25 ESSENTIAL Japanese Words for EVERYDAY Conversation 

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: What one Japanese word do you think is worth knowing? I thought I’d kick off 2020 with something educational, given how I know everyone likes to have bold New Year’s resolutions - often around learning a language. So before some of that motivation rapidly starts to fizzle out, here’s 25 Everyday Japanese Words worth knowing. You’ll notice how we avoided hello, thank you, sorry, etc. as they’re so commonly found, we wanted to steer clear of them and showcase some words and expressions you may not have heard before (beginners never seem to hear Mendoukusai for example, even though I hear someone around me say it almost every single day). Only after I finished editing this did I realise how ridiculous some of this stuff was though - I mean that whole section with the sausages is ripe for parody. AND THEN there’s the questionable alcoholic beverage at the end. Still, hopefully along the way you learned some new words and if this video proves popular, we’ll certainly look at making a language learning series in the coming months. Preferably without the sperm liquor next time.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts.

Chris: gives beer to friend as gift *Proceeds to drink it in the next scene* What a great gift! 😂

These will come in handy while Im watching anime like a loser at 3AM and everytime I'll hear a familiar word I'll be like "Yes, I know that one, Im basically fluent!"

Note from Japanese girl: “Hara hetta “(I’m starving) is mainly used by men and has immature and crude sound to it. Most mature people and women say “Onaka hetta “ Also, “Oishii” (delicious) is very common among female and adult even though he said no one uses it. Normally we say “meccha oishii” ( very tasty). “Umai” has immature sound to it, but it’s still very common way of saying especially among young generation. Do not recommend saying it in official occasion or if you want to talk in a feminine way. Overall Great video!! I personally use “majide”, “hontoni “, “Yabai”, “natsukashii”, “Oishii”, “Mendokusai” , “Muzukashii “ , “Dasai”, “Kakoii”, a lot . I agree that all words in the video are very useful in real daily life!

This is the closest video we have of Natsuki and Ryotaro in one room

I don’t know why but this somehow popped on my head: What if Natsuki has all along just been a native English actor who Chris hired for one of his videos long ago. Like he became so invested in the role he transformed into the Natsuki we know today, but in real life he’s actually James Saikou, international secret spy and actor extraordinaire.

I loved this collection of words! Here's everything typed out in case anyone else wants to add them to their notes. Thank you, Chris and Natsuki! 1) Kirei - きれい “Pretty”, beautiful or tidy 2) Uso - 嘘 “Lies!” or “No way!” Uso deshou (You’re lying, right?) 3) Saikou - 最高 “It’s the best” or Lit. The Most When you’re overwhelmed by something being so amazing 4) Chicchai - ちっちゃい “Tiny” (in a cute/adorable way) 5) Natsukashii - 懐かしい “That takes me back” or Lit. Nostalgic 6) Isogashii - 忙しい “I’m busy” or occupied 7) Harahetta - 腹減った “I’m starving” (Formal version is “onaka suita”) 8) Mendoukusai - めんどうくさい “It’s bothersome” or “It’s a lot of effort” (Used when you feel like quitting on something) 9) Dekai - でかい Huge or gigantic (Big is “Ookii”) 10) Umai - うまい “Delicious” or really tasty (“Umai” is more casual than “Oishii”) 11) Mezurashii - 珍しい “It’s rare” or unusual 12) Nemui - 眠い “I’m sleepy” or drowsy 13) Samishii - 寂しい “Lonely” or sad 14) Atsui - 熱い “Hot” or heated (Shortened to Atsu! for “Ouch”) 15) Itai - 痛い “It’s painful” or sore (Shortened to Ita! For “Ouch”) 16) Majide - まじで “Seriously” or “You’re not joking?” 17) Hontouni - 本当に “Really” or truly 18) Tsumaranai - つまらない “Boring” or tedious (Often shortened to "Tsumannai" in speech) 19) Dasai - ダサい “Uncool” or unfashionable 20) Kakkoii - かっこいい “Cool” or attractive (Not typically used to describe situations like we with “cool” in English) 21) Urusai - うるさい “Noisy” or annoying 22) Sugei - すげい “Incredible” or amazing (Masculine form of “Sugoi”) 23) Mazui - まずい “Disgusting” or awful (Never say it near whoever made dinner) 24) Muzukashii - 難しい “It’s difficult” or complicated (The common & polite way of saying “not possible”) 25) Tsukareta - 疲れた “I’m exhausted” or worn out (Typically expressed at the end of a work day)

Me: repeat every the word as he says it Also me after 1 hr: *FORGETS EVERYTHING*

I like when chris switches back and forth between normal conversation and directly looking and talking to the camera, makes me feel like I'm watching malcolm in the middle again

Best way to learn Japanese: Have a Natsuki.

*Me arrives to Japan* Cab Driver : Where do you wanna go ? Me :" majide", “hontoni “, “Yabai”, “natsukashii”, “Oishii”, “Mendokusai” , “Muzukashii “ , “Dasai”, “Kakoii” Cab Driver: "......" *Pulls out chopsticks*

This is one of the most underrated language learning videos. All of the information is useful and clearly presented. Also the way he presents everything as a seamless story rather than one word after another makes it more enjoyable. It reminds me of the techniques from the book i'm reading (which chris recommended) called "you can have an amazing memory", which i'm guessing he may have gotten inspiration from.

6:14 GIVE THIS MAN AN OSCAR

Great video! and I think the most useful Japanese word would be "kimoi" or "yabai" as 90% of Japanese people say them every day :/

In filipino, "Umai" hass the opposite of the meaning in Japanese. It means "fed up already eating that specific food" 😂

This was pure gold! Both informative and fun!

One ultimate Japanese word for everyday conversation: 1. *_Nani?!_*

Not only is it a great video but it also made me realize something - i think Natsuki would make a good actor. Super natural in these sketches, and with his energetic personality i think he'd be great on stage. He should try it, and i think that'd make a great video project/series too, Chris :)

Chris, this is definitely one of the most enjoyable and informative videos you have made -having Natsuki in it is the icing on the cake-a long time viewer.

This video is really helpful. Also the way of teaching us the words is amazing. Not just saying the meaning but showing usage in daily situation. Love this video!

Once again, We never see Natsuki and Risottaro in the same place at the same time.. 疑わしい. It's almost as if they're secretly the same person.

1:00 Kirei - Pretty / beautiful or tidy 1:33 uso - your lying/ no way! 2:00 saiko - its the best / lit. the most 2:17 Chicchia - tiny (in a cute/adorable way) 2:58 Natsukashii - that takes me back / Lit. Nostalgic 3:26 Isogashii - im bussy / Occupied 3:40 Harahetta - Im starving 4:00 Mendoukusai - Its bothersome / its a lot of effort 4:29 dekai - Huge / Gigantic 4:47 Umai - Delicious / really tasty 5:19 Mezurashii - It's rare / unusual 5:54 Nemui - Im sleepy / Drowsy 6:18 samishii - Lonely / Sad 6:52 Atsui - Hot / Heated 7:06 Itai - Its painful / Sore 7:21 Majide - seriously / You're not lying? 7:42 Hontouni - Really / truly 7:59 Tsumaranai - Boring / Tedious 8:27 Dasai - Uncool / Unfashionable 8:36 Kakkoii - Cool / Attractive 9:10 Urusai - Noisy / Annoying 9:56 Sugei - Incredible / Amazing 11:03 Mazui - Disguqting / Awful 11:37 Muzakashii - Its difficult / Complicated 12:34 Tsukareta - Im exhausted / Worn out I hope this is useful :D

I'd really like to see more of these videos. I've been following the channel for a while now and this simple yet engaging format for learning using real world scenarios is great. You guys are like a teaching dynamic duo.

I would love more of these language learning videos. It's much easier to remember the words when they are tied to a sketch like this! Thanks for a great video! Fuling my motivation to learn Japanese!

10:15 - The guy that goes by on the bike in the background: "BLEH" XD

Oh I love how Japanese is pronounced, with so much energy.

the way u teach the words in these scenarios makes it easier to learn... THANK U!

We need the next 25 words! I’d love to see a part 2, I’ve been memorizing these words and I’m ready for more. Thanks for these videos, they really help

this is just Chris abusing Natsuki for 14 min, 10/10

the mini-drama when Natsuki is left alone, simple yet hilarious!

One of your best ever videos! Please do more in this style it's both informative and hugely entertaining! Love from Denmark

I need more of these, the situational framing is incredibly effective in memorizing them.

WAIT JUST A SECOND CHRIS. ARE YOU DRINKING NATSUKI'S GIFT AT 3:01?

Chris's explanation of words is quite accurate, and most of my chatting is consisted of these 25 words lol Yes, I'm Japanese

This was a really great format using the words in a natural situation. Natski's facial/body animation is hilarious played against your stoic manner. Great job guys thank you so much.

PLEASE do more of these! Super helpful!

Sometimes I feel like Natsuki doesn't know you, whatsoever, and you have him locked in your basement for certain videos.

Chris: "We don't have a script." Me: I don't believe you.

I am studying Japanese online for few months now, and the way you teach is so fun. I think it’s fun to have you as my sense.

This is fantastic, the examples are brilliant and the additional context for common use and when not to use is so helpful! The way it's presented makes it so much easier to learn, thank you!

Saw "Abroad in Japan" in the Shibuya restaurant I worked at. I saw him. Did a double take. He saw me do a double take. Then he kinda got a look on his face like, "Oh no. It's a white guy and I think he recognizes me. I'm at dinner with someone important. Please don't come over here." No idea if that's what he was really thinking, but I thought It was funny. If you wanna meet "internet famous" folks in Japan, just get a part-time job at a popular place in Shibuya. I saw/met about 10 of 'em...and yakuza (no joke).

Damn, just this morning I was on my way to work trying to think of great business ideas and I thought to myself you know what the world needs - it needs sperm sake. There is no way anyone thought of that before. Then I watch this and you dashed my hopes and dreams. Thanks Chris, thanks a lot.

Natsuki is a treasure (Chris as well hehe). His way of expressing himself is so unique. "Grammatically incorrect but understandable ". Gleat vidleo.

Love this so much! Very well put together and helpful💖

me before the video: this sucks, i can't construct sentences in japanese. me after the video: i'm fluent in japanese.

Natsuki, the man, the myth, the legend, a real life japanese person, is back.

I'd watch a series of this, cause the way you explain it, and everything helps this stick in my head.

Thank you for this amazing video. You two (and camera operator) are all pretty funny and you set up your shots pretty spot-on! Love these helpful hints and colloquialisms. Keep on being awesome, sir!

Just wanted to emphasise as a Japanese girl, some of these words, specifically hara hetta, umai and sugei, are often used by men and not girls. If you are a girl, you can still use them, but some people will see you as impolite/uneducated/rude (I use them 😅).

If Chris ever made a handbook of simple Japanese for the Average Schmoe, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

This was amazingly engageing and well filmed you should def do more of these situational words and phrases well done!!!

Learning new stuff whilst being entertained. This is perfect, you and Natsuki are a brill duo.

I always thought Natsuki says "psycho" instead of "saiko" and that it's just one of the english words he randomly throws in xD

Bonus word: Tanoshii 楽しい It means “fun” or “enjoyable” Example: “Hanging out with Natsuki, Chris, and Ryotaro seems tanoshii.”

If you'd manage to make more of these, it would be amazing. Awesome video. Also Natsuki is doing amazing work in here. Your production value is skyrocketing

I love how you framed this all in a story to make it easy to remember!

Natsuki is actually a really good actor, I'm impressed

My favourite videos from you: 1. Teaching Japanese 2. Natsuki This is my type of video 😆🙏

i like the video as soon as they started acting. amazing way to bring it in context, we needed exactly this

Great video mates. Fun presentation bringing the words to life and practical use, with a bit of an insider's tour of residential Tokyo. Cheers!

Thank you for showing us the perfect omiyage to bring back to our friends and family when returning from Japan. No, not the mini arcade machines.

While a lot of these words were pretty common, I really appreciated the tips and insight on more colloquial use, pronunciation, and versions of them. This is the kinda thing sorely missing from textbooks. A language learning series with more of these "Too Casual For Genki" tips would be great!

You forgot the most commonly used word, "heeeEEEEE!!!"

I love this video. I've watched it like 10 times to get these down. Make more!

4:11 when he sayd "the way I like to interpret it as a British person is" I was expecting some cryptic slang like "Well that's a bit of a chopper in the salmon"

The way he said ‘Saikou no tomodachi’ is anime worthy.

Soooo well done. Giving the context and "how you'd actually say it" is so much better than just reading a description of the word.

Abroad in japan is the best channel that I’ve ever watched about japan I love ittt

Natsuki is a naturally talented actor. He really could go pro!

This was really helpful, thanks! I'm trying to learn Japanese at the moment. I discovered this channel at the start of lockdown and have been bingeing it (and the podcast) ever since! I was hoping to go to Japan next year but have postponed it for obvious reasons. Your work has helped me really prepare for when I can eventually go though, so thanks so much! (It's also helped me get through teaching in the UK during a pandemic which, as you can imagine, is hell on earth.) Cheers!

This was incredibly useful! Thank you so much for this video! I do plan on committing some of these to memory!

I recognize many of these words... So you're telling me my years of watching mostly shit anime has actually amounted to something?

When Natsuki said "Saikou" I really heard "Psycho" LOLOL

The both of you are always entertaining, love it!! Thank you for teaching us these words!

This was really useful! I've been studying Japanese for a while but didn't know a lot of these words. Thanks. I'll definitely rewatch this video.

日本人リスナーです。 逆に英語の勉強になりました。 モノローグのところは少し聞き取りにくいスピードなので、字幕が役に立ちました👍

このビデオは本当にすげい

This video is Saikou! I'm having loads of fun learning these words. This helps me from getting burned out with the other learning.

You two are so fun to watch together!

Hi Chris san I think “Doumo” どうも is a also very useful word especially as a customer , which expresses Hi, Thanks and Bye As a Japanese, I use it often and it’s not too casual so everyone can use 😄

Also, Guessing by these words - I'm guessing Chris kidnapped Natsuki on his 1 day off and he wasn't acting when he was bribed him with tons of food, beer, coffee to do this video. And he wasn't acting.

When Natsuki says LETS GO!! I always get them positive vibes, ive learned alot from Natsuki ASO,

Please do more of these. I'm starting to learn Japanese and this was awesome!!!

i discovered your channel after watching the cycling series last year. a year later and im knee deep in anki, genki books, and planning a trip to japan. thank you for your videos Chris!

When you've transcended next level of weebness, you know every phrase spoken in the video....

Seriously awesome vid, you guys are a perfect combination for teaching Nihongo, entertaining and fun to watch with a touch seriousness for anyone wanting to learn Nihongo, take care and awesome job.

I would love to see more videos like this tbh Love your channel, recently stumbled on it in my ventures learning Japanese. A lot of stuff like this is super helpful.

I command you to make more videos like this!

UMAI: English translation, "JUSTICE DELICIOUS".

Please make another one of these! This list is sooooo helpful!!

I've been watching this video everyday it's helping me a lot!

How to be like Mr. Santa Chris: 1. Bring your best friend a tiny beer 2. Make him happy by touching it 3. Snatch it, and drink it

Anyone after drinking a fine bottle of Pocari Sweat: That’s refreshing Natsuki after a Pocari Sweat: Kireiiiii

watching this video buzzed put me exactly on your level and made it that much more enjoyable. Felt like I was hanging out with you guys!

I love this video! Makes it so much easier to remember the words!

I always thought 'sugei' was just dudes trying to sound cooler while saying 'sugoi', never knew they were two different words.

I can't go a single day here in Japan without hearing "yabai!"

Recent fan, great great content! Thank you for such charming and informative videos🙏🏼 I took a trip to Japan last year, back when life was normal. I honestly fell in love with the place and will definitely go back as soon as I can! This episode was a very effective teaching tool and I hope you make more like it in the future👍🏼 keep up the good work

You both are amazing actors! Thank you!