Learning a new language can be both exhilarating and challenging, and Japanese is no exception. A fundamental aspect of gaining fluency in any language involves mastering its verbs. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common verbs in Japanese, which will be essential as you start to build your vocabulary and form sentences.
食べる (taberu) – to eat
私は寿司を食べます。
This verb is used when talking about consuming food. It’s an essential verb as eating is a daily activity.
飲む (nomu) – to drink
彼はコーヒーを飲んでいます。
Whether you’re asking for a glass of water or ordering a drink at a café, this verb will undoubtedly be useful.
行く (iku) – to go
私は明日、学校に行きます。
This verb is frequently used to express movement or travel from one place to another.
来る (kuru) – to come
友達が家に来ます。
Opposite to ‘iku’, ‘kuru’ is used when someone or something is coming towards the speaker or a specific place.
見る (miru) – to see, to watch
私たちは映画を見ます。
Whether you’re watching a movie or looking at a beautiful landscape, ‘miru’ is the verb to express the action of seeing.
する (suru) – to do
私は宿題をします。
One of the most versatile verbs in Japanese, ‘suru’ is used to express doing almost anything.
使う (tsukau) – to use
彼は新しいパソコンを使っています。
From using tools to technology, ‘tsukau’ is an essential verb for discussing using objects or resources.
作る (tsukuru) – to make, to create
彼女はケーキを作ります。
This verb is used when creating or making something, be it cooking or crafting.
考える (kangaeru) – to think
私はいつも前向きに考えます。
When you need to express thought or consideration, ‘kangaeru’ is the appropriate verb.
言う (iu) – to say, to tell
彼は何も言いませんでした。
Communication is key in any language, making ‘iu’ an important verb for expressing speech or dialogue.
会う (au) – to meet
私たちは公園で会いました。
Whether planning a gathering or running into someone, ‘au’ is the verb used for meeting.
取る (toru) – to take
彼は本を棚から取りました。
From taking an object to capturing a photo, ‘toru’ encompasses various forms of taking.
助ける (tasukeru) – to help
彼女は私を助けてくれました。
A vital verb for social interactions, ‘tasukeru’ is used when offering or receiving assistance.
学ぶ (manabu) – to learn
私は日本語を学んでいます。
As you are learning Japanese, you’ll find yourself using this verb to discuss acquiring knowledge or skills.
歩く (aruku) – to walk
私たちはビーチを歩きました。
A basic yet essential verb, ‘aruku’ is used to describe the action of walking.
待つ (matsu) – to wait
私は彼を駅で待っています。
Whether waiting for a person or a bus, ‘matsu’ is the verb you would use.
持つ (motsu) – to hold, to have
彼は鍵を持っています。
This verb is widely used to express possession or physically holding something.
買う (kau) – to buy
私は新しい靴を買いました。
From shopping for groceries to purchasing gifts, ‘kau’ is the go-to verb for buying.
売る (uru) – to sell
彼は車を売りました。
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to sell something, ‘uru’ is the verb you would use.
知る (shiru) – to know
私はその事実を知りませんでした。
To express knowledge or awareness of something, ‘shiru’ is the necessary verb.
By incorporating these common Japanese verbs into your vocabulary, you’ll not only enhance your ability to communicate effectively but also deepen your understanding of the language’s structure. Practice using these verbs in context to improve your fluency and confidence in Japanese.
