Japanese is a challenging language to learn, but that shouldn’t stop you from expressing yourself!
Here we’ll introduce some words and Japanese language phrases you can use when you want to express your opinion or feeling in Japanese (physical or otherwise), as well as how to ask others.
- How are you? (Literal meaning: Are you well?)
- genki desu ka? /元気ですか。
For the most basic way to say how you feel in Japanese, use the following pattern:
"adjective + desu"
Feel free to omit the pronoun (I, you, he, etc.), as it is usually implied in most situations when using Japanese. You should generally try to avoid the word 'you' (あなた anata) altogether when speaking Japanese, as it can denote over-familiarity. When in doubt, the person's name with a 'san' (さん) attached is always a safe bet.
Describing How You Feel in Japanese
(I am)___ . / (She is)___ . /(He is)____ .
(watashi wa) / (kanojo wa) / (kare wa)___ desu.
(私は) / (彼女は) / (彼は) ___です。
- fine, well
- 元気 (genki)
- not feeling well
- 気分が悪い (kibun ga warui)
- sleepy
- 眠い (nemui)
- tired
- 疲れた (tsukareta)
- excited
- わくわくする・ワクワクする (waku waku)
- bored
- 退屈 (taikutsu)
- sad
- 悲しい (kanashii)
- lonely
- 寂しい (sabishii・samishii)
- angry
- 怒っている (okotteiru)
- I'm sleepy
- (私は)眠いです / (watashiwa) nemui desu
You can use the following expressions to talk about hunger or thirst. In Japanese, you won't find direct translations of the terms "hungry" or "thirsty." Instead, these concepts are described in relation to one's stomach or throat.
- hungry (Literal meaning: stomach is empty.)
- お腹が空いた / onaka ga suita
- thirsty (Literal meaning: throat is dry.)
- のどが渇いた / nodo ga kawaita
- full (Literal meaning: stomach is full.)
- お腹がいっぱい / onaka ga ippai
How To Describe Things Using Japanese
If you would like to describe something else, you can use the following format:
- (It) is___.
- ___desu. / ___です。
- good
- 良い (ii)
- nice
- ナイス (naisu)
- not good
- 良くない (yokunai)
- bad
- 悪い (warui)
- fun
- 楽しい (tanoshii)
- difficult
- 難しい (muzukashii)
- funny, interesting
- 面白い (omoshiroi)
- not funny, not interesting
- 面白くない (omoshirokunai)
- boring
- つまらない (tsumaranai)
- strange
- おかしい (okashii)
- hot (weather)
- 暑い (atsui)
- hot (object)
- 熱い (atsui)
- warm
- 温かい (atatakai)
- cold (weather)
- 寒い (samui)
- cold (object)
- 冷たい (tsumetai)
- quiet
- 静か (shizuka)
- expensive
- 高い (takai)
- cheap
- 安い (yasui)
- cute, pretty
- 可愛い (kawaii)
- beautiful
- 綺麗 (kirei)
- lovely
- 素敵 (suteki)
- wonderful
- 素晴らしい (subarashii)
- terrible
- 酷い (hidoi)
- the worst
- 最悪 (sai aku)
- suspicious, shady
- 怪しい (ayashii)
- unfair
- 狡い (zurui)
- It's hot.
- 暑いです。 / atsui desu
“She's Nice. He’s Cool.” How to Describe Other People in Japanese
You can also use the same sentence structure to describe people, using either a pronoun, or a name. Once again, the pronoun is considered optional, although it can clarify who you are speaking about, depending on the situation.
- He is ___.
- 彼は___です。 / kare wa___desu.
- She is ___.
- 彼女は___です。 / kanojo wa___desu.
- Yuka is ___.
- 由佳さんは___です。 / Yuka-san wa___desu.
The following are just a few adjectives that can be used to describe a person.
- kind, sweet
- 優しい (yasashii)
- nice
- 親切 (shinsetsu)
- intelligent
- 頭がいい (atama ga ii)
- clever
- 賢い (kashikoi)
- good looking, cool
- かっこいい (kakkoii)
- strict
- 厳しい (kibishii)
- unkind
- 優しくない (yasashiku nai)
- stubborn
- 頑固 (ganko)
- enthusiastic**
- ハイテンション (hai tenshon**)
**This is a wasei-eigo term taken from the English terms 'high tension.' It has nothing to do with 'tension' the way English speakers use the word.
Related Articles on Japanese Language
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
2024 Ranking of Top-Rated Onsen Ryokan with Exceptional Baths—Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan!
by: Nemi Lin
-
Mister Donut x Pokémon 2024: Catch Limited-Edition Donuts and Fun Collectibles!
-
Celebrate 25 Years of Nikko's UNESCO Sites: 2 Limited-Time Plans to Explore Buddhism and the Samurai Spirit
-
Explore Autumn in Hyogo Prefecture: Two-Day Road Trip to See Stunning Foliage and Top Attractions
by: Hide
-
Experience the Magic of 'The Nutcracker' in Tokyo This Winter
-
Nature with Art: Explore 'teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces' in Ibaraki
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Tokyo Station Top 10 Sweets Ranking!
-
Tokyo Train Map: The Complete Guide to Tokyo Subways & Railways
-
Things to Do in Tokyo in August 2024: Guide to Events, Summer Festivals, and Must-See Attractions
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Tokyo Roppongi|Roppongi Station Area Map & Sightseeing Information
-
From Chocolate to the Knife Blade: Japanese Stationery with International Roots
-
Japan 101: 13 Weird Tips and Tricks for First-Time Travelers to Japan
by: Lucio Maurizi
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks