Japanese is considered to be one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Studies have shown that on average, it takes about 2,200 classroom hours to learn Japanese on a proficient level, which is equivalent to 88 consecutive weeks. That being said, it remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful languages to learn as well. 

So, if you have ever caught yourself thinking, “Why is Japanese so hard to learn?” you are not alone. This article breaks down the main reasons why the Japanese language may feel difficult and shares encouragement as well as practical tips to help you power through. Whether you are just starting or stuck mid-way, here is what makes Japanese so tough — but why it is still absolutely worth learning.

Is Japanese really a hard language to learn?

Yes, Japanese is considered a hard language to learn, but only if your native language is vastly different from Japanese. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which focuses on teaching languages and cultures to US diplomats and government officials, has a system that ranks languages based on how difficult they are to learn. FSI classified Japanese as a “Super-hard language.” 

But you should take this with a grain of salt: FSI ranks languages based on how long native English speakers learn them. If you speak languages like Spanish, French, and Italian, among others that are in the same language family as English, the study hours are probably close to that.

This has numerous reasons, one of the biggest ones being that English and Japanese have very few words with a common etymological origin. 

On the other hand, those who speak Chinese or Korean, or languages that come from similar roots to Japanese, can learn Japanese more quickly.

This is not to be mistaken that the Chinese and Korean languages originate from Japan. In fact, it’s Japanese and Korean that borrow words from the Chinese language. 50% of Japanese words come from Chinese. 

Let’s compare “university” in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

The Japanese, Chinese, and Korean words for university are not exactly the same, but there is a close phonetic resemblance between the three words. For reference, it takes 3,900 hours to study JLPT N1 without kanji knowledge. For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 2,150 hours of JLPT study to pass — almost half the time!

Reasons why learning Japanese is hard 

1. Complex writing systems

The Japanese language is made up of 3 different writing systems. The hiragana, katakana, and kanji system all have their own characters and complexities, but are very necessary when learning the language. 

Hiragana 

Hiragana is usually the first writing system that you will encounter on your learning journey. In this system, the symbols represent whole syllables rather than individual sounds or words. In Japanese, words are made up of a combination of syllables, thus taking away the need for singular letter symbols. This system is the most traditional and dates back to the 9^th century. 

Katakana 

Katakana is very similar to hiragana when it comes to word formation. Once again, the symbols are meant to represent syllables; this system was mainly adopted in order to introduce syllables and sounds that were not originally part of the Japanese language. Most of the Katana symbols are inspired by those of the Hiragana system, making it easier to decipher. 

Kanji

Kanji is usually the last system taught throughout the learning curve of the language, as it is the one with the most complexity. The symbols used were originally Chinese characters and made up the first writing system in Japan. Both hiragana and katakana are evolutions of this writing system. Rather than representing syllables and sounds, these symbols are meant to represent complete words or ideas on their own, meaning that there are approximately 50,000 kanji symbols to learn before fully mastering this system. 

Read More: Hardest Kanji to Learn

2. Grammar Differences from English

Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) Order

One of the first things English speakers notice while learning Japanese is the change in sentence structure. While the English language typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order — for example, “I eat sushi” — the Japanese language uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern. 

So, the same sentence we previously saw in English becomes: Watashi wa sushi o tabemasu, meaning “I sushi eat” in Japanese. This reversal often surprises learners and requires a shift in thinking. Adjusting to this word order takes time, but it is a fundamental part of mastering Japanese grammar.

Let’s try to translate a Japanese sentence literally, based on its word order.

Confusing, right? With time, you’ll get used to the sentence structure, but you might need time to adjust to it when translating whatever Japanese sentence you hear or see into your native language. 

The Japanese language often omits the subject in a sentence if it is already clear from the context, which can lead to ambiguity and confusion for English speakers who are used to always including a subject.

私は公園へ行きます。
Watashi wa kouen e ikimasu.
I am going to the park.

Imagine that you are leaving the house, and your mom asks you where you are going. In this case, it’s obvious that your answer indicates yourself, and no one else. A correct sentence often does not require a subject in Japanese, since the subject is usually implied in the context of the conversation.

園へ行きます
kouen e ikimasu.
(I am) going to the park!

Japanese particles

In Japanese, small words called particles play a huge role in showing how each part of a sentence functions. These particles indicate the subject, object, direction, or even topic of a sentence. Because they carry so much meaning in such a small form, even tiny mistakes with particles can lead to big misunderstandings. Learning to use them correctly is a crucial step in becoming comfortable with Japanese.

Examples:

• Wa: indicates the topic of a sentence
• Ga: marks the subject of the sentence
• Ni: indicates a point in time or direction
• De: indicates the location of an action
• Wo: marks the direct object of a verb

Verb conjugations and politeness

Japanese verbs change not only based on tense but also depending on the level of formality. There are multiple ways to say the same action depending on whether you are speaking casually with friends, politely to a stranger, or respectfully to someone of higher status. This can feel overwhelming at first, but it is all part of Japan’s nuanced communication style. A helpful tip for beginners is to start with the masu-form, which is the standard polite form, and gradually expand to casual or honorific forms later.

3. Politeness Levels and honorific language

Japanese is deeply rooted in social hierarchy, and the way you speak changes drastically depending on who you are talking to. This aspect of the language, also known as keigo (honorific speech), is divided into three main categories: teineigo (polite speech), sonkeigo (respectful speech), and kenjougo (humble speech). These are not just vocabulary swaps; they involve changes in verb conjugation, word choice, and even tone. Navigating these levels of formality is essential for effective and respectful communication in Japanese society. 

Quick Tip: Do not feel pressured to master all forms of keigo at once. Focus first on polite speech (teineigo), and then gradually learn the reasoning behind honorific and humble expressions. 

Read more about Japanese honorifics here.

4. Different pronunciation and pitch accents 

At first glance, Japanese pronunciation seems relatively straightforward since there are fewer sounds compared to many other languages, and most syllables stay consistent. But the real challenge lies in pitch accent. Unlike English, which relies mostly on word stress, Japanese uses pitch to differentiate words that otherwise would sound identical. 

For example, hashi can mean “bridge” (橋) with a high-low pitch pattern or “chopsticks” (箸) with a low-high pitch. These subtle differences are not always highlighted in textbooks but can lead to confusion if they are not understood. 

Quick Tip: The best way to internalize pitch accent is simply by listening to native speakers and shadowing real conversations. 

Read more about Japanese long vowels and double consonants.

5. Cultural context embedded in language

Language and culture are closely intertwined, and this is especially true in the Japanese language. Directness is often avoided; people rarely say “no” outright. Instead, soft refusals such as “chotto…” (meaning “a little…”) are used to politely decline in Japanese while avoiding all confrontation. Japanese also relies heavily on context, so what is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken. This means learning Japanese is not just about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, but also about understanding the social cues and unspoken norms that guide communication skills in Japanese. 

Quick Tip: To get a feel for these small changes, it can be really helpful to immerse yourself in Japanese media. For example, watching TV shows, anime, or dramas with subtitles helps you pick up on tone, timing, as well as the cultural nuances behind everyday language.

6. Learning and practice challenges

1. You cannot “Cram” Japanese

Unlike some fields that respond well to last-minute studying, Japanese is not one you can cram. Mastery in this skill comes from consistent, steady effort over time. This is especially true for memorizing kanji symbols and vocabulary, as they require daily review to truly stick. 

Speaking practice with native speakers is just as important, not only for fluency, but for building confidence and a natural rhythm. Keep in mind that setbacks are to be expected; they are a normal part of learning this language. The key is patience and persistence. Progress may feel slower at times, but with regular practice, it can build up in really powerful ways.

2. Not Enough Immersion

Unless you live in Japan or attend an immersive school such as Coto Academy, finding chances to practice Japanese in real-world situations can be really tough. Classroom Japanese often focuses on polite, structured language rather than real-life speech, which is full of slang, casual phrasing, and nuances. What may sound natural in a textbook might come off as overly formal in a regular conversation. 

Reading also presents its own unique challenges. For example, Japanese does not use spaces between words, which makes it tricky to separate and understand phrases at a glance. And then there are also loanwords that are borrowed from English but used in ways that can be confusing. 

Quick Tip: To bridge the gap between the textbook and natural Japanese, it is helpful to immerse yourself in level-appropriate content such as NHK News Easy, manga, or graded readers. And in order to keep your speaking skills sharp, you can try online conversation lessons or join a Japanese-speaking community.

Ready to overcome the challenges of learning Japanese?

Join Coto Academy today and turn your Japanese learning challenges into achievements! At Coto Academy, we understand that Japanese can be tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. Our experienced teachers provide personalized lessons tailored to your level and goals, helping you master everything from kanji to conversation, honorifics to pitch accent.

Fill out the form below for a free Japanese level check and consultation!

FAQ

Once you’ve turned your name into a Japanese version, you might start thinking about what kind of cool Japanese nickname you can use. In Japan, nicknames go beyond simple shortened versions of names. They are sweet, playful names to express the closeness of your relationship. Whether it is a couple calling each other by pet names, siblings teasing each other, or friends bonding over shared quirks, nicknames are a unique part of everyday life in Japan.

While formal Japanese names are used in settings such as school and work, it is common to switch to cute or affectionate nicknames in casual relationships. Want to start Japanese nicknames for yourself or your friends? Check out our guide and learn how to use them! 

Understanding Japanese Names: Nicknames vs Japanese Suffixes

We want to ensure there’s no confusion between Japanese nicknames and Japanese suffixes. While they may sometimes overlap, they serve different purposes.

Japanese honorifics like -chan or -kun are primarily used to indicate social relationships or levels of familiarity. For instance, -chan is often used as a term of endearment for someone younger, close, or considered cute. If someone’s name is Mako, you might affectionately call them Mako-chan. But honorifics are not nicknames in the traditional sense. Their main function is to express social nuance rather than to create a playful or affectionate variation of a name.

In contrast, nicknames in Japanese often involve modifying the actual name. You can do this by shortening it, altering its sounds, or adding creative endings. Japanese nicknames for girls often use cute, soft-sounding suffixes. Japanese nicknames for guys are usually more casual or cool, depending on the relationship.

What makes a nickname considered cute in Japan? It most often comes down to the use of affectionate suffixes, creative wordplay, as well as a sense of closeness.

Common Nickname Suffixes

Adding suffixes to names is a popular way to create nicknames that feel friendly and affectionate. Let’s explore some of the most common Japanese nickname suffixes and how they’re used.

1. 〜ちゃん (-chan)

A very common and cute suffix for girls, younger kids, pets, and close friends. It is meant to soften a name and add affection.
Example: Momo → Momo-chan

2. 〜くん (-kun)

Typically used for boys, especially among classmates and coworkers. It is casual but respectful.
Example: Taro → Taro-kun

3. 〜たん (-tan)

An even cuter, more babyish variation of -chan, it is often used jokingly or to express strong affection. The suffix -tan began in otaku internet culture, used for anime characters.
Example: Risa → Risa-tan

These name endings allow people to express warmth and are a big part of what makes a Japanese nickname feel kawaii (cute)!

4. ～ちん (-chin)

The suffix -chin (～ちん) in Japanese is a very informal, affectionate, and often playful way of addressing someone, similar to -chan (～ちゃん) but even more cutesy or intimate.

Chin is not commonly used in most social or professional settings. Using it with someone you’re not close to could sound overly familiar or even awkward. It’s mostly seen among younger people or in specific subcultures like idol fandoms or otaku culture.

How to create a Japanese Nickname

Of course, similar to English, Japanese nickname creativity goes far beyond the basic patterns! Nicknames in Japanese often come from shortening names, adding suffixes, or even playful mispronunciations. Below are a few ways to create one:

1. Shorten the name

This is the simplest first step of creating a nickname. Much like “Jennifer” becomes “Jen” in English, many Japanese names can be shortened in a casual context.

This sound contraction makes nicknames smoother and often cuter in casual speech. Take a look at some examples below!

2. Add a cute Japanese suffix

Once a name is shortened, it’s time to add a playful or affectionate touch. This is where the cute Japanese suffixes we just discussed come in handy!

If the last syllable of the name or the nickname base ends in “chi” (ち) or “tsu” (つ), something special happens. Instead of just adding “-chan,” Japanese speakers often contract or collapse the sounds, using what’s called a sokuon (促音) — a small “tsu” (っ) that doubles the following consonant.

Take the name Katsuki as an example. First, we shorten it to Katsu. When we add the cute suffix “-chan,” it would normally be “Katsu-chan.” But because the name ends with the sound “tsu,” the words blend together and change to “Katchan” or “Kacchan.” This makes the “t” sound stronger and the nickname sounds shorter and cuter.

Similarly, with a surname like Uchimura, the nickname base “Uchi” plus “-chan” normally becomes “Uchi-chan.” However, the “chi + chan” merges into a contracted form like “Utchan” or “Ucchan,” where the consonant sound doubles. 

For names that don’t end with “chi” or “tsu,” adding “-chan” is straightforward and doesn’t change the name much. For example, Shouto becomes Shou-chan, and Takumi becomes Taku-chan (sometimes people also say Takkun, using a different cute suffix “-kun”). For Takashi, people usually just use the full name, but sometimes say Taka-chan.

Examples:

3. Get even more creative with nickname endings

Of course, the more naturally you speak Japanese, the more you’ll notice that nicknames don’t have to follow a fixed pattern or use the same suffix every time! In fact, many Japanese nicknames use a variety of cute, playful-sounding endings to give them a more personal and affectionate feel.

Some people may take it a step further by making their nicknames unique or personalized.

Examples:

Some nicknames do not necessarily follow any rules; they might come from a person’s favorite food, personality trait, or even how they laugh. That is part of the fun!

4. Combine the Japanese surname and given name

An optional step, one of the most unique nickname styles in Japan, is combining parts of both the family name and the given name to create a catchy nickname. This is quite rare in Western cultures, but quite common in Japan. 

For example, the famous actor Kimura Takuya is affectionately called “Kimu-Taku” by fans. (Remember, in Japanese, the family name comes first.) Similarly, many men named Kato Kenji or Kato Kenichi often go by “Kato-Ken” because it sounds smooth and natural in Japanese.

This combining method only works if the resulting nickname sounds good and flows well in Japanese, which is why not every name can be shortened this way.

Cute Japanese Nicknames

Now that the rules have been explained, here are some examples of commonly used but cool nicknames in Japan:

1. A-chan: A common nickname for anyone whose name starts with “A,” such as Ayaka or Airi.
2. Yuki-pi: A trendy, girly nickname variation often used by teens.
3. Kazu-kun: A classic male nickname for boys named Kazuki, Kazuo, etc.
4. Mii-chan: A name essentially used for girls named Miho, Mika, or Miharu.
5. Tomo-tan: A super-cute nickname twist for Tomoko or Tomoya.

These nicknames are heard in classrooms, on social media, and even in various anime!

Not all Japanese nicknames are cute, some are short, stylish, and just plain cool. These types of nicknames are especially popular among teens, young adults, or in pop culture and celebrity circles. They often rely on abbreviations, stylish blends, or nicknames that give off a confident or laid-back vibe.

Some cool nicknames, often used for guys, incude:

• Taku (from Takuya)
• Hiro (from Hiroshi, Hiroki)
• Yuki (from Yukihiro, Yukiko)
• Aki (from Akira, Akiyama)
• Ryo (from Ryosuke)

Cute Japanese Nicknames for Couples

Among couples in Japan, the nicknames they use for each other often combine Western-style terms of endearment with a uniquely Japanese sense of cuteness. Check out some of the cool Japanese nicknames for boyfriends or girlriends, or general terms of endearment to show affection for couples.

1. あなた (Anata)

Technically, anata means “you” in Japanese, but if you watch anime or read Japanese dramas, you’ll often notice that spouses, especially wives, call their significant others anata.

Why is that? In Japanese culture, it’s less common to use someone’s first name directly, even in close or intimate relationships. Instead, married women often use anata to address their husbands.

This way of speaking feels gentle, respectful, and affectionate, especially when said softly or lovingly.

あなた、ごはんできたわよ。
Anata, gohan dekita wa yo.
Darling, dinner’s ready.

2. ダーリン (Daarin)

This nickname is taken directly from the English nickname “Darling.” This is a romantic nickname for boyfriends or husbands. It is a little playful and retro.

3. ハニー (Hanii)

This nickname means “Honey” in katakana. This nickname is often used by couples aiming to sound sweet and flirty.

4. 〜くん / ちゃん (kun or chan)

Many couples just use a cute version of their partner’s first name. Kenta becomes Ken-kun. Ayumi becomes Ayu-chan

5. 〜りん:

The “〜りん” pattern involves repeating the ending syllable of a name and adding “りん”, turning ordinary names into sweet nicknames. By adding “りん”, the name sounds more playful and affectionate, giving it a cute, bubbly vibe.

Examples:

• Mari → Maririn (まりりん)
• Yuri → Yuririn (ゆりりん)
• Rin → Rinrin (りんりん)

Cute Japanese Nicknames for Family

Japanese families also have their own nickname traditions. Children often use affectionate and hierarchical titles for their siblings and parents.

1. おにいちゃん (Onii-chan): This nickname means “Big brother,” and is usually used by younger siblings. This nickname may also be shortened to にいに (Nii-nii).

2. あねちゃん (Ane-chan): This nickname means “Big sister,” although it is less common than onee-chan, it is still used in casual, childlike speech.

3. じいじ (Jiiji) / ばあば (Baaba): These are cute names for grandpa and grandma; they are the most similar to “Gramps” and “Nana” in English.

4. かーくん (otou-san) / まーちゃん (okaa-san): These names are the shortened versions of “Dad” and “Mom” using parts of their names or nicknames within the family.

Some regional differences exist, too. For example, in Okinawa, siblings may call each other by different terms like アニキ (aniki) for big brother, which carries more respect or toughness.

Tips for Creating Japanese-Style Nicknames from Western Names

If you have a Western name and want to create a cute or natural-sounding Japanese nickname, you might have to convert your name into katakana. The rest of the nickname creation follows the same rule, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Katakana Sounds: Write your name in Japanese katakana first to understand how it sounds in Japanese. For example, “Michael” becomes “Maikeru (マイケル).” This helps when shortening or adding suffixes.
2. Shorten Your Name Naturally: Japanese nicknames often shorten names by cutting off syllables. From “Maikeru,” you could get “Mai-chan” or “Maiku.” Try to keep the nickname easy to pronounce in Japanese.
3. Add Familiar Suffixes: Adding “-chan” (cute/friendly), “-kun” (for boys or casual), or “-san” (polite) can make your nickname feel more natural. For example, “Mai-chan” or “Mike-kun.”
4. Blend Name Parts if Possible: If your name has two parts (like a first and middle name), you can combine parts to make a catchy nickname, similar to the Japanese style. For example, “John Paul” might become “Jo-Pa.”
5. Keep It Simple and Sweet: Japanese nicknames usually avoid complicated sounds and try to keep things easy to say, short, and cute.

Conclusion: Learn to Make Japanese Nicknames with Coto Academy!

In Japanese culture, nicknames are more than just fun; they are a great way to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether you are making new friends, getting closer with a partner, or even bonding with family, experimenting with cute nicknames adds playfulness and affection to your conversations.

Next time you are talking to a Japanese friend, try a nickname! You might just earn one in return.

Want to learn more about casual Japanese for daily life? Learn how to make your own nickname in Japanese by taking practical Japanese lessons at Coto Academy. 

FAQ

Want to get more fun Japanese learning content? You might be interested in:

• Mistakes Japanese Learners Often Make
• Guide to Using Sou, Rashii and Poi in Japanese
• Free Hiragana Chart for Learning Japanese

Downloading and using Anki decks can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to learn Japanese. Anki is a free, open-source flashcard program that uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), allowing you to revisit new vocabulary repeatedly but in a programmed time frame. Through this, you can spend more time on words you have a harder time remembering and less on easier ones.

Though Anki is extremely versatile, we strongly recommend Anki to learn new Japanese words and building vocabulary over time. Still, when you are just starting out, you should use pre-made Anki decks. Once you know your learning preference, you can then customize it. Anki decks can easily be downloaded from the Anki website.

So, what are the best options? Check out our recommendations for the 15 best Japanese Anki decks below!

How to choose the right Anki deck?

An Anki deck is essentially a set of flashcards grouped together. You can have multiple decks for different topics (e.g., “JLPT N5 Vocabulary”, “Medical Terminology”, “GRE Prep”). Each card typically has a front (question, prompt) and a back (answer). You can also include audio, images, and formatting.

When learning Japanese with Anki, the front of the card is often the Japanese word, and the back shows the English meaning. As you become more familiar with Anki, you can start customizing your cards to suit your learning style. You can add audio, pictures, tags, custom fields, or other types of media to make your flashcards more engaging and effective!

With there being hundreds of Japanese Anki decks for learning, choosing the right one can be difficult and confusing. This is especially so for first-time users of Anki who are still figuring out how to use the software. It’s not hard when you get used to it, but we don’t want to add more to your full bowl.

On the Anki website, there is a section under ” Popular categories: Languages ” where you can see links to landing pages for different languages.

Click on the “Japanese” link, and it will bring you to a page full of different Japanese Anki decks. If you already have a topic in mind that you want to study, there is a manual search option in the top right corner.

If you have a problem choosing, click on each Anki deck and look at the reviews. A rating column also shows the ratings of the different tabs.

Once you have chosen the Anki Deck you want to use, just simply click the “download” button to open Anki on your device.

Before that, head to our Japanese learner’s guide to starting Anki flashcards.

Best Japanese Anki Decks

1. Japanese Core 2000 Step 01 Listening Sentence Vocab + Images

Japanese Core 2000 Step 01 is one of the most popular and used Anki decks to memorize Japanese vocabulary. Specifically customized for beginners to Japanese, this Anki Deck has over 2,000 Japanese words for you to learn.

The contents in this Anki deck are well-structured, with images provided for easier memorization. The deck contains 405 audio files and 235 images, and example sentences for the Kanji.

It would probably take 2-3 months to complete this Anki deck if you practice consistently. As we know, consistency is the number one thing for improvement.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck here.

2. Japanese Core 2000 Step 02 Listening Sentence Vocab + Images

Japanese Core 2000 Step 02 is the second part of the Japanese Core 2000 Anki series. Make sure you start with Step 01 before you visit Step 02. Still, for beginners, this Anki Deck is a more advanced version with audio files, English translations, and images provided in the flashcards.

There are Japanese Kanji, verbs, and example sentences that are used in everyday life. This Anki Deck has over 404 Audio files and 236 Images.

Similar to Step 01, it would probably take you 2-3 months to complete this Anki Deck if you practice consistently.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Get Anki decks here.

3. Japanese Basic Hiragana

If you have already learned the basic Japanese writing system, you can skip this. But if you are just a beginner, we recommend Japanese Basic Hiragana. Unlike the Japanese Core Series Anki Deck, this Anki deck does not have any pictures, but it is particularly helpful if you want to remember hiragana characters.

The deck was modified from the TextFugu Hiragana deck and only includes 46 basic audio hiragana character files.

However, you can type in romaji under particular hiragana characters. You can easily complete it as the contents are basic and simple for beginners. Since there are only 46 notes, the deck is a good refresher for new learners.

Since it only covers fundamentals, it does not have all the hiragana characters. So, you might want to move on to more advanced Japanese Anki Decks once you have completed the Deck.

Download Anki deck here

4. JLPT Grammar from Jtest4you

This is the all-in-one Anki deck if you want to focus on grammar. The Jtest4you Anki Deck is a JLPT grammar-focused flashcard. It includes example sentences, romaji, and translations that can be added to the front and back of the flashcards.

What’s good about this Anki deck is that the vocabulary is divided into different JLPT levels, so you can study words relevant to your current situation.

In most flashcards, the front would be the kanji and example sentence in Japanese, while the back of the flashcard would be the furigana, romaji, and English translation.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck.

5. Japanese Visual Novel, Anime, Manga, LN Vocab – V2K 

If you are interested in Japanese visual media, Japanese Visual Novel, Anime, Manga, LN Vocab – V2K Anki Deck could be perfect for you.

This Anki Deck has over 2,000 common words in popular Japanese media, such as novels, anime, and manga. In Japanese media, words and phrases often serve various contexts and examples.

Hence, this Anki deck helps users link the particular kanji and familiar English translations.

It is a beginner-focused Anki deck where users will learn kanji and furigana, along with a pre-recorded audio that can be found at the front of the flashcard.

You will be able to pick up heaps of useful words, such as 全然駄目だ、結構, that are frequently mentioned in anime and manga. It will also significantly improve your reading and listening comprehension.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck here.

6. Katakana Reading Practice

Katakana Reading Practice is an Anki deck that acts as a guide for beginners in learning katakana. With over 1,000 words and phrases in Katakana, the contents of the flashcard focus a lot on foreign loanwords, proper names, onomatopoeia, animal names, as well as brand names.

Many users of this Anki deck have found it very helpful in improving their speed and confidence in speaking and writing katakana.

English speakers might think it’s unnecessary to learn katakana. After all, they are loan words from English — but you’d be surprised by some Japanese katakana words that don’t sound similar to the original English words.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck here.

7. Official KanjiDamage deck

KanjiDamage is the ultimate deck to learn Kanji with the KanjiDamage method, which is basically learning Kanji using mnemonics. There are over 1,700 Kanji to learn from in this Anki Deck.

You will learn a mix of commonly used Kanji as well as uncommonly used Kanji that have been put in random order. The stroke order of how to write the Kanji is also included.

If you want to learn kanji frequency instead, check out another Anki Deck made by the same user, which is a reordered version of this Anki deck. It has been reordered based on the frequency of each Kanji character so that you can more common characters first, followed by the uncommon ones.

Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck here.

8. All in One Kanji Deck

Looking to learn pretty much everything there is to learn about Kanji? All in One Kanji deck is one of the most comprehensive and informative collections out there. It is perfect for those looking to practice writing the Kanji and gaining more knowledge on kanji meaning and readings.

The Anki deck is nicely formatted. With over 10,000 flashcards, you will learn how to read each kanji in onyomi, kunyomi, and nanori as well as learn the number of strokes and stroke orders.

It also teaches you how each Kanji has been changed from its original Chinese elements to become a Japanese character.

Download Anki deck here.

9. Tofugu: Learn Hiragana Deck

This Anki deck created by Tofugu helps you learn Hiragana through Mnemonics. In this Anki Deck, you will be able to learn the basics of Japanese pronunciation.

Download Anki deck here.

10. Tofugu: Learn Katakana Deck

This Anki deck, created by Tofugu, helps you learn Katakana through Mnemonics. In this Anki Deck, you will be able to learn the basics of Japanese pronunciation.

Through descriptive and animative mnemonics, they make learning fun and interactive, and are a perfect method for memorization! Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.

Download Anki deck here.

11. Japanese Course Based on Tae Kim’s Grammar Guide & Anime

This is a self-contained Japanese course for beginners, built around Tae Kim’s Grammar Guide, a popular free resource known for its clear explanations of essential grammar points. The creators also developed a companion Anki deck, making it easy to study and review.

The course places a strong focus on listening comprehension, using real anime scenes to reinforce learning. Each flashcard shows a Japanese phrase on the front, along with a video clip of the sentence used in an anime. The back of the card includes the English translation and a detailed grammar breakdown, helping learners understand both meaning and structure.

Download Anki deck here.

12. Genki 1 & 2 Kanji

If you’ve taken a Japanese class, chances are you’ve used the well-known Genki textbook series. This Anki deck is a simple but effective tool I created to help me learn how to write the kanji introduced in Genki I and Genki II.

The deck covers individual kanji characters from Lesson 3 to Lesson 23, following the exact order presented in the textbooks. Each flashcard shows the English meaning, along with the on-yomi and kun-yomi readings on the front, and the kanji character on the back.

It’s perfect for reinforcing writing practice and memorizing readings in context with the Genki curriculum.

Download Anki deck here.

13. Katakana Reading Practice

Reading katakana can be surprisingly challenging, even if you’ve already memorized the characters. Unlike hiragana, katakana is often used for foreign loanwords and names, which don’t always follow typical Japanese word structure. 

This Anki deck features 1,000 cards designed to help you read katakana with speed and confidence. It focuses on loanwords from English, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and more, along with wasei-eigo (English-inspired words made in Japan like salaryman). You’ll also find cards with onomatopoeia, company names, animal names, and other real-world katakana usage to give you the exposure you need.

Download Anki deck here.

14. Remembering the Kanji 1, 6th Edition (2200 Kanji)

This Anki deck includes all 2,200 kanji from the 6th edition of Remembering the Kanji 1 by James W. Heisig. It was created to offer a complete and accurate companion to the book, as many existing shared decks were either incomplete, based on older editions, or lacked consistency in format and content.

The deck focuses solely on kanji characters, excluding primitive elements that are not kanji themselves. Each card includes a link to an external website for stroke order diagrams, allowing for easy reference and writing practice. It’s an ideal tool for learners following the Heisig method who want a streamlined, comprehensive study aid.

Download Anki deck here.

15. All in One Kanji Deck

This comprehensive Anki deck includes the full set of 2,136 Jouyou Kanji — the official list of kanji designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education for daily use. These are the characters taught in Japanese schools and used in newspapers, books, and official documents. In addition to the Jouyou Kanji, the deck covers JLPT N5 to N1 kanji, 861 Jinmeiyou Kanji (used primarily in names), the 2,500 most frequent kanji, 3,007 kanji from Heisig’s Remembering the Kanji, and more.

Download Anki deck here. 

Each card contains rich, detailed information: the English meaning, readings (on-yomi, kun-yomi, and nanori—name readings, listed separately), stroke count, stroke order, and an example compound word. It also includes kanji classification levels such as JLPT level, Jouyou grade, and usage frequency. Note that a lower frequency number indicates more common usage, while “Grade S” refers to kanji taught in Japanese secondary school. 

Studying Japanese? Take the Free Japanese Level Assessment Test

Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi, Tokyo and Yokohama. We offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learners. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on the creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo or Yokohama, please visit our contact page.

FAQ

Whether you’re just beginning your Japanese study or already at an advanced level, chances are you will still encounter unfamiliar words that leave you reaching for a Japanese dictionary. Whether it’s through an app or a traditional paper dictionary, having the right tool can make all the difference.

As interest in the Japanese language continues to grow, despite its reputation as one of the most challenging languages to learn does the number of available Japanese dictionaries. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we will be reviewing the most popular Japanese dictionaries across categories, from paper dictionaries to smartphone apps.

What Makes a Good Japanese Dictionary? 

A good Japanese-to-English dictionary is a must-have tool for all Japanese learners. It helps us to learn Japanese faster and more efficiently. It must have 100% accuracy and be up-to-date, meaning that it must be updated every few years. Looking at the learner level the dictionary is at is also very important, as a beginner isn’t going to be using or learning the same words as someone getting ready to take the JLPT N1.

And lastly, having key features in the dictionary to help users retain more of what they are reading will be useful. This could include having some basic grammar worksheet usage. So, depending on what you are looking for, these key distinctions will help you in deciding which dictionary it is that you may need and can get the most use out of.

Looking for apps to learn Japanese? Check out these 30 apps for Japanese learning!

Best Japanese Paper Dictionaries

Traditional paper dictionaries have been used by people for many years. Because they are printed, they are a reliable source of the most accurate and detailed explanations for words and sentences.  Here are our recommended paper dictionaries for Japanese learners.

1. Kodansha’s Communicative English-Japanese Dictionary

Widely referenced as the most comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary available. It has an all-inclusive word bank of 22,000 words with the support of 190,000 sample questions. It includes Japanese translations for common words, technical terms, and even slang. Additionally, phrasal verbs, specific expressions, idioms, and related grammar points are also included. Most importantly, there is furigana to ensure users the ease of reading.
In conclusion, this is a well-rounded paper dictionary suitable for all levels of Japanese learners.

Buy Kodansha’s Communicative English-Japanese Dictionary on Amazon.

2.Oxford Beginner’s Japanese Dictionary (Multilingual Edition)

This highly rated dictionary was designed to help English-speaking learners have a comprehensive and straightforward introduction to Japanese. It covers vocabulary needed within the first year of study, has notes on grammar, and overall helps guide readers on the culture of Japan. They provide clear examples to show how the language will be used in varying contexts, and is overall well-organized. One of its key features, too, is that the dictionary is split into two sections: The first, where words are organized alphabetically in Japanese, then the second part is organized alphabetically in English.

Buy Oxford’s Beginner Japanese Dictionary on Amazon.

3. Kodansha’s Furigana Dictionary

If you are an absolute beginner in Japanese and would like a dictionary that matches your beginner level. We recommend you use this. It is a basic English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionary with 30,000 applicable basic Japanese words.
As its name suggests, there is always furigana on top of every kanji in the dictionary to assist the user as they read.
Despite having a smaller word bank, the explanations for each term are precise and comprehensive. For example, words are explained with thousands of examples of sentences. Differences in the usage of similar words are clarified in the dictionary. In conclusion, this is the first Japanese dictionary for beginners.

Buy Kodansha’s Furigana Dictionary on Amazon.

Electronic Japanese Dictionaries

If you feel that it is too troublesome flipping through thousands of pages on a paper dictionary, you may consider getting an electronic one.
Electronic Japanese dictionaries are portable, fast and with useful features such as kanji writing recognition and integrated audio. Some may also have multiple dictionaries stored. This allows you to avoid the trouble of carrying a heavy book around.

Electronic dictionaries have one big weakness – most Japanese electronic dictionaries are built for Japanese English learners. Therefore, the user interface is in Japanese most of the time. If you are a beginner in Japanese, we do not recommend you to get one.

The price of an electronic dictionary depends on its features and the number of dictionaries stored. While older models with basic functions cost less than 40 US dollars, some newer models have more features and bigger word banks are priced up to $500.

Because of the convenient translation websites and apps today, it is almost pointless to spend money on simple electronic dictionaries. As such, we advise you to purchase a newer model with better features. Specific models we recommend is Casio’s ED 9800 Series. It is the comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary series with the latest features. The latest model has the largest word bank supported by 20 English-Japanese dictionaries and 11 Japanese-Japanese dictionaries. Some online dictionaries have audiobooks attached to them, so users are able to double-check what they are saying sounds the same (or similar) to native speakers.

Best Online Japanese Dictionaries and Apps

If you are looking for an easy solution that is also free, we recommend you use an online dictionary and ap dictionary. Online dictionaries and apps only require your phone or laptop and an internet connection (some are even available totally offline). They are extremely convenient, easily accessible, and suitable for most people.
Here are our recommended online dictionaries and apps.

1. Weblio

Weblio is the largest Japanese dictionary website with about 11,370,000 words recorded. You can simply search for the English explanation of a Japanese word or vice versa. Detailed explanations from different dictionaries will be listed with example sentences, phrases, and related words. However, because of the Japanese UI, this website is only recommended to upper beginners and above.

Check out Weblio.

2. Jisho.org

This is a powerful English Japanese online dictionary with a simple user interface and easy-to-use functions. Advanced search options allow you to search for Japanese translations, Kanji, example sentences, and names.
You can also look for words by their radicals, drawings, and even voice input in both Japanese and English. And what is really great for Japanese learners is that you can identify words based on their JLPT level. Kanji from the words will also be listed on the right with their pronunciations and meanings. This online dictionary is extremely suitable for self-learners.

Check out Jisho.org.

3. Japanese Dictionary Takoboto (Android)

Rated the highest on Google Play, this is one of the best free offline Japanese dictionaries for Android. You can search for words using romaji, kana, kanji or alphabets. You can also search for the translation of complete sentences – just like jisho.org, you can search for kanji by their radicals. Other useful features, such as flashcards and custom word lists, make it even more convenient for use by learners.  If you are using an Android device, we highly recommend this app.

Check out Takaboto on Android.

4. Imiwa? (iOS)

A wordplay on the Japanese phrase, “What’s the meaning?” Imiwa is a popular free offline multilingual Japanese dictionary for iPhone. Like the one introduced above, this app also has a strong search engine that allows you to search by meaning, romaji, kanji or alphabet. Of course, you can also search for a kanji by radicals or by drawing it out. Animated stroke order diagrams, pronunciations, and definitions of the kanji will be shown in many languages.
For revision, you can review the words in your search history and create your vocabulary lists.  It is very highly rated and often suggested online.

Check out Imiwa on iOS.

5. Japanese(iOS/Android)

“Japanese” is a comprehensive offline Japanese dictionary for both Android and iPhone. It compiles every useful feature you can find in other Japanese dictionary apps. There are over 175,000 entries and 58,000 example sentences in this app, covering every Japanese word you would see. Moreover, it is more than just a dictionary. For users sitting for the JLPT or the Kanji Kentei, it has ready-built study lists for each level, getting you prepared for the tests.

Check out Japanese in iOS.

6. ALC

ALC is a well-established name in Japan’s language-learning world, known for its dependable and comprehensive resources. Its flagship online dictionary, Eijirou (英辞郎), is especially popular among professionals, including translators, thanks to its extensive database of example sentences, collocations, idiomatic phrases, and technical terms that are often missing from other dictionaries.

It’s particularly strong when you’re dealing with specialized vocabulary or need to understand how a term is used in different contexts. 

Check out ALC.

7. Nihongo

If you’re learning Japanese and use a phone or iPad, Nihongo is one of the best dictionary apps you can get your hands on. Created by developer and Japanese learner Chris Vasselli, the app is designed with learners in mind.

What makes Nihongo stand out is its seamless mix of dictionary and study tools. It automatically creates flashcards from words you look up, lets you add photos to help with memory, and shows whether a word is common, uncommon, or rare. 

There are also some clever features that make learning smoother. The app includes a Safari extension that adds furigana to kanji on websites, a handwriting tool for when you don’t know a kanji’s reading, and a “Clippings” feature that lets you save real Japanese text and study it later. You can even trace words you’ve saved back to the original content they came from. 

Check out Nihongo.

8. Kotobank

Kotobank is a Japanese-language online encyclopedia that lets you search across a wide range of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and databases.

It’s a go-to tool when you want quick, reliable definitions or need to better understand the deeper meaning of a Japanese term. The definitions often provide more nuance and cultural context than you’d get from a simple translation. 

Check out Kotobank.

9. Linguee

Linguee is a free online dictionary that supports multiple language pairs, including Japanese, German, Spanish, and more, translated from English. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require an account or login, which makes it a convenient tool for quick lookups.

What really sets Linguee apart is its vast number of example sentences. In addition to basic, tool-generated examples, it pulls real-world sentences from external sources like multilingual websites. These examples provide richer context and help you see how a word or phrase is actually used in natural writing. While not every translation is perfect—since most aren’t manually reviewed—it’s still an excellent resource for learners. 

Check out Linguee.

10. Tagaini Jisho

Tagaini Jisho is a free Japanese-English dictionary app available for both Mac and Windows. While its interface may look a bit old, it’s packed with features that are especially useful for serious learners. You can filter vocabulary by JLPT level, parts of speech, or kanji elements, making it great for targeted study. It even includes kanji stroke order animations to help with writing practice.

Other standout features include the ability to add custom tags and notes to entries, create flashcards, and even print out study booklets using foldable templates. These print-friendly sheets are perfect if you prefer offline learning or want something to carry around in your pocket.

Check out Tagaini Jisho.

11. Shirabe Jisho (iOS)  

“Shirabe Jisho” is owned by the same users who made Jisho.org, so now having a mobile interface that can be used in both Japanese-English or English-Japanese makes it all the better in our books. Its reliability stands out for users as well, with it having 4.9 stars out of 5 with over 7,500 ratings. 

Check out Shirabe Jisho.

Ready to Learn Japanese? Join Coto Academy!

There are many ways to go about learning Japanese, let alone many options for dictionaries. Take time for yourself and think about what will work best for you and your learning needs before you purchase your next dictionary. What are some features that you think will help you better comprehend Japanese? You could maybe trial a few to see what works best for you before totally submitting to one! 

If you’re looking for in-person practice or one-on-one help from a native speaker, Coto Academy may be what you need! With in-person classes or private online courses, Coto has a variety of options based on your needs to help you learn Japanese culture and language with ease!

If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below. Courses can be found here.

FAQ

Love the content you are reading? You might like:

• How to Improve Japanese Reading with a Browser Extension
• Best Anki Decks to Learn Japanese
• Guide to Learning Japanese Online
• Download Our Free Hiragana Chart
• Best Free Japanese Verb Dictionaries

ください (kudasai) and おねがいします (onegaishimasu) are one of the first phrases you’ll hear when you’re studying Japanese, typically used to ask for a favor or request. Their versatility — not to mention their relation to Japan’s culture of politeness and humility — is the reason you’ll find Japanese people using them a lot.

In essence, both words mean “please,” and it’s easy to use them interchangeably. Sure, in English, there’s only one way to say “please”, but in Japanese, it is a bit different. ください and おねがいします, but their contextual meaning and how to use them are different. .

This little semantic difference is backed by years and years of cultural preference. Beyond a simple translation, they are selectively used depending on the tone, context and sentence structure you’re going for. So when and how do you use kudasai and onegaishimasu separately? Continue reading in this blog!

Before we go further into the article, note that this article will use hiragana, so prior knowledge of them is a must. If you’re still learning them, don’t worry. Take a look at our hiragana chart to review them.

Jump to:

• The Literal Meaning of Kudasai and Onegaishimasu
• Contextual Meaning of Kudasai (ください)
• Contextual Meaning of Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)
• How to Use Kudasai (ください)
• How to Use Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

The Literal Meaning of Kudasai and Onegaishimasu

ください or 下さい is derived from the verb くださる, which means to ”give me”. It is the humble honorific verb that means the same as くれる. Following this, ください is used when you want to get something from the other speaker or party. In English, we can translate it to “Please give me (this).” Thus the verb is describing the action of the “requester”

On the other hand, おねがいします or お願いします comes from the word 願い・ねがい, which means “wish” or “hope“. When you use おねがいします, you are basically asking someone to humbly do you a favor. Think of it as describing the action of the requestor. When used to tell someone to do something with おねがいします, it becomes less of a wish and more of an instruction (“to request”). When you are saying おねがいします, you are literally saying either “I’d like that” or “I beg of you.”

To get a better picture of how these two phrases differ, check out the example sentences.

ラーメン　を　ひとつください。
Give me one (bowl) of ramen.

サラダ　を　お願いします。
さらだ　を　おねがいします。
Salad, please.

Now that you know the literal meaning, let’s get into both words’ contextual implications.

Contextual Meaning of Kudasai (ください)

1. ください is used when asking something for yourself (or your group)

While these two words can be roughly translated as “please”, ください is used to make a request for something you are entitled to. In other words, you can’t use kudasai on someone’s behalf.

For example, Nをください translates to “Please give me N.” Take a look at a simple example below.

A：これ　を　ください (Please give me this)。
B：はい (Yes)。

2. ください is used to ask someone who is equal or below your social status

In Japan and its society, rank is important, and your position will determine the degree of politeness. This is why keigo (humble Japanese form used in business or work) is a big part of Japanese culture.

A teacher who is requesting something from their student will use ください instead of おねがいします because, having to bear the higher title, they can speak more casually. The same can be said when you are a guest (お客さま) ordering at a store or a restaurant.

You wouldn’t want to use “kudasai” to your manager or supervisor. Instead, you use it for making a request to a friend or someone who has a lower social status, like your こうはい (your junior at work or school).

鉛筆　を　ください
えんぴつ　を　ください
Give me the pencil.

Notice that in these example sentences, ください feels more like a command, closer to order. ください’s blatancy can feel awkward when it’s used to someone with a higher social status.

3. ください is used for only concrete or tangible things

You can only use ～をください for concrete things. For things like an understanding, explanation or other non-tangible requests, opt for おねがいします instead.

You can, however, tie the object with a verb (~te form) and add ください. Take a look at the example below.

説明　を　下さい。
せつめい　を　ください。
Explain, please (wrong).

説明して下さい。
せつめいしてください。
Please explain (correct).

4. ください is more casual when requesting an object

Simply speaking, ください has a more casual (not to be mistaken as rude) tone than おねがいします. It implies a demand and want, rather than a wish or request.

The same way Japanese men and women uses different suffix (kun, chan or san) and first-and-second pronouns (watashi, ore or boku), you’ll tend to hear men use ください more often than women.

水　を　ください
みず　を　ください
Give me (a glass of) water.

5. ください can be used to make formal commands

You can’t use onegaishimasu for commands, but you can use kudasai to do an action using the ~て formula. This is because “kudasai” can be used with a verb.

Keep in mind that ください is a less polite way of requesting an object (something tangible), but when it comes to making an order, it is considered polite. Take a look at the example below.

座ってください。
すわってください。
Please take a seat.

食べてください。
たべてください。
Please eat.

ちょっと待ってください。
ちょっとまってください。
Please wait a moment.

To make the command more casual (be careful when using it), you can omit the ください.

ちょっと待ってね。
ちょっとまってね
Wait.

Note that you can use a verb with onegaishimasu, but you have to change the verb into a noun. In this case, adding の (no) after it nominalizes a verb.

Contextual Meaning of Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

1. おねがいします is used to make requests for someone who is higher than you or a stranger

Onegaishimasu has a more passive and humble tone to it. In fact, you’ll find おねがいします partnered together in other formal phrases: when you meet someone, when you reply to a mail or when you’re working together. It’s more commonly used to request a favor from a superior or someone you don’t know. This is because おねがいします is closer to “I beg of you” than “would you please.”

水をください。
みずをください。
(Give me) water, please.

水をお願いします。
みずをおねがいします
(A glass of) water, please.

Notice that in the example, kudasai feels more direct. This relates to Japanese culture. Japanese people are generally indirect communicators. They may be ambiguous when answering questions and making requests to prevent a loss of face or out of politeness. You can also use ‘kudasai’ for an item, but if you want to be more formal when requesting an object, use おねがいします instead.

If you want to be more humble use, you’d say おねがいいたします. いたします is the most humble form of “do” or する.

3. おねがいします is used when you are requesting a service you can’t fulfill yourself

東京駅　まで　お願いします。
とうきょうえき　まで　おねがいします。
To Tokyo Station, please.

When you’re requesting service for something you can’t do yourself, you mustn’t use kudasai. In the above situation above, you can’t travel to Tokyo Station alone. Instead, you’re asking a taxi driver to do it for you.

4. おねがいします is used for asking to speak to someone on the phone

This is one of the situations where only おねがいします is used (the other being asking for a service). When asking to speak to someone on the phone, you can only use おねがいします. You can’t ask someone to “give” you a person.

田中さんお願いします。
たなかさんおねがいします。
May I speak to Mr. Tanaka?

Similarly, you can’t ask for someone using kudasai as it is considered rude.

べんごしおねがいします。
May I have a lawyer, please.

5. おねがいします can be used to request abstract objects

～をお願いします can be used when you ask for abstract or non-tangible things. This includes explanations, understanding or cooperation.

One of the examples is an expression you’d often hear on train platforms or informal announcements.

ご協力　を　おねがいします。
ごきょうりょく　を　おねがいします。
We ask for your cooperation.

ご理解　を　おねがいします。
ごりかい　を　おねがいします。
We ask for your understanding.

Note that we use “go” ご to add a feeling of politeness. In Japanese, it is common to use the prefixes お and ご when using keigo. If you want to know more about them, check our introduction to Japanese honorific and humble form here.

How to Use Kudasai (ください)

Noun + を + ください

Kudasai (ください) is put after an object and its o particle (を).

It’s common in everyday conversation to skip the o (を) particle when using ください.

Verb ~て + ください

For this, you will need to know how to conjugate Japanese verbs into ~te (~て). There are three different conjugation groups, with some irregular verbs that have exceptions to the て form rules. If you haven’t learned them already, we’ve made a separate blog post on how to transform a verb into a ~te verb, complete with handy illustrated cards.

How to Use Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

Noun + を + おねがいします

Similar to kudasai, おねがいします follows the o particle (を) and the object of the sentence. Remember that while you can replace ください with おねがいします, it depends on the context and social circumstances.

を in ～をおねがいします can be skipped, particularly in spoken conversations.

おねがいします can stand alone

はい、お願いします。
Yes, please.

宜しくお願いします。
よろしくおねがいします。
This phrase roughly translates to “I hope things go well” or “I hope you treat me well”.

There are a number of ways to translate the meaning of よろしくおねがいします, but the important point to note is that it is not said with regards to something that has already happened. Instead, it is used as an expression of gratitude, apology, explanation, or expression of something that will happen in the future.

Nominalized verb + おねがいします

To do this, use a plain-form verb and attach it to a の (no)

For the word たべるの, because it essentially becomes a noun, you can use it with おねがいします and do the following:

たべるの(を)おねがいします。

ちょっとまっておねがいします。
Please wait a moment. Wrong.

Although using it is pretty simple, we strongly advise you to say まってください instead.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both are equivalent to “please”, so you’re not going to be wrong no matter which one you use. Just remember that kudasai can be used for a te-form verb. Once you find your footing and preference, using them will be a breeze.

Start Taking Japanese Lessons at Coto Language Academy. Learn the “Real” Japan!

Want to learn Japanese? Join Coto Academy. With a strong focus on practical Japanese, you can learn in a small, fun class. Online or in-person. Intensive or once a week. You decide. If you are interested in studying Japanese, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.

FAQ

Want to learn more Japanese phrases? Read our guide on:

• How to Use Ganbaru, Ganbatte and Ganbare
• What Does Senpai (先輩) Mean in English?
• How to Use San, Sama, Kun
• How to Use Otsukaresama Desu in Japanese