
Anime has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling, vibrant animation, and deep cultural roots. For language learners, anime offers a compelling and enjoyable way to immerse themselves in Japanese. In this series, we’ll explore how popular anime can be used effectively for learning Japanese, starting with the beloved series Naruto.
Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-life Japanese by focusing on conversational practice.

Quick Jump To…
- Why Learn Japanese with Anime?
- Getting Started with Naruto
- Learn Kanji and Vocabulary
- Ninja Expressions and Vocabulary in Naruto
- Important Kanji in Naruto
- Recommended Episodes for Beginners
- Tips for Success
- FAQ
Why Learn Japanese with Anime?
Before diving into Naruto, let’s discuss why anime is a fantastic resource for language learners:
- Contextual Learning: Anime provides real-life contexts, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in different situations. Check out one of our very first blogs about Learning Japanese With Anime.
- Listening Practice: Watching anime improves your listening skills and helps you get accustomed to different accents and speaking speeds. We recommend some Anime on Netflix that you should watch.
- Cultural Insight: Anime is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, offering insights into traditions, social norms, and daily life.
- Engagement: Engaging stories and characters keeps you motivated and makes learning enjoyable.

Getting Started with Naruto
Naruto is a perfect starting point for learning Japanese due to its popularity, extensive vocabulary, and cultural depth. Here’s how you can use Naruto to enhance your Japanese language skills:
Choose Your Version
Could you decide whether to watch with English, Japanese, or no subtitles? As their skills improve, beginners may start with English subtitles and gradually switch to Japanese subtitles or none.
Focus on Common Phrases
Pay attention to frequently used phrases and words. In Naruto, you’ll often hear phrases like:
- ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you. Example: ありがとう、カカシ先生!(Arigatou、 Kakashi-sensei!) – “Thank you、Teacher Kakashi!”
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / I’m sorry. Example: すみません、ナルトくん!(Sumimasen、 Naruto-kun!) – “Sorry, Naruto!”
- 大丈夫 (Daijoubu) – Are you okay? / It’s okay. Example: ナルト、大丈夫か?(Naruto, daijoubu ka?) – “Naruto, are you okay?”
- がんばれ (Ganbare) – Do your best! Example: がんばれ、ナルト!(Ganbare, Naruto!) – “Do your best、Naruto!”
Note Character Speech Styles
Naruto’s characters have distinctive ways of speaking. Naruto often uses “dattebayo” at the end of his sentences, a fictional speech pattern unique to him. Notice how different characters express themselves to understand formal and informal speech.
Practice with Scenes
Pick a scene and watch it multiple times. First, watch it with subtitles, then without, and finally, try to repeat the dialogue. This exercise will improve your listening and speaking skills.
Learn Kanji and Vocabulary
Keep a notebook handy to jot down new words and kanji. Use online dictionaries or language apps to look up meanings and practice writing.
Example 1 from Naruto: “Dattebayo!”
Naruto Uzumaki is famous for his catchphrase “だってばよ (dattebayo),” which doesn’t have a direct translation but emphasizes his energetic personality. Here’s an example line from Naruto:
- Japanese: 俺は絶対に諦めないってばよ!
- Romaji: “Ore wa zettai ni akiramenai dattebayo!”
- English: “I will never give up, believe it!”
Breaking down the sentence:
- 俺 (Ore): I (informal, used by males)
- 絶対に (zettai ni): Absolutely
- 諦めない (akiramenai): Will not give up
- ってばよ (ttebayo): Emphatic ending unique to Naruto
Example 2 Ninja Mission Talk
Here’s a common phrase you’ll hear regarding ninja missions:
- Japanese: 次の任務は何ですか。 (Tsugi no ninmu wa nan desu ka?)
- Romaji: “Tsugi no ninmu wa nan desu ka?”
- English: “What is our next mission?”
Breaking down the sentence:
- 次の (tsugi no): Next
- 任務 (ninmu): Mission
- は (wa): Topic marker
- 何 (nan): What
- ですか (desu ka): Is it? (question marker)
Example 3 Using Ninjutsu
In battles, you often hear characters mention ninjutsu:
- Japanese: 影分身の術!(Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!)
- Romaji: “Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”
- English: “Shadow Clone Technique!”
Breaking down the phrase:
- 影 (kage): Shadow
- 分身 (bunshin): Clone
- の (no): Possessive particle
- 術 (jutsu): Technique/Art
Ninja Expressions and Vocabulary in Naruto
Naruto is rich with ninja-specific vocabulary and expressions that can give you insight into Japanese culture and the world of ninjas. Some essential terms and phrases include:
- 忍者 (Ninja) – Ninja. Example: 俺は木の葉隠れの忍者だ!(Ore wa Konohagakure no ninja da!) – “I am a ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village!”
- 任務 (Ninmu) – Mission. Example: 次の任務は何ですか。(Tsugi no ninmu wa nan desu ka?) – “What is our next mission?”
- 忍術 (Ninjutsu) – Ninja techniques. Example: 彼は火遁忍術が得意だ。(Kare wa Katon ninjutsu ga tokui da.) – “He is skilled in fire-style ninjutsu.”
- 影分身の術 (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) – Shadow Clone Technique. Example: 影分身の術!(Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!) – “Shadow Clone Technique!”
- 手裏剣 (Shuriken) – Throwing star. Example: 手裏剣を使え!(Shuriken o tsukae!) – “Use the shuriken!”
- 師匠 (Shishou) – Master/Teacher. Example: ジライヤ師匠はどこですか?(Jiraiya-shishou wa doko desu ka?) – “Where is Master Jiraiya?”
- 戦闘 (Sentou) – Battle. Example: 戦闘の準備をしろ!(Sentou no junbi o shiro!) – “Prepare for battle!”
Learning these ninja-specific terms and expressions can make watching Naruto even more enjoyable and educational, as you’ll start to understand the language and culture of the ninja world.
Uzumaki Naruto’s quote
- このオレはいずれ火影の名を受け継いで、先代のどの火影をも超えてやるんだ!
- kono ore wa izure hokage no na o uketsuide, sendai no dono hokage o mo koete yarun da.
- One day I’ll take over the Hokage’s name and surpass all the previous Hokages!
Iruka’s quotes
- クラスでよくバカやった。人の気をひきつけたかったから。
- kurasu de yoku baka yatta. hito no ki o hikitsuketakatta kara.
- I acted like an idiot in class to get people’s attention.
Important Kanji in Naruto
Understanding key kanji used in Naruto can deepen your appreciation for the series and improve your reading skills. Here are some important kanji:
- 忍 (Shinobi) – Endure/Stealth (Ninja) | Example: 忍者 (Ninja) – Ninja | This kanji represents the essence of being a ninja.
- 火 (Hi) – Fire | Example: 火遁 (Katon) – Fire Style | This kanji frequently appears in fire techniques.
- 水 (Mizu) – Water | Example: 水遁 (Suiton) – Water Style | This kanji is used in water techniques.
- 風 (Kaze) – Wind | Example: 風遁 (Fūton) – Wind Style | This kanji appears in wind-related techniques.
- 土 (Tsuchi) – Earth | Example: 土遁 (Doton) – Earth Style | This kanji is used in earth-related techniques.
- 雷 (Kaminari) – Lightning | Example: 雷遁 (Raiton) – Lightning Style | This kanji appears in lightning-based techniques.
- 影 (Kage) – Shadow | Example: 影分身 (Kage Bunshin) – Shadow Clone | This kanji is significant in Naruto’s famous technique.
Learning these kanji helps you understand specific techniques and gives you insight into the thematic elements of the Naruto series.
Recommended Episodes for Beginners
Here are some recommended episodes from Naruto that are great for beginners:
Episode 1: “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!”
Introduction to key characters and basic vocabulary.
Episode 3: “Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?”
Focus on interactions and common phrases used among friends.
Episode 5: “You Failed! Kakashi’s Final Decision”
Learn phrases related to school, training, and encouragement.
Tips for Success!!
- Consistency is Key: Make watching anime a regular study routine. Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
- Supplement Your Learning: Use language learning apps, textbooks, and online resources to complement your anime-based studies.
- Engage with the Community: Join online forums or social media groups of fellow Japanese learners and Naruto fans. Sharing insights and tips can enhance your learning experience
Learning Japanese with anime like Naruto can be a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language. Focusing on common phrases, practicing scenes, and understanding character speech styles will help you develop a deeper understanding of Japanese while enjoying an iconic series. Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, where we’ll explore another popular anime and uncover more tips for learning Japanese.
Happy learning, and がんばって (ganbatte)!
FAQ
Is Naruto a good anime to start with when learning Japanese?
Yes, Naruto is popular and provides extensive vocabulary, cultural depth, and various speech styles, making it ideal for language learners.
What are some other anime that are good for learning Japanese?
While Naruto is an excellent choice, other anime series also offer great opportunities for learning Japanese. Some recommendations include:
- My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア, Boku no Hīrō Akademia): This series features modern Japanese with a variety of characters and their unique speech patterns.
- Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin): Known for its intense story and dialogue, this anime is great for learning more complex and dramatic Japanese.
- One Piece (ワンピース, Wan Pīsu): With its long run and extensive cast, you’ll encounter a wide range of vocabulary and expressions.
- Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi): This Studio Ghibli film offers beautiful animation and simple, everyday language, making it perfect for beginners.
- Your Name (君の名は, Kimi no Na wa): A modern romantic fantasy film that uses contemporary Japanese, making it great for understanding everyday conversation.
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