Learn Japanese Vocabulary Online: Essential Words for Beginners
Are you starting your Japanese learning journey and want to build your vocabulary fast?
At TLS-The Japanese Language School, we’re passionate about helping language learners achieve fluency with effective strategies and expert resources.
Mastering essential Japanese words and phrases will help you communicate effectively and understand real-life conversations—whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Common Japanese Phrases → Greetings, polite expressions, and must-know sentences
Everyday Japanese Words → Numbers, colors, days of the week, and more
Best Online Resources → Flashcards, courses, podcasts, and apps
Effective Learning Techniques → Spaced repetition, mnemonics, and real-life practice
Quick Memorization Hacks → Context-based learning and active recall
At TLS, we provide comprehensive learning support, so you can master Japanese with confidence and ease. Let’s get started!
Learn Japanese Vocabulary Online
Learning Japanese vocabulary online is a highly effective way to expand your language skills from the comfort of your home. Online platforms, apps, and websites offer structured lessons, interactive flashcards, and quizzes that help you memorize words and phrases efficiently. Many resources categorize vocabulary by topics such as daily conversation, business Japanese, travel, or JLPT preparation, making it easier to learn words relevant to your goals.
1. Common Japanese Phrases for Daily Use
Learning common phrases will help you communicate in real-life situations from day one.
Greetings & Polite Expressions
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening |
| ありがとう | Arigatou | Thank you |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry |
| さようなら | Sayounara | Goodbye |
Tip: Use おはよう (Ohayou) informally with friends and おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) for polite situations.
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Essential Conversational Phrases
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| はい / いいえ | Hai / Iie | Yes / No |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please |
| わかりません | Wakarimasen | I don’t understand |
| 大丈夫です | Daijoubu desu | It's okay / I'm fine |
| これは何ですか？ | Kore wa nan desu ka? | What is this? |
| いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? | How much is this? |
Practice Tip: Try using these phrases in a language exchange app like HelloTalk or Tandem.
2. Everyday Japanese Words You Should Know
A strong vocabulary foundation includes numbers, colors, and days of the week.
Numbers in Japanese
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| 一 | Ichi | One |
| 二 | Ni | Two |
| 三 | San | Three |
| 四 | Yon | Four |
| 五 | Go | Five |
Tip: The number four (四) can also be pronounced "shi", but "yon" is preferred to avoid bad luck (since "shi" sounds like death).
Days of the Week in Japanese
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| 月曜日 | Getsuyoubi | Monday |
| 火曜日 | Kayoubi | Tuesday |
| 水曜日 | Suiyoubi | Wednesday |
| 木曜日 | Mokuyoubi | Thursday |
| 金曜日 | Kinyoubi | Friday |
Learning Hack: Associate each day with its element (e.g., 火 "ka" = fire for Tuesday).
Looking for the best apps to boost your Japanese skills? Our Online Japanese Learning Apps guide covers top-rated apps for vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, listening, and speaking practice.
Basic Colors in Japanese
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| 赤 | Aka | Red |
| 青 | Ao | Blue |
| 黄色 | Kiiro | Yellow |
| 緑 | Midori | Green |
| 黒 | Kuro | Black |
Tip: Use 色 (iro) after the color name for clarification (e.g., 赤色 (akairo) for "red color").
3. Best Ways to Learn Japanese Vocabulary Online
Use these effective resources to expand your vocabulary quickly:
Flashcards & Spaced Repetition
- Anki, Quizlet, and WaniKani → Boost retention using spaced repetition.
- Best for: Memorizing words long-term.
Online Courses & Interactive Apps
- LingoDeer, Duolingo, Marugoto → Fun, structured lessons with quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners who want guided learning.
Japanese Podcasts & Videos
- NHK Easy Japanese, Nihongo con Teppei → Improve listening skills.
- Best for: Learning new words in context.
Language Exchange Apps
- HelloTalk, Tandem → Chat with native speakers for real practice.
- Best for: Using vocabulary in real conversations.
4. Practice Japanese Vocabulary with Real-Life Exercises
Make vocabulary stick with these real-world practice methods:
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Write Daily Journal Entries → Use new words in real sentences.
Label Objects Around Your Home → Put sticky notes on common household items.
Join Online Japanese Forums → Use Lang-8 or HiNative for writing practice.
Speak Aloud & Shadowing Techniques → Repeat after native speakers for pronunciation.
Play Japanese Word Games → Try Kana Quiz or Shiritori for fun practice.
Pro Tip: Create a personal vocabulary notebook with sentences, not just words!
5. How to Memorize Japanese Vocabulary Faster
Use these powerful techniques to learn words faster and retain them longer:
Mnemonics & Visual Associations
Example: 覚える (oboeru - to remember) → Imagine a "big brain" (obo) remembering everything!
Break Words into Kanji Components
Example: 日本 (Nihon - Japan) = 日 (sun) + 本 (origin) → "Land of the Rising Sun"
Context-Based Learning
Instead of 単語 (tango - vocabulary) alone, learn it in a sentence:
新しい単語を覚えました！(Atarashii tango o oboemashita!) → "I learned a new word!"
To strengthen your skills while you learn Japanese vocabulary online, you can also explore the official free resources for NAT Japanese Test provided by TLS – The Japanese Language School for additional practice and guidance
FAQs on Learning Japanese Vocabulary Online
1. What is the best way to learn Japanese vocabulary online?
Use flashcards, online courses, podcasts, and language exchange apps daily.
2. How can I memorize Japanese words faster?
Use spaced repetition (Anki, WaniKani), mnemonics, and real-life practice.
3. How many Japanese words should I learn as a beginner?
Start with 500–1,000 common words before moving to advanced vocabulary.
4. Are there free resources to learn Japanese vocabulary?
Yes! Try NHK Easy Japanese, Duolingo, Jisho.org, and JapanesePod101 (free lessons).
5. Can I learn Japanese vocabulary without learning kanji?
Yes, but kanji improves reading comprehension. Start with hiragana & katakana, then move to basic kanji.
Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)? Our How to Pass the JLPT guide provides effective study strategies, recommended resources, and test-taking tips to help you succeed.
By focusing on common phrases, essential words, and interactive practice, you can learn Japanese vocabulary online efficiently.
Start today, practice daily, and see your Japanese skills improve! 🚀