Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging experience. For those starting their journey in Japanese, mastering essential vocabulary is a crucial first step. At the A1 level, which is the beginner’s stage according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you will need to familiarize yourself with basic words and phrases that form the foundation of your language skills. This article will guide you through 50 essential Japanese words that will help you navigate everyday situations and build a solid base for further learning.

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

1. **こんにちは (Konnichiwa)** – Hello
– One of the most common greetings you’ll encounter. Use it to greet people during the day.

2. **おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)** – Good morning
– A polite way to say good morning. You can also use the informal “おはよう (Ohayou)” with friends and family.

3. **こんばんは (Konbanwa)** – Good evening
– Use this greeting in the evening to say hello.

4. **さようなら (Sayounara)** – Goodbye
– A formal way to say goodbye. For informal situations, you can use “じゃね (Ja ne)” or “またね (Mata ne)”.

5. **ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)** – Thank you
– A polite way to express gratitude. The informal version is “ありがとう (Arigatou)”.

6. **すみません (Sumimasen)** – Excuse me / I’m sorry
– This versatile word can be used to apologize or to get someone’s attention.

7. **はい (Hai)** – Yes
– A simple affirmative response.

8. **いいえ (Iie)** – No
– Use this to negate or decline.

Common Nouns

9. **人 (Hito)** – Person
– Refers to an individual or people.

10. **友達 (Tomodachi)** – Friend
– Use this word to talk about your friends.

11. **家族 (Kazoku)** – Family
– Refers to family members.

12. **学校 (Gakkou)** – School
– A place where you study.

13. **会社 (Kaisha)** – Company
– Refers to a place of work.

14. **先生 (Sensei)** – Teacher
– A respectful term for teachers and instructors.

15. **学生 (Gakusei)** – Student
– Refers to someone who is studying.

16. **猫 (Neko)** – Cat
– A common pet.

17. **犬 (Inu)** – Dog
– Another common pet.

18. **車 (Kuruma)** – Car
– A vehicle for transportation.

Numbers and Counting

19. **一 (Ichi)** – One
– The first number in Japanese.

20. **二 (Ni)** – Two
– The second number.

21. **三 (San)** – Three
– The third number.

22. **四 (Shi/Yon)** – Four
– Both “shi” and “yon” are used.

23. **五 (Go)** – Five
– The fifth number.

24. **六 (Roku)** – Six
– The sixth number.

25. **七 (Shichi/Nana)** – Seven
– Both “shichi” and “nana” are used.

26. **八 (Hachi)** – Eight
– The eighth number.

27. **九 (Kyuu/Ku)** – Nine
– Both “kyuu” and “ku” are used.

28. **十 (Juu)** – Ten
– The tenth number.

Days of the Week

29. **月曜日 (Getsuyoubi)** – Monday
– The first day of the week.

30. **火曜日 (Kayoubi)** – Tuesday
– The second day.

31. **水曜日 (Suiyoubi)** – Wednesday
– The third day.

32. **木曜日 (Mokuyoubi)** – Thursday
– The fourth day.

33. **金曜日 (Kinyoubi)** – Friday
– The fifth day.

34. **土曜日 (Doyoubi)** – Saturday
– The sixth day.

35. **日曜日 (Nichiyoubi)** – Sunday
– The seventh day.

Essential Verbs

36. **行く (Iku)** – To go
– Use this verb to talk about going somewhere.

37. **来る (Kuru)** – To come
– Use this verb to talk about coming to a place.

38. **見る (Miru)** – To see / To watch
– Use this verb when talking about seeing or watching something.

39. **食べる (Taberu)** – To eat
– A verb you’ll use frequently.

40. **飲む (Nomu)** – To drink
– Another essential verb for everyday use.

41. **話す (Hanasu)** – To speak / To talk
– Use this verb when talking about speaking.

42. **聞く (Kiku)** – To listen / To hear
– Use this verb when referring to listening or hearing.

43. **読む (Yomu)** – To read
– Essential for discussing reading activities.

44. **書く (Kaku)** – To write
– Use this verb when talking about writing.

45. **買う (Kau)** – To buy
– Useful for shopping situations.

Adjectives and Descriptive Words

46. **大きい (Ookii)** – Big
– Use this adjective to describe something large.

47. **小さい (Chiisai)** – Small
– Use this adjective to describe something small.

48. **新しい (Atarashii)** – New
– Use this adjective to describe something new.

49. **古い (Furui)** – Old
– Use this adjective to describe something old.

50. **いい (Ii)** – Good
– Use this adjective to describe something positive.

Putting it All Together

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with these essential words, it’s time to practice using them in sentences. Here are a few simple sentences incorporating some of the vocabulary you’ve learned:

– **こんにちは**、私は**学生**です。 (Konnichiwa, watashi wa gakusei desu.) – Hello, I am a student.
– 明日**学校**に**行きます**。 (Ashita gakkou ni ikimasu.) – I will go to school tomorrow.
– **月曜日**に**友達**と**映画**を**見ます**。 (Getsuyoubi ni tomodachi to eiga o mimasu.) – I will watch a movie with my friend on Monday.
– **新しい**本を**買いました**。 (Atarashii hon o kaimashita.) – I bought a new book.
– **おはようございます**、**先生**。 (Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei.) – Good morning, teacher.

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential words will give you a solid foundation in your Japanese learning journey at the A1 level. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and consistent practice is key. Use these words in your daily conversations, write simple sentences, and try to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. With dedication and effort, you’ll find yourself progressing and becoming more comfortable with Japanese over time. Happy learning!