Learning Japanese can be a rewarding experience, especially when you start recognizing words used in daily life. This article introduces some common Japanese words for everyday items that you might encounter, helping you expand your vocabulary and understand more of the language spoken around you.
本 (ほん) – Hon – Book
彼は本を読んでいます。
This is a term used for any kind of book, whether it’s a novel, a textbook, or a magazine.
時計 (とけい) – Tokei – Clock or watch
壁に大きな時計が掛かっています。
A versatile word, it can refer to a wall clock, an alarm clock, or even a wristwatch.
椅子 (いす) – Isu – Chair
彼女は青い椅子に座っています。
This word is used universally for all types of chairs, from a dining room chair to an office chair.
机 (つくえ) – Tsukue – Desk
彼の机の上には本とノートがあります。
Refers to any kind of desk where you might work or study.
車 (くるま) – Kuruma – Car
彼は新しい車を買いました。
This word is used for cars of all types, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs.
自転車 (じてんしゃ) – Jitensha – Bicycle
公園で自転車に乗っています。
Refers to bicycles, covering everything from road bikes to mountain bikes.
電話 (でんわ) – Denwa – Telephone
電話が鳴っています。
This word can mean a mobile phone or a landline phone.
傘 (かさ) – Kasa – Umbrella
雨が降っているので傘を持ってきてください。
Used for rain protection, this word is essential for those rainy days.
鍵 (かぎ) – Kagi – Key
ドアの鍵をかけてください。
Whether it’s for a door, a locker, or a car, this is the word used for any type of key.
財布 (さいふ) – Saifu – Wallet
彼は財布を忘れてしまった。
A must-have everyday item, this word refers to a wallet where you keep money and cards.
鞄 (かばん) – Kaban – Bag
鞄には本とノートが入っています。
This word can mean a handbag, a backpack, or any type of bag used to carry items.
靴 (くつ) – Kutsu – Shoes
新しい靴を履いています。
This encompasses all types of footwear, from sneakers to boots.
時計 (とけい) – Tokei – Watch
彼は新しい時計をしています。
As mentioned earlier, this word also applies to watches, a common accessory worn on the wrist.
スプーン – Supūn – Spoon
スプーンでスープを飲んでいます。
Used for eating or cooking, this is a utensil found in every kitchen.
フォーク – Fōku – Fork
フォークでサラダを食べています。
Another essential dining utensil, used widely across the world.
ナイフ – Naifu – Knife
ナイフでパンを切っています。
From dining to cooking, this tool is crucial for cutting or spreading.
皿 (さら) – Sara – Plate
皿にはおいしい料理がたくさんあります。
Used for serving food, this word refers to any type of plate, whether it’s for dining or decoration.
コップ – Koppu – Glass or cup
コップに水を入れてください。
This term can be used for a drinking glass or a cup.
テレビ – Terebi – Television
テレビで映画を見ています。
A common appliance in households, used for watching shows and news.
冷蔵庫 (れいぞうこ) – Reizōko – Refrigerator
冷蔵庫に食べ物を入れてください。
Essential for storing perishable foods, this appliance is a staple in every kitchen.
エアコン – Eakon – Air conditioner
暑いのでエアコンをつけましょう。
Used for controlling the temperature within rooms, particularly vital during hot weather.
Learning these words will not only enhance your vocabulary but also help you navigate daily life in Japan more effectively. As you continue to learn, try using these words in sentences to better memorize them and understand their usage in context. Happy learning!