- What Is Japanese Adverb Vocabulary?
- Essential Everyday Japanese Adverb Vocabulary
- Basic Japanese Adverbs for Beginners
- Bonus: Adverb to help you sound more natural
- Japanese Vocabulary List N5
- How to Start Learning Japanese Vocabulary with Adverbs
What Is Japanese Adverb Vocabulary?
Japanese adverb vocabulary refers to words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to convey time, manner, degree, or frequency. Adverbs are critical for expressing nuances and making your conversations sound more natural. Whether you're aiming for basic Japanese vocabulary list goals or moving toward fluency, mastering adverbs is a key step.
Essential Everyday Japanese Adverb Vocabulary
Here’s a list of commonly used adverbs that you’ll encounter in everyday Japanese vocabulary:
Japanese |
Romaji |
English Meaning |
---|---|---|
よく |
yoku |
often |
たいてい |
taitei |
usually |
ときどき |
tokidoki |
sometimes |
まったく |
mattaku |
completely |
すぐに |
sugu ni |
immediately |
ゆっくり |
yukkuri |
slowly |
はやく |
hayaku |
quickly |
いっしょうけんめい |
isshoukenmei |
with all one's might |
たぶん |
tabun |
probably |
ぜったいに |
zettai ni |
absolutely |
Example Sentence:
- 彼はたいていバスで学校へ行きます。
(He usually goes to school by bus.)
Basic Japanese Adverbs for Beginners
If you are creating a basic Japanese vocabulary list, these simple adverbs are a must:
Japanese |
Romaji |
English Meaning |
---|---|---|
とても |
totemo |
very |
あまり |
amari |
not much |
すこし |
sukoshi |
a little |
もっと |
motto |
more |
けっこう |
kekkou |
fairly |
ちゃんと |
chanto |
properly |
きっと |
kitto |
surely |
かなり |
kanari |
considerably |
ほとんど |
hotondo |
almost |
いろいろ |
iroiro |
variously |
Example Sentence:
- 宿題をちゃんとやりました。
(I did my homework properly.)
Bonus: Adverb to help you sound more natural
Adding some Japanese vocabulary like adverbs helps you build more natural sentences:
Japanese |
Romaji |
English Meaning |
---|---|---|
なんとか |
nantoka |
somehow |
ひとりで |
hitoride |
alone |
それから |
sorekara |
after that |
ずっと |
zutto |
continuously |
いきなり |
ikinari |
suddenly |
たしかに |
tashika ni |
certainly |
とうぜん |
touzen |
naturally |
ふつう |
futsuu |
normally |
さらに |
sarani |
furthermore |
そのうち |
sonouchi |
eventually |
Example Sentence:
- 彼女はいきなり泣き出しました。
(She suddenly started crying.)
Japanese Vocabulary List N5
If you’re preparing for the JLPT N5, focus on these adverbs from the Japanese vocabulary list N5:
Japanese |
Romaji |
English Meaning |
---|---|---|
よく |
yoku |
often |
たくさん |
takusan |
many, much |
ちょっと |
chotto |
a little |
いま |
ima |
now |
まだ |
mada |
still |
もう |
mou |
already |
ぜんぜん |
zenzen |
not at all |
すぐ |
sugu |
soon |
いつも |
itsumo |
always |
ときどき |
tokidoki |
sometimes |
Example Sentence:
- たくさん食べました。
(I ate a lot.)
How to Start Learning Japanese Vocabulary with Adverbs
If you're new and asking how to start learning Japanese vocabulary, begin with:
- Common Expressions: Master adverbs you hear daily.
- Simple Sentences: Create basic sentences using adverbs.
- Flashcards: Make flashcards dedicated to adverbs.
- Listening Practice: Watch Japanese shows and focus on adverbs.
- Gradual Expansion: Once you feel comfortable, add advanced adverbs.