Learn Some Japanese

I. Vocabulary and Common Phrases

On this page I've posted lists of many useful Japanese words, ranging from different nouns and pronouns(I selected many that are common in anime ^^), to interrogatives and tons of common Japanese phrases. These lists should help you start building your Japanese vocabulary! ^_^

Animals

Doubutsu = Animal
Neko = Cat
Inu = Dog
Tori = Bird
Usagi = Rabbit
Kitsune = Fox
Saru = Monkey
Ushi = Cow
Zou = Elephant
Kuma = Bear
Uma = Horse
Raion = Lion
Tora = Tiger
Nezumi = Rat, Mouse
Risu = Squirrel
Buta = Pig
Oukami = Wolf
Washi = Eagle
Niwatori = Chicken
Kaeru = Frog
Sakana = Fish
Tokage = Lizard
Hebi = Snake
Mushi = Bug
Kumo = Spider
Hotaru = Firefly

Chouchou = Butterfly

Feelings

Kimochi = Feelings
Kokoro = Heart
Yume = Dream
Akumu = Nightmare
Yasashisa = Kindness
Yuuki = Courage
Chouwa = Harmony
Shinjitsu = Truth
Tsuyosa = Strength
Chikara = Power
Kouyuu = Friendship
Mikomi = Hope

Ai = Love

Fantasy and Magic

Maryoku, Mahou = Magic
Bakemono = Monster, Ghoul
Oni = Ogre, Devil
Youkai = Demon
Hanyou = Half-demon
Seibutsu = Creature
Ryuu = Dragon
Akuryou = Evil spirit
Mononoke = Vengeful spirit
Katana = Sword
Tamashii = Soul
Unme = Destiny, Fate
Densetsu = Legend
Kiseki = Miracles
Tenshi = Angel
Miko = Priestess
Houshi = Monk, Priest

Madoushi = Sorceress

The Environment

Chikyu = Earth
Sekai = World
Uchuu = Universe
Wakuse = Planet
Kuuki = Air
Sora = Sky
Hoshi, Kousei = Star
Sousei = Comet
Niji = Rainbow
Taiyo = Sun
Tsuki = Moon
Mangetsu = Full moon
Shingetsu = New moon
Kumo = Cloud
Shizen = Nature
Ki = Tree
Ha = Leaf
Hana = Flower
Bara = Rose
Ayame = Iris
Yuri = Lily
Kaede = Maple tree
Sakura = Cherry tree
Sakura no hana = Cherry blossom
Mori = Woods
Shinrin = Forest
Kusa = Grass
Yama = Mountain
Rikuchi = Land
Jishin = Earthquake
Kaji = Fire
Hono = Flames
Kaze = Wind
Kori = Ice
Mizu = Water
Umi = Sea
Kawa = River
Mizuumi = Lake
Tenki = Weather
Yuki = Snow
Ame = Rain
Hikari = Light

Yami = Darkness

People

Hito = Person
Ningen = Human
Onna no ko = Girl
Onna no hito = Woman
Otoko no ko = Boy
Otoko no hito = Man
Shoujo = A young girl
Shounen = A young boy
Bishounen = A handsome boy
Bishoujo = A beautiful girl
Aka-chan = Baby
Ko, Kodomo = Child
Kozo = Kid, Brat(male)
Komusume = Kid, Brat(female)
O-uji-sama = Prince
O-hime-sama = Princess
Senshi = Soldier
O-kami-sama = God
Sensei = Teacher
Hakase = Professor
Isha = Doctor
Hanayome = Bride
Keisatsu = Police
Otaku = Somebody who's obsessed with anime and manga
Gaigin = Somebody who isn't Japanese (derogatory)
Sempai = Somebody of a higher rank, Someone you look up to
Kohai = Somebody of a lower rank
Tomodachi = Friend
Nakama = Friend, Ally

Teki = Enemy

Body Parts

Karada = Body
Me = Eye
Hitomi = Eyes
Mimi = Ears
Kao = Face
Ubi = Finger
Atama = Head
Shinzou = Heart
Kaminoke = Hair
Ashi = Leg, Foot, Paw
Hiza = Knee
Kuchi = Mouth
Te = Hand
Ude = Arm
Tsubasa = Wings
Shippo = Tail
Chi, Ketsueki = Blood
Hone, Kotsu = Bones
Ago = Chin
Mayu(ge) = Eyebrow
Kuchibiru = Lip
Hitai = Forehead
Hoho = Cheek
Hifu = Skin
Kata = Shoulder
Mune = Chest
Nodo = Throat
Senaka = Back
Shita = Tongue

Matsugu = Eyelash

Food

Tabemono = Food
Shokuji = Meal
Asagohan, Choushoku = Breakfast
Hirugohan, Chuushoku = Lunch
Bangohan, Yuushoku = Dinner
Tamago = Egg
Niku = Meat
Yasai = Vegetable
Ninjin = Carrot
Kinoko = Mushroom
Keeki = Cake
Chokoreeto = Chocolate
Kudamono = Fruit
Sumomo = Plum
Sakuranbo = Cherry
Ichigo = Strawberry
Pan = Bread
Chiizu = Cheese
Kukkii = Cookie
Satou = Sugar
Raisu = Rice
Shio = Salt
Nomimono = Drink
Kouhi = Coffee
Gyuunyuu, Miruku = Milk
Ocha, Koucha = Tea

Aisukuriimu = Ice Cream

Common Objects

Ie, Uchi = House, Home
Machi = Town
Shi = City
Mise = Store
Tobira = Door
Heya = Room
Kabe = Wall
Mado = Window
Hako = Box
Beddo = Bed
Kagami = Mirror
Isu = Chair
Teeburu = Table
Hashi = Chopsticks
Denwa = Telephone
Kuruma = Car
Fune = Boat
Hikouki = Airplane
Jitensha = Bicycle
Basu = Bus
Chikatetsu = Subway
Kisha = Train
Kagi = Key
Shatsu = Shirt
Boushi = Hat
Kutsu = Shoes
Kakera = Shard
Caado = Card
Terebi = TV
Eiga = Movie
Konpyuuta = Computer
Pen = Pen
Keshigomu = Eraser
Hon = Book
Enpitsu = Pencil
Hasami = Scissors
Chizu = Map
Kami = Paper
Zasshi = Magazine
Hon = Book
Anime = Animation
Manga = Comics
Roboto = Robot

Juu = Gun

Time Expressions

Jikan = Time (in general), Hour
Fun = Minute
Byou = Second
Toki = Time (as in "every time")
Ashita, Asu = Tomorrow
Kyou = Today
Kinou = Yesterday
Asa = Morning
Hiruma = Noon
Gogo = Afternoon
Yuugata, Ban = Evening
Yoake = Dawn
Yoru = Night
Mayonaka = Midnight
Seiki = Century
Hi = Day
Hibi = Days
Mainichi = Everyday
Shuu = Week
Tsuki = Month

Toshi = Year

Other Useful Nouns

Ongaku = Music
Uta = Song
Koe = Voice
Gakkou = School
Todai = Nickname for Tokyo University
Onsen = Hot spring
Hanaji = Nose bleed
Shawaa = Shower
Uso = Lie
Zutto = Forever, A long time
Kotae = Answer
Yakusoku = Promise
Kage = Shadow
Mirai = Future
Tanjoubi = Birthday
Nippon, Nihon = Japan
Nihon-go = Japanese (language)
Nihon-jin = Japanese (person)
Amerika = America
Ei-go = English (language)
Amerika-jin = American (person)
Paati = Party
Batoru = Battle
Geemu = Game
Ribaru = Rival
Poketto = Pocket
Tesuto = Test
Kisu = Kiss

Kotoba = Words

Interrogatives

Dare?, Donata? = Who?
Nani? = What?
Doko? = Where?
Itsu? = When?
Dore? = Which?
Ikura? = How much?
Donna? = What kind?
Nande?, Doushite? = Why?
Ne(?) = Hey, Right?, Yeah?
Naze?, Douyatte? = How?, By what means?
Daremo = No one
Dareka = Someone
Dareni = Anyone
Dokoka = Somewhere
Dokoni = Anywhere
Dokonimo = Nowhere
Nanika = Something

Nanimo = Nothing

Pronouns

Atashi = I (female)
Boku, Ore = I (male)
Watashi = I (formal)
Anata = You (formal)
Omae, Kimi = You (informal)
Teme, Kisama = You (very impolite)
Kare = He, Him
Kanojo = She, Her

Minna = Everyone

Common Words and Phrases

Ohayou = Good morning
Ohayou gozaimasu = Good morning (formal)
Konnichiwa = Good afternoon, Hello
Konbanwa = Good evening
Oyasumi = Good Night
Oyasumi-nasai = Good night (formal)
Sayounara = Good-bye
Ja mata, Dewa mata = See you later
Ja (ne) = See you (later)
O-daijini = Take care of yourself
Gokigenyo = Farewell
Hai = Yes
Iie = No
Dame = No, Don't
Moshi moshi? = Hello? (as in answering the phone)
Itadakimasu = (said before eating a meal)
Gochisousama = (said after eating a meal)
Itte kimasu, Itte mairimasu = (said when leaving the house)
Itte rasshai = (said to someone when they leave the house)
O-kaeri-nasai = (said to someone when they return home)
Tadaima = (said when returning home)
O-genki desu ka? = How are you?
Ikaga desu ka? = How's it going?
Hajimemashite = Nice to meet you
Douzo yoroshiku = My regards
Genki desu = I'm fine
Irasshaimase = Welcome
Ima = Now
Gomen = Sorry
Gomen ne = I'm sorry, Pardon me
Gomen-nasai = I'm sorry, Pardon me (formal)
Sumimasen = Excuse me, Pardon me
Itai! = Ow!, Ouch!
Chikusho, Kuso = Damn it
Hontou? = Really?
Saa = Come on
Ja = Well then...
Are!, Ara! = Ah!, Oh!
Kekko desu = No thank you, I'm fine
Sonna = No way, It can't be
Masaka = No way, Ridiculous
Yata! = Hooray!
Sou = Yeah, Right
Urusai!, Damare! = Shut up!, Be quiet!
Arigatou = Thank you
Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you (formal)
Dou itashimashite = You're welcome
Onegai(shimasu) = Please, I beg you
Douzo = Please, Help yourself
Omedetou = Congratulations
Omedetou gozaimasu = Congratulations (formal)
O-tanjoubi omedetou = Happy birthday
Kurisumasu omedetou = Merry Christmas
Shinnen omedetou = Happy New Year
Aishiteru = I love you
Anata no o-namae wa? = What's your name?
Kitto = Sure, For sure
Chotto matte = Wait a moment
Ganbatte = Do your best, Go for it
Yokatta = Thank goodness
Daijoubu(?) = Are you alright?, It's alright
Ki o tsukete = Be careful
Abunai! = Look out!
Itsumo = Always
Isudemo = Whenever

Subete = Everything

Family

*In Japanese, there are different words used depending on whether you are talking about your own family or someone else's family. So for the list, I put the word for your own family member first and then the word for someone else's family member following it. Some of the words could be interchangable though. For example, it's not wrong to call your older brother "o-ni-san" or "o-ni-chan" instead of "ani" in casual situations. But most of the time, "ani" is more proper.
Kazoku, Go-kazuko = Family
Ryoushin, Go-ryoushin = Parents
Shinseki, Go-shinseki = Relatives
Ko or Kodomo, O-ko-san = Child
Haha, O-kaa-san = Mother
Chichi, O-tou-san = Father
Ani, O-ni-san = Older brother ("O-ni-san" can also be used to refer to an older male)
Ane, O-ne-san = Older sister ("O-ne-san" can also be used to refer to an older female)
Imouto, Imouto-san = Younger sister
Otouto, Otouto-san = Younger brother
Kyoudai, Go-kyoudai = Brothers or brothers and sisters
Shimai, Go-shimai = Sisters
Sofu, O-ji-san = Grandfather ("O-ji-san" can also be used to refer to an elderly man)
Soba, O-ba-san = Grandmother ("O-ba-san" can also be used to refer to an elderly woman)
Mago, O-mago-san = Grandchild
Otto or Shujin, Go-shujin = Husband
Kanai or Tsuma, Okusan = Wife
Musuko, Musuko-san = Son (can also be used to refer to a younger boy)
Musume, Musume-san or O-jou-san = Daughter (can also be used to refer to a younger girl)
Itoko, Itoko-san = Cousin
Oji, Oji-san = Uncle
Oba, Oba-san = Aunt
Oi, Oigo-san = Nephew

Mei, Meigo-san = Niece

Days, Months, and Seasons

Nichiyoubi = Sunday
Getsuyoubi = Monday
Kayoubi = Tuesday
Suiyoubi = Wednesday
Mokuyoubi = Thursday
Kinyoubi = Friday
Doyoubi = Saturday
Ichigatsu = January
Nigatsu = February
Sangatsu = March
Shigatsu = April
Gogatsu = May
Rokugatsu = June
Shichigatsu = July
Hachigatsu = August
Kugatsu = September
Juugatsu = October
Juuichigatsu = November
Juunigatsu = December
Haru = Spring
Natsu = Summer
Aki = Fall

Fuyu = Winter

Numbers

Zero, Rei = Zero
Ichi = One
Ni = Two
San = Three
Shi, Yon = Four
Go = Five
Roku = Six
Shichi, Nana = Seven
Hachi = Eight
Ku, Kyuu = Nine
Juu = Ten
Ni-jyuu = Twenty
Ni-jyu-go = Twenty five
San-jyuu = Thirty
Yon-jyuu = Forty
Gou-jyuu = Fifty
Roku-jyuu = Sixty
Nana-jyuu = Seventy
Hachi-jyuu = Eighty
Kyuu-jyuu = Ninety
Hyaku = One hundred
Go-hyaku = Five hundred
Sen = One thousand
Roku-sen = Six thousand
Juu-man = Ten thousand
Hyakuman = One million
Hyakuman-ni = One million and two
Ni-hyakuman = Two million
Jyuoku = One billion

II. Verbs and Adjectives

About Verbs

Japanese verbs are, in a lot of ways, easier to conjugate than English verbs. Japanese verbs always occur at the end of the sentence and they do not change for person, number, gender, or whatever the subject of the sentence may be. Also, there are only two irregular Japanese verbs and only a handful of irregular conjugations in others verbs.
Japanese verbs have many conjugated forms, but they are usually defined by their Dictionary form(which is how they are listed in the dictionary.) In their Dictionary form, all verbs end with an -u syllable sound which is the part, or base, that is conjugated(and written in hiragana.) The first part, or stem, holds the real meaning of the verb and does not change in conjugation(and is written in kanji.) In the sample below, the stem of the verb is in plain text and the base is in bold.

aruku = (I) walk(this is the Dictionary form)

aruita = (I) walked

arukeru = (I) can walk

arukitai = (I) want to walk

Japanese verbs are generally classified into three different catergories: Yodan, Ichidan, or Irregular. Yodan verbs(sometimes called Regular 1 verbs) end with one of the following bases: -u, -ku, -gu, -su, -tsu, -ru, -mu, -nu, or -bu. Ichidan verbs(sometimes called Regular 2 verbs) end with either -iru or -eru. As for Irregular verbs, there are only two: "kuru"(come) and "suru"(do.) They are called irregular because they do not conjugate like other -ru verbs.

Verb Conjugation

In the lists below, I've shown how all the different kinds of verbs are conjugated in the seven basic conjugation forms. Just to make it clear, the stem of each verb is in plain text, the base is in bold, and the conjugated ending which gives the verb meaning is in parentheses. I use "I" as the subject but you can use any subject you want("he," "she," "they," etc.) Like I said, the subject of the sentence does not change the way the verbs are conjugated.

Note: I only cover the most basic verb conjugations in this section. Besides what I've listed here, there are many other ways to conjugate verbs. Also, there's a lot more to be said about each of the seven conjugation forms than just what I have here. But it would be way too much for me to cover everything about Japanese verbs. So if you really want to learn about them in more detail, you'll have to find another source ^^,,,

Yodan Verbs

All Yodan verbs generally follow the same pattern, which you'll probably notice as you read through their different conjugations. You'll also notice that the bases of the first five conjugation forms follow the order of the Japanese vowel sounds(-a, -i, -u, -e, -o) so that makes them a bit easier to memorize.

-KU Verbs

sample verb: kaku = write

• 1st Negative form: Kaka(nai) = I don't write
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Kaki(masu/mashita) = I write/wrote(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Kaku = I write(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Kake(ba) = If I write
• 5th Volitional form: Kakou = Let's write
• 6th TE form: Kaite = I write and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Kaita = I wrote(casual)

-GU Verbs

sample verb: oyogu = swim

• 1st Negative form: Oyoga(nai) = I don't swim
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Oyogi(masu/mashita) = I swim/swam(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Oyogu = I swim(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Oyoge(ba) = If I swim
• 5th Volitional form: Oyogou = Let's swim
• 6th TE form: Oyoide = I swim and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Oyoida = I swam(casual)

-SU Verbs

sample verb: sagasu = search

• 1st Negative form: Sagasa(nai) = I don't search
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Sagashi(masu/mashita) = I search/searched(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Sagasu = I search(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Sagase(ba) = If I search
• 5th Volitional form: Sagasou = Let's search
• 6th TE form: Sagashite = I search and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Sagashita = I searched(casual)

-TSU Verbs

sample verb: matsu = wait

• 1st Negative form: Mata(nai) = I don't wait
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Machi(masu/mashita) = I wait/waited(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Matsu = I wait(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Mate(ba) = If I wait
• 5th Volitional form: Matou = Let's wait
• 6th TE form: Matte = I wait and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Matta = I waited(casual)

-NU Verbs

sample verb: shinu = die

*"shinu" is the only -nu verb*

• 1st Negative form: Shina(nai) = I don't die
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Shini(masu/mashita) = I die/died(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Shinu = I die(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Shine(ba) = If I die
• 5th Volitional form: Shinou = Let's die
• 6th TE form: Shinde = I die and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Shinda = I died(casual)

-BU Verbs

sample verb: hakobu = carry

• 1st Negative form: Hakoba(nai) = I don't carry
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Hakobi(masu/mashita) = I carry/carried(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Hakobu = I carry(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Hakobe(ba) = If I carry
• 5th Volitional form: Hakobou = Let's carry
• 6th TE form: Hakonde = I carry and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Hakonda = I carried(casual)

-MU Verbs

sample verb: yasumu = rest

• 1st Negative form: Yasuma(nai) = I don't rest
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Yasumi(masu/mashita) = I rest/rested(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Yasumu = I rest(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Yasume(ba) = If I rest
• 5th Volitional form: Yasumou = Let's rest
• 6th TE form: Yasunde = I rest and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Yasunda = I rested(casual)

-RU Verbs

sample verb: hashiru = run

• 1st Negative form: Hashira(nai) = I don't run
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Hashiri(masu/mashita) = I run/ran(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Hashiru = I run(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Hashire(ba) = If I run
• 5th Volitional form: Hashirou = Let's run
• 6th TE form: Hashitte = I run and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Hashitta = I ran(casual)

-U Verbs

sample verb: au = meet

• 1st Negative form: Awa(nai) = I don't meet
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Ai(masu/mashita) = I meet/met(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Au = I meet(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Ae(ba) = If I meet
• 5th Volitional form: Aou = Let's meet
• 6th TE form: Atte = I meet and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Atta = I met(casual)

Ichidan Verbs

Ichidan verbs conjugate differently than Yodan verbs. A big difference is that there's no base for their Negative and Conjunctive forms. Also, be careful not to get them mixed up with Yodan -ru verbs.

-IRU Verbs

sample verb: miru = see

• 1st Negative form: Mi(nai) = I don't see
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Mi(masu/mashita) = I see/saw(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Miru = I see(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Mire(ba) = If I see
• 5th Volitional form: Miro/yo = Let's see
• 6th TE form: Mite = I see and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Mita = I saw(casual)

-ERU Verbs

sample verb: ageru = give

• 1st Negative form: Age(nai) = I don't give
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Age(masu/mashita) = I give/gave(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Ageru = I give(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Agere(ba) = If I give
• 5th Volitional form: Agero/yo = Let's give
• 6th TE form: Agete = I give and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Ageta = I gave(casual)

Irregular Verbs

kuru = come

• 1st Negative form: Ko(nai) = I don't come
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Ki(masu/mashita) = I come/came(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Kuru = I come(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Kure(ba) = If I come
• 5th Volitional form: Koyou = Let's come
• 6th TE form: Kite = I come and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Kita = I came(casual)

suru = do

• 1st Negative form: Shi(nai) = I don't do
• 2nd Conjunctive form: Shi(masu/mashita) = I do/did(normal-polite)
• 3rd Dictionary form: Suru = I do(casual)
• 4th Conditional form: Sure(ba) = If I do
• 5th Volitional form: Shiyou = Let's do
• 6th TE form: Shite = I do and...(indicates another verb will follow)
• 7th TA form: Shita = I did(casual)

Verb List

Here's a list of some common Japanese verbs. See if you can conjugate them youself! ^.^

Yodan verbs

Motsu = Hold
Kau = Buy
Iu = Say
Hanasu = Speak
Yobu = Call
Yomu = Read
Utau = Sing
Ugoku = Move
Aruku = Walk
Omou = Think, Feel
Asobu = Play
Kiku = Listen
Noru = Get on, Ride
Narau = Learn
Uru = Sell
Naku = Cry
Warau = Laugh, Smile
Ganbaru = Do one's best, Hold on
Tatsu = Stand
Iku = Go
Suwaru = Sit
Tsukau = Use
Hairu = Enter
Kesu = Erase
Katsu = Win
Chigau = Be wrong
Umu = Give birth
Tobu = Fly
Kaeru = Return, Go back
Shiru = Know
Owaru = End
Korosu = Kill
Saku = Bloom
Naru = Become
Isogu = Hurry
Wakaru = Understand, Know

Ichidan verbs

Akeru = Open
Shimeru = Close
Dekiru = Be able to
Oshieru = Tell, Teach
Todokeru = Deliver
Taberu = Eat
Deru = Leave, Exit
Miseru = Show
Okiru = Get up
Kotaeru = Answer
Yameru = Stop, Resign
Shinjiru = Believe, Trust
Kanjiru = Feel, Sense
Nigeru = Run away, Escape
Wasureru = Forget
Tasukeru = Save
Akirameru = Give up
Hajimeru = Begin
Tsuzukeru = Continue

Umareru = Be born

Adjectives

There are two different kinds of Japanese adjectives: -i adjectives and -na adjectives. Like the verbs, the first part, or stem, of Japanese adjectives is written in kanji, and the ending, or base, which is the part that is conjugated(either -i or -na) is written in hiragana. Below I've shown how each of the two kinds of adjectives is conjugated and used in a simple sentence. The stem is in plain text and the base is in bold. I use "hana"(flower) as the subject of the sentences, but just like the verbs, you can use any subject you want and it won't change the conjugation. And again, there's way more to Japanese adjectives than just what I have here. Like the verb section, this page only covers the basic stuff ^^,,,

-I Adjectives

sample adjective: oukii = big

• Present affirmative: Ano hana wa oukii desu. = That flower is big.
• Present negative: Ano hana wa oukikunai desu. = That flower is not big.
• Past affirmative: Ano hana wa oukikatta desu. = That flower was big.
• Past negative: Ano hana wa oukikunakatta desu. = That flower was not big.
• Modifying the noun: Are wa oukii hana desu. = That's a big flower.

-NA Adjectives

*to conjugate -na adjectives, you simply drop the -na ending(and conjugate "desu" the "to be" verb instead.) The only time you'll include the -na ending is when the adjective is modifying a noun.

sample adjective: kireina = pretty, clean

• Present affirmative: Ano hana wa kirei desu. = That flower is pretty.
• Present negative: Ano hana wa kirei dewa arimasen. = That flower is not pretty.
• Past affirmative: Ano hana wa kirei deshita. = That flower was pretty.
• Past negative: Ano hana wa kirei dewa arimasen deshita. = That flower was not pretty.
• Modifying the noun: Are wa kireina hana desu. = That's a pretty flower.

Adjective List

Here's a list of some common Japanese adjectives. Try your luck at conjugating them!

-I adjectives

Oukii = Big
Chiisai = Small
Atsui = Hot
Tsumetai = Cold
Samui = Cold(weather only)
Takai = High, Tall, Expensive
Hikui = Low, Short
Yasui = Cheap
Segatakai = Tall(used for people)
Segahikui = Short(used for people)
Atatakai = Warm
Suzushii = Cool
Omoi = Heavy
Karui = Light
Akarui = Bright
Kurai = Dark
Semai = Narrow
Hiroi = Wide
Mazui = Not tastey
Oishii = Tastey, Delicious
Hayai = Fast
Osoi = Slow
Akai = Red
Aoi = Blue
Kuroi = Black
Shiroi = White
Chairoi = Brown
Kiiroi = Yellow
Atarashii = New
Furui = Old
Wakai = Young
Toshiyori = Old(for people)
Warui = Bad
Omoshiroi = Interesting, Funny
Tsumaranai = Boring
Muzukashii = Difficult
Yasashii = Gentle, Easy
Tooi = Far, Distant
Chikai = Close
Abunai = Dangerous
Itai = Painful
Amai = Sweet
Suppai = Sour
Isogashii = Busy
Tanoshii = Pleasant, Fun
Yakamashii = Noisy

-NA adjectives

Jyouzuna = Skilled
Hetana = Not skilled
Shinsetsuna = Kind, Helpful
Fushinsetsuna = Unkind
Shizukana = Quiet
Nigiyakana = Lively
Yuumeina = Famous
Himana = Free
Genkina = Well, Cheerful
Benrina = Convenient
Fubenna = Inconvenient
Anzenna = Safe
Daijina = Important
Sukina = Likable
Kiraina = Unlikable
Shitsureina = Rude
Damena = No good
Fushigina = Mysterious, Strange

III. Honorifics and Politeness Levels

Another major difference between Japanese and English is that Japanese utilizes different levels of speech, using honorifics, different words, polite-level verb conjugations, etc., depending on how formal or casual the situation is and how you rank to the person you're speaking to. This means that in Japanese, there are many different ways to say the same thing, and the way that's used depends on the situation. Japanese people speak very differently when talking to their close friends and family as opposed to talking to their boss or teacher. But this is also what makes Japanese a more "intimate" language compared to English.

There are 3 polite levels of speech in Japanese. The lowest is "keigo," which is also the most common and universal. "Keigo" simply incorporates the constant use of "desu," the -masu form of verbs, and certain other polite expressions. The majority of Japanese learning books, as well as most sample sentences in this guide, teach using "keigo" because it's the most appropriate, especially for foreigners. Above "keigo" are "sonkeigo" and "kenjougo." "Sonkeigo" is a honorific way of speaking in which you "elevate" the rank of the person you're speaking to or about way above your own. "Kenjougo" is a humble way of speaking in which you humble yourself or "lower" your rank below the person you're speaking to. "Sonkeigo" and "kenjougo" are only used in very formal situations, such as formal business meetings, an employee speaking to a customer, or a servant speaking to their master. But for most situations, "keigo" is the best choice.

Honorifics

Japanese honorifics are short "suffixs" added to the ends of names in order to imply status and relationship between the speaker and the person being spoken to. There are many different honorifics, but here are some common ones:
-san = "-san" is probably the most common honorific and it's used equally for men and women. It's used in most situations that are not casul and can be added to either first names or last names. It's usally translated into English as "Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mrs." but it's used much more often in Japanese than those titles are in English. "-san" should definitely be used for anyone who is not a casual friend or close family member.
-chan = "-chan" is usually used by girls and women, or sometimes young boys. It's used to denote love or affection, either to close female friends or to something cute and little, like an animal or a baby. The only time a man might use "-chan" is to show affection towards a younger girl. "-chan" can also be used to make cute "nick-names" for very close friends, but it shouldn't be used for anything but very casual situations.
-kun = -"-kun" is used to show affection to a close male friend or a younger boy(similar to "-chan" for a girl.) But it can also be used for someone(either male or female), of a lower rank or social status. And like "-san" it's used for both first and last names.
-sama = "-sama" is a more polite form of "-san." It's used to show great respect, usually to someone of higher rank.

Politeness Levels

"You" and "I"

Honorifics are only one way to imply relationships in Japanese. There are many ways to say "you" and "I" in Japanese and, like the honorifics, each way implies a different level of speech even though they all mean the same thing. Here are a few examples of the different forms of "you" and "I."
I
Watakushi = very formal
Watashi = formal
Atashi = female speaker only(informal)
Boku = male speaker only(informal)

Ore = male speaker only(very informal)

You
Note: In Japanese, it's more polite to say the person's name or title instead of saying "you"
Anata = polite
Anta = a little less polite than "anata"
Kimi = casual(used for someone lower than you, or an informal equal)
Omae = very informal(unless it's used for very casual situations, it could be considered impolite)
Temee = impolite(you might as well say "Watch it, you're pi$$ing me off right now!")

Kisama = very impolite(you might as well say "I hate your guts and I may be about to kick your a$$!")

Just so you know, there are certain words and levels of speech that only men use, and would be inappropriate for women to use. Constant use of "ore," "omae," "temee," plain forms of verbs, no honorifics, etc., is "yakuza"(gangster) speech. You'll usually hear "tough" hot-tempered guys talk like this - nearly all guys in shounen anime and manga use "yakuza." However, it's extremely inappropriate for women to use this speech - in fact, it's usually inappropriate for women to use anything below "atashi" to refer to themselves, or "anta" to refer to others. When in doubt, just refer to yourself as "watashi," people you don't know as "anata," and use "keigo." With that, you should be fine. Just don't go around talking like Naruto or Inuyasha unless you want to get glares or a punch in the face XD

The "-masu" Form

As I discussed in the previous part of this guide, there are many different congugations of Japanese verbs, but the basic present/future tense form is the Dictionary form. The "-masu" form has the same present/future tense meaning as the Dictionary form, but while the use of the Dictionary form creates a casual level of speech, use of the "-masu" form creates a normal-polite level. The "-masu" form is attached to Conjunctive base of a verb and can congugate into five basic congugations. I've listed these congugations below and compared them to the Dictionary form of the same verb. The Dictionary form is in plain text, the "-masu" form is in italics.

Verb = aruku - walk

walk = aruku, arukimasu

doesn't walk = arukanai, arukimasen

walked = aruita, arukimashita

didn't walk = arukanakatta, arukimasen deshita

let's walk = arukou, arukimashou

Sample Sentences

To give you a better idea of the different politeness levels of Japanese speech, I've listed sample sentences below; first in English and then different ways of saying the same sentence in Japanese.
Note: The word for "you" can be eliminated in the Japanese sentences if it's already understood. Of course, whichever form of "you" that's used also affects the speech level of the sentence.
Eng.: What are you doing?

Jap. sonkeigo: Nani o nasaimasu ka?
Jap. keigo: Anata wa nani o shimasu ka?
Jap. casual: Anta wa nani o suru ka?
Jap. yakuza: Nani o shiyagare, temee?

Eng.: I'll wait for you at school.
Jap. kenjougo: Gakkou de o-machi-itashimasu
Jap. keigo: Gakkou de matte imasu
Jap. casual: Gakkou de matte iru

IV. Particles and Basic Grammar

Now that you know a little about the Japanese writing system, verbs, adjectives, and some nouns, let's start learning about actual sentences! ^_^

Desu/Da

Before I start explaining particles, I think I should first talk about the Japanese word "desu" and its informal equivalent "da." Anyone at least a little familiar with Japanese has probably heard "desu." It's usually called the "to be" verb, but there isn't really an exact English translation for it. It usually occurs at the end of the sentence and makes it a complete statement. Like verbs and adjectives, "desu" and "da" conjugate:

Present: Watashi wa bengoshi desu/da.
I am a lawyer.

Past: Watashi wa bengoshi deshita/datta.
I was a lawyer.

Negative Present: Watashi wa bengoshi de wa arimasen/de wa nai.
I am not a lawyer.
*("ja" could be used instead of "de wa")

Negative Past: Watashi wa bengoshi de wa arimasen deshita/de wa nakatta.
I was not a lawyer.
*("ja" could be used instead of "de wa")

"Desu" could also follow adjectives, or verbs in their plain form. This raises the level of speech to normal-polite.

Watashi wa anime ga suki.
I like anime.(informal)

Watashi wa anime ga suki desu.
I like anime.(normal-polite)

There's a lot more to say about "desu," but learning when to use it isn't really that hard once you get familiar with Japanese. The particles coming up are a lot more difficult...

Particles

Particles in Japanese sentences are what connects nouns, verbs, and adjectives together. They're what make up the grammar of Japanese and are a very important part of the language. But unfortunately, they're also very difficult for most foreigners to master. Despite the fact that all particles are written in hiragana and not kanji, it's very easy to get them mixed up. So first I'm going to talk about some of the basic Japanese particles, and also give examples of each. And again, since this guide is just an introduction to Japanese, I don't discuss every single particle there is, just the most common ones that will help you make simple sentences.

wa: "wa" is the particle that marks the topic of the sentence. Although it's usually translated as "is," it more specifically means "as for..." It introduces what the sentence is going to be about. Although it's pronounced "wa," when used as a particle, it's written with the hiragana symbol for "ha."

Example: Hiroshi-san wa gakusei desu.
Hiroshi is a student
As for Hiroshi, he's a student.

It's not always necessary to say what the topic is if it's already understood. For example, if someone asks you what you're doing today, you could say "eiga ni ikimasu"(I'm going to the movies.) Since it's already understood that you are the topic of the sentence, you don't have to say "watashi wa..."(I am...)

ga: While "wa" marks the topic of the sentence, "ga" marks the subject of the sentence. It's pretty easy to get these two mixed up so let's look at an example.

Example: Keiko-san wa sushi ga suki desu.
Keiko likes sushi.

First the topic, "Keiko-san," followed by "wa," is introduced. This indicates that what follows is going to be concerning Keiko. Then the subject, "sushi," marked by "ga" indicates what the verb or adjective is acting upon. In this case, the adjective "suki"(likable) is describing where the topic(Keiko) stands as far as the subject(sushi) is concerned. Translated very literally, this sentence would mean "As for Keiko, sushi is likable." And again, if "Keiko" is already understood as the topic under discussion, you don't have to keep saying "Keiko-san wa..." over and over.

ni: "ni" is the indirect action particle; it indicates direction towards which the verb is heading. It comes before a "movement" verb, such as "iku"(to go) and "kuru"(to come), and after the destination to which these verbs are headed. It usually translates as "to."

Example: Yamamoto-san wa chuugoku ni ikimashita.
Yamamoto went to China.

The verb "ikimashita," the -masu form past tense of "iku"(to go), is a movement verb. So "ni" following "chuugoku"(China) indicates that it's the place of destination for the verb.
In some cases, when describing location, "ni" can also mean "in" or "on."

Example: Teburu no ue ni shinbun ga arimasu.
There's a newspaper on the table.
*"teburu no ue"(top of the table), "shinbun"(newspaper), "arimasu" is the -masu form of "aru"(to be/exist)

e: When "ni" is used with the verb "iku"(to go) to indicate direction, it is usually interchangeable with "e." For example, in the sentence pattern "(place) ni iku(to go)," "e" could replace "ni." Although it's pronounced "e," when used as a particle, it's written with the hiragana symbol for "he."

de: While "ni" indicates direction towards a place or person, "de" indicates where the action verb is taking place. Just be careful not to get it mixed up with the TE-form of "desu/da" which is also "de." The particle "de" usually translates as "at."

Example: (Watashi wa) toshokan de machimasu.
I will wait at the library.

"Machimasu," the -masu form of "matsu"(to wait), is the verb. "de" follows "toshokan"(library) indicating that it's the place where the action of waiting is or will take place. So "ni" indicates where a verb is headed; "de" indicates where a verb's action is taking place.
"de" also has another meaning. It could also mean "by" or "by means of..." In this case, it describes how the verb was accomplished.

Example: (Watashi wa) basu de paatii ni kimashita.
I came to the party by bus.
*"kimashita" is the -masu past tense of "kuru"(to come)

o: "o" is the direct object indicater. It comes before an action verb and after the thing to which the action is being done. Although it's usually pronounced "o," when used as a particle, it's written with the hiragana symbol for "wo."

Example: Takeshi-san wa resutoran de piza o tabeta.
Takeshi ate pizza at a restaurant.

"Tabeta" is the plain paste tense of "taberu"(to eat.) Eating is the action, so the direct object which has the action being done to it is the food "piza"(pizza.) Here's one more example:

Example: Hon o yonda.
I read a book.

Again "yonda," the plain past tense of "yomu"(to read) is the action, and "hon"(book) is the direct object that this action is acting upon.

to: One meaning for "to" is "and" when talking about more than one noun.

Example: Watashi to Akira-san wa daigakusei desu.
Akira and I are college students.
*"daigakusei"(college student)

"to" can only be used to list nouns. It cannont be used for verbs and adjectives. For example, you could not use it to say "he's nice and handsome" or "he went to school and a friend's house." For these, you would have to use the TE-form of the verbs and adjectives.
"to" can also mean "with."

Example: Watashi wa tomodachi to shukudai o shita.
I did homework with my friend.
*"tomodachi"(friend), "shukudai"(homework), "shita" is the past tense of "suru"(to do)

And "to" is also automatically used with certain verbs, like "omou"(think) and "iu"(say)

Example: Nihon wa kirei na kuni da to omoimasu.
I think Japan is a pretty country.

"Nihon wa kirei na kuni desu." means "Japan is a pretty country." "to omoimasu" at the end of a sentence means "I think..." Usually when other verbs come after "desu" or a verb in its -masu form, as in this sentence and the following one, all verbs but the last are changed to their plain form.

Example: Asako-san wa gakkou ni iku to iimashita.
Asako said she will go to school.

no: "no" is the possession particle. It acts a lot like the " apostrophe 's'" in English. It comes before the noun that is in possession, and after the noun that is the "possessor."

Example: Sore wa Saki-san no kuruma desu.
That's Saki's car.
*"kuruma"(car)

"no" can also mean "of" or "from" when describing how one noun relates to another.

Example: Kono uta wa Nihon no uta desu.
This is a Japanese song.
This is a song from Japan.
*"uta"(song)

Example: Kore wa suugaku no hon desu.
This is a math book.
This is a book for math.
*"suugaku"(math)

kara: "kara" usually translates as "from" in terms of "where." It indicates where something comes from or a place or point in time where something starts.

Example: Watashi wa Amerika kara kimashita.
I came from America.

Example: Koko kara ikimashou.
Let's go from here.
*"koko"(here), "ikimashou"(let's go); volitional -masu form of "iku"

"kara" can also mean "from" in terms of giving and receiving. In this case, it's sometimes interchangable with "ni."

Example: Ane kara/ni rajio o moraimashita.
I received a radio from my older sister.
*"ane"(older sister), "moraimashita" - from "morau"(to receive)

made: While "kara" means "from" a certain place, person, or time, "made" means "until" a certain place, person, or time. It indicates where or up until what point the subject's action stops. It's usually used in sentences along with "kara."

Example: Gakkou kara uchi made arukimashita.
I walked from school to my house.
*"uchi"(house), "arukimashita" - from "aruku"(to walk)

Example: Watashi no shigoto wa kuji kara rokuji made desu.
My work is from 9 until 6.
*"shigoto"(work, job), "kuji"(9 'o clock), "rokuji"(6 'o clock)

ka: "ka" is the quesion particle. It pretty much acts like a question mark in English. However there's no need to change the original sentence like in English - just putting "ka" at the end makes it a question.

Example: Kinou terebi o mimashita ka.
Did you watch TV yesterday?
*"kinou"(yesterday), "mimashita" - from "miru"(to see or watch)

Taking the "ka" away simply changes the sentence to a statement, "kinou terebi o mimashita"(I/he/she watched TV yesterday.)

Well, I think that about covers the most common and important particles. If you've studied this page as well as the previous pages of this guide, you should know enough Japanese to be able to make your own simple sentences ^_^ Here are some more sentences to help reinforce the grammar and vocabulary I've discussed.
1) Pen de tegami o kakimashita.
I wrote the letter with a pen.
2) Watashi wa inu ga imasu.
I have a dog.
3) Watashi wa tokyo daigaku no gakusei desu.
I am a Tokyo University student.
4) Kinou tomodachi to eiga ni ikimashita.
Yesterday I went to the movies with my friend.
5) Watashi wa kanada ni sunde imasu.
I live in Canada.
6) Nanji desu ka.
What time is it?
7) Ashita no paatii ni dare ga kimasu ka.
Who's coming to tomorrow's party?
8) Watashi no chichi wa isha desu.
My father is a doctor.
9) Mainichi nihongo no benkyou o shimasu.
I study Japanese everyday.
10) Watashi wa manga ga daisuki desu.
I like manga a lot.
11) Ima nani o shite imasu ka.
What are you doing now?
12) Sushi o tabetai desu.
I want to eat sushi.
13) Atarashii kuruma ga hoshii desu.
I want a new car.
14) Hachiji kara goji made nemashita.
I slept from 8 til 5.
15) Watashi no ie wa ao desu.
My house is blue.
16) Ashita toshokan de aimashou ka.
Shall we meet at the library tomorrow?
17) Doshite nihongo o naratte imasu ka.
Why are you learning Japanese?
18) Sono hon wa omoshirokatta desu.
That book was interesting.
19) Natsu yasumi wa nani o shimasu ka.
What are doing on summer vacation?
20) Umi wa dou deshita ka.
How was the beach?

V. Other Important Aspects of Japanese

I'm going to use this page as an "odds and ends" section where I'll cover random, miscellaneous aspects of the Japanese language that don't fit into the other pages. I plan to keep adding more to this page as I think of things to add and as my Japanese skills improve ^.^ So keep checking back!

Other common words

Here are examples of other common and fairly simple words in Japanese that can help you start building up your grammar abilities.

dake: only, just

Example: Neko dake desu.
It's just a cat.

deshou/darou: probably ("darou" is the informal form of "deshou")

Example: Kyou ame ga furu darou.
It'll probably rain today.

Example: Ano hon ga suki deshou.
He probably likes that book.

Though "deshou" and "darou" usually mean "probably," they don't always translate as that. They're basically used instead of "desu" or "da" at the end of a sentence in order to show the speaker's conjecture or supposition about something, without making a flat-out statement.

hou ga ii (desu/da): had better, should, better to

Example: Ashita yasunda hou ga ii desu.
You should take off tomorrow.

Example: Heya wa shizuka na hou ga ii to omoimasu.
I think it would be better if the room was quiet.

no ni: although, despite, even though

Example: Yoku benkyou shita no ni, tesuto wa dame ni narimashita.
Although he studied a lot, the test turned out bad.

mitai: looks like

Example: Kare wa tsukareta mitai desu.
He looks tired.

sou (desu/da): I hear/heard that, looks like

Example: Taro-san wa raishuu amerika ni iku sou desu.
I heard Taro is going to America next week.

Example: Kono asagohan wa oishisou!.
This breakfast looks delicous.

The plain form of a verb plus "sou desu/da" means "I hear/heard that". It's usually used to report hearsay. The stem of an adjective plus "sou desu/da" means something "looks" a certain way, indicating the speaker isn't sure about it.

toki: when, time when

Example: Kanashii toki, ongaku o kikimasu.
When I'm sad, I listen to music.

Example: Tomodachi no ie ni kuru toki, itsumo biiru o mottekimasu.
When I go to my friend's house, I always bring beer.

Counters

Unlike English, where we count all things the same way (three books, three people, three birds, three houses...), Japanese uses different counters depending on the subject being counted. Usually the general numbers (ichi, ni, san, etc.,) are used, but they're combined with different endings. There are a ton of different counters, but here are concise examples of some of the most common ones.
People (-nin)
hitori: one
futari: two
sannin: three
shichinin: seven
juunin: ten
Books (-satsu)
issatsu: one
nisatsu: two
sansatsu: three
nanasatsu: seven
juussatsu: ten
Flat objects (-mai)
ex: cards, shirts, paper
ichimai: one
nimai: two
sanmai: three
nanamai: seven
juumai: ten
Long, slender objects (-hon, bon, pon)
ex. bottles, pens, trees
ippon: one
nihon: two
sanbon: three
nanahon: seven
juppon: ten
Small animals (-hiki, piki, biki)
ex. cats, dogs, mice
ippiki: one
nihiki: two
sanbiki: three
nanahiki: seven
juuppiki: ten
Seconds (-fun, pun)
ippun: one
nifun: two
sanpun: three
nanafun: seven
juuppun: ten

General counter
This one can be used for a variety of objects that don't fit into other categories and it's usually acceptable to use for most small to normal sized objects. It's irregular compared to most of the others though. After ten, counting is reverted back to using just the regular numbers.
hitotsu: one
futatsu: two
mittsu: three
yottsu: four
itsutsu: five
muttsu: six
nanatsu: seven
yattsu: eight
kokonotsu: nine
tou: ten

Demonstrative forms

In Japanese, words to describe relative distance such as "this" and "that" can take on three different forms. These forms that indicate position are as follows:
Ko-: This one refers to something near or in the immediate area of the speaker.

Example: Kore wa watashi no hon desu.
This is my book.

Example: Kono hon wa watashi no desu.
This book is mine.

Example: Kinou koko ni kimashita.
I came here yesterday.

Example: Kochira e kite kudasai.
Please come this way.

So-: This one refers to something near or in the immediate area of the person being spoken to. It could also refer to something not near the speaker, but not very far away either.

Example: Sore wa watashi no kuruma desu.
That (near you) is my car.

Example: Sono kuruma wa watashi no desu.
That car is mine.

Example: Soko ni ite mo ii desu ka.
Is it okay for you to be there.

Example: Sochira wa watashi no haha desu.
That person (near you) is my mother.

A-: This one refers to something farther away, that's neither near the speaker nor the person being spoken to.

Example: Are wa nan desu ka.
What's that (way over there)?

Example: Ano hikouki wa totemo hayakatta desu.
That plane was very fast.

Example: Asoko de asobimashou.
Let's play over there.

Example: Achira no hito wa yasashii desu.
That person over there is really nice.

(http://www.animeyume.com/site_features/liljapaneseguide.html)