Japanese Adjectives

Words That Bring Japanese to Life

Adjectives are some of the most useful words you can learn for everyday Japanese because they let you express what you think, feel, want, and notice around you—often with just a single word. Take a bite of something wonderful and say oishii. Step outside on a scorching summer day and atsui may be all you need; on a freezing morning, samui says it just as clearly. See something you like? Suki can get the message across. Japanese conversation is full of these short, expressive reactions. Once you know a good collection of adjectives, you can comment on your food, the weather, a hotel room, a train ride, something you’re shopping for, or almost anything else you encounter. They’re simple words that can add a surprising amount of personality—and color—to your Japanese.

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Adjectives You’ll Hear and Use Everywhere

The adjectives on this page are words you’ll hear again and again in everyday Japanese—and they’re just as useful when it’s your turn to speak. Oishii comes naturally when talking about a great meal, kawaii when something is cute, and takai or yasui when you’re looking at prices. Ookii and chiisai help describe everything from buildings to portions, while atsui, samui, and suzushii are everyday companions when talking about the weather. Listen for these words in restaurants, shops, hotels, stations, television, and casual conversation. The more familiar they become, the more often you’ll discover opportunities to use them yourself.

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More Useful Adjectives

Japanese adjectives are often useful as single-word expressions because the subject is understood from context. For example, Kirei! means “Pretty!” or “Beautiful!” when reacting to something you see. Dame! means “No!” or “That’s not okay!” If a security officer is saying this to you, stop whatever you’re doing. Amai! means “Sweet!” when tasting something. Tanoshii! means “Fun!” or “This is fun!” Abunai! is a warning: “Watch out!” or “Dangerous!” And Itai! means “Ouch!” or “It hurts!” And Sugoi! means amazing (just like Japanese Phrases…). These short adjective expressions are common in everyday conversation.

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