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Halloween in Japan is just around the corner, and when is better time to learn some Japanese Halloween vocabulary, if not now? How else can you describe some of the ghosts, monsters, and creepy crawlers that will spring up across the nation? Japan is no stranger to celebrating various occasions, and Halloween is quickly gaining popularity, with Halloween-themed events and house parties becoming increasingly widespread. 

People don’t just dress up in costumes and show up to different Halloween events in Tokyo. If you’re planning to parade around the city, it helps to know some Halloween-themed Japanese words, whether you want to describe your own costume or comment on someone else’s.

So, what are some key terms to know and look out for to make the most out of Halloween in Japan? Read more to find out!

Is Halloween Celebrated in Japan? Is it Different From the U.S.?

Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Japan, especially in larger cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. However, unlike in the U.S., Halloween in Japan is more focused on public festivities than on trick-or-treating at homes.

The spooky season is particularly popular among young people, thanks to its fun supernatural themes and the opportunity to wear costumes. Large costume events, such as the one in Ikebukuro, often focus on character cosplays from Japanese video games and anime.

While Japan hosts many cosplay-focused events, Halloween costumes in Japan and the U.S. share similarities. People in both countries enjoy dressing up as characters from movies, pop culture, and even Japanese media, so in terms of costumes, Halloween isn’t too different between the two countries.

The biggest difference is trick-or-treating, which has not caught on in Japan as much as costume events. Small-scale trick-or-treat activities may occur at elementary schools or locally organized events, but generally, only young children participate rather than entire neighborhoods or cities.

20 Scary Japanese Words About Halloween

halloween vocabulary in japanaese infographic

1. ハロウィン (Harouin): Halloween

First up, the basic Halloween vocabulary in Japanese. Let’s take a look at the word ハロウィン (Harowin). Want to guess what it means? You’ve probably already guessed it by looking at the romaji, haven’t you? Well, for those who are still trying to figure it out, it actually means Halloween. Written in Katakana, it is more or less a direct translation from the English Word “Halloween” itself. 

2. 南瓜 (Kabocha): Pumpkin

Of course, we cannot write about Japanese Halloween vocabulary without including pumpkin. Pumpkin, or 南瓜 (kabocha), is often written in hiragana as かぼちゃ instead of kanji. Kabocha translates to pumpkin or winter squash, and is one of the most popular autumn flavors in Japan.

The term also describes the Japanese variety of pumpkin that has a deep, dark green outside and an orange-colored flesh on the inside. The texture is soft and smooth, and the flavor is somewhat sweet with nutty notes. The fruit (fun fact: kabocha is botanically a fruit) is commonly used in Japanese cuisine, especially when it’s in season, which is around autumn and winter. You can find it in tempura, nabe, and a variety of other popular dishes.  

So, to conclude, the word kabocha covers both the western and Japanese pumpkin. This term can describe the iconic Halloween pumpkin monster and the winter squash found in Japanese cuisine.

3. あめ (Ame): Candy

あめ is the word for candy, generally referring to the hard candies derived from sugars and starches such as rice, cornstarch, or potatoes. For a more general term encompassing all varieties of candy, such as chocolate, nougats, and caramels, you can say キァンディー (kiandii). 

4. お墓 (Ohaka): Grave

お墓 (おはか), or ohaka, refers to the Japanese grave or tombstone. Japanese tombs look physically different compared to Western graves, but they play a similar role as a physical structure representing an ancestor or loved one being laid to rest. 

While graves might be a common prop in Halloween decorations, in Japan, the Obon festival (which takes place in August) is when Japanese people visit family graves, which is known as お墓参り(ohaka mairi)

5. お化け (Obake): Ghost

お化け (obake) refers to ghosts or paranormal beings in general. The term obake comes from the term 化ける (bakeru), which means to transform. The term is similar to 化け物 (bakemono), which broadly refers to creatures that transform; one famous example is the kitsune, or shape-shifting fox, found in Japanese folklore.

The term now generally describes ghosts similar to yuurei (which we will describe next), as well as the paranormal, such as its usage in お化け屋敷 (obake yashiki) or haunted house. Obake yashiki are a popular activity in many theme parks, so be sure to visit one this Halloween!

6. 幽霊 (Yuurei): Spirit

幽霊 (ゆうれい), or Yuurei, refers to Japanese ghosts or spirits found throughout Japanese folklore. They are generally restless spirits who are tied to the world due to strong unresolved emotions, but are not necessarily dangerous. For example, they can be stuck in the world due to their love for their child and remain to watch over them like an invisible guardian. 

Yuurei, who have strong emotions of anger or hatred, known as 怨霊 (onryou), meaning vengeful spirits, are very dangerous. So, be careful not to come across an onryou this Halloween!

7. 骸骨 (Gaikotsu): Skeleton

Another in our Japanese Halloween vocabulary list is gaikotsu. Gaikotsu refers to skeletons, usually human ones. This word generally describes the whole skeletal body of a human. To describe the skull, you can use the word 頭蓋骨 (zugai kotsu).

8. ミイラ (Miira): Mummy

You might think that the Japanese word for mummy is a literal loanword: maami. But for this preserved body, the Japanese language uses the Portuguese word mirra (myrrh). This is because miira refers to mummies wrapped in bandages, just like in horror movies. You’ll often see them in haunted houses (お化け屋敷, or obake yashiki) during Halloween events.

Check out other Japanese loanwords that don’t come from English.

9. 悪魔 (Akuma): Demon or Devil

You are probably thinking of Akuma from the video game, Street Fighter. But they got the name of the character from an ancient Japanese term for devil or demon. The word can be traced back to Buddhist texts from around 700 AD. The character 悪 (aku) translates to “evil” or “bad” and 魔 (ma) just refers to the devil, so the literal meaning is “evil devil”. You really can’t find a more evil entity than Akuma.

10. 魔女 (Majo): Witch

Ma (魔) means demon or evil spirit, and jo (女) means woman. Together, 魔女 means witch. In Japanese culture, witches can appear as either frightening villains or magical heroines, depending on the story. Think of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, which in Japanese is 魔女の宅急便 (Majo no Takkyubin), translating literally to witch delivery service. 

In Japan, witches are not always represented as evil or malevolent; instead, they can be good-spirited people who have magical abilities. 

Can you learn Japanese from anime like Kiki’s Delivery Service? To find out, read our blog on Learning Japanese with Anime!

11. 吸血鬼 (Kyuuketsutki): Vampire

Literally “blood-sucking demon.” 吸 (kyuu) means “to suck,” 血 (ketsu or chi) means “blood,” and 鬼 (ki or oni) means “demon.” Much like in the West, in Japanese media, vampires can be both terrifying and romanticized.

12. こうもり (Koumori): Bat 

Often associated with darkness, caves, and vampires. While not inherently scary in Japanese culture, bats take on a spooky vibe during Halloween. This more scary image of the bat was adopted along with the Halloween holiday from the West.

13. 黒猫 (Kuroneko): Black Cat

In Japan, black cats have mixed symbolism. They can bring bad luck (like in the West) but are also considered good luck for single women, believed to help attract suitors. On Halloween, they’re more on the spooky side.

14. クモ (Kumo): Spider

Spiders are associated with fear and creepiness, especially their webs in haunted settings. In folklore, there’s even the Jorougumo (絡新婦), a spider woman who lures men to their doom.

15. ドキドキ(Doki doki): Heart Beating

Similarly, ドキドキ (Doki-Doki) is the onomatopoeia for a beating heart and actually has a wide range of uses in Japanese. It can be used to indicate excitement, nervousness, or as a way of expressing fear. 

怖い(こわい)、心臓(しんぞう)がドキドキしちゃうよ!

Kowai, shinzou ga doki-doki shichau yo!

That’s scary, my heart is beating so fast right now.

16. 怒り(Ikari) – Anger or Hatred

The word 怒り(Ikari) can be used to express the anger and hatred that someone holds towards another individual. This word conveys intense anger or wrath. In Japanese folklore and horror, 怨霊 (onryou), which we described earlier, comes from the word 怒り(ikari) or anger and 霊(ryou/rei) or spirit. So, together the term means angry spirit. 

17. 呪い (Noroi): Curse

Spells, hexes, and dark magic are all noroi. In Japanese horror, cursed objects, or noroi no ningyou (呪いの人形), and cursed videos, or noroi no bideo (呪いのビデオ), are common scary themes.

18. びっくり(Bikkuri): Surprised

Not always negative, but in a scary setting, it’s the sudden shock or jump-scare feeling. You can say びっくりした!, or “That scared me!” when surprised by a jump-scare from a horror movie or haunted house. Alternatively, you can also say the slang form, びびる (bibiru).

19. 不気味 (Bukimi): Eerie or Creepy

Not necessarily a Halloween-themed Japanese vocabulary, bukimi describes something unsettling, eerie, or unnerving, like an abandoned house at night or a creepy doll staring at you. Perfect Halloween atmosphere.

20怖い (Kowai): Scared

怖い (kowai) is an essential Japanese adjective for scary, usually as a way of expressing that something looks or is scary. For example, you can say “ホラー映画が怖いです”(horaa eiga ga kowai desu) or “horror movies are scary”. However, a common pitfall beginners make is when they say “私は怖い” (watashi wa kowai), which means “I am scary.” To say that “I am scared,” you must say, “私は怖がっている” (watashi wa kowagattiru). 

Alternatively, the word 恐怖 (kyoufu) can also be used to express your fears and dread for something.

Expand Your Emotions With Japanese Halloween Words

Learning Halloween vocabulary in Japanese is not just about memorizing words; it’s about exploring how Japan interprets fear, the supernatural, and the mysterious. They are not just useful in Halloween but in expressing yourself in Japanese overall. Plus, don’t miss out on trying kabocha and ame, or candy.

To get the most out of this list of words, try practicing them with a professional teacher who can guide and train you to use them in natural, everyday conversation.

Why not join Japanese lessons at Coto Academy? Our classes are designed to help you engage with real, authentic Japanese culture.

We offer intensive Japanese courses as well as part-time options, so whether you want to immerse yourself fully or fit lessons into a busy schedule, there’s something for you. Start your journey to speaking Japanese confidently today!

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  • Professional, native Japanese teachers
  • Over  60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
  • Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support

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FAQ

Is Halloween popular in Japan?

Yes! Halloween has grown rapidly in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo. It’s more about costumes, parties, and decorations than trick-or-treating, but spooky words definitely add to the fun.

What is the word for candy in Japanese?

Candy can either be あめ (ame), which generally describes Japanese hard candy, or キャンディー (kyandii), which refers to all varieties of candy in general.

Are there Japanese monsters or yokai tied to Halloween?

While Halloween in Japan borrows heavily from Western imagery (witches, vampires, bats), you’ll also find yokai like Jorougumo (the spider woman) or yurei (ghosts) being used in Halloween-themed events.

What are some Halloween Japanese vocabulary I should know about?

Some key Japanese Halloween vocabulary includes おばけ (obake, ghost), かぼちゃ (kabocha, pumpkin), こうもり (koumori, bat), ゾンビ (zonbi, zombie), and ハロウィン (Harowin, Halloween).

Want to expand your vocabulary beyond just Halloween-related Japanese vocabulary? You might want to check out:

Many of us grew up playing Japanese video games, some of the most popular including Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon, but did you ever consider using them to learn Japanese? Generally, people think of anime for learning Japanese, but video games might have some of the same benefits, if not more! 

Video games can immerse you in authentic Japanese conversation, provide intriguing stories, and even help you improve your reading, listening, and comprehension skills. Whether you’re fighting legendary enemies, solving tough riddles, or exploring breathtaking worlds, games make learning feel effortless and enjoyable.

Why Learn Japanese with Video Games?

While there are video games designed for studying Japanese, conventional video games meant for entertainment can be an amazing tool to learn the language. Video games that are very story-driven can provide exposure to not only dialogue, but also reading comprehension and contextual listening practice as well. Also, since you have to participate (not watch passively), understanding dialogue or text is necessary to complete the game. 

Video games may prove to be a safe environment to pressure-test and expand your Japanese. You might be thrown into situations reflecting real life (without the real-life consequences) where you have to comprehend directions or important dialogue using context, all on a moment’s notice. This makes video games a great method for natural language acquisition. However, as you may know, there are a variety of video games, and some may be better for picking up language than others. 

Pros and Cons of Learning Japanese with Video Games

There are pros and cons to learning Japanese video games; some are great for learning Japanese, while others may be a great excuse to play video games under the guise of actual practice.

Pros to Learning Japanese with Video Games:

1. Great for natural language acquisition

Words and dialogue are paired with visuals (oftentimes visual demonstrations) as well as a task you must complete. So, you’ll be exposed to an environment that introduces new terminology and requires a response or action from the gamer. 

2. Immersive Japanese Practice

Video games serve as excellent Japanese practice through immersion. Similar to anime, since you are constantly listening to or reading tons of Japanese, you will gain a ton of practice while having fun!

3. Learning by context

Learning a language by paying close attention to visual and contextual clues is a great way to pick up more of it. Figuring out the meaning of certain words or expressions by trying to understand the context surrounding them is a great way to naturally learn a language and have it stick.

4. Fun and Motivating

Making language learning fun and enjoyable can help remove the stress and chore of studying while also being more motivating. Doing something you like in another language is an effective way to learn since it somewhat resembles how you learnt your native tongue as a kid. You just learnt naturally while doing different activities.

Cons to Learning Japanese with Video Games

1. Many Video Games have Little to No Dialogue

There are a lot of video games out there, and many don’t require any language at all. So, you’ll need to be particular about which genre you choose since some inherently have no language at all. For instance, games like Street Fighter, Tetris, or online shooters probably don’t require any language in order to play the game beyond getting past the menu.

2. Many of your Favorite Titles might be too hard for Beginners

While you might want to try playing video games to learn Japanese, many of your favorite titles, such as Ace Attorney, might be too difficult for beginners or even intermediate learners. It might end up making the game more frustrating rather than fun to learn. So, for this reason, we made the list below based on skill level.

3. Varying Degrees of Listening Material

Japanese video games might have more reading practice than listening, especially JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Games). Often, they might have you read more text while providing very little audio dialogue. These games are great for reading practice, but not always for listening. Of course, it does depend on the game, and many modern titles have more audio dialogue.

Learning Japanese with Video Games for Beginners

With all that out of the way, let’s get into our top picks for video games that are best for learning Japanese. We chose titles separated by skill level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and genres that would have the most dialogue or language practice possible. 

All the games on the list are available either on Steam, app stores, or one of the latest consoles (Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series S/Series X)

1. Final Fantasy Series I – VIII (Classic)

Final Fantasy game set 1 through 6. Games that are good for learning Japanese
Final Fantasy I – VI, Square Enix

Genre: RPG, Strategy

The classic Final Fantasy series may prove to be excellent reading practice for beginners, with tons of rather simple, shorter dialogue constant throughout the game. These are turn-based RPGs where you usually plan out strategies similar to chess. You can play the game and even read the dialogue bubbles at your own pace. You can take as long as you want to read the dialogue and plan your next move. 

Note that Final Fantasy I – VI have not been adapted to the latest consoles, but are all available on Steam.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

The turn-based strategy may make these games sound more like chess rather than a video game, but Final Fantasy (especially VIII) has captivating stories, well-written characters, and amazing world-building packed with interesting themes. Plus, you’ll be completely drawn into building your characters, and the sense of accomplishment keeps you hooked.

2. Super Mario Party Jamboree

Super Mario Party Jamboree for Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Party Jamboree, Nintendo

Genre: Party, Platform, Puzzle

Super Mario Party may not be the first game that comes to mind when looking for a video game to practice Japanese. However, there are tons of directions the game throws at you. Since the games consist of different mini-games, items, and different board rules, you’ll need to read and understand different descriptions in Japanese. The game always has furigana.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing or Doubutsu no Mori for the Nintendo Switch, a video game that can be good Japanese practice for beginners
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo

Genre: Life simulation, Social Simulation 

A charming and delightful game where you develop and design your home, garden, and even town. You can design gardens, homes, and more. You can even develop your little town into a metropolis and get into the stock market (pun intended), where you can invest in turnips whose prices rise and fall similar to company stocks. You can find creative ways to build your island and design everything the way you like it. No two islands are the same.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

Everyday conversational Japanese, simple menus, and plenty of repetition. Text is written in hiragana and kanji (often with furigana), making it very accessible for beginners.

4. Pokémon (All games)

Pokemon Legends Z- A for Nintendo Switch
Pokemin Z-A, Nintendo

Pokémon is a beloved series by fans all over the world and is probably one of the biggest franchises in gaming history. You probably already know this game, but in case you don’t, this game is based around catching Pokémon (short for pocket monster), upgrading and using them to fight other Pokémon. There is a whole strategy and system where different Pokémon types are stronger than others, have specific abilities, or benefit from certain environments.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners: 

This game makes for great reading practice, especially for katakana. Almost every Pokémon’s name is written in katakana, so as you keep collecting them, you’ll develop your katakana reading abilities. There are also texts with simple Japanese conversation, featuring clear and repetitive vocabulary, making the series great for beginners.  

5. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom for the Nintendo Switch, a game that can be great Japanese practice for casual dialogue and katakana reading.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo

The latest Legend of Zelda, along with its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, are both masterpieces in open-world gameplay, combining puzzles, adventures, and action. The game lets players explore the detailed world and find their own solutions to problems or obstacles. There is no linear way to do anything, and the game wants to encourage your own creativity. 

Why it’s great for Japanese learners :

The game has a decent mix of polite and casual dialogue, quest-based instructions, and item vocabulary. Additionally, the open-world gameplay reinforces words through context.

Learning Japanese with Video Games for Intermediate

6. Ni no Kuni (1 and 2)

Ni no Kuni for Playstation 4
Ni no Kuni II, Bandai Namco

Genre: RPG, Puzzle

If you’re a fan of Ghibli and video games, these games are right up your alley since the creators worked directly with Studio Ghibli for the game’s animation. In the game, you follow a young boy named Oliver in his adventures to save his mother in another world. You really feel like you are in the world of Ghibli as you traverse the world alongside some incredible characters. The amazing soundtrack is by the same composer as many of Ghibli’s greatest hits, which, combined with its charming story, this game hits you in the right spots at the right moments and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.

As combat is relatively simple, the game still comes with a tutorial system to guide new players who may be unfamiliar with the game itself. 

Why it’s Great for Japanese learners:

The games consist of clear spoken Japanese, along with Japanese subtitles, giving you the best of both. The language is not too complicated, but would require some familiarity with conversational spoken Japanese. This is a great bridge into intermediate.

7. KUUKIYOMI: Consider It

Kuuki yomi for the switch. A video game great for learning Japanese social etiquette and Japanese language.
Kuuki Yomi, G-Mode

Genre: Puzzle, Indie, Simulation

Kuukiyomi is one of the Japanese phrases that are difficult to translate, but its closest equivalent is “reading the air” or “reading the room”. This game tests your awareness and consideration of others (a common Japanese sentiment). The scenarios are based on common situations in Japan. However, they are usually presented with a touch of absurdity, making the game light-hearted and humorous. 

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

The situations can range from letting an elderly person sit on the train to pretending to sleep when Santa is around. This game is an incredibly fun (and funny) way to both learn Japanese and Japanese cultural etiquette, where you win with your killer manners. As they say: 一石二鳥 (isseki nichou) — two birds with one stone!

The Japanese text doesn’t usually have any furigana, so it might be a bit difficult for beginners. Also, the directions and game results consist of longer text with a decent dose of kanji. But it is a fun game for everybody, no matter your level!

8. Ghost of Tsushima & Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei is a beautiful game taking place in Feudal Japan. The game can be played in Japanese with subtitles, great for practice.
Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch Productions/Sony

Genre: Action-Adventure, Historical, Open World

Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion, Ghost of Tsushima (and soon to released Ghost of Yotei) offers breathtaking scenery, cinematic battles mirroring jidaigeki (samurai films), and dialogue inspired by samurai-era Japanese. The game can be played fully in Japanese audio with subtitles, making it feel like a cinematic samurai drama.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

It’s excellent for intermediate and advanced learners interested in historical and formal Japanese speech. The subtitles allow you to learn Japanese, similar to how you would with anime, except that since you’re participating in the story, the new vocabulary might stick even more. You’ll also hear honorific and warrior-related vocabulary, which offers a deeper cultural perspective. There are also repetitive phrases said throughout the game. 

10. Persona 5

Persona 5 for Playstation 5, great for practicing your listening comprehension for everyday conversational Japanese
Persona 5 The Royal, Atlus/Sega

Genre: RPG, Social Simulator

Persona 5 blends dungeon crawling with Japanese high school life, meaning you’ll experience both fantasy combat dialogue and everyday school conversations. The game’s setting in Tokyo also gives insight into modern Japanese youth culture, slang, and casual expressions.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners :

Persona uses kanji with furigana, which is perfect for learners building reading confidence. The dialogue is conversational and often mirrors how teenagers actually speak. Upper-intermediate learners will especially benefit, as the game introduces lots of casual phrasing and slang in addition to standard Japanese.

Learning Japanese with Video Games for Advanced

9. Resident Evil: Biohazard Series

Resident Evil 4 remake for Playstation 4
Resident Evil 4, Capcom

Genre: Survival Horror, Action

This globally popular series immerses you in tense, dramatic scenarios filled with survival dialogue, notes, and mission instructions. The series is perfect for horror and mystery enthusiasts with its complex puzzles, constant fear of something chasing you, and captivating stories filled with action. The Japanese version often uses military-style or urgent commands, giving exposure to more serious and action-oriented vocabulary.

Why it’s great for the Japanese:

Resident Evil provides practice with reading in high-stakes contexts (notes, reports, instructions). While some vocabulary is specialized, the game helps learners get used to fast-paced spoken Japanese in action scenes. Best suited for intermediate and advanced learners.

10. Yakuza: Ryuu ga Gotoku Series (龍が如く)

Yakuza: Ryuu ga Gotoku, a game full of realistic Japanese conversation
Yakuza: Ryuu ga Gotoku Ishin Kiwami, Sega

Genre: Action-Adventure, Crime Drama

Set in Japan’s nightlife districts, Yakuza combines dramatic storytelling with quirky side missions. You’ll encounter realistic conversations ranging from polite shop dialogue to tough street slang, karaoke banter, and even business negotiations.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

Advanced learners will thrive here, as the game uses a wide spectrum of speech styles from keigo to rough Kansai slang. It’s one of the most authentic representations of conversational Japanese you’ll find in gaming.

11. Ace Attorney Series

Ace Attorney Series: Apollo Justice is one of the best games for learning Japanese due to its rich dialogue and gameplay analyzing the dialogue
Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice Trilogy, Capcom

Genre: Virtual Novel, Puzzle Game

The Ace Attorney series consists of incredible games filled with rich dialogue and fun stories revolving around fascinating criminal cases that are taken to court. In the originals, you play as Phoenix Wright, a defence attorney, whose dedication to justice and finding the truth allows him to defend his innocent clients. You must cross-examine witness testimonies, look for contradictions, and present the correct evidence to win the case. When you find something wrong, make sure to raise an “Objection!”.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

Ace Attorney is packed with legal banter as well as conversational Japanese, since you have to speak to different witnesses both in and out of the court. This series would make for great reading and listening comprehension practice for advanced learners since you have to analyze different arguments and find contradictions. 

12. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate, an intriguing visual novel blending science fiction and slice of life.
Steins;Gate Elite&Divergencies Assort, MAGES.

Genre: Visual Novel, Sci-Fi, Mystery

Steins;Gate is one of the most iconic Japanese visual novels, blending science fiction with thriller and slice-of-life elements. You follow a group of eccentric university students and self-proclaimed “mad scientists” who stumble upon a way to send messages to the past, triggering intense consequences. The story is text-heavy, with hours of dialogue, narration, and inner thoughts all fully voice-acted in Japanese.

Why it’s great for Japanese learners:

Because Steins; Gate is dialogue-driven, you’ll encounter natural, everyday Japanese as well as more technical vocabulary tied to science and time travel. The characters each have distinct speaking styles — from casual slang to more formal or quirky speech patterns — which helps you pick up on tone and nuance. The text often mixes kanji with furigana, making it easier to follow even for learners who aren’t advanced readers yet.

Learning Japanese with Video Games vs Anime

Anime, being a form of media that you watch, is very dialogue-heavy. It is an excellent listening practice and exposure to realistic Japanese conversation. 

By contrast, video games are not always dialogue-driven. Games don’t always require reading, listening, or understanding any language. Fighting games or puzzle games like Candy Crush generally require little to no Japanese to play. However, when video games do require language to understand, they can provide all the same benefits as anime, but with the added benefit of actually having you participate. 

There are more incentives to listen more closely and use context clues to figure out the meaning of directions or dialogue, since that could prevent you from making progress. Anime will move on whether you caught everything or not.

Tips to Learn Japanese with Video Games

We recommend going a bit further than simply changing the language setting of all your favorite video games. To get the most out of learning Japanese with video games, we recommend the following: 

1. Find games suited to your level

It is best to find video games that are better suited to the level at which you are most comfortable. Otherwise, the amount of Japanese might feel too overwhelming and take away from the enjoyment of both the game and the process of language learning. This would defeat the purpose of playing video games to practice Japanese in the first place. 

2. Choose genres more conducive to picking up Japanese

Something like Street Fighter or Tekken probably won’t encourage much reading since the games are simply about fighting opponents. A couple of genres we recommend instead:

Visual novels 

  • Games like Phoenix Wright and Ace Attorney are great for language learning since they come with rich dialogue and materials you have to read (or listen to) to get through the game and immerse yourself in the story.

RPGs 

  • RPGs like Final Fantasy are narrative-driven, requiring you to read or listen to dialogue and make decisions or respond to other characters. 
  • Sometimes these decisions will directly affect the outcome of the game, so you need to ensure you comprehend everything being said correctly.  

3. Use context to figure out what you don’t know

This will help you acquire the language naturally by figuring out the meaning of certain phrases by understanding the context surrounding them. However, do keep a phone or translator handy in case there’s a word you need to know that’s keeping you from progressing in the game. 

Conclusion and Next Steps

From simple greetings in Animal Crossing to the complex slang of Yakuza or the cinematic Japanese of Ghost of Tsushima, playing video games in Japanese is one of the most enjoyable ways to reinforce your learning. But the real key to improvement is using what you learn in actual conversation.

Want to boost your conversation skills? Practice in a fun, interactive classroom with fellow students at language schools like Coto Academy! At Coto Academy, our professional teachers can help you bridge the gap between passive recognition and active use. In our conversation-focused lessons, you’ll practice using these words in everyday situations, improve your fluency, and gain confidence. We offer intensive Japanese courses as well as part-time options, so whether you want to immerse yourself fully or fit lessons into a busy schedule, there’s something for you. Start your journey to speaking Japanese confidently today!

FAQ

Can playing video games really help me learn Japanese?

Yes, video games immerse you in a Japanese language environment, exposing you to vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural nuances in an engaging way. They provide context-rich repetition of words and phrases, helping reinforce vocabulary naturally.

Are video games a substitute for formal Japanese language learning?

Not entirely. While games are an excellent supplementary tool for building vocabulary and reinforcing language concepts, structured learning through classes or resources is still essential for mastering grammar and fluency.

Can I use Japanese subtitles while playing?

Yes, many games allow you to switch the language settings to include Japanese audio with English or Japanese subtitles. For example, Ni no Kuni and Resident Evil 7 Biohazard are great for practicing reading and listening simultaneously.

Are there games with a steep language learning curve?

Yes, games like the Ace Attorney series have complex Japanese text, often featuring Kanji without Furigana. These games are better suited for intermediate to advanced learners seeking a challenge.

What video games are best for beginners learning Japanese?

Pokémon, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Ni no Kuni are great for beginners because they use simple vocabulary and repeat phrases often.

Are visual novels like Steins;Gate good for studying Japanese?

Definitely. Visual novels are text-heavy and fully voice-acted, which makes them excellent for practicing reading and listening simultaneously

Do all games have the option to switch to Japanese?

Most games from Japan allow you to switch to Japanese. Note that if your console or operating system is in English, the game will likely default to English.

Are video games or anime better for learning Japanese?

Both have their pros and cons. Starting with the pros: 

  • Anime has tons of dialogue that allows viewers to get tons of listening practice.
  • Video games can provide listening and reading practice where learners can learn Japanese from context and participation.

Cons of both:

  • Many video games don’t have much language involved, so you need to pick the right genre
  • It could be easy to passively watch anime without really paying attention to the Japanese language

Love reading this? You might enjoy reading related blog posts on:

Best Video Games to Learn Kanji

Best Manga to Learn Japanese

Unique Japanese Slang You Can Start Using Immediately

As a society that values harmony and peace over confrontation, there is a general perception that Japanese people tend to say more polite phrases than most. Words like “arigatou gozaimasu (thank you),” and “sumimasen (excuse me)” pop up all the time — and “no problem” is in Japanese one of the go-to phrases you’ll hear everywhere, too.

The most basic way to say “no problem” in Japanese is 問題ない (mondai nai). However, Japanese has taken this phrase to a whole new level, and you’ll notice that there are several variations depending on the situation, many of which don’t even literally mean “no problem.” Depending on who you’re talking to, whether it’s a coworker asking for a favor at work or a teacher giving instructions at school, you might want to use a version that is more polite or casual. 

Check out all the ways to say “No problem!” in Japanese. The next time someone bumps into you and apologizes, you can say something besides the usual “daijoubu desu!”

no problem in japanese infographic

1. 問題はありません (Mondai wa arimasen)

Degree of politeness: Formal

問題はありません (mondai wa arimasen) is the most basic way to say “no problem” in Japanese. It literally translates to “there is no problem.”

The word 問題 (mondai) means “problem” or “issue.” はありません (wa arimasen) is a negative expression used in Japanese to indicate that something does not exist or is not present, and it is commonly used with nouns.

This is a textbook-perfect example of the phrase “no problem” in Japanese, ticking all the correct boxes. It’s also probably the safest choice to use if you’re speaking with strangers or people you don’t know well.

この仕事、今日中に終わらせられますか？
Kono shigoto, kyoujuu ni owarasaremasu ka?
Can you finish this work by today?”

はい、問題はありません。
Hai, mondai wa arimasen.
Yes, no problem.

The more you get used to speaking Japanese, the more you’ll start to prefer other variations of 問題はありません (mondai wa arimasen) to sound more natural, which we’ll get to shortly!

2. 問題ない (Mondai nai)

Degree of politeness: Casual

Mondai nai is the literal way to say “No problem.” 問題 (もんだい) means ‘problem’ and ない means ‘there is not’. Do note that ない is spoken in casual speech, and it should be replaced by ありません (arimasen) to be used in formal situations. 

You might also notice that we’ve omitted the particle は (wa). In Japanese, は marks the topic of a sentence, but in casual speech, it’s often dropped when the meaning is clear from context. It’s somewhat similar to English, where in informal speech we might shorten “Where are you going?” to “Where you going?”

Keep in mind that this is a casual form, so don’t use it when speaking to clients or your boss! You can still use it with strangers, depending on whether you want to sound formal and distant or casual and friendly.

For example, when a friend asks you to help with his homework, you can say:

この問題、手伝ってくれる？
Kono mondai, tetsudatte kureru?
Can you help me with this problem?

うん、問題ないよ。
Un, mondai nai yo.
Yeah, no problem!

3. 問題ございません (Mondai gozaimasen)

Degree of politeness: Polite

問題ございません (mondai gozaimasen) is the formal and very polite way to say “no problem” in Japanese. The word 問題 (mondai) means “problem,” and ございません (gozaimasen) is the extremely polite negative form of ある (aru), meaning “does not exist.” Together, the phrase literally translates to “there is no problem” and is commonly used in formal situations, such as when speaking with clients, customers, or your boss. This makes it the safest choice when you want to sound respectful and professional.

However, there’s a catch: using it can sometimes make you sound overly stiff or formal. Unless you’re in a very formal context like customer service, 問題はありません (mondai wa arimasen) is usually sufficient.

4. 大丈夫 (Daijoubu)

If you watch anime, you have probably heard this phrase over a thousand times. 大丈夫 (daijoubu) means “It’s okay” or “It’s not a problem” as a response to someone else. For example, you can use it when a waiter offers water at a restaurant, and you want to reject them politely. Adding です desu to the end makes 大丈夫 more formal. 

お水はいかがでしょうか。
Omizu wa ikaga deshouka?
Would you like (a glass of) water?

だいじょうぶです！
Daijoubu desu!
It’s alright!

5. 構わない (Kamawanai)

Degree of politeness: Casual or formal 

構わない (kamawanai) is also another casual way to express no problem in Japanese.  It comes from the verb 構う (kamau), which means “to mind,” “to care about,” or “to be concerned with.”

If you conjugate kamau into a negative form, the phrase translates to “It doesn’t matter”. 構わない is mainly used in informal conversations, while かまわない is used in informal situations.

You can also add the Japanese adverb ぜんぜん or まったくto tell the listener that it is not a problem at all.

窓を閉めてもいいですか。
Mado o shimetemo ii desu ka.
Can I open the window?

全然構いませんよ。
Zenzen kamaimasen yo.
It doesn’t matter at all.

To make it more formal, you can also use かまいません (kamaimasen), which is the polite version of 構わない (kamawanai) and is appropriate in more respectful or professional situations.

The difference between 問題ない (mondai nai) and 構わない (kamawanai) is in their focus: 問題ない emphasizes that the situation is fine or problem-free, while 構わない emphasizes your personal attitude, meaning “I don’t mind” or “it’s okay with me.” In other words, 構わない highlights more of the speaker’s personal perspective, while 問題ない highlights the situation. 

6. 全然いいよ (Zenzen ii yo)

Degree of politeness: Casual

ぜんぜん is used to emphasize that something is not at all. Usually, we associate it with negative expressions, but in this case, 全然いいよ (zenzen ii yo) bbecomes casual phrase that means “It’s totally fine” or “No problem at all.” 

It is entirely acceptable to use it for affirmative words like いいよ (ii yo). This helps make a conversation more casual.

ごめんね。財布を忘れた。本当に頼んでくれた。
Gomen ne. Saifu wo wasureta. Hontou ni tanonde kureta.
I’m sorry. I forgot my wallet. You really helped me.

ぜんぜんいいよ。
Zenzen ii yo.
No problem.

7. オーケー (Ookee)

Degree of politeness: Casual

It’s a Japanese loanword from the English “Okay.” When you’re reminded to do something, you can reply by saying “hai” (はい), which is the most basic way to give affirmation or オーケー. Be careful, though. While it’s completely okay to use the word to your boss in English, saying “オーケーです!” sounds informal. Sure, it sounds upbeat and cheerful, but use it with caution.

Often, it is written simply as OK. You’ll find the word everywhere: in advertisements, takeout corners, and menus.

テイクアウト、イートインどちらでもOK!
Teiku auto, iito in dochira de mo oke!
Take out or eat-in, either is okay!

8. 気にしないで (Ki ni shinaide)

Degree of politeness: Casual

It’s the informal form of 気にしないでください. 気にしないでください breaks down like this:

気 means “mind” or “feeling.” に is a particle showing the target of an action, so here it’s like “about” or “toward.” しないで is the negative form of する (“to do”) combined with で to make it a request not to do something. ください means “please,” making the whole phrase polite.

Altogether, it literally means “Please don’t mind (it)” or “Don’t worry about it.” It’s used to reassure someone or tell them not to be concerned, commonly spoken among friends, family, or people of the same social level.
This phrase assures someone that what you did was not a problem and that they do not have to concern themselves with it. Adding ね (ne) at the end makes it extra casual.

落としちゃってすみませんでした！
Otoshichatte sumimasen deshita!
I’m sorry that I dropped it!

いいよ。気にしないで。
Iie. Ki ni shinaide.
It’s okay. Please don’t worry about it.

9. いえいえ (Ieie)

Degree of politeness: Casual

This phrase literally translates to “No, no.” Japanese people are known for their humility. Rather than accepting a compliment or thank you, they will instead deny it as a way to be polite. When you say “You’re welcome”, it can appear as if you’re self-congratulating. We use いえいえ to let them know that they don’t need to thank us.

田中先生のおかげで、テストに合格しました。ありがとうございました！
Tanaka-sensei no okage de, tesuto ni goukaku shimashita. Arigatou gozaimashita!
Because of Tanaka-sensei, I passed the test. Thank you!

いえいえ。
Ie ie.
Not at all!

10. ドンマイ (Donmai)

Degree of politeness: Casual

This is Japanese slang that you may have heard often in sports anime. ドンマイ is actually a loanword taken from the English “Don’t mind”.

Japanese often adapts foreign phrases in a way that makes them shorter and easier to say, dropping auxiliary parts like “do” or “-ing.” So instead of literally saying “don’t mind do” (donmaindo), it became just どんまい, which is catchy, natural, and easy to use in casual speech.

Characters will use it to motivate someone when they feel down or make mistakes on behalf of their team. For example, when your teammate misses a throw at a basketball match or kicks a ball out, you will say, “ドンマイ” to lift their spirit up.

ドンマイ is actually a loanword taken from the English “Don’t mind”.

やばい！ ピッチャーがホームランを打たれた！
Yabai! Pitchaa ga hoomu ran o utareta!
Oh no! The pitcher hit home run!

ドンマイ！
Donmai!
Don’t mind it!

11. いいよ (Ii Yo)

Degree of politeness: Casual

いいよ is the informal version of いいですよ (ii desu yo), which was explained above in the “Polite Words” section.  The word いい is versatile and can mean “good” or “fine.” In this case, it conveys the meaning “that’s fine” or “go ahead.” 

It’s often used in response to questions asking for permission or confirmation, and in this context, it can be understood as “sure” or “no problem.”

ペン、借りてもいい？
Pen, karite mo ii?
Can I borrow your pen?

うん、いいよ。
Un, ii yo.
Yes, no problem!

Fun fact: In real spoken Japanese, people can say いいですね (ii desu ne), but often they say it so quickly in casual conversation that it sounds like いいすね (iisu ne). This is an intentional shortening to make the expression feel more relaxed and natural.

12. いいとも (Ii tomo)

Degree of politeness: Casual

いいとも is used to express positive affirmation. However, this term is strictly casual, and you will never see it paired with です (desu) or used in formal situations. 

That said, いいとも is not very commonly used by native Japanese speakers compared to いいよ (ii yo), explained above. Essentially, いいとも is a casual way of saying いいです (ii desu yo) when you agree with someone’s suggestion or when granting permission.

今夜、一緒に映画に行かない？
Kon’ya, issho ni eiga ni ikanai?
Do you want to go to a movie tonight?”

いいとも！
Iitomo!
Sounds good!

Take Japanese Lessons with Coto Academy to Fast-track Your Fluency!

Now that you’ve learned the basics of saying “no problem” in Japanese, why stop there? There’s so much more to explore—like introducing yourself, sharing your thoughts, or engaging in a meaningful conversation.

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FAQs

How to say "No Problem" in Japanese?

Mondai nai is the literal way to say “No problem.” 問題 (もんだい) means ‘problem’ and ない means ‘there is not’. Do note that ない is spoken in casual speech and it should be replaced by ありません (arimasen) to be used in formal situations. 

How do you say “no problem” in Japanese?

A common phrase is 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu), which literally means “It’s okay” or “No problem.”

When should I use 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu)?

Use it to reassure someone that something is fine or to respond politely when someone thanks you.

Are there casual ways to say “no problem”?

Yes, you can say 大丈夫 (daijoubu) with friends or 問題ない (mondai nai) to mean “no issue.”

Are there other expressions similar to “no problem”?

You can also use 構いません (kamai masen) for “It doesn’t matter” or 気にしないで (ki ni shinaide) for “Don’t worry about it.”

Interested in learning more Japanese content online? You might like:

Ready to learn some Japanese verbs, or どうし (動詞)? While 100 words seem like a lot, there are 898 Pokémon species combined. If you think about it, our list is less than one-tenth of them. How many of them do you know, and how often will you use them in daily Japanese conversations (the verbs, not the Pokémon)?

Sure, the number of words you know says a lot about your Japanese language level. For example, if you know 500 to 1,000 basic Japanese words, you’re unofficially a beginner. Bump it up to 2,000 words, and you can pat yourself on the back because then you’re a full-fledged intermediate. Advanced learner? That’s roughly 8,000 words.

Verbs are the backbone of any language, and Japanese is no exception. Now, let’s take a look at some essential beginner Japanese verbs that appear in almost every conversation!

How to Learn Japanese Verbs

basic japanese verb infographic

If there’s one thing more important than remembering new Japanese vocabulary, it’s learning the right words. This is why learning basic Japanese verbs shouldn’t just be basic — it should be essential. After getting familiar with the important grammar patterns, what you need to do next is implement them and broaden your mental vocabulary library.

Before we get to the point, we want to make sure that you already have a strong foundation for Japanese verbs. This will be a simple and comprehensive cheat sheet, where we won’t be diving into verb modifications and grammar rules. For that, check out our Japanese verb guide.

1. Japanese Verbs vs English Verbs

Let’s break down the basic sentence structure in the English language: subject, followed by a verb, and an object. For example, “I (subject) buy (verb) a book (object).” In all scenarios, a verb must precede the object to make the phrase grammatically accepted.

In Japanese, the main components are the same, but the order is different — the object goes before the verb.

SubjectObjectVerb
私は
watashi ha		ご飯を
gohan o		食べる
taberu

This grammar rule might cause a lot of beginner learners a spin on their heads (as most language follows the same sentence structure as English), but it gets easier with practice — and, conveniently, with a simple Japanese language hack, too.

Japanese speakers like to keep things short and concise. Unlike English, the Japanese language only needs at least one verb to make a complete sentence. If both the subject and object are obvious, omitting them is valid.

A: 田中さん、ご飯もう食べている？
A: Tanaka-san, gohan mou tabete iru?
A: Tanaka-san, have you eaten your meal?

B: 僕もう食べた。
B: Tabeta.
B: I have.

In the example above, the context is clear: the object is “meal” (ごはん also means “rice”) and the subject is the person being questioned. This shortcut is partly why you’ll notice a slight glitch in Japanese-to-English translations, especially when you don’t provide all the necessary elements most languages require.

2. Japanese Has No Singular or Plural Verbs

In other ways, too, the Japanese language is simple. Singular and plural verbs don’t exist, and regardless of whether it’s one, or two — or a hundred — the verb stays the same. To prove our point, take a look at two examples.

レストランで一人のお客様は食べている。
Resutoran de hitori no okyakusama ha tabete iru.
One person is eating at the restaurant.

レストランで10人のお客様は食べている。
Resutoran de juunin no okyakusama ha tabete iru.
10 people are eating at the restaurant.

In English, quantifiers affect the verb. Singular nouns use is, while plural nouns use are. When the verb matches the subject, that’s called subject-verb agreement. There are also languages that are gendered, like Spanish, French, and Arabic. In Japanese, it doesn’t matter.

3. Japanese Verb Conjugations

Japanese verbs are split into three groups: Ru-verbs, U-verbs, and irregular verbs. Which of these categories an action word belongs to affects its conjugation.

Conjugation FormRu-verbU-verbIrregular verb
Dictionary formみる (miru)飲む (nomu)くる (kuru)
Past Dictionary formみた (mita)飲んだ (nonda)きた (kita)
Negative Dictionary formみない (minai)飲まない (nomanai)こない (konai)
Present (ます)みます (mimasu)飲みます (nomimasu)きます (ikimasu)
Present negative みません (mimasen)飲みません (nomimasen)きません (ikimasen)
Past affirmativeみました (mimashita)飲みました (nomimashita)きました (kimashita)
Past negative みませんでした (mimasendeshita)飲みませんでした (nomimasendeshita)きませんでした (kimasendeshita)

You may have noticed that most verbs in Japanese follow general logic. Ru-verbs and u-verbs conjugate pretty predictably, where negative conjugations for みる (miru) みない (minai), and for のむ (nomu) are のまない (nomanai). However, for irregular verbs, they seem to refuse to follow the same conjugation logic where the negative form of くる is こない.

One more thing: the table above represents four of the most basic conjugations that don’t include verb-ing (such as eating, drinking, walking). For this, you will need to change the word into its て-form — how it’s modified, again, depends on the type of verb it is.

Types of Japanese Verbs

For this specific guide, instead of grouping them based on the three types listed above, we’ll be categorizing the words based on social contexts, such as when and where they are usually used. We like to think it’s the best way to remember them. Plus, it’s also simpler and more effective — just remember not to get confused between Ru-verbs and U-verbs; transitive and intransitive verbs.

If you want to get a more complete guide, visit our article on types of Japanese verbs and verb conjugations.

Common Japanese Verbs for Mental Situations and Emotions

Let’s start with words that you can use to express different emotions or different mental situations such as to cry, to be happy, or to know. These words are essentially intangible or not involved with physical actions.

KanjiHiraganaRomajiEnglish
驚くおどろくodorokuto be surprised
泣くなくnakucry
怒るおこるokoruget angry
笑うわらうwaraulaugh
怖がるこわがるkowagarufear
惚れるほれるhorerufall in love
慌てるあわてるawaterupanic, be flustered
慰めるなぐさめるnagusamerucomfort, console
思うおもうomouthink
考えるかんがえるkangaeruconsider
褒めるほめるhomerupraise
支えるささえるsasaerusupport
忘れるわすれるwasureruforget
覚えるおぼえるoboeruremember, learn
疲れるつかれるtsukareruget tired
信じるしんじるshinjiruto believe
要るいれるiruto need
間違えるまちがえるmachigaerumake a mistake
知るしるshiruto know
苦しむくるしむkurushimusuffer
痛むいたむitamubecome hurt, damaged
可愛がるかわいがるkawaigarulove, be affectionate

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Japanese Verbs Commonly Used For Daily Activities at Home

Learn the words for doing everyday activities in your home or for your daily routines. These verbs are essential in describing what you do in your daily life.

KanjiHiraganaRomajiEnglish
住むすむsumuto live
洗うあらうarauto wash
付けるつけるtsukeruto turn on (light)
帰るかえるkaeruto return (home)
切るきるkiruto cut
手伝うてつだうtetsudauhelp
飲むのむnomuto drink
食べるたべるtaberuto eat
浴びるあびるabirubathe
磨くみがくmigakubrush (teeth)
寝るねるneruto sleep
触るさわるfurerutouch
着るきるkiruto wear
届けるとどけるtodokerudeliver
焼くやくyakubake
混ぜるまぜるmazerumix
開けるあけるakeruto open
入るはいるhairuto enter
出るでるderuto leave
作るつくるtsukuruto make
置くおくokuto put
遊ぶあそぶasobuto play

Thinking of living in Tokyo? We have the perfect guide for you recommending the best neighborhoods to live in Tokyo.

Japanese Verbs For Physical Actions

Now to get into the action! These verbs describe physical actions such as running and swimming, or going and coming to a place. You will inevitably use these words in daily conversation, so here’s a list to get started:

KanjiHiraganaRomajiEnglish
歩くあるくarukuwalk
走るはしるhashirurun
登るのぼるnoboruclimb
泳ぐおよぐoyoguswim
座るすわるsuwarusit
飛ぶとぶtobuto fly
来るくるkuru*to come
行くいくikuto go
通うかようkayoucommute
踊るおどるodorudance
抱くだくdakuembrace, hug
会うあうaumeet
働くはたらくhatarakuto work
書くかくkakuto write
消すけすkesuto erase
聞くきくkikuto listen
待つまつmatsuto wait
動くうごくugokuto move
次ぐつぐtsugube next
見るみるmiruto see
見せるみせるmiseruto show
起きるおきるokiruto get up
降りるおりるoriruto get off
逃げるにげるnigerurun away, escape
倒れるたおれるtaorerufall down, collapse
急ぐいそぐisoguto hurry
あげるagerugive
もらうmoraureceive
終わるおわるowaruto finish
買うかうkauto buy
返すかえすkaesuto return
代わるかわるkawaruswitch
押すおすosuto push
引くひくhikuto pull

“Kuru” (来る, “to come”) is an irregular verb because it does not follow the standard conjugation patterns of Godan (U-verbs) or Ichidan (Ru-verbs). Its stem changes unpredictably across forms—for example, the negative is konai instead of kuranai, and the volitional is koyou instead of kurou. These irregular stem changes are why it must be memorized separately.

Verbs are one part of the equation, but in order to make sentences, you will need to string them together with a grammar function unique to Japanese called particles.

Japanese Verbs for Verbal Expressions

Verbs for verbal actions, such as to speak, to sing, or to ask, are essential to know how to say things like what language you speak or what song you want to sing. So, let’s get started on some key terms with this short, non-exhaustive list:

KanjiHiraganaRomajiEnglish
話すはなすhanasuto speak
言ういうiusay
歌ううたうutausing
話すしゃべるshaberuto talk; to chat
答えるこたえるkotaeruanswer
教えるおしえるoshieruteach, show
聞くきくkikuto ask
頼むたのむtanomuto ask (favor)
呼ぶよぶyobuto call

Irregular Japanese Verbs

Japanese verb conjugation is very regular, as is usual for an agglutinative language, but there are a number of exceptions. The best-known irregular verbs are the common verbs する suru “do” and 来る kuru “come”, sometimes categorized as the two Group 3 verbs

KanjiHiraganaRomajiEnglish
するsuruto do
電話するでんわするdenwa suruto call
勉強するべんきょうするbenkyou suruto study
宿題するしゅくだいするshukudai suruto do homework
復習するふくしゅうするfukushuu suruto review
料理するりょうりするryouri surucook
練習するれんしゅうするrenshuu surupractice
結婚するけっこんするkekkon suruget married
掃除するそうじするsouji suruto clean
散歩するさんぽするsanpo suruto take a stroll

What’s Next After Learning Japanese Verbs?

Solely memorizing these essential words isn’t enough. Applying them to simple situations is one thing, but speaking Japanese goes beyond present, past, and negative tenses. For example, the Japanese language makes far more use of passive verbs than English (head to our guide on Japanese passive voice). Besides that, there will also come a time when you want to use volitional forms (“Let’s do it” in English).

For more practice on how to apply these verbs in daily conversation, consider taking our courses at Coto Academy, where our professional teachers can coach you on how to speak naturally and fluently, as well as gradually expand your vocabulary.
We currently offer classes in Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as online classes, with a maximum of eight students per class! Ready to learn Japanese? Check out our in-person or online classes to start ,and if you’re interested, fill out the form below!

There’s a lot to take in, but we’re guiding you one step at a time. After this, learn to make a wider range of expressions and draw in detail by learning about Japanese adjectives and adverbs.

FAQ:

What are the most common Japanese verbs for beginners?

Some of the most essential verbs include する (suru – to do), 行く (iku – to go), 見る (miru – to see), and 食べる (taberu – to eat).

How many Japanese verbs should I learn first?

Start with around 50–100 essential verbs. These cover most daily conversations and prepare you for JLPT N5 and N4.

Are Japanese verbs difficult to learn?

Japanese verbs are simpler than English in some ways (no singular/plural agreement), but conjugations can be tricky. Learning them in groups with practice helps

How can I practice Japanese verbs?

Use them in short sentences, practice with a language partner, or take conversation-focused lessons with professional teachers at Coto Academy.

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Otsukaresama desu! If you’ve lived or worked a little in Japan, you might have heard this key expression. In the office, you might want to make sure that you develop a warm relationship with your new Japanese colleagues. The key expression that you will have to learn is “otsukaresama desu” (お疲(つか)れ様(さま)です).

In English, “otsukaresama desu” literally means “tired” or “you’re tired”. It is one of those Japanese expressions, like onegaishimasu, where its true meaning goes far beyond a simple translation. In the workplace, for example, it carries a sense of appreciation, acknowledgment, and camaraderie. Used in the right context, like after a long day of work, it conveys respect for your colleagues’ effort and signals that you’re all in this together. So, what does it really mean, and how do you use it without sounding awkward? Let’s dive in!

Quick Video Summary of Otsukaresama Desu

Let’s watch a video for a quick crash course on how to use otsukaresama desu in Japanese!

Meaning of お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama Desu)

  • Otsukaresama desu (otsukarasama desu) is literally translated to “tired” or “you’re tired.” To understand this unique phrase a bit more, let’s break it down piece by piece. The phrase is actually made of several parts. 
    お(o) is the honorific prefix that expresses politeness (the phrase always has this prefix).
  •  疲れる (tsukareru) is the root word of tsukareru, meaning “to be tired or be tired”
  • 様 (sama) is an honorific suffix that adds even greater respect to the phrase. You will often hear this suffix attached to your last name by service staff to express respect to you.
  • です (desu) is a marker for politeness.

The phrase is used in different contexts, so what you’re expressing to the listener will be far from the literal English definition. 

The closest English translation would be “thank you for your hard work”, “good work”, or more simply saying that “you’ve worked hard”. By saying お疲れ様です, you show your appreciation for a colleague’s work within your team or related to your company.

Difference Between Otsukaresama Desu (です) and Otsukaresama Deshita (でした)

If you’ve spent any time in a Japanese workplace, you’ve probably heard お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) countless times. But sometimes, you’ll also hear お疲れ様でした (otsukaresama deshita). Since deshita is the past tense of desu, it might seem like a small difference. So what’s the real difference between saying です and でした, and when should you use each?

The nuance is a bit tricky.  In short, otsukaresama desu is used to address ongoing effort, while otsukaresama deshita is used when the other person has completed the effort. When saying でした, you use the past form and imply that the work is “done”, “over”.

If you were to leave a colleague to his task and say でした, you would literally say, “Thank you for your finished work,” although he’s still working on it!

お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu), meanwhile, is used while someone is still working or when you greet colleagues during the day. It’s like saying, “Hello, and thanks for your hard work so far.”When in doubt, prefer the present phrase “otsukaresama desu”. Better to be safe than rude.

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Different Ways to Say お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu)

Generally, otsukaresama desu is the most common and respectful way to say this phrase, but as mentioned above you can drop certain parts to make it more casual. So, here are some other ways otsukaresama desu could be used:

1. Otsukaresama desu

The most basic form and the safest is, of course, otsukare sama desu. It is used while someone is still working or during the day to acknowledge ongoing effort. It works like a polite greeting combined with appreciation. For example, when passing by a colleague at their desk, you might say:

お疲れ様です！
Thanks for your hard work!

2. お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita)

This phrase is used after work is completed or after someone finishes a task. It expresses gratitude for the effort that has already been put in. For example, at the end of the workday:

お疲れ様でした。
Thank you for your hard work today.

3. Otsukaresama (お疲れ様)

You can say this expression without the desu (です) attached, which will make it more casual.  Sama (様) is generally seen as a very formal suffix, but in this context, otsukaresama has a rather informal connotation.

4. Otsukare (お疲れ)

Otsukare is the most casual form of the phrase, without any of the formal markers. This expression is best used with friends or colleagues you are close to. With senpai or your bosses, it is better to use the more formal versions of the expression. 

These expressions lean towards the more casual side of communication, but what is the most appropriate for work or outside of work?

5. Otsukaresama de gozaimasu (お疲れ様でございます) 

お疲れ様でございます is the most formal and polite version of お疲れ様です. It’s often used in business settings when speaking to clients, superiors, or anyone you want to show extra respect to. The addition of でございます (the ultra-polite, keigo form of です) elevates the level of politeness.

While お疲れ様です can be used casually among colleagues, お疲れ様でございます should be reserved for the most formal settings. For example, in a business email, you might write:

本日もお疲れ様でございます。
Honjitsu mo otsukare sama de gozaimasu.
Thank you for your hard work today.

Since using でございます can sound awkward in everyday spoken conversation, it is usually reserved for written form or when speaking to clients, where a higher level of politeness and professionalism is expected.

When to use お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu)

First of all, don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know when to use otsukaresama desu. It might sound strange to repeat it several times a day every time you see your coworkers, but for your colleagues, it shows your desire to get closer and to respect Japanese work culture.

Saying Otsukaresama Desu at the Workplace

The expression is most often used while working in Japan, in which case it might be more formal. But this term is used in a variety of different circumstances, and depending on your relationship with certain colleagues, you could say it more casually. So let’s explore the different situations when お疲れ様です or お疲れ is most appropriate at work.

1. Arriving at your workplace

In a situation when you would normally say “hi” or “How are you doing” to your colleague, replace it with お疲れ様です. The expression is proper when you arrive at work after your colleagues. Depending on the situation, it is also a perfect conversation starter or ending.

However, when entering the office in the morning, it is more customary to say おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) instead. But it does depend on the situation. If you have a shift in the afternoon or evening, it might be more common to say otsukaresama desu rather than a Japanese greeting such as こんばんは (konbanwa).

2. During work and meetings

You can use the expression in various situations, so it’s difficult to explain them all. Very often, internal meetings will end with everyone saying お疲れ様です as a way to thank all the participants.
Co-workers will thank each other for completing a task or when one of them returns from a meeting outside. お疲れ様です expresses the importance of teamwork in Japan. Japanese people believe everyone must feel recognized and part of the company.
You can even say the phrase when crossing the path of a colleague in your company’s hallway. It’s never too much!

3. Leaving after work

The phrase is typically used after working hours when employees leave the office. The colleagues still working say goodbye with お疲(つか)れ様(さま)でした (otsukaresama deshita).
Japan is also known for nominication, a word born from 飲む to drink and the word “communication”. Traditionally, Japanese coworkers share drinks after work and in a more casual context, which helps to build a good work relationship. Sometimes, before or after you kanpai with your colleagues, your team might also say otsukaresama desu to show appreciation for everyone’s team effort.

Using お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) Outside of the Workplace

Yes. Even outside your working environment, you could use the expression to greet some people you know well. However, the meaning would be a little different, closer to a simple Japanese greeting than an appreciation of their workday.

1. With Friends

You could use the expression to greet some people you know well. However, the meaning would be a little different, closer to a simple Japanese greeting than an appreciation of their workday, depending on the circumstance.

You could even say it to your friend after they’ve had a long day, to acknowledge that they worked hard. Since you don’t need to be so formal, just saying お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama) or お疲れ (Otsukare) would be more comfortable and less rigid-sounding. 

2. In Clubs & Sports Teams

This is especially common if you join a Japanese university and enter one ff its clubs, or ぶかつ (bukatsu). If you’re involved in any group activity in Japan, whether it’s sports, art, or other extracurriculars, you’ll likely hear お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) after every practice. This is both a way of showing appreciation and a way of saying bye. Additionally, when celebrating after a competition or even for bounenkai (year-end gathering), you often meet up for drinks and say otsukaresama desu before you kanpai, similar to drinking with colleagues.

When Should You Not Use Otsukaresama Desu?

With colleagues or sports teammates, there are very few instances saying otsukaresama desu wouldn’t be appropriate. You wouldn’t use otsukaresama desu to clients or customers. When they leave your office or place of work, you would say thank you very much or ありがとうございます. 

However, there are still situations where you might say お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) to a client or customer. For example, when you get a haircut, it’s common for the stylist to say お疲れ様です right after finishing your hair. However, unlike in workplaces or clubs, it’s usually not said right before you leave, since the phrase in this context is more about acknowledging the effort that just took place rather than serving as a goodbye.

Alternatives to Otsukaresama Desu

As we mentioned, お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) can have various meanings, ranging from “thank you for your hard work” to “excuse me” when leaving the office. However, depending on the situation, there are several alternative phrases you can use to express similar sentiments more appropriately.

1. ご苦労様です (Gokurousama desu)?

The two expressions, お疲(つか)れ様(さま) and ご苦労様(くろうさま) share the same meaning, showing the appreciation of someone’s hardship. However, the latter is less frequently used as it implies a social connotation and is always directed at subordinates. Simply speaking, your boss can thank you with ご苦労様です, but you will answer back with a respectful お疲れ様です.
In a more casual context and with your friends, you can simply use お疲れ or お疲れ様. Always remember to be careful with the level of politeness in Japan. When in doubt, use keigo to be polite.

2. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)

Arigatou gozaimasu is the standard polite way to say “thank you” in Japanese. You can use arigatou gozaimasu in place of otsukare sama desu in place when you want to thank someone in the workplace. It can be used to thank a colleague for their help, acknowledge someone’s effort, or show appreciation for a service.

3. お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)

お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) literally means “Excuse me for leaving ahead.” It’s a polite phrase commonly used when leaving the office or a meeting before others, showing that you recognize your colleagues are still working. In many workplaces, it’s often paired with お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) to acknowledge everyone’s ongoing effort. That said, you can also use either phrase on its own when exiting. Both are perfectly natural ways to show respect while leaving!

Final Remarks on Otsukaresama Desu

Whether you’re in the office, on the sports field, or just hanging out with friends, お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) is more than just “thanks for your hard work.”

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FAQ

What does "Otsukaresama desu" mean?

“Otsukaresama desu” translates to “Thank you for your hard work” or “Good work.” It’s used to express appreciation for someone’s efforts and to acknowledge their contributions in a professional setting.

When should I use "Otsukaresama desu" in the workplace?

You can use “Otsukaresama desu” in various situations, such as:​

  • Saying goodbye when leaving the office.
  • Greeting colleagues during the day.​
  • Acknowledging someone’s hard work after completing a task or meeting.​

What's the difference between "Otsukaresama desu" and "Otsukaresama deshita"?

“Otsukaresama desu” is the present tense and is often used during the workday. “Otsukaresama deshita” is the past tense, used when work is finished or at the end of the day.

Can "Otsukaresama desu" be used outside of work?

Yes, it can be used in non-work settings like sports or events to show appreciation for someone’s effort.

How do I respond to "Otsukaresama desu"?

You can reply with “Otsukaresama desu” as well, returning the appreciation.

Is there a version used by superiors to subordinates?

Yes, “Gokurosama desu” (ご苦労様です) is used by superiors, but it’s not appropriate to use it toward someone of higher status.

Can it replace greetings like "Konnichiwa"?

In workplace settings, yes. It’s common to use “Otsukaresama desu” instead of “hello” when seeing coworkers.

Why is this phrase important in Japanese work culture?

It promotes mutual respect and recognition, reinforcing teamwork and a sense of community in the workplace.

Is it rude not to say otsukaresama desu?

In professional or group settings, it may come across as cold or dismissive. It’s a key phrase for maintaining good relationships in Japan.

Can I use otsukare with friends?

Yes! Among close friends or peers, you can shorten it to お疲れ (otsukare) for a casual, friendly tone.


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Preparing for the JLPT N3 in 2025? This intermediate level is a significant milestone on your Japanese language journey, bridging the gap between beginner and advanced proficiency.

Before you dive into studying for the JLPT N3, you’ll need the right textbooks to guide you. With so many options out there, choosing the best ones can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! Picking the right materials is key to keeping your study plan balanced and effective. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of 20 highly recommended textbooks for JLPT N3 prep in 2025, covering everything from grammar, vocabulary, and kanji to listening, reading, and practice tests.

About JLPT N3

The JLPT N3 covers four parts: vocabulary (including kanji), grammar, reading, and listening. To take the exam, you should be very familiar with basic Japanese (N4 and N5), understand reading materials discussing topics about everyday life, grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines, and understand daily conversational Japanese.

Simply memorizing words and kanji is not enough, as you will need to show aptitude in your grammar knowledge, reading comprehension, and listening skills.

When you start browsing for JLPT textbooks, you might notice that they generally fall into two categories: all-in-one series, which cover all sections of the test, and specialized books, which focus on specific areas such as grammar, kanji, or vocabulary. Some of these books lean more toward a workbook format, offering numerous exercises and mock tests rather than in-depth explanations.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more comprehensive way to study for the examination, you can check out our study tips to pass the N3 JLPT. If you are looking to take lower levels of the JLPT, we also have recommendations for JLPT N4 textbooks and JLPT N5 textbooks.

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20 Best JLPT N3 Textbooks

Here is our ultimate list of N3 textbooks that we love and feel can help you most prepare for the exam. As mentioned, some textbooks focus on certain areas, use mock tests, or use different tools to help you study. So, we divided our recommendations into the following categories: All-in-one Comprehensive, Focused Skills, Mock Exam Workbooks, and Bridge to Advanced Japanese. 

All-in-one Comprehensive JLPT N3 Textbooks/Series

These N3 textbooks are the most comprehensive and well-rounded, covering all skills and areas that will be on the N3 exam.

1. New Kanzen Master N3

Pros: Provides thorough, in-depth coverage of every section of the JLPT N3 test.

Cons: Each book must be purchased separately, which can be more expensive.

New Kanzen Master is one of the most used resources to ace the JLPT N3. The textbook has been split into 5 major components: kanji, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading. The downside is that this means you will need to buy all separate books, but it might be a good thing for some Japanese learners. Because each book only focuses on one element, this makes learning much more comprehensive. It’s also a good option for individuals who only want to focus on certain areas that may be their weak points. For example, if you’re good at kanji, you can opt away from buying the New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Kanji.

The JLPT N3 textbooks include example sentences and in-depth explanations of their focus areas. The textbooks can be purchased individually or as a set of five.

The N3 level currently has 5 series:

  • New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Listening (with CD)
  • New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Grammar
  • New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Kanji
  • New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Reading Comprehension
  • New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Vocabulary

Price (set of 5 books): $91.01 (¥10,428 JPY)

Purchase the book now!

2. Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N3

Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N3

Pros: Each book is designed for a 6-week study plan, which helps to guide learners.

Cons: To fully benefit from the series, you may need to purchase multiple books for different skills

The Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N3 series book is a perfect study guide for intermediate-level learners. The JLPT N3 textbook can be considered to be one of the easiest Japanese textbooks to master, as the content has been broken down to ‘daily digests.’

Each book in the series has been designed to finish within 6 weeks, with a practice test available at the end of every week. This means that you would have to go through at least 1 exercise a day if you want to be able to complete it within the 6 weeks. Similar to the New Kanzen Master, each test section is separated into different books.

The book currently has 5 series:

  • Nihongo So-matome JLPT N3: Grammar
  • Nihongo So-matome JLPT N3: Kanji
  • Nihongo So-matome JLPT N3: Reading Comprehension
  • Nihongo So-matome JLPT N3: Vocabulary
  • Nihongo So-matome JLPT N3: Listening Comprehension (w/CD) 

Price (Set of 5 Books): $93.00 (¥10,656 JPY)

Purchase the book now!

3. An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese

JLPT N3 textbooks An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese

Pros: Offers practical Japanese lessons that are applicable beyond the JLPT to improve real-world language skills.

Cons: May not align perfectly with the JLPT curriculum, potentially leading to gaps in test-specific content.

This is one of the most extensive and comprehensive textbooks for intermediate learners. It is an all-in-one textbook that has all the major components of the JLPT: reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening, with subsections for all the components. Every chapter contains day-to-day conversations and reading passages that are based on Japanese culture, which helps you to better understand the situations presented. Practice exercises are included at the end of every chapter.

Price: $39.00 (¥4,459 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

4. Quartet: Intermediate Japanese Across the Four Language Skills Vol. 1

Pros: Comprehensive approach to intermediate Japanese by integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills within each lesson.

Cons: The textbook is primarily in Japanese, with English explanations for grammar and vocabulary

This textbook offers a comprehensive study approach for the 4 Japanese language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It has 6 lessons, with a total of 55 grammatical patterns and expressions, 327 new kanji, and at least 700 new words. You also get a chance to write compositions based on the model texts and practice conversations using model dialogues that you can find in the book. There is also an additional 64-page supplementary book that contains vocabulary and kanji lists.

Price: $37.00 (¥4,218 JPY)

Purchase the book now!

Focused Skills N3 Textbooks: Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Kanji and More

These JLPT N3 textbooks provide a much deeper dive into specific skills tested on the exam, such as grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and others. These books are highly recommended for those who feel they need more practice in specific areas. 

5. JLPT N3 Points & Practice

jlpt n3 textbook 15-day Intensive JLPT N3 Workbook (Kanji, Vocabulary, and Grammar)

The JLPT Points & Practice Japanese N3 textbook is perfect for individuals who are seeking to expand only N3-level vocabulary knowledge. New Japanese words and kanji are broken down into 30 chapters, all sorted based on topics and relevant context. There are also mock-test questions that mimic the real JLPT text.

Price: $16.99 (¥1,946 JPY)

Purchase the book now!

6. Mastering Kanji: Guide to JLPT N3 Kanji

Kanji is commonly the biggest concern among test takers, as memorizing them takes longer time than memorizing the hiragana and katakana. The kanji test will often provide multiple choices of characters that look similar, too, so learners consider it a tricky section. The Kanji Master has 18 different units, with each chapter focusing on a topic. At the end of every chapter, you can find an achievement test to check your progress.

There are also illustrations and fun mini-quizzes that make learning interactive and interesting.

Price: $26.99 (¥3,969 JPY)

Purchase the book now!

7. The Best Vocabulary Builder for the JLPT N3

7. The Best Vocabulary Builder for the JLPT N3

The Best Vocabulary Builder is created by The Japan Times, the same accredited newspaper company that also published the Genki book series. Divided into 18 different topics, there are over 2,100 Japanese words to learn. There is also an accompanying app that you can download to listen to the audio of the vocabulary and examples.

Price: $17.99 (¥2,061 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

8. 55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N3

8. 55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N3

Many test-takers often get stressed once they reach the reading section of the exam. This is because the lengthy text passages can be time-consuming and are filled with new kanji and vocabulary. This textbook helps students maneuver the section easily, helping them develop a better ability to comprehend and find answers. Through 55 different reading passages and mock-up questions, you are conditioned to properly analyze content and find information in the passage efficiently.

Price: $24.99 (¥2,863 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

Read More: Best Mobile App to Learn Japanese.

9. Nihongo Dokkai: Speaking and Writing Through Reading Comprehension (Intermediate)

9. Nihongo Dokkai: Speaking and Writing Through Reading Comprehension (Intermediate)

Nihongo Dokkai (meaning Japanese reading) is another option for learners who want to strengthen their Japanese reading skills. There are 12 stories in total. We’ve tried it before, and while the topics are interesting, the overall study experience can be very challenging. You’ll encounter a lot of new and niche vocabulary on science, life, and media.

However, it’s a great way to get accustomed to reading in Japanese. It’s also a great tool for individuals looking to practice conversations; after the reading, you’ll find thought-provoking questions.

Price: $25.36 (¥2,905 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

10. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3

Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3

The Try! series has been specifically designed to help students focus on Japanese grammar. Written as a fun and engaging book, there are 11 chapters that cover different real-life situations. The textbook has many great reviews from past readers who have mentioned that the book has a refreshing take on learning grammar.

The book includes an audio CD for listening exercises alongside an answer key pamphlet to review questions and practice tests. You can head over to the website for a free-to-download vocabulary list.

Price: $20.50 (¥2,348 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

11. Nihongo Power Drill Grammar

jlpt n3 textbooks Nihongo Power Drill Grammar

The Nihongo Power Drill Textbook is ideal for JLPT learners looking for additional grammar practice. The textbook has over 30 chapters with 580 questions in total, each designed to be finished within 10 minutes. The book includes a study schedule chart where learners can track their progress as they go through the book. They also have a textbook for N3 vocabulary, too.

Price: $15.00 (¥1,715 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

12. 2000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N3

2000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N3

As we mentioned, to pass the JLPT N3, you would need to know about 3,750 words (including 800 words for the N5 level and 700 words from the N4 level). This book has pretty much every new word you’ll need to be around N3, making it the perfect resource for someone looking to sharpen their vocabulary skills. The book is structured with 12 different topics about daily life, romance, sports, and place-specific settings. There are also links to their online tests and audio files that are free to download. Similar to the N4 and N5 versions of the book, there’s a red sheet to block the Japanese word (for a quick mini-quiz) and a checkbox for you to tick.

You’ll see a lot of JLPT participants bringing this book everywhere. That’s because the book’s size is one of its strong points, too. It’s small, compact, and relatively lightweight, making it perfect for someone to carry around.

Price: $16.99 (¥1,942 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

13. Kanji Look and Learn 

kanji look and learn jlpt n3 textbook

Kanji Look And Learn is a kanji learning textbook that has tons of illustrations and mnemonic hints that makes learning fun and interactive. It acts as a companion book for textbooks from the Genki series. The book has over 512 kanji and 3,500 essential vocabulary to learn. It explains everything about kanji from the history behind it to the number of strokes of each introduced character. This helps you to memorize the kanji easily and more efficiently.

Price: $25.00 (¥2,858 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

14. New JLPT N3 Taisaku-mondai & Yoten-seiri

New JLPT N3 Taisaku-mondai & Yoten-seiri

You will be presented with various types of texts that you’d come across on a daily basis in Japan, such as event flyers and situational emails. The book gives you explanations to properly understand them and you will learn new vocabulary and grammar. There is also an additional section in the book that teaches you Japanese onomatopoeia, idiomatic expressions and sentence connectors.

Price: $15.00 (¥1,710 JPY )

Click on this link to purchase the book.

15. Nihongo Tadoku Books Vol. 5

jlpt n3 textbook Nihongo Tadoku Books Vol. 5

The Nihongo Tadoku Book features 4 different stories that progressively get more difficult and longer. With the aim of stimulating more advanced reading techniques, this book is targeted at learners who want to improve their Japanese reading skills. You can find links to the audio files of the story passages in the book that are read by native speakers.

Price: $32.90 (¥3,751 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

N3 Mock Exam Workbooks

While many of the textbooks mentioned on this list consist of mock tests, the textbooks listed here are for those who just want practice questions. Just pure practice without any fluff.

16. JLPT N3 Mock Test

JLPT N3 Mock Test

Pros: Provides full-length practice tests that closely mimic the actual JLPT N3 exam format.

Cons: Lacks detailed answer explanations.

Once you are confident that you’ve learned everything needed for the exam, you can start doing mock tests through the JLPT N3 Mock Test. A mock test is a great practice tool because it mimics real-life JLPT questions, and it removes the shock factor. The book covers every aspect of the exam, but we recommend timing your sessions as you take the tests, too. This way, you can assess whether or not you’re answering at the right pace — and on time.

Price: $22.50 (¥2,572 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

17. Pattern-Betsu Tettei Drill JLPT N3

JLPT N3 textbooks Pattern-Betsu Tettei Drill JLPT N3

Pros: Targeted practice by categorizing exercises into specific question patterns,

Cons: The book is entirely in Japanese, which may pose a challenge for learners who are not yet comfortable with reading Japanese texts.

The Pattern-Bestu Tettei Drill is a textbook full of a series of quizzes and practice tests that have been modeled to represent the actual JLPT exam. The book is composed of four units for practice: kanji and vocabulary; listening, grammar, and reading comprehension. If you have studied the necessary information for the examination, this book will give you a realistic experience and prepare you to ace the JLPT.

Price: $31.00 (¥3,534 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

Bridge to Advanced Japanese Textbooks

These textbooks are best suited for learners who are ready to start testing their skills for the next level. If you are already comfortable with N3 level material and would like to challenge yourself with material that will expose you to N2 or even N1 level content, these books are perfect for you.  

19. Academic Japanese for International Students: Listening Comprehension (Intermediate)

JLPT N3 Academic Japanese for International Students: Listening Comprehension (Intermediate)

Pros: The 15 units cover broad topics to provide more cultural context about Japan.

Cons: The book’s focus is on listening comprehension in academic contexts, which may not align with the specific requirements of the JLPT N3 exam.

This book is specifically designed for international students who are planning to enter a university in Japan, undergraduate and graduate students included. It focuses on enhancing your listening comprehension ability for university-level classes. You’ll find the topics more complex and multilayered.

In total, there are 15 topics, each with more mature themes that you would not usually find in normal textbooks. This includes topics on Christianity in Japan and traditional Japanese musical instruments. Each topic comes with the main listening passage and practice questions, from multiple-choice questions to 150-to-200-character paragraph writing. There are also links included for you to access their additional online material.

Price: $25.99 (¥2,963 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

20. Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese

jlpt n3 textbook Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese

Pros: Offers comprehensive coverage of grammar, kanji, vocabulary, and cultural topics. Covers all four language skills.

Cons: May be challenging for those who have not yet mastered the N3 level, as it is designed for learners transitioning to advanced proficiency.

Are you looking to challenge yourself with something more advanced (but still for intermediate-level learners)? The Tobira textbook might be the right choice. As the gap between JLPT N3 to N2 is big, you can think of this book as a ‘bridge’ to advanced Japanese.

The textbook explores a wide range of topics from Japanese geography and history to modern-day culture. It allows development of skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Since there are no translations for most of the content in the book, it pushes you to understand Japanese at a proficient level right from the first page. You can visit the Tobira website for their free-to-download supplemental learning materials.

Price: $44.85 (¥5,138 JPY)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

Final Thoughts: Pass JLPT N3 with Coto Academy!

Preparing for the JLPT N3 is a big step: it marks the transition from beginner to intermediate Japanese and proves you can handle everyday conversations, understand news headlines, and comprehend everyday writing materials. Choosing the right textbook can make the difference between studying aimlessly and progressing with focus.

At the end of the day, the “best” textbook depends on your learning style, your timeline, and your weaknesses. The good news is that every resource on this list has helped thousands of learners pass the JLPT N3, so you can’t go wrong.

Ready to Pass the JLPT? Join JLPT Lessons at Coto Academy!

Currently, we offer:

Contact us for a Japanese-level check and a free consultation on the best JLPT prep course for you!

FAQ

How many words and kanji do you need for JLPT N3?

You will need to know around 650 kanji and 3,700 vocabulary words.

What is passing score for the JLPT N3?

You would need a minimum of 95 points to pass the JLPT N3.

How long will it take you to pass the JLPT N3?

It should take roughly 900 study hours

What are the benefits of taking the JLPT N3?

Passing the N3 will allow you to live fairly comfortably in Japan. You will also get much more job opportunities in Japan. This certification proves to an employer that you are able to read and understand Japanese with specific contents that concern everyday topics.

How can you study effectively for the JLPT N3?

There are plenty of useful resources out there to study for the JLPT. One effective studying method is using Anki. Anki is basically a free, open-source, spaced-repetition flashcard app and has become increasingly popular in the Japanese learning community.

Studying for the JLPT N3? Check out our guide on:

Besides its high-tech cities, rich traditions, and delicious food, Japan’s four seasons are equally unmatched and deserve as much attention as matcha and sakura blossoms. There’s the crisp, colorful air of autumn during momiji (autumn leaves) season, the hot and humid summer days perfect for the beach, and everything in between.  What better way to show your appreciation for them than by talking about the weather in Japanese?

Just like anywhere else, weather talk is a classic icebreaker. It’s simple, useful, and part of everyday conversation. But how do you describe a sweltering summer, a dry winter, or the brief, magical bloom of the sakura?

In this guide, we’ll go through all the different ways to talk about the weather in Japanese, from daily temperatures to seasonal fluctuations.

Let’s start with the basics: common Japanese words for talking about the weather. Just like in English, in Japan we describe the weather using elements like temperature, the sky, clouds, sun, rain, and more. Here are some essential words to get you started.

Basic weather elements

weather in japanese infographic
EnglishFuriganaKanjiRomaji
Weatherてんき天気tenki
Sunたいよう太陽taiyou
Cloudくも雲kumo
Rainあめ雨ame
Snowゆき雪yuki
Fogきり霧kiri
Thunderstormかみなり雷kaminari
Snowstormふぶき吹雪fubuki
Windかぜ風kaze

Once you go beyond the basics, Japanese has a rich vocabulary of seasonal and poetic weather words. Many of these are hard (or impossible) to translate directly into English, because they carry nuance and seasonal imagery.

Here’s a list of more advanced and “untranslatable” Japanese weather-related words:

EnglishKanjiHiraganaRomaji
Sunshine日照にっしょうnisshou
Drought日照りひでりhideri
Clear skies晴天せいてんseiten
Sunbeam / sunlight光跡こうせきkouseki
Moon月つきtsuki
Moonlight月明かりつきあかりtsukiakari
Autumn shower rain時雨しぐれshigure
Early summer rain五月雨さみだれsamidare
Fresh greenery (spring)新緑しんりょくshinryoku
Spring breeze春風はるかぜharukaze
Autumn breeze秋風あきかぜakikaze

Basic weather conditions

So far, we’ve listed basic nouns, but how do you describe the intensity or manner of the weather, like heavy rain, strong wind, or pouring snow? The adjectives below are used to describe these conditions.

EnglishFuriganaKanjiRomaji
Sunnyはれ晴れhare
Cloudyくもり曇りkumori
Hotあつい暑いatsui
Coldさむい寒いsamui
Humidじめじめ—jimejime
Hot and humidむしあつい蒸し暑いmushiatsui
Dryからから—karakara
Windyかぜがつよい風が強いkaze ga tsuyoi
Chilly すずしい涼しいsuzushii
Freezingこおりつく凍り付くkooritsuku
Stormyあらしの嵐のarashi no
Foggyきりのかかる霧のかかるkiri no kakaru
Snowyゆきふる雪降るyuki furu
Overcastどんよりしている—don yori shite iru
Mild ほどよい—hodoyoi
Freezing cold (very)さむさきびしい寒さ厳しいsamusa kibishii

In Japanese, to describe the intensity or nature of the weather, you usually combine an adjective with a weather noun. The adjective describes how the weather feels, while the noun tells you what kind of weather it is.

Examples:

強い風
Tsuyoi kaze
Strong wind

大雨
Ooame
Heavy rain

Some adjectives are standalone (like 大雨 or 吹雪) and act as nouns themselves, while others use い-adjectives or な-adjectives directly before the noun:

暑い日
Atsui hi
Hot day

湿った空気
Shimetta kuuki
Humid air

Now that we’ve covered some common weather vocabulary and how to pair adjectives with nouns, let’s move on to temperature and seasons! If you want a deeper dive, we have a dedicated blog about describing Japan’s seasons. Be sure to check that out for more details.

EnglishFuriganaKanjiRomaji
Temperatureきおん気温Kion
Temperatureおんど温度Ondo
Humidityしつど湿度Shitsudo
Four seasonsしき四季Shiki
Rainy seasonつゆ梅雨Tsuyu
Dry seasonかんき乾季Kanki
Springはる春haru
Summerなつ夏natsu
Autumn あき秋aki
Winterふゆ冬fuyu
Early Springはるはじめ春始めharu hajime
Late Summerなつおわり夏終わりnatsu owari
Late Autumnあきおわり秋終わりaki owari
Early Winterふゆはじめ冬始めfuyu hajime

Although Japan is officially a four-season country (shiki), you might notice that we’ve included two additional “seasons”: tsuyu (the rainy season) and kanki (the dry season).

Tsuyu usually occurs from early June to mid-July, bringing frequent rain and high humidity to most of the country (except Hokkaido). On the other hand, kanki, or the dry season, refers to periods with clear, crisp air, often in winter or early spring, when the skies are bright and the humidity is low. While these aren’t official seasons like spring or autumn, the weather patterns create the feeling of “extra” seasons.

Note: If you notice that there were two words for temperature in Japanese, 気温 (kion) and 温度 (ondo), it is not a coincidence. Kion is used to describe only the temperature of the air, while anything, including water temperature or the temperature of something you touch, can be ondo.

Key phrases used to describe the weather in general

weather forecast in japan phrases

Now that you’ve got the basics and all the essential weather vocabulary down, it’s time to put them to use! Let’s go through common phrases and questions you’ll hear, or want to ask, when talking about the weather in Japan.

Let’s start with the questions first! They are often a great way to get to know someone or open up to a conversation. 

今日の天気はどうですか。

Kyou no tenki wa dou desu ka.

How’s the weather today?

気温は何度ですか。

Kion wa nan-do desu ka.

What is the temperature?

明日は雨が降りますか？
Ashita wa ame ga furimasu ka?
Will it rain tomorrow?

暑い天気は好きですか？
Atsui tenki wa suki desu ka?
Do you like hot weather?

外は風が強いですか？
Soto wa kaze ga tsuyoi desu ka?
Is it windy outside?

ここはよく雪が降りますか？
Koko wa yoku yuki ga furimasu ka?
Does it snow often?

Now, let’s also make matching answers using the same structure, so you can answer naturally in conversations. 

はい、ここはよくあめがふります。
Hai, koko wa yoku ame ga furimasu.
Yes, it rains here often.

いいえ、東京では雪はあまり降りません。
Iie, Toukyoudewa yuki wa amari furimasen.
No, it doesn’t snow much in Tokyo.

はい、この地域では風がよく強く吹きます。
Hai, kono chiiki dewa kaze ga yoku tsuyoku fukimasu.
Yes, it often gets very windy in this area.

はい、北海道では冬に雪がたくさん降ります。
Hai, Hokkaidou dewa fuyu ni yuki ga takusan furimasu.
Yes, it snows a lot in Hokkaido in winter.

いいえ、この町では夏に雨はあまり降りません。
Iie, kono machi dewa natsu ni ame wa amari furimasen.
No, it doesn’t rain much here in summer.

Talking about hot weather in Japanese

japanese summer vocabulary

We’ve already covered the general phrases and common patterns for talking about the weather in Japan, but now let’s look at some examples for when the season is dry or hot. One thing to note: in Japan, there’s a unique word called mushiatsui. This word combines “hot” and “humid” and is used to describe that heavy, sticky feeling typical of Japanese summers. It’s a word you’ll hear often during the hotter months, especially when the air feels thick and muggy.

Let’s out some vocabuulary first before moving on to phrases!

English MeaningKanjiHiraganaRomaji
Summer day (over 25°C)夏日なつびnatsubi
Midsummer day (over 30°C)真夏日まなつびmanatsubi
Extremely hot day (over 35°C)猛暑日もうしょびmōshobi
Heat / hot weather暑さあつさatsusa
Extreme heat猛暑もうしょmousho
Heat wave熱波ねっぱneppa
Humidity湿気しっけshikke
Hot and humid / muggy蒸し暑いむしあついmushiatsui
Rainy season (June–July)梅雨つゆtsuyu
Seasonal rain (early summer)五月雨さみだれsamidare
Heavy rain (common in summer)豪雨ごううgou
Passing shower通り雨とおりあめtooriame
Sun shower (rain while sunny)天気雨 てんきあめtenkiame
Summer storm夏の嵐なつのあらしnatsu no arashi
Evening cool breeze (relief from heat)夕涼みゆうすずみyūsuzumi
First summer wind春一番はるいちばんharu ichiban
Clear summer sky夏空なつぞらnatsuzora
Scorching sunlight炎天下えんてんかentenka
Summer haze夏霞なつがすみnatsugasumi
Summer heat lingering into autumn残暑ざんしょzansho

Phrases to talk about summer and hot weather in Japan

今日はとても暑いですね。
Kyou wa totemo atsui desu ne.
It’s really hot today, isn’t it?

夏は蒸し暑いです。
Natsu wa mushiatsui desu.
Summer is hot and humid.

外に出ると暑くてたまりません。
Soto ni deru to atsukute tamarimasen.
It’s unbearably hot outside.

冷たい飲み物が欲しいです。
Tsumetai nomimono ga hoshii desu.
I want a cold drink.

今日は真夏日です。
Kyou wa manatsubi desu.
Today is a midsummer (very hot) day.

Talking about cold weather in Japanese

winter fashion vocabulary in japanese infographic

Just as Japan has unique ways to describe its hot, humid summers, there are plenty of expressions for cold weather, too. How do you describe crisp winter mornings to chilly evenings in the mountains? Knowing these terms not only helps you describe the weather accurately but also makes it easier to connect with locals during the colder months. Let’s check out some cold and winter-related vocabulary first before moving on to example phrases.

English MeaningKanjiHiraganaRomaji
Winter day (below 0°C at night)冬日ふゆびfuyubi
Midwinter真冬まふゆmafuyu
Cold寒いさむいsamuikan
Cold wave寒波かんぱkanpa
Frost霜しもshimo
White frost (heavy frost)白霜しらしもshirashimo
Ice氷こおりkōri
Frozen / freezing凍るこおるkooru
Icicle氷柱つららtsurara
Heavy snow大雪おおゆきooyuki
Snowstorm / blizzard吹雪ふぶきfubuki
Fierce blizzard猛吹雪もうふぶきmoofubuki
Powder snow粉雪こなゆきkonayuki
Wet snow / sleet霙みぞれmizore
Snow melting in early spring雪解けゆきどけyukidoke
Frozen ground凍土とうどtoudo
Black ice (icy road)路面凍結ろめんとうけつromen tōketsu
Hail雹ひょうhyou
Small hail / ice pellets霰あられarare
Cold winter wind寒風かんぷうkanpuu
Strong north wind (winter wind)木枯らしこがらしkogarashi
Clear, crisp winter sky冬晴れふゆばれfuyubare

Phrases to talk about winter and cold weather in Japanese

今日はとても寒いですね。
Kyou wa totemo samui desu ne.
It’s really cold today, isn’t it?

冬は雪がよく降ります。
Fuyu wa yuki ga yoku furimasu.
It snows a lot in winter.

外は凍えるように寒いです。
Soto wa kogoeru you ni samui desu.
It’s freezing outside.

今日は真冬日です。
Kyou wa shintoubi desu.
Today is a bitterly cold winter day.

最近は寒くなってきる。
Saikin wa samukunatte kuru.
It’s been getting colder these days. 

How to understand the weather forecast report in Japan

In real-life situations, whether you’re visiting Japan for a few days (or weeks, who knows?) or planning to settle here indefinitely, one of the most important things beyond just talking about the weather is actually understanding the weather.

In the previous section, we covered basic weather elements, like ondo (温度, temperature), shitsudo (湿度, humidity), and more. But reading a weather forecast app or listening to the news is another challenge entirely. You’ll notice that forecasts are often packed with kanji and sometimes include more advanced vocabulary. It may take a little time to get the hang of it, but it’s definitely worth learning. Check out some of the key terms below to help you navigate Japanese weather forecasts.

Weather forecast vocabulary

EnglishKanjiHiraganaRomaji
Typhoon台風たいふうtaifuu
Temperature温度おんどondo
Minimum temperature最低気温さいていきおんsaitei kion
Maximum temperature最高気温さいこうきおんsaikō kion
Atmospheric pressure気圧きあつkiatsu
Low pressure低気圧ていきあつteiatsu
High pressure高気圧こうきあつkoukiiatsu
Weather front前線ぜんせんzensen
Seasonal rain front梅雨前線ばいうぜんせんbaiu zensen
Start of rainy season梅雨入りつゆいりtsuyu iri
Ocean waves波浪はろうharou
Flood洪水こうずいkouzui
Emergency warning非常警報ひじょうけいほうhijou keihou
Evacuation advisory避難勧告ひなんかんこくhinan kankoku
Blizzard / Snowstorm吹雪ふぶきfubuki
Snowfall amount降雪量こうせつりょうkousetsu ryou
Ice / Frozen conditions氷こおりkoori
Advisory注意報ちゅういほうchuiihou
Warning警報けいほうkeihou

Read More: Japanese Vocabulary for Emergency Situations

Common phrases you will hear on a weather forecast 

Announcements on Japanese television, the weather forecasts can sound quite different from everyday Japanese. For one, weather anchors often use more complex vocabulary, sometimes including keigo (polite or honorific language) or specialized terms that go beyond common words like taifuu (typhoon) or ondo (temperature). Understanding these terms can take a little practice, but it’s a great way to follow the news like a local and get more precise information about the weather.

今日の東京は晴れ時々曇りです。
Kyou no Toukyou wa hare tokidoki kumori desu.
Today in Tokyo, it will be sunny with occasional clouds.

明日は雨が降る予想です。傘をお忘れなく。
Ashita wa ame ga furu yosou desu. Kasa o owasurenaku.
Rain is expected tomorrow. Don’t forget your umbrella.

北海道では雪が降る見込みです。
Hokkaidou de wa yuki ga furu mikomi desu.
Snow is expected in Hokkaido.

最高気温は25度、最低気温は18度です。
Saikou kion wa nijuu go-do, saitei kion wa juu-hachi-do desu.
The maximum temperature will be 25°C, and the minimum will be 18°C.

梅雨前線の影響で、九州では雨が続くでしょう。
Baiu zensen no eikyou de, Kyuushuu de wa ame ga tsuzuku deshou.
Due to the seasonal rain front, rain will continue in Kyushu.

台風7号が接近中です。海岸付近では注意が必要です。
Taifuunana-gou ga sekkin-chū desu. Kaigan fukin de wa chūi ga hitsuyou desu。
Typhoon No. 7 is approaching. Caution is needed near the coast.

明日の湿度は高く、蒸し暑くなるでしょう。
Ashita no shitsudo wa takaku, mushiatsuku naru deshou.
Humidity will be high tomorrow, making it feel hot and muggy.

今日の午後は雷雨の可能性があります。
Kyou　no gogo wa raiu no kanōsei ga arimasu.
There is a chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon.

山沿いでは気温が低く、霜に注意してください。
Yamazoi de wa kion ga hikuku, shimo ni chuui shite kudasai.
Temperatures will be low in the mountains, so watch out for frost.

Notice how many weather forecast statements use the word でしょう (deshou). Normally, in everyday conversation, でしょう can mean something like “isn’t that right?” or “don’t you think?” But in a weather forecast, it takes on a slightly different role.

In Japanese forecasts, でしょう is used to soften statements and make them sound predictive rather than absolute. It’s a way for the announcer to say something is expected or likely, without stating it as a 100% certainty. In English, it’s similar to phrases like “probably,” “likely,” or “expected to.”

Tips to improve weather talk in Japanese

In Japan, where some people may be more private than in other countries, talking about the weather is a safe and polite way to break the ice. It’s neutral, yet engaging enough to start a conversation. But what if you find yourself working at a Japanese company or suddenly in the middle of a group discussion about the next summer heat wave? How can you improve your weather conversation skills? Here are some tips:

1. Practice speaking with native speakers

There’s no better way to improve your weather talk than practicing with native speakers. You could chat with Japanese friends, join language exchange groups, or strike up conversations with locals during your travels.

If you don’t have the chance to meet people in Japan, consider practicing with native Japanese teachers at Coto Academy. Our supportive instructors create a comfortable environment, and with classes in Yokohama and Tokyo, the small class sizes give you plenty of opportunities to practice conversation. We focus on practical Japanese for everyday life, so you can build confidence and start speaking right away!

2. Listen to weather forecasts

Listening to Japanese weather forecasts is a great way to get familiar with vocabulary and expressions. Tune in to radio broadcasts, watch TV weather reports, or follow online updates. Pay attention to how meteorologists describe conditions, temperature changes, and uncertainties in the forecast, then try to use similar phrases in your own conversations.

This practice also improves your comprehension skills, helping you quickly understand weather-related information.

3. Download a Japanese Weather App

If you don’t have time to listen to forecasts regularly, try a Japanese weather app. We recommend Yahoo!Tenki or Tenki.jp. These apps provide detailed weather information – not just temperature, but also humidity, wind speed, chance of rain, and more. 

Using an app lets you practice reading and understanding Japanese weather terms daily, even on the go! Over time, you will get used to reading each section and even learn new kanji along the way. 

Conclusion: Learn to Talk About the Weather (and Beyond!) with Lessons at Coto Academy

Now that you’ve learned the basics of talking about the weather in Japanese, why stop there? There are plenty of other essential skills to master, like introducing yourself or discussing a specific topic in conversation.

If you want to build confidence and start speaking Japanese, consider joining conversation-focused Japanese lessons at Coto Academy. As a top-rated school with campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, we offer fun and flexible lessons designed around practical, everyday conversation. You’ll learn Japanese that you can use immediately outside the classroom.

We offer intensive Japanese courses as well as part-time options, so whether you want to immerse yourself fully or fit lessons into a busy schedule, there’s something for you. Start your journey to speaking Japanese confidently today!

Why join Coto Academy?

  • Over  60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
  • Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
  • Professional, native Japanese teachers

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to contact us!

FAQ

How would you describe the weather in Japan?

Use basic words like hare (sunny), ame (rain), yuki (snow), and kumori (cloudy) to describe Japan’s weather.

How do I describe the weather?

Start with the current condition, temperature, or season, e.g., “Kyō wa atsui desu” (It’s hot today).

How is the weather in Japan in Japanese?

You can say, Nihon no tenki wa dou desu ka? (日本の天気はどうですか？) to ask about Japan’s weather.

How do you express temperature in Japanese?

Use ondo (温度) followed by the number and “do” (度), e.g., Saikou kion wa 25-do desu (The high is 25°C).

What’s the Japanese word for humid?

Mushiatsui (蒸し暑い) describes hot and humid weather.

How do you talk about rainy season in Japanese?

Use tsuyu (梅雨) for the rainy season and tsuyu iri (梅雨入り) for its start.

Did you know that watashi, boku, and ore aren’t the only ways to refer to yourself in Japanese? There’s only “me”, “myself”, and “I” in English, but when it comes to Japanese first-person pronouns, the options are seemingly endless.

So how do you know you’re using the right “I” in Japanese? If you watch enough anime, films, or even the news, you’ll notice a pattern: watashi (わたし) stands as the most basic form of the first-person pronoun. Boku (僕) and ore (俺) are next, respectively. Then again, there are layers of subtext, social factors, and psychological distance taken into consideration. The Japanese culture is complex, and this complexity extends to the language, too.

Ultimately, we want you to avoid feeling overloaded. It’s just “I”, after all — why make things complicated? Thankfully, a lot of Japanese speakers don’t even stick to one pronoun. You’ll learn how to differentiate between the “I’s and find out which one is best for you. Let’s check out some of the ways to refer to yourself in Japanese!

About Watashi, Boku, Ore — and A Million Other Japanese First-person Pronouns

If English is your native language, here’s a did-you-know: a lot of languages have multiple first-person pronouns, like Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Korean. Between all of these, Japan has the most first-person pronouns.

How and when you refer to yourself depends on the person you’re talking to, the situation, and context. In other words, it depends on how you want to present yourself.

For example, if you use watashi (わたし), it’s considered formal — polite, even. On the other hand, try using ore (俺) in front of your boss, and you might risk losing your job in Japan (or, better yet, being told to voluntarily quit from the company).

This is why you’ll notice most Japanese people bouncing from one pronoun to another when they’re with their close friends, family, or colleagues. You’ll notice a lot of them have their go-to pronouns, too. When it comes to gender differences in spoken Japanese, men and women tend to favor different pronouns. Social standing also affects how people refer to themselves, as well as how they refer to other people.

For example, 72% of Japanese men will use “ore” (俺) with their friends. When they’re talking to a stranger, more than 60% of them will use “boku” (僕). On the other hand, to an unknown visitor, 75% of Japanese women will use “watashi”.

Of course, watashi, boku, and ore aren’t the only first-person pronouns in Japanese, because they don’t include all the phonetic strains and regional differences. Ever heard of ‘”ora” (おら)? It’s an informal Japanese personal pronoun from the Kanto dialect, similar to “oira” (おいら). The impression you’ll get when you use this is that of a “country bumpkin” — someone from a very rural area. We’ll go over other ways to say “I” in Japanese as we dive deeper into the article.

Want to study Japanese with us?

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You Don’t Need to Use First-Person Pronouns in Japanese

Unlike most languages, Japanese grammar doesn’t require you to use first-person pronouns, so you can omit the watashi, boku or ore. This is because it doesn’t even need a subject in a sentence, to begin with. Let’s take a look at an English and Japanese example.

銀行へ行ってきます。
Ginkou e ittekimasu.
I’m going to the bank (and returning again).

You’ll notice that, in the Japanese example, the typical watashi (わたし) is omitted. The textbook example should have been, “わたしは銀行へ行ってきます” (watashi wa ginkou e itte kimasu) — which would have made more sense of the English translation. Here, the literal translation is “Going to the bank.” In this context, we know that the person saying that is referring to themself, so you don’t need to put an extra “I” for clarity.

A great rule of thumb is this: When the meaning is still clear, you can remove pronouns that mean “I” or “you” in Japanese. As a comparison, let’s use the same example sentence from above and tweak the context a little bit.

A: 誰が銀行にいますか？
A: Dare ga ginkou ni imasuka?
A: Who is in(at) the bank?

B:銀行へ行っていますが、家にいます。
B: Ginkou e itteimasuga, ie ni imasu.
B: Going to the bank, in the house.

In the dialogue above, it’s not clear who is going to the bank and who is in the house. In this case, you’ll need to include the pronouns. A better answer should be like the one below:

B:私銀行へ行っていますが、お兄さんは家にいます。
B: Watashi wa ginkou e itteimasuga, onii-san wa ie ni imasu.
B: I’m going to the bank, but (my) brother is in the house.

On the other hand, there are verbs that imply the subject and object of the sentence. In English, we use “to give” and “to receive” regardless of who is giving and who is receiving. In Japanese, there are two verbs for expressing ‘to give’: あげる (Ageru), くれる (Kureru); while ‘to receive’ is indicated by もらう. Kureru (くれる) means to “give something from someone to me” (in other words, “receive”), while ageru (あげる) means “me giving something to someone else”.

This rule makes pronouns unnecessary because the subject (giver) and receiver are already implied.

For now, let’s have a look at the different characteristics of watashi, bok,u, and ore. Once your level in Japanese has improved, it may be a good idea to try and change the first-person pronoun you are using. This can change depending on your character, the setting, or even your conversation partner.

Japanese First-person Pronouns Are Implicitly Gendered

Yes — in Japanese, first-person pronouns like 俺 (ore), 僕 (boku), and 私 (watashi) have developed gendered associations over time, though there are no formal rules restricting their use. Historically, men’s pronouns such as 俺 and 僕 reflected social roles and expectations: 俺 originated in the speech of samurai and conveyed assertiveness and confidence, while 僕 was a modest, polite term used by young men or servants.

In contrast, women historically used 私 (watashi) in formal contexts to convey politeness and restraint, while informal あたし emerged in casual speech to express friendliness or softness. These patterns persist because pronouns function as social signals, communicating not only one’s gender but also formality, personality, and social position.

For example, a woman using 僕 may be perceived as tomboyish or nonconforming, while a man using 私 in professional settings signals politeness and humility. In modern Japanese, these gendered associations are gradually becoming more flexible, with younger speakers and media representations challenging traditional norms, though pronoun choice still carries subtle social and cultural cues.

Ways to Call Yourself in Japanese

Without further ado, let’s explore the most common ways to say “I” or “me” in Japanese. Keep in mind that this is an exhaustive list, but some of these pronouns are rarely used in everyday conversation—or may sound outdated or overly formal. We’ve included them for completeness and context.

1. Watashi: 私 (わたし)

It’s the safest choice when you’re a beginner. In formal situations, it’s the safest choice and doesn’t carry any gender nuances. In casual speech, however, わたし can give off a “feminine” feel, and it’s typically only used by women. When men use it in a casual context — when talking with a friend or family — it’ll sound stiff.

A polite way to refer to yourself, 私 (わたし) is the most general expression that is used by both women and men everywhere from formal occasions to business and public situations. If you are not really close to the person you are talking to, this word would be your best bet to avoid any offense.

But as most Japanese typically avoid referring to themselves, they’d usually just drop the “watashi” from their sentences. Take a look at the example below.

私は和菓子が好き → 和菓子が好き。
Watashi wa wagashi ga suki → Wagashi ga suki.
I like Japanese traditional sweets.

As explained before, as long as it’s clear the sentence refers to yourself, you don’t need to state that “you” like sweets — we know you’re talking about yourself, after all.

2. Watakushi: わたくし

You’ll hear this word straight out of historical anime, used by noblemen and women.  わたくし, or watakushi, is the more polite version of わたし — the most formal Japanese first-person pronoun, even. In fact, it’s so outdated that it’s not a part of modern textbooks.

Unless you’re working in a very uptight (or conservative) working environment in Japan, we don’t recommend you to use わたくし. It may be the most “civilized” choice — it sounds sophisticated — but if you use it in semi-formal situations, you’ll ironically sound stiff.

ですが、わたくしたちの思いは貴族には考えなのかもしれません。
Desu ga, watakushi tachi no omoi wa kizoku ni wa kangaena no kamo shiremasen.
However, our thoughts may be that of an aristocrat.

One of the only times we hear someone use わたくし is in official announcements, like when politicians hit the street for their campaigns or when a big public figure apologizes due to a scandal. In other words, if you’re not saying sorry or dwelling in super-serious businesses, you can forget about わたくし entirely.

3. Atashi: あたし

あたし is not really a new type of pronoun. It’s a shortened, more feminine pronoun that stems from わたし, so it’s not used in written language. Instead, you’ll only hear it in conversations, among younger women and children, who generally have trouble pronouncing “w” from わたし. Because of this, あたし sounds cute and endearing.

Like わたし, there’s a feminine pronoun that stems from わたくし too: あたくし.

4. Boku: ぼく (僕)

Boku is an expression used mostly by men. Originating from words like geboku (manservant) and kouboku (public servant), this word’s popularity began to spread among the younger generation as they’d use this to refer to themselves in a humble manner.

Although technically ぼく is used to address someone equal to or lower than you, you can think of boku as a gentler, semi-formal pronoun alternative. This is why it’s one of the first first-person pronouns Japanese boys learn and commonly use.

僕もわかんない。
Boku mo wakannai.
I don’t know too.

Boku is perceived as humble, but can also carry an undertone of “feeling young” when used by males of older age. You’ll hear this used on boys among their coworkers, senpai or, yes, bosses. In formal situations, most men use either 私 or 僕. Even though it’s a common choice for adult men, you may come off as sounding childish and immature — a “mama’s boy”, even. Most young boys use boku in classrooms, but later on, as they get older and more comfortable, they’ll use おれ.

Today, it is more commonly used in close relationships or as a softer alternative to the word “ore” (see below; it sounds more modest, reserved and polite. Because of this, you’ll notice more girls use boku (ぼく) too.

Boku for Young Boys

However, boku can also be used as a second-person pronoun for young boys. It’s a way to refer to a boy you don’t know. You’re basically calling him from his perspective, so the term can come across as endearing and affectionate.

僕は何歳ですか?
Boku wa nansai desu ka?
Boku (small boy), how old are you?

You’ll notice parents calling their young son by this pronoun, too, adding the suffix ‘chan’ after ‘boku’ (boku-chan). One of our host families once said that they do this to avoid their children using their first names when they want to say “I” — something that a lot of children do. To this, they train their kid to associate themself with “boku” (instead of their real name).

僕ちゃん、何を食べる？
Boku-chan, nani o taberu?
Boku-chan, what do you want to eat?

5. Ore: おれ (俺)

As a first-person pronoun with an extremely rough image, it is only used in a casual setting between people who are very close. おれ (俺) is written with hiragana or katakana, but you may often find them stylized in katakana, オレ, in manga panels and written Japanese as an emphasis.

You’ll see boys transitioning from using “boku” to “ore” as they grow up. Some people even use おれ (俺) informal sentences but keep in mind that you’ll risk sounding inappropriate.

You might also think that because おれ is the most popular first-person pronoun for Japanese men, you’ll need to jump to using the word as soon as you can speak Japanese. A word of advice: unless you’re wholeheartedly confident that your Japanese is very, very natural, don’t. Even in close relationships, ore and boku create different images.

おれ can sound cocky, used to indicate aggressiveness and masculinity, so if you mix-and-match おれ with formal sentences (i.e. you’re not ready to speak Japanese effortlessly), you’ll risk sounding awkward. Take a look at two examples below for comparison.

俺は知らねえな。
Ore wa shiraneena.
How the heck do I know.

俺は知りませんでした。
Ore wa shirimasen deshita.
I do not know.

Both mean “I don’t know”, but think of 俺は知らねえな as the equivalent of “How the heck am I supposed to know.” If you mix 俺 with something formal like 知りませんでした, it won’t sound natural, like putting a slang in a formal speech.

As a heads-up for Japanese learners, be aware that using 俺 could make you sound inadvertently cocky. 俺 can also be tricky to master for second-language learners because it doesn’t sound natural unless you speak Japanese really fluidly and effortlessly. 俺 can sound awkward when other elements in a sentence don’t match the aggressiveness and masculinity of 俺.

You’ll need to “match” the rough vibe of おれ, so if your personality and fluency aren’t there yet, opt back to ぼく.

6. Uchi: うち

Another way to say “I” in Japanese is うち, a sister term to おれ. In Tokyo, it’s used by young girls. In Kansai, うち is used by both young and older women. In written form, it’s spelled with kana.

You can think of うち as the female version of 俺; it sounds more relaxed than the stiff わたし, so more young girls and women from elementary to college students begin to make this their default go-to pronoun. In fact, うち is the most used first-person pronoun by female elementary school pupils. But be careful too. Like 俺, using うち can be inappropriate as it sounds slangy and strange when you use it outside the right context, social group and dialect.

うちのせいだ。
Uchi no sei da.
It’s my fault.

More importantly, because うち means “one’s own” or “house”, using it creates a sense of unity or in-group, so you can use it to include your family, company our team.

うちの娘が迷惑をかけてすみません。
Uchi no musume ga meiwaku o kakete sumimasen.
I’m sorry that my daughter caused trouble.

うち is also used in a less formal business setting as a way to say “our company”.

7. Jibun: じぶん (自分)

Technically, 自分 (じぶん) means “myself”, and it could be made into a Japanese adverb like this:

自分でケーキを作りました。
Jibun de keeki o tsukurimashita.
I made that cake by myself.

自分 can be made into a first-person pronoun, but it does make you sound masculine, modest and distanced. It’s not traditionally used. The informal setting, but it does indicate you’re showing humility and respect to the opposite speaker. Because of this, you’ll hear 自分 used in a lot of sports and military groups.

自分は、嘘をついていませんよ。
Jibun wa, uso o tsuiteimasen yo.
I’m not lying.

In the Kansai dialect, 自分 can also be used as a second-person pronoun, but you may come off as sounding too friendly and coarse. Think of it like saying “You, yourself,” which can carry an accusing nuance if not used correctly.

自分、どこの国なん？
Jibun, doko no kuni nan?
You, where are you from?

8. Ware (われ)

Ware (われ / 我) is a very formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say “I” in Japanese. It’s mostly used in official speeches, formal writing, or philosophical and literary contexts, rather than in everyday conversation. Using “ware” in casual situations can sound stiff or pretentious.

The plural form wareware (我々) means “we” or “us” and is commonly used in meetings, speeches, or documents to refer to a group formally.

9. Washi (わし/儂)

Washi (わし) is a Japanese pronoun that carries a masculine and often elderly nuance, so it is most commonly spoken by older men, especially in rural areas or traditional settings.

In practical use, it’s used in the Kansai area for older men, or applied for old-man characters in games or animation.

10. Using Your Name As a Japanese First-person Pronoun

If you grow up speaking English, it might sound weird to hear that a lot of children from Asian households use their own names to address themselves — including us.

Usually, in Japanese, children tend to use their own name or nickname because that’s what their parents call them. It’s the first identity they associate themselves with, but as they grow up, they’ll transition to preferred Japanese first-person pronouns: boku, ore, watashi (atashi), or uchi. Still, a lot of us switch to using our names as first-person pronouns when we’re around our family.

For boys who use boku, they risk sounding like a mama’s boy. For girls, it’s when they use their own name (with or without the ちゃん). If you’re into the kawaii culture, go ahead, but we don’t recommend calling yourself outside of family interactions because people see it as childish or icky — like you’re trying too hard to be cute. Like this:

モエもほしい！
Moe mo hoshii!
Moe (I) want it too!

Adults — mostly women — who use their own name for themselves are considered burikko (ぶりっ子), a Japanese slang term for girls who pretend to be cute in front of guys to get their attention.

11. Using Family Role As a Japanese First-person Pronoun

This applies when you’re speaking to someone younger, generally. For example, if you’re a mom or a dad, you can call yourself okaa-san (お母さん) or otou-san (お父さん) to address yourself in front of your children.

お母さんは駐車してくるから、ちょっと待ってね。
Okaa-san wa chuusha shitekuru kara, chotto matte ne.
Mom (I) is going to park my car, so wait a moment, okay.

Nowadays, you’ll also find parents using the more universal mama (written as ママ) and papa (パパ). Of course, family-role first-person pronouns aren’t just limited to moms and dads. As long as that family title can end with a ~さん or ~ちゃん, you can use them (check our article on main Japanese family terms).

It’s also not uncommon to use family terms to someone who’s not your family, but keep in mind that this is only when you’re talking to a child. For example, when you see a small boy seemingly lost in the park, you can call yourself a “Big Sister” (お姉さん・おねえさん).

ママはどこか？お姉さんが、手伝ってあげようか？
Mama wa doko ka? Onee-san ga, tetsudatte ageyouka?
Where’s your mom? Big Sister (I) will help you.

12. Social Titles As Japanese First-person Pronoun

If you’re a professional — like a teacher, doctor, author, or even a manager — you can use that title as your go-to pronoun during work. Again, this really depends on the subcontext.

For example, imagine you are a teacher, and a student comes to you asking for help. In Japanese, you could refer to yourself as 先生 (sensei) instead of using a first-person pronoun.

Commonly, teachers will use 先生 when they’re in the classroom instead of watashi (わたし), boku (ぼく) or ore (おれ).

誰が先生を助けてくれる？
Dare ga sensei o tasukete kureru?
Who wants to help Sensei (me)?

Keep in mind two things. First, if you call yourself “Sensei” (先生) in front of other teachers, you’ll sound childish.

Second: in the Japanese language,  先生 is used beyond the primary definition of “teacher”. Doctors, authors, or judo masters — basically anyone with a specific skill, practical art, or technique — use 先生.

Other than that, we’ve also heard store managers using their title tenchou (店長) to address themselves, especially when they’re talking to young staff.

店長が明日休みだから、お店を頼むよ。
Tenchou ga ashita yasumi da kara, omise o tanomu yo.
Tenchou (I) will take a break tomorrow, so I’ll leave the store to you.

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FAQ

What’s the difference between "watashi," "boku," and "ore"?

  • Watashi (私): Polite and gender-neutral.
  • Boku (僕): Polite, casual, and commonly used by males.
  • Ore (俺): Very casual and masculine; used among close friends.

Which one should I use as a beginner?

Stick with watashi—it’s the safest and most appropriate in most settings, especially formal or public ones.

Can women use "boku" or "ore"?

Generally, no. Watashi is standard for women. Atashi is a casual feminine variation, but not typically used in formal situations.

Is it rude to use "ore"?

It depends on context. Among friends, it’s fine. But in formal settings or with strangers, it can sound arrogant or too casual.

What’s the most formal way to say "I"?

Watakushi (私)—a more respectful and formal version of “watashi,” often used in business or ceremonial settings.

Can I switch between them?

Yes, many native speakers switch based on the setting. But consistency is key for learners—stick to one until you’re comfortable.

Do Japanese people always use pronouns?

Not always. The Japanese often drop pronouns entirely when the subject is understood from context.

What’s next after learning watashi, boku, ore, and these Japanese first-person pronouns? Read more about: