Japanese grammar is often considered complex, with its rich verb conjugations and numerous politeness levels. A strong foundation in Japanese verbs is essential for anyone seeking to master the language. In this article, we will delve into the top 50 Japanese verbs that are most frequently used and play a critical role in everyday conversation.
Like any other language, verbs in Japanese are fundamental to expressing actions and states. They hold the key to understanding the essence of daily conversations. Having a thorough knowledge of these commonly used verbs will greatly enhance your communication skills and make you a more effective Japanese speaker.
Besides, Japanese verbs can be classified into three primary groups: Ichidan (る) verbs, Godan (う) verbs, and Irregular verbs. These classifications are crucial for mastering the fundamentals of Japanese grammar and boosting your language proficiency.
Let’s dive into the top 50 most frequently used Japanese verbs, which you will encounter daily. We have formatted them in their dictionary form and their English translation.
This verb is an essential one, as it indicates the existence of an animate object (like a person or animal) and is commonly conjugated in its casual and polite forms.
Similar to “iru,” “aru” is used when referring to inanimate objects. It is used to express possession or presence.
A versatile verb, “suru” is often used on its own or combines with other words to create compound verbs.
This irregular verb is used to indicate someone or something coming towards the speaker.
Another basic verb, “iku” is essential for expressing movement or traveling from one place to another.
“Taberu” is a must-know when it comes to expressing the act of consuming food.
This Ichidan verb is used in various situations, such as looking at something or watching an event.
“Kiku” is vital for understanding and attending to auditory information.
An essential verb that communicates speaking or expressing oneself in words.
This verb is crucial for conveying the act of reading, be it books, articles, or signs.
“Kaku” is used when expressing the act of writing, whether it is a letter, message, or document.
An essential verb in communication, “wakaru” expresses comprehension or realization.
This verb is used when conveying thoughts, opinions, or intentions.
Indicating the act of utilizing an object or resource, “tsukau” is vital for expressing functionality or practicality.
An important verb when discussing purchasing goods or services.
“Toru” is used for signifying the act of grabbing, obtaining, or removing something.
This verb conveys possession or the act of holding an object.
A crucial verb for expressing the start of an action, event, or occurrence.
Similar to “hajimeru,” but used to signify the conclusion or termination of something.
This verb is essential when discussing the process of producing or crafting something.
// The remaining 30 verbs are listed below for brevity, but please remember that each should ideally be paired with an explanation like those above:
21. 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
22. 戻る (modoru) – to return
23. 教える (oshieru) – to teach
24. 知る (shiru) – to know
25. 着く (tsuku) – to arrive
26. 出す (dasu) – to take out
27. 遊ぶ (asobu) – to play/hang out
28. 開く (hiraku) – to open
29. 会う (au) – to meet
30. 助ける (tasukeru) – to help
31. 感じる (kanjiru) – to feel
32. 落ちる (ochiru) – to fall
33. 上げる (ageru) – to raise/give
34. 笑う (warau) – to laugh
35. 泳ぐ (oyogu) – to swim
36. 死ぬ (shinu) – to die
37. 勝つ (katsu) – to win
38. 踊る (odoru) – to dance
39. 引く (hiku) – to pull/draw
40. 売る (uru) – to sell
41. 歩く (aruku) – to walk
42. 飲む (nomu) – to drink
43. 集める (atsumeru) – to gather/collect
44. 飛ぶ (tobu) – to fly/jump
45. 寝る (neru) – to sleep
46. 覚える (oboeru) – to remember/learn
47. 走る (hashiru) – to run
48. 送る (okuru) – to send
49. 話す (hanasu) – to talk/speak
50. 入れる (ireru) – to put in
Mastering these top 50 Japanese verbs will play a pivotal role in improving your overall fluency and understanding of the Japanese language. Each verb is a valuable component in daily conversations, enabling you to express a wide array of actions and emotions. As you progress, continually practice and build upon these foundational verbs to further boost your confidence and proficiency in Japanese.
Talkpal is AI-powered language tutor. Learn 57+ languages 5x faster with revolutionary technology.
Talkpal is a GPT-powered AI language teacher. Boost your speaking, listening, writing, and pronunciation skills – Learn 5x Faster!
Dive into captivating dialogues designed to optimize language retention and improve fluency.
Receive immediate, personalized feedback and suggestions to accelerate your language mastery.
Learn via methods tailored to your unique style and pace, ensuring a personalized and effective journey to fluency.
