smileutau singodoru dancekisu suru kissnameru lick; look down on, underestimate
3. Sick daysStage 2yasumu rest, take a break; take time off (school, work)naoru get better, healkaze hiku catch a coldnaosu cure; get over (an illness)
4. Falls and bumpsStage 2nureru get wettaoreru collapse; fall over, topplekorobu trip, fall overbutsukeru bump, bang (something) into; hit

Verbs: home and routine

1. Clothes and weightStage 1kiru wear, put on (shirts, jackets, dresses)niau suit, look good onfutoru put on weight, get fatyaseru lose weight, get thin
2. Sleep habitsStage 2nebou suru oversleephirune suru take a naphayaoki suru get up earlyyofukashi suru stay up late
3. Cooking and clearing upStage 3suteru throw away, throw out; abandonkiru cut; hang up (a phone); switch offyoui suru prepare, get (something) readyyaku grill, bake, toast; burn
4. Morning routineStage 3okosu wake (someone) up; causearau washdekakeru go out (on an outing or errand)kigaeru change clothes, get changedkayou go regularly (to school, work, a gym); commute
5. On, off, open, closeStage 4tsukeru turn on (a light, TV, AC); put on, attachkesu turn off (a light, TV); erase, deleteakeru open (a door, window, box)shimeru close, shut (a door, window); close (a shop)
6. Tidying upStage 4katazukeru tidy up; put away; clear (the table)shimau put away; put backseiri suru sort out; organisekazaru decorate; put on display, put up
7. Getting dressed and washedStage 4nugu take off (clothes, shoes, hats)haku put on, wear (shoes, socks, trousers, skirts)abiru take (a shower); bathe in (sunlight)migaku brush (teeth); polish
8. Laundry and wipingStage 4fuku wipe; dry (with a towel)hosu hang out to dry; air (a futon)tatamu fold (clothes, futons, umbrellas)
9. Heating and cookingStage 4atatameru warm up; reheatchin suru microwave, heat in the microwavewakasu boil (water); heat (the bath)yuderu boil (food)itameru stir-fry; fry (in a pan)

Verbs: talking

1. Inviting and introducingStage 1yobu call (over); invite; send for; call (by a name)shoukai suru introduce; recommendsasou invite; ask outkotowaru refuse, turn down; say no
2. Owning upStage 2ayamaru apologisemitomeru admit; accept; approvehakkiri iu say it straight; be frank
3. Read, write, explainStage 2kaku writeyomu readsetsumei suru explainosowaru be taught; learn (from someone)
4. Chatting and going quietStage 2shaberu talk, chat; speak (a language)damaru go quiet; shut up; keep (something) quietaisatsu suru greet; say hello; give a short speechhanashikakeru talk to; start a conversation with
5. Praise and telling offStage 2homeru praise; complimentchuui suru warn; tell off; watch outsekkyou suru lecture; tell off at lengthjiman suru boast, show off; be proud of
6. Getting the message acrossStage 3tsutaeru tell, pass on (a message); get acrosstsutawaru get across; come through; be passed downtsuujiru get through; be understood; connect (a call)houkoku suru report; let (someone) know
7. Discussing plansStage 3hanashiau talk it over, discussteian suggestion, proposalsansei suru agree; be in favouriidasu bring up; start saying; be the first to suggest
8. Respectful say, know, eatStage 4mousu say; be called (humble)ossharu say (honorific)gozonji know (honorific)moushiageru say, tell (very humble)meshiagaru eat; drink (honorific)

Verbs: thinking and feeling

1. Knowing and rememberingStage 1shiranai don't know; not know (someone)omoidasu remember, recall; be reminded ofkanchigai suru get the wrong idea; mistake (one thing for another)rikai suru understand
2. Hopes, worries, regretsStage 1kitai suru expect; hope for; count ongaman suru put up with; hold back; hold it inkoukai suru regretnayamu worry about; agonise over; be torn
3. Excited and movedStage 1moriagaru liven up, get lively; get excited (as a group)kandou suru be moved, be touchedkoufun suru get excited, get worked up
4. Hurt, down or angryStage 1ochikomu feel down, be depressedkizutsuku get hurt (feelings); get damagedmukatsuku be pissed off; be annoyingharadatsu be infuriating; get angry
5. Panic and nervesStage 1aseru panic, feel rushed; be impatientawateru panic, be flustered; rushbibiru get scared, be startled; chicken outyudan suru let one's guard down, get careless
6. Noticing and guessingStage 1kizuku notice, realiseomoitsuku think of, come up with (an idea)yosou expectation, guess; predictionomoikomu assume, be convinced (of something wrong)
7. Believe, feel, imagineStage 2shinjiru believe; trustkanjiru feel; sensesouzou suru imagine
8. Glad, surprised, calmStage 2ochitsuku calm down; settle down; feel at homeyorokobu be glad, be delightedodoroku be surprised; be shockedtanoshimu enjoy; have fun
9. Sticking with thingsStage 2tsuzukeru keep doing, continueakiru get tired of, get bored ofkodawaru be particular about, insist onhansei suru reflect on one's mistakes, be sorry
10. Making sense of thingsStage 3nattoku suru be convinced, accept; be satisfied (with a reason)handan suru judge, decide; judgmentgokai misunderstanding; misunderstandkonran suru get confused; be in chaos

Verbs: dealing with people

1. Meeting and marryingStage 1kekkon suru get married; marriagedeau meet (for the first time), come acrossrikon suru get divorced; divorceshiriau get to know, meetpuropoozu suru propose (marriage); marriage proposal
2. Dating and breaking upStage 1tsukiau go out with, date; keep someone companywakareru break up; part, say goodbyekokuhaku suru confess one's feelings, ask someone outmoteru be popular romantically, get a lot of attention
3. Joking aroundStage 1fuzakeru mess around, joke aroundukeru be funny, get a laugh; go down wellwaraeru be hilarious; can laugh (about it)karakau tease, make fun of
4. Helping outStage 2tasukeru help; save, rescuetasukaru be a big help; be savedouen suru support; cheer onkyouryoku suru cooperate, work together; help outsapooto suru support, back up
5. Keeping people close or awayStage 2kakawaru get involved with; have to do withkirau dislike, hatesakeru avoid; dodgekamau pay attention to, fuss over; mindhoutte oku leave alone, let be
6. Leaving it to someoneStage 2makaseru leave (something) to someone; entrustomakase leaving it to someone; chef's choicetayoru rely on, depend on, count onsuki ni suru do as you like
7. Trust and respectStage 2shin'you suru trust, believe; creditshinrai suru trust, rely onsonkei suru respect, look up toakogareru look up to, admire; long for
8. Parties and groupsStage 2sanka suru take part, joinsawagu make noise; make a fussmedatsu stand out, be noticeablekaisan suru break up (a group); call it a day
9. Courtesy and forgivenessStage 3yurusu forgive; allow, permitmataseru keep someone waitingenryo suru hold back (out of politeness); politely declineyuzuru give up (a seat, a turn); hand overkamawanai don't mind; it's fine
10. Caring for peopleStage 4daiji ni suru take good care of; treasuretaisetsu ni suru cherish, valuesewa ni naru be looked after (by someone); owe someone

Verbs: change, start and end

1. Work and keep goingStage 1hataraku work (at a job)tsuzuku continue; go on; lastnareru get used to
2. Choose and decideStage 2erabu choose; pickkimaru be decided; be setkettei decision; settled, finalhenkou suru change (plans, bookings, settings)
3. Grow, change, go backStage 2moto ni modoru go back to normal; go back to how it wasnobiru grow (hair, nails); stretch; improve; go soggy (noodles)nobasu grow (hair); stretch; extend; put offhenka change; variation
4. More and lessStage 3fueru increase; go up; grow in numberfuyasu increase; add moretamaru pile up; build up; be saved upsageru lower; turn down; bring down; clear (plates)hikaeru cut down on; hold back from; refrain
5. Go out, burn, flow, leakStage 4kieru go out (light, fire); disappear; vanishmoeru burn; be fired upnukeru come out (teeth, hair); slip out, leave (a meeting, group); go throughnagareru flow; be playing (music); fall through (plans)moreru leak; get out (secrets); be bursting (for the toilet)
6. Open, close, start, stopStage 4aku open (doors, shops); come openshimaru close; shut (doors, shops)sutaato suru start; beginsutoppu stop; a halt
7. Break, dirty, fixStage 4kowareru break; stop working; be brokennaosu fix; repair; correctwareru crack; break; smash; splityogoreru get dirty; get stainedkusaru go off; rot; go bad

Verbs: handling things

1. Borrow, return, hand overStage 3kariru borrow; rent; use (someone's toilet)kaesu give back; return; reply (to a message)watasu hand over; give; passmotte kuru bring (a thing)
2. Send and deliverStage 3okuru send; see off; take (someone) hometodoku arrive (parcels, messages); reachtodokeru deliver; take (something) to someone; hand inhakobu carry; move (things)
3. Find and loseStage 3mitsukeru find; spot; come acrossnakusu lose (something); get rid ofotosu drop; lose (by dropping); lowerhirou pick up (from the ground); find; catch (a taxi)kakusu hide; keep secrethakken discovery; a find
4. Left over and keptStage 4nokoru be left (over); remain; stay behindnokosu leave (food); leave behind; leave (a message)azukaru look after (for someone); keep; take charge ofazukeru leave (with someone); check (bags); deposit (money)
5. Humble give and receiveStage 4itadaku receive (humble); have, eat or drink (humble)uketoru receive; accept; pick up (a parcel, tickets)sashiageru give (humble)
6. Push, pull, throw, catchStage 4osu push; presshiku pull; catch (a cold); look up (a word)nageru throw; tosstsukamaeru catch (a person, animal); grab; flag down (a taxi)
7. Phones and servicesStage 4riyou suru use (a service, place or system)tsunagu connect; plug in; hold (hands)koukan suru exchange; swap; replaceappu suru post, upload (online); go up, raise
8. Gather, sort, packStage 4atsumeru collect; gathersorou be all there; be complete; matchwakeru divide; split; share; sortnaraberu line up; lay out; set outtsumeru pack; stuff; fill; move up (make room)
9. Paying the billStage 4harau payshiharau pay (a bill, fee)tsuika suru add; order morefukumeru include; count in

Verbs: effort and results

1. How it turned outStage 2umaku iku go well; work outshippai suru fail; mess upseikou suru succeed; workkansei suru be finished; be completedgoukaku suru pass (an exam or test)
2. Trying and aiming highStage 2mezasu aim for; head forshoubu match; contest; showdowndoryoku suru make an effort; work hardtamesu try out; testchousen suru take on (a challenge); have a go at
3. Luck and doing wellStage 2ikeru be doable; be pretty goodtsuiteru be luckyureru sell (well); be popularateru guess right; hitkatsuyaku suru do well; play an active part
4. Work and school habitsStage 2chikoku suru be late (for school, work, a meeting)saboru skip (class, work); slack offtsutomeru work for (a company)
5. Checking thingsStage 3kakunin suru check; confirmshiraberu look up; look into; investigatechekku suru check; look overtashikameru make sure; check for yourselfkuraberu compare
6. Mistakes and do-oversStage 3machigau be wrong; be mistakenmisu suru make a mistake; slip upyarinaosu redo; start overminogasu miss (seeing); let slide
7. Learning and practiceStage 3renshuu suru practise; trainshuuchuu suru concentrate; focusnarau learn (from someone); take lessonsmanabu learnkeisan suru calculate; work out (numbers)
8. Polite do and handleStage 4itasu do (humble)nasaru do (respectful)taiou suru deal with; handle; respond to
9. Getting work doneStage 4susumeru go ahead with; move forwardkaiketsu suru solve; be solved; settlematomeru put together; sum up; organisehikiukeru take on; accept (a job or request)

Verbs: trouble and conflict

1. Danger and escapeStage 2nigeru run away; escapekorosu killmakikomu drag into; get someone involvedme ni au go through (something bad); have a bad time
2. Fights and frictionStage 2kenka suru fight; arguemomeru argue; have a row; be in disputeijimeru bully; pick onteikou reluctance; resistance
3. Lies and getting caughtStage 3bareru get found out; come outdamasu trick; deceive; contsukamaru get caught; get arrested; hold on tonusumu stealgomakasu cover up; dodge; fudge

Verbs: life and living

1. Living your lifeStage 1ikiru live; be alivekurasu live; get bysugosu spend (time)
2. Born and growing upStage 2umu give birth (to); have (a baby)sodatsu grow up; be raisedseichou suru grow; mature

People

1. Girls boys men womenStage 1onna no ko girlotoko no ko boyotoko no hito manonna no hito woman
2. Who someone is to youStage 2sensei teacher; doctorsenpai senior (at school or work)shiriai acquaintance; someone you knownakama friends; teammates; companionszen'in everyone; all members
3. Friends and rivalsStage 2mikata ally; someone on your sideyuujin friendshin'yuu best friend; close friendraibaru rival
4. Partners and cheatingStage 2kareshi boyfriendkoibito boyfriend or girlfriend; partneruwaki cheating (on a partner)furin affair (involving a married person)dokushin single; unmarried
5. Types of peopleStage 2bijin beautiful womanikemen good-looking guy; handsometensai geniusshirouto amateur; non-expertokanemochi rich person; rich
6. School stagesStage 2shougakusei elementary school kidchuugakusei junior high school studentkoukousei high school studentdaigakusei university student; college student
7. Men, women, peopleStage 3otoko man; guyonna womanningen human; personjosei woman; female
8. Boss and coworkersStage 3joushi boss; superiorshain employee; staff memberbuka subordinate; someone on your teamdouryou coworker; colleague
9. Teams and groupsStage 3daihyou representative; on behalf ofmenbaa member (of a team, band or group)guruupu groupriidaa leader
10. Students and classmatesStage 3gakusei studentkouhai junior (at school or work)seito pupil; studentdoukyuusei classmate; someone in your year at school
11. Men and women by settingStage 3dansei man; malejoshi girls; womendanshi boys; guysossan middle-aged guy; old man
12. Babies kids and ageStage 3akachan babytoshiue older (than someone)gaki brat; kidwakamono young people; the youth
13. Customers and crowdsStage 4okyakusan customer; guest; visitorkyaku customer; guesthonnin the person themselves; the person in questionoozei lots of people; a crowd
14. Titles at workStage 4shachou company president; head of a companybuchou department head; head of a school clubtenchou store managerkachou section chief; managerkantoku film director; team manager or coach

Life and time

1. When I was littleStage 1kodomo no koro when I was a kid; childhoodchiisai koro when I was littleano koro back then; in those daystouji at the time; back then
2. Life and livingStage 2jinsei life (your whole life)seikatsu daily life; livingchansu chance; opportunitykurou hardship; trouble; effortomoide memory (of an experience)
3. Moments and nowadaysStage 2isshun a moment; an instant; for a secondimagoro about now; by now; this latesakihodo a little while ago; earlierimadoki nowadays; these days
4. Dreams and realityStage 2genjitsu reality; real lifekamisama God; a godrisou ideal; the perfect (version)kiseki miracle
5. Before, during, last timeStage 2tochuu on the way; in the middle (of)zenkai last time; the previous onechokuzen just before; right beforetoujitsu on the day; the day itself
6. Special occasionsStage 2hatsu first (ever)shiki ceremony; weddingkinen commemoration; keepsake; to mark the occasion
7. Plans and occasionsStage 3konkai this timeyotei plans; schedulehonjitsu todaysenjitsu the other day
8. Past present and futureStage 3jidai era; period; days (of your life)mirai the futurekako the pastgenzai now; currently; the present
9. Pointing to a timeStage 3koro time when; around (a time)kongo from now on; in futureshunkan moment; the instant (something happens)izen before; previously
10. The future and chancesStage 3shourai the future; in the futuretaimingu timing; the right momentkanousei possibility; chance; potentialkono saki from now on; up aheadkikai chance; opportunity; occasion
11. Memories and storiesStage 3kioku memory; recollectionaru hi one day (in a story)dekigoto event; something that happened
12. Life, light, boats, visitsStage 4inochi life (being alive)hikari lighttazuneru visit (a person or place)fune boat; ship

Mind and feelings

1. Relief and worryStage 1anshin suru be relieved; feel at easefuan anxious; uneasy; anxietymanzoku suru be satisfied; satisfactionfuman complaint; dissatisfaction
2. Shock and hard timesStage 1shokku shock; upset; hurtjigoku hell; a nightmareomoi o suru go through (a feeling); have a (hard, lonely...) time
3. Likes and loveStage 1kyoumi nai not interested; don't care aboutren'ai romance; love life; datingkonomi taste; preference; typeshitto suru be jealous; jealousy
4. Effort and attitudeStage 2honki serious; for real; seriouslytaido attitude; manner; behavioryuuki courage; nervezenryoku all-out effort; everything you've gotpuraido pride; self-respect
5. Happiness and thanksStage 3shiawase happy; happinesskansha suru be grateful; gratitudeegao smile; smiling facekibou hope; wish; preference
6. Sensing and feelingStage 3iwakan a sense that something's offishiki consciousness; awarenesskanjou emotion; feelingskankaku sense; feel; feeling (in the body)yokan hunch; feeling (something will happen)
7. Talent and skillStage 4sainou talent; giftnouryoku ability; capabilityjitsuryoku real ability; actual skill

Reasons and situations

1. Relationships and boundariesStage 2kankei relationship; connectionkankei nai has nothing to do with; doesn't matterjiyuu free; freedompuraibeeto private life; personal time; private
2. Right, wrong, oppositeStage 2machigai mistake, errorgyaku the opposite; the other way round, reversehantai against, opposition; oppositeseikai right answer; right choice
3. Cause and effectStage 2gen'in causekikkake what got it started; trigger; chanceeikyou influence, effectkouka effect; result (of a remedy or effort)
4. Impressions and behaviourStage 2imeeji impression; picture in your mindkoudou action; behaviouratsukai treatment (of a person); handlingnazo mystery; puzzleshigeki stimulus; inspiration, a push; irritation
5. How things unfoldStage 2nagare how things went; flow; the course of eventstenkai turn of events; how a story developsketsuron conclusion; the bottom linedankai stage; step; phase
6. Worth and purposeStage 2imi ga nai pointless; no use; makes no senseimi ga aru there's a point; worth it, meaningfulyou ga aru have something to do; want someone for somethingkachi value; worth
7. Reasons and factsStage 3riyuu reasonsekinin responsibility; blamejijitsu fact; the truthjijou circumstances; reasons; situation
8. Trouble and limitsStage 3genkai limit; breaking pointgomeiwaku trouble, inconvenience (caused to someone)toraburu trouble, a problem; a disputefutan burden; cost, share (of a bill)
9. Basics and conditionsStage 3kihon the basics; basicallyjouken condition; terms, requirementsnaiyou content; what it's about; the detailskouho option, shortlist; candidate
10. Goals and plansStage 3mokuteki purpose, aimsakusen plan, strategy; tacticsmokuhyou goal, targetyuusen suru put first, prioritise
11. Situations and waysStage 4baai case; if; whenjoukyou situation; how things standhouhou way; method; meansjoutai condition; state

Talk and information

1. Replies and reactionsStage 2henji reply, answerhenshin reply (to a text or email)hannou reaction, response
2. Chatting and topicsStage 2oshaberi chatting, chit-chat; chatterboxkaiwa conversationneta something to talk about; material, a jokewadai topic (of conversation)
3. Information and secretsStage 3himitsu secretjouhou information; info, a tipkiroku record; logkiji article (news, magazine, online)
4. Opinions and excusesStage 3iken opinion, viewtachiba position; standpoint; someone's situationiiwake excuseadobaisu advice

Places

1. School stagesStage 1koukou high schoolshougakkou elementary school; primary schoolchuugaku middle school; junior highkyoushitsu classroom; class, lessons (for a hobby or skill)
2. Meeting new peopleStage 1jimoto hometown; local areashusshin where you're from; hometownjikoshoukai self-introductionrenrakusaki contact details
3. Eating and drinking outStage 1kafe caféizakaya izakaya; Japanese pubresutoran restaurant
4. From place to worldStage 3basho place; spot; locationmachi town; part of town, the streetssekai worldsekaijuu all over the world; the whole world
5. Home and neighboursStage 3kinjo neighbourhood; nearbymanshon apartment; apartment blockjitaku home; one's own houseotaku your home; someone's home (polite)
6. Shops and parksStage 3omise shop; restaurant, cafékonbini convenience storesuupaa supermarketkouen park
7. Where you liveStage 4inaka the countryside; (rural) hometownjuusho address (where you live)apaato apartment; flat (in a low-rise block)katei home; household; family
8. Buildings and institutionsStage 4youchien kindergarten (ages 3 to 6)biru building (multi-storey)kaidan stairs; staircaseshisetsu facility; institution (care home, children's home)
9. Meeting pointsStage 4iriguchi entrance; way inekimae in front of the station; the station areachuushajou car park; parking lotkaijou venue; event hall
10. Errands in townStage 4ginkou bankbiyouin hair salon; hairdresser'syuubinkyoku post officehyakkin 100-yen shop

Home and everyday things

1. Cleaning and choresStage 3souji suru clean (a room or house); cleaninggomi rubbish; trashkaji housework; choresdougu tool; equipment; gear
2. Clothes and shoesStage 3fuku clothes; outfitkutsu shoeskutsushita sockszubon trousers; pants
3. Gifts and lettersStage 4purezento present; giftokaeshi something in return; return gift; paybacktegami letter
4. Phone and gadgetsStage 4keitai mobile phone; cell phonedenwa bangou phone numbertokei clock; watchkamera camera
5. Doors and windowsStage 4doa doormado windowgenkan entrance hall; front doorniwa garden; yard
6. Before you go outStage 4kagi key; locksaifu wallet; pursekasa umbrellamegane glasses; spectacleswasuremono something left behind; something forgotten
7. Living room thingsStage 4terebi TV; televisiondenki light; electricityteeburu tableisu chair
8. Bags and boxesStage 4fukuro bag (plastic or paper); sack; packetkaban bag (school bag, work bag, handbag)baggu bag; handbaghako box
9. Bath and toiletStage 4ofuro bath; bathtub; bathroom (for bathing)toire toilet; bathroomshawaa showertaoru toweltisshu tissue; tissues
10. Bed and sleepStage 4futon futon; bedding (floor mattress and quilt)beddo bedmakura pillowpajama pyjamas
11. Kitchen and tableStage 4reizouko fridge; refrigeratorhashi chopstickssara plate; dishkoppu glass; cup (for cold drinks)
12. Doing the laundryStage 4sentaku suru do the laundry; wash clothessentakumono the washing; laundry (the clothes)beranda balconysentakuki washing machine
13. Chores at homeStage 4ryouri cooking; a dish; cuisinehamigaki brushing your teetharaimono the dishes; washing-uptakuhaibin parcel delivery; a delivered parceljisui suru cook for yourself; make your own meals
14. Home appliancesStage 4eakon air conditioner; heat pumprenji microwaverimokon remote controlsoujiki vacuum cleaner

Food and drink

1. Popular dishesStage 1karee curry; curry and riceraamen ramensushi sushiudon udon (thick wheat noodles)
2. Meals and foodStage 2gohan meal; cooked riceshokuji meal; eatingmeshi meal; foodtabemono foodnomimono drink; something to drink
3. Meat, fish and vegetablesStage 2niku meatsakana fishyasai vegetableskudamono fruit
4. Water, tea and coffeeStage 3ocha tea (green tea); a drink breakkoohii coffeeomizu wateroyu hot water
5. Breakfast basicsStage 3pan breadtamago egggyuunyuu milkchiizu cheese
6. Beer, wine and juiceStage 4biiru beerwain winejuusu juice; soft drink
7. Taste and seasoningStage 4aji taste; flavournama raw; draft beer; liveshio saltshouyu soy sauce
8. Sweets and snacksStage 4keeki cakeokashi sweets; snacksaisu ice cream; ice lollychoko chocolateoyatsu snack; snack time
9. Japanese home foodStage 4bentou packed lunch; boxed mealnabe hot pot; potonigiri rice ballmisoshiru miso soup
10. Eating outStage 4menyuu menuranchi lunch; lunch specialgaishoku eating outtabehoudai all-you-can-eatmochikaeri takeaway; to go

Work and school

1. Jobs and days offStage 1yasumi day off; holiday; break; absencebaito part-time job; part-timerkyuuryou pay; salary
2. School lifeStage 1kurasu class (group of students); levelsotsugyou suru graduate; finish schoolbu club (at school); departmentshikaku qualification; licence; the right (to do something)
3. Work hours and time offStage 2kyuukei a break; restzangyou overtime (work)tsuukin commuting to work; the commuteyuukyuu paid leave; paid time offrenkyuu days off in a row; long weekend
4. Teams and workplacesStage 3chiimu teamgenba the site; the scenepuro pro; professionaljimusho office; agencyshokuba workplace; work
5. School classesStage 3jugyou class; lesson (at school or university)tesuto test; exam; trial runshukudai homeworkkumi class (school homeroom); group; pairteishutsu suru to hand in; to submit
6. Office tasksStage 4shiryou documents; materials; handoutshappyou presentation; announcementshiji instructions; directions; ordersdeeta data; files
7. Jobs and businessStage 4shinjin newcomer; new employee; rookieeigyou sales (job or department); being open for businessshuushoku suru to get a job; to start working at a companysutaffu staff; a staff membershoubai business; trade; line of work
8. Projects and resultsStage 4sagyou work; a task (the hands-on part)kikaku a project; a plan for an event or producthyouka rating; evaluationhonban the real thing; the actual performance, game or take
9. Skills and expertiseStage 4kenkyuu research; study (of a subject)gijutsu technology; skill, techniquesenmon specialty; field of expertise; majorshisutemu system
10. Meetings and deadlinesStage 4uchiawase a (planning) meetingsukejuuru scheduleshorui documents; paperworkshutchou business tripshimekiri deadline; closing date

Health

1. Feeling unwellStage 2choushi condition; how things are goingnetsu fever, temperature; heatkaze a coldguai how you feel (health); condition; how something worksnebusoku lack of sleep; not getting enough sleep
2. Staying healthyStage 2kenkou healthundou exercise; physical activitydaietto diet (to lose weight)taijuu body weightkenkou shindan health check-up; medical check-up
3. Injuries and emergenciesStage 4kega suru to get hurt; to be injuredkeisatsu the policejiko accidentkizu cut, wound; scratch; scarkyuukyuusha ambulance
4. Doctors and medicineStage 4kusuri medicine; drugsoishasan doctorkensa (medical) test; examination; inspectionchiryou medical treatmenthaisha dentist; the dentist's
5. In and out of hospitalStage 4nyuuin suru to go into hospital; to be hospitalisedtaiin suru to leave hospital; to be dischargedshujutsu surgery; an operationkaifuku suru to recover; to get betterninshin suru to get pregnant; pregnancy
6. Symptoms and seasonal illsStage 4hanamizu runny nose; snotseki coughnetchuushou heatstroke; heat exhaustionkafunshou hay fever; pollen allergy

Society and news

1. Society and the newsStage 3jiken incident; case (crime)yo no naka the world; society; lifeshakai society; the working worldmasukomi the media; the press
2. Big topicsStage 3kankyou environment; surroundings, conditionsrekishi historykyouiku education; training
3. Rules and permissionStage 4kyoka permission; approvalruuru rules; a rulekinshi ban; not allowedkenri a right
4. News and emergenciesStage 4shinbun newspaperjishin earthquakekinkyuu emergency; urgentheiwa peaceful; peace
5. Contracts and paperworkStage 4keiyaku contractkojin individual; personaltetsuzuki paperwork; procedure

Getting around

1. Dates and nights outStage 2deeto date (romantic)nomikai drinking party; night out drinkingpaatii partybaa bar
2. Celebrations and eventsStage 2oiwai celebration; congratulatory giftkekkonshiki weddingibento event
3. Trips awayStage 3ryokou trip; travelnimotsu bags; luggage; parcelomiyage souvenir; gift brought back from a triponsen hot springtabi journey; travel
4. Out and back homeStage 3kaeri the way back; coming homeomukae picking someone up; meeting someoneodekake going out; a day outshuuden last train
5. Ways to get aroundStage 4densha trainbasu busjitensha bicycletakushii taxi
6. Traffic and crowdsStage 4shingou traffic lightjuutai traffic jamman'in densha packed train

Money and shopping

1. Free and extrasStage 4tada free (no charge)muryou free of chargepointo loyalty points; key pointsaabisu service; something free, on the house
2. Shopping and pricesStage 4kaimono shoppingnedan priceshouhin product; item for saleseeru sale (discounts)waribiki discount
3. Booking, ordering, payingStage 4yoyaku suru book; reservechuumon suru order (food, goods)shiharai payment; payingwarikan splitting the bill evenlyshakkin debt; borrowed moneysagi scam; fraud
4. Paying at the tillStage 4kaado card (credit, points, ID)genkin cashotsuri change (money back)reji checkout; tillreshiito receipt

Nature and animals

1. Nature and animalsStage 3shizen nature; naturalkawa riverdoubutsu animal
2. Sky and sceneryStage 3sora skyhoshi starsakura cherry blossom; cherry treekeshiki scenery; view

Free time and tech

1. Hobbies and showsStage 1shumi hobby; taste (in things)dorama TV drama; TV seriesbangumi TV or radio show; programfan fan (of someone or something)sakuhin a work (film, book, art)
2. Videos, manga, social mediaStage 1douga video (clip, online)manga manga; comicsesu enu esu social mediakyara character (in a story or game); someone's personazasshi magazine
3. Songs and gigsStage 1kyoku song; piece of music; tuneraibu gig; concert; live showkaraoke karaoke
4. Walks and holidaysStage 2sanpo walk; strollnatsuyasumi summer holidays; summer breakhanami cherry-blossom viewing (party)
5. Phone and messagesStage 2sumaho smartphone; phonerain LINE (messaging app); a LINE message; lineapuri appkidoku read (message receipt); 'seen'sukusho screenshot
6. Messages and onlineStage 3meeru email; text messagenetto the internet; onlinemesseeji messagetsuuhan online shopping; mail order
7. Sport and exerciseStage 3supootsu sport; sportsyakyuu baseballjimu gym (fitness)taikai tournament; competition; big meetkatsudou activity; activities (club, volunteer, work)
8. Computer and chargingStage 4pasokon computer; PC; laptopjuuden battery charge; chargingjuudenki chargerwaifai wifigamen screen; display

Things, kinds and amounts

1. That thing, copying, impulseStage 2rei no that (you know the one); the usualmane suru copy; imitate; do an impression ofikioi momentum; force; energyoni ogre; demon; a harsh, relentless person; 'it' in tag
2. Looks and what's insideStage 3mitame looks; appearancekatachi shape; formnakami contents; what's inside; substancehonmono the real thing; genuine; real
3. Half and the restStage 3hanbun halfnokori the rest; what's left; leftoversichibu part; some (of)bubun part; section; bit
4. Types and levelsStage 3taipu type; kind; someone's type (romantically)reberu level; standardshurui kind; type; varietysetto set (of things); meal set; setting up
5. Next, last, the endStage 3tsuzuki what comes next; the rest; continuationoshimai the end; over; that's itsaishuu last; finalrenzoku in a row; consecutive; a series
6. Favourites and treatsStage 3okiniiri favourite (thing, place); favourites listdochira mo both; (with a negative) neithergohoubi reward; treatrisuto list
7. Over, within, exceptStage 4ijou or more; over; that's alligai except; other than; besidesinai within (a time, number or distance)teido degree; extent; about (after an amount)
8. Both, each, everythingStage 4ryouhou bothsorezore each; each one; respectivelysubete all; everythingnanimo kamo everything; all of itzentai the whole; overall
9. Letters and numbersStage 4ji written character, letter; handwritingmoji letter; character; textsuuji number (the figure); figures; digitskazu number (of things); countsain signature; autograph; signal
10. Where and which wayStage 4houkou direction; wayichi position; location; placechuushin centre; middle; core
11. Top, biggest, onlyStage 4toppu top; first place; the head (of a group)saidai biggest; largest; maximumtairyou a large amount; loads; in bulkyuiitsu the only (one); sole
12. Size, look and limitsStage 4ookisa size; how bigsaizu size (clothes, shoes, products)dezain design; look (of a thing)ika or less; or under; below

Adjectives: feelings

1. Sad and missingStage 1sabishii lonely; sad to be apart; (a place) emptykanashii sadkawaisou poor thing; pitiful; that's sad (for them)natsukashii that takes me back; nostalgic
2. Fine, grateful, awkwardStage 1heiki fine; okay; not botheredarigatai much appreciated; a big help; gratefulkimazui awkward; uncomfortable (between people)
3. Tough and tiringStage 1mendokusai what a pain; such a hassle; can't be botheredtsurai hard; painful (emotionally); roughkitsui tough; hard (on you); tight (clothes); harsh (words)shindoi exhausting; tough; worn outkurushii painful; hard to breathe; hard to bear
4. Losing and missing outStage 1kuyashii frustrating; gutted; gallingurayamashii jealous; envious; lucky younasakenai pathetic; shameful; miserableoshii so close!; a shame; a waste
5. All-in feelingsStage 1daikirai hate; really dislikehisshi desperate; frantic; all-outmuchuu hooked on; crazy about; absorbed intamaranai irresistible; amazing; unbearable
6. How your body feelsStage 1nemui sleepykimochi warui gross; creepy; (I) feel sickkimochi ii feels good; pleasant; refreshingdarui sluggish; heavy and tired; run-downkayui itchy

Adjectives: people

1. Skill and praiseStage 1tokui good at; strong pointheta bad at; unskillederai good for you; admirable; important (person)rippa admirable; fine; impressiveyuushuu excellent; very capable; top (student, worker)
2. Serious or sloppyStage 1majime serious; diligent; earnesttekitou sloppy; half-hearted; randomshinken serious; earnest; for realiikagen sloppy; irresponsible; (iikagen ni shite) enough already
3. Looks and styleStage 1kakkoii cool; good-looking; stylishwakai youngoshare stylish; fashionable; trendy (place)oniai well-matched; suits you
4. Strict, selfish and meanStage 1kibishii strict; harsh; tough (situation)wagamama selfish; spoiled; demandingzurui unfair; sly; no fair!ijiwaru mean; nasty; spiteful
5. Kind and closeStage 1shinsetsu kind; helpfulnaka ii get along well; closetayori ni naru reliable; someone you can count onshitashii close; on familiar terms
6. Odd, open, quietStage 2kawatteru odd; unusual; quirkysunao open; honest; obedient; straightforwardotonashii quiet; well-behaved; gentle
7. Pushy and cockyStage 2shitsukoi annoyingly persistent; won't let it go; (food) too richerasou bossy; full of yourself; acting superioroogesa exaggerated; over the top; overreactingnamaiki cheeky; cocky; mouthygouin pushy; forceful; high-handed
8. Calm and carefulStage 4reisei calm; level-headed; cool under pressureshinchou careful; cautiousteinei polite; careful; thoroughnesshin eager; keen; dedicated

Adjectives: things and situations

1. Strange and surprisingStage 1okashii strange, odd, wrong; funnyigai unexpected, surprisingfushigi strange, mysterious; puzzlingayashii suspicious, fishy; doubtful
2. Waste and no pointStage 1muda no use, pointless; a wastemottainai what a waste; too good to wasteimi nai pointless, there's no pointdou shiyou mo nai hopeless, nothing can be done; useless (person)
3. Rare, common, alikeStage 1mezurashii rare, unusualyoku aru common, happens a lotsokkuri just like, the spitting image ofbetsubetsu separate, separately
4. Calling things badStage 1saitei the worst, awful; at least, minimumkudaranai stupid, silly, worthlessmashi better (of bad options), less badbimyou iffy, so-so; hard to say; subtledasai uncool, tacky, lame
5. Heavy, light, old, coldStage 2omoi heavy; serious, gravekarui light (weight); light, minorfurui old (things); out of datetsumetai cold (to touch); cold, unfriendly
6. Distance and spaceStage 2chikai near, closetooi far, distanthiroi spacious, roomy; widesemai small, cramped; narrowdekai huge, big
7. Easy, handy, in the wayStage 2jama in the way; a nuisanceraku easy, no effort; comfortablechoudo ii just right; good timingbenri convenient, handy
8. Describing a roomStage 2urusai noisy, loud; annoying; fussyshizuka quiet, calmakarui bright, well-lit; cheerfulkitanai dirty, messy; dirty, unfairkusai smelly, stinky; fishy, suspicious
9. Right and obviousStage 2atarimae obvious, natural; of coursetadashii correct, rightkakujitsu certain, sure; reliablematomo decent, proper; sane, sensibleakiraka obvious, clear
10. Flashy or plainStage 2hade flashy, loud, showyjimi plain, low-key; dullfukuzatsu complicated, complextanjun simple; simple-mindedshinpuru simple, clean (in a good way)
11. Quick gut reactionsStage 2kimoi gross; creepyumai tasty; good at, skilfulnurui lukewarm; tepid
12. Special and wonderfulStage 3tokubetsu specialyuumei famoussuteki lovely, wonderfulkanpeki perfect, flawlesssubarashii wonderful, excellent
13. Important and preciousStage 3taisetsu important; precious, deartaishita much, serious, great (mostly with a negative)juuyou important, crucialkichou precious, valuable, rare
14. Safe or in dangerStage 3buji safe, unharmed; without troublekiken dangerous; dangeranzen safe; safetyjunchou going well, on track
15. Strong, weak, detailedStage 3kuwashii detailed; knows a lot aboutkomakai small, fine; detailed; pickyusui thin; weak, watery (taste); pale (colour)koi strong, rich (taste); dark, deep (colour); thick
16. Formal and work wordsStage 4yoroshii all right, fine (polite 'ii')seishiki official, formalkanou possiblegutaiteki concrete, specifickojinteki personal; personally

Adverbs: manner and certainty

1. Still, already, originallyStage 1aikawarazu as always; same as ever; stillmotomoto originally; to begin with; by naturetokku ni long ago; already (well before now)imada ni still (even now); to this day
2. Suddenly and all at onceStage 1totsuzen suddenly; out of nowhereikinari suddenly; out of the blue; right offitsu no ma ni ka before I knew it; without noticingikki ni all at once; in one go
3. Why and somehowStage 1naze whyittai (what, why) on earthnandaka somehow; kind of; for some reasonnazeka for some reasonnantonaku somehow; for no particular reason; vaguely
4. As usual, basicallyStage 1itsumo doori as usual; the usual wayshotchuu all the time; constantlykihonteki ni basically; as a rule
5. Definitely, no matter whatStage 2kanarazu without fail; always; for suredoushitemo no matter what; really; just can'tmachigai nai no doubt about it; definitely; a sure betzehi by all means; definitely; I'd love to
6. As expected or notStage 2marude just like; as if; (not) at allsasuga ni understandably; even so; as you'd expectmasa ni exactly; precisely; trulyangai surprisingly; more than expected
7. Of course, actually, apparentlyStage 2touzen natural; only to be expected; of coursejissai actually; in reality; in practicedouyara apparently; it seemszannen nagara unfortunately; regrettably
8. Sooner or laterStage 2sono uchi one of these days; sooner or later; soonitsu made mo forever; for as long as; endlesslyizure sooner or later; someday; eventuallyima no uchi while you can; now, before it's too late
9. On purpose or forcedStage 2wazawaza going out of your way; all the way; speciallywazato on purpose; deliberatelymuriyari by force; against someone's willaete deliberately; dare to; choose to
10. By chanceStage 2guuzen by chance; coincidencetamatama by chance; happened tomangaichi if by some chance; in the unlikely eventhyotto shite by any chance; maybe
11. Grumbles and hasslesStage 2ichiichi every single time; one by oneimasara now (when it's too late); after all this timeyayakoshii complicated; confusingfuben inconvenient
12. Giving it everythingStage 2seiippai as hard as you can; your very bestomoikkiri with all your might; to your heart's contentotagai each other; both of usdou ni ka somehow; one way or anothertekkiri I was sure (but wrong); I just assumed
13. How you do or say itStage 3shikkari properly; firmly; reliablechokusetsu directly; in personhakkiri clearly; plainly; for certainkichinto properly; neatly; correctlysonna fuu ni like that; that way
14. Again, for now, never againStage 3nido to never againhisashiburi ni for the first time in ages; after a long timearatamete again (another time); anew; once more, properlyittan for now; for a moment; oncehikitsuzuki continuing; still; as before
15. Right away, on the spotStage 3sassato quickly; hurry up andsassoku right away; without delaydouji the same time; simultaneoussono ba the spot; there and then
16. Finally and coming soonStage 3tsui ni finally; at lastiyoiyo at last (it's here); finally about totoutou finally; in the endmamonaku shortly; soon
17. Small requests and adviceStage 3nakayoku getting along; on good termstsuide ni while you're at it; on the way; alsonen no tame just in case; to be safenarubeku as much as possible; if possible
18. Quietly and by accidentStage 3ukkari carelessly; absent-mindedly; by mistakesotto gently; quietly; softlykossori secretly; sneakily; on the quietjitto still; fixedly; patiently
19. Just now, in no timeStage 3tatta ima just now; this very momentatto iu ma ni in no time; in the blink of an eyeitsu no ma ni when did...?; before I knew itkyoujuu ni by the end of today; sometime today

Degree words

1. Very and reallyStage 1tottemo very; really; somechakucha super; extremely; a total messzuibun quite; a lot; reallyshinu hodo to death; incredibly
2. So-so and fairlyStage 1maamaa so-so; not bad; now, nowsokosoko fairly; reasonably; decentsorenari reasonably; in its own way; as you'd expectaru teido to some extent; a certain amount
3. Quite a lotStage 2daibu a lot; much; considerablysukkari completely; totallysoutou considerably; seriously; worth (after an amount)yoppodo (must be) really; much more
4. Enough and completeStage 2juubun enough; plenty; fullyhobo almost; nearly; pretty muchkanzen complete; perfect; (kanzen ni) completelytappuri plenty; lots; generously
5. Asking how muchStage 2dore gurai how much; how long; how manydore dake how much; how fardonna ni no matter how; how (very) much
6. Not at all, neverStage 3mattaku (not) at all; totally; geezsappari (not) at all; refreshing; lightissai (not) at all; absolutely nokesshite never; by no means
7. At least, no moreStage 3semete at least; if nothing elsesukunakutomo at least; no less thankore ijou any more (than this); furthernani yori above all; more than anything
8. More and moreStage 3dondon more and more; quickly; one after anothersukoshi zutsu little by little; a bit at a timemasumasu more and more; even moresara ni even more; further; on top of that
9. Just a littleStage 3tatta only; justhon no just a; a mere; only a littlechotto shita small; slight; minortashou a little; somewhat; more or less

Sound and feeling words

1. Feelings as soundsStage 1dokidoki suru heart pounding; be nervous; be thrilledwakuwaku suru be excited; can't waitiraira suru be irritated; get annoyedgakkari suru be disappointed; be let downhotto suru be relieved; feel at ease
2. Early, last-minute, hecticStage 1hayame a bit early; earlier than usualgirigiri just barely; at the last minute; cutting it closebatabata suru be hectic; rush aroundnonbiri suru take it easy; relax; be laid-back
3. Just rightStage 2pittari exactly; a perfect fit; just rightbatchiri perfect; all set; nailed itsukkiri suru feel refreshed; feel better; look neat
4. Lazing and wanderingStage 2gorogoro lazing around; rumblingdaradara lazily; dragging onurouro hanging around; wandering aimlesslyburabura strolling around; idling
5. Moods at a glanceStage 3bootto spaced out; absent-mindednikoniko smiling; beamingmoyamoya uneasy; bothered; unresolved feelingukiuki cheerful; in high spirits
6. Sleep and tirednessStage 3gussuri soundly (asleep)furafura dizzy, unsteady; drifting aimlesslykutakuta worn out, exhaustedutouto dozing off, nodding off
7. Warm, muggy, rainy weatherStage 3pokapoka nice and warm; cozyjimejime damp, humidzaazaa pouring (rain)mushimushi muggy, hot and humid
8. How well it's doneStage 4zatto roughly; quickly, brieflyperapera fluent (speaking)kotsukotsu steadily; bit by bit
9. Empty, packed, messyStage 4garagara nearly empty (place); hoarse (voice)guchagucha messy, jumbled; mushygyutto tightly, firmlygyuugyuu packed tight, crammed
10. Food texturesStage 4fuwafuwa fluffy, soft; floatysakusaku light and crispy; quickly and smoothlymochimochi chewy, springykotteri rich, heavy (food)paripari crisp, crunchy
11. Hunger, thirst and achesStage 4pekopeko starving (hungry); bowing again and againkarakara parched; bone-drymukamuka queasy, sick to your stomach; seething (angry)zukizuki throbbing (pain)buruburu shivering; trembling
12. Surfaces and wetnessStage 4pikapika shiny, spotless; sparklingsarasara silky, smooth; flowingbishobisho soaking wet, drenchedtsurutsuru smooth; slipperybetobeto sticky

Connectors

1. And thenStage 1sore kara and then; after that; since thensoshite and; and thensoshitara and then (it turned out); in that casesono ato after that; afterwards
2. Even so and butStage 1tada but, only thing is; just, onlysore demo even so; stilldakara tte just because (that doesn't mean); even sosore ni shite mo even so; still, (but) reallysono kawari instead; in exchange; but then
3. Changing the subjectStage 1tokoro de by the waysore yori more importantly; never mind thatchinami ni by the way; just so you knowsate well then; now
4. Rephrasing and hedgingStage 1tte iu ka I mean; or rather; actuallygyaku ni on the contrary; if anything; actuallyaru imi in a sense; in a waymushiro rather; if anythingiwayuru so-called; what you'd call
5. Reasons and conclusionsStage 2somosomo in the first place; to begin withtte koto wa so that meansdakara koso that's exactly whysore koso that's exactly it; literally, practically
6. Adding and choosingStage 2shikamo and what's more; on top of thatsore to mo or (else)sore ni besides; on top of thatsore to and also; oh, and

Reading an entry

• The headword is the casual form; polite is its desu/masu form.
• Stage 1 is what small talk, getting to know someone and saying what you think run on; the next stages go by how much a word helps in conversation, then by how often people say it. Words mostly for errands, chores and formal talk wait in the last stage.
• Rank is the word’s place among the most frequent words in 3,030 Japanese TV dramas; lower is more common. Words the drama list under-counts (home, food, school, the doctor’s) were chosen on judgement.
• Learn alongside links words taught side by side; Main list links the versatility-list items an entry builds on.