Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Composition
Hiragana
word
だらしないMeaning
Careless, Sloppy
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adjective 'だらしない (darashinai)' primarily means 'sloppy' or 'careless'. It is used to describe someone or something that lacks discipline, tidiness, or attention to detail. This word often carries a negative connotation and can be used to criticize someone's appearance, behavior, or work. For example: His room is so sloppy「彼の部屋はだらしない」(かれのへやはだらしない). She is careless with her belongings「彼女は持ち物をだらしない」(かのじょはもちものをだらしない). The word can also imply a lack of self-control or moral discipline, as in: He is careless with money「彼はお金にだらしない」(かれはおかねにだらしない).
Part Of Speech
adjective
Frequency
7000
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
とうもろこしMeaning
Corn
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'とうもろこし' refers to 'corn', specifically the edible grain or the plant itself. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing food, agriculture, or cooking. For example: I bought fresh corn「新鮮なとうもろこしを買いました」(しんせんなとうもろこしをかいました). Corn is delicious「とうもろこしは美味しい」(とうもろこしはおいしい). This word is often used in contexts related to cooking, such as grilling corn or adding it to salads. It is important to note that 'とうもろこし' specifically refers to sweet corn, not other types of corn like popcorn or field corn.
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7018
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ひらひらMeaning
Fluttering
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'ひらひら (hirahira)' describes the light, gentle, and fluttering movement of something, such as leaves, paper, or fabric. It conveys a sense of softness and delicacy in motion. For example: the petals are fluttering in the wind「花びらが風にひらひらしている」(はなびらがかぜにひらひらしている). The ribbon fluttered as she ran「リボンがひらひらと揺れた」(リボンがひらひらとゆれた). This word is often used to evoke a poetic or picturesque image of movement.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7023
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ぽかぽかMeaning
Warm
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'ぽかぽか' describes a pleasant, comfortable warmth, often associated with sunlight or a cozy atmosphere. It conveys a sense of gentle, soothing heat rather than intense or uncomfortable warmth. For example: The sun feels warm「日差しがぽかぽかする」(ひざしがぽかぽかする). This kotatsu is warm「このこたつはぽかぽかだ」(このこたつはぽかぽかだ). It is often used to describe weather, objects, or environments that provide a comforting and mild warmth.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7032
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
だぶだぶMeaning
Loose
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adjective 'だぶだぶ (だぶだぶ)' describes something that is loose or baggy, often referring to clothing that is too large for the wearer. It can also describe liquids that are sloshing around in a container. This word is onomatopoeic, conveying a sense of looseness or excess. For example: these pants are too loose「このズボンはだぶだぶだ」(このズボンはだぶだぶだ). The soup is sloshing in the bowl「スープがボウルの中でだぶだぶしている」(スープがボウルの中でだぶだぶしている). The word is often used in casual contexts and carries a slightly informal tone.
Part Of Speech
adjective
Frequency
7052
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つるつるMeaning
Smooth, Slippery
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'つるつる (つるつる)' is used to describe something that is slippery or smooth to the touch. It can refer to the texture of objects, such as a polished surface or a slippery floor, as well as the texture of food, like smooth noodles or slippery tofu. For example: The floor is slippery「床がつるつるだ」(ゆかがつるつるだ). The noodles are smooth「麺がつるつるしている」(めんがつるつるしている). Additionally, 'つるつる' can be used to describe hair that is smooth and shiny, as in 'Her hair is smooth「彼女の髪はつるつるだ」(かのじょのかみはつるつるだ).' This word is often used in a playful or descriptive manner to emphasize the tactile quality of something.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7067
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
どきっとMeaning
Startled
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'どきっと' describes a sudden feeling of surprise, shock, or being startled. It is often used to express a momentary physical or emotional reaction, such as a quickened heartbeat or a sudden realization. For example: I was startled by the loud noise「大きな音にどきっとした」(おおきなおとにどきっとした). She was startled when she saw the ghost「彼女は幽霊を見てどきっとした」(かのじょはゆうれいをみてどきっとした). This word is commonly used in casual conversations and literature to convey a vivid, immediate reaction.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7075
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
のろのろMeaning
Slowly
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'のろのろ (noronoro)' means 'slowly' and is used to describe actions or movements that are sluggish, unhurried, or lacking in speed. It often carries a nuance of something being slower than expected or desired. For example: The turtle is walking slowly「カメがのろのろ歩いている」(かめがのろのろあるいている). The traffic is moving slowly「交通がのろのろ進んでいる」(こうつうがのろのろすすんでいる). This word can also imply a sense of frustration or impatience, depending on the context, such as when someone is waiting for something to happen faster.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7088
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ゆったりMeaning
Comfortably
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'ゆったり (yuttari)' conveys a sense of comfort, spaciousness, or relaxation. It is often used to describe a state of being at ease, both physically and mentally. For example: I want to live comfortably「ゆったり暮らしたい」(ゆったりくらしたい). This sofa is very comfortable「このソファはゆったりしている」(このソファはゆったりしている). The word can also describe physical spaces that are spacious or not cramped, such as a room or clothing. For instance: This room feels spacious「この部屋はゆったりしている」(このへやはゆったりしている).
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7093
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
たこMeaning
Octopus
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'たこ' refers to an 'octopus', a sea creature with eight arms. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and culinary contexts, as octopus is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. For example: I ate octopus sushi「たこの寿司を食べた」(たこのすしをたべた). The octopus is swimming in the aquarium「たこが水族館で泳いでいる」(たこがすいぞくかんでおよいでいる). Additionally, 'たこ' can sometimes refer to a kite, but this is a less common usage and typically clarified by context. For example: The kite is flying high「たこが高く飛んでいる」(たこがたかくと んでいる).
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7095
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ぴかぴかMeaning
Shiny
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'ぴかぴか' (pikapika) describes something that is shiny, gleaming, or sparkling. It is often used to emphasize the brightness or cleanliness of an object, such as polished metal, clean surfaces, or even stars. This word is onomatopoeic, mimicking the visual effect of light reflecting off a surface. For example: The car is shiny「車がぴかぴかだ」(くるまがぴかぴかだ). The stars are sparkling「星がぴかぴか光っている」(ほしがぴかぴかひかっている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something new or fresh, like a brand-new item or a freshly cleaned space.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7099
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
わくわくMeaning
Excited
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'わくわく' (wakuwaku) conveys a feeling of excitement, anticipation, or thrill. It is often used to describe the bubbling, joyful feeling one gets when looking forward to something enjoyable or new. For example: I'm excited for the trip「旅行がわくわくする」(りょこうがわくわくする). The children were excited about the festival「子供たちはお祭りにわくわくしていた」(こどもたちはおまつりにわくわくしていた). This word is commonly used in casual conversations and has a positive, lighthearted tone.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7158
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
わさびMeaning
Wasabi
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'わさび' refers to the plant 'wasabi', a pungent green paste commonly used as a condiment in Japanese cuisine, particularly with sushi and sashimi. It is known for its strong, sharp flavor and is often grated fresh. Example sentences: I like wasabi「わさびが好きです」(わさびがすきです). This sushi has a lot of wasabi「この寿司はわさびが多い」(このすしはわさびがおおい). Wasabi is spicy「わさびは 辛い」(わさびはからい).
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7165
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
にやにやMeaning
Smirk
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'にやにや (niyaniya)' describes a sly or self-satisfied smile, often implying amusement, mischief, or secretive thoughts. It is used to depict someone smiling in a way that suggests they know something others don't or are quietly pleased about something. For example: He smirked when he saw the surprise「彼はそのサプライズを見てにやにやした」(かれはそのサプライズをみてにやにやした). She was smirking while reading the message「彼女はメッセージを読みながら にやにやしていた」(かのじょはメッセージをよみながらにやにやしていた). This word is often used to convey a sense of hidden amusement or mischief.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7180
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ふわふわMeaning
Fluffy
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adjective 'ふわふわ (fuwafuwa)' describes something that is soft, light, and airy, often with a fluffy or pillowy texture. It can be used to describe physical objects like pillows, clouds, or baked goods, as well as abstract feelings like a lighthearted mood. For example: This bread is fluffy「このパンはふわふわだ」(このパンはふわふわだ). She feels lighthearted today「彼女は今日ふわふわした気分だ」(かのじょはきょうふわふわしたきぶんだ). The word can also imply a sense of floating or being ungrounded, both physically and emotionally.
Part Of Speech
adjective
Frequency
7192
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
もむMeaning
Rub, Massage
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verb 'もむ (momu)' primarily means 'to rub' or 'to massage'. It is used to describe the action of applying pressure and moving one's hands or fingers over a surface, often to relieve tension, pain, or stiffness. For example: I rubbed my sore shoulders「肩が痛かったので、もみました」(かたがいたかったので、もみました). She massaged her temples to relieve a headache「頭痛を和らげるためにこめかみをもんだ」(ずつうをやわらげるためにこめかみをもんだ). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase 'もみ合う (もみあう)', which means 'to jostle' or 'to scramble' in a crowd. Note that 'もむ' is often used in contexts involving physical touch, such as massaging muscles or kneading dough.
Part Of Speech
verb
Frequency
7197
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
ぞんざいMeaning
Careless
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adjective 'ぞんざい (zonzai)' means 'careless' or 'sloppy'. It is used to describe actions, behavior, or speech that is done without proper attention or respect. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of consideration or refinement. For example: His work is careless「彼の仕事はぞんざいだ」(かれのしごとはぞんざいだ). She spoke in a careless manner「彼女はぞんざいな話し方をした」(かのじょはぞんざいなはなしかたをした). The word can also describe something that is rough or crude in nature, such as 'ぞんざいな扱い (zonzai na atsukai)' (rough handling).
Part Of Speech
adjective
Frequency
7206
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
たんすMeaning
Wardrobe
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'たんす' refers to a traditional Japanese wardrobe or chest of drawers used for storing clothes and other personal items. It is a common piece of furniture in Japanese households and is often made of wood. Example sentences: I bought a new wardrobe「新しいたんすを買いました」(あたらしいたんすをかいました). The wardrobe is in the bedroom「たんすは寝室にあります」(たんすはしんしつにあ ります).
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7209
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つか まるMeaning
Caught
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verb 'つかまる' means 'to be caught' or 'to get caught'. It is often used in contexts where someone or something is captured, arrested, or held firmly. This verb is commonly used in situations involving law enforcement, accidents, or even metaphorical scenarios. For example: The thief was caught by the police「泥棒は警察につかまった」(どろぼうはけいさつにつかまった). I got caught in the rain「雨につかまった」(あめにつかまった). Note that 'つかまる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes a state or action that happens to the subject, rather than being performed by the subject.
Part Of Speech
verb
Frequency
7217
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つばめMeaning
Swallow
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'つばめ (tsubame)' refers to the bird known as a 'swallow'. Swallows are small, migratory birds often associated with spring and are commonly seen in Japan. They are known for their distinctive forked tails and swift flight. Example sentences: The swallow is flying「つばめが飛んでいる」(つばめがとんでいる). Swallows return in spring「つばめは春に戻る」(つばめははるにもどる). Swallows build nests under eaves「つばめは軒下に巣を作る」(つばめはのきしたにすをつくる).
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7224
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つぶるMeaning
Close
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verb 'つぶる (tsuburu)' means 'to close' and is specifically used to describe closing one's eyes. It is often used in contexts where someone is intentionally shutting their eyes, such as to avoid seeing something, to concentrate, or to rest. For example: She closed her eyes and prayed「彼女は目をつぶって祈った」(かのじょはめをつぶっていのった). He closed his eyes to avoid the bright light「彼はまぶしい光を避けるために目をつぶった」(かれはまぶしいひかりをさけるためにめをつぶった). This verb is less commonly used for closing objects other than eyes, and it carries a nuance of a deliberate or momentary action.
Part Of Speech
verb
Frequency
7233
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つぼみMeaning
Bud
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'つぼみ (tsubomi)' refers to a 'bud', specifically the undeveloped flower or leaf before it blooms. This word is commonly used in contexts related to plants, flowers, and nature. For example: the cherry blossoms are in bud「桜のつぼみがついている」(さくらのつぼみがつ いている). The rose bud is about to bloom「バラのつぼみが咲きそうだ」(ばらのつぼみがさきそうだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something in its early stages of development, such as potential or talent.
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7239
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
つまずくMeaning
Stumble
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verb 'つまずく (つまずく)' means 'to stumble' or 'to trip'. It is used to describe the physical act of losing one's balance, often due to an obstacle or uneven surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe encountering difficulties or setbacks in life. For example: I stumbled on the stairs「階段でつまずいた」(かいだんでつまずいた). He stumbled in his career「彼はキャリアでつまずいた」(かれはキャリアでつまずいた). The verb is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation.
Part Of Speech
verb
Frequency
7242
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
でこぼこMeaning
Uneven
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese verbal noun 'でこぼこ (でこぼこ)' means 'uneven' or 'rough'. It is used to describe surfaces or textures that are not smooth, such as bumpy roads or uneven ground. This word can also metaphorically describe situations or conditions that are irregular or inconsistent. For example: The road is uneven「道がでこぼこだ」(みちがでこぼこだ). The surface of the table is rough「テーブルの表面はでこぼこしている」(テーブルのひょうめんはでこぼこしている). Note that 'でこぼこ' can also function as an adjective when combined with 'する' to describe the state of being uneven or rough.
Part Of Speech
verbal noun
Frequency
7248
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
とんかつMeaning
Pork cutlet
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'とんかつ (tonkatsu)' refers to a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. It is typically served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a thick, savory sauce called 'tonkatsu sauce'. The dish is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is commonly found in restaurants and bento boxes. Example sentences: I ate tonkatsu for lunch「昼ごはんにとんかつを食べた」(ひるごはんにとんかつをたべた). This restaurant's tonkatsu is delicious「この店のとんかつは美味しい」(このみせのとんかつはおいしい).
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7260
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
どんなにMeaning
How
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 'どんなに (どんなに)' is used to express 'how' in terms of degree or extent, often emphasizing the intensity or extremity of a situation. It is commonly used in questions or exclamatory sentences to inquire about or emphasize the degree of something. For example: How hard did you study?「どんなに勉強しましたか?」(どんなにべんきょうしましたか?). No matter how much I try, I can't do it「どんなに頑張ってもできない」(どんなにがんばってもできない). This adverb is versatile and can be used in various contexts to emphasize the extent of an action or state.
Part Of Speech
adverb
Frequency
7266
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
のんきMeaning
Carefree
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese adjectival noun 'のんき (nonki)' means 'carefree'. It describes a state of being relaxed, easygoing, or free from worry. This word is often used to describe a person's personality or attitude, but it can also describe situations or lifestyles. For example: He is a carefree person「彼はのんきな人だ」(かれはのんきなひとだ). Living a carefree life is nice「のんきに暮らすのはいいね」(のんきにくらすのはいいね). Note that 'のんき' can sometimes carry a slightly negative nuance, implying a lack of seriousness or responsibility, depending on the context.
Part Of Speech
adjectival noun
Frequency
7278
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting
word
はえMeaning
Fly
Reading
Explanation
The Japanese noun 'はえ' refers to a 'fly', the small flying insect. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to the insect. For example: There is a fly in the room「部屋にはえがいる」(へやにはえがいる). I don't like flies「はえが嫌いだ」(はえがきらいだ). It's important to note that 'はえ' specifically refers to the insect and not the verb 'to fly'.
Part Of Speech
noun
Frequency
7283
Composition
hiragana
Handwriting