Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Part Of Speech

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'その (その)' means 'that'. It is used to indicate something that is close to the listener or something that has already been mentioned in the conversation. It is often used to refer to specific objects, people, or ideas. For example: that book is interesting「その本は面白い」(そのほんはおもしろい). I want to eat that cake「そのケーキを食べたい」(そのケーキをたべたい). 'その' is typically followed by a noun, as in 'その人 (そのひと) (that person)' or 'その時 (そのとき) (that time)'. It is important to note that 'その' is used for things that are not close to the speaker but are close to the listener or have been previously mentioned.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

43

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'この (この)' means 'this'. It is used to indicate something close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually. It is always followed by a noun and cannot stand alone. For example: this book is interesting「この本は面白い」(このほんはおもしろい). This person is my friend「この人は私の友達です」(このひとはわたしのともだちです). Unlike English, 'この' does not change form based on the noun it modifies. It is important to note that 'この' is used for things that are close to the speaker, while 'その (その)' is used for things close to the listener, and 'あの (あの)' for things distant from both.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

45

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Same

Reading

Kanji

同Same

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '同じ (おなじ)' means 'same'. It is used to indicate that two or more things are identical or unchanged. This word can be used to compare objects, people, situations, or ideas. For example: we have the same bag「私たちは同じバッグを持っています」(わたしたちはおなじバッグをもっています). This is the same as yesterday「これは昨日と同じです」(これはきのうとおなじです). Note that '同じ' is often followed by the particle 'の' when modifying a noun, as in '同じ色 (おなじいろ) (same color)'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

133

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Such

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'そんな (そんな)' is used to indicate something of a certain kind or degree, often with a nuance of surprise, disbelief, or emphasis. It is commonly used in casual conversation and can modify nouns directly. For example: I didn't know such a thing existed「そんなものがあるなんて知らなかった」(そんなものがあるなんてしらなかった). Why would you say such a thing?「そんなこと言うの？」(そんなこというの？). It can also be used in expressions like 'そんなに (そんなに)' to mean 'so much' or 'to such an extent', as in 'I didn't know it was so expensive'「そんなに高いとは知らなかった」(そんなにたかいとはしらなかった).

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

151

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

This

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'こんな (こんな)' is used to indicate something close to the speaker in a demonstrative sense, often implying a certain quality or type. It is typically used to describe something in a way that emphasizes its nature or characteristics. For example: I don't like this kind of weather「こんな天気は嫌だ」(こんなてんきはいやだ). This kind of food is delicious「こんな食べ物は美味しい」(こんなたべものはおいしい). It is important to note that 'こんな' is often used to express a sense of surprise or emphasis about the nature of something, rather than just pointing out its physical proximity.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

244

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Big

Reading

Kanji

大Big

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '大きな (おおきな)' means 'big' and is used to describe something of large size or significance. Unlike the adjective '大きい (おおきい)', '大きな' is a pre-noun adjectival (連体詞) and can only be used directly before a noun. It often carries a slightly more subjective or emotional nuance, emphasizing the impression of size rather than just physical dimensions. For example: a big tree「大きな木」(おおきなき). A big dream「大きな夢」(おおきなゆめ). Note that '大きな' cannot be used at the end of a sentence, unlike '大きい'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

245

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Which

Reading

Kanji

何What

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '何の (どの)' is used to ask about or specify a particular item or choice from a group. It translates to 'which' in English and is commonly used when selecting or inquiring about something specific. For example: Which book do you want?「どの本が欲しいですか？」(どのほんがほしいですか？). Which train are you taking?「どの電車に乗りますか？」(どのでんしゃにのりますか？). It is important to note that '何の (どの)' is often followed by a noun, as in 'どの本 (どのほん) (which book)' or 'どの電車 (どのでんしゃ) (which train)'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

250

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Kanji

彼Third person pronoun, He

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '彼の (あの)' means 'that' and is used to refer to something distant from both the speaker and the listener. It is often used to point out specific objects, people, or places that are not close to either party. For example: That book is interesting「あの本は面白い」(あのほんはおもしろい). That person is my teacher「あの人は私の先生です」(あのひとはわたしのせんせいです). Note that '彼の (あの)' is distinct from 'この (this)' and 'その (that near the listener)', as it specifically indicates something far from both the speaker and the listener.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

306

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Exist

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'ある (aru)' is used to indicate the existence of something inanimate or abstract. It is often translated as 'a' or 'some' in English, but its usage is more specific to indicating that something exists or is present. For example: There is a book on the table「テーブルの上に本がある」(テーブルのうえにほんがある). There is some water in the glass「グラスの中に水がある」(グラスのなかにみずがある). It is important to note that 'ある' is used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, while 'いる (iru)' is used for animate objects like people or animals.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

315

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Small

Reading

Kanji

小Small

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '小さな (ちいさな)' is used to describe something as 'small'. It is similar in meaning to the adjective '小さい (ちいさい)', but '小さな' is specifically used before nouns to modify them directly, often carrying a slightly more poetic or emotional nuance. For example: a small bird「小さな鳥」(ちいさなとり). a small dream「小さな夢」(ちいさなゆめ). Unlike '小さい', which can stand alone as a predicate, '小さな' must always be followed by a noun. This determiner is often used in literature or storytelling to evoke a sense of intimacy or delicacy.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

566

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

My

Reading

Kanji

我Self, Ego

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '我が (わが)' is an archaic or formal way to say 'my' or 'our'. It is often used in literary, formal, or poetic contexts to convey a sense of pride, possession, or belonging. For example: my country「我が国」(わがくに). our school「我が校」(わがこう). It is less commonly used in everyday conversation, where '私の (わたしの)' or '私たちの (わたしたちの)' are more typical. Note that '我が' is often followed by a noun, as in '我が家 (わがいえ) (my home)'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

576

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

So called

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'いわゆる (iwayuru)' is used to refer to something that is commonly known or referred to in a particular way, often implying that the term or description is widely recognized or conventional. It can be used to introduce a term or concept that is familiar to the listener or reader. For example: the so-called experts「いわゆる専門家」(いわゆるせんもんか). This is the so-called 'Japanese way'「これがいわゆる『日本流』です」(これがいわゆる『にほんりゅう』です). Note that 'いわゆる' is often used to highlight a term or concept that may be subject to interpretation or debate, and it can carry a slightly nuanced or critical tone depending on the context.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

1036

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Every

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'あらゆる (arayuru)' means 'every' or 'all possible'. It is used to refer to every possible instance or type of something, often implying a sense of comprehensiveness or inclusivity. This word is typically used before a noun to emphasize that no exceptions are being made. For example: every possible means「あらゆる手段」(あらゆるしゅだん). Every kind of flower「あらゆる種類の花」(あらゆるしゅるいのはな). It is important to note that 'あらゆる' carries a nuance of thoroughness, suggesting that nothing is left out.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

1580

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

That

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese determiner 'あんな (あんな)' is used to refer to something in a way that implies a certain characteristic or quality, often with a sense of distance or unfamiliarity. It is typically used when the speaker is referring to something that is not present or is being discussed in a general sense. For example: I don't like that kind of person「あんな人は好きじゃない」(あんないとはすきじゃない). That kind of thing is dangerous「あんなことは危ない」(あんなことはあぶない). It's important to note that 'あんな' is often used to express a negative or undesirable quality, but it can also be used in a neutral or positive context depending on the situation.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Frequency

1788

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Various

Reading

Kanji

色Color

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '色んな (いろんな)' is a colloquial form of '色々な (いろいろな)', meaning 'various' or 'all sorts of'. It is used to describe a wide range of things or situations, often implying diversity or variety. This word is commonly used in casual conversations. For example: I have various books「色んな本を持っている」(いろんなほんをもっている). She has various hobbies「彼女は色んな趣味がある」(かのじょはいろんなしゅみがある). Note that '色んな' is less formal than '色々な' and is typically used in spoken language.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2065

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Mere

Reading

Kanji

単Simple, Single

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '単なる (たんなる)' means 'mere' or 'just'. It is used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated, often downplaying its significance or complexity. For example: It's just a rumor「単なる噂だ」(たんなるうわさだ). He is a mere child「彼は単なる子供だ」(かれはたんなるこどもだ). This word is often used to express that something is not as important or serious as it might seem.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2416

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Mere

Reading

Kanji

本Book, Origin

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '本の (ほんの)' is used to express something as being 'mere', 'only', or 'just a little'. It emphasizes the smallness or insignificance of the quantity or degree of something. This word is often used to downplay the significance of what is being described, making it seem modest or trivial. For example: It's just a small gift「本のちょっとしたプレゼントです」(ほんのちょっとしたプレゼントです). It's only a matter of time「本の時間の問題です」(ほんのじかんのもんだいです). Note that '本の' is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase to describe the limited nature of that noun.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2610

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Any

Reading

Kanji

如As, Likeness 何What

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '如何なる (いかなる)' is a formal or literary term meaning 'any' or 'what kind of'. It is used to refer to something in a general or unspecified way, often in questions or negative sentences. It carries a nuance of formality and is commonly found in written language or formal speech. For example: I do not know any details「如何なる詳細も知りません」(いかなるしょうさいもしりません). What kind of person is he?「如何なる人物ですか？」(いかなるじんぶつですか？). Note that this word is less common in casual conversation and is typically replaced by more straightforward terms like 'どんな' or 'どのような'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

3096

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Great, Not much

Reading

Kanji

大Big

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '大した (たいした)' has two distinct meanings depending on the context. The first meaning is 'great' or 'remarkable', often used to describe something impressive or significant. For example: That's a great achievement「それは大した成果だ」(それはたいしたせいかだ). The second meaning is 'not much' or 'nothing much', typically used in negative constructions to downplay something. For example: It's not a big deal「大したことじゃない」(たいしたことじゃない). The nuance of this word depends heavily on whether it is used in a positive or negative context.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

3556

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Main

Reading

Kanji

主Master

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '主な (おもな)' means 'main' or 'principal'. It is used to describe something that is the most important or central in a given context. This word is often used to modify nouns, emphasizing their primary or key nature. For example: the main reason「主な理由」(おもなりゆう). The main characters in the story「物語の主な登場人物」(ものがたりのおもなとうじょうじんぶつ). It is important to note that '主な' is typically used in written or formal contexts, and it is not conjugated like an adjective.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

4315

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Strange

Reading

Kanji

可Possible 笑Laugh

Explanation

The Japanese determiner '可笑しな (おかしな)' means 'strange' or 'odd'. It is used to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or out of the ordinary. This word often carries a slightly humorous or lighthearted nuance, depending on the context. For example: That's a strange story「それは可笑しな話だ」(それはおかしなはなしだ). He has a strange habit「彼は可笑しな癖がある」(かれはおかしなくせがある). Note that '可笑しな' is typically used before a noun to describe its quality, as in '可笑しな人 (おかしなひと) (strange person)'.

Part Of Speech

determiner

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6509

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting