Nouns tell you “who” or “what ” and adverbs tell you “how,” but it’s the verb that tells you what’s happening. Japanese verbs are the key to creating complete sentences. Having a wealth of options at your disposal will broaden both your vocabulary and the topics you can comfortably discuss.
Put your language skills into action with more than 100 new verbs in Japanese! This guide will prepare you for talking about hobbies, chores, travel, and more with action verbs and grammar tips for using them. For extra practice, join one of Rosetta Stone’s Live Lessons for real-time instruction from a Japanese language expert. Learn about topics of your choice while reinforcing your comprehension and expanding your cultural knowledge.
Table of Contents
How to use Japanese verbs
The first thing to remember about using Japanese verbs is that they go at the end of a clause or sentence rather than in the middle due to Japanese following a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order. In some cases, the subject, object, and other parts of the sentence can all be omitted, which results in verbs being a complete sentence all on their own! While every Japanese part of speech is important, verbs are particularly essential.
In writing, all verbs in Japanese include hiragana (平仮名) to some extent, most use kanji (漢字), and a few use katakana (片仮名). Regardless of how the front half of the verb is written, the last character is always in hiragana. The type of verb—and thus its verb conjugation—is determined by this character.
There are three categories of verbs in Japanese: ichidan (一段) verbs, godan (五段) verbs, and irregular verbs. The verbs for “to do” (suru, する) and “to come” (kuru, 来る) are the only verbs in the irregular category, meaning the vast majority belong to the first two groups.
What does ichidan verb mean?
The last character of Japanese ichidan verbs is always ru (る). They are also sometimes called Group 2 or ru-verbs.
To conjugate ichidan verbs, the ru at the end of the word is dropped and then the conjugation ending is added. Because of this, the character before ru remains consistent through all conjugations. This is where the term ichidan comes from: It’ is made of the kanji for “one” (一) and “stage” (段) due to the fact that only one vowel in any given word comes before the conjugation.
What does godan verb mean?
The last character of Japanese godan verbs can be any character that ends in an “u” sound, sometimes including ru. They are also sometimes called Group 1 or u-verbs.
The kanji that make up godan mean “five” (五) and “stage” (段). This is because, once conjugated, the sound before the conjugation ending can be any of the five vowels: a, i, u, e, or o. Unlike ichidan verbs, their conjugation always results in the last character being changed rather than dropped.
What are Japanese suru verbs?
By attaching the Japanese verb for “to do” to certain nouns, a new subset of verbs called suru verbs is created. These verbs literally mean “to do [noun].” This makes them extremely versatile and you’ will see them throughout this guide identified as an “irregular” verb type.
| Noun | Verb | Suru Verb |
| gēmu (ゲーム) = video game | suru (する) = to do | gēmu suru (ゲームする) = to play video games |
| kekkon (結婚) = marriage | suru (する) = to do | kekkon suru (結婚する) = to get married |
| shūri (修理) = repair | suru (する) = to do | shūri suru (修理する) = to repair |
What are Japanese compound verbs?
Japanese compound verbs are made of two different verbs to create one new one. Usually, this is done by conjugating the first verb into its verb stem (meaning the part of the word that goes before the ender in the masu-form conjugation) and attaching the second verb to the end.
| First Verb | Second Verb | Compound Verb |
| osu (押す) = to push | akeru (開ける) = to open | oshiakeru (押し開ける）= to push open |
| hazureru (外れる) = to be disconnected | ochiru (落ちる) = to fall | hazureochiru (外れ落ちる) = to fall off |
| naku (泣く) = to cry | sakebu (叫ぶ) = to scream | nakisakebu (泣き叫ぶ) = to bawl |
There are over 2,000 compound verbs used in modern Japanese, so learning a few will help add nuance to your vocabulary.
Japanese verbs about thoughts and feelings
Expressing yourself in words is just as important as expressing yourself with feelings. Do both at the same time with these verbs!
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 笑う | warau | godan | to smile; to laugh |
| 泣く | naku | godan | to cry |
| 照れる | tereru | ichidan | to be shy; to be embarrassed |
| 告白する | kokuhaku suru | irregular | to confess |
| 愛する | ai suru | irregular | to love |
| キスする | kisu suru | irregular | to kiss |
| 抱く | daku | godan | to hug; to embrace |
| 分かる | wakaru | godan | to understand |
| 知る | shiru | godan | to know |
| 思う | omou | godan | to think |
Did you know? The character 笑, used in the word for “to laugh,” is one of the Japanese ways of saying the internet slang “lol.” It can also appear as a simple “w” for the first letter of “warai,” the noun version of “warau.”
Japanese verbs about hobbies
When trying to find things in common with others, hobbies are a great place to start. Tell new friends what you like (or don’t like!) to do in Japanese to get in some great language practice.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 読む | yomu | godan | to read |
| 書く | kaku | godan | to write |
| 見る | miru | ichidan | to see |
| 作る | tsukuru | godan | to make |
| 遊ぶ | asobu | godan | to play; to hang out |
| 出かける | dekakeru | ichidan | to go out |
| 演じる | enjiru | ichidan | to perform; to act |
| 歌う | utau | godan | to sing |
| 弾く | hiku | godan | to play (a string instrument) |
| 吹く | fuku | godan | to play (a wind instrument) |
| 編む | amu | godan | to knit |
| 縫う | nuu | godan | to sew |
| 描く | egaku/kaku | godan | to draw/to paint |
| 集める | atsumeru | ichidan | to collect |
| 写真を撮る | shashin o toru | godan | to take pictures |
To say you like something, add the verb to the phrase ~no ga suki desu (～のが好きです). For an activity you dislike, use ~no ga kirai desu (～のが嫌いです) instead. Keep in mind that the latter can come off strongly!
- Kurarinetto o fuku no ga suki desu.（クラリネットを吹くのが好きです。） = I like playing the clarinet.
- Horā eiga o miru no ga kirai desu.（ホラー映画を見るのが嫌いです。）= I hate watching horror movies.
Japanese verbs about work and school
Want to tell someone you’re studying Japanese? With these verbs, you can tell them all about your language learning adventure and how it isn’t as hard to learn Japanese as you had thought.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 買う | kau | godan | to buy |
| 売る | uru | godan | to sell |
| 電話する | denwa suru | irregular | to call (on the phone) |
| 勉強する | benkyо̄ suru | irregular | to study |
| 練習する | renshū suru | irregular | to practice |
| 習う | narau | godan | to learn |
| 答える | kotaeru | ichidan | to answer |
| 覚える | oboeru | ichidan | to memorize |
| 説明する | setsumei suru | irregular | to explain |
| 教える | oshieru | ichidan | to teach |
| 翻訳する | honyaku suru | irregular | to translate |
| 通訳する | tsūyaku suru | irregular | to interpret |
| 働く | hataraku | godan | to work (at) |
| 勤める | tsutomeru | ichidan | to work (for) |
| 雇う | yatou | godan | to hire |
The difference between the verbs hataraku and tsutomeru is about the kind of work being done. Hataraku is a more general verb for “to work” regardless of the job, whether it’s part-time or full-time, freelance or salaried. Tsutomeru is more formal and is used when speaking about someone’s role as a part of the company, specifically for talking about employment rather than labor. It’s also important to remember that hataraku uses the Japanese particle de (で) after the company or business, while tsutomeru uses the particle ni (に).
- Getsuyōbi kara kinyōbi made makkudonarudo de hatarakimasu.（月曜日から金曜日までマックドナルドで働きます。）= I work at McDonald’s on Monday through Friday.
- Kikai gishi to shite mitsubishi jūkōgyō ni tsutometeimasu.（機械技師として三菱重工業に勤めています。）= I work for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a mechanical engineer.
Fun fact: Kanji means “Chinese characters,” but some kanji were made in Japan rather than being introduced from China, known as kokuji (国字). The kanji used for “to work” (働く) is one such example, combining the elements meaning “person” and “move” to create “work.”
Japanese verbs about getting ready for the day and for bed
Did you wake up early today? Or did you go to bed late last night? The Japanese verbs in this chart will give you the tools you need to talk about the beginning and end of your day.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 起きる | okiru | ichidan | to wake up |
| 寝る | neru | ichidan | to sleep |
| 着る | kiru | ichidan | to wear; to put on (above the waist) |
| 被る | kaburu | godan | to wear; to put on (a hat) |
| 履く | haku | godan | to wear; to put on (below the waist) |
| 脱ぐ | nugu | godan | to take off |
| 歯を磨く | ha o migaku | godan | to brush teeth |
| 髪をとかす | kami o tokasu | godan | to brush hair |
| シャワーを浴びる | shawā o abiru | ichidan | to take a shower |
| お風呂に入る | ofurо̄ ni hairu | godan | to take a bath |
Choosing between the three verbs for “to wear” and “to put on” is dependent on the article of clothing. Clothes like shirts and dresses use kiru; pants, skirts, and shoes use haku; and hats use kaburu.
- Kenta wa aoi shatsu o kite jīnzu o haiteimasu. Bōshi mo kabutteimasu.（健太は青いシャツを着てジーンズを履いています。帽子も被っています。）= Kenta is wearing a blue shirt and jeans. He’s also wearing a hat.
Japanese verbs about food and dining
There are so many different ways to enjoy Japanese food, and there are just as many ways to talk about it. Feel confident ordering food in Japanese with these verbs.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 食べる | taberu | ichidan | to eat |
| 飲む | nomu | godan | to drink |
| お腹がすく | onaka ga suku | godan | to be hungry |
| のどが渇く | nodo ga kawaku | godan | to be thirsty |
| 酔っ払う | yopparau | godan | to get drunk |
| 料理する | ryо̄ri suru | irregular | to cook |
| 焼ける | yakeru | ichidan | to bake |
| 進める | susumeru | ichidan | to recommend |
| 注文する | chūmon suru | irregular | to order |
| 払う | harau | godan | to pay |
Another way to express hunger is to say “onaka ga peko peko” (お腹がぺこぺこ). This is a more casual phrase that falls into the category of reduplicative words that work as Japanese onomatopoeia. Repeating the same sounds creates a lot of cute Japanese words to express all kinds of feelings and conditions!
Japanese verbs about physical activities and sports
These verbs for moving around are no sweat. Whether you’re walking to school or winning a big game, all of these words will come in handy.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 走る | hashiru | godan | to run |
| 歩く | aruku | godan | to walk |
| 泳ぐ | oyogu | godan | to swim |
| 行く | iku | godan | to go |
| 踊る | odoru | godan | to dance |
| 運動する | undо̄ suru | irregular | to exercise |
| やる | yaru | godan | to do; to play |
| 勝つ | katsu | godan | to win |
| 負ける | makeru | ichidan | to lose |
| 引き分ける | hikiwakeru | ichidan | to tie |
Playing specific sports uses the verbs for “to do” (suru or yaru) rather than a separate word for “to play.” Yaru is only for physical activities (while suru can be used for activities like video games), and it can have a stronger, more forceful tone.
- Musuko wa sakkā o shimasu.（息子はサッカーをします。） = My son plays (literally: does) soccer.
- Doyōbi ni tenisu o yarō!（土曜日にテニスをやろう！）= Let’s play tennis on Saturday!
Japanese verbs about chores and the home
The words in this chart may be for talking about chores, but learning them isn’t one. To help remember these verbs, try using them while you sweep (haku) the floors and wash (arau) your hands.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 洗濯する | sentaku suru | irregular | to do laundry |
| 掃除する | sо̄ji suru | irregular | to clean |
| 捨てる | suteru | ichidan | to throw away |
| アイロンをかける | airon o kakeru | ichidan | to iron |
| 洗う | arau | godan | to wash |
| 拭く | fuku | godan | to wipe |
| 乾かす | kawakasu | godan | to dry |
| 片づける | katazukeru | ichidan | to tidy up |
| 整理する | seiri suru | irregular | to organize |
| 掃く | haku | godan | to sweep |
The verb for “to iron” actually consists of a noun—airon (iron)—and the verb kakeru. Rather than having one specific use, kakeru has dozens of definitions depending on the context. Generally speaking, “to apply” is close. An iron is applied to cloth “to iron,” you apply glasses to your face “to put on glasses” (megane o kakeru, めがねをかける), and so on.
Japanese verbs about travel
Getting ready for a trip to Japan? Make sure you have some basic Japanese words and phrases in your pocket, and use these verbs to create complete sentences of your own.
| Japanese | Romanization | Verb Type | English |
| 旅行する | ryokо̄ suru | irregular | to travel |
| 訪ねる | tazuneru | ichidan | to visit |
| 予約する | yoyaku suru | irregular | to reserve |
| 乗る | noru | godan | to board |
| 降りる | oriru | ichidan | to get off |
| 乗り換える | norikaeru | ichidan | to transfer |
| チェックインする | chekkuin suru | irregular | to check in |
| チェックアウトする | chekkuauto suru | irregular | to check out |
| 到着する | tо̄chaku suru | irregular | to arrive |
| 出発する | shuppatsu suru | irregular | to depart |
Many words associated with travel are loanwords from English, which can make it easier for native English speakers to learn the basic necessities. These loanwords are written in katakana, the Japanese alphabet for foreign words.
- Hoteru ni chekkuin shimashita.（ホテルにチェックインしました。）= I checked into the hotel.
- Kono basu ni notte, tsugi no basutei de norikaete kudasai.（このバスに乗って、次のバス停で乗り換えてください。）= Please board this bus and transfer at the next bus stop.
Jump into action with Japanese verbs
Learning the words themselves is just the beginning: True comprehension of Japanese verbs lies in using them in context. Combine verbs with other basics of Japanese grammar, including sentence structure, formal language, particles, and more.
With the Rosetta Stone app, you can practice in the ways that suit your learning style best. Attend Live Lessons to work with a language expert in real-time, go lesson by lesson to build your understanding naturally through immersion, or read and listen to stories in Japanese!
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