Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Part Of Speech

word

Meaning

I

Reading

Kanji

私Private, Me

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '私 (わたし)' is a common way to refer to oneself, equivalent to 'I' in English. It is gender-neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used by women in casual settings, as men might opt for alternatives like '僕 (ぼく)' or '俺 (おれ)' depending on the situation. Example sentences: I am a student「私は学生です」(わたしはがくせいです). I like apples「私はりんごが好きです」(わたしはりんごがすきです). In formal settings, '私' is universally appropriate regardless of gender.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

40

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

He

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼 (かれ)' means 'he'. It is used to refer to a male person in the third person. This pronoun is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. For example: he is my friend「彼は私の友達です」(かれはわたしのともだちです). He went to the store「彼は店に行きました」(かれはみせにいきました). It's important to note that '彼' can also be used to refer to a boyfriend in certain contexts, but this usage is less formal and more colloquial. For example: my boyfriend is kind「彼は優しい」(かれはやさしい).

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

41

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

What

Reading

Kanji

何What

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '何 (なに)' means 'what'. It is used to ask questions about things, objects, or abstract concepts. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as asking for information, clarification, or identification. For example: What is this?「これは何？」(これはなに？). What are you doing?「何をしているの？」(なにをしているの？). It can also be used in expressions like '何でも (なにでも)' meaning 'anything' or 'whatever'. Note that '何' can also be read as 'なん' in certain contexts, such as when followed by certain particles or in specific phrases, but the meaning remains the same.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

42

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'それ (それ)' means 'that'. It is used to refer to something that is close to the listener but not the speaker. It is often used in conversations to point out objects or ideas that have been previously mentioned or are within the listener's vicinity. For example: That is my book「それは私の本です」(それはわたしのほんです). I want that「それが欲しい」(それがほしい). It is important to note that 'それ' is used for objects that are neither too close to the speaker nor too far from both the speaker and the listener, making it a middle-distance demonstrative pronoun.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

44

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'これ (これ)' means 'this'. It is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker, either physically or in terms of relevance. 'これ' is often used when the object is within the speaker's immediate vicinity or when the speaker is holding the object. For example: This is my book「これは私の本です」(これはわたしのほんです). What is this?「これは何ですか？」(これはなんですか？). It is important to note that 'これ' is used for objects, not for people. For people, the pronoun 'この人 (このひと)' or 'この方 (このかた)' would be more appropriate.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

46

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

There

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'そこ (soko)' means 'there'. It refers to a location that is near the listener but not near the speaker. It is commonly used to indicate a place that is relatively close to the person being spoken to. For example: Is the book there?「本はそこにありますか？」(ほんはそこにありますか？). Please put it there「そこに置いてください」(そこにおいてください). 'そこ' can also be used metaphorically to refer to a point in a conversation or situation, such as 'そこが問題です' (そこがもんだいです) meaning 'That is the problem.'

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

125

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Here

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'ここ (koko)' means 'here'. It is used to indicate a specific location that is close to the speaker. This word is often used in everyday conversations to point out places or to describe where something is located. For example: The book is here「本はここです」(ほんはここです). Let's meet here「ここで会いましょう」(ここであいましょう). It's important to note that 'ここ' is used when the location is near the speaker, while 'そこ (soko)' is used for locations near the listener, and 'あそこ (asoko)' for locations far from both.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

126

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

You

Reading

Kanji

貴Precious 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '貴方 (あなた)' is a polite and formal way to say 'you'. It is commonly used in situations where the speaker wants to show respect or maintain a certain level of formality. However, in modern Japanese, it can also be used between close acquaintances or in romantic contexts. For example: Where are you going?「貴方はどこに行きますか？」(あなたはどこにいきますか？). I love you「貴方を愛しています」(あなたをあいしています). Note that overusing 'あなた' can sometimes sound distant or impersonal, so it is often omitted when the subject is clear from context.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

127

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

I

Reading

Kanji

僕I, Me

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '僕 (ぼく)' is a first-person pronoun meaning 'I'. It is primarily used by males and carries a casual, humble, or boyish tone. It is often used in informal settings and can convey a sense of modesty or youthfulness. For example: I am a student「僕は学生です」(ぼくはがくせいです). I like this song「僕はこの歌が好きです」(ぼくはこのうたがすきです). While it is commonly used by younger males, some older men may also use it to maintain a casual or approachable tone. It is less formal than '私 (わたし)' and should be avoided in very formal or professional contexts.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

152

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

She, Girlfriend

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He 女Woman

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼女 (かのじょ)' has two primary meanings. First, it is used to mean 'she', referring to a female person. For example: She is my friend「彼女は私の友達です」(かのじょはわたしのともだちです). Second, it can also mean 'girlfriend', referring to a romantic partner. For example: She is my girlfriend「彼女は私の彼女です」(かのじょはわたしのかのじょです). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When used to mean 'girlfriend', it is often clear from the situation or additional context in the conversation.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

174

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Who

Reading

Kanji

誰Who

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '誰 (だれ)' means 'who'. It is used to ask about the identity of a person or people. This pronoun is commonly used in questions to inquire about someone's name, role, or identity. For example: Who is that person?「あの人は誰ですか？」(あのひとはだれですか？). Who ate the cake?「誰がケーキを食べたの？」(だれがケーキをたべたの？). It can also be used in statements when the identity is unknown or unspecified, such as 'I don't know who did it'「誰がやったのかわからない」(だれがやったのかわからない). Note that '誰' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

179

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

When

Reading

Kanji

何What 時Time, Hour

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '何時 (いつ)' means 'when'. It is used to ask about or refer to a specific time or occasion. This word is commonly used in questions to inquire about the timing of events. For example: When will you come?「いつ来ますか？」(いつきますか？). When is your birthday?「誕生日はいつですか？」(たんじょうびはいつですか？). It can also be used in statements to refer to an unspecified time, as in 'I don't know when it will happen'「いつ起こるか分からない」(いつおこるかわからない).

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

180

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Where

Reading

Kanji

何What 処Deal with

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '何処 (どこ)' means 'where'. It is used to ask about the location of something or someone. This pronoun is commonly used in questions to inquire about places or directions. For example: Where is the station?「駅は何処ですか？」(えきはどこですか？). Where did you go?「何処に行きましたか？」(どこにいきましたか？). It can also be used in statements to indicate an unknown or unspecified location, such as 'I don't know where it is'「何処にあるか分からない」(どこにあるかわからない). The word '何処' is often written in hiragana as 'どこ' in modern Japanese, but the kanji form is still used in formal or literary contexts.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

181

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

I

Reading

Kanji

俺Me, I

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '俺 (おれ)' is a casual and masculine way to say 'I'. It is commonly used by men in informal settings, such as among friends or family, and can convey a sense of toughness or assertiveness. However, it is considered rude or inappropriate in formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status. For example: I will do it「俺がやる」(おれがやる). I am strong「俺は強い」(おれはつよい). Note that women typically do not use this pronoun, as it is strongly associated with male speech.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

210

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Which, Eventually

Reading

Kanji

何What

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '何れ (いずれ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'eventually' or 'sooner or later', indicating something that will happen in the future. For example: you will understand eventually「いずれ分かるでしょう」(いずれわかるでしょう). The second meaning is 'which', used when referring to one out of several options. For example: which one do you want?「いずれが欲しいですか？」(いずれがほしいですか？). It's important to note that 'いずれ' is a formal or literary word, and in casual conversation, 'どれ' or 'いつか' might be used instead depending on the context.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

311

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'こっち (kotchi)' is an informal way to say 'this way' or 'this side'. It is often used in casual conversation to refer to a direction, location, or choice that is closer to the speaker. It can also imply a preference or choice. For example: come over here「こっちに来て」(こっちにきて). I prefer this one「こっちの方がいい」(こっちのほうがいい). Note that 'こっち' is a colloquial form of 'こちら (kochira)', which is more polite and formal.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

356

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

There

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'あそこ (asoko)' means 'there' and refers to a place that is distant from both the speaker and the listener. It is used to indicate a location that is not close to either party in the conversation. For example: The bookstore is over there「本屋はあそこです」(ほんやはあそこです). I left my bag there「かばんをあそこに置いた」(かばんをあそこにおいた). 'あそこ' is often used when pointing out a place that is visible but not within immediate reach. It is important to note that 'あそこ' is more specific than 'そこ (soko)', which refers to a place near the listener but not the speaker.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

378

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Where, Which

Reading

Kanji

何What 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '何方 (どちら)' is a polite and formal way to ask 'which' or 'where'. It is often used in situations requiring politeness, such as in customer service or formal conversations. When asking 'which', it is used to choose between two options. For example: Which one do you prefer?「どちらが好きですか？」(どちらがすきですか？). When asking 'where', it is used to inquire about a direction or location. For example: Where is the station?「駅はどちらですか？」(えきはどちらですか？). The word '何方' can also be written in hiragana as 'どちら' and is interchangeable in usage. Note that 'どちら' is more formal than 'どっち', which is its casual counterpart.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

395

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

You

Reading

Kanji

御Honorable, General honorific term 前Before, Front

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '御前 (おまえ)' is a second-person pronoun meaning 'you'. Historically, it was a term of respect, but in modern usage, it is often considered informal, blunt, or even rude depending on the context. It is typically used among close friends, family members, or in situations where the speaker wants to assert dominance or familiarity. For example: You are annoying「御前はうるさい」(おまえはうるさい). What are you doing?「御前は何をしている？」(おまえはなにをしている？). Be cautious when using this term, as it can come across as disrespectful if used inappropriately.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

446

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'こちら (こちら)' is a polite way to refer to 'this' or 'this one'. It is often used to indicate something close to the speaker, whether it be a person, place, or thing. It can also be used to refer to oneself or one's side in a formal context. For example: This is my friend「こちらは私の友達です」(こちらはわたしのともだちです). This way, please「こちらへどうぞ」(こちらへどうぞ). It is important to note that 'こちら' is more formal and polite than 'これ (これ)', which also means 'this'.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

454

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

You

Reading

Kanji

君Ruler, You

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '君 (きみ)' is an informal way to say 'you'. It is typically used by males and can carry a sense of familiarity or intimacy, often used among friends, peers, or when addressing someone of lower status. However, it can also sound condescending if used inappropriately, so caution is advised. Example sentences: You are kind「君は優しい」(きみはやさしい). I like you「君が好きだ」(きみがすきだ). Note that '君' is less formal than 'あなた' and is rarely used in polite or professional settings.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

480

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

We

Reading

Kanji

我Self, Ego

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '我々 (われわれ)' means 'we'. It is a formal and somewhat literary way to refer to a group that includes the speaker. It is often used in speeches, formal writing, or when emphasizing a collective identity. For example: We must work together「我々は共に働かなければならない」(われわれはともにはたらかなければならない). We are responsible「我々は責任がある」(われわれはせきにんがある). Note that '我々' is less commonly used in casual conversation, where '私たち (わたしたち)' is more typical.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

498

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼れ (あれ)' means 'that' and is used to refer to something distant from both the speaker and the listener, either physically or psychologically. It is often used when the specific object or subject is known to both parties but is not immediately present. For example: That is a mountain「あれは山です」(あれはやまです). That over there is my house「あれが私の家です」(あれがわたしのいえです). It can also be used to refer to something that is not tangible, such as an idea or a situation. For example: That was a difficult time「あれは大変な時期でした」(あれはたいへんなじきでした).

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

598

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

I, We

Reading

Kanji

我Self, Ego

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '我 (われ)' is a formal or literary way to refer to oneself or a group. It can mean 'I' or 'we' depending on the context. This pronoun is often used in written language, speeches, or formal settings, and it carries a somewhat archaic or solemn tone. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation, where '私 (わたし)' or '僕 (ぼく)' are more typical for 'I', and '私たち (わたしたち)' for 'we'. Example sentences: I will never forget this「我はこれを忘れない」(われはこれをわすれない). We must protect our homeland「我らは祖国を守らねばならない」(われらはそこくをまもらねばならない). Note that '我' can also appear in compound words like '我々 (われわれ)', which explicitly means 'we'.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1154

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

There

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'そちら (そちら)' is used to refer to a place or direction that is closer to the listener than to the speaker. It can also be used to refer to a person or group of people in a polite manner. For example: Is the station over there?「駅はそちらですか？」(えきはそちらですか？). How is everyone over there?「そちらの皆さんはお元気ですか？」(そちらのみなさんはおげんきですか？). It is important to note that 'そちら' is more formal and polite compared to 'そこ' or 'そっち', which are used in more casual settings.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

1815

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That guy

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He 奴Servant, Dude

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼奴 (あいつ)' is a colloquial and somewhat derogatory term used to refer to a person, typically meaning 'that guy' or 'that person'. It carries a nuance of disdain or contempt, and is often used when the speaker feels negatively towards the person being referred to. For example: I can't stand that guy「あいつが我慢できない」(あいつががまんできない). That guy is always causing trouble「あいつはいつも問題を起こしている」(あいつはいつももんだいをおこしている). It's important to note that this term is informal and can be considered rude, so it should be used with caution, especially in polite or formal settings.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2652

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Here and there

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'あちらこちら (achirakochira)' means 'here and there' or 'all over the place'. It is used to indicate movement or presence in various directions or locations, often implying a sense of scatteredness or lack of focus. For example: I looked here and there for my keys「あちらこちらで鍵を探した」(あちらこちらでかぎをさがした). People were running here and there「人々があちらこちら走っていた」(ひとびとがあちらこちらはしっていた). This word is often used in casual conversation to describe a situation where things or people are spread out or moving in multiple directions.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

2850

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

There

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He 処Deal with

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼処 (かしこ)' means 'there' and is used to refer to a place that is distant from both the speaker and the listener. It is a formal or literary term and is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to 'そこ' or 'あそこ'. For example: The book is over there「本は彼処にあります」(ほんはかしこにあります). She went there「彼女は彼処に行きました」(かのじょはかしこにいきました). Note that '彼処' can also carry a sense of reverence or formality, often used in written or ceremonial contexts.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

3098

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'それは (soreha)' means 'that' and is used to refer to something that is not close to the speaker or the listener. It is often used to point out or discuss objects, ideas, or situations that are somewhat distant or abstract. For example: That is a book「それは本です」(それはほんです). That is interesting「それは面白い」(それはおもしろい). The word 'それ' by itself means 'that,' and when combined with the particle 'は (wa),' it emphasizes the topic of the sentence. This structure is commonly used in conversations to introduce or highlight a subject.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

3118

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Yonder

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He 方Direction

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun '彼方 (かなた)' refers to a distant place or direction, often implying something far away or beyond immediate sight. It carries a poetic or literary nuance and is commonly used in formal or artistic contexts. For example: the stars in yonder sky「彼方の空の星」(かなたのそらのほし). The mountains in the distance「彼方の山々」(かなたのやまやま). This word is often used to evoke a sense of mystery or longing for something unreachable.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

3131

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'こいつ (こいつ)' is a colloquial and informal way to refer to a person or thing, often translated as 'this' or 'this one'. It is typically used in casual speech and can carry a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone depending on the context. For example: Who is this guy?「こいつは誰だ？」(こいつはだれだ？). This thing is broken「こいつは壊れてる」(こいつはこわれてる). It's important to note that 'こいつ' is not polite and should be avoided in formal situations. It is often used among friends or in situations where the speaker is expressing frustration or annoyance.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

3421

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese pronoun 'そいつ (そいつ)' is an informal and somewhat casual way to refer to 'that' or 'that person/thing'. It is often used in conversational contexts and can carry a slightly dismissive or familiar tone, depending on the situation. It is typically used to refer to objects, animals, or people, but should be avoided in formal settings. Example sentences: That guy is annoying「そいつはうるさい」(そいつはうるさい). I don't like that thing「そいつは嫌いだ」(そいつはきらいだ). Note that 'そいつ' is less polite than alternatives like 'それ' or 'あの人', so it is best used among friends or in informal situations.

Part Of Speech

pronoun

Frequency

4322

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting