Want to learn more about hospital-related vocabulary? This cheat sheet focuses on different conditions to tell the doctor about. Taking care of your health should always be a top priority, particularly when you’re away from your home country. Doctor consultations and hospital visits in Japan, however, can be intimidating.
It’s ideal to learn how to inform your symptoms to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, we have included the pronunciation and meaning of the terms, together with example sentences for you to learn how to communicate successfully during your consultation in the hospital.
Do keep a lookout for your well-being with COVID-19 cases on the rise. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness. Less common symptoms include headache, aches and pains, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, rashes on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.
With that being said, symptoms will vary from one person to the next. This is why you must get tested or consult a doctor the moment you feel unwell.
Japanese vocabulary can be difficult to learn, but practice makes perfect. This is part two of our ongoing pharmacy and hospital vocabulary cheat sheet so make sure you continue part one.
Conditions 症状 (しょうじょう shōjō)
Here are some keywords and phrases about the condition:
Japanese
Pronunciation
Meaning
気分が悪い
きぶん わる kibun ga warui
I do not feel well
熱がある
ねつ netsu ga aru
have a fever
体がだるい
からだ karada ga darui
body feels heavy
お腹が痛い
なか いた o naka ga itai
stomach hurts
腰痛
ようつう youtuu
back pain
風邪
かぜ kaze
cold
咳
せき seki
cough
くしゃみ
kushami
sneeze
喉が痛い
のど い nodo ga itai
throat hurts
めまい
memai
dizzy
吐き気がする
は け haki ke ga suru
feel nauseous
嘔吐
おうと outo
vomit
下痢
げり geri
diarrhea
便秘
べんぴ benpi
constipation
Example Sentences
Here is how to apply the terms into sentences:
Example 1:
By saying: ‘〇〇が具合悪いです。’
Pronunciation: ＿＿＿ga guai warui desu
It means: ‘My ______ does not feel well.’
Example 2:
By saying: ‘昨日からお腹が痛いです。’
Pronunciation: kinou kara onaka ga itaidesu.
It means: ‘My stomach hurts from yesterday.’
Scared to visit a hospital in Japan? Check out this cheat sheet to learn hospital-related vocabulary and boost your confidence in Japanese! Going to the hospital can be quite intimidating, especially when you are not sure half the stuff the medical staffs are saying. That is why we have included the pronunciation and meaning of the vocabulary, along with example sentences, to guide you for a smoother visit to the hospital.
It is a known fact that the Japanese have the highest lifespan expectancy globally due to their healthcare system. With high technological advancement, Japan offers superior medical services to patients.
Japanese vocabulary can be difficult to learn, but practice makes perfect. This is part one of our ongoing pharmacy and hospital vocabulary cheat sheet so make sure you continue part two.
Here is how those words can be used in conversational sentences:
Example 1:
By saying: ‘診察をお願いします。’
Pronunciation: shinsatsu wo onegaishimasu.
It means: ‘I would like to have a medical examination.’
Example 2:
By saying: ‘診察券と保険証を出して、順番にお待ちください。’
Pronunciation: shinsatsu to hokenshou wo dashite, junban ni omachikudasai
It means: ‘Please provide your registration and insurance card and wait for your turn.’
When you feel sick, or if an accident happens to you in Japan, you should go to a clinic or hospital. In this Kanji Worksheet, we will introduce to you some relevant kanji which you can use when you describe symptoms or medical problems.
If you are interested in studying Japanese, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Japan? For me, it’s definitely the Japanese hospitality! Oshibori! Imagine if you are really cold right now, what would be the thing you yearn for the most? Warmth! That’s right! Especially when you are cold and hungry, you will naturally head to a restaurant. Now imagine, you have just entered a restaurant and sat down. Your hands are cold and you need some time to adjust to the surrounding temperature. What would be something you want the most now? A time machine to make you settle down more quickly? No-no. Something more realistic, more practical, what would it be?
おしぼりOshibori! That’s it! That’s the thing you may be looking for!
Wait, what? Oshibori?
Oshibori is a neatly rolled wet towel that can be warm or cool depending on the weather. On a cold day, the towel would be warm while on a hot day, the towel would be cool. It is served for you to wipe your hands before your meal. Apart from hygiene purposes, it can also help you to settle down quickly, making your dining experience a more comfortable and enjoyable one!
Japan, being a country where customers are highly respected, a good customer service is expected from the industries, not excluding the food industry. Whenever a customer entered and sat down in a restaurant, Oshibori is quickly served to the customer, as an act of welcoming him. Japanese people are usually introverted and not good at expressing themselves. They are not confident in showing their heartfelt thoughts through facial expressions. Hence, Oshibori service would be ideal to show their appreciation towards their customers.
Immediately after you have sat down, a warm Oshibori is served to you. You unrolled the Oshibori and held it with both of your hands. The warmth of the Oshibori can be felt on your icy cold hands. How would you feel at this point in time? Wouldn’t you feel like patronizing this restaurant to enjoy such warming hospitality again?
And… How should I use Oshibori?
Please use it to clean your hands only! During summer, you can be perspiring and hope to cool yourself down with a cool towel. You may have the urge to freshen up by using the Oshibori to wipe your face and neck. Wait, STOP! Before you do so, think about how the Oshibori is washed and reused by the next customer. Would you still want to use the Oshibori knowing that the previous customer used it to wipe his face and neck? Of course not right! Hence, Oshibori is strictly used for hands only!
Oh and do not forget to thank the person who served you the Oshibori!
Just a simple ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) will do!
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
An Integral Part of the Japanese Service Industry
You might think “What is Omotenashi?”. With the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics rapidly approaching the word “Omotenashi” is being used by the media a lot more to promote Japanese hospitality. The meaning of Omotenashi goes way deeper than just providing outstanding hospitality as the original meaning is to entertain guests wholeheartedly. One only needs to reside in Japan for a short time to realize just how much attention to detail is paid across many sectors of the service industry. The Japanese proverb 「お客様は神様」(okyakusama wa kamisama) can be translated to “the customer is always right” but many in Japan will prefer the literal translation of “the customer is god”. The extent of this sentiment is highlighted in the service industry, when the sales associates address the customer by adding the honorific “O” and “-sama” to the beginning and end of kyaku (customer)respectively.
Some examples of the Omotenashi that you might experience in Japan are. A taxi driver automatically opens and closes the door for their passengers. A toothpick nicely wedged between the indentation of a pair of wooden chopsticks. Even the umbrella and bag holders placed within hand’s reach at a Japanese ATM. The cleaners of the Shinkansen, bowing to the passengers as they rush to clean the cars is also a famous expression of Omotenashi.
How did Omotenashi come about?
Visiting a Japanese department store opening in the morning is a ceremonial experience displaying Omotenashi at its finest. Every staff bows as you enter. The Japanese sense of hospitality is exemplified by a deeply rooted pride and effort in welcoming visitors to one’s business. Many historians trace the roots of Omotenashi all the way back to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The word is most often written in hiragana because there are several ways of writing it with kanji. On one hand omote would derive from the 表 character referring to a surface or carrying of something, while the 成 character consists of the meanings less or to accomplish something. Therefore, if the Japanese exhibit exquisite Omotenashi, they are expected to provide a service without expecting anything in return. On the other hand, Omotenashi would come from the verb “motsu”, 「持つ」, “to have”:
「お持て成し」. (omotenashi) – 親切なおもてなしを、ありがとうございました。(shinsetsuna omotenashi o, arigatōgozaimashita) – Thank you for your kind hospitality. – 心づくしのおもてなしを感謝します。(kokoro-zukushi no omotenashi o kansha shimasu) – Thank you very much for your hearty hospitality.
Conclusion
Finally, among the aspects that define Omotenashi, selflessness and anticipation are easy to highlight. The concept is all about offering the best service without the expectation of a reward. You abandon your interest for the benefit of your guest or your customer. That explains why in Japan, the culture of tipping is not the norm. Last but not least, a core idea of Omotenashi is to anticipate the needs of your guest. One of the best example is the water and the hot towel brought to you as you take your seat in a restaurant. To find out more about Japanese honorifics, check out this page. Click to tweet this article and share it with more Japanese learners!
Coto Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
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Saying sorry in Japanese is often much more than simply apologizing. Once you start living here and having daily conversations, you’ll notice that phrases like sumimasen(すみません) appear in situations where — from a Western point of view — a simple “thank you” might seem more appropriate. For example, if you hold the elevator door open for someone, they might respond with sumimasen instead of arigatou. This can be confusing at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the cultural nuance behind the phrase.
That is because in Japanese culture, apologies are not just about guilt — they’re a way to show humility, politeness, and consideration. And subsequently, there are many ways to say sorry, each with different levels of formality and subtle meaning. It’s good to understand the significance of each apology. In this article, we’ll look at the many ways to say sorry in Japanese, when to use each one, and how understanding these expressions can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.
Before we proceed with the article, please note that it will utilize hiragana, so prior knowledge of this script is necessary. If you’re still learning them, don’t worry. Take a look at our hiragana chart to review them.
The Culture of Apologizing in Japanese Society
As you might know, Japanese people are known for their collectiveness and emphasis on harmony and coexisting with others. Individuals are expected to be mindful of how their actions affect those around them and to take responsibility accordingly. This mindset is deeply woven into daily life, from how people express gratitude and greet each other to how they navigate both personal and professional relationships. Even if an individual is born with a unique set of personalities, in Japanese culture, the group comes before the individual. Because of this, harmony inside the group — which, in this case, is a society in general — should be maintained as much as possible.
In Japan, it’s expected to avoid causing meiwaku (迷惑), which means to trouble or annoy others, is one of the bases of Japanese politeness in public spaces. You can see it from small things, like people getting off their phone calls as soon as they go on public transport.
Being polite and courteous is the key to keeping social harmony intact in Japan. Along the way, people make “mistakes”.
Let’s revisit the elevator scenario. Why did the man say sumimasen instead of arigatou?
In Japanese, sumimasen isn’t just used to apologize — it also acknowledges that someone has gone out of their way for you. In this case, the man is essentially saying, “I’m sorry to have made you wait,” showing both apology and gratitude at the same time. That subtle mix of feelings is deeply rooted in Japanese communication.
In other words, it’s common for people in Japan to say sorry even for the smallest inconveniences. It’s a way of showing awareness of how your actions affect others — not just following social norms, but actively reflecting on them.
When Do I Need to Apologize in Japan?
1. When You Made a Mistake
This is obvious, but many of us might feign ignorance when we make a small mistake. It’s important to know that no matter how small, you need to give a genuine apology. Using respectful or humble Japanese form in particular when saying sorry, will come across as more intense.
2. When You’re Causing “Inconvenience”
When someone does a favor for you, like holding a door open and working an hour late to help you, it’s considered polite to “apologize” for causing an inconvenience.
3. When You Want to Show Appreciation
A lot of times, it’s acceptable — encouraged, even — to apologize to someone as a thankful gesture. It’s a way to show appreciation for someone who put thought and effort into you. Think of it like saying, “I’m sorry you have to go all this way for me.”
How to Apologize in Japanese: Everyday Use and Casual
When you accidentally step on your friend’s foot, we don’t expect you to do a full 90-degree bow and use very formal Japanese to apologize. It’s important to know that the Japanese language has several levels of formality, from casual to super polite. This all depends on who you’re talking to and the social context.
When you want to make a casual apology, we recommend using a casual Japanese form, or 丁寧語 (teinieigo). These versions of “I’m sorry” are more commonly used for everyday situations and small inconveniences.
For a deep dive into the difference between keigo (polite) and tameguchi (casual), head to our article here.
1. ごめんなさい (gomennasai): Sorry
The most common and straightforward way to apologize in Japanese comes in a lot of variations. Either way, be careful not to use it when you’re trying to apologize to your boss or superiors. While in English, there’s only one “sorry”, think of gomenasai as the most casual apology that translates directly to, well, sorry. If you want to add more sincerity, you can add the Japanese adverb 本当に:
本当にごめんなさい。 Hontou ni gomennasai. I am so sorry.
私のせいで、ごめんなさい。 Watashi no sei de, gomennasai. It was my fault, I’m sorry.
2. ごめんね (gomen ne): Sorry, man.
Now, this word is actually the shortened version of gomennasai, but you really need to use it with great caution. There’s a slightly playful and casual undertone when you use this. Depending on the situation too, it minimizes the intensity of your apology, so you shouldn’t use the phrase in a serious situation. You can say this when you bump on your friend or use their pen by mistake, but not when you accidentally kick a ball through your neighbor’s window.
Note: In casual conversations among friends, Japanese people usually omit particles like を or は.
3. すみません (sumimasen): Excuse me
People usually rotate between sumimasen and gommenasai, so what’s the difference? ごめんなさい (gomennasai) is strictly used to apologize for something you did wrong. すみません (sumimasen) is used to apologize, too, but the word itself is so much more versatile. In fact, sumimasen can be used for non-apologetic situations, like telling someone you’re passing by or letting them go ahead first when entering a room.
すみません、後ろに通ります。 Sumimasen, ushiro ni toorimasu. Excuse me, I’m passing from behind.
すみません、どうぞ。 Sumimasen, douzo. Excuse me, go ahead.
So while すみません often seems interchangeable with ごめんなさい, the prior is a broader expression. In terms of nuance, gomennasai has a slightly more apologetic tone to it.
4. 悪い (warui): My bad
Similar to gomen ne that we discussed above, 悪い (warui) is another casual way to say sorry in Japanese. You’re not directly apologizing. Rather, you’re acknowledging you did something wrong, like saying “My bad!” in English.
You should only use warui to apologize to friends and peers for non-serious matters. Think of this as slang words between two very good friends.
悪い悪い! Warui warui! My bad!
Instead of saying warui na, you might also hear people say 悪い悪い (warui warui), which has the same meaning. Doubling the word adds a more casual, conversational feel, like quickly saying “Sorry, sorry!” in English.
Formal Ways to Say Sorry in Japanese
Stepping on your friend’s foot is one thing, but sending the wrong email draft to your Japanese boss is another thing. In this scenario, you want to express how deeply sorry you are. Saying sorry in Japanese humble form will help intensify your apology.
Remember that when you use these phrases in a casual context, you’ll come across as sounding stiff or, worse, trying too hard. Only save these apologies for moments where you really mess up badly.
1. 申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen): What I did was inexcusable.
申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen) is perhaps the humblest and most formal way to say sorry in Japan. Literally, 申し訳 (moushiwake) means “excuse” or “reason,” and ございません is the humble, polite form of “there is not.” So, when put together, it roughly translates to “There is no excuse.”
There are other variations of moushi wake gozaimasen, depending on the level of formality you’d like to achieve. For example, ございません is the most polite form of ありません, so you can replace it when you feel like using gozaimasen feels too stiff.
申訳わけありません。 Moushi wake arimasen.
Other variations include:
大変申訳わけありませんでした. Taihen moushi wake arimasen deshita.
申し訳ない. Moushi wake nai. I’m sorry!
The word moushi wake nai is the same, but it’s a slightly more casual form than using ございません or ありません. You can use it when you’re trying to make a sincere (but still friendly) apology to your friends.
Unlike gomen nasai or warui, which are more casual apologies we discussed earlier, 申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen) is reserved for the most serious situations, often used in professional or formal settings. It expresses a deep sense of remorse and responsibility.
However, using this phrase for minor inconveniences—like accidentally bumping into a friend—can feel overly formal or excessive. In those cases, a lighter apology would be more appropriate.
2. ご迷惑をかけてすみません (gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen): I’m sorry to have caused you trouble
The Japanese word meiwaku can be built into an apology phrase in the event you have created an issue or trouble with someone. In the business context, this means in the event that you’re causing the slightest inconvenience to the other party. This phrase means, “I am deeply sorry to have caused you trouble.”
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。 Go meiwaku o okake shite moushi wake gozaimasen. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
The phrase above is a combination of ご迷惑 and 申し訳ございません, which further intensifies the apology. It is commonly used as a formal greeting in emails and announcements. Other variations include:
ご迷惑をかけてすみません。 Gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen.
ご迷惑めいわくをかけてごめんなさい。 Gomeiwaku o kakete gomennasai.
3. 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu): I’m sorry
Similar to sumimasen, 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) isn’t used as an actual apology, but as a way to excuse yourself. However, osoreirimasu is a more polite and formal way to say sumimasen.
Usually, the phrase 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) is followed by another sentence, connected by が to show contrast.
恐れ入りますが、おかわりを頂けますか？ Osore irimasu ga, okawari o itadakemasuka? Excuse me, but can I have another serving?
4. 謝罪いたします (shazai ita shimasu): I apologize
This is a formal way of apologizing. You’ll see politicians and celebrities saying this when they did something scandalous or needed to make a public apology. Sometimes, this is followed by a 90-degree bow.
5. ご面倒をお掛けして、すみません (gomendou o okakeshite, sumimasen): I’m sorry for the trouble
Similar to 迷惑, this variation of Japanese apology isn’t used when you’re actually begging for forgiveness. Instead, it’s a way to thank someone in Japanese for helping you. This is a formality when someone does something for you.
6. お詫び申し上げます (Owabi moushi agemasu): I apologize.
The word お詫び (owabi) means “I offer my deepest apologies.” This phrase is among the other things Japanese public figure says when they want to apologize to the public. Unlike 申訳わけありません (owabi moushi agemasu), お詫び申し上げます is a strictly formal form, and there’s no way to make it casual. It may even sound too stiff in conversations, so owabi moushi agemasu is mostly used in written language.
Fun fact: Owabi moushi agemasu is the chosen phrase used by Prime Minister Murayama in his infamous apology speech on behalf of Japan for their involvement in World War II.
There are alterations to change the level of humility owabi moushi agemasu. You can instead say:
お詫びいたします Owabi ita shimasu. I apologize.
7. 謝罪いたします (shazai itashimasu): I apologize
More commonly used in written form rather than speech, you should reserve this way of saying “I’m sorry” in Japanese for written statements in emails or letters to work, school or other formal recipients. It’s also quite a sincere apology.
The word shazai means ‘apology’, and itashimasu is the Japanese humble form of suru. This phrase translates to “I’m sorry for my actions.”
8. お許しください (o yurushi kudasai): Please forgive me.
If you’re already familiar with the Japanese language, kudasaiis used to make a request. The apology using お許しください (o yurushi kudasai) literally means, Please forgive me in Japanese. Unlike casual apologies, o yurushi kudasai carries a tone of earnestness and respect, making it suitable for situations where you want to show deep remorse and hope for understanding.
This can be both a formal and informal way to say sorry. If you want to use it to apologize to a friend or peer, you would say 許してください (yurushite kudasai).
9. 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu): I regret (what I have done)
The word 反省 means regret, and しております is the humble form of ~ている. Hansei can also be replaced by 後悔, but both are accepted as a heartfelt way to say sorry in Japanese: by showing regret. The phrases 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu) and 後悔しております (koukai shite orimasu) are heartfelt but polite ways to say sorry in Japanese.
You can switch the しております with しています to make the phrase less formal, but it’s unlikely you’ll use it in everyday situations.
10. 勘弁してください (かんべんして ください): Please show me mercy
This one might sound funny. No one in modern-day society asks someone to show “mercy” when they did something wrong unless they’re being threatened. The word kanben (勘弁) means ‘forgiveness’ or ‘pardon’, but it’s more intense than 許して (yurushite).
However, you’ve probably heard this in anime or drama. Don’t use it for half-urgent situations, because you might sound like you’re trying too hard to apologize.
11. 合わせる顔がない (あわせる かおが ない): I cannot face you
This can also be read as “I am too embarrassed to face you.”
The expression can be used interchangeably with 弁解の余地がない, but it’s mostly used when apologizing via text or email, hence the “too embarrassed to face you” meaning.
12. べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai): There’s no excuse
べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai) translates to “there’s no excuse” or “I have no excuse.” It’s a formal yet heartfelt way to apologize, often used when you want to express sincere remorse for a serious mistake.
Like many formal Japanese apologies, you should reserve this for only the most dire situations, like when you have made a major error at work or in personal relationships.
Other Variations of “I’m Sorry” in Japanese
By now, you’re probably tired of us mentioning, “This phrase is not used to actually apologize.” In fact, most of the time you hear someone apologize in Japanese is unnecessary, as they’re not making a mistake of any sort.
Granted, the Japanese culture places great importance on avoiding inconvenience. Here are a couple of other ‘apologies’ that are considered polite to use as part of social etiquette.
1. 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu): Pardon me
The phrase “ 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu)” is used in a variety of contexts, although the meaning strays from its original use. The expression literally translates to “I’m being rude.” 失礼 means rude or impolite.
You don’t say this when you are in the wrong. Shitsurei shimasu is a form of apology when you’re trying to be polite or excuse yourself. For example, when you enter a room, you will knock and say “失礼します” to apologize for the interruption. If you have to answer an important phone call during a meeting or dinner, you will excuse yourself with 失礼します.
If you do want to use this phrase to say sorry, it’s best to use it in the past tense: shitsurei shimashita.
この間は、失礼しました. Kono aida wa, shitsurei shimashita. I am sorry for the other day.
Say you bumped into a coworker at the office whom you’re unfamiliar with and knocked the binder right out of his arms. While helping him pick it up, you’d say これは失礼しました.
An interesting use of of失礼しました is more commonly heard in the office situation, when you’re going inside the office and when you’re leaving your workplace. When you finish your tasks early, leaving your co-workers behind, you say:
お先に失礼します。 Osaki ni shitsureishimasu! Sorry for leaving before everyone else!
For a more in-depth explanation of the Japanese business お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu), head to this article.
2. お邪魔します(Ojama shimasu): Pardon the intrusion.
お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) literally means “pardon the intrusion.” While it’s not technically an apology phrase, it carries a similar nuance of politeness and consideration. The word 邪魔 means “hindrance” or “obstacle”. お邪魔します literally means, “I am intruding”, but in many contexts, this is interpreted as “Forgive me for intruding.”
When do you use ojama shimasu? Japanese people use it when they are visiting another person’s home or office room. When you’re leaving the room, you can also use its past tense.
お邪魔しました. Ojama shimashita. Pardon me for intruding (before).
Another way of reading this is as “Excuse me for disturbing you” or “Sorry for interrupting you.” It can also be used when calling someone on the phone.
Saying Sorry in Japanese for Specific Scenarios
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say sorry in Japanese and when to use each phrase, let’s explore how to apply them in real-life situations
1. When you want to say thank you in Japanese
In Japanese, it’s quite common to use apology phrases like すみません (sumimasen) or 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) to express gratitude, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or caused some inconvenience on your behalf.
This usage might seem confusing at first because these phrases literally mean “I’m sorry,” but culturally, they also carry a sense of “thank you for the trouble” or “thank you for your effort.”
To offer condolences, a common phrase is ご愁傷様です (goshuushou-sama desu), which literally means “I’m sorry for your loss.” It’s a respectful and appropriate expression for many situations.
To further convey sincerity, you might add 心からお悔やみ申し上げます (Kokoro kara o-kuyami mōshiagemasu), which means “please accept my sincerest condolences.”
3. When you want to decline an offer
Another common reason to say sorry in Japan is when you’re offered something or invited somewhere but need to decline. Since it’s very polite to make an offer or invitation, simply saying “no” without any apology can come across as rude or inconsiderate.
Another situation where you might apologize is when you’re offered food but don’t want to eat it. Food and hospitality hold special meaning in Japan, so declining can feel delicate. In these cases, you can say すみません.
How to properly say sorry in Japanese: Manners and gestures
In Japan, apologizing goes far beyond just saying the words. You’ve probably seen politicians or public figures issue a formal apology speech and then finish with a deep, 90-degree bow. This gesture, known as ojigi (お辞儀), is a crucial part of expressing sincere regret in Japanese culture.
A light mistake may only require a simple nod of the head or a slight bow of about 15 degrees. However, for serious offenses — like causing a major loss to your company — a formal deep bow is expected. These bows can range from 30 to 90 degrees, with the depth reflecting how grave the situation is. There is also an extreme form of apology called dogeza (土下座), where you kneel and bow deeply to the ground, showing the utmost humility. This gesture is rarely used in daily life today and is mostly seen in manga, anime, or historical contexts.
You may notice public figures and everyday people apologizing repeatedly. While not a strict rule, this repetition emphasizes sincerity and humility. Saying sorry multiple times helps show that the person truly acknowledges their mistake and regrets any inconvenience caused.
Conclusion: Master apologizing in Japanese
Alright! This guide is longer than we expected, but we just want to make sure we have everything covered. Now that you know the basics of apologizing in Japanese, make sure you’re ready for the appropriate response the next time you do something wrong — or right.
There’s a lot more to the list on how to say “I’m sorry” in Japanese. Like Japanese culture, we’re just scraping the surface. Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?
If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here or fill out the application form.
FAQ
How do you say “I’m sorry” in Japanese?
You can say ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) to apologize sincerely.
What is sumimasen in Japanese?
すみません (sumimasen) means “I’m sorry,” “excuse me,” or “thank you” depending on context.
What is shitsurei shimasu in Japanese?
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) means “excuse me” or “sorry for the interruption,” often used when entering or leaving a room.
What is moushiwake arimasen in Japanese?
申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) is a very formal way to say “I’m truly sorry” or “I have no excuse.”
English teaching in Japan is one of the most common jobs for foreigners, but other career fields and roles surprisingly don’t require a high level of Japanese. That said, you do need some level of basic-to-intermediate speaking skills to live comfortably in Japan.
While many jobs in Japan require fluency in Japanese, there are still plenty of opportunities available for non-Japanese speakers. Thanks to Japan’s increasing globalization and demand for international talent, you can now find jobs in industries like tech, hospitality, design, and more where little to no Japanese is required. In this article, we’ll explore 11 jobs you can land in Japan without needing Japanese fluency, and what you’ll need to get started.
Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients and open up new career opportunities!
Can I Really Work in Japan Without Knowing Any Japanese?
The short answer is yes, you can get a job without needing Japanese, and that job doesn’t have to be an English teacher.
You might have more limited options, and your opportunities depend largely on your skills and the current job market trend. The IT industry, for example, is one of the largest industries in the Japanese economy. The Japan Times estimated that the country would face a shortage of 600,000 IT-related professionals by 2030. A lot of companies are eager to hire foreign IT workers as a solution. If you have a background or knowledge in tech, recruiters in top companies are willing to hire you from overseas and sponsor your stay in Japan, even if you don’t necessarily have a high level of Japanese language skills.
It’s relatively easy to get accepted as an English teacher, ALT, and eikaiwa teacher if you come from an English-speaking country. There are plenty of opportunities in a lot of industries, even if you only speak English. In fact, a lot of foreigners, who’ve lived here for more than 10 years, can’t speak Japanese.
There’s a catch, though: you’re closing a lot of doors if you don’t bother to learn at least conversational-level Japanese. Live here long enough, and eventually, you will realize that you can miss out on getting promotions and attractive job offers.
Even a decent conversational level or the ability to speak Japanese confidently (which is the focus of Coto Academy), can widen your job opportunities. Even if that job doesn’t require Japanese, showing that you are learning will give you a good impressionand open more career opportunities.
English-speaking Jobs in Japan With No Japanese Required
We’ll be covering jobs that fall under the Engineer/Humanities visa, or the 技術/人文知識/国際業務 (gijutsu/jinbun-chishiki/kokusai-gyoumu). Most professional jobs fall under this category because they include fields like human resources, accounting, tech, marketing, and sales.
What we won’t cover are the jobs under the Specified Skills Visa, or 特定技能ビザ (tokutei ginou bisa). The type of jobs you do on this type of visa are work-related tasks, like construction, automobile maintenance, food service, hospitality, and nursing care. We won’t be recommending blue-collar and part-time jobs.
1. Recruiter and Consultant Job in Japan
A career at an international consulting firm in Japan is attractive to foreigners for a few reasons. Generally, even if you are a fresh graduate, you will still receive a higher base salary.
It’s also one of the most popular options for foreigners who want to change their careers. This is because it’s possible to become a recruiter without any prior experience or relevant background. You don’t need a relevant degree like human resources, psychology, or communication, although that’s always a plus point. Instead, hiring managers and recruiting companies decide on the right candidate based on their soft skills: negotiation, strong communication, confidence, and critical thinking.
Most of all, you don’t need Japanese language ability to be a recruiter. Most of your clients will be bilingual, and most of the consulting firm’s databases are managed in English. In fact, you should be able to speak it well, because negotiations are done in English.
The life of a consultant is coveted and competitive. Rather than HR, think of recruiters as a sales job. To be a top biller, you need to be able to thrive under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. But it’s extremely rewarding, too.
The annual starting salary is typically 3.6 million JPY, but the number can go up depending on the size and contract of your company. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include your bonuses yet. If you perform well, you can easily double and triple your income.
Top consulting firms in Japan are Robert Walters, Michael Page and Hays, but you will also find mid to smaller-sized recruitment companies.
You can also be an internal recruiter for global and international companies, so always check the “Careers” page of your dream company. There might be an open position for talent acquisition specialists in Japan.
2. Creative and Marketing Roles in Japan
With Japan’s growth as both a travel destination and an economic hub, many companies are now turning their attention to previously untapped markets: global and non-Japanese audiences. Some are expanding their brand presence overseas, while others are adapting their services for foreigners living in Japan, creating demand for skilled professionals who can localize and market effectively in either (or even both!) directions.
As a result, depending on the company, you might see a demand for international talent that can focus on global outreach. Marketing and advertising agencies in Japan like Humble Bunny, which is an expert in helping companies localize for the Japanese market, actively seek bilingual or English-speaking marketers or project managers to help bridge cultural and communication gaps.
3. Real Estate Jobs in Japan
To buy a house, invest in a property, or hunt for an apartment, you have to deal with real estate agents and go through rigorous procedures — all in Japanese. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, so there was high demand for English-speaking housing agents.
Now, a lot of real estate companies provide multilingual support, including English. Some of them exclusively specialize in handling foreign clients.
There was a high demand for English-speaking housing agents in Japan. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, and a big chunk of them have trouble going to the typical Japanese real estate company. With travel restrictions and borders easing, we can expect a surge of newcomers and returning international residents.
Now, you can find real estate agencies that specialize in finding an apartment for foreigners, which is where you can come in. Usually, experience in real estate brokerage transactions is preferred, but a lot of companies welcome candidates with relevant experience.
Another attractive feature is the commission system, too. Top salespeople can earn up to 20 million JPY as compensation.
4. English Teaching Jobs in Japan
The first thing that comes to mind when you put “English” and “jobs in Japan” together is “English teacher”. In order to teach English in Japan, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to education. Teaching certifications, like the TEFL, are preferred but generally not required.
You can’t group all English teachers the same.
1. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
More than half of the English teachers in Japan are ALTs. As an ALT, you’re not in charge of teaching the whole class. Rather, you’re working with the Japanese teacher at the school you’re assigned to. Your role is to become the language instructor and “cultural ambassador”.
You don’t need any educational license, master’s degree or relevant education degree to be an ALT.
2. Eikaiwa Teacher
Eikaiwa is an English conversation school, and the students can either be children or adults. The word “Eikaiwa” stems from 英 or “Ei” (English) and 会話 or “Kaiwa” (Conversation). Giant Eikaiwa companies include NOVA, ECC, AEON, Berlitz or Peppy Kids Club.
3. Private school or university teacher
Salaries for ALT and Eikawa teachers are decent, but not the best. In terms of a career within the education industry in Japan, becoming a full-time teacher at a private school or university is your best bet to nail a higher salary and better career progression.
There are over 700 universities in Japan, and some of them have an English learning program. Schools will often require you to have at least a master’s degree in education, alongside TEFL or TESOL, and even prior teaching experience.
Other than the above, you can become an English teacher for adults or for kindergartens.
Here are some popular job sites to search for English:
There’s no denying that Japan is facing an IT shortage, so having a background in IT can seriously make you a sought-after candidate. You can find more than 100 programming jobs on job platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor alone, and it’s easy to see why. Japan’s IT industry takes about 3% of the world market, and all companies, regardless if they’re traditional Japanese or international, need web designers, developers, and IT professionals.
Because of this lopsided supply-demand IT job market situation, requirements for the Japanese language are relatively low, sometimes none at all. Startup and unicorn companies like Mercari and Zehitomo hire tech engineers from overseas. Japanese technology group NEC partnered with Persol Career and has provided an app that matches companies in Japan with Indian tech engineers.
Tokyo Dev, one of the leading IT job sites in Japan, did a survey of more than 435 software engineers living in Japan. The average salary is 8.5 million yen per year, which is almost half more than what the average worker in Japan makes (6.2 million yen).
Out of all of them, only a third can speak Japanese fluently, and 80% of these employees use English as the primary language to communicate with their coworkers.
Note that even though there is a big pool of vacant engineering and tech positions, the roles are still coveted. You will need to be adept in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python (all common coding languages), but some corporations may use TypeScript, C++, and SQL.
Here are some popular job sites that are specifically for IT and tech-related roles in Japan:
In 2019 (pre-COVID), Japan recorded 8 million overseas travelers. Urban centers like Tokyo and famous holiday destinations are generally more foreign-friendly. Besides English-speaking Japanese staff, some hotels will have native customer support employees: front desk agents, chefs, PR staff, and general managers. If you can bring relevant experience and background to the table, check out the job listings on Career Cross and Daijob.
Another great way to look for job vacancies is by exploring the career section of each company’s website. Global hotel chains will also do internal transfers or approach prospective candidates themselves.
7. Customer Service Positions in Japan
Responsibilities of a customer service staff include resolving customer queries, recommending solutions, and guiding service users through features and functionalities. To be successful in this role, you should be an excellent communicator. Generally, Japan-based companies favor bilingual customer service, but if you’re a mid-career professional, there are open positions that require little Japanese: supervisors, site directors, managers.
If a company deals with a large volume of foreign customers, it may hire. You can find customer service job advertisements in Japan in recruitment agencies like Michael Page, Hays, and Robert Walters.
8. Graphic, Product, or Creative Designer Career in Japan
Designers are also in high-demand jobs in Japan at the moment. Whether it’sa UI/UX specialist, a graphic designer, or a product designer, your main selling point will be your hard skills and portfolio. General requirements include knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator, but some companies may require advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (depending on the position). You can find more job listings on Google.
9. Study Abroad Staff in Japan
Currently, Japan is restricting the number of foreign students who can enter from their home countries (subject to change). The industry might be in a lull right now, but things are starting to pick back up.
Usually, you can go and live in Japan as a student in two ways: independent application, where you find a university and apply directly, or through an agent. Companies like Coto School Finder help foreign students apply for a school in a Japanese language school and a student visa. Besides that, they provide additional support, like helping you find an apartment or share a house.
Because they are dealing with international students, these agencies are not just looking for English-speaking staff, but native Korean, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian student coordinators, too.
Universities in Japan with an English track program — or at least those that deal with a large volume of foreign students — will also hire foreigners to manage their students.
Where to Find Jobs in Japan that Don’t Require Japanese
The best chance to get a career in Japan that doesn’t require high Japanese skills is through browsing job posting sites and hiring platforms like LinkedIn, GlassDoor, Jobs in Japan, Career Cross, and GaijinPot Jobs. Check out some of the best foreigner-friendly job hunting sites in Japan for more options.
Besides that, we recommend that you do your own research. Find out about the industry and look for companies that you might like. Visit their website. Most companies have a designated Careers page (“Work with Us”, “Careers”).
If you have more years of experience in your pocket working in a niche industry (like healthcare, automotive, or infrastructure), approach a recruiter. They deal with highly specialized positions that are often mid-career or even at C-levels, so you have a better chance of being matched with a potential job in a top company that is willing to negotiate your terms and salary.
Want to Boost Your Career in Japan? Take Japanese Lessons at Coto Academy
While there are jobs in Japan besides English teaching, your options might still be limited. The best way to boost your career prospects in Japan is by improving your Japanese skills!
Why not take Japanese lessons at Coto Academy and open more doors for your career? With locations in Shibuya, Yokohama, and online, our classes are designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. Discover how we can help you achieve your Japanese language goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we offer a free Japanese level check to guide you on the right path.
FAQ
Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes, it’s possible to find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese, especially in industries like IT, design, hospitality, and international sales. However, your options may be more limited compared to fluent speakers, and most of these roles are in global companies or startups.
What kind of jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese?
Jobs in tech (like software engineering, UI/UX design), translation/localization (for your native language), content creation, digital marketing, international customer support, and even certain hospitality roles at international hotels may not require Japanese.
Do I need a visa to work in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes, you’ll still need a valid work visa. Most companies that hire non-Japanese speakers will sponsor your visa if you meet the job and education requirements. Common visa types include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.
How can I find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese?
You can check job boards like Japan Dev, GaijinPot Jobs, Jobs in Japan, and LinkedIn. Filtering for “No Japanese Required” or “English-only” will help narrow down your search.
Where can I study Business Japanese?
You can study Business Japanese with Coto Academy. Coto offers flexible Business Japanese courses designed for working professionals, covering everything from keigo (honorific language) to real-world business situations like meetings, emails, and presentations.
Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like:
If you’re preparing for the JLPT N3 or just stepping into intermediate-level Japanese, you’re entering an exciting stage. The JLPT N3 vocabulary list includes around 3,750 words, which contain a mix of practical terms you’ll encounter in everyday conversations, at school, in the workplace, and even in formal settings.
While N3 is often considered one of the more challenging JLPT levels, with a passing rate of only around 40%, success is absolutely within reach. The key lies in building a solid vocabulary foundation, mastering the 650 kanji that may appear, and staying consistent with mock exams and listening practice.
To help you stay on track, we’ve created a complete JLPT N3 vocabulary list, thoughtfully organized by theme.
Note: This list includes only new vocabulary introduced at the JLPT N3 level. It does not cover words already studied in JLPT N4 and N5. If you’re just starting out or need a refresher, be sure to check out our full JLPT N4 Vocabulary List and JLPT N5 Vocabulary List to build a strong foundation before moving on.
Pass the JLPT with Coto Academy!
Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.
Nouns, or meishi (名詞), make up a large portion of the vocabulary you’ll learn at the JLPT N3 vocabulary. In this list, we’ve sorted them alphabetically for easier reference.
circle, full (month), perfection, purity, suffix for ship names
丸
まる
circle, perfection, suffix for ship names
満足
まんぞく
satisfaction
身
み
body, main part, oneself, sword
身
み
body, oneself
実
み
fruit, result
見送り
みおくり
send-off
味方
みかた
ally
見事
みごと
splendid, admirable
見舞い
みまい
enquiry, expression of sympathy
土産
みやげ
souvenir
都
みやこ
capital
明後日
みょうごにち
day after tomorrow
皆
みんな
all,everyone,everybody
無
む
nothing, naught, nil, zero
無
む
nothing, none
迎え
むかえ
meeting, welcome
虫歯
むしば
cavity, tooth decay
無駄
むだ
futility,uselessness
夢中
むちゅう
trance,ecstasy,delirium
胸
むね
breast,chest
無料
むりょう
free, no charge
芽
め
sprout
明確
めいかく
clarity (noun use)
命令
めいれい
command
迷惑
めいわく
nuisance
飯
めし
(sl) meals,food
綿
めん
cotton, padding
綿
めん
cotton
免許
めんきょ
license
申し訳
もうしわけ
excuse
毛布
もうふ
blanket
目標
もくひょう
mark, objective, target
木曜
もくよう
Thursday
木曜
もくよう
Thursday
文字
もじ
character
基
もと
basis
元
もと
origin
素
もと
prime
物語
ものがたり
story, legend
物事
ものごと
things
模様
もよう
pattern
文句
もんく
phrase, complaint
文句
もんく
complaint, phrase
文字
もんじ
letter (of alphabet), character
文字
もんじ
character (written)
役
やく
role, position
約
やく
approximately
役割
やくわり
role
家賃
やちん
rent
厄介
やっかい
trouble, burden, care
厄介
やっかい
trouble, burden, care, bother
宿
やど
inn
唯一
ゆいいつ
only, sole, unique
唯一
ゆいいつ
only, unique
勇気
ゆうき
courage
有効
ゆうこう
validity
友情
ゆうじょう
friendship
友人
ゆうじん
friend
有能
ゆうのう
capable
郵便
ゆうびん
mail,postal service
床
ゆか
floor
床
ゆか
floor
愉快
ゆかい
pleasant
行き
ゆき
going
輸出
ゆしゅつ
export
輸入
ゆにゅう
importation,import,introduction
夜
よ
evening, night
夜明け
よあけ
dawn
様
よう
way,manner
要求
ようきゅう
demand
用心
ようじん
care, precaution, guarding, caution
様子
ようす
appearance
様子
ようす
aspect, state, appearance
要素
ようそ
element
要点
ようてん
main point, gist
曜日
ようび
day of the week
予期
よき
expectation
予算
よさん
estimate, budget
予算
よさん
budget
予測
よそく
prediction, estimation
世の中
よのなか
society, the world
予報
よほう
forecast
予防
よぼう
prevention
読み
よみ
reading
余裕
よゆう
surplus, composure, margin
余裕
よゆう
surplus, composure, margin, room, time, allowance, scope, rope
喜び
よろこび
joy
四
よん
four
楽
らく
ease, comfort
利益
りえき
profit, gain
理解
りかい
understanding
陸
りく
six (used in legal documents)
理想
りそう
ideal
率
りつ
rate, ratio, proportion, percentage
留学
りゅうがく
study abroad
流行
りゅうこう
trend, fashion
量
りょう
quantity, amount
料金
りょうきん
fee
礼
れい
gratitude
例
れい
example
礼儀
れいぎ
manners, etiquette
冷静
れいせい
composure
列
れつ
queue,line,row
列車
れっしゃ
train
連想
れんそう
association (of ideas), suggestion
労働
ろうどう
labor, work
論争
ろんそう
controversy, dispute
論争
ろんそう
controversy, dispute
論文
ろんぶん
thesis, paper
論文
ろんぶん
thesis, essay, treatise, paper
輪
わ
ring, circle
別れ
わかれ
parting, farewell
脇
わき
side
脇
わき
side
綿
わた
cotton
話題
わだい
topic
話題
わだい
topic, subject
笑い
わらい
laugh, laughter, smile
笑い
わらい
laughter
悪口
わるくち
abuse, slander
我々
われわれ
we
我々
われわれ
we
湾
わん
bay
湾
わん
bay, gulf, inlet
.
JLPT N3 Verb
Now that you have learned some nouns, the next will be Japanese verb. JLPT N3 level, you’ll start seeing a wider variety of them, including more complex conjugations, formal expressions, and verbs used in both casual and professional settings.
This is also where you might be introduced to many compound verbs and more nuanced transitive or intransitive pairs.
In this list, we’ve organized verbs alphabetically. But as you study, it’s helpful to group them by function or form, such as る-verbs, う-verbs, irregular verbs, or by usage patterns like potential form, passive, or causative.
Japanese
Kana
English Translation
できる
―
to be able to
愛する
あいする
to love
明ける
あける
to dawn, to become daylight
与える
あたえる
to give
暖かい（い-adj）
あたたかい
warm, mild
当たる
あたる
to be hit
扱う
あつかう
to handle
当てる
あてる
to hit
浴びる
あびる
to bathe, to shower
表す
あらわす
to express, to reveal
有る
ある
to be, to have
抱く
いだく
to hold, to embrace
頂く
いただく
to receive (humble)
至る
いたる
to reach
祝う
いわう
to celebrate
引退
いんたい
to retire
受け取る
うけとる
to receive
動かす
うごかす
to move, to shift
失う
うしなう
to lose
疑う
うたがう
to doubt, to distrust, to be suspicious of
撃つ
うつ
to attack
移す
うつす
to move, to infect
訴える
うったえる
to sue, appeal
うなる
うなる
to groan
奪う
うばう
to snatch away
売れる
うれる
to be sold
描く
えがく
to draw, paint
得る
える・うる
to obtain
追い付く
おいつく
to catch up, to overtake
追う
おう
to chase
応じる
おうじる
to respond
終える
おえる
to finish
覆う
おおう
to cover
恐れる
おそれる
to fear
劣る
おとる
to be inferior
溺れる
おぼれる
to drown
及ぼす
およぼす
to exert, to cause
居る
おる
to be (animate)
下す
おろす
to lower
降ろす
おろす
to take down, to drop
飼う
かう
to raise
換える
かえる
to exchange
替える
かえる
to replace, to exchange
抱える
かかえる
to carry (in arms)
輝く
かがやく
to shine, to glitter
罹る
かかる
to suffer
掛かる
かかる
to take (time/money), to hang
限る
かぎる
to limit
描く
かく
to draw
隠す
かくす
to hide
隠れる
かくれる
to hide, to disappear
欠ける
かける
to be lacking
囲む
かこむ
to surround, to encircle
稼ぐ
かせぐ
to earn
数える
かぞえる
to count
語る
かたる
to talk
被る
かぶる
to suffer
刈る
かる
to cut (hair), to mow (grass), to harvest
感じる
かんじる
to feel
関する
かんする
to concern
効く
きく
to be effective
気付く
きづく
to notice
食う
くう
to eat (vulgar, male)
暮らす
くらす
to live, to get along
狂う
くるう
to go mad, to get out of order
加える
くわえる
to add
決定する
けっていする
to determine
行動する
こうどうする
to act, to behave
凍る
こおる
to freeze
越す
こす
to go over, to pass
異なる
ことなる
to differ
断る
ことわる
to refuse, to decline
好む
このむ
to like
殺す
ころす
to kill
転ぶ
ころぶ
to fall
叫ぶ
さけぶ
to shout, to cry
避ける
さける
to avoid, to ward off, to avert
支える
ささえる
to support
指す
さす
to point, to put up umbrella, to play
誘う
さそう
to invite, to tempt
覚ます
さます
to awaken
覚める
さめる
to wake up
従う
したがう
to obey, to follow, to accompany
支配する
しはいする
to control
支払う
しはらう
to pay
しまう
しまう
to finish
示す
しめす
to show
占める
しめる
to occupy, to account for
処理する
しょりする
to process
信頼する
しんらいする
to trust
空く
すく
to be empty
救う
すくう
to rescue from, to help out of
優れる
すぐれる
to excel
勧める
すすめる
to recommend
進める
すすめる
to advance, to promote
済ませる
すませる
to finish
注ぐ
そそぐ
to pour
育つ
そだつ
to grow up
備える
そなえる
to provide
対する
たいする
to confront
倒す
たおす
to beat, to bring down
確かめる
たしかめる
to confirm
助ける
たすける
to help
戦う
たたかう
to fight
叩く
たたく
to strike
立ち上がる
たちあがる
to stand up
経つ
たつ
to pass, to lapse
黙る
だまる
to be silent
頼る
たよる
to rely on, to depend on
通じる
つうじる
to communicate, lead to
捕まる
つかまる
to be caught
就く
つく
to take (position), to settle in
注ぐ
つぐ
to pour (into), to irrigate, to pay
付ける
つける
to attach, to join, to add, to append
繋ぐ
つなぐ
to connect
出会う
であう
to meet by chance
適する
てきする
to suit
通り過ぎる
とおりすぎる
to pass through
解く
とく
to unfasten
解ける
とける
to come untied
届く
とどく
to reach
飛ばす
とばす
to skip over, to omit
留める
とめる
to fasten, to turn off
取れる
とれる
to come off
流す
ながす
to drain
眺める
ながめる
to view, to gaze at
流れる
ながれる
to stream, to flow
怠ける
なまける
to neglect
悩む
なやむ
to be troubled, to worry
成る
なる
to become
為る
なる
to become
似合う
にあう
to suit, to match
握る
にぎる
to grasp, to mold (sushi)
濡れる
ぬれる
to get wet
願う
ねがう
to desire, to wish, to request
残す
のこす
to leave
除く
のぞく
to remove
伸ばす
のばす
to lengthen, to stretch, to grow (beard)
伸びる
のびる
to stretch
昇る
のぼる
to rise, ascend
計る
はかる
to measure
吐く
はく
to vomit
履く
はく
to wear (lower body)
外す
はずす
to remove
罰する
ばっする
to punish
話し合う
はなしあう
to discuss
放す
はなす
to release
離す
はなす
to separate
離れる
はなれる
to separate
省く
はぶく
to omit
貼る
はる
to stick, paste
引っ張る
ひっぱる
to pull
広がる
ひろがる
to spread
含む
ふくむ
to include
防ぐ
ふせぐ
to defend
振る
ふる
to shake
震える
ふるえる
to shiver
触れる
ふれる
to touch
吠える
ほえる
to bark, to roar
微笑む
ほほえむ
to smile
任せる
まかせる
to entrust
増す
ます
to increase, to grow
学ぶ
まなぶ
to learn
招く
まねく
to invite
守る
まもる
to protect, to obey
満ちる
みちる
to be full, to expire
見る
みる
to see
向く
むく
to face
向ける
むける
to turn toward
結ぶ
むすぶ
to tie, bind
申し込む
もうしこむ
to apply
燃える
もえる
to burn
持ち上げる
もちあげる
to raise, to lift up
戻す
もどす
to return
基づく
もとづく
to be based on
貰う
もらう
to receive
雇う
やとう
to hire
言う
ゆう
to say
譲る
ゆずる
to hand over
許す
ゆるす
to allow
酔う
よう
to get drunk
横切る
よこぎる
to cross
止す
よす
to quit
論じる
ろんじる
to argue, to debate
分ける
わける
to divide
割る
わる
to divide, to cut, to break, to halve
JLPT N3 Adjectives
Before diving in, make sure you’re already familiar with the difference between い-adjectives and な-adjectives, as JLPT N3-level adjectives go beyond the usual simple words like “kawaii” or “senpai.”
As always, list is organized alphabetically for easy reference, but for more effective study, try grouping adjectives by themes such as feelings, appearance, or degree.
Japanese
Kana
English Translation
かわいらしい
–
lovely
うまい
–
delicious
かわいそう
–
pitiable
いい
–
good
もっとも
–
natural, most reasonable
すてき
–
lovely, dreamy
きつい
―
tight, intense
愛する
あいする
to love
暖かい
あたたかい
warm
新た
あらた
new
偉大
いだい
great
うるさい
うるさい
noisy, fussy
嬉しい
うれしい
happy
穏やか
おだやか
calm, gentle
快適
かいてき
comfortable
賢い
かしこい
wise
硬い
かたい
hard
完全
かんぜん
perfect
気の毒
きのどく
pitiful
奇妙
きみょう
strange
巨大
きょだい
gigantic
臭い
くさい
odour, stench
苦しい
くるしい
painful, difficult
濃い
こい
thick, dense, strong
高価
こうか
high-priced
豪華
ごうか
wonderful, gorgeous, splendor, pomp, extravagance
最終
さいしゅう
last, final
最低
さいてい
least, worst
親しい
したしい
intimate
重大
じゅうだい
serious, important
上等
じょうとう
superior
新鮮
しんせん
fresh
慎重
しんちょう
prudent, cautious
すごい
すごい
amazing, terrific
素晴らしい
すばらしい
wonderful
鋭い
するどい
sharp, pointed
正
せい
regular, correct
正確
せいかく
accurate
積極的
せっきょくてき
proactive
粗末
そまつ
crude
大抵
たいてい
usually
単なる
たんなる
mere
辛い
つらい
painful
適切
てきせつ
appropriate
典型的（な）
てんけいてき
typical (implied from 典型)
得意
とくい
proud/specialty
苦手
にがて
poor at, dislike
激しい
はげしい
violent, intense
必死
ひっし
desperate (can be treated as na-adjective)
等しい
ひとしい
equal
不自由
ふじゆう
inconvenient (also noun)
不利
ふり
disadvantageous
豊富
ほうふ
abundant
真面目
まじめ
serious, honest (also noun)
貧しい
まずしい
poor, needy
真っ赤
まっか
deep red
真っ直ぐ
まっすぐ
straight
満ちる
みちる
to be full, to expire
妙
みょう
strange
面倒
めんどう
troublesome
有利
ゆうり
advantageous
豊か
ゆたか
abundant
よい
よい
good, nice, pleasant
容易
ようい
easy, simple
宜しい
よろしい
(hon) good, OK
立派
りっぱ
splendid, fine
冷静
れいせい
calm
JLPT N3 Adverb
Adverbs play a key role in adding detail and nuance to your sentences, helping you describe how, when, where, and to what extent actions occur. In JLPT N# vocabulary, you’ll find a wider range of adverbs that let you express subtle differences in timing, frequency, degree, and manner
Other JLPT N3 Vocabulary: Particles, Loanwords, Expressions
The JLPT N3 vocabulary section doesn’t just test your knowledge of word meanings. Ot also challenges your understanding of context and appropriate usage. This means you’ll encounter not only individual words but also common expressions and set phrases.
In addition, we group loanwords (often written in katakana) here, even though most of them are nouns. The good news is that if you already know English, learning these loanwords can be much easier since many are borrowed directly from English or other languages.
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Join the hundreds of successful students who’ve improved their JLPT results with Coto. See our past JLPT success rate story.
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FAQ
How many words are in JLPT N3?
JLPT N3 vocabulary includes about 3,500 to 3,750 words. This typically includes vocabulary you have learned in JLPT N5 and JLPT N4.
How many kanji should I study for JLPT N3?
You should study approximately 600 to 650 kanji for JLPT N3.
Typically, JLPT N3 can help you get part-time jobs that require intermediate Japanese, but it may not be enough for many full-time professional positions. For that, you would typically need JLPT N2 and above.
Yes, with focused and consistent study, passing the JLPT N3 in 5 months is definitely achievable. This requires setting a clear study schedule, regularly practicing vocabulary, grammar, kanji, listening, and reading comprehension.
If you’re living in Japan on a working or permanent visa and want to bring your family over, the simplest option is to apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse and children. This allows them to come to Japan under your sponsorship. But while the Dependent Visa may seem straightforward, there are important things to keep in mind: the process can be lengthy, and there are several conditions and restrictions you’ll need to meet.
For example, if you’re in Japan on a working visa — commonly known as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa — your spouse or children must apply separately for permission to work, which, if granted, limits them to working up to 28 hours per week.
So, how do you get a Dependent Visa in Japan, and what are you allowed to do with it? Read our complete guide to learn everything, from deciding if it’s the right option for your family to the step-by-step application process.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and procedures in Japan are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer or your local immigration office in Japan.
What is a Dependent Visa?
A Dependent Visa is a type of visa in Japan that allows the immediate family members to live with their spouse or parent who works in Japan. Basically, this visa was created to keep families together when the primary breadwinner decides to live in Japan.
Types of Dependent Visa
Technically, there is only one official Dependent Visa, but you might hear discussions and online forums mentioning Spouse Visa and Dependent Visa interchangeably. Are they the same?
Technically, no. A spouse visa is for foreign spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents and allows full work rights, while a dependent visa is for the family of foreign residents and limits work to part-time with permission.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are three main types of marriage- or family-based visas:
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (Status: Specified Visa)
Spouse of a Permanent Resident (Status: Specified Visa)
Dependent Visa (Status: General Visa)
The type of “dependent” visa your spouse or children are eligible for depends on your own status of residence and visa in Japan. If you’ve successfully naturalized as a Japanese citizen — a lengthy process in itself — or obtained the coveted Permanent Residency (PR), you’ll likely want to apply under visa categories (1) or (2).
These options come with no work restrictions for your spouse or children. This is a great path because even if your spouse doesn’t plan to work right away, having that flexibility can be a real advantage!
However, if you’re in Japan on a non-permanent residency or a specific type of work or student visa, you’ll likely need to apply under (3): the Dependent Visa. In this case, your spouse or child must apply separately for permission to work, and even then, they’ll be limited to 28 hours per week.
In this blog, we will be focusing more on the Dependant Visa (3).
Who can sponsor Dependent Visas?
In order to apply for a Dependent Visa, a person who is working or studying in Japan (including those who plan to work in Japan in the future) must be granted a status of residence such as a work visa or a student visa.
So, which visas can bring in their spouse and/or children on the Dependent Visa? Below is a small, non-exhaustive list of visas that allow dependents:
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa
Specified Skilled Worker visa
Instructor visa
Professor visa
Keep in mind that when we say students, we’re referring specifically to foreigners enrolled in higher education institutions in Japan, such as universities or graduate schools. Unfortunately, language schools are not considered higher education, so students attending Japanese language schools are not eligible to bring family members to Japan under the Dependent Visa.
Length of stay for Dependent Visa
The Dependent Visa can allow dependents to reside in Japan for either 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. But the total length of stay of the Dependent Visa would likely correlate with the stay granted on the sponsor’s visa.
For instance, if the sponsoring work visa is only for 2 years, then the Dependent Visa would probably only be granted for less than that.
Who can get a Dependent Visa?
The Dependent visa is for immediate family members considered dependent on a work or student visa holder. The visa is only for the spouse or children of the primary income earner.
There is no age limit for child dependents. However, if they are of working age, they should consider whether working in Japan is right for them and apply for visas with more flexibility.
Other family members, like parents, cannot obtain a Dependent Visa even if they are financially dependent on a work or student visa holder. However, they can obtain a designated activities visa if they are a family member of someone with a highly specialized worker visa.
In Japan, only legal spouses and children are eligible for the Dependent Visa. While many European countries offer partner visas that recognize common-law relationships or long-term partners, Japan does not offer this flexibility.
If you’re not legally married, your partner, even if you have children together, cannot be brought to Japan under a Dependent Visa.
So what does this mean? We understand that many modern families may have children without being legally married. Your options can be to get married to your partner or have your partner explore other visa types and apply independently.
Permitted activities for individuals on a Dependent Visa
So, what can you do with a Dependent Visa? As the name suggests, the foreign national working or studying in Japan must be able to cover all living expenses for the dependent with either their own income or the assets they own.
Dependent Visa holders in Japan can go to school, hospitals, and other public facilities, but are not allowed to work. In most cases, they cannot live separately from the breadwinner. However, there are exceptions to allowing the dependent to live separately. For instance, if they need to transfer schools, and have to move to live closer to the school.
Basically, a Dependent Visa holder can be enrolled in the National Health Insurance, open a bank account, and rent property. They can’t work by default. But the dependent can go to the immigration office and apply for the “permission to engage in activities outside of their visa status”. This allows for part-time work for up to 28 hours per week. If the dependent wishes to work full-time, they must apply for another visa.
For those who want to switch to a work visa, we recommend finding a job first and checking out our favorite job-hunting websites.
How to apply for the Dependent Visa
The application for the Dependent Visa can be a lengthy process, spanning several months to obtain all the documents you need and complete every procedure before finally receiving the visa.
This is the general process for receiving a Dependent visa, starting with applying for the COE in Japan:
Sponsor applies for the COE at a regional Immigration Bureau in Japan
Sponsor submits all required documents
If approved, a Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) will be issued (can take around 1 to 3 months)
The sponsor sends the COE to the dependent living abroad or residing in Japan
Dependent applies for a visa at their local Japanese embassy/consulate using the COE
After approval, they receive the visa (can take 1 to 2 weeks) and are set to travel and live in Japan
1. Apply for the COE
sa. Additionally, the process and documents could differ based on which region you’re from.
The whole process usually takes around 2 to 3 months. The working or student visaholder (sponsor) will have to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan on behalf of their spouse or children (dependents). The COE is a document that proves the family members of the sponsor are eligible for the Dependent visa.
The COE is often easier said than done and is probably the most lengthy part of the visa process. So, what do you need to do to get it?
Documents needed for the COE application
To receive the COE, you will need documents showing your relationship with your sponsor (the working or student visa holder who you’ll be dependent on), such as a marriage or birth certificate, and proof showing that your sponsor can financially support you living in Japan with them. Below is a full list of documents the sponsor living in Japan will need to submit for the dependent’s COE:
COE application form
Passport-sized photo (4 cm x 3 cm) for each dependent (children or spouse)
Sponsor’s residence card or passport
A passport for each dependent
Documents showing proof of the relationship between the dependent and the sponsor. This could be your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family registration documents.
Documents certifying occupation and income. This could be a copy of your business license if you run a company in Japan, tax certificates, a certificate of employment, or a tax exemption certificate.
If the sponsor is a student, studying abroad, or in Japan for purposes other than work, they must provide a certificate of bank balance in the name of the dependent or a certificate of scholarship award specifying the amount and duration of the award, if appropriate.
Any documents proving they have assets to support their Dependent Visa
Tip: Applying for a Dependant Visa from your home country
You can apply for the Dependent Visa without the COE directly from your home country, but this process is pretty uncommon, takes longer, and requires additional documents.
2. Apply for an actual visa after receiving the COE
The great news is that the hard part is over once you receive the COE! After receiving the COE from your sponsor in Japan, family members (spouse or children) can apply for the visa at their nation’s closest Japanese embassy or consulate. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the official branch granting visas in Japan, you will need the following:
Passport
One visa application form (Russian, CIS, or Georgian nationals must submit two forms)
One portrait photograph taken within 6 months and name written on back (Russian, CIS, or Georgian nationals must submit two photographs)
An original copy of your COE (you can present an electronic version at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy).
Chinese nationals need to submit the following additional documents:
Copy of the Chinese Family Register
Temporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate (If the applicant does not have a family register within the region under the jurisdiction of the embassy or consulate where the application will be made)
Depending on the country, after 1 to 2 weeks, you should receive your visa and be ready to join your partner or parents in Japan!
How much does the Dependent Visa application cost?
The application for the COE is completely free, but the sponsor will have to cover the costs to send the document to their family’s home country. The Dependent Visa application at your nation’s embassy can cost around ¥3,000 to ¥6,000.
If the visa is not issued, no fees are required. However, if you apply through an approved agency authorized by the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan, processing fees will be charged in addition to the visa issuance fees.
Changing to a Dependent Visa from another visa
It’s quite common to change to a Dependent Visa from another visa category in Japan. When you get married, it might be easier for one of you to get a Dependent Visa while the other works or studies. Since you are applying from within Japan, you will not need to acquire a COE.
You will need to submit a Change of Status of Residence application (在留資格変更許可申請), as well as the documents mentioned above (except for the COE).
How to extend the Dependent Visa
So, your spouse and children have successfully joined you in Japan—congratulations!
However, keep in mind that the Dependent Visa is not permanent. It comes with a set validity period (typically 1, 3 or 5 years), so at some point, your spouse or children will need to renew or extend their visa to continue living in Japan legally unless they switch to a permanent visa or naturalize.
If you want to extend or renew your Dependent Visa, all you have to do is apply for the Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請書) at the Immigration Bureau in Japan. The good news is you don’t need to get another COE or leave Japan. A lot of the documents are generally the same (without the COE). But be aware that since the process can take up to 2 months, it’s best to apply for an extension more than 2 months before your visa expires to ensure you have enough time. Below are some documents you may need for renewal:
From the Dependent:
Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請書)
Passport and Residence Card (在留カード)
1 passport-size photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months)
Revenue stamp (収入印紙) of ¥4,000 for the application fee (paid later)
From the Sponsor:
Residence Card (copy)
Certificate of Residence, including family members
Certificate of Employment or Proof of Enrollment (if a student)
Tax Documents: Taxation Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate
Optional: recent payslips, bank statement, or financial proof
In Conclusion: Is the Dependent Visa right for your family?
Applying for a Dependent Visa in Japan may seem complex at first, but with careful preparation and the right documents, the process is manageable. Whether you’re bringing your spouse or children to join you, understanding each step can ensure a smoother experience.
So, if you want to live in Japan with your spouse or children and they don’t need to work (at least full time) then this visa is right for you!
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FAQ
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A COE is a document proving that the applicant is eligible for the visa they are applying for. In the case of the Dependent visa, acquiring a COE shows evidence that the person sponsoring the visa is in Japan with a student or work visa, is the spouse or official guardian of the dependent, and can financially support both themselves and their dependents.
Who can get a Dependent Visa?
Spouses and children of foreign nationals holding work or student visas in Japan are eligible for a dependent visa.
Can my partner come to Japan on a Dependent Visa if we are not married?
No, your partner cannot come to Japan on a Dependent Visa if you are not legally married. Japan’s immigration system only recognizes legal spouses and children as eligible for the Dependent Visa. Unlike some countries that allow partner or de facto relationship visas, Japan does not recognize common-law relationships, civil partnerships, or unmarried couples for visa sponsorship purposes, even if you have children together.
Can anyone sponsor a Dependent Visa?
Sponsors of the Dependent Visa must have some type of work or student visa and be able to financially support their dependents. So, foreign residents under certain visa statuses, such as designated activities, or who do not have sufficient financial means, cannot sponsor a Dependent Visa.
How long is the period of stay for Dependent Visas?
The period of stay can be up to 5 years, but it can be lower depending on certain factors, especially on the sponsor’s visa and their period of stay. However, you can apply to extend the Dependent Visa.
How long does it take to receive the Dependent visa?
The total process can take around 2 to 3 months, starting from submitting documents for the COE in Japan to actually receiving the visa in your home country. The process length can vary depending on the region.
How long does a dependent visa take in Japan?
The processing time for a dependent visa usually takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the immigration office and application completeness.
What is the difference between spouse visa and dependent visa in Japan?
A spouse visa is for foreign spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents and allows full work rights, while a dependent visa is for the family of foreign residents and limits work to part-time with permission.
What is the salary limit for a dependent visa in Japan?
There is no official salary “limit,” but the sponsor must typically earn at least ¥3–4 million annually to demonstrate financial ability to support dependents.
Can I apply for a Japanese Dependent Visa from countries other than my home country?
Once they have the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), family members can apply for a visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate. While it is generally advisable to apply in their home country, it may also be possible to apply from another country outside Japan. For specific cases or exceptions, it’s best to consult an immigration attorney.
Explore other types of visas in Japan in our series:
While you might not believe in the otherworldly mythology, it’s best to avoid going against Japanese superstitions. That is because while there are a lot of countries with its own unique beliefs, Japan takes the occult taboos to another level! They’re so baked into the culture that everyone is probably familiar with them.
From hiding your thumb to holding your chopsticks wrong, these seemingly small actions might spiral you into a series of unfortunate events — or, worse, curses.
Here are some fascinating Japanese superstitions you should know – some will surprise you!
What is Superstition in Japanese?
In Japanese, the word for superstition is 迷信 (meishin).
In the United States, Halloween is a time for everything spooky and horrific.
Young people in Japan celebrate Halloween, too, but traditionally, there is another month reserved for scary stories and horror myths: August. Around this summertime, Japanese people celebrate a Buddhist festival called Obon, which is a time when they honor the dead and ancestors by inviting them back to the human realm.
A lot of these may seem strange to someone who’s not familiar with Japan as they’re based on the country’s history, mythology and culture. That being said, some have more unique origins, and we’ll be sure to cover those.
Common Superstitions in Japan
1. Hide Your Thumb When a Hearse (Funeral Car) Passes By
When you see a hearse or a funeral car, you hide your thumbs in the palm of your hand. In Japanese, ‘thumb’ is written as 親指 (oyayubi・おやゆび). 親 (oya・おや) translates to ‘parent’, while 指 (yubi・ゆび) translates to ‘finger’. Together, it literally means ‘Parent finger’, as the thumb is your first finger.
What does this mean, and why is it important to “hide your thumb”? In ancient Japan, it was believed that spirits of the dead could enter the body through any opening, including fingernails. By tucking your thumb into your palm, you symbolically close off that entrance. Even today, many Japanese children are taught this Japanese superstition by their elders as a way to show respect for the dead.
Plus, it is also believed that your parents will die early if you don’t hide your thumb.
2. Japanese Wedding Taboos: Words You Shouldn’t Say
At a Japanese wedding, it’s important that you don’t say the words 帰る (kaeru・かえる) or 戻る (modoru・もどる). 帰る means to ‘go home’ while 戻る means to ‘return’. Saying these two phrases at a wedding is considered to be bad luck and will jinx the marriage. This will supposedly cause the bride to leave the groom and go home and return to their parents. These aren’t the only terms you should avoid at a wedding.
Generally, anything related to breakups or death should be avoided. Besides not saying certain things, Japanese culture frowns upon giving wedding gifts in certain amounts. It is considered customary for guests to bring gift money called goshugi on the day of the wedding. The number can go as high as 100,000 yen, but it’s not fixed.
What you want to do is to avoid numbers starting with even numbers such as 2, 4, and other multiples of these. Why? Because these numbers can be divided, nudging the idea that the newlywed will split.
3. Japanese Lucky Numbers, 7 and 8
In Japanese culture, certain numbers are considered especially lucky. Unlike unlucky numbers such as 4 (四, shi) and 9 (九, ku), which are associated with death and suffering due to their pronunciation, the numbers 7 (七, nana) and 8 (八, hachi) are strongly linked to prosperity and good fortune.
Seven (7): A Sacred and Lucky Number
The number 7 is one of the luckiest numbers in Japan, largely due to its deep ties to Buddhism and traditional beliefs:
The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin – 七福神) are revered for bringing prosperity, longevity, and success.
In Buddhist customs, a memorial service is held on the seventh day after someone’s death to honor their soul, highlighting the spiritual importance of this number.
Additionally, in Japanese numerology, 7 symbolizes luck and perfection, making it a favored number in lotteries, celebrations, and even business names.
Eight (8): A Symbol of Wealth and Growth
The number 8 is another highly regarded lucky number in Japan, though slightly less popular than 7. Its positive meaning comes from its shape and its connection to prosperity:
The kanji for 8 (八, hachi) has a widening shape, resembling a traditional folding fan (sensu). This broadening form represents expansion and growing fortune, a concept known as suehirogari (末広がり).
In business, the number 8 is commonly used in pricing and phone numbers to attract financial success.
The date August 8 (8/8) is sometimes considered particularly auspicious for starting new ventures.
These beliefs about lucky numbers in Japan continue to influence daily life, from choosing license plates and wedding dates to booking hotel rooms. If you want to maximize your luck in Japan, keep these numbers in mind!
4. Avoid Japanese Unlucky Numbers, 4 and 9
Number
Meaning
Why ?
4 (四, shi)
Unlucky
Sounds like “death” (死)
7 (七, nana)
Lucky
Linked to Buddhism and the Seven Lucky Gods
8 (八, hachi)
Lucky
Symbolizes growth and prosperity
9 (九, ku)
Unlucky
Sounds like “pain” or “suffering” (苦)
In Japanese, the number 4 (shi) sounds like the word for death (死), and 9 (ku) sounds like suffering (苦). That’s why you’ll often see hospitals and hotels skip room numbers like 404 or 49.
The number 9 (九) is usually pronounced kyuu, but in certain cases, like September (九月, kugatsu), it is read as ku. Since ku sounds like “pain” (苦), this pronunciation is often avoided in superstitious contexts, especially in hospitals or gifting.
4. Lie Down After a Meal to Turn Into a Cow
The title really gives it away, but this is a superstition in Japan. In Japan, there’s a playful superstition that if you lie down right after eating, you’ll “turn into a cow.” Bear in mind that no one really believes this. It’s just something said to children to prevent them from being lazy or lounging around!
5. Purification with Salt
Salt in Japan is used in a lot of purification rituals. It is believed to have a cleansing effect and is thought to be capable of purifying people spiritually. You may notice its use at funerals, where those who attended will scatter salt on them and their front doors to prevent evil spirits from following them. It’s similarly used in weddings and even sumo matches.
Another practice involving salt is 盛り塩 (morijio・もりじお), literally meaning ‘pile of salt,’ where — you guessed it — piles of salt are put alongside an entryway. This is meant to attract customers and ward off evil spirits. So, if you ever see a pile of salt in Japan, leave it be, as someone might have put it there on purpose.
But purification with salt isn’t limited to funerals. Sumo wrestlers also use salt before a match as part of a traditional ritual. Before stepping into the ring, sumo wrestlers scatter handfuls of salt onto the dohyō (sumo ring) to purify the space and drive away bad spirits. This act, rooted in Shinto beliefs, is meant to ensure a fair and honorable fight.
Another common salt practice is 盛り塩 (morijio), or “piled salt,” where small mounds of salt are placed at entryways to attract good fortune and ward off negativity. You may notice this outside restaurants and businesses, as it is believed to invite more customers.
So, if you ever see salt piles in Japan, don’t be surprised—it’s likely there for spiritual protection!
This one? You probably know. The manekineko (招き猫 ・まねきねこ), or ‘beckoning cat’, is one of Japan’s most recognizable superstitions. We can even go as far as saying it’s a cultural icon. You’ve probably seen or owned some version of a manekineko, as they’ve been sold all around the world as all kinds of trinkets. How to tell if something is a manekineko?
Typically, manekineko are depicted as seated cats with a single paw raised. The paw is meant to look like it is beckoning you towards it (hence the name). They are also commonly seen with a koban (小判 ・こばん), an old oval gold coin. If you see a manekineko with its left paw raised, it is meant to attract customers. If its right paw is raised, it’s meant to attract money.
Its origin isn’t set in stone, but the most popular legend is that of the Goutoku-ji temple, where, while out hunting, the 大名 (daimyo・だいみょ) Ii Naotaka was beckoned by a cat to the temple. In doing so, it saved him from a lightning bolt. Feeling gratitude he erected a statue of the cat and made it a patron of the temple, where it became the symbol it now is. Whether or not this is true, we don’t know, as this is not the only story involving the manekineko. Still, the cat lives on as an immensely popular and recognizable figure.
Fun fact: If you’re familiar with Pokémon, the Pokémon Meowth is based on the manekineko.
Crows have an interesting significance in Japan. It’s a bad omen to hear one cawing, usually indicating that bad luck or death will come upon you. This belief originates from yatagarasu (八咫烏・やたがらす), a three-legged crow known as a Shinto guiding god. In Shinto mythology, yatagarasu guided Emperor Jinmu to Kashihara in Yamato, acting as a divine messenger. Because crows symbolize communication with the deities, their cawing often signals divine intervention, which people associate with bad fortune.
8. てるてる坊主 (teruterubouzu) to Ward Off the Rain
Teru teru bozu are rain charms meant to bring good weather. てる, or 照る, means shine, and 坊主, means a Buddhist monk. People in Japan, mainly kids, hang them up either to prevent rain from happening during a school outing or to stop a rainy day. Nowadays, kids make them with tissue or cotton, but they were originally hung up by farmers and made with white paper or cloth.
You can also make a reverse rain charm. By hanging the teru teru bozu upside-down, you’ll wish for rain.
9. Don’t Hang Clothes Out to Dry at Night
You shouldn’t hang your clothes out at night, because you’ll be practically begging a spirit to come and haunt them. This came about as there used to be a belief that clothes retain an owner’s spirit after death. Back in the day, kimonos were passed down from parents to their children due to their expensive price. The soul of the diseased is believed to live in an old kimono, which created the custom of hanging traditional Japanese clothes of the diseased at night.
Time passed, and such custom turned into this superstition that believes that hanging laundry at night may call the soul of the diseased, who shall also bring bad luck related to death.
Now, when left out to dry during the day, the spirit could be cleansed. So, if you leave your clothes out to dry at night, your clothes will attract any nearby roaming spirits.
10. Blood Type Personality Test
Less a Japanese superstition and more a pseudoscience, there is a belief in Japan that your blood type dictates your personality. Unlike a lot of the other superstitions on here, this one is actually believed by quite a few today!
Those with type A blood are described as 几帳面 (kichoumen・きちょうめん), meaning well-organized and meticulous. In contrast, type B individuals are often labeled 自己中 (jikochuu・じこちゅう), or selfish. Meanwhile, type AB is seen as a mix of both and considered 変わり者 (kawarimono・かわりもの), meaning eccentric.
Finally, type O. If you are type O, you are 楽観主義 (rakkanshugi・らっかんしゅぎ), or optimistic. There’s no real science backing up this belief, but it can be fun to categorize yourself. Did it get it right for you?
11. Never Stick Your Chopsticks Upright
Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice brings extremely bad luck in Japan because it closely resembles a Buddhist funeral ritual. During these ceremonies, people place incense sticks upright in the sand to honor the dead. Since this gesture is linked to death, using chopsticks this way during a meal appears disrespectful and may invite misfortune.
Instead, if you need to put your chopsticks down, rest them on a chopstick holder or lay them across the bowl, not inside it. This small etiquette rule is important in Japan, especially when dining with locals.
12. Sleep While Facing North
In Japan, sleeping while facing the north is considered bad luck and brings death. The explanation for this is that only the deceased’s body is placed facing the north in funerals.
13. 初夢 (Hatsuyume): What Your First Dream of the Year Means in Japan
In Japanese, there’s a famous saying: 一富士二鷹三茄子, which literally means “First Mount Fuji, second a hawk, third an eggplant.” According to tradition, if you dream of these three things — in that exact order — during your first dream of the year, it’s believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.
This saying is believed to have originated from the three favorite things of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
Did you know they’re also a form of wordplay?
Each item sounds like a Japanese word associated with good fortune, giving this tradition both symbolic and linguistic meaning:
Mount Fuji (富士 / Fuji) sounds like 無事 (buji), which means safety, peace, and不死 (fushi) – immortality (a symbol of protection and long life)
Hawk (鷹 / Taka) sounds like 高い (takai), the Japanese adjective meaning tall. This represents ambition, strength, and success.
Eggplant (茄子 / Nasu) sounds like 成す (nasu), which means to accomplish. This symbolizes prosperity and the realization of goals.
14. Writing Someone’s Name in Red
In Japan, writing someone’s name in red ink is considered highly disrespectful — and even ominous. Why?
Traditionally, names on graves and death notices are written in red, so using red ink for a living person’s name implies they are dead or will die soon. For this reason, it’s seen as deeply unlucky.
Even today, it’s considered poor etiquette to use red ink when writing letters, cards, or notes that include someone’s name, especially in formal or professional settings. When in doubt, stick to black or blue ink.
15. Having Big Ears Means Being Lucky
In Japanese culture, having big ears is considered a sign of good fortune. This belief comes from Hotei (布袋), one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is often depicted as a cheerful, plump figure with notably large ears. Hotei symbolizes wealth and happiness, so people with big ears are thought to be destined for prosperity and good luck.
So, if someone compliments your ears in Japan, it might just be a wish for your success and happiness!
16. Spider Brings Good Fortune in the Morning
Unlike in many Western cultures, where spiders might cause unease, in Japan, seeing a spider in the morning is considered a sign of good luck. It’s believed that spiders found early in the day bring fortune and happiness, so you should let them be rather than chase them away.
However, spotting a spider at night can have a different meaning, because they are then demons’ accomplices.
17. Tea Leaves Reading
While tea leaf reading isn’t common in Japan, there is a charming superstition about 茶柱 (chabashira) — when a tea stalk stands upright floating in your cup of green tea.
This rare occurrence is considered a sign of good luck and prosperity for you and your family. Many people feel it’s a joyful omen, so spotting a chabashira can brighten your day and bring positive energy.
18. Breaking a Comb or a Hairpin Is Bad Luck
Because hair accessories are close to your head — associated with your life and spirit — breaking them is believed to bring misfortune.
19. It’s Bad Luck to Whistle at Night
Whistling after dark is thought to attract snakes, ghosts, or even thieves. This warning is often told to children to keep them indoors and quiet at night.
During Japan’s hot and humid summers, turning on a fan while you sleep is a common way to stay cool. But before you do, consider this: there’s a longstanding superstition called 死の風 (shi no kaze), or “death wind.” It warns that sleeping with a fan blowing directly on you can cause death.
While this Japanese superstition likely originated from real concerns about heatstroke or poor air circulation, it still remains a popular cautionary tale in Japan. Many people use timers or position fans carefully to avoid “the death wind” and sleep peacefully.
Conclusion
Have you ever heard of these Japanese superstitions before?We hope you enjoyed the list! It’s important that you know that most Japanese people don’t really believe in a lot of stuff on this list; it’s just fun to know that it exists. Japanese superstitions are a fascinating mix of history, religion, and culture. While many people today see them as fun traditions rather than strict beliefs, they continue to influence daily life in subtle ways. Next time you’re in Japan, watch out for these customs—who knows, maybe a lucky number will bring you good fortune!
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FAQ
Why is the number 4 considered unlucky in Japan?
The number 4 is pronounced shi, which sounds like the word for “death” (死). Because of this, many hospitals and hotels in Japan avoid using the number 4 in room numbers and floors.
What does sticking chopsticks into rice mean?
Placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles a Buddhist funeral ritual, where incense sticks are placed similarly. Doing this during a meal is considered extremely bad luck.
Why is whistling at night considered bad luck in Japan?
Whistling at night is said to attract snakes or evil spirits. This superstition likely comes from old beliefs that criminals and supernatural beings use whistles to communicate in the dark.
Why do Japanese people hide their thumbs when a hearse passes?
The thumb in Japanese is oya yubi (親指), meaning “parent finger.” Hiding your thumbs when seeing a hearse is thought to protect your parents from early death.
Why shouldn’t you cut your nails at night in Japan?
A Japanese superstition warns that cutting your nails at night could shorten your lifespan or prevent you from being with your parents when they pass away.
