Top 180 Japanese Words and Phrases in Japanese Dramas

In this section, we provide a list of 180 popular Japanese words and expressions that are commonly used in Japanese dramas. These words cover various categories such as greetings, emotions, family, everyday life, activities, places, food, time, numbers, colors, feelings, workplace, romantic phrases, and more. 

Whether you are a Japanese drama enthusiast or a language learner, mastering these words will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture. This comprehensive list will serve as a valuable reference for anyone interested in Japanese dramas.

people walking on street ⓒ Keisuke Higashio, Unsplash

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Greetings and Farewells

This subsection focuses on essential Japanese greetings and farewell phrases commonly used in Japanese dramas. Mastering these phrases is crucial for building polite and respectful communication. Whether you're meeting someone new or saying goodbye, using these greetings correctly will leave a positive impression and show respect for Japanese culture and customs.

• Hello - こんにちは (Konnichiwa)

• Goodbye - さようなら (Sayōnara)

• See you later - じゃあね (Jaa ne)

• See you again - またね (Mata ne)

• Welcome - ようこそ (Yōkoso)

• Excuse me - すみません (Sumimasen)

• I'm sorry - ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai)

• Thank you - ありがとう (Arigatou)

• You're welcome - どういたしまして (Dōitashimashite)

• Please - お願いします (Onegaishimasu)

Expressions of Emotion

In this part, we delve into various Japanese expressions of emotion that frequently appear in Japanese dramas. Understanding these emotional words and phrases will help you connect with the characters' feelings and emotions, making your drama-watching experience more enjoyable and immersive.

• Happy - 幸せ (Shiawase)

• Sad - 悲しい (Kanashii)

• Angry - 怒っている (Okotte iru)

• Excited - ワクワクしている (Wakuwaku shite iru)

• Scared - 怖い (Kowai)

• Surprised - 驚いた (Odoroita)

• Love - 愛 (Ai)

• Hate - 嫌い (Kirai)

• Hope - 希望 (Kibou)

• Regret - 後悔 (Koukai)

 

Family and Relationships

This section introduces Japanese words related to family members and relationships commonly portrayed in Japanese dramas. Understanding these family terms will help you follow the dynamics between characters and the cultural significance of family in Japanese society.

• Mother - 母 (Haha)

• Father - 父 (Chichi)

• Sister - 姉/妹 (Ane/Imouto)

• Brother - 兄/弟 (Ani/Otōto)

• Friend - 友達 (Tomodachi)

• Boyfriend - 彼氏 (Kareshi)

• Girlfriend - 彼女 (Kanojo)

• Husband - 夫 (Otto)

• Wife - 妻 (Tsuma)

• Love - 恋 (Koi)

 

Everyday Life

The subsection covers Japanese words related to everyday life activities and routines. Whether it's talking about today's plans, describing actions, or discussing daily occurrences, these words are crucial for engaging in everyday conversations like those often seen in Japanese dramas.

• Yes - はい (Hai)

• No - いいえ (Iie)

• Maybe - たぶん (Tabun)

• Today - 今日 (Kyou)

• Tomorrow - 明日 (Ashita)

• Yesterday - 昨日 (Kinou)

• Now - 今 (Ima)

• Later - 後で (Ato de)

• Always - いつも (Itsumo)

• Never - 決して (Kesshite)

 

Activities

Here, we explore Japanese verbs related to different activities, such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and more. These verbs play a vital role in describing character actions and behaviors in Japanese dramas.

• Eat - 食べる (Taberu)

• Drink - 飲む (Nomu)

• Sleep - 寝る (Neru)

• Walk - 歩く (Aruku)

• Run - 走る (Hashiru)

• Talk - 話す (Hanasu)

• Listen - 聞く (Kiku)

• Read - 読む (Yomu)

• Write - 書く (Kaku)

• Watch - 見る (Miru)

 

Places

This part introduces various Japanese words related to places commonly featured in Japanese dramas, such as homes, schools, restaurants, and more. Understanding these words will enhance your comprehension of the drama's settings and locations.

• Home - 家 (Ie)

• School - 学校 (Gakkou)

• Office - オフィス (Ofisu)

• Hospital - 病院 (Byouin)

• Park - 公園 (Kouen)

• Restaurant - レストラン (Resutoran)

• Cafe - カフェ (Kafe)

• Train station - 駅 (Eki)

• Beach - 浜辺 (Hamabe)

• Mountain - 山 (Yama)

 

Food and Drinks

In this subsection, we present a list of Japanese words for various food and drinks, which are frequently featured in Japanese dramas. Understanding these terms will allow you to appreciate the culinary aspect of Japanese culture showcased in the dramas.

• Rice - ご飯 (Gohan)

• Sushi - 寿司 (Sushi)

• Ramen - ラーメン (Ramen)

• Noodles - 麺 (Men)

• Tea - お茶 (Ocha)

• Coffee - コーヒー (Kōhī)

• Water - 水 (Mizu)

• Juice - ジュース (Jūsu)

• Cake - ケーキ (Kēki)

• Ice cream - アイスクリーム (Aisu kurīmu)

 

Time

Here, we cover essential Japanese words related to time, such as hours, minutes, days, and more. These time-related words are commonly used in Japanese dramas to depict specific events and time frames.

• Hour - 時間 (Jikan)

• Minute - 分 (Fun)

• Second - 秒 (Byou)

• Day - 日 (Hi)

• Week - 週 (Shuu)

• Month - 月 (Tsuki)

• Year - 年 (Toshi)

• Morning - 朝 (Asa)

• Afternoon - 午後 (Gogo)

• Night - 夜 (Yoru)

 

Numbers

This section provides Japanese numbers from one to ten, which are fundamental for counting and quantifying in Japanese. Numbers are often used in dialogues and scenes in Japanese dramas, making them essential to understand.

• One - 一 (Ichi)

• Two - 二 (Ni)

• Three - 三 (San)

• Four - 四 (Yon)

• Five - 五 (Go)

• Six - 六 (Roku)

• Seven - 七 (Nana/Shichi)

• Eight - 八 (Hachi)

• Nine - 九 (Kyuu/Ku)

• Ten - 十 (Ju)

 

Colors

The subsection highlights Japanese color words that frequently appear in Japanese dramas. Describing colors is common in character descriptions and setting depictions, making these words crucial for fully grasping the drama's visuals.

• Red - 赤 (Aka)

• Blue - 青 (Ao)

• Green - 緑 (Midori)

• Yellow - 黄色 (Kiiro)

• Orange - オレンジ (Orenji)

• Purple - 紫 (Murasaki)

• Pink - ピンク (Pinku)

• Black - 黒 (Kuro)

• White - 白 (Shiro)

• Gray - 灰色 (Haiiro)

 

Feelings

Here, we present Japanese words related to feelings and emotions frequently portrayed in Japanese dramas. Understanding these words will help you empathize with characters and comprehend the emotional depth of the drama's storyline.

• Joy - 喜び (Yorokobi)

• Anger - 怒り (Ikari)

• Sadness - 悲しみ (Kanashimi)

• Fear - 恐れ (Osore)

• Surprise - 驚き (Odoroki)

• Confusion - 混乱 (Konran)

• Nervousness - 緊張 (Kinchou)

• Peace - 平和 (Heiwa)

• Trust - 信頼 (Shinrai)

• Disappointment - 失望 (Shitsubou)

 

Emoticons (Commonly used in texting)

In this part, we explain commonly used Japanese emoticons and their meanings, often featured in texting and online communication. Emoticons add a fun and expressive element to conversations in Japanese dramas, making them worth learning.

• :) - 笑 (Warai)

• :( - 涙 (Namida)

• :D - 嬉 (Ureshii)

• :O - 驚 (Odoroki)

• ;) - ウィンク (Uinku)

• :P - べろ (Bero)

• <3 - ハート (Hāto)

• ^^ - ニコニコ (Nikoniko)

• ^^; - 照れる (Teresu)

• \o/ - 喜 (Yorokobi)

 

Romantic Phrases

This subsection covers romantic phrases and expressions commonly used in Japanese dramas to convey love and affection. Understanding these phrases will help you appreciate the romantic aspects of the drama's storyline.

• I love you - 好きです (Suki desu)

• I miss you - 会いたい (Aitai)

• I think about you - 君のことを考えてる (Kimi no koto o kangaeteru)

• You are beautiful - きれいです (Kirei desu)

• I adore you - あなたを崇拝しています (Anata o suuhai shiteimasu)

• I can't live without you - 君なしでは生きられない (Kimi nashi de wa ikirarenai)

• Will you marry me? - 結婚してくれますか？(Kekkon shite kuremasu ka?)

• You make me happy - あなたは私を幸せにします (Anata wa watashi o shiawase ni shimasu)

• You are my everything - あなたは私の全てです (Anata wa watashi no subete desu)

• I want to be with you forever - ずっと一緒にいたい (Zutto issho ni itai)

 

Workplace and Business Terms

Here, we introduce Japanese words related to the workplace and business environment, which are frequently portrayed in Japanese dramas. Understanding these terms will give you insights into the professional settings and interactions among characters.

• Boss - 上司 (Joushi)

• Colleague - 同僚 (Douryou)

• Meeting - 会議 (Kaigi)

• Deadline - 締め切り (Shimekiri)

• Report - レポート (Repōto)

• Project - プロジェクト (Purojekuto)

• Salary - 給料 (Kyuuryou)

• Promotion - 昇進 (Shoushin)

• Retirement - 退職 (Taishoku)

• Overtime - 残業 (Zangyou)

 

Apologies and Excuses

In this section, we present Japanese phrases used for apologies and excuses, which often appear in Japanese dramas during conflict or reconciliation scenes. Mastering these phrases will help you grasp the cultural significance of apologies in Japanese society.

 

• I'm sorry - ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai)

• Excuse me - すみません (Sumimasen)

• I apologize for the inconvenience - 不便をおかけして申し訳ありません (Fuben o okake shite moushiwake arimasen)

• It's my fault - 私のせいです (Watashi no sei desu)

• I didn't mean to - 意図していませんでした (Itoshite imasen deshita)

• Please forgive me - 許してください (Yurushite kudasai)

• Can you forgive me? - 許してくれますか？(Yurushite kuremasu ka?)

• I promise not to do it again もうしません、約束します (Moushimasen, yakusoku shimasu)

• I'll make it up to you - お詫びします (Owabi shimasu)

• That was my mistake - それは私の間違いです (Sore wa watashi no machigai desu)

 

Common Reactions and Interjections

This subsection explains common Japanese reactions and interjections that frequently appear in Japanese dramas. These expressions reflect characters' emotions and reactions to various situations, adding authenticity to the drama's dialogues.

• Wow! - すごい！(Sugoi!)

• Awesome! - 素晴らしい！(Subarashii!)

• Oh no! - ああ、だめ！(Aa, dame!)

• That's great! - それは素晴らしい！(Sore wa subarashii!)

• I see - 分かった (Wakatta)

• Oh, really? - へえ、本当に？(Hee, hontou ni?)

• I understand - わかりました (Wakarimashita)

• I don't know - わかりません (Wakarimasen)

• Are you serious? - 本気ですか？(Honki desu ka?)

• I can't believe it! - 信じられない！(Shinjirarenai!)

 

Directions

Here, we cover Japanese words and phrases related to giving and asking for directions, a common scenario in Japanese dramas. Understanding these words will enable you to follow characters' movements and interactions within the drama's setting.

 

• Right - 右 (Migi)

• Left - 左 (Hidari)

• Straight - まっすぐ (Massugu)

• Stop - 止まれ (Tomare)

• Go - 行け (Ike)

• Turn around - 振り向け (Furimuke)

• Where is...? - ...はどこですか？(... wa doko desu ka?)

• How far is...? - ...はどれくらい離れていますか？(... wa dore kurai hanareteimasu ka?)

• Excuse me, can you show me the way to...? すみません、...への行き方を教えていただけますか？(Sumimasen, ... e no ikikata o oshiete itadakemasu ka?)

• I'm lost - 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita)

 

Love Confessions and Relationships

In this final part, we explain Japanese phrases used for love confessions and expressing feelings in romantic relationships. These phrases often play pivotal roles in Japanese drama plots, adding depth to the character interactions and storylines.

• I like you - 好きです (Suki desu)

• Will you be my girlfriend? - 彼女になってくれませんか？(Kanojo ni natte kuremasen ka?)

• Will you be my boyfriend? - 彼氏になってくれませんか？(Kareshi ni natte kuremasen ka?)

• I have feelings for you - 君のことが好きです (Kimi no koto ga suki desu)

• You make me happy - あなたは私を幸せにします (Anata wa watashi o shiawase ni shimasu)

• I can't stop thinking about you - 君のことが頭から離れない (Kimi no koto ga atama kara hanarenai)

• I love you more than anything - あなたのことが何よりも大切です (Anata no koto ga nani yori mo taisetsu desu)

• I want to spend the rest of my life with you - あなたと一生を共にしたい (Anata to isshou o tomo ni shitai)

• You are my everything - あなたは私の全てです (Anata wa watashi no subete desu)

• I can't imagine my life without you - 君なしでは生きられない (Kimi nashi de wa ikirarenai)

Mt. Fuji viewed from Chureito Pagoda, Japan ⓒ Manuel Cosentino, Unsplash

By familiarizing yourself with these 180 Japanese words and expressions commonly seen in Japanese dramas, you'll be better equipped to enjoy and comprehend the rich cultural and linguistic aspects of these captivating shows. Keep exploring and learning to deepen your appreciation of Japanese language and culture!