Learning Japanese can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as you advance from the beginner to the intermediate level. At this stage, you start to engage in more complex conversations, understand nuanced expressions, and read more challenging texts. To aid you in this journey, I’ve compiled a list of essential Japanese words that every intermediate learner should know. These words will help you express yourself more fluently and understand the language in greater depth.

Essential Verbs

Verbs are the backbone of any language, and Japanese is no exception. Here are some intermediate-level verbs that you’ll frequently encounter:

1. **Tsutaeru (伝える)** – This verb means “to convey” or “to communicate.” It’s more nuanced than simply saying “to tell” or “to say.” For example:
– メッセージを彼に伝えてください (Messeji o kare ni tsutaete kudasai) – Please convey the message to him.

2. **Kimeru (決める)** – Meaning “to decide,” this verb is essential for making plans and decisions.
– 旅行の計画を決めました (Ryokō no keikaku o kimemashita) – I have decided on the travel plans.

3. **Sasaeru (支える)** – This verb means “to support” and is often used in both physical and emotional contexts.
– 彼はいつも私を支えてくれます (Kare wa itsumo watashi o sasaete kuremasu) – He always supports me.

4. **Ayamaru (謝る)** – “To apologize.” This verb is crucial for navigating social interactions politely.
– 遅れてすみませんと謝りました (Okurete sumimasen to ayamarimashita) – I apologized for being late.

Useful Adjectives

Adjectives add color and detail to your conversations. Here are some intermediate-level adjectives to enrich your vocabulary:

1. **Hazukashii (恥ずかしい)** – This adjective means “embarrassed” or “shy.” It’s useful for describing feelings.
– 発表のとき、とても恥ずかしかったです (Happyō no toki, totemo hazukashikatta desu) – I was very embarrassed during the presentation.

2. **Subarashii (素晴らしい)** – Meaning “wonderful” or “amazing,” this adjective is great for expressing admiration.
– 彼の演技は素晴らしかったです (Kare no engi wa subarashikatta desu) – His performance was amazing.

3. **Fukuzatsu (複雑)** – This adjective means “complex” or “complicated.” It’s helpful for discussing intricate topics.
– この問題はとても複雑です (Kono mondai wa totemo fukuzatsu desu) – This problem is very complex.

4. **Kowai (怖い)** – Meaning “scary” or “frightening,” this adjective is useful for describing fears or horror experiences.
– ホラー映画は怖いです (Horā eiga wa kowai desu) – Horror movies are scary.

Common Nouns

Nouns are indispensable for constructing meaningful sentences. Here are some intermediate-level nouns that will be useful in various contexts:

1. **Kokoro (心)** – This noun means “heart” or “mind.” It’s often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
– 彼は優しい心を持っています (Kare wa yasashii kokoro o motteimasu) – He has a kind heart.

2. **Kankei (関係)** – Meaning “relationship” or “connection,” this noun is essential for discussing personal and professional relationships.
– 彼との関係は良好です (Kare to no kankei wa ryōkō desu) – My relationship with him is good.

3. **Shinrai (信頼)** – This noun means “trust” or “confidence.” It’s crucial for discussing trustworthiness and reliability.
– 彼に対する信頼が深いです (Kare ni taisuru shinrai ga fukai desu) – I have deep trust in him.

4. **Jikan (時間)** – Meaning “time,” this noun is fundamental for scheduling and discussing durations.
– もう少し時間が必要です (Mō sukoshi jikan ga hitsuyō desu) – I need a little more time.

Conversational Phrases

Knowing individual words is important, but understanding how to use them in phrases and sentences is crucial for fluency. Here are some useful phrases that incorporate intermediate-level vocabulary:

1. **Tsutaeru (伝える)**
– 彼にこのニュースを伝えたいです (Kare ni kono nyūsu o tsutaetai desu) – I want to convey this news to him.

2. **Kimeru (決める)**
– いつ出発するかを決めましょう (Itsu shuppatsu suru ka o kimemashō) – Let’s decide when to depart.

3. **Sasaeru (支える)**
– この柱が屋根を支えています (Kono hashira ga yane o sasaeteimasu) – This pillar supports the roof.

4. **Ayamaru (謝る)**
– 彼に謝るつもりです (Kare ni ayamaru tsumori desu) – I intend to apologize to him.

5. **Hazukashii (恥ずかしい)**
– そんなことを聞くのは恥ずかしいです (Sonna koto o kiku no wa hazukashii desu) – It’s embarrassing to ask such a thing.

6. **Subarashii (素晴らしい)**
– その景色は本当に素晴らしいです (Sono keshiki wa hontō ni subarashii desu) – The scenery is truly wonderful.

7. **Fukuzatsu (複雑)**
– 彼の説明は少し複雑です (Kare no setsumei wa sukoshi fukuzatsu desu) – His explanation is a bit complicated.

8. **Kowai (怖い)**
– 夜道は少し怖いです (Yomichi wa sukoshi kowai desu) – Walking at night is a bit scary.

9. **Kokoro (心)**
– 心の中で彼を応援しています (Kokoro no naka de kare o ōen shiteimasu) – I am supporting him in my heart.

10. **Kankei (関係)**
– 私たちの関係は強いです (Watashitachi no kankei wa tsuyoi desu) – Our relationship is strong.

11. **Shinrai (信頼)**
– 彼に対する信頼を失いたくないです (Kare ni taisuru shinrai o ushinaitakunai desu) – I don’t want to lose my trust in him.

12. **Jikan (時間)**
– 時間があれば、もっと話したいです (Jikan ga areba, motto hanashitai desu) – If I have time, I want to talk more.

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions add flavor to any language, and Japanese has its own set of unique idioms. Here are some that will make your conversations more authentic:

1. **Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会)** – This idiom means “once in a lifetime encounter.” It emphasizes the uniqueness and value of each meeting.
– この瞬間を大切にしたいです (Kono shunkan o taisetsu ni shitai desu) – I want to cherish this moment.

2. **Nemui neko wa yume wo miru (眠い猫は夢を見る)** – Literally “A sleepy cat dreams,” this idiom is akin to “Let sleeping dogs lie.” It suggests that it’s best to leave certain things undisturbed.
– 今はその話を持ち出さないでください (Ima wa sono hanashi o mochidasanaide kudasai) – Please don’t bring up that topic now.

3. **Kawa no nagare no yō ni (川の流れのように)** – Meaning “like the flow of a river,” this idiom is used to describe going with the flow or adapting to circumstances.
– 時には川の流れのように生きることも大事です (Toki ni wa kawa no nagare no yō ni ikiru koto mo daiji desu) – Sometimes it’s important to live like the flow of a river.

Kanji to Know

Kanji can be one of the more challenging aspects of learning Japanese, but at the intermediate level, it’s important to start familiarizing yourself with more complex characters. Here are some kanji that you’ll frequently encounter:

1. **愛 (Ai)** – Meaning “love.” This character is commonly used in various contexts, from personal relationships to literature.
– 愛してる (Aishiteru) – I love you.

2. **夢 (Yume)** – Meaning “dream.” This kanji is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
– 夢を追いかける (Yume o oikakeru) – To chase a dream.

3. **信 (Shin)** – Meaning “trust” or “belief.” This kanji is often seen in words related to trustworthiness and faith.
– 信じる (Shinjiru) – To believe.

4. **関 (Kan)** – Meaning “connection” or “barrier.” This kanji is frequently used in words related to relationships and connections.
– 関心 (Kanshin) – Interest or concern.

Practice Makes Perfect

One of the best ways to reinforce your learning is through practice. Here are some suggestions for incorporating these intermediate-level words into your daily routine:

1. **Daily Conversations** – Try to use at least one new word or phrase in your daily conversations. Whether you’re speaking with a language partner or just practicing by yourself, this will help solidify your understanding.

2. **Writing Exercises** – Write short essays or journal entries using the new vocabulary. Focus on incorporating the words naturally into your writing.

3. **Flashcards** – Create flashcards for the new words and review them regularly. This is especially useful for kanji practice.

4. **Reading** – Read articles, books, or blogs in Japanese that are at your level. Pay attention to how the new words are used in context.

5. **Listening** – Listen to Japanese podcasts, watch TV shows, or listen to songs that incorporate intermediate-level vocabulary. Try to pick out the new words and understand their usage.

Conclusion

Reaching the intermediate level in Japanese is a significant milestone, but it’s also a stage where the language can become more challenging. By expanding your vocabulary with these essential verbs, adjectives, nouns, and idiomatic expressions, you’ll be better equipped to navigate more complex conversations and texts.

Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and exposure. Use these words and phrases as often as possible, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every error is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Happy learning, and 頑張って (ganbatte) – do your best!