How do you say Monday to Sunday in Japan? Knowing the days of the week in Japanese is one of the essential skills you need to have for everyday communication. Once you know them, along with days and months, you’ll find it much easier to make plans with your friends.

In this guide, we’ll introduce each day of the week with its Japanese name, pronunciation, and useful tips to help you remember them quickly. Let’s get started!

Basics of Days in Japanese: 曜日 (Youbi) 

Just like how each day of the week from Monday to Sunday ends with “day” in English, it is essentially the same in Japanese. Each day of the week ends with the word 曜日(youbi), which roughly means “day” but is specifically used for the weekdays. 

Note that although it’s spelled youbi, the first syllable isn’t pronounced like the English word “you.” In Japanese, it’s pronounced yo (as in “yo-yo”), followed by u (as in “oops”) and bi (like “bee”). This follows Japanese pronunciation rules and the concept of long vowels, not English phonetics.

Breaking down the characters, 曜 (you) means a celestial body, such as a planet, moon, or star, and 日 (bi) simply means “day”. The terms for the days of the week have their origins in ancient China, which associated each weekday with mythological beliefs in the celestial bodies. 

According to ancient Chinese astrology and mythology, there are five celestial bodies: fire, water, tree, gold/metal, and earth. Additionally, there is the moon and the sun. These concepts were brought to Japan, where they merged with local mythology to form the weekday names still used today. See how each day’s name relates to specific stars and planets.

Days of the Week in Japanese

The days of the week are quite simple. All you have to do is add one of the names of the weekday before 曜日 (youbi). Below is an infographic showing each day of the week along with the literal meaning of weekday to help make it easier to remember.

Here is each weekday in a table as well, showing each word in English, kanji, hiragana, and romaji for your convenience:

Breaking Down Each Japanese Weekdays

So, let’s take a look at each name of the weekday in Japanese, breaking down the literal translation as well as the actual name of the weekday. We will explore the traditional meanings of each weekday and their origins in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember each day of the week, but it will also give you a peek into Japan’s rich history with ancient China. 

Let’s look at each Japanese weekday name, breaking down both the literal meaning and the modern-day term. We’ll also explore the traditional origins of these names in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember the days of the week more easily but also give you a glimpse into Japan’s deep historical ties with ancient China

1. Monday: 月曜日(Getsuyoubi)

月曜日 (getsuyoubi) literally means ‘moon day’ since the character 月 (getsu) translates to moon. Somehow, like in many countries halfway across the world, ancient China, Japan, and Korea associated Monday with the moon.

2. Tuesday: 火曜日(Kayoubi) 

火曜日 (kayoubi) means ‘fire day’ as the character 火 (ka or hi) literally means fire. However, the word kayoubi actually refers to Mars, which was called the fire star in ancient China due to its red color. 

3. Wednesday: 水曜日(Suiyoubi) 

水曜日 (sui youbi) means ‘water day’ with the character 水 (sui or mizu) meaning water. But in the context of weekdays, suiyoubi refers to Mercury, or the water star in ancient Chinese.

4. Thursday: 木曜日 (Mokuyoubi) 

木曜日 (moku youbi) means ‘tree day’ with the character 木 (moku or ki) meaning tree. However, mokuyoubi refers to Jupiter, which was called the wood star in ancient Chinese since the color resembled wood. 

5. Friday: 金曜日 (Kinyoubi) 

金曜日 (kinyoubi) literally translates to ‘gold day’, referring to Venus, which was thought to resemble metal. The character 金 (kin) can translate to gold, metal, or even money.

6. Saturday: 土曜日 (Doyoubi) 

土曜日 (do youbi) just means ‘earth day’ with the character 土 (do or tsuchi) meaning earth or soil. However, in ancient Chinese, the word doyoubi is interpreted as earth star. This is associated with Saturn, which has a color resembling soil. 

7. Sunday: 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi) 

日曜日 (nichiyoubi) means the same as its English name, ‘sun day’. The character, 日 (nichi, hi, or bi), means‘sun’. In Japan, nichiyoubi actually has roots with the sun goddess, Amataresu, from the Japanese folk religion Shinto.

Key Vocabulary Related to Days of the Week in Japanese

Now that we know how to say the weekdays, how do we express week durations and sequences of events? There will be times when you will need to specify a certain time in week durations such as “this week”, “a week ago”, or “in two weeks”. What are they?

The word for week in Japanese is 週 (shuu), which is hardly used alone and often attached to other words to express week durations or sequences in different situations. 

Before we dive into some key vocabulary, let’s discuss the grammar you need to know.

1. Saying week durations in Japanese 

If you understand numbers and counting in Japanese, counting weeks will be relatively straightforward, since it works the same way. You just need to add a number to 週 (shuu) and 間 (kan) to transform the expression for counting the number of weeks, such as one week or two weeks.

The structure for counting week durations is as follows: 

Number + 週間 (shuukan)

Here is a table for counting the durations of weeks from 1 to 10:

Note that ichi (1) conjugates into isshuu kan and not ichishuu kan. You might also notice that 7 weeks is pronounced nanashuukan. This is called rendaku (sequential voicing) or consonant changes due to euphonic reasons.

2. Expressing weekdays and weekends

Most Japanese public services and businesses will have different hours depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. When asking the staff, on a bus timetable, or board with operating hours, these are the terms that are generally used:

3. Key vocabulary for day-related timeframes and frequencies

How can you express weeks in relative time sequences (past, present, and future)? There will be times when you will need to specify this week or next week when scheduling. Here is some key vocabulary to remember:

Tie everything together to schedule or make a reservation by not only specifying the week but also the time with our guide on how to tell time in Japanese.

How to Use Japanese Days Sentences

We’ve learned the basic days of the week in Japanese, from Monday to Sunday, along with related vocabulary. But in real life, you won’t just say the day names alone—you’ll need to use them in sentences, such as when asking questions, making plans, or giving answers.

Let’s take a look at some common phrases using the days of the week.

Talking about the days or week in Japanese

今日は火曜日です。
Kyou wa kayoubi desu.
Today is Tuesday.

明日は水曜日です。
Ashita wa suiyoubi desu.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. 

来週の月曜日は祝日です。
Raishuu no nichiyoubi wa shukujitsu desu.

平日は仕事がある。
Heijitsu wa shigoto ga aru.
I have work on the weekdays.

Asking about the day or week in Japanese

週末、予定がありますか。
Shuumatsu, yotei ga arimasu ka.
Do you have plans on the weekend?

明日は何曜日ですか。
Ashita wa nanyoubi desu ka.
What day is tomorrow?

昨日、何をしていましたか。
Kinou, nani o shite imashita ka.
What were you doing yesterday?

Conclusion: Wrapping Up The Week

Mastering the days of the week in Japanese is more than just memorizing vocabulary. It’s a key skill for daily communication, planning, and understanding Japanese culture. 

Of course, being able to schedule and make reservations in Japan takes practice. If you want to speak Japanese fluently, consider starting at a top language school like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.

You can choose from part-time or intensive courses across our four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, or join our interactive online lessons to learn from anywhere. Our small classes (only 8 students) ensure plenty of speaking practice and personalized attention.

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FAQ

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

• 100 Basic Japanese Words to Know
• Complete Basic Japanese Phrases to Know
• Guide to Japanese Writing System: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji
• Western to Japanese Year Converter
• Guide to Dates in Japanese

Ramen is almost a ubiquitous symbol of Japan, and now that you have the chance to finally try the iconic dish in its home country, how do you actually order a bowl in Japanese? When you enter a Japanese ramen shop for the first time, you will be showered with options and customizability to match your preferences, from how firm you like your noodles to how thick you want your soup.

What should you say, and how do you want to customize your ramen toppings? Let’s find out everything you need to know to get the best bowl of noodles you may ever have!

What is Japanese Ramen? Is It The Same As Chinese Noodles?

Ramen likely needs no introduction; you can find it everywhere with famous instant brands like Maruchan, but with all the regional variations, actually defining what ramen is and how it’s distinguished from other noodle-based dishes isn’t as easy as you might think. So, ramen generally refers to a dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles in a savory broth. What really differentiates ramen from other noodle dishes is the inclusion of kansui, an alkaline solution that gives ramen noodles their characteristic bouncy, firm texture that doesn’t fall apart easily in broth.

However, this style of noodle soup originated in China, and it was one of many noodle soups brought over by Chinese immigrants. Eventually, they were collectively called 南京そば (nankin soba), based on how Chinatowns were referred to in Japanese as 南京町 (nankin machi), or “nankin towns.” Later, 中華そば (chuuka soba), meaning “Chinese noodles,” was adopted and is actually still used today. The actual name “ramen” is relatively new and wasn’t widely adopted until 1958. It’s likely the term also originates in China, but it was actually a name for another noodle dish, far removed from the one Japanese ramen actually came from. 

Since ramen is a relatively new term, even to this day, when walking the bustling food streets of Japan, you will still come across shops using the word 中華そば (chuukasoba) instead of “ramen.” They both generally refer to the same thing, but generally shops making a more “classical” style of ramen will opt to use 中華そば. 

So, over the years, ramen became the most popular term for this iconic noodle dish and has evolved into something unique to Japan, distinct from the Chinese version it originated from.

How Many Different Types of Japanese Ramen Can you Order?

As we mentioned, there is a variety of ramen, and different regions have developed their own unique takes on the iconic dish. If we dive into every variation of ramen that exists, this blog would never end! So, generally, ramen falls into broad categories based on the soup base. You’ve probably heard of 醤油ラーメン (shouyu ramen), a ramen with a soy sauce-based broth, which is one of several common types of ramen.

Most shops you will go to in Japan will specialize in one or two types of ramen rather than offering every variety you can think of. So, here are some broad categories of ramen to look for and try in Japan:

1. 醬油ラーメン (Shouyu Raamen): Shoyu Ramen

A soy sauce-based broth that brings a light, balanced savory flavor to the table, especially when paired with other ingredients such as meats like pork or chicken. The ramen is also characterized by its deep umami flavor that is known to be both comforting and nostalgic. It’s one of the oldest and most classic styles of ramen and is seen as the foundation of Japanese ramen culture.

2. 豚骨ラーメン (Tonkotsu Raamen): Pork Broth Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is one of the most popular types of ramen, known for its bold, flavorful broth and rich, creamy texture. The deep umami and meaty flavor comes from the pork bones, which are boiled for hours, or even days, to release all the flavors that pork has to offer. 

The island of Kyushu, particularly the Fukuoka and Kumamoto regions, is famous for its Tonkotsu ramen. The famous chain 一覧 (ichi-ran) comes from Fukuoka.

3. 煮干しラーメン (Niboshi Raamen): Dried Sardine Ramen

Niboshi Ramen consists of a broth made by boiling dried baby sardines, bringing out a dominant umami flavor that can range from light to intensely rich, salty, and slightly bitter.

4. 鳥白湯 ラーメン (Toripaitan Raamen): Chicken Broth Ramen

Similar to Tonkotsu ramen, toripaitan ramen is made by boiling chicken bones to create a chicken-based broth that’s characterized by its white color, creamy texture, and chicken-derived umami. It’s both mellow and rich, but considered a lighter cousin of the Tonkotsu broth.

5. 塩ラーメン (Shio Raamen): Salt Ramen

As the name implies, shio ramen, meaning “salt ramen,” consists of salt-seasoned broth offering a light but delicate flavor. It’s a simple yet balanced ramen that pairs well with the meats and other ingredients inside. The ramen is known for its clear broth that boasts hearty flavors.

6. 味噌ラーメン (Miso Raamen): Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is one of Japan’s quintessential ramen since it employs one of Japan’s most iconic flavors: miso, a fermented bean paste. The miso gives ramen a rich texture, deep umami, and nuttiness. It’s known for its hearty taste and ingredients; it’s easily one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods. Hokkaido is particularly famous for its Miso Ramen, which often incorporates unique ingredients such as corn, butter, and pork.

7. 油そば (Abura Soba): Oil Ramen

Abura soba literally means “oil ramen,” as it’s a brothless style of ramen tossed in soy sauce and lard or oil. The noodles are usually thicker and topped with slices of pork; it’s also common to add vinegar, chili oil, and garlic.

8. つけ麺 (Tsukemen): Dipping Noodles

Tsukemen is defined by the fact that you dip the noodles in a thick broth. Unlike conventional ramen, the noodles and soup are separated. The noodles tend to be thick and chewy, while the broth is more intense, lending the noodles a rich flavor.

This is a very non-exhaustive list of ramen varieties, but these are the quintessential ones that have come to define the Japanese style of ramen. But there are many popular ramen we didn’t go over, such as tantanmen, a spicy, nutty ramen considered more Chinese-style and often served in Chinese restaurants as well as ramen shops.

But whichever ramen you get, you can usually customize it to your liking, so let’s find out what options you have and how you can describe what you like.

Common Options For Customizing Your Ramen Order in Japanese

Most ramen shops and even stalls offer a variety of options to match your preferences. Each restaurant has its own system for taking orders; most commonly, you order the ramen through a vending machine, which distributes a ticket that you give to the staff. Then you have to let staff know your preferences. Oftentimes, you might hear this phrase:

お好みはありますか？
Okonomi wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any preferences?

お好み (okonomi) translates to “preferences,” so this is when you can tell the staff how you like your noodles, soup thickness, and even how oily you want the soup, among other things that the shop can offer. It is similar to how steakhouses will ask how you like your meat cooked. Noodles are pretty similar, where the length of cooking time will give them a firmer or softer texture. 

However, some shops will actually have you fill out a paper form to specify your preferences based on specific options the shop offers. Every restaurant might offer customizations unique to its store, such as adding chili powder. So, how do you discuss your ramen preferences in Japanese, and what are some common customizations you are usually able to do when you visit a ramen shop?

1. Types of Noodles in Japanese

Some ramen shops will offer different types of noodles, from thin to thick. But note that not all shops offer a variety of noodle styles, since they may focus on serving only one type of noodle that pairs best with the broth. But here are the ramen noodle varieties you will find in many ramen shops across Japan.

太麵 (Futomen):
Literally means “fat noodles”; they are thicker (not as thick as udon) and ideal for thicker, heavier broths since they won’t get soggy as quickly. They are a popular choice for miso ramen.

ちじれめん (Chijiremen): 
Chijiremen literally translates to “wavy noodles,” which, as the name implies, are curly and bouncy. This allows the noodles to hold on to the broth and toppings. These noodles are popular with shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and tsukemen, a type of ramen where you dip the noodles in the broth.

細麵 (Hosomen):
Hosomen literally means “thin noodles,” so they are known for being very thin, light, and delicate. They provide a subtle texture that goes well with light broths like shio ramen, since they also cook and absorb flavor more easily.

Most of the time, when ramen shops offer different noodle options, they will ask you to choose between futomen (thick noodles) and hosomen (thin noodles). Often, chijiremen is just the default option for ramen shops that use them. But how do you actually let the staff know which noodles you want? Generally, you can just say the noodles you prefer, followed by お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai), a respectful way of saying “please.”

Example:

細麺お願いします。
Hosomen onegaishimasu.
Thin noodles, please.

2. 面の硬さ(Men no Katasa): Noodle Firmness

麺の硬さ refers to how firm or soft you would prefer your noodle texture. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

1. かため (Katame)
Firm or hard noodles, cooked for less time, have a firmer, less moist texture.

2. 普通 (Futsuu): 
Normal or standard noodle firmness, best for those who don’t want their noodles too firm nor too soft.

3. 軟らかめ (Yawarakame): 
Soft noodles, cooked for longer, have a softer texture that’s easy to bite and chew.

Many ramen shops will just have you fill out a paper to specify how firm you want your noodles, but it’s also really common for shops to ask you how you like your noodles directly. It might be one of the most common follow-up questions after you order the ramen and specify the size. 

Example:

スタッフ：麺の硬さはどうされますか？
Sutaffu: Men no katasa wa dousaremasuka?
Staff: How firm would you like your noodles?

あなた: めんをかためでお願いします
Anata: Men o katame de onegaishimasu.
You: I would like my noodles firm, please.

Like the previous example, you can use onegaishimasu to make a polite request. However, when specifying how firm or soft you want your noodles, you have to attach the particle で to the adjective. In this case, if you want hard noodles, you have to say かためで (katame de).

3. 味の濃さ (ji no Kosa): Soup Thickness

味の濃さ refers to how rich or light you would prefer the flavor of your soup to be. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• こってり／濃いめ (Kotteri / Koime): Thick or rich flavor, with a heavier, more concentrated taste.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard richness, a balanced choice for those who don’t want their soup too heavy nor too light.
• あっさり／薄め (Assari / Usume): Light flavor, with a more delicate, subtle taste.

Just like with noodle firmness, you can use the same sentence structure to request your preferred soup thickness, simply by replacing 麺 (men) with スープ (suupu):

Example:

スープをこってりでお願いします。
Suupu o kotteri de onegaishimasu.
I would like my soup rich, please.

4. 脂の量 (Abura no Ryou): Soup Oiliness

脂の量 refers to how much oil you would prefer in your soup. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• 多め (Oome): More oil, for a richer, heavier mouthfeel.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard amount of oil.
• 少なめ (Sukuname): Less oil, for a lighter, cleaner finish.

Again, the same sentence structure applies here, simply replace 麺 (men) with 脂 (abura) to specify how oily you would like your soup:

Example:

脂を少なめでお願いします。
Abura o sukuname de onegaishimasu.
I would like less oil, please.

5. Serving Sizes

Of course, you can choose your preferred serving size based on how much you can eat and your appetite. Note that Japanese portion sizes tend to be smaller, so the regular portion might not be enough if you’re used to Western servings. However, there are ramen shops known for their monumental portions, so try to see how big the sizes actually are before you bite more than you can chew. 

Here are the general portion size categories you can expect to find at a Japanese ramen shop. 

• 並盛り(Nami Mori): Normal Size
• 中盛り(Naka Mori): Medium Size
• 大盛り(Oo Mori): Large Size
• 特大 (Toku Dai): Extra-large Size
• 特製 (Toku Sei): Special Portion

Usually, you choose the ramen size when you order it from the vending machine, but some shops may only take spoken orders. Generally, when you order the ramen you want, you may have to specify the size as well. Here is how you can do that in one sentence.

Example:

豚骨ラーメンの大盛りでお願いします。
Tonkotsu raamen no oomori de onegaishimasu.
I would like a large tonkotsu ramen, please.

You can also say 大盛りのラーメンお願いします (oomori no raamen onegaishimasu) to say the same thing. The particle の is used to connect the ramen you want, tonkotsu, with your desired size, oomori. You can use の either to say 豚骨ラーメンの大盛り (tonkotsu raamen no oomori) or 大盛りの豚骨ラーメン (oomori no tonkotsu raamen) which both mean large-sized tonkotsu ramen.

Also note that most ramen restaurants serving Yokohama-style ramen offer a free bowl of ご飯 (gohan), or rice. They are usually labeled 横浜家系 (Yokohama Kakei), meaning Yokohama-style. Also, be on the lookout for free size upgrades or extra noodles; the word for “free” is 無料 (Muryou).

6. Typical Toppings, Side Orders, & Condiments

No ramen is complete without the toppings and sides that elevate this iconic dish to one of the world’s most beloved noodle dishes. From the tender pork slices to the green onion that adds subtle flavor and texture, these toppings can really do a lot of heavy lifting to make the ramen even tastier. So, let’s find out the most common Japanese words you need to know for topping your ramen with even more deliciousness!

Here’s the table on its own so you can copy it directly:

Bring it All Together to Order Your Preferred Ramen in Japanese

Since some ramen stores will only take spoken orders and won’t have any order forms to specify your preferences, let’s see how you can actually answer the question “Do you have any preferences?” or お好みはありますか？(okomi wa arimasuka?) in a natural and confident way.

Generally, when you order a ramen, you will need to specify the ramen you want, as well as the size, first:

Example 1:

並盛りの塩ラーメンお願いします。
Nami mori no shio raamen onegaishimasu.
I would like a standard-sized shio ramen, please.

Afterward, the staff will likely ask about preferences, either asking about noodles or preferences specifically, or will ask the general question お好みはありますか？ to which you can answer with this example.

Example 2:

麺は細麺で、硬さは普通で、スープはこってりで、脂は少なめでお願いします。
Men wa hosomen de, katasa wa futsuu de, suupu wa kotteri de, abura wa sukuname de onegaishimasu.
For the noodles, I’d like thin noodles, normal firmness, a rich soup, and less oil, please.

You can simply chain your preferences together using the で particle between each one and finish the whole thing with お願いします at the end. This is a very natural and efficient way to rattle off multiple preferences in one go without pausing between items.

If you only have one or two preferences, you can of course keep it much simpler:

Example 3:

麺は太麺で、硬さはかためでお願いします。
Men wa futomen de, katasa wa katame de onegaishimasu.
I’d like thick noodles and firm, please.

But if you have no preferences, you can simply let them know you’ll use the standard for everything. Here is how you can say that in Japanese:

Example 4:

普通でお願いします。
Futsuu de onegaishimasu.
Regular is fine, thank you.

普通 (futsuu) can translate to “regular” or “standard,” so it’s a convenient go-to phrase when you don’t have preferences or just want the ramen as it normally is. 

Conclusion: Ordering The Best Ramen is About Sharing Your Preferences

Ramen is undeniably one of the best foods to try in Japan; however, ordering it there can be daunting with all the options and customizations. But don’t worry, even in the shops that don’t have any paper form to fill out, just by remembering a few phrases from this blog, you will get the best bowl of ramen tailored to your desired tastes! And if you don’t really have any particularities, just simply say 普通でお願いします (futsuu de onegaishimasu)!

Practice Ordering Ramen in Japanese with Coto Academy!

If you want to get some Japanese practice for ordering ramen or other daily activities, join us at Coto Academy! Our Japanese teachers are not only native speakers but also trained professional educators who can coach you to speak Japanese naturally and fluently. We have conversation-based courses focused on preparing you for daily-life conversations in Japan, JLPT prep courses, or more comprehensive classes to cover all your language needs. Whatever your goals are, we have professional teachers ready to work with you to reach them.

Feel free to check out our campuses in Tokyo or Yokohama, or join us online from anywhere in the world. If you’re ready to sign up or just want to get in touch to know more, please fill out the form below for a free consultation!

FAQ:

Pokémon is undoubtedly one of our favorite franchises ever; however, you may have noticed that many of the names of the Pokémon we know and love in English are completely different in Japanese. So, why is that? Turns out Pokémon names are not translated directly from Japanese to English, since the names wouldn’t make much sense if they were. 

So, let’s find out how the names for your favorite Pokémon are actually translated into English and, of course, how to actually say your favorite Pokémon in Japanese! Since there are over 1000 Pokémon, we will just go over some of the most popular pokémon!

Why are Pokémon Names Different in Japanese vs English

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While all pokémon names are written in katakana, the Japanese writing system often used for foreign words, most names do not translate directly to English, even if they borrow some English words. The Japanese language is inherently structured differently from English, so to make the names more culturally relevant to English speakers, they had to localize them extensively. Let’s explore how literal Japanese descriptions and wordplays make it essentially impossible to simply translate the names into English.

1. Pokémon Names are Literal Descriptions in Japanese

Most Japanese pokémon names are literal descriptions of their personality, characteristics, abilities, or origin, which often might not make sense or won’t roll off the tongue as well in an English context. For instance, the pokémon Snorlax’s Japanese name is actually カビゴン (kabigon) with カビ (kabi) being the Japanese word for “mold.” This is referring to the fact that Snorlax will eat just about anything, even moldy food. 

The name also comes from the Pokémon’s original nickname, “Kirby” (not a Pokémon!), after another Nintendo video game character, for the way it eats. The name English Snorlax focuses more on its sleepy characteristics and sounds much better than something to do with mold.

2. Pokémon Names are Based on Japanese Play-on-Words 

Many original Japanese pokémon names are also based on specific Japanese wordplays, which you probably can guess don’t translate to English very well. The popular pokémon, Bulbasaur, is actually called フシギダネ (fushigidane) with fushigi meaning “mysterious” or “strange” and dane or tane meaning “seed.” Together, the name literally translates to “mysterious seed.” However, it’s actually a double entendre, where “dane” is a verb ending that attaches to “fushigi” to make the phrase “strange, isn’t it?”

The name of this Pokémon plays on its unknown origin, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery. In English, the name Bulbasaur focuses on its physical characteristics, with bulb referring to the plant bulb that forms the back of Bulbasaur. In Japanese, フシギダネ makes sense given the language’s structure, but it would need to be localized to a completely different name for English speakers.

3. Direct Translation Exceptions

Some pokémon names are directly transposed from Japanese to English, which may be an exception rather than the standard. Likely the most popular example would be Pikachu, ピカチュウ, who, despite having a name that doesn’t mean anything in English, has become one of the popular icons for pokémon around the world. The name actually comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia ピカピカ (pika pika), which means “shiny” or “sparkly”, referencing Pikachu’s electric powers. It also comes from another onomatopoeia, チューチュー (chuu chuu), which is a sound that mice make. 

In Japanese, you could say Pikachu’s name means “sparkly mouse,” but really, it was just made up specifically for the character. The creators actually put a lot of thought into creating a name that would sound cute even to an American audience. They also wanted the character to be memorable and unique so it could be the mascot of pokémon. In fact, the name was actually created before the character was even designed. For these reasons, Pikachu is one of the few pokémon that have the same name all over the world.

How Are Pokémon Names Adapted into English

Rather than using literal translations of pokémon names, they are adapted into English and other languages as well. As we mentioned, Pokémon names in Japanese consist of wordplays, cultural references, and word blends that really only make sense in Japanese. As a result, most localization occurs in different regional Nintendo locations. Nintendo of America and the Pokémon Company International handle most of the English localization and often work closely with Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto. 

This allows the pokémon names, moves, powers, and dialogue to adapt to a context that makes sense to English speakers. Most Pokémon names are localized portmanteaus, a fancy word for word blends. For instance, the name Charmander comes from the word char (as in to burn), referencing its fire powers, as well as salamander, since it essentially looks like a big salamander/lizard-like creature. In Japanese, the name is quite similar: ヒトカゲ (hitokage), which literally translates to “fire lizard,” with ヒ (hi) meaning “fire” and トカゲ (tokage) meaning “lizard.” 

They aren’t direct translations, but the localized English name makes Charmander sound like an actual species unique to the Pokémon world. Much of the localization involves creating memorable, unique names that fit the in-game universe.

However, certain things like pokémon categories tend to align more closely to the original; for instance, ネズミポケモン (nezumi Pokémon) was directly translated to “mouse pokémon” in English. But the word ネズミ can mean either “mouse” or “rat,” so the localization team likely chose “mouse” because it carries more positive associations in English. 

Localization has to consider a variety of factors to ensure that Pokémon names capture the spirit of the original while drawing on culturally relevant English expressions to describe something recognizable yet unique to English speakers.

List of Pokémon Names in Japanese

Below is a list of some of the most popular pokémon’s official English and Japanese names, so you can find out how to say your favorite pokémon in Japanese! We also wrote each Japanese name in Romaji.

The full list of all the Pokémon names in English and Japanese can be found on Bulbapedia here!

Conclusion: Pokémon Names were Adapted for an English Context

The localization teams adapted the Pokémon names to be more culturally relevant and capture the spirit of the original Japanese names for English speakers. Translating the names directly into English actually wouldn’t communicate the same intended purpose of their originals, and wouldn’t even make the Pokémon feel the same as we know it. This is why there was so much effort into localizing the pokémon names into English. Even when the names weren’t changed from the originals, as in the case of Pikachu, they were created to be palatable to a global audience. Try to remember some of these pokémon’s Japanese names, and see what it’s like to play the video games in Japanese!

Learn Japanese at Coto Academy to Play Pokémon in Japanese!

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Apples and oranges. Walking and running. Swiftly and slowly. In English, connecting ideas is usually as simple as inserting the word “and” between two items. But in Japanese, expressing “and” is a bit more nuanced. 

In fact, the language offers multiple ways to connect words, phrases, and even full sentences. This depends on what you’re linking: nouns, verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses. For instance, the casual と (to) is one of the most straightforward ways to say “and,” but it can only be used to link nouns. 

This guide is your roadmap to mastering all the different ways to say “and” in Japanese. By the end, you’ll not only know which “and” to use in each situation but also understand why native speakers make those choices. So, get ready to move beyond the simple と (to) and explore the variety of connectors.

1. と (To)

Structure: Noun 1 + と + Noun 2

The simplest way to connect two nouns in Japanese is with と (to). It functions like the English conjunction “and.” r. However, と (to) cannot connect adjectives, verbs, clauses, or sentences. It is strictly for nouns.

When you link two nouns with と (to), you’re essentially pairing them together. If you want to express a contrast, you will need to use a different word in Japanese, such as でも or しかし.

シャツとズボン。
Shatsu to zubon.
Shirt and pants. 

You can extend this pattern to include more nouns:

シャツとズボンと靴。
Shatsu to zubon to kutsu.
Shirt and pants, and shoes.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that と (to) is generally used to link a fixed, closed list of items. It highlights each item individually, rather than suggesting an open-ended or indefinite series — as in, it is just those items, and nothing else. There’s no implication of additional, unmentioned items.

For example, if you are going to a trial gym, they might say: 

タオルと水と運動靴を持ってきてください。
Taoru to mizu o mottekite kudasai.

Please bring a towel and water.

2. や (Ya)

Structure: Noun 1 + や + Noun 2

While と (to) is used for a closed, fixed list of items, sometimes you want to imply that there are more items beyond the ones you mention. In this case, you use や (ya). Like と (to), や (ya) is used only to connect nouns and cannot be used with adjectives, verbs, or clauses.

You insert や (ya) between nouns to list them, and using it suggests that the list is not exhaustive. For example:

In this sentence, you’re saying that you like cakes and pudding, but there are likely other desserts you enjoy as well. Because や (ya) implies that there are additional items not mentioned, it is often paired with など (nado), which functions like “etc.” in English and typically comes after the last noun in the list. For example:

ケーキやプリンやクッキーなどが好きです。
Keeki ya purin ya kukkii nado ga suki desu.
I like cakes, pudding, cookies, etc.

This construction makes it clear that the list is non-exhaustive. Using the same trial gym scenario:

タオルや水や運動靴などを持ってきてください。
Taoru ya mizu ya undougutsu nado o mottekite kudasai.
Please bring a towel, water, sneakers, etc.

Using や (ya) … など (nado) indicates that these are just examples, and you could bring additional items as well—perhaps similar items like a gym shirt or grip socks.

In short, use や (ya) when you want to connect multiple nouns while signaling that there are more items beyond what you’ve listed, unlike と (to), which links a specific, closed set of nouns.

3. も (Mo)

Structure: Noun 1 + も + Noun 2

Technically, the Japanese particle も (mo) usually means “also” or “too,” but it can also be used to link nouns together in a way that expresses “and” in Japanese. The key difference between も (mo) and と (to) or や (ya) is that も (mo) carries the nuance of “and also” or “both,” rather than just listing items. In other words, も (mo) is used when you are adding another item to a statement, emphasizing that each item shares the same quality or feeling.

For example:

ケーキもプリンも好きです。
Keeki mo purin mo suki desu.
I like both cakes and pudding.

Here, も (mo) highlights that you like both items, not just one of them. It’s a great way to express that multiple things share the same characteristic or sentiment, giving a sense of inclusion rather than simply enumerating items.

4. Verb ～て

Structure: Verb 1 (て-form) + Verb 2

So far, we’ve discussed the different ways to say “and” in Japanese for nouns, but what if you want to connect verbs? The easiest and most common method is using the verb て-form. When combining two or more verbs, you convert all verbs except the last one into the -て (-te) form.

For example:

家に帰ったら、シャワーを浴びて、晩ご飯を食べたいです。
Ie ni kaettara, shawaa o abite, bangohan o tabetai desu.
After I go home, I want to shower and eat dinner.

Here, the first action, “showering,” is converted into the -て form (浴びて), which links it to the next action, “eating dinner” (食べたい). 

An important thing to remember is that linking verbs with the -て form indicate a sequence of events that follow a specific order. In casual situations, switching the order might not seem like a big deal, but if you are giving precise instructions, the order of actions becomes crucial. You need to list the first step or action first, followed by the next in the correct sequence.

For example, imagine giving instructions for a simple morning routine:

手を洗って、顔を洗って、それから朝ご飯を食べてください。
Te o aratte, kao o aratte, sore kara asagohan o tabete kudasai.
First, wash your hands, then wash your face, and finally eat breakfast.

Here, the order matters: washing your face comes after washing your hands, and eating breakfast comes last. 

Additionally, conjugating a Japanese verb from its dictionary form to the -て form is not one-size-fits-all. In Japanese, verbs are categorized into three main groups, and each group has its own rules for forming the -て form.

By learning the -て form (-te form), you can connect actions naturally in Japanese, like saying “I showered and ate dinner” or “I studied and went shopping.” Ready to put this into practice? At Coto Academy, you’ll get hands-on experience using verbs, particles, and connectors in real-life situations. Sign up for a class and start speaking confidently — whether in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online from the comfort of your home!

If you want a more detailed guide on how to conjugate a Japanese verb from its dictionary form into the -て form, check out our full article: Conjugating Verb-て Form in Japanese.

5. ～たり～たり (~ Tari ~Tari)

Structure: Verb (past tense) た-form + り + Verb (past tense) た-form + り + する

When you use the -て form to connect verbs in Japanese, it implies that the actions happen in a specific order or sequence. However, if you want to link verbs with “and” without indicating any particular order, you’ll use the grammar pattern ～たり～たり (tari tari).

In short, ～たり～たり (tari tari) is used to list multiple actions or states in a random, non-sequential way, when you just want to give examples of things you did, without focusing on what came first. Let’s take a look at an example below!

週末は映画を見たり、本を読んだり、散歩したりします。
Shuumatsu wa eiga o mitari, hon o yondari, sanpo shitari shimasu.
I spend my weekends watching movies, reading books, and taking walks (among other things).

The order in which these activities happen is left vague due to the use of たり (tari). It could mean this person watched a movie first, then read a book, or maybe went for a walk first.

If this sentence were written using the -て form, it would imply a stricter order of events.

Because of this flexibility, たりたり (tari tari) is an excellent structure for listing multiple examples of actions or experiences.

This grammar pattern is created by conjugating verbs into their た-form (ta-form) and then attaching り (ri). Just like with the te-form, verbs are divided into three groups (Godan, Ichidan, and Irregular), and their ta-form conjugation follows specific rules. You finish the sentence by appending the last Verb-たり with する (suru) or します (shimasu).

Example pattern:

• 食べます → 食べた → 食べたり (tabemasu → tabeta → tabetari)
• 行きます → 行った → 行ったり (ikimasu → itta → ittari)

You can also use たりたり (tari tari) in the past tense by changing the final verb (usually する) into しました (shimashita). Because the たりたり structure focuses on examples rather than order, it’s also very common to use it when talking about what you did over the weekend, on vacation, or during a specific event.

日曜日は買い物をしたり、料理をしたりしました。
Nichiyoubi wa kaimono o shitari, ryouri o shitari shimashita.
On Sunday, I did things like shopping and cooking.

6. ~くて and で (~Kute and ~De)

In Japanese, connecting multiple adjectives isn’t as straightforward as simply saying “beautiful and smart” in English. To link adjectives with “and,” Japanese uses different endings depending on the type of adjective. 

Adjectives in Japanese are classified into two types: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. I-adjectives generally end in い (i). Na-adjectives do not usually do not end in い (i), although some words are exceptions, like 綺麗 (kirei). 

I-Adjectives

I-adjectives generally end in い (i). To connect an i-adjective with another adjective, replace the final い (i) with くて (-kute).

For example, the Japanese adjective 素晴らしい (subarashii), which means “amazing,” would become 素晴らしくて (subarashiikute). 

この映画はおもしろくて、すばらしいです。

Kono eiga wa subarashiikute omoshiroi desu.
This movie is amazing and interesting.

Na adjective

For adjectives that end in -だ (-da) or -な (-na), linking them with “and” is relatively straightforward. You simply attach で (-de) to the end of the adjective. We recommend first checking out our guide on i-adjectives and na-adjectives, as some na-adjectives end with い (i) as an exception

For example, the word pretty in Japanese, 綺麗 (kirei), ends in i, but is boxed as a な-adjective, so it becomes 綺麗で when you link it with another word. 

この部屋は静かできれいです。
Kono heya wa shizuka de kirei desu.
This room is quiet and clean.

For adjectives that end in -だ (-da) or -な (-na), linking them with “and” is relatively straightforward. You simply attach で (-de) to the end of the adjective.

We recommend first checking out our guide on i-adjectives and na-adjectives, as some na-adjectives end with い (i) as exceptions.
この部屋は広くて静かできれいです。
Kono heya wa hirokute shizuka de kirei desu.
This room is spacious, quiet, and clean.

Here, 広い (hiroi) is an i-adjective, so it becomes 広くて (hirokute), and 静か (shizuka) is a na-adjective, so it becomes 静かで (shizuka de). 

7. し

The particle し (shi) is another way to express “and” in Japanese, but it carries a slightly different nuance than the others we’ve covered. Rather than simply linking two ideas, し (shi) adds an emphatic or explanatory tone. It’s often used when you want to list multiple reasons, qualities, or examples, with the feeling of “and what’s more” or “not only… but also…”.

Think of it as a way to build up information or justify a statement.

天気もいいし、公園に行こう！
Tenki mo ii shi, kouen ni ikou!
The weather’s nice, so let’s go to the park!

Here, し (shi) connects the good weather to the speaker’s decision. It implies that the nice weather is one of several reasons (maybe they also have free time or just feel like going out), even if those reasons aren’t said out loud.

You can also use し (shi) to talk about someone or something that has several positive (or even negative) traits.

日本は食べ物もおいしいし、人もやさしいです。
Nihon wa tabemono mo oishii shi, hito mo yasashii desu.
Japan has delicious food, and the people are kind too.

Compared to simply using the -て form (like おいしくて、やさしい), し (shi) adds more emotion. It feels like you’re emphasizing how great Japan is for many reasons, not just listing facts.

Of course, し (shi) has additional uses beyond simply connecting words with “and.” One important function is to indicate a reason or cause. When combined with んだ (nda), it can add a sense of explanation, often used when giving advice or justifying something.

For example, you might want to explain why you can’t go out:

疲れてるし、今日は早く帰ろうと思うんだ。
Tsukareteru shi, kyou wa hayaku kaerou to omou nda.
I’m tired, so I’m thinking of going home early today.

In situations where the reason is unfavorable or inconvenient, it’s also common to add で (de) for emphasis, stressing the negative aspect of the situation.

Another nuance of し is its use in casual conversation to trail off a sentence. You can end a sentence with し without finishing it, leaving the rest implied. This is especially useful if you want to decline politely or hint at other reasons without stating them directly.

For example, if someone asks you on a date but you don’t want to go, you might say:

明日も仕事があるし…
Ashita mo shigoto ga aru shi…
I also have work tomorrow, and…

Here, the trailing し implies there are other reasons as well, but you don’t have to say them. It’s a subtle, natural way to soften your response and avoid being too direct, which is considered more polite in Japanese culture.

Other Ways to Say “And” in Japanese

Besides particles like と (to), や (ya), and structures like ～て, Japanese also uses sentence connectors to link ideas, sentences, or actions smoothly. These connectors don’t always translate directly as “and,” but the nuance they carry often makes them the natural choice in context.

One of the most common is そして (soshite). Literally, it means “and then” or simply “and,” and it’s used to connect sentences or clauses rather than individual words. It often signals a sequence of events or adds additional information.

For example:

私は朝ご飯を食べました。そして、学校に行きました。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabemashita. Soshite, gakkou ni ikimashita.
I ate breakfast. And then, I went to school.

Other connectors like その上 (sono ue), それに (soreni), and さらに (sarani) are often used to add information, carrying meanings similar to “and also” or “on top of that.” These are useful when you want to emphasize extra points or reasons:

Example:

このレストランは料理がおいしいです。その上、店員さんも親切です。
Kono resutoran wa ryouri ga oishii desu. Sono ue, ten’in-san mo shinsetsu desu.
This restaurant’s food is delicious. On top of that, the staff is kind.

And That’s a Wrap!

By using these particles and sentence-level connectors, you can create smooth, natural Japanese sentences that link ideas clearly and even add emphasis when needed.

Of course, learning Japanese is more than just knowing how to say “and.” As we explored above, it’s important to conjugate verbs correctly, expand your vocabulary, and master other grammar points to communicate naturally.

Why not take your learning further at Coto Academy? Join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online. Here, the focus is on practical, conversational Japanese, helping you use what you learn in real-life situations from day one.

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Just started learning Japanese? You might be interested in checking out:

• Japanese Writing System: Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji
• Basic Japanese Words to Know
• 10 Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know