Basic Verbs

18 phrases · Japanese with romanization, English and audio

  1. 行く

    Iku

    To go

    Usage

    The basic movement verb; point at your destination as you say it

  2. 来る

    Kuru

    To come

    Usage

    For asking someone to come over, or talking about arrivals

  3. 食べる

    Taberu

    To eat

    Usage

    The basic verb for anything to do with eating

  4. 飲む

    Nomu

    To drink

    Usage

    For ordering drinks and for taking medicine

  5. 買う

    Kau

    To buy

    Usage

    The basic verb for shopping

  6. 見る

    Miru

    To see

    Usage

    For sightseeing and for asking to look at goods

  7. 待つ

    Matsu

    To wait

    Usage

    For meeting up and for queueing

  8. 行きたいです

    Ikitai desu

    I want to go

    Usage

    State where you are heading; add a place name and it works in a taxi

  9. 食べたいです

    Tabetai desu

    I want to eat

    Usage

    Say what you would like to eat; follow it with the dish name

  10. これがほしいです

    Kore ga hoshii desu

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at what you want; works for both shopping and ordering

  11. 要りません

    Irimasen

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Declining a bag, a straw, or a sales pitch

  12. 探しています

    Sagashite imasu

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say it and then name the place or item you are looking for

  13. 持っています

    Motte imasu

    I have it

    Usage

    Tell someone you already have the booking, ticket, or cash

  14. 持っていません

    Motte imasen

    I don't have it

    Usage

    Say you have no cash, no change, or no ticket

  15. お金を下ろします

    Okane wo oroshimasu

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When you are looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash

  16. 予約します

    Yoyaku shimasu

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    To say you want to book a table, a room, or a tour

  17. 手伝ってください

    Tetsudatte kudasai

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For asking help with a concrete task — bags, a machine, a form

  18. 教えてください

    Oshiete kudasai

    Please tell me

    Usage

    For asking someone to tell you the way, the time, or how to do something

More Japanese phrases

Browse all TravelPhrases languages