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FAQ
1. Can I join Coto Academy if I have never learned Japanese before?
Yes! Coto Academy welcomes complete beginners. They offer courses specifically designed for learners with no prior Japanese knowledge. The beginner program is divided into 7 levels, ensuring that your lessons are tailored precisely to your skill and progress.
2. What type of classes does Coto Academy offer?
Coto Academy offers a variety of class types to fit different schedules and goals:
Part-time classes: 1–2 times per week.
Intensive courses: 5 times per week, for 4 weeks.
Private lessons: Tailored for individual goals, perfect for beginners wanting a customized learning plan.
3. How long are Coto Academy's beginner courses?
Lessons range from 50–100 minutes each. Intensive courses run for a month, and our program includes 7 levels from beginner to advanced.
Can I attend short-term Japanese lessons online?
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Do I need a visa to study at Coto Academy?
For short-term courses, no student visa is required.
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To apply, please fill out our inquiry form. Our staff will provide a free level check and arrange an online or in-person meeting. They will also help you get onboarded and select the right course. The application process is straightforward, and our friendly team will guide you every step of the way!
Is Coto Academy’s short-term Japanese course good?
Yes — Coto Academy’s short-term Japanese programs are highly rated for their flexibility, small class sizes, and practical, conversation-focused lessons. It’s ideal for travelers, working professionals, or anyone looking for a flexible and effective way to learn Japanese.
Ah, kanji — the series of logographic Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system that even advanced Japanese learners often struggle with, or at least get annoyed by. The Japanese language is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn, and for many, kanji is the biggest reason.
Still, learning and knowing kanji is inevitable if you ever want to consider yourself “fluent” in Japanese. Learners are expected to know the Joyo kanji, a list of over 2,000 commonly used characters officially designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Even native speakers spend years in school mastering them.
But when you’re just starting to learn Japanese, which kanji should you tackle first? In this guide, we will introduce the most basic kanji that beginners typically encounter. By the end, however, you might realize that the first hundred are just the beginning.
What is Kanji?
Kanji (漢字) are the logographic characters used in the Japanese writing system, originally borrowed from Chinese. Kanji were imported from China over a thousand years ago and gradually adapted to Japanese. While some characters kept their original Chinese meaning, others evolved unique Japanese interpretations.
Unlike hiragana or katakana, which are phonetic scripts representing sounds, each kanji represents a meaning or concept.
Phonetically, there are two types of kanji readings:
Onyomi. This is the “Chinese-style” reading, often used in compound words.
Kunyomi. This is the “Japanese-style” reading, often used when the kanji stands alone.
Download Basic Kanji Chart for Free!
Master the essentials of Japanese writing with our free basic kanji charts! These charts organize all basic kanji by theme and include both readings and meanings. For easy access, you can download them as images to your phone or laptop and use them for review anytime.
Don’t forget, if you want to truly learn Japanese, study at Coto Academy! Coto offers immersive Japanese language courses with experienced teachers, small class sizes, and practical learning that helps you speak, read, and write confidently.
Below, we have compiled tables listing all the basic kanji. Since these are fundamental characters, they are mostly at the JLPT N5 level, with some reaching JLPT N4. The table shows 100 essential kanji for JLPT N5 learners, including each kanji’s readings in both kun’yomi and on’yomi.
Nowadays, most people learn kanji through Japanese learning apps or on their phones. As you go to work in Japan or enter university, the need to write kanji by hand has become less common. However, we still recommend learning kanji the traditional way: by practicing writing.
Following the correct stroke order is an effective method that not only helps you memorize the characters more easily but also ensures your handwriting is correct.
2. Spaced repetition
Of course, it is always beneficial to combine the traditional “old-school” method with modern learning systems. Spaced repetition is one of the most effective techniques for memorization. For example, apps like Anki offer multiple Japanese kanji decks. As a learner, you can review characters at intervals, which apparently encourages long-term retention.
3. Prioritize consistency over bulk memorization
Speaking of long-term retention, it is far more effective to study kanji consistently every day rather than trying to memorize a large number of characters in a single session. By this, we mean cramming all your kanji the night before a big test day, like the JLPT (in fact, this is one of the worst ways to study Japanese).
Short, daily practice, whether writing by hand or reviewing with spaced repetition apps, helps reinforce memory and prevents burnout. Over time, this steady approach leads to deeper understanding and recall, making your kanji learning more sustainable and enjoyable.
Master Kanji the Smart Way with Coto Academy!
Although kanji is one of the biggest hurdles in learning Japanese, at Coto Academy, you can join Japanese classes designed to help you master kanji and apply it in real-life situations.
Our classes are available in Tokyo, Yokohama, and online, so you can learn from anywhere. Beyond just memorizing kanji, our courses focus on practical application, helping you use kanji in daily life, conversations, emails, and professional settings. With experienced teachers and a supportive learning environment, Coto Academy makes learning kanji both effective and enjoyable!
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below for a free Japanese level check.
FAQ
How can I practice writing kanji effectively?
Writing kanji by hand while following the correct stroke order helps with memorization and improves handwriting. Short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than occasional bulk study.
Can I learn kanji without writing them by hand?
While apps and online tools are useful, practicing writing kanji by hand reinforces memory and understanding. Combining traditional writing with modern tools like Anki for spaced repetition is ideal.
How long does it take to learn basic kanji?
Learning depends on your schedule and consistency. With daily practice, most beginners can master the basic 100 kanji in 1-2 months. Intensive courses or immersive study can accelerate this process.
Can I learn kanji online?
Yes! Many platforms, including Coto Academy, offer online classes that teach kanji along with practical application in speaking, reading, and writing.
Planning to drive in Japan? Even if you’re just walking or cycling, it’s important to recognize key traffic and street signs to stay safe. Japan’s road signs combine international symbols with unique designs shaped by local traffic laws, which can make them confusing at times.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, studying to get a driver’s license in Japan, or just curious, understanding these signs can help you navigate safely and avoid fines. This guide covers the most common Japanese road and street signs with images and explanations.
Types of Japanese road signs
Before we dive in, we need to learn about the types of road signs. For example, some might be giving demands that you must follow by law, while others are giving directions. There are three general categories for signs, which include:
Regulatory signs: These signs display road regulation information in order to maintain road safety and prevent hazards. They usually show mandatory actions or prohibitions.
Warning signs: They usually provide a warning about something coming ahead, from sharp turns to possible hazards such as animals or slippery surfaces.
Information and guide signs: The signs give information on navigation and location information, such as which direction roads may go or where you are allowed to go on certain lanes.
Below is an infographic showing the Japanese terms for common road and street signs found in the West. You might notice the signs in Japan are different:
Common Japanese road signs to know
Now let’s discuss some of the most important road and street signs to be aware of to avoid fines, dangers, and navigate Japanese streets safely, whether you are a biker, pedestrian, or driver of any vehicle (motorbikes, cars, trucks).
Many of these signs do have kanji and sometimes hiragana, so read our guide on Japanese writing systems. Additionally, you can drill some of the kanji we discuss with one of our recommended kanji learning apps.
1. Road Closed
This sign with a red X in the center and the character 通行止 (tsuukoudo) means the road is closed to everyone, including pedestrians, bikes, vehicles (motorbikes, cars, trucks, and more), and trains.
Kanji: 通行止
Furigana: つうこうどめ
Romaji: Tsuukoudome
Meaning: 通行 (tsuukou) means to pass, and 止 (dome) means to stop.
So, together the word literally means stop passage but is used to mean road closed.
2. Closed to Vehicles
This sign, with just one red slash across the center, indicates the road ahead is closed to all vehicles, but pedestrians are permitted.
3. Vehicles Prohibited
Similar to the previous one, this sign indicates that all vehicles are prohibited from entering the area.
4. Closed to vehicles with more than 2 wheels
The sign on the left indicates that cars and other vehicles with more than 2 wheels are not allowed to enter. The sign on the right also prohibits motorbikes and other 2 wheeled vehicles.
5. Permitted Marked Directions
These signs with a blue background and white arrows in the center point to the directions you are permitted to go. These signs can have arrows indicating virtually any direction. The above are just a couple of examples; the sign at the top permits proceeding left or straight, and the bottom indicates you can proceed straight, left, or right.
6. No Crossing
While normally you are allowed to cross the center line of the road to enter something, such as a parking lot, the sign indicates that crossing is not permitted.
7. No U-turning
This sign shows that U-turns are prohibited on the road you are currently driving on.
8. No Passing
This sign prohibits overtaking other vehicles on the road, which is normally allowed on any street with more than one lane. This sign may be present when there isn’t a passing lane or when the road doesn’t allow enough space for passing other vehicles
9. No Parking
These signs indicate the area does not allow parking, with the top road sign prohibiting both stopping and parking. The sign on the bottom only prohibits parking, but stopping for under 5 minutes is permitted. The number at the top of the signs, “8 – 20,” indicates the time zone (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) when the prohibitions are valid. Outside of that time, parking or stopping is permitted.
10. Time Limited Parking
This sign allows parking for a limited time. In this sign, the number “60 分 (pun)” meaning 60 minutes following the P for parking, allows parking for a total of 1 hour. This time restriction is valid from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm as indicated by the top “8-20” numbers.
This sign with a number in the middle indicates the maximum speed in kilometers per hour (kph) you are allowed to reach in any vehicle. In this case, the sign allows a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour.
Keep in mind that Japanese society uses the metric system, so don’t interpret them as 50 miles per hour.
12. Minimum Speed Limit
This is a minimum speed limit sign (in kilometers), as indicated by a number with an underline. Minimum speed limit road signs may not be too familiar, depending on where you come from, but in Japan, they are mostly found on highways and express lanes to prevent traffic blockage.
13. Motor Vehicles Only
This sign shows the permitted vehicles or pedestrians that are allowed to use the road. In this case, only motor vehicles are allowed to be used. However, bicycles, motorbikes, light vehicles, and pedestrians are not permitted to use the road.
14. Bicycle Only
This sign shows the road only permits bicycles; pedestrians and motor vehicles are not allowed.
15. Pedestrian Only and Pedestrian & Bicycle Only
The sign on the left indicates pedestrians only. N bikes or vehicles of any kind are permitted. The sign on the right allows bicycles and pedestrians only; no vehicles are allowed.
16. One Way
One-way signs, which are always rectangular, blue with a white arrow in the center, indicate that the road only goes in the direction the arrow is pointing. It is often used to indicate the road is not a 2 way street. In this case, the road only goes left, but these signs can point to other directions.
This sign is not to be confused with the marked directional signs discussed above, which are round in shape.
17. Dedicated Lane
This sign shows that the designated lane only allows buses with the kanji 専用 (senyou), meaning exclusive use, with the image of a bus above it. Dedicated lane signs can include other vehicle types, such as motorbikes or cars.
Kanji: 専用
Furigana: せんよう
Romaji: senyou
Meaning: 専 (sen) means exclusive or special, and 用 (you) means to use.
Together, the word translates to special usage or exclusive usage.
18. Bicycle Lane
The bicycle lane sign shows that the designated lane is meant for bicycles only, with the characters 専用 (senyou) meaning exclusive use. This sign uses the same kanji characters as above, but this time with a bike and clear lines separating the lane from the main road meant for vehicles.
19. Priority Lane
The priority lane shows that certain vehicles should be given special priority, which is a bus in this case (priority lanes are mostly used for buses). The character 優先 (yuusen) just translates to priority. Other vehicles can use the designated priority lane, but must give buses the right of way by yielding.
Kanji: 優先
Furigana: ゆうせん
Romaji: Yuusen
Meaning: 優先 is equivalent to “priority” in English.
20. Direction Specific Lanes
These signs show the specific direction permitted on each lane. Some signs, like the one on the top, can show the specified directions of each respective lane on the road. The sign on the bottom shows the permitted directions a vehicle can proceed on only 1 lane.
21. Clockwise Roundabout
This sign shows that the oncoming roundabout goes in a clockwise direction.
22. Permitted Angle For Parking
These parking signs show the angle you are allowed to park relative to the side of the road (indicated by the white line). The sign on the top shows vehicles are permitted to park perpendicular to the roadside. The sign on the bottom shows vehicles are permitted to park parallel to the side of the road.
Kanji: 直角駐車
Furigana: ちょっかくちゅうしゃ
Romaji: chokkaku chuusha
Meaning: 直角 means right angle or perpendicular, and 駐車 means parking, so the whole expression means perpendicular parking.
Kanji: 平行駐車
Furigana: へいこうちゅうしゃ
Romaji: heikou chuusha
Meaning: 平行 means parallel, and 駐車 (chuusha) means parking, so the whole expression means parallel parking.
23. Sound Horn
This sign requires drivers to sound the horn while driving.
24. Slow Down
This sign requires drivers to slow down (徐行), generally to a level where the vehicle can stop immediately without skidding.
Kanji: 徐行
Furigana: じょこう
Romaji: Jokou
Meaning: 徐 (jo) means slow or gradual, and 行 (kou) means to go. So, the expression means go slow or slow down.
25. Stop
This is equivalent to the stop sign common in many Western nations, this one of the road signs that are distinct to Japan. This sign is always triangular-shaped and red with 止まれ (tomare), meaning stop, written in white at the center.
Kanji Review
止まれ (tomare): comes from the verb, 止まる, meaning to stop, but is conjugated into imperative form as 止まれ as a demand or order for you to stop.
26. Closed to Pedestrians
This sign communicates that pedestrians are not allowed to enter the area with the text saying 通行止(Tsuukoudome) or stop proceeding.
Kanji: 通行止
Furigana: つうこうどめ
Romaji: tsuukoudome
27. No Pedestrian Crossing
The sign prohibits pedestrians from crossing the road with the text 横断禁止 (oodan kinshi), meaning crossing prohibited.
Kanji: 横断禁止
Furigana: おおだんきんし
Romaji: Oodan kinshi
Meaning: 横断 (oodan) means crossing, and 禁止 (kinshi) means prohibited, so the expression on crossing prohibited
28. Intersection and Sharp Curve Ahead
These are warning signs that inform drivers of potential hazards ahead. From top to bottom, the signs show there is an intersection, curved roads, and sharp turns ahead, so drivers can prepare by slowing down.
29. Railroad Crossing
A sign showing there is a railroad crossing ahead.
30. Train Crossing
A warning sign showing there is a train crossing ahead.
31. Slipper Road Ahead
A warning sign that shows there could be slippery roads ahead, which could be due to terrain and weather conditions like sand, ice, or rain.
32. Traffic Light Ahead
This sign shows that there is a traffic light ahead and is usually present on high-speed expressways so drivers can slow down in time to stop at the light.
33. Falling Stones Ahead
This is a warning sign about potential falling stones from cliffs and mountains ahead.
34. Steep Road Ahead
Steep uphill road sign with the number indicating the road ahead will slope at an incline of 10 degrees. Signs can show slopes with differing numbers of degrees. There are also signs that warn of steep road declines.
35. Uneven Road Ahead
This sign warns drivers that the road ahead will be uneven and bumpy.
36. Cross Winds Ahead
The cross-winds sign warns drivers that the road will likely have strong crosswinds and could impact the movement of the vehicle.
37. Be Aware of Animals
This sign just warns of potential animal populations that could jump onto the road. The signs seems to show a deer, a rabbit, and a raccoon, respectively, but the sign could use other images of common animals in the area. Also note that the animal on the sign is not the only creature that could appear on the road, and may just be used to be on the lookout for animals in general.
38. Other Dangers Ahead
This sign just cautions drivers of general potential dangers ahead on the road.
39. Parking Allowed
This sign with a large white P in the center indicates that parking and stopping are permitted.
40. Driving on Tracks Allowed
This sign indicates that driving on the train tracks is permitted. Oftentimes, this sign may include specific vehicles permitted to drive on the tracks.
41. Stopping Allowed
This another road sign unique to Japan. The sign says 停 (tei), which means stop, but in this case, this sign indicates that stopping is allowed if you need to stop along the road temporarily, but this is not a stop sign that demands you must stop.
Kanji: 亭
Furigana: てい
Romaji: tei
Meaning: 停 means to stop, similar to 止まる (tomaru).
42. Center Line
The sign says 中央線 (chuuou sen) with an arrow pointing directly downward, indicating the position directly below the sign is the center line of the road.
Kanji: 中央線
Furigana: ちゅうおうせん
Romaji: chuuou sen
Meaning: 中央 (chuuou) means center or central, and 線 (sen) means line. So, the expression means center line.
43. Stopping Line
The sign says 停止線 (teishi sen), which means stop line. This sign indicates the line on the road where vehicles can stop.
Kanji: 停止線
Furigana: ていしせん
Romaji: Teishisen
Meaning: 停止 (teishi) means stop or stoppage, and 線 (sen) means line. Together, the word means stoppage line.
44. Pedestrian Crossing
This indicates that there is a pedestrian crossing up ahead, so you would need to stop if pedestrians are crossing the road.
45. Safe Area
This sign indicates that the following area is a safety zone for pedestrians to get off and on trains or for pedestrians to cross the road. No vehicles are allowed in this area.
46. Regulation Notice
These signs are notices that roads or streets are closed beyond the point of the sign. The sign on the left shows where you can detour to go around the closed road. The sign on the right just indicates that the road for the next 100m is closed from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
47. Service Area and Roadside Station
The sign indicates that there is a service area coming up in a number of kilometers. In this case, the sign says the service area will be 5 km at the top and 9 km at the bottom. These signs are mostly found in expressways where drivers would need to exit the road to access any kind of services.
However, service areas are more convenient since you would not need to completely exit the IC gate, which charges you every time you enter and exit. Usually, service areas have places to eat, get gas, and may offer certain services for your vehicle, such as minor repairs.
Navigate the road by knowing Japanese!
Japan’s road signs combine visual symbols with written instructions. Still, learning to navigate Japan and understand certain signs may require some Japanese, especially if you want to ask for directions. So, consider Coto Academy’s in-person or online Japanese classes to receive professional coaching and instruction in practical Japanese conversation, reading, and writing!
Fill out the form below to sign up right now!
FAQ
Are Japanese road signs in English?
Many are bilingual, especially in urban areas and on highways, but smaller roads and areas outside busy city centers may have only Japanese text.
Do I need to know Japanese to drive in Japan?
Not strictly, but understanding key signs is highly recommended for safety.
Are Japanese road signs similar to those in other countries?
Many are based on international standards, such as warning signs in yellow diamonds. However, some, like the triangular stop sign with “止まれ”, are unique to Japan.
What should I know about parking signs in Japan?
A blue “P” sign indicates legal parking. A red-bordered circle with “駐車禁止” means No Parking, and one with “駐停車禁止” means No Stopping or Parking at any time.
What does “優先道路” (Priority Road) mean?
It means your road has the right of way at intersections, and other vehicles must yield. This is especially useful in rural areas where traffic lights are sparse.
Navigating Japan, by road, rail, or sea? You might find this helpful:
What’s a better way to dip your toes into the Japanese language besides converting your name into Japanese? English-based or foreign names are generally written using the phonetic katakana alphabet. An exception would be a name with Chinese characters, which you can choose to be read with Japanese reading.
It has become more common in Japan (at least in newspapers and other media) to refer to people with Chinese and some Korean names that are kanji-based using the original pronunciation instead of reading the kanji in the Japanese way. For example, if your Chinese surname is 林 (pronounced Lim or Lin), you can pronounce the character as “Hayashi”—the most common surname in Japan in the 19th century.
Luckily, building a Japanese name is easy. You don’t need a name generator — just basic knowledge of hiragana (don’t forget to download our hiragana chart!) and katakana.
How to say “What is your name?” in Japanese
In Japanese, to ask someone their name, you can say these:
お名前は何ですか？ Onamae wa nan desu ka? What is your name?
Keep in mind that this is a very standard, textbook-based question. In reality, you might not really hear Japanese people saying “あなたの名前は何ですか“?
The reason is that the Japanese often omit the subject when they are easily interpretable through context. In this instance, if you speak directly to someone, you don’t need to use the words “your” or “you”. If you’re not talking with anyone else, your conversation partner should know you’re referring to them directly.
An even easier way to ask someone “what is your name” in Japanese is to use:
お名前は？ Onamae wa? Your name is…?
There are also a few acceptable ways to ask for someone’s name in Japanese, too.
1. お名前を教えてください。 Onamae o oshiete kudasai. Please tell me your name.
The Japanese word for “name” is 名前 (namae). When we add お (o-) to make お名前 (onamae), the お functions as an honorific prefix, making the word more polite. In other contexts, the prefix ご (go-) may be used instead, depending on the word.
Meanwhile, the grammar 〜てください is a polite way to give an instruction or request, similar to saying “please do ~” in English.
2. お名前を教えていただけますでしょうか。 Oname o oshiete itadakemasu deshouka. Please let me know your name.
Here we step into polite territory. 教えてください means “please tell me,” so the whole phrase becomes: “Please tell me your name.” This version takes politeness to the next level. いただけます is a humble/polite way of saying “can receive,” while でしょうか softens the request even further.
You will most probably hear this when talking to a customer service staff member inquiring about your name.
3. どなた様ですか？ Donata sama desu ka? Who might you be?
Sometimes, instead of directly saying “your name,” Japanese people will ask どなた様ですか. Notice that this avoids directly saying “your name,” which can sometimes feel too direct in Japanese. Instead, it softly and respectfully asks about the person’s identity. For example, a hotel receptionist might answer the phone and ask:
どなた様ですか？ “May I ask who is calling?”
How to answer, “My Name is” in Japanese
There are several ways to introduce your name to someone in Japanese. It depends on who you speak with, your social hierarchy, and your relationship with the listener.
For example, the most basic way to say it is:
私の名前はサムです。 Watashi no namae wa Samu desu. My name is Sam.
However, although this is technically correct, it’s not the most natural expression. In the same way, you don’t include “you” in many Japanese sentences (unless indicated), Japanese people tend not to use first-person pronouns.
The easiest and most common way to tell someone what your name is in Japanese is to state your name and attach です (desu) simply. For example:
サムです。 Samu desu.
This is entirely different if you’re in a more formal environment, like a business meetup or meeting someone new who might be older than you.
Fun fact! In Japan, we usually write our last name first and follow with the first name. For example, 江戸川 コナン, the infamous detective Conan. 江戸川, or Edogawa, is the last name, and コナン, or Conan, is the first name. However, in Western culture, for instance, Tom Holland. Tom is the first name, and Holland is the last name.
How the Japanese language recognizes English vowels and consonants
Think of your name as a borrowed English word directly transliterated to Japanese in katakana form. A katakana transcription of foreign words is based on how the word sounds — not how it is spelled.
The English language has 20 distinct vowel phonemes, making it one of the most complex vowel systems of any language in the world. The Japanese language has only 5 vowels: a, i, u, e, o. They are terse vowels pronounced clearly and sharply.
So what does this mean? How a word appears as katakana depends on how it is heard by native speakers. Japanese has fewer different sounds than English, and it does not have many ending consonants. Words tend to gain extra vowels or be reduced to the language’s closest sound.
For example, the English word “cat” becomes katakana キャット (kyatto) with an extra “o” at the end. The word “hug” has the vowel that’s closest to “a”, so Japanese people will say it as “ハッグ”.
Japanese has two alphabets and one pictorial writing system based on Chinese characters. The writing systems in Japanese are kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Japanese people write their names in kanji. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll mostly have to write your name in katakana.
1. Break your name into syllables
Japanese sounds are based on syllables, so first divide your name into clear pronunciation units. We have created a chart of the different English vowels and consonants, as well as it’s Japanese equivalent.
For example, if your name is Hannah, break it into syllables: Ha-nnah.
2. Match each syllable to a katakana character
Use katakana symbols that best approximate the sounds. Some sounds in English don’t exist in Japanese, so choose the closest match. For example, Hannah would be ハナ (hana)9.
3. Consider Japanese phonetic rules and other exceptions
Some sounds in Japanese don’t directly transfer from English. For example, the “v” is not a natural sound in Japanese. The pronunciation sounds similar to that of a bee in English when translated into katakana.
For example, if your name is David, it becomes “デービッド or De-biddo.
There are no set ways of writing English names in Katakana, but there are more popular ways of doing it.
For example, the name Samuel can be written as “サミュエル”or Samyu-e-ru or as “サムエル”. You can use the above chart to create your name! Or, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can also use a Japanese name generator.
Here are some common examples:
“V” usually becomes バ, ビ, ブ, ベ, ボ (ba, bi, bu, be, bo), because Japanese doesn’t naturally have a “v” sound.
“L” and “R” → English “l” and “r” are merged into the Japanese ラ, リ, ル, レ, ロ (ra, ri, ru, re, ro).
“Th” → There’s no “th” sound, so it’s often replaced with サ/ス/タ/テ depending on the closest approximation.
Ending consonants (like “t” or “d”) → Japanese syllables usually end in a vowel (except for ん), so consonant endings are followed by a vowel.
“F” followed by “u” sounds → Japanese has フ (fu), so Philip becomes フィリップ (Firippu).
“C” pronounced as “ch” or “k” → “Ch” becomes チ (chi), and hard “c” as in Carl to カール (Kaaru).
Here are some common names that have been converted into Japanese:
Male Names
English
Katakana
James
ジェイムズ
Michael
マイケル
Robert
ロバート
John
ジョン
Joseph
ジョセフ
Henry
ヘンリー
Lucas
ルーカス
Jackson
ジャクソン
David
デイビッド
Female Names
English
Katakana
Mary
マリー
Jessica
ジェシカ
Sarah
サラ
Karen
カーレン
Michelle
ミシェル
Amy
エミー
Julie
ジュリー
Sophia
ソフィア
Isabella
イサベラ
Rules of converting your name to a Japanese name
Traditionally, some names have unusual pronunciations — at least in Japanese. Vowels are usually changed into the nearest equivalent Japanese vowel. Japanese has fewer vowels than English, so the two different vowels in “fur” and “far” get turned into Japanese ファー.
This might look complicated, but the table below outlines the rules for transcribing English sounds. They consist of short and long vowels, consonants, schwa sounds, and diphthongs.
Japanese name generator: Convert English names to Japanese
If you want a lazy way of finding out how to write your new name in Japanese, you can also use a katakana name converter; we have linked to a few that you can use:
Start your Japanese journey at Coto Academy today, and make every introduction count!
Learning how to say “What’s your name?” in Japanese might seem simple, but the way you ask can leave a lasting impression. Ready to start learning Japanese?
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FAQ
How are foreign names converted into Japanese?
Foreign names are typically transliterated into katakana, one of the Japanese writing systems used for non-Japanese words. The name’s pronunciation is adapted to fit the syllable-based nature of Japanese.
Can my name be written in kanji?
Creating a version of your name using kanji is possible, but it’s uncommon for transliterations. Kanji-based names are more interpretive and involve choosing characters that match the sounds and possibly a desirable meaning.
Are there specific rules for katakana transliteration?
Yes, the rules ensure the name fits Japanese phonetics:
Sounds not found in Japanese are approximated (e.g., “V” becomes “B,” for example, David is デービッド).
Long vowel sounds are indicated with a dash (e.g., “Kate” becomes ケイト, Keito).
How do I write my name in katakana?
You can use a katakana chart and match the sounds of your name to the Japanese syllables. Alternatively, you can use online tools or consult a native Japanese speaker for accuracy.
Summer in Japan brings iconic experiences like fireworks and lively festivals, while hinting at the cooler season ahead.
Thinking about your next plan? Discover the latest Japanese courses opening in the coming months at Coto Academy’s four physical locations and our online school. Whether you’re studying in Tokyo, Yokohama, or from abroad, there’s a program for you.
If you have questions or want to explore different courses without friendly staff directly, fill out the contact form below to get in touch. You can immediately book an online meeting with our team!
Advance your career in Japan with Coto Academy’s intensive 3-month Business Japanese Course, designed specifically for working professionals.
This program focuses on building practical fluency in keigo (honorific language), formal expressions, and effective communication in the Japanese workplace.
Courses are offered at intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels, each emphasizing real-world application and business context to help you confidently navigate professional environments in Japan.
Duration: September 9 – November 22
Schedule: Every Saturday, 14:10 – 17:00 (24 lessons in total)
Location: Coto Academy Iidabashi
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Business Japanese 1 (upper-beginner business level): Starts on August 8
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Join our 3-month intensive course and turn your current knowledge into test-ready skills. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll strengthen key areas like listening, reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
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Part-time JLPT courses that are held year-round are also available from JLPT N3 to N1. Our upcoming JLPT N2 full-year course starts every Friday from 19:10 – 21:00.
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Lite Intensive courses are held twice a week regularly to follow a structured lesson plan.
When: Monday and Wednesday, 19:10 – 21:00
Starting date: August 4
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Overview: This course focuses mainly on improving your conversational Japanese. It’s great for learners who want to practice speaking and listening actively in real-life scenarios, build confidence in daily communication, and improve fluency. The course emphasizes practical usage rather than grammar drills.
Starting date: September 6th
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Want to improve your Japanese conversation skills but short on time? Our brand-new 50-minute conversation skill-up courses are designed to help you level up efficiently and enjoyably.
5. Conjugation Level-Up
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When: Every Wednesday | 13:10–14:00
Start Date: August 13
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Focus: Strengthen your conjugation skills to communicate more naturally in everyday situations.
6. Topic Conversation for Intermediate
Practice speaking about a variety of topics to build fluency, expand vocabulary, and gain confidence in real-life Japanese conversations.
When:
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Course materials: Nihongo Fun and Easy, Genki book 1, Coto original materials
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Starting date: August 20
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3. Lite-Intensive Course for Beginners
Join our popular Lite Intensive Beginner Course, where you’ll meet your teacher twice a week and follow a structured learning plan. This course offers an intensive curriculum at a more relaxed pace, providing a well-rounded program that covers grammar, vocabulary, and practical language skills.
Learn Japanese from anywhere with Coto Academy’s online school. Our flexible point-based system lets you purchase lesson credits, choose the courses you want through our user-friendly portal, and receive personalized recommendations based on your level and goals. Create a free account and browse lessons today.
For group lessons, we offer two convenient formats:
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Check out the upcoming online Japanese lessons below.
2. Lite Intensive Beginner 1
The perfect course for those who have never learned Japanese, Coto Academy’s unique Lite Intensive Course combines the structure of a full-time intensive course with the flexibility of part-time lessons.
You will study twice a week following a more structured plan. Our Lite Intensive Courses are ideal for learners who want to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a balanced way and plan to take the JLPT exam in the future. This linear course offers 100-minute lessons twice a week. Beginner levels 1 to 3 cover JLPT N5, while levels 4 to 6 cover N4. No prior knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana is required, as Beginner 1 starts with learning these basics.
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Textbook: Genki 1 + Genki Workbook
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Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Course: Japanese for Communication
Level: Upper Beginner
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Description: Chat about a variety of everyday topics while learning practical vocabulary, expressions, and conversational reactions. This is a flexible course without a fixed progression, so you can join anytime based on the topic of the day.
Please note that the subscription will automatically be charged every 4 weeks without notice.
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The easiest way to say “no” in Japanese is by saying “いいえ (iie).” But did you know that it is not always that simple? Japanese people will rarely give a direct “no” as an answer, preferring instead to communicate indirectly a message that conveys so.
Japanese culture and the language itself have developed to prioritize politeness as a way to maintain peace and cooperation. Because of this, saying “no” directly can feel too harsh or disruptive in a society that highly values harmony. That’s why Japanese speakers usually choose their words very carefully, especially in business or formal situations.
So, what are the different ways you can say “no” in Japanese? How do you decline an invitation or a favor without offending your Japanese peers? In this article, we will go over some unique ways to turn something into Japanese. Let’s continue reading to find out!
Basic ways to say no in Japanese
The exact word and textbook translation for no in Japanese is “いいえ (iie).” In more casual settings, you might also say “ううん (uun)”. Let’s check them out in more detail.
1. いいえ (Iie)
The first and most straightforward way to say “no” in Japanese, which you’ll often see in textbooks, is いいえ (iie). It consists of a long “i” vowel, pronounced “ee” (like in tree), followed by “eh.”
However, textbooks don’t usually mention that iie can sometimes sound too blunt or harsh in real-life situations. While it’s common in forms or situations that require a clear “yes” or “no” — はい (hai) or いいえ (iie) — using iie in conversation can feel like a strong, outright rejection.
To soften your response, Japanese speakers often use いや (iya) in casual situations or いえ (ie) for a shorter, slightly more formal alternative when saying “no.” This brings us to our next topic!
2. いや (Iya)
いや (iya) is a casual way to say “no” or “I don’t want to” in Japanese. It’s less formal than いいえ (iie) and has a softer, more natural tone in everyday conversation. Unlike iie, which can feel like a blunt rejection, iya often expresses personal feelings or reluctance rather than an outright refusal.
There is a catch, though: iya is commonly used with people you are familiar with. We recommend avoiding using it with bosses, strangers, or in polite situations.
In any case, let’s take a look at an example of rejecting an offer using iya.
これ食べる？ Kore taberu? Do you want to eat this?
いや、大丈夫。 Iya, daijoubu. No, I’m fine.
3. ううん (Uun)
ううん (uun) is an informal, casual way to say “no” in Japanese. It is equivalent to “nah” or “nope” in English. To pronounce it, say it like oo-n, with a short pause between the vowels.
Despite being a casual way to say “no” in Japanese, ううん (uun) is often delivered with a friendly, soft intonation, making it a gentle refusal rather than a harsh rejection.
これ欲しい？ Kore hoshii? Do you want this?ううん、いらない。 Uun, iranai. No, I don’t need it.
Be careful not to confuse ううん (uun), a casual way to say “no,” with the “yes” version, うん (un). The latter is a shorter, more affirmative sound, often accompanied by nodding or other body language to show agreement.
4. ちょっと (Chotto)
Now we’re getting to ways of saying “no” indirectly. The first example is ちょっと (chotto), which literally means “a little” or “a little while.” You’ve probably heard it in the phrase ちょっと待って (chotto matte), meaning “please wait a moment.”
When used to decline something, chotto is often a shortened way of saying something like “it’s a little difficult” or “I’m a little too busy.” You can either leave it at just chotto, or add your own excuse.
The beauty of this approach is that, because Japanese people are accustomed to indirect communication, they can usually read between the lines and understand that you are politely declining. This is best used in casual situations with friends or family. Just remember: when someone says chotto to you, it’s also your cue to pick up on the polite refusal!
For example, they could say chotto, which conveys the difficulty of answering a request.
A: 明日一緒に飲みませんか? Why don’t we drink together tomorrow? Ashita, isshyo ni nomimasen ka?
B: ごめんなさい、明日はちょっと用事があって・・・ I am sorry, tomorrow. I have some errands… Gomennasai, ashita wa chotto youji ga atte…
Perhaps the best way to interpret no in Japanese is to understand the different levels. We have divided them into four groups, starting from definite expressions to the grey and ambiguous expressions that you have to read between the lines.
How to say no in Japanese around friends & colleagues
There are three expressions typically used by friends and close colleagues when it comes to expressing refusal: むり, ダメ, and できない. These are ideal for more casual situations.
1. 無理 (muri)
Translation: Impossible
The word むり (muri) literally means “impossible.” It’s a way to say “no” by emphasizing that something can’t be done, like saying, “There is no way I can do that.”
There is a hint of sarcasm when using 無理 (muri), since it’s technically a hyperbole. Overusing it can make you sound negative or defeatist, so it’s best reserved for situations where refusal is truly unavoidable.
For example, if your friend asks if you can get to their house in 5 minutes but they live an hour away, you can say むり (muri).
2. ダメ (dame)
Translation: Not good
ダメ is usually translated into English as “no good”, “not allowed”, or “cannot”. Unlike ちょっと (chotto), which softens a refusal, だめ (dame) does the opposite: it is one of the firmest ways to say “no” in Japanese. It can be used to indicate that a situation is hopeless, that something is broken, or to tell someone that they shouldn’t do something.
A: あなたの部屋(へや)にたべてもいいですか？ Anatono heya ni tabetemo iidesuka? Is it okay if I eat in your room?
B: だめです。 Dame desu. No, you may not.
3. できない (dekinai)
Translation: Cannot
できない is less definite. できない emphasizes your personal inability rather than the impossibility of the situation itself. In other words, it expresses the speaker’s regret that the circumstances would not allow acting in accordance with one’s request. Always keep in mind, these expressions are rarely, if ever, heard as a response to a request in business-related situations.
The nuance of using できない (dekinai) is neutral and factual. Still, it can sound firm depending on the context.
明日手伝える？ Ashita tetsudaeru? Can you help tomorrow?
ごめん、できない。 Gomen, dekinai. Sorry, I can’t do it.
How to say no in Japanese in a business context
Saying “no” in Japanese when you are speaking with a client or company partner is even trickier. Professionals use softer, more tactful ways to decline requests, turn down proposals, or express limitations without offending colleagues or clients. In general, people can use these three expressions:
1. 厳しい (kibishii) & 難しい (Muzukashii)
Translation: Strict and difficult
Words like 厳しい (kibishii) or 難しい (muzukashii) are used to softly communicate refusal or difficulty. These terms imply that a request is challenging or difficult to fulfill, without outright rejecting it.
厳しい (kibishii) is often used to indicate that meeting a request would be difficult due to rules, standards, or constraints.難しい (muzukashii), on the other hand, suggests that completing the task or agreeing to the request is complicated or challenging.
今の状況では、対応が難しいです。 Ima no joukyou dewa, taiou ga muzukashii desu. Given the current situation, it’s difficult to accommodate.
2. 大変 (Taihen)
Translation: Tough, difficult, hard
たいへん (taihen), on the other hand, refers to a suggestion or request that is not easy because of a situation’s complexity. The word has a similar meaning to むずかしい (muzukashii), but is often used for situations or experiences rather than just problems.
The term たいへん can be subjective and creates ambiguity amongst the parties involved in various business relations.
Speaking Japanese in a formal capacity can seem overwhelming and full of nuances to be aware of. So, read our Introduction to Japanese Keigo to overcome the fear of speaking out of turn in delicate situations.
3. 遠慮する (Enryo suru)
遠慮する literally means “to refrain” or “to hold back,” and in business Japanese, it’s a polite way to decline an offer, invitation, or request without directly saying no.
今回は遠慮させていただきます。 Konkai wa enryo sasete itadakimasu. I will respectfully decline this time.
Other ways to indirectly say no in Japanese
Other words tend to dwell in the grey areas of meaning and interpretation. Even native Japanese speakers could misinterpret the signals these words are meant to express. But it’s possible the ambiguity is intentional to avoid commitment or disrupting harmony when multiple parties are involved in the decision-making.
1. 微妙 (Bimiyoe)
Translation: Subtle, delicate, tricky
びみょう expresses a borderline scenario where neither party can express certainty of what will play out. Despite the underlying uncertainty hinted at in びみょう, more often than not, the speaker means to decline.
2. 結構です (Kekkou)
Translation: Enough
The Japanese expression けっこうです may be the greyest of these expressions. The term can have completely opposite meanings, such as an affirmative “ok” or a negative “no thank you”.
Now, this brings us to いそがしい, typically used as an excuse to decline a request. Of course, it is a tactical way to say no in Japanese, and you can use it even though you are not actually busy! People usually take it as an immediate hint that you can’t go to an invitation. If you got this reply from your Japanese peers, and don’t bother asking to reschedule despite!
明日、公園行くか？ Ashita, kouen iku ka？ Tomorrow, do you want to go to the park?
ごもえん、明日は少し忙しくて… Sumimasen, ashita wa sukoshi isogashikute.. Sorry, tomorrow I am a bit busy..
4. 大丈夫 (Daijoubu)
大丈夫 (daijoubu) literally means “okay” or “all right,” but in Japanese, it can also be used to politely decline help, an offer, or a suggestion without directly saying “no.” Basically, you are saying that you can manage on your own or that the offer is not needed, making it a polite, soft refusal.
Showing uncertainty to indirectly refuse or decline something in Japanese
If you thought there weren’t enough ambiguous expressions for saying no in Japanese, there are a few more. However, these terms leave potential for an affirmative response. Initially, when someone uses these expressions, it may seem they are denying your request; however, they are actually expressing uncertainty about the current circumstances, which could change in the future
かもしれません and all of its variations communicate a certain level of uncertainty, like saying “maybe” or “perhaps”. This expression is more of a clause that attaches to verbs or nouns. So, if you want to say “I probably can’t make it,” you would attach かもしれない to いけない by saying “いけないかもしれない”. This expresses a higher probability that you can’t make it, while being open to the possibility that you can.
In the video above, Yuka-sensei will introduce you to a more in-depth explanation of how to use かもしれない!
2. 多分 (tabun)
Translation: Maybe
たぶん is similar to かもしれない since it also conveys uncertainty. The difference here is that 多分 doesn’t attach to other words and can be used more flexibly. Below are some instances of how to use たぶん:
Using tabun when refusing
A: Can you make it? いけますか？ ikemasuka?
B: Maybe, I cannot. 多分、いけません。tabun, ikemasen.
Using tabun when affirming
A: Is that a dog? 「それはいぬですか？」 sore wa inu desu ka
B: I think so. 「多分そうでしょう。」tabun soudeshou
3. 臨機応変に対応する (Rinkiouhen ni taiyou suru)
Translation: Let’s play it by ear
The expression, “りんきおうへんにたいおうする” is similar to the English expression: let’s play it by ear. This expression is often used to postpone difficult decisions at business meetings when the voting is not unanimous.
Go beyond saying no in Japanese and speak confidently with Coto Academy!
Why stop at just learning how to refuse something in Japanese? Keep improving your Japanese with fun, flexible lessons and expert guidance at Coto Academy. Our courses are designed for learners of all levels and provide practical, real-life Japanese that you can use immediately.
If you’re just starting your Japanese journey and want a comprehensive course that teaches everything from the basics, with easy-to-follow lessons, plenty of example sentences, and speaking practice, Coto Academy is here to help. Join our part-time or intensive courses, available in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online!
Start learning Japanese the smart way! Fill out the contact form below to get started and receive a free Japanese level check.
FAQ
What is the word for "no" in Japanese?
The direct translation for “no” in Japanese is いいえ(iie). But there are many ways one can say “no,” especially to be more polite in more formal or delicate situations.
What is a polite way to say "no" in Japanese?
There are many ways to say “no” politely in Japanese, such as simply saying “chotto,” which implies the request is a bit difficult to fulfill. In a situation when denying someone a kind offer, you could say “kekkou desu” or even “daijoubu desu”. In a more formal context, saying “kibishii” or “muzukashii” would be a polite way of saying “no”.
Do Japanese People Never Say "No"? Do they say something else instead?
Japanese people do say “no” but tend to do so in more indirect ways to avoid conflict. They don’t want to seem rude or outright decline someone. So, a few common phrases instead of a direct “no” include,
Whether you’re traveling to Japan or leaving the country, at some point, you might need to write or say your home country or destination in Japanese. While many names are easy and often the romanized version of their English counterparts — for example, “America” becomes アメリカ (Amerika) — some countries, especially in Asia, have names that require a bit of memorization.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive list of country names in Japanese, covering as many nations as possible. It’s a handy reference for travelers, language learners, and anyone looking to expand their Japanese vocabulary.
How to answer and ask country-related questions in Japanese
If you’re a foreigner living in Japan, one of the first questions you’re likely to get asked is about your nationality or where you come from. Being able to answer and even ask these questions yourself is a useful skill when filling out forms, meeting new people, or traveling around Japan.
Before we dive into all of the countries in Japanese, we’ll give you simple, practical phrases for asking and answering questions about countries in Japanese.
1. Asking where you are from
Unlike English, where asking a question usually stays the same regardless of who you’re speaking to, Japanese questions often change depending on the level of politeness or the situation. To help you navigate these differences, we’ve compiled the most common ways to ask about someone’s country, from formal to casual.
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
English
ご出身はどちらですか？
ごしゅっしんはどちらですか？
Goshusshin wa dochira desu ka?
Where are you from? (polite)
あなたはどこの国の方ですか？
あなたはどこのくにのかたですか？
Anata wa doko no kuni no kata desu ka?
What country are you from? (polite)
どこの国から来ましたか？
どこのくにからきましたか？
Doko no kuni kara kimashita ka?
Which country did you come from?
Keep in mind that ご出身 (goshusshin) is very polite and commonly used in formal situations. If you want to learn more about polite Japanese, also known as 敬語 (keigo), check out our guide on keigo.
2. Answering where you are from
So, what do you say when it’s your turn to answer? In Japanese, there are generally two ways to respond: say the country you come from, or state your specific residency or hometown.
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
English
アメリカから来ました。
あめりかからきました。
Amerika kara kimashita.
I’m from the USA.
日本の出身です。
にほんのしゅっしんです。
Nihon no shusshin desu.
I’m from Japan.
カナダ人です。
かなだじんです。
Kanada-jin desu.
I’m Canadian.
フランスからです。
ふらんすからです。
Furansu kara desu.
I’m from France.
Region Names in Japanese
Just like in English, Japanese has specific words for continents, large geographic areas, and subregions. One similarity is the use of directions — north, south, east, and west — when referring to a specific region. For example, Southeast Asia is 東南アジア (Tounan Ajia), with 東南 (Tounan) meaning “southeast.”
Continents in Japanese
English
Japanese (Kanji)
Reading
Africa
アフリカ
Afurika
Asia
アジア
Ajia
Europe
ヨーロッパ
Yooroppa
North America
北アメリカ
Kita Amerika
South America
南アメリカ
Minami Amerika
Oceania / Australia
オセアニア
Oseania
Antarctica
南極
Nankyoku
Subregions and Common Geographic Areas
English
Japanese (Kanji)
Reading
Middle East
中東
Chuutou
Central America
中米
Chuubei
Caribbean
カリブ海地域
Karibu-kai chiiki
Southeast Asia
東南アジア
Tounan Ajia
South Asia
南アジア
Minami Ajia
Central Asia
中央アジア
Chuuou Ajia
Western Europe
西ヨーロッパ
Nishi Yooroppa
Eastern Europe
東ヨーロッパ
Higashi Yooroppa
Northern Europe
北ヨーロッパ
Kita Yooroppa
Southern Europe
南ヨーロッパ
Minami Yooroppa
Asian Country Names in Japanese
For easier reading, we’ve created a table that includes each country’s English name, kanji (if available), katakana, furigana, and romaji.
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Afghanistan
アフガニスタン
あふがにすたん
Afuganisutan
Armenia
アルメニア
あるめにあ
Arumenia
Azerbaijan
アゼルバイジャン
あぜるばいじゃん
Azerubaijan
Bahrain
バーレーン
ばーれーん
Baareen
Bangladesh
バングラデシュ
ばんぐらでしゅ
Banguradeshu
Bhutan
ブータン
ぶーたん
Buutan
Brunei
ブルネイ
ぶるねい
Burunei
Cambodia
カンボジア
かんぼじあ
Kanbojia
China
中国
ちゅうごく
Chuugoku
Cyprus
キプロス
きぷろす
Kipurosu
Georgia
ジョージア
じょーじあ
Joojia
India
インド
いんど
Indo
Indonesia
インドネシア
いんどねしあ
Indoneshia
Iran
イラン
いらん
Iran
Iraq
イラク
いらく
Iraku
Israel
イスラエル
いすらえる
Isuraeru
Japan
日本
にほん
Nihon
Jordan
ヨルダン
よるだん
Yorudan
Kazakhstan
カザフスタン
かざふすたん
Kazafusutan
Kuwait
クウェート
くうぇーと
Kuweeto
Kyrgyzstan
キルギス
きるぎす
Kirugisu
Laos
ラオス
らおす
Raosu
Lebanon
レバノン
ればのん
Rebanon
Malaysia
マレーシア
まれーしあ
Mareeshia
Maldives
モルディブ
もるでぃぶ
Morudibu
Mongolia
モンゴル
もんごる
Mongoru
Myanmar
ミャンマー
みゃんまー
Myanmaa
Nepal
ネパール
ねぱーる
Nepaaru
North Korea
北朝鮮
きたちょうせん
Kita Chousen
Oman
オマーン
おまーん
Omaan
Pakistan
パキスタン
ぱきすたん
Pakisutan
Palestine
パレスチナ
ぱれすちな
Paresuchina
Philippines
フィリピン
ふぃりぴん
Firipin
Qatar
カタール
かたーる
Kataaru
Saudi Arabia
サウジアラビア
さうじあらびあ
Sauji Arabia
Singapore
シンガポール
しんがぽーる
Shingapooru
South Korea
韓国
かんこく
Kankoku
Sri Lanka
スリランカ
すりらんか
Suriranka
Syria
シリア
しりあ
Shiria
Taiwan
台湾
たいわん
Taiwan
European Countries in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Albania
アルバニア
あるばにあ
Arubania
Andorra
アンドラ
あんどら
Andora
Austria
オーストリア
おーすとりあ
Oosutoria
Belarus
ベラルーシ
べらるーし
Beraruushi
Belgium
ベルギー
べるぎー
Berugī
Bosnia and Herzegovina
ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ
ぼすにあ・へるつぇごびな
Bosunia Herutshegobina
Bulgaria
ブルガリア
ぶるがりあ
Burugaria
Croatia
クロアチア
くろあちあ
Kuroachia
Cyprus
キプロス
きぷろす
Kipurosu
Czech Republic
チェコ
ちぇこ
Cheko
Denmark
デンマーク
でんまーく
Denmaaku
Estonia
エストニア
えすとにあ
Esutonia
Finland
フィンランド
ふぃんらんど
Finrando
France
フランス
ふらんす
Furansu
Germany
ドイツ
どいつ
Doitsu
Greece
ギリシャ
ぎりしゃ
Girisha
Hungary
ハンガリー
はんがりー
Hangarī
Iceland
アイスランド
あいすらんど
Aisurando
Ireland
アイルランド
あいるらんど
Airurando
Italy
イタリア
いたりあ
Itaria
Kosovo
コソボ
こそぼ
Kosobo
Latvia
ラトビア
らとびあ
Ratobia
Liechtenstein
リヒテンシュタイン
りひてんしゅたいん
Rihitenshutain
Lithuania
リトアニア
りとあにあ
Ritoania
Luxembourg
ルクセンブルク
るくせんぶるく
Rukusenburuku
Malta
マルタ
まるた
Maruta
Moldova
モルドバ
もるどば
Morudoba
Monaco
モナコ
もなこ
Monako
Montenegro
モンテネグロ
もんてねぐろ
Montenegro
Netherlands
オランダ
おらんだ
Oranda
North Macedonia
北マケドニア
きたまけどにあ
Kita Makedonia
Norway
ノルウェー
のるうぇー
Noruwee
Poland
ポーランド
ぽーらんど
Poorando
Portugal
ポルトガル
ぽるとがる
Porutogaru
Romania
ルーマニア
るーまにあ
Ruumania
Russia
ロシア
ろしあ
Roshia
San Marino
サンマリノ
さんまりの
San Marino
Serbia
セルビア
せるびあ
Serubia
Slovakia
スロバキア
すろばきあ
Surobakia
Slovenia
スロベニア
すろべにあ
Surobenia
Spain
スペイン
すぺいん
Supein
Sweden
スウェーデン
すうぇーでん
Suweeden
Switzerland
スイス
すいす
Suisu
Ukraine
ウクライナ
うくらいな
Ukuraina
United Kingdom
イギリス
いぎりす
Igirisu
Vatican City
バチカン市国
ばちかんしこく
Bachikan Shikoku
North America Country Names in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Antigua and Barbuda
アンティグア・バーブーダ
あんてぃぐあ・ばーぶーだ
Antigua Baabuuda
Bahamas
バハマ
ばはま
Bahama
Barbados
バルバドス
ばるばどす
Barubadosu
Belize
ベリーズ
べりーず
Berīzu
Canada
カナダ
かなだ
Kanada
Costa Rica
コスタリカ
こすたりか
Kosutarika
Cuba
キューバ
きゅーば
Kyuuba
Dominica
ドミニカ
どみにか
Dominika
Dominican Republic
ドミニカ共和国
どみにかきょうわこく
Dominika Kyouwakoku
El Salvador
エルサルバドル
えるさるばどる
Eru Sarubadoru
Grenada
グレナダ
ぐれなだ
Gurenada
Guatemala
グアテマラ
ぐあてまら
Guatemara
Haiti
ハイチ
はいち
Haichi
Honduras
ホンジュラス
ほんじゅらす
Honjurasu
Jamaica
ジャマイカ
じゃまいか
Jamaika
Mexico
メキシコ
めきしこ
Mekishiko
Nicaragua
ニカラグア
にからぐあ
Nikaragua
Panama
パナマ
ぱなま
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
セントクリストファー・ネーヴィス
せんとくりすとふぁー・ねーゔぃす
Sento Kurisutofaa Neevisu
Saint Lucia
セントルシア
せんとるしあ
Sento Rushia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
セントビンセント・グレナディーン
せんとびんせんと・ぐれなでぃーん
Sento Binsento Gurenadīn
Keep in mind that the United States can often be called アメリカ (amerika) casually in Japanese, and 米国 (beikoku) in more formal, often written settings.
South American Countries in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Argentina
アルゼンチン
あるぜんちん
Aruzenchin
Bolivia
ボリビア
ぼりびあ
Boribia
Brazil
ブラジル
ぶらじる
Burajiru
Chile
チリ
ちり
Chiri
Colombia
コロンビア
ころんびあ
Koronbia
Ecuador
エクアドル
えくあどる
Ekuadoru
Guyana
ガイアナ
がいあな
Gaiana
Paraguay
パラグアイ
ぱらぐあい
Paraguai
Peru
ペルー
ぺるー
Peruu
Suriname
スリナム
すりなむ
Surinamu
Uruguay
ウルグアイ
うるぐあい
Urugai
Venezuela
ベネズエラ
べねずえら
Benezuera
African countries in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Algeria
アルジェリア
あるじぇりあ
Arujeria
Angola
アンゴラ
あんごら
Angora
Benin
ベナン
べなん
Benan
Botswana
ボツワナ
ぼつわな
Botsuwana
Burkina Faso
ブルキナファソ
ぶるきなふぁそ
Burukina Faso
Burundi
ブルンジ
ぶるんじ
Burunji
Cabo Verde
カーボベルデ
かーぼべるで
Kaabo Berude
Cameroon
カメルーン
かめるーん
Kameruun
Central African Republic
中央アフリカ共和国
ちゅうおうあふりかきょうわこく
Chuuou Afurika Kyouwakoku
Chad
チャド
ちゃど
Chado
Comoros
コモロ
こもろ
Komoro
Congo (Brazzaville)
コンゴ共和国
こんごきょうわこく
Kongo Kyouwakoku
Congo (Kinshasa)
コンゴ民主共和国
こんごみんしゅきょうわこく
Kongo Minshu Kyouwakoku
Djibouti
ジブチ
じぶち
Jibuchi
Egypt
エジプト
えじぷと
Ejiputo
Equatorial Guinea
赤道ギニア
せきどうぎにあ
Sekidou Ginia
Eritrea
エリトリア
えりとりあ
Eritoria
Eswatini
エスワティニ
えすわてぃに
Eswatini
Ethiopia
エチオピア
えちおぴあ
Echiopia
Gabon
ガボン
がぼん
Gabon
Gambia
ガンビア
がんびあ
Ganbia
Ghana
ガーナ
がーな
Gaana
Guinea
ギニア
ぎにあ
Ginia
Guinea-Bissau
ギニアビサウ
ぎにあびさう
Ginia Bisau
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
コートジボワール
こーとじぼわーる
Kouto Jibowaaru
Kenya
ケニア
けにあ
Kenia
Lesotho
レソト
れそと
Resoto
Liberia
リベリア
りべりあ
Riberia
Libya
リビア
りびあ
Ribia
Madagascar
マダガスカル
まだがすかる
Madagasukaru
Malawi
マラウイ
まらうい
Maraui
Mali
マリ
まり
Mari
Mauritania
モーリタニア
もーりたにあ
Mouritania
Mauritius
モーリシャス
もーりしゃす
Moorishasu
Morocco
モロッコ
もろっこ
Morokko
Mozambique
モザンビーク
もざんびーく
Mozanbīku
Namibia
ナミビア
なみびあ
Namibia
Niger
ニジェール
にじぇーる
Nijeeru
Nigeria
ナイジェリア
ないじぇりあ
Naijeria
Rwanda
ルワンダ
るわんだ
Ruwanda
São Tomé and Príncipe
サントメ・プリンシペ
さんとめ・ぷりんしぺ
Santome Purinshipe
Senegal
セネガル
せねがる
SeneGaru
Seychelles
セーシェル
せーしぇる
Seesheru
Sierra Leone
シエラレオネ
しえられおね
Shiera Reone
Somalia
ソマリア
そまりあ
Somaria
South Africa
南アフリカ
みなみあふりか
Minami Afurika
South Sudan
南スーダン
みなみすーだん
Minami Suudan
Sudan
スーダン
すーだん
Suudan
Tanzania
タンザニア
たんざにあ
Tanzania
Togo
トーゴ
とーご
Toogo
Tunisia
チュニジア
ちゅにじあ
Chunjia
Uganda
ウガンダ
うがんだ
Uganda
Zambia
ザンビア
ざんびあ
Zanbia
Zimbabwe
ジンバブエ
じんばぶえ
Jinbabue
Oceania countries in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Australia
オーストラリア
おーすとらりあ
Oosutoraria
Fiji
フィジー
ふぃじー
Fiji
Kiribati
キリバス
きりばす
Kiribasu
Marshall Islands
マーシャル諸島
まーしゃるしょとう
Maasharu Shotou
Micronesia
ミクロネシア
みくろねしあ
Mikuronesia
Nauru
ナウル
なおる
Nauru
New Zealand
ニュージーランド
にゅーじーらんど
Nyuu Jīrando
Palau
パラオ
ぱらお
Parao
Papua New Guinea
パプアニューギニア
ぱぷあにゅーぎにあ
Papua Nyuuginia
Samoa
サモア
さもあ
Samoa
Solomon Islands
ソロモン諸島
そろもんしょとう
Soromon Shotou
Tonga
トンガ
とんが
Tonga
Tuvalu
ツバル
つばる
Tsubaru
Vanuatu
バヌアツ
ばぬあつ
Banuatsu
Middle Eastern Countries in Japanese
English
Kanji / Katakana
Furigana
Romaji
Bahrain
バーレーン
ばーれーん
Baareen
Cyprus
キプロス
きぷろす
Kipurosu
Egypt
エジプト
えじぷと
Ejiputo
Iran
イラン
いらん
Iran
Iraq
イラク
いらく
Iraku
Israel
イスラエル
いすらえる
Isuraeru
Jordan
ヨルダン
よるだん
Yorudan
Kuwait
クウェート
くうぇーと
Kuweeto
Lebanon
レバノン
ればのん
Rebanon
Oman
オマーン
おまーん
Omaan
Palestine
パレスチナ
ぱれすちな
Paresuchina
Qatar
カタール
かたーる
Kataaru
Saudi Arabia
サウジアラビア
さうじあらびあ
Sauji Arabia
Syria
シリア
しりあ
Shiria
Turkey
トルコ
とるこ
Toruko
United Arab Emirates
アラブ首長国連邦
あらぶしゅちょうこくれんぽう
Arabu Shuchoukoku Renpou
Yemen
イエメン
いえめん
Iemen
Explore the World in Japanese with Coto Academy!
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FAQ
How do you say “Where are you from?” in Japanese?
You can say ご出身はどちらですか？ (Goshusshin wa dochira desu ka?) for a polite way to ask someone’s country or hometown.
How do you answer “Where are you from?” in Japanese?
You can answer with [Country] から来ました (… kara kimashita) or [Country] 人です (…jin desu) to indicate your nationality.
How do you say “China” in Japanese?
China is 中国 (Chuugoku) in Japanese.
Can I use “doko kara kimashita ka?” casually?
Yes, どこから来ましたか？ (Doko kara kimashita ka?) is a neutral, everyday way to ask where someone is from.
Do all country names in Japanese use katakana?
Most countries use katakana, but some, like China (中国) or Japan (日本), have kanji names.
Want to get more useful Japanese learning content? You might be interested in:
Learning Japanese has never been easy. From memorizing vocabulary and new writing systems to studying different grammar structures, the road to fluency is a long and difficult journey filled with struggles and challenges.
The truth is, it’s perfectly fine — essential, even — to make mistakes when learning Japanese or any language. Every slip-up is an opportunity to improve.
However, some common pitfalls in your study routine can steer you off course. What are the worst ways to learn Japanese? Here are 10 common Japanese learning mistakes to be careful of.
1. Not having a clear goal — or setting your learning goal too high
Some of us might want to learn Japanese because it is one of the most interesting, albeit hardest, languages to learn. On the other hand, a lot of people have their own reasons to study Japanese. For example, they might want to understand their favorite anime completely without subtitles.
Either way, having no clear goal or setting a goal way too high can affect your learning experience. Japanese is not an easy language, and you can feel like giving up when it gets to the point where it’s getting too hard or it’s not reaching where you aim to be.
Do you want to pass the JLPT? Or would you simply like to chat comfortably with your Japanese friends? Having clear goals helps you structure your study plan and know exactly what to focus on. For example, if your aim is to pass the JLPT, you’ll want to concentrate on building your kanji knowledge and improving your reading skills. On the other hand, if your goal is to hold conversations in Japanese, it’s better to focus on listening practice and building confidence in speaking.
A goal should be something enjoyable and achievable. For example, when I started learning Japanese, my goal was to be able to communicate in a restaurant. I wanted to order food, request any utensils, and ask for the bill completely in Japanese by myself.
After you reach your goal, you can set a harder goal and so on to keep going with Japanese learning.
Tip: It’s good to set a goal as a motivation to keep learning Japanese. When it comes to a goal, it doesn’t have to be something big like passing JLPT N1.
It’s always good when you set your mind to learn Japanese, but it can be a slippery slope when you are aiming to be fluent as fast as you can.
Doing something in extreme can lead to the point where you become stressed and unmotivated, especially when you don’t get the good result you expected.
You can study one chapter a day or focus on different skills each day. In this case, you don’t have to memorize too much vocabulary or kanji in one day and become stressed when you immediately forget it the next day.
For me, I only study a chapter of a grammar book or a set of vocabulary or kanji per day. I also don’t study every day and set some cheat days to recharge myself.
Tip: The best way to avoid being overwhelmed in learning Japanese is to take things in a moderate way. It’s good to make a study plan to balance the study.
3. Not being consistent in learning Japanese
Contrary to the previous point about studying too hard, you shouldn’t study too little as well. Learning only a few hours a week won’t help much. You will completely forget what you have studied many days ago, because you don’t really review it regularly enough.
If you find an excuse not to study today, you will find one tomorrow, and so on. When the motivation is gone, it’s really hard to get your head back into studying.
Tip: If you really don’t have time to study, just try your best to at least learn something. You can learn Japanese on a mobile app when you are on a train or listen to a podcast while cleaning the house. It’s better to study only 5 minutes a day and keep your motivation rolling than to study nothing at all!
4. Putting your eggs in one basket
There are so many resources to learn Japanese out there, and it can be overwhelming. It’s good to read some reviews and decide which book series to study or which app to use. However, sticking with one resource or following what other people say might not be ideal. Some resources only focus on a particular skill and don’t teach much about others.
For example, apps like WaniKani are good for memorizing vocabulary and kanji, but it doesn’t help with speaking or reading. You might be an auditory learner and like to listen to podcasts, but you’ll lack in reading skills if you only rely on audio learning.
It can be disheartening when you know so many kanji but can’t really speak well. On the other hand, some resources match someone’s learning style but not yours, and you can easily lose interest because the book looks boring to read or too complicated to understand.
Tip: The best resources are the ones you pick yourself! It’s always good to read reviews to see how the books or the apps are. However, it’s better to check them by yourself.
You can go to the bookstore, check the online version, or download the app to see whether they suit your style. It will be extremely discouraging if you have to give up on a book after a few pages because you can’t really stand it.
We recommend mixing and matching different learning materials to supplement your studies, but whenever possible, study with a Japanese teacher. Schools like Coto Academy offer well-rounded courses covering reading, listening, vocabulary, and kanji, ensuring steady and consistent progress. If you’re interested, contact us below to start learning Japanese and enjoy a free level check!
Anime is fun, and it can be a good inspiration to learn Japanese. You can also learn so many interesting words that you don’t find in any textbook.
However, relying on the wrong anime as a benchmark for natural Japanese can be counterproductive. For example, if you enjoy historical or war-period anime, be careful about mimicking the language—it’s often very old-fashioned and formal. The same goes for seinen anime (targeted at young men), which frequently uses slang and rude expressions that aren’t appropriate in everyday conversation.
As the Japanese have a level of politeness, most Japanese in anime are quite casual and full of slang, so it might not be suitable to use as a sole resource, especially for beginners.
There are so many ways you can learn from anime, such as watching it with subtitles to learn new kanji, then rewatching it without subtitles to practice listening or writing down some unknown vocabulary.
It’s also safe to check if the language used in the anime is appropriate for daily life, or how people actually use these words in real life, before actually using them.
Tip: It’s absolutely okay to use your favorite anime as one of the resources to learn Japanese. It makes learning Japanese fun, but don’t completely rely on it.
6. Focusing only on particular skills
Many learners make the mistake of concentrating solely on one aspect of Japanese, like just vocabulary, grammar, or speaking, while neglecting others. While it’s natural to have preferences, language skills are interconnected. Focusing only on one area can slow your overall progress.
For example, many people think that because they don’t really use Japanese in a professional environment, it’s okay to focus on speaking in daily life, but don’t put any effort into reading or writing.
On the other hand, some people rely so much on textbooks and know so much grammar and kanji, but don’t really go out there and actually speak it.
Learning a new language is all about balancing all the skills. You can be very good at one particular skill, but if you don’t know the rest, it’s hard to say that you are actually able to communicate in every aspect.
Try using different resources that focus on different skills so you can practice and enjoy them at the same time. For example, you can read textbooks for grammar, use an app for kanji and vocabulary, and follow some YouTubers for listening skills.
Tip: It’s perfectly fine if you aren’t good at everything; no one is! Instead of focusing only on particular skills, you can find your weak point and put a little more effort into it so that this skill becomes at a similar level as the others.
7. Don’t care about the pronunciation
Studying Japanese can be too theoretical, especially during the early stages when you are relying on textbooks. Because of that, a lot of people overlook Japanese pronunciation. They are more worried about the other aspects of the language, such as kanji reading, grammar structure, or the level of politeness.
Mispronouncing even a single syllable can change the meaning of a word, leading to confusion. Remember that despite having only five vowels, there are things like long vowels and double consonants in the Japanese language.
A wrong pronunciation can create a misunderstanding, as Japanese has many words with the same sound but different intonations, as well as words with very similar sounds.
I had an experience when I said, “There are a lot of houses (uchi) in this area.” However, I couldn’t pronounce “ch” and “sh” correctly, so everyone ended up confused why there are so many cows (ushi) instead. (We have more wacky Japanese language mistakes here)!
Tip: It’s actually hard to learn the pronunciation by ourselves. However, you can try to practice by yourself by listening to podcasts, videos, or even talking to native speakers to understand and be familiar with Japanese pronunciation.
There is also another learning technique called shadowing which you listen to someone speaking and you repeat it back out loud at the same time.
Moreover, if you have a chance to learn a new vocabulary, you can take note of the different intonation, such as hashi means chopsticks and hashi means bridge.
8. Translating everything into your native language
When you speak, read, or listen to your second (or third) language, it’s normal that you want to compare it with your native language to make it easier to memorize or understand. Relying too much on translation can slow your progress and make it harder to think directly in Japanese. While it’s tempting to translate every word or sentence, doing so prevents you from developing natural comprehension and fluency.
For example, in my native language, we use “eat” medicine, while “take” and “drink” are used in English and Japanese, respectively, so it can become unnatural or even completely wrong if you try to make sentences in Japanese while thinking from your native language’s perspective.
Tip: Try to understand the language as it is. It’s good to learn vocabulary or grammar and how to use them by memorizing examples in Japanese, rather than comparing and memorizing them with your native language.
There are many examples that are hard to translate into other languages, such as 雨が降られた (ame ga furareta)。It might sound weird in English to say “you have been rained on,” but it’s just a Japanese way to state the negative nuance.
9. Don’t really use Japanese in real life
The best way to learn any language is by using it in real life. If you know grammar and vocabulary by heart but you don’t really use it, it’s really hard to become fluent in the language.
Many people are afraid to speak because they feel embarrassed to make mistakes. However, making mistakes is how we learn and improve our skills.
Even though you aren’t in an environment where you have to speak Japanese every day, it’s still great to speak whenever you have a chance, like in a conbini, restaurant, or train station.
Everyone learns in a different way, style, and pace. Someone can learn a new language really fast, while others might not be able to do so.
Sometimes you meet other foreigners and notice that they are better. However, you don’t really know their learning process because they might have been learning it for a long time, or they have more time to study than you.
Comparing yourself to others can be very discouraging and make you want to stop learning because you feel like you can’t keep up or you aren’t good or smart enough to learn a new language.
Tip: Don’t compare yourself with others! It’s easier said than done because it’s what we normally do. If you want to compare yourself with anyone, compare your current self with your previous self.
Every time you feel disheartened, try to look back and see how far you have come from the day you started learning Japanese.
11. Being afraid of mistakes
Accidentally saying “ushi” (cow) instead of “uchi” (house) might make you cringe, but not noticing your mistakes is even worse. Fear of making errors can hold you back from speaking and experimenting with the language. Mistakes are a natural part of learning—and one of the fastest ways to improve. Embrace them as opportunities to grow.
In fact, noticing and correcting your mistakes is one of the easiest ways to remember what you’ve learned.
12. Only speaking English to your classmates
This mistake is common in group lessons, like those at Coto Academy. It’s natural to feel nervous about speaking Japanese for the first time, but part of the immersion method is using Japanese—even with classmates who are also non-native speakers. Practicing together reinforces what you learn, builds confidence, and makes the learning experience more effective and enjoyable.
The next time you meet a classmate who speaks the same language as you, it might be tempting to switch to your native tongue. Resist that urge and speak Japanese instead! Often, the only native Japanese speaker in the classroom is your teacher, so make the most of every opportunity to practice speaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s not easy to learn Japanese or any new language, and we are prone to making mistakes along the way. However, it’s best to avoid some common mistakes that will make your learning experience even harder than it should be.
The most important thing, however, is never giving up! If somehow you become stressed or unmotivated, just give yourself a little break and come back whenever you are ready again.
Need an extra boost in learning Japanese? Join fun, conversation-focused lessons at Coto Academy!
Consider learning with a qualified teacher in a structured and supportive environment. With Coto Academy’s immersive approach, you’ll not only master the language but also gain valuable insights into Japanese culture and society. We offer intensive, part-time, JLPT-focused, and online classes, so you’re sure to find the option that fits your schedule and goals perfectly.
Ready to start your language journey? Enroll in a course at Coto Academy today and take the first step toward fluency! Fill out the form below for a free level check and consultation.
FAQ
What are the common mistakes people make when learning Japanese?
Some common Japanese learning mistakes people make when learning Japanese include not practicing speaking and listening enough, relying too heavily on textbooks and grammar rules, and neglecting to learn Kanji characters. To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible, practice regularly with native speakers, and focus on building a well-rounded set of language skills.
How can I avoid relying too heavily on Romaji when learning Japanese?
To avoid relying too heavily on Romaji (the Romanized version of Japanese), it’s important to start learning Hiragana and Katakana characters as soon as possible. These characters represent the basic sounds of Japanese and are used in combination with Kanji characters to write Japanese words and phrases
What are some common errors to avoid when using Japanese particles?
Common errors to avoid when using Japanese particles include using the wrong particle, using particles incorrectly in sentences, and failing to use particles at all when necessary.
How important is proper pronunciation in Japanese, and what are some common errors to avoid?
Proper pronunciation is essential for effective communication in Japanese. Common errors to avoid include failing to distinguish between similar sounds like “shi” and “chi,” mispronouncing long vowels, and pronouncing words too distinctly.
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:
English
Japanese
Hiragana
Romaji
Monday
月曜日
げつようび
getsuyoubi
Tuesday
火曜日
かようび
kayoubi
Wednesday
水曜日
すいようび
suiyoubi
Thursday
木曜日
もくようび
mokuyoubi
Friday
金曜日
きんようび
kin youbi
Saturday
土曜日
どようび
doyoubi
Sunday
日曜日
にちようび
nichi youbi
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 perhaps will 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.
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:
English
Japanese
Hiragana
Romaji
1 week
1週間
いっしゅうかん
ishhoukan
2 weeks
2週間
にしゅうかん
nishuukan
3 weeks
3週間
さんしゅうかん
sanshuukan
4 weeks
4週間
よんしゅうかん
yonshuukan
5 weeks
5週間
ごしゅうかん
goshuukan
6 weeks
6週間
ろくしゅうかん
rokushuukan
7 weeks
7週間
ななしゅうかん
nanashuukan
8 weeks
8週間
はちしゅうかん
hachishuuhan
9 weeks
9週間
きゅうしゅうかん
kyuushuukan
10 weeks
10週間
じゅうかかん
juushuukan
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.
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:
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
Weekday/working day
平日
へいじつ
heijitsu
Weekend
週末
しゅうまつ
shuumatsu
Weekend (Saturday and sunday)
土日
どにち
donichi
Public Holiday
祝日
しゅくじつ
shukujitsu
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:
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
Last week
先週
せんしゅう
senshuu
This week
今週
こんしゅう
konshuu
Next Week
来週
らいしゅう
raishuu
A week ago
1週間前
いっしゅうかんまえ
isshuukamae
A week later
1週間後
いっしゅうかんご
ishuukan go
Every week
毎週
まいしゅう
maishuu
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.
Using them in 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.
Ready to start? Fill out the form below for a free level check or consultation to find the best learning path for you!
FAQ
How do you say “day of the week” in Japanese?
You say 曜日 (youbi), which literally means “day of the week.” For example, 月曜日 (getsuyoubi) means “Monday.”
Do Japanese people use abbreviations for days of the week?
Yes! On calendars, days are often shortened to just the first kanji, like 月 (Mon), 火 (Tue), 水 (Wed), 木 (Thu), 金 (Fri), 土 (Sat), and 日 (Sun).
Is Sunday or Monday the start of the week in Japan?
In most Japanese calendars, Sunday (日曜日) appears first. However, in business contexts, Monday (月曜日) is often treated as the start of the week.
What are the seven days a week in Japanese?
Monday: 月曜日 (げつようび, getsuyoubi)
Tuesday: 火曜日 (かようび, kayoubi)
Wednesday: 水曜日 (すいようび, suiyoubi)
Thursday: 木曜日 (もくようび, mokuyoubi)
Friday: 金曜日 (きんようび, kinyoubi)
Saturday: 土曜日 (どようび, doyoubi)
Sunday: 日曜日 (にちようび, nichiyoubi)
Want to learn more basic Japanese? Read our guide on:
Whether you’re setting up a lunch with friends, booking a hotel, or scheduling a work meeting, knowing how to talk about days and months in Japanese is essential. In Japan, where punctuality is practically an art form, getting the date right is expected. So, how do you say dates and months correctly?
Keep reading to learn how to express exact dates from months and dates. By the end, you will be able to look at a calendar and make plans in Japanese completely hassle-free.
Basics of Counting in Japanese
First, in order to tell the dates in Japanese, you would need to understand Japanese numbers. This is especially true since counting in Japanese has different rules and conjugations depending on what the object is. Months and days happen to be one of those things!
So, before we dig into how to say months and dates in Japanese, we need to understand the fundamentals of the Japanese counting system. There are two main number systems in Japanese: Sino-Japanese (漢語, or kango) and Native Japanese (和語, or wago).
The basic numbers in Japanese — for example, ichi, ni, san, shi, go, and so on — are the Sino-Japanese reading for numbers originating from China. But numbers can change drastically when you’re counting different things. Often, native Japanese numbers are used instead—for example, with the counter for general objects: hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu.
Below is a table showing the difference between Sino-Japanese (漢語) and Native Japanese (和語) numbers from 1 through 10:
Number
Wago (Native Japanese)
Kango (Sino-Japanese)
1
ひとつ (hitotsu)
いち (ichi)
2
ふたつ (futatsu)
に (ni)
3
みっつ (mittsu)
さん (san)
4
よっつ (yottsu)
し (shi) / よん (yon)
5
いつつ (itsutsu)
ご (go)
6
むっつ (muttsu)
ろく (roku)
7
ななつ (nanatsu)
しち (shichi) / なな (nana)
8
やっつ (yattsu)
はち (hachi)
9
ここのつ (kokonotsu)
きゅう (kyuu) / く (ku)
10
とお (too)
じゅう (juu)
Generally speaking, anything that can be counted numerically will use some variation or conjugation of native Japanese or Sino-Japanese numbers. You will see that for months and dates, this will very much be the case.
Months in Japanese
Japanese months are refreshingly straightforward. They’re simply numbers 1 through 12 followed by 月 (gatsu), the counter for months. These use the Sino-Japanese number system, which is just the standard set of Japanese numbers. One thing to note: the character 月 can also be read as tsuki, meaning “moon.”
Here is a breakdown of how to say months in Japanese:
Corresponding number of the month + 月 (gatsu)
For example, to say January, you would add the number 1 and add “gatsu” at the end.
1月
いちがつ
ichi gatsu
Take a look at the infographic below on how to say and write each month of the year in Japanese!
Keep in mind, while the numbers 4 and 7 both have two different readings, only one is used for months in Japanese.
April: し(shi) is used instead of よん(yon). It will be しがつ (shigatsu)
July: しち (shichi) is used instead of なな (nana). It will be しちがつ (shichigatsu)
How to ask about months in Japanese
To ask “What month is it?” in Japanese, you simply combine the word for “what” (何 nani) with 月 (gatsu). When putting them together, drop the “i” in nani, so it becomes nan-gatsu.
The months in Japanese are pretty straightforward, right? It might even be easier than learning how to say the months in English.
But the days of the month can get a little tricky. Just like in English, different days have their own unique pronunciations in Japanese, like the first, second, third, fourth, and so on.
In Japanese, to write each day of the month, you just write the number and add 日 (nichi). While the writing is the same, the first 10 days of the month are actually pronounced ka rather than nichi, and each is pronounced quite differently from the standard numbers. This is because it uses the Native Japanese number system instead of the Sino-Japanese numbers.
Day
Japanese
Hiragana
Romaji
1st
一日
ついたち
tsuitachi
2nd
二日
ふつか
futsuka
3rd
三日
みっか
mikka
4th
四日
よっか
yokka
5th
五日
いつか
itsuka
6th
六日
むいか
muika
7th
七日
なのか
nanoka
8th
八日
ようか
youka
9th
九日
ここのか
kokonoka
10th
十日
とうか
touka
Starting from the 10th day of the month, the conjugation becomes a lot easier with the counter 日 (nichi) just attached to the number: number + 日 (nichi). Please refer to the table below for how to say days of the month from 1st to the 31st.
Day
Japanese
Hiragana
Romaji
11th
十一日
じゅういちにち
juuichi nichi
12th
十二日
じゅうににち
juuni nichi
13th
十三日
じゅうさんにち
juusan nichi
14th
十四日
じゅうよっか
juuyokka
15th
十五日
じゅうごにち
juugo nichi
16th
十六日
じゅうろくにち
juuroku nichi
17th
十七日
じゅうしちにち
juushichi nichi
18th
十八日
じゅうはちにち
juuhachi nichi
19th
十九日
じゅうくにち
juuku nichi
20th
二十日
はつか
hatsuka
21st
二十一日
にじゅういちにち
nijuuichi nichi
22nd
二十二日
にじゅうににち
nijuuni nichi
23rd
二十三日
にじゅうさんにち
nijuusan nichi
24th
二十四日
にじゅうよっか
nijuuyokka
25th
二十五日
にじゅうごにち
nijuugo nichi
26th
二十六日
にじゅうろくにち
nijuuroku nichi
27th
二十七日
にじゅうしちにち
nijuushichi nichi
28th
二十八日
にじゅうはちにち
nijuuhachi nichi
29th
二十九日
にじゅうくにち
nijuuku nichi
30th
三十日
さんじゅうにち
sanjuu nichi
31st
三十一日
さんじゅういちにち
sanjuuichi nichi
Note that the 14th and 24th use the same special pronunciation. Instead of juuyon nichi and nijuuyon nichi, they will become juuyokka and nijuuyokka instead.
Keep in mind the 20th is also pronounced and read as はつか (hatsuka).
How to ask the date in Japanese
When asking for the date, you just add 何 (nani) to 日 (nichi), which translates to “what day (of the month)”:
Years in Japanese are very easy to say and write, too. All you have to do is add the word 年 (nen) after the number for the year.
However, do keep in mind that Japan does have a unique system for expressing the years based on the era the emperor has been in reign. This year is 令和7年 (reiwa nananen) since it has been 7 years since the current emperor has been in power.
Still, for the most part, Japan is quite accustomed to the Western year system. So, when saying dates like this year or your birthday, you can just use the Western years. Here is a breakdown of how to write and say year in Japanese:
Year + 年
For example:
2025年
にせんにじゅうごねん
nisen nijuu gonen
Putting it all together
Now let’s bring everything together to say the full date in Japanese. It is important to know how to do this, especially when asked to give your birth date for official purposes. One of the most common expressions you will come across is 生年月日 (seinengappi), which means birth date. Whether you’re stating your birth date or simply saying today’s date, here is a breakdown of how to say it in Japanese:
Year + 年, Month + 月, Day + 日
1999年1月9日
せんきゅうひゃくきゅうじゅうくねん いちがつ ここのか
Senkuuhyaku kuujuu kuunen ichigatsu kokonoka
Now, try to figure out how to say your own birthday by following the above format. Usually, when you need to provide your birth date in Japan, you should follow this order: year, month, and day.
Using months and days in Japan
So, now that you know how to express different days and months, how do we use them in sentences? Below, we have provided some sentences to help demonstrate different situations you could express the months and days.
1. 3月に日本へ行きます。
さんがつににほんへいきます。
Sangatsu ni nihon e ikimasu.
I will go to Japan in March.
2. 今日は一日です。
きょうはついたちです。
Kyou wa tsuitachi desu.
Today is the 1st.
3. 旅行は7月20日からです。
旅行はしちがつはつかからです。
Ryokou wa shichigatsu nijuuyokka kara desu.
The trip starts on July 24th.
4. 富士山のツアーを2025年4月10日にスケジュールしましょうか？
ふじやまのつあーをにせんにじゅうごねんしがつとおかにすけじゅーるしましょうか？
Fujiyama no tsuaa o nisennijuugonen shigatsu tooka ni sukejuuru shimashouka
Shall we schedule the tour of Mt. Fuji for April 10th, 2025?
Vocabulary related to Japanese dates:
Now that we know how to say the days and months, how can we express months and days in terms of past, present, and future tenses as well as frequency? Depending on the context, it is easier for our listeners to understand time frames in relative terms. For instance, you might want to say “I am coming to Japan next month”. So, here is how you can say months in different ways:
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
Last month
先月
せんげつ
sengetsu
This month
今月
こんげつ
kongetsu
Next Month
来月
らいげつ
raigetsu
Every Month
毎月
まいげつ
maigetsu
For days, you may have come across how to say today, tomorrow, and yesterday. These are all essentially conjugations of 日 (nichi) or day. Below we provided a table of how to say different days in terms of different time frames and frequency:
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
Yesterday
昨日
きのう
kinou
Today
今日
きょう
kyou
Tomorrow
明日
あした
ashita
Day before yesterday
一昨日
おととい
ototoi
Day after tomorrow
明後日
あさって
asatte
Every day
毎日
まいにち
mainichi
Expressing days and months as durations
When talking about time in Japanese, it’s not only important to know how to say specific dates but also how to express durations, or how long something lasts. They are essential for being more precise when talking about timelines and scheduling.
To discuss how many months or days is pretty straightforward since it still uses the month (number + 月) and day (number + 日) conjugations we learnt earlier.
For month durations
To express different durations of months in Japanese, you add か (ka) before 月(gatsu), to make the counter 〜ヶ月 (〜kagetsu). Note that gatsu becomes getsu when conjugating for month durations. Here is the general structure:
Number + ヶ月 (kagetsu)
Here is a table showing how month durations would be used for different numbers of months:
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
1 month
1ヶ月
1かがつ
ikkagetsu
2 months
2ヶ月
2かがつ
nikagetsu
3 months
3ヶ月
3かがつ
sankagetsu
4 months
4ヶ月
4かがつ
yonkagetsu
5 months
5ヶ月
5かがつ
gokagetsu
6 months
6ヶ月
6かがつ
rokkagetsu
7 months
7ヶ月
7かがつ
nanakagetsu
8 months
8ヶ月
8かがつ
hakkagetsu
9 months
9ヶ月
9かがつ
kyuukagetsu
10 months
10ヶ月
10かがつ
juukkagetsu
How many months?
何ヶ月？
なんかがつ
nankagetsu?
For day durations
Saying day durations in Japanese, you just add 間 after 日(nichi), to make the counter 〜日間 (nichi kan). It is also common for people to just use 〜日 (nichi), just like saying the days of the month, especially for short periods. Either is seen as acceptable for expressing durations in days. The general structure is either of the following:
Number + 日 (nichi)
Number + 日間 (nichi-kan)
Looking at the table, you’ll notice that durations expressed in days are basically the same as the names for the days of the month — except for 1日. For durations, “one day” is said as いちにち (ichinichi), while ついたち (tsuitachi) specifically means “the first day of the month” and is not used to express a duration.
English
Japanese
Furigana
Romaji
1 day
一日間
いちにちかん
ichinichi kan
2 days
二日間
ふつかかん
futsuka kan
3 days
三日間
みっかかん
mikka kan
4 days
四日間
よっかかん
yokka kan
5 days
五日間
いつかかん
itsuka kan
6 days
六日間
むいかかん
muika kan
7 days
七日間
なのかかん
nanoka kan
8 days
八日間
ようかかん
youka kan
9 days
九日間
ここのかかん
kokonoka kan
10 days
十日間
とおかかん
tooka kan
14 days
十四日間
じゅうよっかかん
juuyokka kan
20 days
二十日間
はつかかん
hatsuka kan
30 days
三十日間
さんじゅうにちかん
sanjuunichi kan
How many days?
何日間
なんにちかん?
nannichikan?
Examples
Here are some example sentences to show how to use day and month durations:
Conclusion: Learn more Japanese with Coto Academy!
Learning the days of the week and months of the year in Japanese is another essential step toward fluency. Once you know these, you’ll be able to talk about your schedule, plan events, and understand dates in conversations or on signs. Combined with how to tell the time, you’ll be well on your way to managing daily life in Japanese with confidence.
To practice speaking Japanese for daily life, we highly recommend taking Japanese classes at Coto Academy. To practice speaking Japanese for everyday life, we highly recommend taking classes at Coto Academy. We offer both in-person and online Japanese classes, taught by some of the best teachers in the industry.
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FAQ
How do you say months in Japanese?
In Japanese, months don’t have unique names like in English. Instead, you simply say the number of the month followed by 月 (gatsu), which means “month.” For example, January is １月 (ichigatsu), February is ２月 (nigatsu), and so on up to December, which is １２月 (juunigatsu).
What is the usual format for writing the date in Japanese?
The usual format for writing the date in Japanese goes as follows: Year, month, and days. For example, this is how you would usually write the date: 2025年8月7日
For saying months in Japanese, is getsu or gatsu?
When referring to a month in the year, such as January, you say the corresponding number and gatsu, for example ichi-gatsu (1月). However, for durations such as 1 month or 2 months, you say ka-getsu instead. For example, saying a duration of 1 month, it is ikka getsu (1ヶ月).
What is the difference between Sino-Japanese and native Japanese numbers?
Sino-Japanese numbers originate from China and are the standard words for numbers for example: ichi (1), ni (2), san (3), shi/yon (4), go (5). Native Japanese numbers are usually used for counting different things such as general objects or the first 10 days of the month. For example: hitotsu (1), futatsu (2), mitsu (3), yotsu (4), itsuitsu (5).
