JLPT N5

to take a shower, to dash over oneself (e.g. water), to take (e.g. shower), to bask in (e.g. the sun)

あびる / abiru: connect the sound to "a beer? ew!". Picture someone rinsing off after a silly spill in a scene for "to take a shower" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to give, to raise, to elevate, to move something (to a higher place)

あげる / ageru: connect the sound to "a giver". Picture a cheerful giver handing something over in a scene for "to give" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to open, to open (a door, etc.), to unwrap (e.g. parcel, package), to unlock

あける / akeru: connect the sound to "a key". Picture a giant key making the action happen in a scene for "to open" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to open, to undo, to unseal, to unpack

あく / aku sounds like "ah, coo!" Picture a tiny bird cooing so sweetly that a curtain or door pops open. When you hear aku, think: ah, coo - it opens.

to wash, to cleanse, to rinse, to inquire into

あらう / arau: connect the sound to "a row". Picture a row of objects being washed clean in a scene for "to wash" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to be, to exist, to be, to exist, to live

ある / aru: connect the sound to "are you?". Picture someone pointing and asking "are you there?" in a scene for "to be, to exist" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to possess, to be, to exist, to live

ある / aru: connect the sound to "are you?". Picture someone pointing and asking "are you there?" in a scene for "to possess" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to be, to have, to be, to exist, to live

ある / aru: connect the sound to "are you?". Picture someone pointing and asking "are you there?" in a scene for "to be, to have" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to walk

あるく / aruku: connect the sound to "are you?". Picture someone pointing and asking "are you there?" in a scene for "to walk" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to play, to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time

あそぶ / asobu: connect the sound to "a soap bubble". Picture soap bubbles turning the scene playful in a scene for "to play" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to meet, to encounter, to see, to have an accident

あう / au: connect the sound to "ow!". Picture two people bumping into each other and saying "ow!" in a scene for "to meet" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to be different, to differ (from), to be distinct, to be unlike

ちがう / chigau: connect the sound to "Chicago". Picture two different Chicago signs pointing apart in a scene for "to be different" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to take out, to hand in, to take out, to get out, to put out

だす / dasu: connect the sound to "desk". Picture something being taken out from a desk in a scene for "to take out, to hand in" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to go out, to go out (e.g. on an excursion or outing), to leave, to depart

でかける / dekakeru: hear "day" + "car" + "kettle" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a small car, and a whistling kettle turning into a clear action scene for "to go out"; that little scene ties dekakeru to "to go out".

can do, to be able to do, to be possible, to be permitted (to do)

できる / dekiru: hear "day" + "key" + "room" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a bright key, and a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "can do"; that little scene ties dekiru to "can do".

to leave, to exit, to go out, to come out

でる / deru: hear "day" + "room" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky beside a tiny room turning into a clear action scene for "to leave"; that little scene ties deru to "to leave".

to blow, to blow (of the wind), to blow (one's breath), to breathe out

ふく / fuku: connect the sound to "foo-koo". Picture wind or cloth swirling with a "foo-koo" sound in a scene for "to blow" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to fall as rain or snow, to descend, to go down, to come down

ふる / furu: connect the sound to "fur". Picture furry clouds dropping rain in a scene for "to fall as rain or snow" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to enter, to go in, to get in, to come in

はいる / hairu: connect the sound to "high room". Picture someone entering a high room in a scene for "to enter" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to begin, to start, to begin, to start, to commence

はじまる / hajimaru: connect the sound to "had gym arrow". Picture a starting arrow at a gym in a scene for "to begin, to start" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to put on shoes, to put on (lower-body clothing, e.g. pants, skirt, footwear), to wear, to affix (a sword to one's hip)

はく / haku: connect the sound to "hack shoe". Picture a shoe being hacked onto a foot in a scene for "to put on shoes" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to talk, to speak, to talk, to speak, to converse

はなす / hanasu: connect the sound to "hand sauce". Picture a hand-shaped speech bubble talking in a scene for "to talk, to speak" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to clear up, to clear away, to be sunny, to stop raining

はれる / hareru: connect the sound to "hurray". Picture clouds clearing while people cheer in a scene for "to clear up" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to stick, to paste, to stick, to paste, to affix

はる / haru: connect the sound to "hard sticker". Picture a sticker stuck hard onto a wall in a scene for "to stick, to paste" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to run, to run (of a vehicle), to drive, to travel

はしる / hashiru: connect the sound to "hush hero". Picture a hero running quietly in a scene for "to run" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to work, to labor, to labour, to function

はたらく / hataraku: connect the sound to "hat rack". Picture a hat rack clocking in for work in a scene for "to work" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to play an instrument, to flip, to snap, to flick

ひく / hiku: connect the sound to "hook". Picture a hook pulling or playing the idea in a scene for "to play an instrument" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to pull, to tug, to lead (e.g. a horse), to draw (attention, sympathy, etc.)

ひく / hiku: connect the sound to "hook". Picture a hook pulling or playing the idea in a scene for "to pull" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to go, to move (towards), to head (towards), to leave (for)

いく / iku: connect the sound to "eek!". Picture someone shouting "eek!" as they rush toward the scene in a scene for "to go" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to insert, to put in, to put in, to let in, to take in

いれる / ireru: connect the sound to "ear rail". Picture a tiny rail sliding something into place in a scene for "to insert, to put in" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to exist, to shoot (arrow, bolt, dart)

いる / iru: connect the sound to "ear". Picture a giant listening ear noticing what is needed in a scene for "to exist" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to need, to shoot (arrow, bolt, dart)

いる / iru: connect the sound to "ear". Picture a giant listening ear noticing what is needed in a scene for "to need" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to say, to tell, to say, to utter, to declare

いう / iu: connect the sound to "you". Picture a speech bubble pointed at you in a scene for "to say, to tell" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to put on a hat, to put on (one's head), to wear, to have on

かぶる / kaburu: connect the sound to "cap brew". Picture a cap bubbling like a magic brew in a scene for "to put on a hat" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to return home, to return, to come home, to go home

かえる / kaeru: connect the sound to "care route". Picture a careful route leading back home in a scene for "to return home" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to return an object, to return (something), to restore, to put back

かえす / kaesu: connect the sound to "case". Picture a labeled case being returned in a scene for "to return an object" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to take time or money, to span, to bridge, to cross

かかる / kakaru: connect the sound to "clock arrow". Picture a clock arrow showing time or cost in a scene for "to take time or money" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to make a phone call, to hang up (e.g. a coat, a picture on the wall), to let hang, to suspend (from)

かける / kakeru: connect the sound to "hooker". Picture a big hook attaching or calling across the scene in a scene for "to make a phone call" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to wear, to hang up (e.g. a coat, a picture on the wall), to let hang, to suspend (from)

かける / kakeru: connect the sound to "hooker". Picture a big hook attaching or calling across the scene in a scene for "to wear" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to put on (e.g., glasses); to hang (e.g., on a wall), to hang up (e.g. a coat, a picture on the wall), to let hang, to suspend (from)

かける / kakeru: connect the sound to "hooker". Picture a big hook attaching or calling across the scene in a scene for "to put on (e.g., glasses); to hang (e.g., on a wall)" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to write, to compose, to pen, to draw

かく / kaku: connect the sound to "calculator". Picture a calculator writing neatly in a scene for "to write" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to borrow, to rent, to hire, to make use of (another's help, wisdom, etc.)

かりる / kariru: connect the sound to "carry loan". Picture someone carrying a borrowed item in a scene for "to borrow" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to lend, to loan, to rent out, to hire out

かす / kasu: connect the sound to "cash". Picture cash being lent across a counter in a scene for "to lend" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to buy, to purchase, to value (highly), to think highly of

かう / kau: connect the sound to "cow". Picture a cow standing at a checkout counter in a scene for "to buy" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to turn off, to switch off, to erase, to rub out, to rub off

けす / kesu: connect the sound to "case switch". Picture a switch on a case turning something off in a scene for "to turn off, to switch off" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to vanish, to disappear, to go out of sight, to go away

きえる / kieru: connect the sound to "key arrow". Picture a key-shaped arrow making something vanish in a scene for "to vanish" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to listen, to hear, to listen (e.g. to music), to ask

きく / kiku: connect the sound to "kick". Picture a kick starting a listening machine in a scene for "to listen" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to cut, to cut through, to perform (surgery), to sever (connections, ties)

きる / kiru: connect the sound to "key ring". Picture a key ring cutting or wearing the idea in a scene for "to cut" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to wear, to put on, to wear (from the shoulders down), to put on, to take (the blame, responsibility)

きる / kiru: connect the sound to "key ring". Picture a key ring cutting or wearing the idea in a scene for "to wear, to put on" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to be in trouble, to be troubled, to have difficulty, to be in a fix

こまる / komaru: connect the sound to "comma room". Picture a room full of confusing commas in a scene for "to be in trouble" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to answer, to reply

こたえる / kotaeru: connect the sound to "quote arrow". Picture a quote bubble answering a question in a scene for "to answer" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to become cloudy, to become dim, to get cloudy, to cloud over, to become overcast

くもる / kumoru: hear "coo" + "moat" + "room" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a little moat, and a tiny room turning into a clear action scene for "to become cloudy, to become dim"; that little scene ties kumoru to "to become cloudy, to become dim".

to come, to come (spatially or temporally), to approach, to arrive

くる / kuru: connect the sound to "crew". Picture a helpful crew arriving together in a scene for "to come" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to turn, to bend, to curve, to warp

まがる / magaru: connect the sound to "my car rule". Picture a car obeying a big turn arrow in a scene for "to turn" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to wait, to await, to look forward to, to anticipate

まつ / matsu: connect the sound to "mats". Picture someone waiting on a mat in a scene for "to wait" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to polish, to brush, to polish, to shine, to burnish

みがく / migaku: connect the sound to "me gag? ew". Picture someone polishing until the gross thing shines in a scene for "to polish, to brush" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to see, to watch, to see, to look, to watch

The eye notices the small み sound first: 見る is seeing with attention.

to show, to display, to make (something or someone) look ..., to present an appearance of ...

みせる / miseru: connect the sound to "me, see, room". Picture a show-and-tell room in a scene for "to show" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to have, to own, to hold (in one's hand), to take, to carry

もつ / motsu: connect the sound to "moats". Picture hands holding something over a moat in a scene for "to have, to own" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to make an animal sound, to make sound (of an animal), to call, to cry

なく / naku: connect the sound to "knock". Picture an animal knocking while making its sound in a scene for "to make an animal sound" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to lose something, to lose (something), to get rid of, to eliminate

なくす / nakusu: hear "knot" + "coo" + "Sue" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a soft "coo" sound, and someone named Sue turning into a clear action scene for "to lose something"; that little scene ties nakusu to "to lose something".

to line up, to set up, to arrange in a line, to enumerate

ならべる / naraberu: connect the sound to "narrow bell row". Picture bells lined up in a neat row in a scene for "to line up" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to form a line, to line up, to stand in a line, to rival

ならぶ / narabu: connect the sound to "narrow booth". Picture booths standing in a line in a scene for "to form a line" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to learn, to take lessons in, to be taught, to learn (from a teacher)

ならう / narau: hear "knot" + "rah" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a cheering "rah!", and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear action scene for "to learn"; that little scene ties narau to "to learn".

to become, to get, to grow, to turn

なる / naru: connect the sound to "narrow". Picture a narrow path becoming a new state in a scene for "to become" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to sleep, to sleep (lying down), to go to bed, to lie in bed

ねる / neru: connect the sound to "near room". Picture a cozy nearby room for sleeping in a scene for "to sleep" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to climb, to ascend, to go up, to ascend (as a natural process, e.g. the Sun)

のぼる / noboru: connect the sound to "no bore". Picture an exciting climb upward in a scene for "to climb" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to drink, to swallow, to take (medicine), to smoke (tobacco)

のむ / nomu: connect the sound to "no moo". Picture a cow silently drinking in a scene for "to drink" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to ride, to get on (train, plane, bus, ship, etc.), to get in, to board

のる / noru: connect the sound to "no rule". Picture someone riding despite a silly no-rule sign in a scene for "to ride" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to take off clothes, to take off (clothes, shoes, etc.), to undress

ぬぐ / nugu: connect the sound to "new goo". Picture someone peeling off goo like clothing in a scene for "to take off clothes" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to memorize, to remember, to memorize, to memorise, to commit to memory

おぼえる / oboeru: connect the sound to "oh boy, arrow". Picture an arrow pointing to something to remember in a scene for "to memorize, to remember" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to get up, to stand up, to get up, to rise, to blaze up (fire)

おきる / okiru sounds like "OK, I need to." Picture a sleepy person deciding, okay, I need to wake up now, and slapping a giant alarm button shaped like an approval hand gesture. Okiru means to wake up or get up.

to put, inner part, interior, back (of a drawer, one's throat, etc.)

おく / oku: connect the sound to "oak". Picture a sturdy oak shelf where something is placed in a scene for "to put" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to send, to dispatch, to forward, to transmit

おくる / okuru: connect the sound to "oak". Picture a sturdy oak shelf where something is placed in a scene for "to send" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to get off, to descend (e.g. a mountain), to go down, to come down

おりる / oriru: connect the sound to "oh, rear view". Picture someone stepping down while looking behind in a scene for "to get off" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to teach, to inform, to instruct, to teach, to instruct, to tell

おしえる / oshieru: hear "oh" + "she" + "eh" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", someone saying "she", and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear action scene for "to teach, to inform, to instruct"; that little scene ties oshieru to "to teach, to inform, to instruct".

to push, to thrust, to shove, to press (down)

おす / osu: connect the sound to "oh, sue". Picture someone named Sue pushing a big button in a scene for "to push" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to end, to come to an end, to finish, to close

おわる / owaru: connect the sound to "over". Picture a finish banner saying "over" in a scene for "to end" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to swim, to struggle through (a crowd), to make one's way through the world, to get along (in life)

およぐ / oyogu: connect the sound to "oh, yoga". Picture a yoga pose turning into a swimming motion in a scene for "to swim" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to blossom, to bloom, to flower, to open

さく / saku: connect the sound to "sock". Picture a sock blooming like a flower in a scene for "to blossom" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to open an umbrella, to shine, to be visible, to be tinged with

さす / sasu: connect the sound to "sass". Picture a sassy umbrella popping open in a scene for "to open an umbrella" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to close, to be shut, to be closed, to be firm (of a body, face, etc.)

しまる / shimaru: connect the sound to "she marries". Picture a ribbon tying closed like a ceremony in a scene for "to close" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to close, to shut

しめる / shimeru: connect the sound to "shimmer". Picture a shimmering hand closing or fastening something in a scene for "to close" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to fasten a belt, to tie, to fasten, to tighten

しめる / shimeru: connect the sound to "shimmer". Picture a shimmering hand closing or fastening something in a scene for "to fasten a belt" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to die, to pass away, to lose spirit, to lose vigor

しぬ / shinu: connect the sound to "she knew". Picture a quiet symbolic scene of something ending in a scene for "to die" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to know, to be aware (of), to be conscious (of), to learn (of)

しる / shiru: connect the sound to "she knew". Picture someone suddenly knowing the answer in a scene for "to know" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to live, to reside, to live (of humans), to reside, to inhabit

すむ / sumu: connect the sound to "zoom". Picture a house zooming into place in a scene for "to live, to reside" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to do, to carry out, to perform, to cause to become

する / suru: connect the sound to "sir, ooh". Picture a polite helper saying "sir, ooh!" before doing the task in a scene for "to do" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to breathe, to smoke, to breathe in, to inhale, to smoke (a cigarette, etc.)

すう / suu: connect the sound to "sue". Picture Sue taking a long breath in a scene for "to breathe, to smoke" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to sit, to sit (down), to have a seat, to be seated

すわる / suwaru: connect the sound to "sue wore". Picture Sue wearing a chair-shaped cushion to sit in a scene for "to sit" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to eat, to live on (e.g. a salary), to live off, to subsist on

たべる sounds like TABLE. Picture a wooden dining TABLE that has come alive — stubby legs, a hungry cartoon face, chopsticks in tiny wooden hands — perched on a chair, gleefully shoveling rice into its mouth. A TABLE that eats. Tables are for taberu-ing.

to ask, to request, to request, to beg, to ask

たのむ / tanomu: connect the sound to "ta, no more". Picture someone politely asking for help in a scene for "to ask, to request" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to stand, to stand (up), to rise, to get to one's feet

たつ / tatsu: connect the sound to "tattoo". Picture a standing tattoo character in a scene for "to stand" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to fly, to soar, to jump, to leap

とぶ / tobu: connect the sound to "toe boo". Picture a toe launching into the air in a scene for "to fly" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to stop, to stop (moving), to come to a stop, to stop (doing, working, being supplied)

とまる / tomaru: connect the sound to "toe marble". Picture a marble stopping by a toe in a scene for "to stop" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to take a photo, to take (a photograph), to record (audio or video), to film

とる / toru: connect the sound to "tore". Picture someone taking a torn ticket in a scene for "to take a photo" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to take, to pick up, to grab, to catch

とる / toru: connect the sound to "tore". Picture someone taking a torn ticket in a scene for "to take" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to get tired, to tire, to get fatigued, to become exhausted

つかれる / tsukareru: connect the sound to "tusk arrow". Picture a tired tusk-shaped arrow drooping in a scene for "to get tired" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to use, to use (a tool, method, etc.), to make use of, to put to use

つかう / tsukau: connect the sound to "skow". Picture a tool being used with a loud "tsk-ow" in a scene for "to use" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to turn on, to switch on, to light up

つける / tsukeru: connect the sound to "switch care". Picture a careful hand turning on a switch in a scene for "to turn on" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to arrive, to arrive at, to reach, to sit on

つく / tsuku: connect the sound to "took". Picture someone arriving with a sign saying "took the trip" in a scene for "to arrive" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to make, to produce, to make, to produce, to manufacture

つくる / tsukuru: connect the sound to "took". Picture someone arriving with a sign saying "took the trip" in a scene for "to make, to produce" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to work for someone, to work (for), to be employed (at), to serve (in)

つとめる / tsutomeru: connect the sound to "suit to merit". Picture a suited worker earning a merit badge in a scene for "to work for someone" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to be born

うまれる / umareru: connect the sound to "ooh, my rare room". Picture a special room prepared for a new arrival in a scene for "to be born" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to sell, to betray, to sell out (one's friend, country, etc.), to make (oneself) known

うる / uru: connect the sound to "you rule". Picture a tiny shopkeeper declaring "you rule!" after a sale in a scene for "to sell" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to sing, to sing of (love, beauty, etc.) in a poem, to express in the form of a poem, to recite (a poem)

うたう / utau: connect the sound to "ooh, ta-da". Picture a performer singing "ooh, ta-da!" in a scene for "to sing" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to know, to understand, to understand, to comprehend, to grasp

わかる / wakaru: connect the sound to "walk arrow". Picture an arrow lighting up when someone understands in a scene for "to know, to understand" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to forget, to leave carelessly, to be forgetful of, to forget about

わすれる / wasureru: connect the sound to "was a ruler". Picture a ruler forgotten on a desk in a scene for "to forget" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to cross, to cross over, to go across, to extend

わたる / wataru: connect the sound to "water route". Picture a route crossing water in a scene for "to cross" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to hand over, to ferry across (e.g. a river), to carry across, to traverse

わたす / watasu: connect the sound to "water pass". Picture a pass handed across water in a scene for "to hand over" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to do, to undertake, to perform, to play (a game)

やる / yaru: connect the sound to "yard rule". Picture a yard sign showing someone doing the task in a scene for "to do" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to rest, to be absent, to take a day off, to have a break

やすむ / yasumu: connect the sound to "yes, zoom". Picture someone zooming into rest mode in a scene for "to rest" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to call, to call out (to), to invoke, to summon (a doctor, etc.)

よぶ / yobu: connect the sound to "yo, boo". Picture a friendly call saying "yo!" in a scene for "to call" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

to read, to recite (e.g. a sutra), to chant, to predict

よむ / yomu: connect the sound to "yo, moon". Picture someone reading under the moon in a scene for "to read" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

red, crimson, scarlet

あか / aka: hear "ah" + "car" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a small car turning into a clear scene for "red"; that little scene ties aka to "red".

autumn, time, hour

あき / aki: hear "ah" + "key" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "autumn"; that little scene ties aki to "autumn".

rain, rainy day, rainy weather

あめ / ame: hear "ah" + "may" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a calendar page for May turning into a clear scene for "rain"; that little scene ties ame to "rain".

candy, (hard) candy, toffee

あめ / ame: hear "ah" + "may" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a calendar page for May turning into a clear scene for "candy"; that little scene ties ame to "candy".

older sister, elder sister

あね / ane: hear "ah" + "neigh" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a loud "neigh" sound turning into a clear scene for "older sister"; that little scene ties ane to "older sister".

older brother, elder brother, brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband)

あに / ani: hear "ah" + "knee" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "older brother"; that little scene ties ani to "older brother".

blue, azure, green

あお / ao: hear "ah" + "oh" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "blue"; that little scene ties ao to "blue".

apartment, apartment building, apartment block

アパート / apaato: hear "ah" + "party" + "ah" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a tiny party hat, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "apartment"; that little scene ties apaato to "apartment".

morning, breakfast

あさ / asa: hear "ah" + "saw" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "morning"; that little scene ties asa to "morning".

breakfast

あさごはん / asagohan: hear "ah" + "saw" + "go" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a hand saw, and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "breakfast"; that little scene ties asagohan to "breakfast".

day after tomorrow, wrong (e.g. direction)

あさって / asatte: hear "ah" + "saw" + "tap" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a hand saw, and a quick tap turning into a clear scene for "day after tomorrow"; that little scene ties asatte to "day after tomorrow".

foot, leg, foot, paw

あし / ashi: hear "ah" + "she" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "foot, leg"; that little scene ties ashi to "foot, leg".

tomorrow, near future

あした / ashita: hear "ah" + "she" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", someone saying "she", and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "tomorrow"; that little scene ties ashita to "tomorrow".

head, counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle), counter for insects in a collection

あたま / atama: hear "ah" + "ta-da" + "ma" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a motherly "ma!" turning into a clear scene for "head"; that little scene ties atama to "head".

after, behind, behind, rear

あと / ato: hear "ah" + "toe" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!" beside a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "after, behind"; that little scene ties ato to "after, behind".

dinner, evening meal

ばんごはん / bangohan: hear "bar" + "hum" + "go" in the word. Picture a colorful bar, a humming "n" sound, and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "dinner"; that little scene ties bangohan to "dinner".

number, series of digits

ばんごう / bangou: hear "bar" + "hum" + "go" in the word. Picture a colorful bar, a humming "n" sound, and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "number"; that little scene ties bangou to "number".

bus

バス / basu: hear "bar" + "Sue" in the word. Picture a colorful bar beside someone named Sue turning into a clear scene for "bus"; that little scene ties basu to "bus".

butter

バター / bataa: hear "bar" + "ta-da" + "ah" in the word. Picture a colorful bar, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "butter"; that little scene ties bataa to "butter".

bed

ベッド / beddo: hear "bell" + "drum" + "door" in the word. Picture a ringing bell, a quick drumbeat, and a big door turning into a clear scene for "bed"; that little scene ties beddo to "bed".

study, diligence, working hard

べんきょう / benkyou: hear "bell" + "hum" + "key-oh" in the word. Picture a ringing bell, a humming "n" sound, and a key making an "oh!" sound turning into a clear scene for "study"; that little scene ties benkyou to "study".

ball-point pen

ボールペン / boorupen: hear "bow" + "oh" + "room" in the word. Picture a neat bow, someone realizing "oh!", and a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "ball-point pen"; that little scene ties boorupen to "ball-point pen".

button, button (clothing), push-button

ボタン / botan: hear "bow" + "ta-da" + "hum" in the word. Picture a neat bow, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "button"; that little scene ties botan to "button".

hat, cap, cap (move)

ぼうし / boushi: hear "bow" + "ooh" + "she" in the word. Picture a neat bow, someone saying "ooh", and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "hat"; that little scene ties boushi to "hat".

sentence, writing, composition

ぶんしょう / bunshou: hear "boo" + "hum" + "show" in the word. Picture a playful "boo!", a humming "n" sound, and a small stage show turning into a clear scene for "sentence"; that little scene ties bunshou to "sentence".

pork

ぶたにく / butaniku: hear "boo" + "ta-da" + "knee" in the word. Picture a playful "boo!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "pork"; that little scene ties butaniku to "pork".

hospital, clinic, doctor's office

びょういん / byouin: hear "b" + "yo" + "ooh" in the word. Picture the letter B, a friendly "yo!", and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "hospital"; that little scene ties byouin to "hospital".

illness, illness (usu. excluding minor ailments, e.g. common cold), disease

びょうき / byouki: hear "b" + "yo" + "ooh" in the word. Picture the letter B, a friendly "yo!", and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "illness"; that little scene ties byouki to "illness".

brown, light brown, tawny

ちゃいろ / chairo: hear "cha" + "eek" + "row" in the word. Picture a quick cha-cha step, someone squeaking "eek!", and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "brown"; that little scene ties chairo to "brown".

rice bowl, tea cup, teacup

ちゃわん / chawan: hear "cha" + "water" + "hum" in the word. Picture a quick cha-cha step, a splash of water, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "rice bowl"; that little scene ties chawan to "rice bowl".

father

ちち / chichi: hear "cheese" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "father"; that little scene ties chichi to "father".

subway, metro, underground (railway)

ちかてつ / chikatetsu: hear "cheese" + "car" + "tea" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese, a small car, and a cup of tea turning into a clear scene for "subway"; that little scene ties chikatetsu to "subway".

map, atlas, chart

ちず / chizu: hear "cheese" + "zoo" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese beside a zoo gate turning into a clear scene for "map"; that little scene ties chizu to "map".

kitchen, financial situation, finances

だいどころ / daidokoro: hear "dart" + "eek" + "door" in the word. Picture a small dart, someone squeaking "eek!", and a big door turning into a clear scene for "kitchen"; that little scene ties daidokoro to "kitchen".

university, college, former imperial university of Japan (established under the ritsuryō system for the training of government administrators)

だいがく / daigaku: hear "dart" + "eek" + "gasp" in the word. Picture a small dart, someone squeaking "eek!", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "university"; that little scene ties daigaku to "university".

exit, way out, outlet

でぐち / deguchi: hear "day" + "goo" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a splash of goo, and a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "exit"; that little scene ties deguchi to "exit".

electricity, (electric) light

でんき / denki: hear "day" + "hum" + "key" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a humming "n" sound, and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "electricity"; that little scene ties denki to "electricity".

train, electric train

でんしゃ / densha: hear "day" + "hum" + "shah" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a humming "n" sound, and a royal-looking shah turning into a clear scene for "train"; that little scene ties densha to "train".

telephone, telephone call, phone call

でんわ / denwa: hear "day" + "hum" + "water" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a humming "n" sound, and a splash of water turning into a clear scene for "telephone"; that little scene ties denwa to "telephone".

department store, department

デパート / depaato: hear "day" + "party" + "ah" in the word. Picture a bright daytime sky, a tiny party hat, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "department store"; that little scene ties depaato to "department store".

door

ドア / doa: hear "door" + "ah" in the word. Picture a big door beside someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "door"; that little scene ties doa to "door".

who

どなた / donata: hear "door" + "knot" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a big door, a tight knot, and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "who"; that little scene ties donata to "who".

animal

どうぶつ / doubutsu: hear "door" + "ooh" + "boo" in the word. Picture a big door, someone saying "ooh", and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "animal"; that little scene ties doubutsu to "animal".

Saturday

どようび / doyoubi: hear "door" + "yo" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a big door, a friendly "yo!", and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "Saturday"; that little scene ties doyoubi to "Saturday".

picture, drawing, painting

え / e: hear "eh" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "picture"; that little scene ties e to "picture".

yes, that is correct, right

ええ / ee: hear "eh" + "eh" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "yes"; that little scene ties ee to "yes".

movie, film, motion picture

えいが / eiga: hear "eh" + "eek" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", someone squeaking "eek!", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "movie"; that little scene ties eiga to "movie".

movie theater, movie theatre, cinema

えいがかん / eigakan: hear "eh" + "eek" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", someone squeaking "eek!", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "movie theater"; that little scene ties eigakan to "movie theater".

English language, English (language)

えいご / eigo: hear "eh" + "eek" + "go" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", someone squeaking "eek!", and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "English language"; that little scene ties eigo to "English language".

station, railway station, train station

えき / eki: hear "eh" + "key" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "station"; that little scene ties eki to "station".

pencil, (wooden) pencil

えんぴつ / enpitsu: hear "eh" + "hum" + "pea" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", a humming "n" sound, and a bright green pea turning into a clear scene for "pencil"; that little scene ties enpitsu to "pencil".

elevator, lift

エレベーター / erebeetaa: hear "eh" + "ray" + "bell" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", a ray of light, and a ringing bell turning into a clear scene for "elevator"; that little scene ties erebeetaa to "elevator".

film

フィルム / fuぃrumu: hear "foo" + "room" + "moo" in the word. Picture a puff of air, a tiny room, and a deep "moo" sound turning into a clear scene for "film"; that little scene ties fuぃrumu to "film".

fork, forkball

フォーク / fuぉぉku: hear "foo" + "coo" in the word. Picture a puff of air beside a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "fork"; that little scene ties fuぉぉku to "fork".

clothes, clothes (esp. Western clothes), clothing

ふく / fuku: connect the sound to "foo-koo". Picture wind or cloth swirling with a "foo-koo" sound in a scene for "clothes" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

two people, two persons, pair

ふたり / futari: hear "foo" + "ta-da" + "reel" in the word. Picture a puff of air, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "two people"; that little scene ties futari to "two people".

two

ふたつ / futatsu: hear "foo" + "ta-da" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a puff of air, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "two"; that little scene ties futatsu to "two".

second day of the month, two days, 2nd day of the month, two days

ふつか / futsuka: hear "foo" + "tsk" + "car" in the word. Picture a puff of air, a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "second day of the month, two days"; that little scene ties futsuka to "second day of the month, two days".

envelope

ふうとう / fuutou: hear "foo" + "ooh" + "toe" in the word. Picture a puff of air, someone saying "ooh", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "envelope"; that little scene ties fuutou to "envelope".

winter

ふゆ / fuyu: hear "foo" + "you" in the word. Picture a puff of air beside someone pointing to you turning into a clear scene for "winter"; that little scene ties fuyu to "winter".

foreign country

がいこく / gaikoku: hear "gasp" + "eek" + "coat" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp, someone squeaking "eek!", and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "foreign country"; that little scene ties gaikoku to "foreign country".

foreigner, foreign citizen, foreign national

がいこくじん / gaikokujin: hear "gasp" + "eek" + "coat" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp, someone squeaking "eek!", and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "foreigner"; that little scene ties gaikokujin to "foreigner".

school

がっこう / gakkou: hear "gasp" + "click" + "coat" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp, a quick click, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "school"; that little scene ties gakkou to "school".

student, student (esp. a university student)

がくせい / gakusei: hear "gasp" + "coo" + "say" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp, a soft "coo" sound, and a speech bubble saying "say" turning into a clear scene for "student"; that little scene ties gakusei to "student".

entrance, front door, entryway

げんかん / genkan: hear "gate" + "hum" + "car" in the word. Picture a garden gate, a humming "n" sound, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "entrance"; that little scene ties genkan to "entrance".

Monday

げつようび / getsuyoubi: hear "gate" + "tsk" + "yo" in the word. Picture a garden gate, a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "Monday"; that little scene ties getsuyoubi to "Monday".

bank, banking institution

ぎんこう / ginkou: hear "guitar" + "hum" + "coat" in the word. Picture a tiny guitar, a humming "n" sound, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "bank"; that little scene ties ginkou to "bank".

guitar

ギター / gitaa: hear "guitar" + "ta-da" + "ah" in the word. Picture a tiny guitar, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "guitar"; that little scene ties gitaa to "guitar".

five, 5

ご / go: hear "go" in the word. Picture a green go light turning into a clear scene for "five"; that little scene ties go to "five".

afternoon, p.m.

ごご / gogo: hear "go" + "go" in the word. Picture a green go light beside a green go light turning into a clear scene for "afternoon"; that little scene ties gogo to "afternoon".

cooked rice, meal, cooked rice, meal

ごはん / gohan: hear "go" + "ha" + "hum" in the word. Picture a green go light, a laughing "ha!", and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "cooked rice, meal"; that little scene ties gohan to "cooked rice, meal".

morning, a.m., morning, a.m.

ごぜん / gozen: hear "go" + "zest" + "hum" in the word. Picture a green go light, a bright lemon zest curl, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "morning, a.m."; that little scene ties gozen to "morning, a.m.".

gram, gramme

グラム / guramu: hear "goo" + "rah" + "moo" in the word. Picture a splash of goo, a cheering "rah!", and a deep "moo" sound turning into a clear scene for "gram"; that little scene ties guramu to "gram".

beef

ぎゅうにく / gyuuniku: hear "g" + "you" + "ooh" in the word. Picture the letter G, someone pointing to you, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "beef"; that little scene ties gyuuniku to "beef".

milk, (cow's) milk

ぎゅうにゅう / gyuunyuu: hear "g" + "you" + "ooh" in the word. Picture the letter G, someone pointing to you, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "milk"; that little scene ties gyuunyuu to "milk".

tooth, teeth, tooth (of a comb, saw, etc.)

は / ha: hear "ha" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" turning into a clear scene for "tooth"; that little scene ties ha to "tooth".

eight, 8

はち / hachi: hear "ha" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "eight"; that little scene ties hachi to "eight".

postcard, memo, note

はがき / hagaki: hear "ha" + "gasp" + "key" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a dramatic gasp, and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "postcard"; that little scene ties hagaki to "postcard".

mother

はは / haha: hear "ha" + "ha" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a laughing "ha!" turning into a clear scene for "mother"; that little scene ties haha to "mother".

yes, that is correct, understood

はい / hai: hear "ha" + "eek" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "yes"; that little scene ties hai to "yes".

ashtray

はいざら / haizara: hear "ha" + "eek" + "zap" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a tiny zap of light turning into a clear scene for "ashtray"; that little scene ties haizara to "ashtray".

box, case, chest

はこ / hako: hear "ha" + "coat" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a big coat turning into a clear scene for "box"; that little scene ties hako to "box".

half, semi-, partial

はん / han: hear "ha" + "hum" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "half"; that little scene ties han to "half".

flower, blossom, bloom

はな / hana: hear "ha" + "knot" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "flower"; that little scene ties hana to "flower".

nose

はな / hana: hear "ha" + "knot" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "nose"; that little scene ties hana to "nose".

talk, conversation, talk, speech

はなし / hanashi: hear "ha" + "knot" + "she" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a tight knot, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "talk, conversation"; that little scene ties hanashi to "talk, conversation".

half

はんぶん / hanbun: hear "ha" + "hum" + "boo" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a humming "n" sound, and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "half"; that little scene ties hanbun to "half".

handkerchief

ハンカチ / hankachi: hear "ha" + "hum" + "car" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a humming "n" sound, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "handkerchief"; that little scene ties hankachi to "handkerchief".

clear weather, fine weather, formal

はれ / hare: hear "ha" + "ray" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside a ray of light turning into a clear scene for "clear weather"; that little scene ties hare to "clear weather".

spring, springtime, New Year

はる / haru: connect the sound to "hard sticker". Picture a sticker stuck hard onto a wall in a scene for "spring" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

chopsticks

はし / hashi: hear "ha" + "she" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "chopsticks"; that little scene ties hashi to "chopsticks".

bridge

はし / hashi: hear "ha" + "she" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "bridge"; that little scene ties hashi to "bridge".

twenty years old, 20 years old, twenty

はたち / hatachi: hear "ha" + "ta-da" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "twenty years old"; that little scene ties hatachi to "twenty years old".

twentieth day of the month, twenty days, 20th day of the month, 20 days

はつか / hatsuka: hear "ha" + "tsk" + "car" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "twentieth day of the month, twenty days"; that little scene ties hatsuka to "twentieth day of the month, twenty days".

area, vicinity, region

へん / hen: hear "hey" + "hum" in the word. Picture someone waving "hey!" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "area"; that little scene ties hen to "area".

room, chamber, apartment

へや / heya: hear "hey" + "yard" in the word. Picture someone waving "hey!" beside a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "room"; that little scene ties heya to "room".

left, left-hand side, left hand

ひだり / hidari: hear "he" + "dart" + "reel" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a small dart, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "left"; that little scene ties hidari to "left".

east, eastern Japan (esp. Kamakura or Edo, from perspective of Kyoto or Nara), eastern provinces

ひがし / higashi: hear "he" + "gasp" + "she" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a dramatic gasp, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "east"; that little scene ties higashi to "east".

airplane, aeroplane, plane

ひこうき / hikouki: hear "he" + "coat" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a big coat, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "airplane"; that little scene ties hikouki to "airplane".

noon, daytime, lunch, noon, midday

ひる / hiru: hear "he" + "room" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he" beside a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "noon, daytime, lunch"; that little scene ties hiru to "noon, daytime, lunch".

lunch, midday meal

ひるごはん / hirugohan: hear "he" + "room" + "go" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a tiny room, and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "lunch"; that little scene ties hirugohan to "lunch".

person, -ian (e.g. Italian), -ite (e.g. Tokyoite)

ひと / hito: hear "he" + "toe" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he" beside a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "person"; that little scene ties hito to "person".

one thing, one, for one thing

ひとつ / hitotsu: hear "he" + "toe" + "tsk" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a tapping toe, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "one thing"; that little scene ties hitotsu to "one thing".

other, another place, some other place

ほか / hoka: hear "hoe" + "car" in the word. Picture a garden hoe beside a small car turning into a clear scene for "other"; that little scene ties hoka to "other".

book, origin, source

ほん / hon: hear "hoe" + "hum" in the word. Picture a garden hoe beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "book"; that little scene ties hon to "book".

bookshelf, bookshelves, bookcase

ほんだな / hondana: hear "hoe" + "hum" + "dart" in the word. Picture a garden hoe, a humming "n" sound, and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "bookshelf"; that little scene ties hondana to "bookshelf".

hotel

ホテル / hoteru: hear "hoe" + "tea" + "room" in the word. Picture a garden hoe, a cup of tea, and a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "hotel"; that little scene ties hoteru to "hotel".

one hundred, hundred, 100

ひゃく / hyaku: hear "h" + "yard" + "coo" in the word. Picture the letter H, a grassy yard, and a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "one hundred"; that little scene ties hyaku to "one hundred".

one, 1, best

いち / ichi: hear "eek" + "cheese" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "one"; that little scene ties ichi to "one".

one day, all day (long), the whole day

いちにち / ichinichi: hear "eek" + "cheese" + "knee" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a wedge of cheese, and a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "one day"; that little scene ties ichinichi to "one day".

house, residence, dwelling

いえ / ie: hear "eek" + "eh" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "house"; that little scene ties ie to "house".

pond

いけ / ike: hear "eek" + "kettle" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a whistling kettle turning into a clear scene for "pond"; that little scene ties ike to "pond".

now, the present time, just now

いま / ima: hear "eek" + "ma" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a motherly "ma!" turning into a clear scene for "now"; that little scene ties ima to "now".

meaning, significance, sense

いみ / imi: hear "eek" + "me" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "meaning"; that little scene ties imi to "meaning".

younger sister

いもうと / imouto: hear "eek" + "moat" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a little moat, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "younger sister"; that little scene ties imouto to "younger sister".

dog, dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris), canine

いぬ / inu: hear "eek" + "new" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a shiny new tag turning into a clear scene for "dog"; that little scene ties inu to "dog".

entrance, entry, gate

いりぐち / iriguchi: hear "eek" + "reel" + "goo" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a film reel, and a splash of goo turning into a clear scene for "entrance"; that little scene ties iriguchi to "entrance".

color, colour, hue

いろ / iro: hear "eek" + "row" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "color"; that little scene ties iro to "color".

doctor, physician

いしゃ / isha: hear "eek" + "shah" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a royal-looking shah turning into a clear scene for "doctor"; that little scene ties isha to "doctor".

chair, seat, stool

いす / isu: hear "eek" + "Sue" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside someone named Sue turning into a clear scene for "chair"; that little scene ties isu to "chair".

automobile, car, motorcar

じどうしゃ / jidousha: hear "gee" + "door" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!", a big door, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "automobile"; that little scene ties jidousha to "automobile".

time, hour, period

じかん / jikan: hear "gee" + "car" + "hum" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!", a small car, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "time"; that little scene ties jikan to "time".

dictionary, lexicon, letter of resignation

じしょ / jisho: hear "gee" + "show" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!" beside a small stage show turning into a clear scene for "dictionary"; that little scene ties jisho to "dictionary".

bicycle, bike

じてんしゃ / jitensha: hear "gee" + "tea" + "hum" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!", a cup of tea, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "bicycle"; that little scene ties jitensha to "bicycle".

class, lesson, teaching

じゅぎょう / jugyou: hear "juice" + "g" + "yo" in the word. Picture a bright glass of juice, the letter G, and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "class"; that little scene ties jugyou to "class".

ten, 10, ten years of age

じゅう / juu: hear "juice" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a bright glass of juice beside someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "ten"; that little scene ties juu to "ten".

bag, going off duty

かばん / kaban: hear "car" + "bar" + "hum" in the word. Picture a small car, a colorful bar, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "bag"; that little scene ties kaban to "bag".

key, lock, key (to a problem, success, etc.)

かぎ / kagi: hear "car" + "guitar" in the word. Picture a small car beside a tiny guitar turning into a clear scene for "key"; that little scene ties kagi to "key".

stairs, stairway, staircase

かいだん / kaidan: hear "car" + "eek" + "dart" in the word. Picture a small car, someone squeaking "eek!", and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "stairs"; that little scene ties kaidan to "stairs".

shopping, purchased goods

かいもの / kaimono: hear "car" + "eek" + "moat" in the word. Picture a small car, someone squeaking "eek!", and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "shopping"; that little scene ties kaimono to "shopping".

company, corporation, firm

かいしゃ / kaisha: hear "car" + "eek" + "shah" in the word. Picture a small car, someone squeaking "eek!", and a royal-looking shah turning into a clear scene for "company"; that little scene ties kaisha to "company".

camera

カメラ / kamera: hear "car" + "may" + "rah" in the word. Picture a small car, a calendar page for May, and a cheering "rah!" turning into a clear scene for "camera"; that little scene ties kamera to "camera".

paper

かみ / kami: hear "car" + "me" in the word. Picture a small car beside someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "paper"; that little scene ties kami to "paper".

kanji, Chinese character

かんじ / kanji: hear "car" + "hum" + "gee" in the word. Picture a small car, a humming "n" sound, and a surprised "gee!" turning into a clear scene for "kanji"; that little scene ties kanji to "kanji".

cup, cup (drinking vessel, measure, brassiere, prize, etc.)

カップ / kappu: hear "car" + "pop" + "pool" in the word. Picture a small car, a quick pop, and a blue pool turning into a clear scene for "cup"; that little scene ties kappu to "cup".

body, torso, trunk

からだ / karada: hear "car" + "rah" + "dart" in the word. Picture a small car, a cheering "rah!", and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "body"; that little scene ties karada to "body".

curry, curry (esp. Japanese curry), rice and curry

カレー / karee: hear "car" + "ray" + "eh" in the word. Picture a small car, a ray of light, and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "curry"; that little scene ties karee to "curry".

calendar, calender (machine for flattening things)

カレンダー / karendaa: hear "car" + "ray" + "hum" in the word. Picture a small car, a ray of light, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "calendar"; that little scene ties karendaa to "calendar".

umbrella, parasol, something shaped like an umbrella or a conical hat

かさ / kasa: hear "car" + "saw" in the word. Picture a small car beside a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "umbrella"; that little scene ties kasa to "umbrella".

person, way, direction, way

かた / kata: hear "car" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a small car beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "person, way"; that little scene ties kata to "person, way".

river, stream, River

かわ / kawa: hear "car" + "water" in the word. Picture a small car beside a splash of water turning into a clear scene for "river"; that little scene ties kawa to "river".

Tuesday

かようび / kayoubi: hear "car" + "yo" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a small car, a friendly "yo!", and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "Tuesday"; that little scene ties kayoubi to "Tuesday".

wind, swing, shake

かぜ / kaze: hear "car" + "zest" in the word. Picture a small car beside a bright lemon zest curl turning into a clear scene for "wind"; that little scene ties kaze to "wind".

a cold, (common) cold, influenza

かぜ / kaze: hear "car" + "zest" in the word. Picture a small car beside a bright lemon zest curl turning into a clear scene for "a cold"; that little scene ties kaze to "a cold".

family

かぞく / kazoku: hear "car" + "zone" + "coo" in the word. Picture a small car, a marked-off zone, and a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "family"; that little scene ties kazoku to "family".

police officer, policeman, constable

けいかん / keikan: hear "kettle" + "eek" + "car" in the word. Picture a whistling kettle, someone squeaking "eek!", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "police officer"; that little scene ties keikan to "police officer".

this morning

けさ / kesa: hear "kettle" + "saw" in the word. Picture a whistling kettle beside a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "this morning"; that little scene ties kesa to "this morning".

tree, shrub, bush

き / ki: hear "key" in the word. Picture a bright key turning into a clear scene for "tree"; that little scene ties ki to "tree".

yesterday

きのう / kinou: hear "key" + "no" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a bright key, a big no gesture, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "yesterday"; that little scene ties kinou to "yesterday".

Friday

きんようび / kinyoubi: hear "key" + "hum" + "yo" in the word. Picture a bright key, a humming "n" sound, and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "Friday"; that little scene ties kinyoubi to "Friday".

ticket

きっぷ / kippu: hear "key" + "pop" + "pool" in the word. Picture a bright key, a quick pop, and a blue pool turning into a clear scene for "ticket"; that little scene ties kippu to "ticket".

coffee shop, tearoom, coffee lounge

きっさてん / kissaten: hear "key" + "hiss" + "saw" in the word. Picture a bright key, a quick hiss, and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "coffee shop"; that little scene ties kissaten to "coffee shop".

north, the North, northern territories

きた / kita: hear "key" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a bright key beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "north"; that little scene ties kita to "north".

postage stamp, stamp (postage), merchandise certificate

きって / kitte: hear "key" + "tap" + "tea" in the word. Picture a bright key, a quick tap, and a cup of tea turning into a clear scene for "postage stamp"; that little scene ties kitte to "postage stamp".

child, children

こども / kodomo: hear "coat" + "door" + "moat" in the word. Picture a big coat, a big door, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "child"; that little scene ties kodomo to "child".

voice, singing (of a bird), chirping (of an insect)

こえ / koe: hear "coat" + "eh" in the word. Picture a big coat beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "voice"; that little scene ties koe to "voice".

tonight, this evening

こんばん / konban: hear "coat" + "hum" + "bar" in the word. Picture a big coat, a humming "n" sound, and a colorful bar turning into a clear scene for "tonight"; that little scene ties konban to "tonight".

this month

こんげつ / kongetsu: hear "coat" + "hum" + "gate" in the word. Picture a big coat, a humming "n" sound, and a garden gate turning into a clear scene for "this month"; that little scene ties kongetsu to "this month".

this week

こんしゅう / konshuu: hear "coat" + "hum" + "shoe" in the word. Picture a big coat, a humming "n" sound, and a shiny shoe turning into a clear scene for "this week"; that little scene ties konshuu to "this week".

coffee

コーヒー / koohii: hear "coat" + "oh" + "he" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone realizing "oh!", and someone pointing and saying "he" turning into a clear scene for "coffee"; that little scene ties koohii to "coffee".

coat, coating

コート / kooto: hear "coat" + "oh" + "toe" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone realizing "oh!", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "coat"; that little scene ties kooto to "coat".

glass, glass (drinking vessel), tumbler

コップ / koppu: hear "coat" + "pop" + "pool" in the word. Picture a big coat, a quick pop, and a blue pool turning into a clear scene for "glass"; that little scene ties koppu to "glass".

word, language, dialect

ことば / kotoba: hear "coat" + "toe" + "bar" in the word. Picture a big coat, a tapping toe, and a colorful bar turning into a clear scene for "word"; that little scene ties kotoba to "word".

this year

ことし / kotoshi: hear "coat" + "toe" + "she" in the word. Picture a big coat, a tapping toe, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "this year"; that little scene ties kotoshi to "this year".

police box, koban, small neighborhood police station

こうばん / kouban: hear "coat" + "ooh" + "bar" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone saying "ooh", and a colorful bar turning into a clear scene for "police box"; that little scene ties kouban to "police box".

black tea

こうちゃ / koucha: hear "coat" + "ooh" + "cha" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone saying "ooh", and a quick cha-cha step turning into a clear scene for "black tea"; that little scene ties koucha to "black tea".

park, (public) park

こうえん / kouen: hear "coat" + "ooh" + "eh" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone saying "ooh", and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "park"; that little scene ties kouen to "park".

intersection, crossing

こうさてん / kousaten: hear "coat" + "ooh" + "saw" in the word. Picture a big coat, someone saying "ooh", and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "intersection"; that little scene ties kousaten to "intersection".

mouth, opening, hole

くち / kuchi: hear "coo" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "mouth"; that little scene ties kuchi to "mouth".

fruit

くだもの / kudamono: hear "coo" + "dart" + "moat" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a small dart, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "fruit"; that little scene ties kudamono to "fruit".

cloudy weather, cloudiness, fog (on a mirror, glasses, etc.)

くもり / kumori: hear "coo" + "moat" + "reel" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a little moat, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "cloudy weather"; that little scene ties kumori to "cloudy weather".

country, state, region

くに / kuni: hear "coo" + "knee" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound beside a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "country"; that little scene ties kuni to "country".

class

クラス / kurasu: hear "coo" + "rah" + "Sue" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a cheering "rah!", and someone named Sue turning into a clear scene for "class"; that little scene ties kurasu to "class".

black, black stone, guilt

くろ / kuro: hear "coo" + "row" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "black"; that little scene ties kuro to "black".

car, automobile, vehicle

くるま / kuruma: connect the sound to "crew". Picture a helpful crew arriving together in a scene for "car" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

medicine, pharmaceuticals, (legal) drugs

くすり / kusuri: hear "coo" + "Sue" + "reel" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, someone named Sue, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "medicine"; that little scene ties kusuri to "medicine".

shoes, shoe, boots

くつ / kutsu: hear "coo" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "shoes"; that little scene ties kutsu to "shoes".

socks, sock, stockings

くつした / kutsushita: hear "coo" + "tsk" + "she" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a tiny "tsk!" spark, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "socks"; that little scene ties kutsushita to "socks".

last year

きょねん / kyonen: hear "key-oh" + "neigh" + "hum" in the word. Picture a key making an "oh!" sound, a loud "neigh" sound, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "last year"; that little scene ties kyonen to "last year".

today, this day, these days

きょう / kyou: hear "key-oh" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a key making an "oh!" sound beside someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "today"; that little scene ties kyou to "today".

siblings, brothers and sisters, brothers

きょうだい / kyoudai: hear "key-oh" + "ooh" + "dart" in the word. Picture a key making an "oh!" sound, someone saying "ooh", and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "siblings"; that little scene ties kyoudai to "siblings".

classroom, lecture room, department (in a university)

きょうしつ / kyoushitsu: hear "key-oh" + "ooh" + "she" in the word. Picture a key making an "oh!" sound, someone saying "ooh", and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "classroom"; that little scene ties kyoushitsu to "classroom".

town, block, neighbourhood

まち / machi: hear "ma" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "town"; that little scene ties machi to "town".

window

まど / mado: hear "ma" + "door" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside a big door turning into a clear scene for "window"; that little scene ties mado to "window".

before, in front, point, tip

まえ / mae: hear "ma" + "eh" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "before, in front"; that little scene ties mae to "before, in front".

every morning

まいあさ / maiasa: hear "ma" + "eek" + "ah" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "every morning"; that little scene ties maiasa to "every morning".

every night

まいばん / maiban: hear "ma" + "eek" + "bar" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a colorful bar turning into a clear scene for "every night"; that little scene ties maiban to "every night".

every day, daily

まいにち / mainichi: hear "ma" + "eek" + "knee" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "every day"; that little scene ties mainichi to "every day".

every week

まいしゅう / maishuu: hear "ma" + "eek" + "shoe" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a shiny shoe turning into a clear scene for "every week"; that little scene ties maishuu to "every week".

every year, yearly, annually

まいとし / maitoshi: hear "ma" + "eek" + "toe" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "every year"; that little scene ties maitoshi to "every year".

every month, each month, monthly

まいつき / maitsuki: hear "ma" + "eek" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "every month"; that little scene ties maitsuki to "every month".

ten thousand, completely, absolutely

まん / man: hear "ma" + "hum" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "ten thousand"; that little scene ties man to "ten thousand".

fountain pen

まんねんひつ / mannenhitsu: hear "ma" + "hum" + "neigh" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", a humming "n" sound, and a loud "neigh" sound turning into a clear scene for "fountain pen"; that little scene ties mannenhitsu to "fountain pen".

eye, eyeball, eyesight

め / me: hear "may" in the word. Picture a calendar page for May turning into a clear scene for "eye"; that little scene ties me to "eye".

meter, metre (unit of length), gauge

メートル / meetoru: hear "may" + "eh" + "toe" in the word. Picture a calendar page for May, someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "meter"; that little scene ties meetoru to "meter".

glasses, eyeglasses, spectacles

めがね / megane: hear "may" + "gasp" + "neigh" in the word. Picture a calendar page for May, a dramatic gasp, and a loud "neigh" sound turning into a clear scene for "glasses"; that little scene ties megane to "glasses".

road, path, street

みち / michi: hear "me" + "cheese" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "road"; that little scene ties michi to "road".

green, greenery, verdure

みどり / midori: hear "me" + "door" + "reel" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a big door, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "green"; that little scene ties midori to "green".

right, right-hand side, right hand

みぎ / migi: hear "me" + "guitar" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves beside a tiny guitar turning into a clear scene for "right"; that little scene ties migi to "right".

ear, hearing, ear (for music, etc.)

みみ / mimi: hear "me" + "me" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves beside someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "ear"; that little scene ties mimi to "ear".

south

みなみ / minami: hear "me" + "knot" + "me" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a tight knot, and someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "south"; that little scene ties minami to "south".

store, shop, establishment

みせ / mise: hear "me" + "say" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves beside a speech bubble saying "say" turning into a clear scene for "store"; that little scene ties mise to "store".

water, water (esp. cool or cold), fluid (esp. in an animal tissue)

みず / mizu: hear "me" + "zoo" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves beside a zoo gate turning into a clear scene for "water"; that little scene ties mizu to "water".

Thursday

もくようび / mokuyoubi: hear "moat" + "coo" + "yo" in the word. Picture a little moat, a soft "coo" sound, and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "Thursday"; that little scene ties mokuyoubi to "Thursday".

gate, door (esp. Japanese-style), shutter

もん / mon: hear "moat" + "hum" in the word. Picture a little moat beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "gate"; that little scene ties mon to "gate".

problem, question (e.g. on a test), problem (e.g. societal, political)

もんだい / mondai: hear "moat" + "hum" + "dart" in the word. Picture a little moat, a humming "n" sound, and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "problem"; that little scene ties mondai to "problem".

thing, object, article

もの / mono: hear "moat" + "no" in the word. Picture a little moat beside a big no gesture turning into a clear scene for "thing"; that little scene ties mono to "thing".

over there, opposite side, other side

むこう / mukou: hear "moo" + "coat" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a deep "moo" sound, a big coat, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "over there"; that little scene ties mukou to "over there".

village

むら / mura: hear "moo" + "rah" in the word. Picture a deep "moo" sound beside a cheering "rah!" turning into a clear scene for "village"; that little scene ties mura to "village".

knife

ナイフ / naifu: hear "knot" + "eek" + "foo" in the word. Picture a tight knot, someone squeaking "eek!", and a puff of air turning into a clear scene for "knife"; that little scene ties naifu to "knife".

inside, interior, among

なか / naka: hear "knot" + "car" in the word. Picture a tight knot beside a small car turning into a clear scene for "inside"; that little scene ties naka to "inside".

name, given name, first name

なまえ / namae: hear "knot" + "ma" + "eh" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a motherly "ma!", and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "name"; that little scene ties namae to "name".

summer

なつ / natsu: hear "knot" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a tight knot beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "summer"; that little scene ties natsu to "summer".

cat, cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus), feline

ねこ / neko: hear "neigh" + "coat" in the word. Picture a loud "neigh" sound beside a big coat turning into a clear scene for "cat"; that little scene ties neko to "cat".

meat, flesh, flesh (of a fruit)

にく / niku: hear "knee" + "coo" in the word. Picture a bent knee beside a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "meat"; that little scene ties niku to "meat".

west

にし / nishi: hear "knee" + "she" in the word. Picture a bent knee beside someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "west"; that little scene ties nishi to "west".

garden, yard, courtyard

にわ / niwa: hear "knee" + "water" in the word. Picture a bent knee beside a splash of water turning into a clear scene for "garden"; that little scene ties niwa to "garden".

tea, tea (esp. green or barley), tea break

おちゃ / ocha: hear "oh" + "cha" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!" beside a quick cha-cha step turning into a clear scene for "tea"; that little scene ties ocha to "tea".

money

おかね / okane: hear "oh" + "car" + "neigh" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a small car, and a loud "neigh" sound turning into a clear scene for "money"; that little scene ties okane to "money".

music

おんがく / ongaku: hear "oh" + "hum" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a humming "n" sound, and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "music"; that little scene ties ongaku to "music".

man, male, fellow

おとこ / otoko: hear "oh" + "toe" + "coat" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "man"; that little scene ties otoko to "man".

woman, female, female lover

おんな / onna: hear "oh" + "hum" + "knot" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a humming "n" sound, and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "woman"; that little scene ties onna to "woman".

bread, (sweet) pastry, staff of life

パン / pan: hear "party" + "hum" in the word. Picture a tiny party hat beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "bread"; that little scene ties pan to "bread".

next month

らいげつ / raigetsu: hear "rah" + "eek" + "gate" in the word. Picture a cheering "rah!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a garden gate turning into a clear scene for "next month"; that little scene ties raigetsu to "next month".

next year

らいねん / rainen: hear "rah" + "eek" + "neigh" in the word. Picture a cheering "rah!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a loud "neigh" sound turning into a clear scene for "next year"; that little scene ties rainen to "next year".

next week

らいしゅう / raishuu: hear "rah" + "eek" + "shoe" in the word. Picture a cheering "rah!", someone squeaking "eek!", and a shiny shoe turning into a clear scene for "next week"; that little scene ties raishuu to "next week".

fish

さかな / sakana: hear "saw" + "car" + "knot" in the word. Picture a hand saw, a small car, and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "fish"; that little scene ties sakana to "fish".

photo, photograph, picture

しゃしん / shashin: hear "shah" + "she" + "hum" in the word. Picture a royal-looking shah, someone saying "she", and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "photo"; that little scene ties shashin to "photo".

newspaper

しんぶん / shinbun: hear "she" + "hum" + "boo" in the word. Picture someone saying "she", a humming "n" sound, and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "newspaper"; that little scene ties shinbun to "newspaper".

sky, emptiness, being empty

そら / sora: hear "sew" + "rah" in the word. Picture a sewing needle beside a cheering "rah!" turning into a clear scene for "sky"; that little scene ties sora to "sky".

friend, companion

ともだち / tomodachi: hear "toe" + "moat" + "dart" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a little moat, and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "friend"; that little scene ties tomodachi to "friend".

mountain, hill, mine

やま / yama: hear "yard" + "ma" in the word. Picture a grassy yard beside a motherly "ma!" turning into a clear scene for "mountain"; that little scene ties yama to "mountain".

not very; surplus, remainder, remnant

あまり / amari: hear "ah" + "ma" + "reel" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a motherly "ma!", and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "not very; surplus"; that little scene ties amari to "not very; surplus".

five days; fifth day of the month, 5th day of the month, five days

いつか / itsuka: hear "eek" + "tsk" + "car" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "five days; fifth day of the month"; that little scene ties itsuka to "five days; fifth day of the month".

together, (doing) together, one lump

いっしょ / issho: hear "eek" + "hiss" + "show" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a quick hiss, and a small stage show turning into a clear scene for "together"; that little scene ties issho to "together".

five things, five, five years of age

いつつ / itsutsu: hear "eek" + "tsk" + "tsk" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "five things"; that little scene ties itsutsu to "five things".

above (up, top, etc.), over, on top of, above, over

うえ / ue: hear "ooh" + "eh" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh" beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "above (up, top, etc.), over, on top of"; that little scene ties ue to "above (up, top, etc.), over, on top of".

back, behind, rear, back, behind

うしろ / ushiro: hear "ooh" + "she" + "row" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh", someone saying "she", and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "back, behind, rear"; that little scene ties ushiro to "back, behind, rear".

a song, song, singing

うた / uta: hear "ooh" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh" beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "a song"; that little scene ties uta to "a song".

home; house; my place, one's house, one's home

うち / uchi: hear "ooh" + "cheese" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh" beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "home; house; my place"; that little scene ties uchi to "home; house; my place".

sea, beach, sea, ocean

うみ / umi: hear "ooh" + "me" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh" beside someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "sea, beach"; that little scene ties umi to "sea, beach".

coat, jacket, coat, jacket

うわぎ / uwagi: hear "ooh" + "water" + "guitar" in the word. Picture someone saying "ooh", a splash of water, and a tiny guitar turning into a clear scene for "coat, jacket"; that little scene ties uwagi to "coat, jacket".

Yen, yen (currency of Japan), circle

えん / en: hear "eh" + "hum" in the word. Picture someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "Yen"; that little scene ties en to "Yen".

great number of people, crowd of people, in great numbers

おおぜい / oozei: hear "oh" + "oh" + "zest" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", someone realizing "oh!", and a bright lemon zest curl turning into a clear scene for "great number of people"; that little scene ties oozei to "great number of people".

mother (formal), mother, mom

おかあさん / okaasan: hear "oh" + "car" + "ah" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a small car, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "mother (formal)"; that little scene ties okaasan to "mother (formal)".

confections, sweets, snack, confections, sweets

おかし / okashi: hear "oh" + "car" + "she" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a small car, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "confections, sweets, snack"; that little scene ties okashi to "confections, sweets, snack".

(someone else's) wife (hon.), wife, your wife

おくさん / okusan: hear "oh" + "coo" + "saw" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a soft "coo" sound, and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "(someone else's) wife (hon.)"; that little scene ties okusan to "(someone else's) wife (hon.)".

sake; alcohol, alcohol, sake

おさけ / osake: hear "oh" + "saw" + "kettle" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a hand saw, and a whistling kettle turning into a clear scene for "sake; alcohol"; that little scene ties osake to "sake; alcohol".

plate, dish, plate, dish

おさら / osara: hear "oh" + "saw" + "rah" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a hand saw, and a cheering "rah!" turning into a clear scene for "plate, dish"; that little scene ties osara to "plate, dish".

uncle, middle-aged man, uncle

おじさん / ojisan: hear "oh" + "gee" + "saw" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a surprised "gee!", and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "uncle, middle-aged man"; that little scene ties ojisan to "uncle, middle-aged man".

grandfather, male senior citizen, grandfather, male senior-citizen

おじいさん / ojiisan: hear "oh" + "gee" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a surprised "gee!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "grandfather, male senior citizen"; that little scene ties ojiisan to "grandfather, male senior citizen".

toilet, restroom, bathroom (lit., a place to wash one's hands), toilet, restroom

おてあらい / otearai: hear "oh" + "tea" + "ah" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a cup of tea, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "toilet, restroom, bathroom (lit., a place to wash one's hands)"; that little scene ties otearai to "toilet, restroom, bathroom (lit., a place to wash one's hands)".

father (formal), father, dad

おとうさん / otousan: hear "oh" + "toe" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "father (formal)"; that little scene ties otousan to "father (formal)".

younger brother, little brother, kid brother

おとうと / otouto: hear "oh" + "toe" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "younger brother"; that little scene ties otouto to "younger brother".

boy, son, baby boy

おとこのこ / otokonoko: hear "oh" + "toe" + "coat" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "boy"; that little scene ties otokonoko to "boy".

the day before yesterday, day before yesterday

おととい / ototoi: hear "oh" + "toe" + "toe" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "the day before yesterday"; that little scene ties ototoi to "the day before yesterday".

year before last

おととし / ototoshi: hear "oh" + "toe" + "toe" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "year before last"; that little scene ties ototoshi to "year before last".

adult, grown-up

おとな / otona: hear "oh" + "toe" + "knot" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tapping toe, and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "adult"; that little scene ties otona to "adult".

stomach, belly, abdomen

おなか / onaka: hear "oh" + "knot" + "car" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a tight knot, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "stomach"; that little scene ties onaka to "stomach".

(someone else's) older brother (formal), older brother, elder brother

おにいさん / oniisan: hear "oh" + "knee" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a bent knee, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "(someone else's) older brother (formal)"; that little scene ties oniisan to "(someone else's) older brother (formal)".

older sister (formal), older sister, elder sister

おねえさん / oneesan: hear "oh" + "neigh" + "eh" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a loud "neigh" sound, and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "older sister (formal)"; that little scene ties oneesan to "older sister (formal)".

aunt

おばさん / obasan: hear "oh" + "bar" + "saw" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a colorful bar, and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "aunt"; that little scene ties obasan to "aunt".

grandmother, female senior-citizen, grandmother, old woman

おばあさん / obaasan: hear "oh" + "bar" + "ah" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a colorful bar, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "grandmother, female senior-citizen"; that little scene ties obaasan to "grandmother, female senior-citizen".

a bath, bath

おふろ / ofuro: hear "oh" + "foo" + "row" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a puff of air, and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "a bath"; that little scene ties ofuro to "a bath".

a boxed lunch, bento, Japanese box lunch

おべんとう / obentou: hear "oh" + "bell" + "hum" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a ringing bell, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "a boxed lunch"; that little scene ties obentou to "a boxed lunch".

policeman (friendly term), police officer

おまわりさん / omawarisan: hear "oh" + "ma" + "water" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a motherly "ma!", and a splash of water turning into a clear scene for "policeman (friendly term)"; that little scene ties omawarisan to "policeman (friendly term)".

girl, daughter, baby girl

おんなのこ / onnanoko: hear "oh" + "hum" + "knot" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a humming "n" sound, and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "girl"; that little scene ties onnanoko to "girl".

counter for occurrences (~ times), counter for occurrences, a time

かい / kai: hear "car" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "counter for occurrences (~ times)"; that little scene ties kai to "counter for occurrences (~ times)".

counter for stories (floors) of a building, storey, story

かい / kai: hear "car" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "counter for stories (floors) of a building"; that little scene ties kai to "counter for stories (floors) of a building".

face (body part), face, visage

かお / kao: hear "car" + "oh" in the word. Picture a small car beside someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "face (body part)"; that little scene ties kao to "face (body part)".

(number of) months, counter for months

かげつ / kagetsu: hear "car" + "gate" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a small car, a garden gate, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "(number of) months"; that little scene ties kagetsu to "(number of) months".

katakana, angular Japanese syllabary used primarily for loanwords

かたかな / katakana: hear "car" + "ta-da" + "car" in the word. Picture a small car, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "katakana"; that little scene ties katakana to "katakana".

month of year, Moon, month

がつ / gatsu: hear "gasp" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "month of year"; that little scene ties gatsu to "month of year".

home; family, home, household

かてい / katei: hear "car" + "tea" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car, a cup of tea, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "home; family"; that little scene ties katei to "home; family".

corner (e.g., desk, pavement), angle, square

かど / kado: hear "car" + "door" in the word. Picture a small car beside a big door turning into a clear scene for "corner (e.g., desk, pavement)"; that little scene ties kado to "corner (e.g., desk, pavement)".

(flower) vase

かびん / kabin: hear "car" + "bee" + "hum" in the word. Picture a small car, a striped bee, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "(flower) vase"; that little scene ties kabin to "(flower) vase".

feel, to show signs of being, to feel

がる / garu: hear "gasp" + "room" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp beside a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "feel"; that little scene ties garu to "feel".

~ side, (place) near by, (place) close by

がわ / gawa: hear "gasp" + "water" in the word. Picture a dramatic gasp beside a splash of water turning into a clear scene for "~ side"; that little scene ties gawa to "~ side".

yellow, amber

きいろ / kiiro: hear "key" + "eek" + "row" in the word. Picture a bright key, someone squeaking "eek!", and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "yellow"; that little scene ties kiiro to "yellow".

nine, 9

きゅう / kyuu: hear "queue" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a neat queue beside someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "nine"; that little scene ties kyuu to "nine".

(abbr.) kilo (kilogram), kilo-, 1000

キロ / kiro: hear "key" + "row" in the word. Picture a bright key beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "(abbr.) kilo (kilogram)"; that little scene ties kiro to "(abbr.) kilo (kilogram)".

(abbr.) kilo (kilometer), kilo-, 1000

キロ / kiro: hear "key" + "row" in the word. Picture a bright key beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "(abbr.) kilo (kilometer)"; that little scene ties kiro to "(abbr.) kilo (kilometer)".

nine, 9

く / ku: hear "coo" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "nine"; that little scene ties ku to "nine".

marriage (get married), marriage

けっこん / kekkon: hear "kettle" + "click" + "coat" in the word. Picture a whistling kettle, a quick click, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "marriage (get married)"; that little scene ties kekkon to "marriage (get married)".

counter for small items (e.g., fruits, cups), counter for (small) things or pieces, counter for military units

こ / ko: hear "coat" in the word. Picture a big coat turning into a clear scene for "counter for small items (e.g., fruits, cups)"; that little scene ties ko to "counter for small items (e.g., fruits, cups)".

word, language, word, term

ご / go: hear "go" in the word. Picture a green go light turning into a clear scene for "word, language"; that little scene ties go to "word, language".

nine days; ninth day of the month, 9th day of the month, nine days

ここのか / kokonoka: hear "coat" + "coat" + "no" in the word. Picture a big coat, a big coat, and a big no gesture turning into a clear scene for "nine days; ninth day of the month"; that little scene ties kokonoka to "nine days; ninth day of the month".

nine things, nine, nine years of age

ここのつ / kokonotsu: hear "coat" + "coat" + "no" in the word. Picture a big coat, a big coat, and a big no gesture turning into a clear scene for "nine things"; that little scene ties kokonotsu to "nine things".

to copy, copy, photocopy

コピー / kopii: hear "coat" + "pea" + "eek" in the word. Picture a big coat, a bright green pea, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear action scene for "to copy"; that little scene ties kopii to "to copy".

about, toward, approximately (time), (approximate) time, around

ころ / koro: hear "coat" + "row" in the word. Picture a big coat beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "about, toward, approximately (time)"; that little scene ties koro to "about, toward, approximately (time)".

~ years old, ... years old, age (of) ...

さい / sai: hear "saw" + "eek" in the word. Picture a hand saw beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "~ years old"; that little scene ties sai to "~ years old".

wallet, purse, coin purse

さいふ / saifu: hear "saw" + "eek" + "foo" in the word. Picture a hand saw, someone squeaking "eek!", and a puff of air turning into a clear scene for "wallet"; that little scene ties saifu to "wallet".

future; recent, previous, a short while ago, a moment ago

さき / saki: hear "saw" + "key" in the word. Picture a hand saw beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "future; recent, previous"; that little scene ties saki to "future; recent, previous".

essay; composition, writing (an essay, prose, etc.), composition

さくぶん / sakubun: hear "saw" + "coo" + "boo" in the word. Picture a hand saw, a soft "coo" sound, and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "essay; composition"; that little scene ties sakubun to "essay; composition".

counter for books, volume

さつ / satsu: hear "saw" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a hand saw beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "counter for books"; that little scene ties satsu to "counter for books".

magazine, journal, magazine, journal

ざっし / zasshi: hear "zap" + "hiss" + "she" in the word. Picture a tiny zap of light, a quick hiss, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "magazine, journal"; that little scene ties zasshi to "magazine, journal".

sugar

さとう / satou: hear "saw" + "toe" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a hand saw, a tapping toe, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "sugar"; that little scene ties satou to "sugar".

year after next

さらいねん / sarainen: hear "saw" + "rah" + "eek" in the word. Picture a hand saw, a cheering "rah!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "year after next"; that little scene ties sarainen to "year after next".

Mr. ~, Ms. ~, Mr, Mrs

さん / san: hear "saw" + "hum" in the word. Picture a hand saw beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "Mr. ~, Ms. ~"; that little scene ties san to "Mr. ~, Ms. ~".

three, 3

さん / san: hear "saw" + "hum" in the word. Picture a hand saw beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "three"; that little scene ties san to "three".

walk, stroll, walk, stroll

さんぽ / sanpo: hear "saw" + "hum" + "pole" in the word. Picture a hand saw, a humming "n" sound, and a tall pole turning into a clear scene for "walk, stroll"; that little scene ties sanpo to "walk, stroll".

four, 4

し / shi: hear "she" in the word. Picture someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "four"; that little scene ties shi to "four".

~ o'clock (time), time, hour

じ / ji: hear "gee" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!" turning into a clear scene for "~ o'clock (time)"; that little scene ties ji to "~ o'clock (time)".

salt, common salt, table salt

しお / shio: hear "she" + "oh" in the word. Picture someone saying "she" beside someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "salt"; that little scene ties shio to "salt".

~ hours, time, hour

じかん / jikan: hear "gee" + "car" + "hum" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!", a small car, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "~ hours"; that little scene ties jikan to "~ hours".

work, job, occupation, employment, work, job

しごと / shigoto: hear "she" + "go" + "toe" in the word. Picture someone saying "she", a green go light, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "work, job, occupation, employment"; that little scene ties shigoto to "work, job, occupation, employment".

under, below, beneath, below, down

した / shita: hear "she" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture someone saying "she" beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "under, below, beneath"; that little scene ties shita to "under, below, beneath".

seven

しち / shichi: hear "she" + "cheese" in the word. Picture someone saying "she" beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "seven"; that little scene ties shichi to "seven".

question, inquiry, question, inquiry

しつもん / shitsumon: hear "she" + "tsk" + "moat" in the word. Picture someone saying "she", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "question, inquiry"; that little scene ties shitsumon to "question, inquiry".

dictionary

じびき / jibiki: hear "gee" + "bee" + "key" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!", a striped bee, and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "dictionary"; that little scene ties jibiki to "dictionary".

shirt, shirt (undergarment), undershirt

シャツ / shatsu: hear "shah" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a royal-looking shah beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "shirt"; that little scene ties shatsu to "shirt".

shower

シャワー / shawaa: hear "shah" + "water" + "ah" in the word. Picture a royal-looking shah, a splash of water, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "shower"; that little scene ties shawaa to "shower".

during, while, inside, interior

じゅう / juu: hear "juice" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a bright glass of juice beside someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "during, while"; that little scene ties juu to "during, while".

~ weeks, week

しゅうかん / shuukan: hear "shoe" + "ooh" + "car" in the word. Picture a shiny shoe, someone saying "ooh", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "~ weeks"; that little scene ties shuukan to "~ weeks".

homework, assignment, pending issue

しゅくだい / shukudai: hear "shoe" + "coo" + "dart" in the word. Picture a shiny shoe, a soft "coo" sound, and a small dart turning into a clear scene for "homework"; that little scene ties shukudai to "homework".

soy sauce, soya sauce, shoyu

しょうゆ / shouyu: hear "show" + "ooh" + "you" in the word. Picture a small stage show, someone saying "ooh", and someone pointing to you turning into a clear scene for "soy sauce"; that little scene ties shouyu to "soy sauce".

cafeteria, dining hall, dining room, dining hall

しょくどう / shokudou: hear "show" + "coo" + "door" in the word. Picture a small stage show, a soft "coo" sound, and a big door turning into a clear scene for "cafeteria, dining hall"; that little scene ties shokudou to "cafeteria, dining hall".

white, innocence, innocent person

しろ / shiro: hear "she" + "row" in the word. Picture someone saying "she" beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "white"; that little scene ties shiro to "white".

counter for people, -ian (e.g. Italian), -ite (e.g. Tokyoite)

じん / jin: hear "gee" + "hum" in the word. Picture a surprised "gee!" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "counter for people"; that little scene ties jin to "counter for people".

Wednesday

すいようび / suiyoubi: hear "Sue" + "eek" + "yo" in the word. Picture someone named Sue, someone squeaking "eek!", and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "Wednesday"; that little scene ties suiyoubi to "Wednesday".

skirt

スカート / sukaato: hear "Sue" + "car" + "ah" in the word. Picture someone named Sue, a small car, and someone gasping "ah!" turning into a clear scene for "skirt"; that little scene ties sukaato to "skirt".

past; to exceed, ~ too much, past, after

すぎ / sugi: hear "Sue" + "guitar" in the word. Picture someone named Sue beside a tiny guitar turning into a clear scene for "past; to exceed, ~ too much"; that little scene ties sugi to "past; to exceed, ~ too much".

at a time, apiece, each

ずつ / zutsu: hear "zoo" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a zoo gate beside a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "at a time"; that little scene ties zutsu to "at a time".

heater (lit: stove), (room) heater, stove

ストーブ / sutoobu: hear "Sue" + "toe" + "oh" in the word. Picture someone named Sue, a tapping toe, and someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "heater (lit: stove)"; that little scene ties sutoobu to "heater (lit: stove)".

spoon, spoon lure

スプーン / supuun: hear "Sue" + "pool" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone named Sue, a blue pool, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "spoon"; that little scene ties supuun to "spoon".

sport(s), sport, sports

スポーツ / supootsu: hear "Sue" + "pole" + "oh" in the word. Picture someone named Sue, a tall pole, and someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "sport(s)"; that little scene ties supootsu to "sport(s)".

trousers, pants

ズボン / zubon: hear "zoo" + "bow" + "hum" in the word. Picture a zoo gate, a neat bow, and a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "trousers"; that little scene ties zubon to "trousers".

(one's) height, stature, height, stature

せい / sei: hear "say" + "eek" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say" beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "(one's) height, stature"; that little scene ties sei to "(one's) height, stature".

student; pupil, pupil, student

せいと / seito: hear "say" + "eek" + "toe" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", someone squeaking "eek!", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "student; pupil"; that little scene ties seito to "student; pupil".

sweater, jumper

セーター / seetaa: hear "say" + "eh" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "sweater"; that little scene ties seetaa to "sweater".

soap

せっけん / sekken: hear "say" + "click" + "kettle" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a quick click, and a whistling kettle turning into a clear scene for "soap"; that little scene ties sekken to "soap".

men's suit, business suit

せびろ / sebiro: hear "say" + "bee" + "row" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a striped bee, and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "men's suit"; that little scene ties sebiro to "men's suit".

zero, 0, nought

ゼロ / zero: hear "zest" + "row" in the word. Picture a bright lemon zest curl beside a neat row turning into a clear scene for "zero"; that little scene ties zero to "zero".

thousand, 1,000

せん / sen: hear "say" + "hum" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say" beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "thousand"; that little scene ties sen to "thousand".

last month

せんげつ / sengetsu: hear "say" + "hum" + "gate" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a humming "n" sound, and a garden gate turning into a clear scene for "last month"; that little scene ties sengetsu to "last month".

last week, the week before

せんしゅう / senshuu: hear "say" + "hum" + "shoe" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a humming "n" sound, and a shiny shoe turning into a clear scene for "last week"; that little scene ties senshuu to "last week".

teacher, professor; master; doctor, teacher, instructor

せんせい / sensei: hear "say" + "hum" + "say" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a humming "n" sound, and a speech bubble saying "say" turning into a clear scene for "teacher, professor; master; doctor"; that little scene ties sensei to "teacher, professor; master; doctor".

washing, laundry, washing, laundry

せんたく / sentaku: hear "say" + "hum" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a speech bubble saying "say", a humming "n" sound, and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "washing, laundry"; that little scene ties sentaku to "washing, laundry".

all, entire, whole, all, entire

ぜんぶ / zenbu: hear "zest" + "hum" + "boo" in the word. Picture a bright lemon zest curl, a humming "n" sound, and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "all, entire, whole"; that little scene ties zenbu to "all, entire, whole".

cleaning, sweeping, cleaning, sweeping

そうじ / souji: hear "sew" + "ooh" + "gee" in the word. Picture a sewing needle, someone saying "ooh", and a surprised "gee!" turning into a clear scene for "cleaning, sweeping"; that little scene ties souji to "cleaning, sweeping".

outside, exterior, outside, exterior

そと / soto: hear "sew" + "toe" in the word. Picture a sewing needle beside a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "outside, exterior"; that little scene ties soto to "outside, exterior".

near, close, beside; Japanese traditional buckwheat noodle, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), soba

そば / soba: hear "sew" + "bar" in the word. Picture a sewing needle beside a colorful bar turning into a clear scene for "near, close, beside; Japanese traditional buckwheat noodle"; that little scene ties soba to "near, close, beside; Japanese traditional buckwheat noodle".

counter for vehicles; machines, stand, rest

だい / dai: hear "dart" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small dart beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "counter for vehicles; machines"; that little scene ties dai to "counter for vehicles; machines".

embassy

たいしかん / taishikan: hear "ta-da" + "eek" + "she" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, someone squeaking "eek!", and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "embassy"; that little scene ties taishikan to "embassy".

only ~, just ~, as ~, only, just

だけ / dake: hear "dart" + "kettle" in the word. Picture a small dart beside a whistling kettle turning into a clear scene for "only ~, just ~, as ~"; that little scene ties dake to "only ~, just ~, as ~".

taxi

タクシー / takushii: hear "ta-da" + "coo" + "she" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a soft "coo" sound, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "taxi"; that little scene ties takushii to "taxi".

plural suffix, cutting, cut

たち / tachi: hear "ta-da" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "plural suffix"; that little scene ties tachi to "plural suffix".

length, height, sword fight (in a film, play, etc.), stage combat

たて / tate: hear "ta-da" + "tea" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose beside a cup of tea turning into a clear scene for "length, height"; that little scene ties tate to "length, height".

building

たてもの / tatemono: hear "ta-da" + "tea" + "moat" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a cup of tea, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "building"; that little scene ties tatemono to "building".

tobacco, cigarettes, tobacco, cigarette

たばこ / tabako: hear "ta-da" + "bar" + "coat" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a colorful bar, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "tobacco, cigarettes"; that little scene ties tabako to "tobacco, cigarettes".

food

たべもの / tabemono: hear "ta-da" + "bell" + "moat" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a ringing bell, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "food"; that little scene ties tabemono to "food".

egg, eggs, spawn

たまご / tamago: hear "ta-da" + "ma" + "go" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a motherly "ma!", and a green go light turning into a clear scene for "egg"; that little scene ties tamago to "egg".

birthday

たんじょうび / tanjoubi: hear "ta-da" + "hum" + "Joe" in the word. Picture a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, a humming "n" sound, and someone named Joe turning into a clear scene for "birthday"; that little scene ties tanjoubi to "birthday".

nearby; in the neighborhood, near, neighbourhood

ちかく / chikaku: hear "cheese" + "car" + "coo" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese, a small car, and a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "nearby; in the neighborhood"; that little scene ties chikaku to "nearby; in the neighborhood".

during, while ~ing, inside, interior

ちゅう / chuu: hear "chew" + "ooh" in the word. Picture someone chewing thoughtfully beside someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "during, while ~ing"; that little scene ties chuu to "during, while ~ing".

next, following, subsequent

つぎ / tsugi: hear "tsk" + "guitar" in the word. Picture a tiny "tsk!" spark beside a tiny guitar turning into a clear scene for "next"; that little scene ties tsugi to "next".

desk

つくえ / tsukue: hear "tsk" + "coo" + "eh" in the word. Picture a tiny "tsk!" spark, a soft "coo" sound, and someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "desk"; that little scene ties tsukue to "desk".

hand, arm, forepaw

て / te: hear "tea" in the word. Picture a cup of tea turning into a clear scene for "hand"; that little scene ties te to "hand".

tape

テープ / teepu: hear "tea" + "eh" + "pool" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a blue pool turning into a clear scene for "tape"; that little scene ties teepu to "tape".

tape recorder

テープレコーダー / teepurekoodaa: hear "tea" + "eh" + "pool" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a blue pool turning into a clear scene for "tape recorder"; that little scene ties teepurekoodaa to "tape recorder".

table

テーブル / teeburu: hear "tea" + "eh" + "boo" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "table"; that little scene ties teeburu to "table".

letter, note

てがみ / tegami: hear "tea" + "gasp" + "me" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, a dramatic gasp, and someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "letter"; that little scene ties tegami to "letter".

test, test (of ability, knowledge, etc.), exam

テスト / tesuto: hear "tea" + "Sue" + "toe" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, someone named Sue, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "test"; that little scene ties tesuto to "test".

television, TV, television, TV

テレビ / terebi: hear "tea" + "ray" + "bee" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, a ray of light, and a striped bee turning into a clear scene for "television, TV"; that little scene ties terebi to "television, TV".

weather, fair weather, fine weather

てんき / tenki: hear "tea" + "hum" + "key" in the word. Picture a cup of tea, a humming "n" sound, and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "weather"; that little scene ties tenki to "weather".

door (Japanese style), door (esp. Japanese-style), shutter

と / to: hear "toe" in the word. Picture a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "door (Japanese style)"; that little scene ties to to "door (Japanese style)".

counter for occurrences; ~ degree; ~ point, time (three times, each time, etc.), times

ど / do: hear "door" in the word. Picture a big door turning into a clear scene for "counter for occurrences; ~ degree; ~ point"; that little scene ties do to "counter for occurrences; ~ degree; ~ point".

bathroom; toilet, toilet, restroom

トイレ / toire: hear "toe" + "eek" + "ray" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, someone squeaking "eek!", and a ray of light turning into a clear scene for "bathroom; toilet"; that little scene ties toire to "bathroom; toilet".

ten days; tenth day of the month, 10th day of the month, ten days

とおか / tooka: hear "toe" + "oh" + "car" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, someone realizing "oh!", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "ten days; tenth day of the month"; that little scene ties tooka to "ten days; tenth day of the month".

at the time of ~, time, hour

とき / toki: hear "toe" + "key" in the word. Picture a tapping toe beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "at the time of ~"; that little scene ties toki to "at the time of ~".

a watch; a clock, clock, watch

とけい / tokei: hear "toe" + "kettle" + "eek" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a whistling kettle, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "a watch; a clock"; that little scene ties tokei to "a watch; a clock".

place, spot, scene

ところ / tokoro: hear "toe" + "coat" + "row" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a big coat, and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "place"; that little scene ties tokoro to "place".

year, age, year, age

とし / toshi: hear "toe" + "she" in the word. Picture a tapping toe beside someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "year, age"; that little scene ties toshi to "year, age".

library

としょかん / toshokan: hear "toe" + "show" + "car" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a small stage show, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "library"; that little scene ties toshokan to "library".

next to, next door to, next (to), adjoining

となり / tonari: hear "toe" + "knot" + "reel" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a tight knot, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "next to, next door to"; that little scene ties tonari to "next to, next door to".

which, Mr., Mrs.

どの / dono: hear "door" + "no" in the word. Picture a big door beside a big no gesture turning into a clear scene for "which"; that little scene ties dono to "which".

chicken (lit., bird), bird, bird meat (esp. chicken meat)

とり / tori: hear "toe" + "reel" in the word. Picture a tapping toe beside a film reel turning into a clear scene for "chicken (lit., bird)"; that little scene ties tori to "chicken (lit., bird)".

chicken meat, fowl, poultry

とりにく / toriniku: hear "toe" + "reel" + "knee" in the word. Picture a tapping toe, a film reel, and a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "chicken meat"; that little scene ties toriniku to "chicken meat".

summer vacation, summer holiday

なつやすみ / natsuyasumi: hear "knot" + "tsk" + "yard" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a tiny "tsk!" spark, and a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "summer vacation"; that little scene ties natsuyasumi to "summer vacation".

et cetera, etc., and the like

など / nado: hear "knot" + "door" in the word. Picture a tight knot beside a big door turning into a clear scene for "et cetera"; that little scene ties nado to "et cetera".

seven things, seven, seven years of age

ななつ / nanatsu: hear "knot" + "knot" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a tight knot, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "seven things"; that little scene ties nanatsu to "seven things".

seven days; seventh day (of the month), 7th day of the month, seven days

なのか / nanoka: hear "knot" + "no" + "car" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a big no gesture, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "seven days; seventh day (of the month)"; that little scene ties nanoka to "seven days; seventh day (of the month)".

what sort of ~

なん～ / nan～: hear "knot" + "hum" in the word. Picture a tight knot beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "what sort of ~"; that little scene ties nan～ to "what sort of ~".

two, 2

に / ni: hear "knee" in the word. Picture a bent knee turning into a clear scene for "two"; that little scene ties ni to "two".

~ day of the month, for ~ days, day, days

にち / nichi: hear "knee" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a bent knee beside a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "~ day of the month, for ~ days"; that little scene ties nichi to "~ day of the month, for ~ days".

Sunday

にちようび / nichiyoubi: hear "knee" + "cheese" + "yo" in the word. Picture a bent knee, a wedge of cheese, and a friendly "yo!" turning into a clear scene for "Sunday"; that little scene ties nichiyoubi to "Sunday".

luggage; baggage, luggage, baggage

にもつ / nimotsu: hear "knee" + "moat" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a bent knee, a little moat, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "luggage; baggage"; that little scene ties nimotsu to "luggage; baggage".

news

ニュース / nyuusu: hear "hum" + "you" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a humming "n" sound, someone pointing to you, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "news"; that little scene ties nyuusu to "news".

counter for people, -ian (e.g. Italian), -ite (e.g. Tokyoite)

にん / nin: hear "knee" + "hum" in the word. Picture a bent knee beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "counter for people"; that little scene ties nin to "counter for people".

tie, necktie, tie, necktie

ネクタイ / nekutai: hear "neigh" + "coo" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a loud "neigh" sound, a soft "coo" sound, and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "tie, necktie"; that little scene ties nekutai to "tie, necktie".

~ years, year, age

ねん / nen: hear "neigh" + "hum" in the word. Picture a loud "neigh" sound beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "~ years"; that little scene ties nen to "~ years".

notebook, copy-book, exercise book

ノート / nooto: hear "no" + "oh" + "toe" in the word. Picture a big no gesture, someone realizing "oh!", and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "notebook"; that little scene ties nooto to "notebook".

drink, beverage, drink, beverage

のみもの / nomimono: hear "no" + "me" + "moat" in the word. Picture a big no gesture, someone pointing to themselves, and a little moat turning into a clear scene for "drink, beverage"; that little scene ties nomimono to "drink, beverage".

a party, party (social gathering), party (group of people participating in an activity, esp. mountain climbing)

パーティー / paateぃぃ: hear "party" + "ah" + "tea" in the word. Picture a tiny party hat, someone gasping "ah!", and a cup of tea turning into a clear scene for "a party"; that little scene ties paateぃぃ to "a party".

counter for cupfuls, sake cup, cup for alcoholic beverages

はい / hai: hear "ha" + "eek" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!" beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "counter for cupfuls"; that little scene ties hai to "counter for cupfuls".

beginning, start, beginning, start

はじめ / hajime: hear "ha" + "gee" + "may" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a surprised "gee!", and a calendar page for May turning into a clear scene for "beginning, start"; that little scene ties hajime to "beginning, start".

evening, night, dinner

ばん / ban: hear "bar" + "hum" in the word. Picture a colorful bar beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "evening"; that little scene ties ban to "evening".

~st; ~th best, number (in a series), (one's) turn

ばん / ban: hear "bar" + "hum" in the word. Picture a colorful bar beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "~st; ~th best"; that little scene ties ban to "~st; ~th best".

counter for small animals, counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size), counter for horses

ひき / hiki: hear "he" + "key" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he" beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "counter for small animals"; that little scene ties hiki to "counter for small animals".

one month, January, first month of the lunar calendar

ひとつき / hitotsuki: hear "he" + "toe" + "tsk" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a tapping toe, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "one month"; that little scene ties hitotsuki to "one month".

hiragana, cursive Japanese syllabary used primarily for native Japanese words (esp. function words, inflections, etc.)

ひらがな / hiragana: hear "he" + "rah" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a cheering "rah!", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "hiragana"; that little scene ties hiragana to "hiragana".

swimming pool, (swimming) pool, pool (cue sport)

プール / puuru: hear "pool" + "ooh" + "room" in the word. Picture a blue pool, someone saying "ooh", and a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "swimming pool"; that little scene ties puuru to "swimming pool".

~ minutes, minute (unit of time), fun (one tenth of a monme, 5.787 grains)

ふん / fun: hear "foo" + "hum" in the word. Picture a puff of air beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "~ minutes"; that little scene ties fun to "~ minutes".

a page, page, nth page

ページ / peeji: hear "pen" + "eh" + "gee" in the word. Picture a fountain pen, someone tilting their head and saying "eh?", and a surprised "gee!" turning into a clear scene for "a page"; that little scene ties peeji to "a page".

pet, trumpet

ペット / petto: hear "pen" + "tap" + "toe" in the word. Picture a fountain pen, a quick tap, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "pet"; that little scene ties petto to "pet".

pen

ペン / pen: hear "pen" + "hum" in the word. Picture a fountain pen beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "pen"; that little scene ties pen to "pen".

pocket

ポケット / poketto: hear "pole" + "kettle" + "tap" in the word. Picture a tall pole, a whistling kettle, and a quick tap turning into a clear scene for "pocket"; that little scene ties poketto to "pocket".

mailbox; post, position, postbox, mailbox

ポスト / posuto: hear "pole" + "Sue" + "toe" in the word. Picture a tall pole, someone named Sue, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "mailbox; post, position"; that little scene ties posuto to "mailbox; post, position".

counter for long cylindrical things, origin, source

ほん / hon: hear "hoe" + "hum" in the word. Picture a garden hoe beside a humming "n" sound turning into a clear scene for "counter for long cylindrical things"; that little scene ties hon to "counter for long cylindrical things".

counter for flat things, counter for thin, flat objects (e.g. sheets of paper, plates, coins), counter for portions of gyōza or soba

まい / mai: hear "ma" + "eek" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "counter for flat things"; that little scene ties mai to "counter for flat things".

in front of ~, point, tip

まえ / mae: hear "ma" + "eh" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside someone tilting their head and saying "eh?" turning into a clear scene for "in front of ~"; that little scene ties mae to "in front of ~".

and; furthermore, groin, thigh

また / mata: hear "ma" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!" beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "and; furthermore"; that little scene ties mata to "and; furthermore".

match, match (for lighting a fire)

マッチ / macchi: hear "ma" + "click" + "cheese" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", a quick click, and a wedge of cheese turning into a clear scene for "match"; that little scene ties macchi to "match".

three days, third day of the month, 3rd day of the month, three days

みっか / mikka: hear "me" + "click" + "car" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a quick click, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "three days, third day of the month"; that little scene ties mikka to "three days, third day of the month".

three things, three, three years of age

みっつ / mittsu: hear "me" + "tap" + "tsk" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a quick tap, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "three things"; that little scene ties mittsu to "three things".

all of you, everyone, all, everyone

みなさん / minasan: hear "me" + "knot" + "saw" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a tight knot, and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "all of you, everyone"; that little scene ties minasan to "all of you, everyone".

six days; sixth day of month, 6th day of the month, six days

むいか / muika: hear "moo" + "eek" + "car" in the word. Picture a deep "moo" sound, someone squeaking "eek!", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "six days; sixth day of month"; that little scene ties muika to "six days; sixth day of month".

six things, six, six years of age

むっつ / muttsu: hear "moo" + "tap" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a deep "moo" sound, a quick tap, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "six things"; that little scene ties muttsu to "six things".

~ shop, shop, store

や / ya: hear "yard" in the word. Picture a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "~ shop"; that little scene ties ya to "~ shop".

greengrocer, fruit and vegetable shop, jack of all trades

やおや / yaoya: hear "yard" + "oh" + "yard" in the word. Picture a grassy yard, someone realizing "oh!", and a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "greengrocer"; that little scene ties yaoya to "greengrocer".

vegetable, marijuana, cannabis

やさい / yasai: hear "yard" + "saw" + "eek" in the word. Picture a grassy yard, a hand saw, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "vegetable"; that little scene ties yasai to "vegetable".

holiday; day off; absence, rest, recess

やすみ / yasumi: hear "yard" + "Sue" + "me" in the word. Picture a grassy yard, someone named Sue, and someone pointing to themselves turning into a clear scene for "holiday; day off; absence"; that little scene ties yasumi to "holiday; day off; absence".

eight things, eight, eight years of age

やっつ / yattsu: hear "yard" + "tap" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a grassy yard, a quick tap, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "eight things"; that little scene ties yattsu to "eight things".

late afternoon (typically just before dinner time), evening, early evening (usu. from 3pm to 6pm), dusk

ゆうがた / yuugata: hear "you" + "ooh" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you, someone saying "ooh", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "late afternoon (typically just before dinner time), evening"; that little scene ties yuugata to "late afternoon (typically just before dinner time), evening".

dinner, supper, evening meal, evening meal, dinner

ゆうはん / yuuhan: hear "you" + "ooh" + "ha" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you, someone saying "ooh", and a laughing "ha!" turning into a clear scene for "dinner, supper, evening meal"; that little scene ties yuuhan to "dinner, supper, evening meal".

post office

ゆうびんきょく / yuubinkyoku: hear "you" + "ooh" + "bee" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you, someone saying "ooh", and a striped bee turning into a clear scene for "post office"; that little scene ties yuubinkyoku to "post office".

last night, yesterday evening

ゆうべ / yuube: hear "you" + "ooh" + "bell" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you, someone saying "ooh", and a ringing bell turning into a clear scene for "last night"; that little scene ties yuube to "last night".

snow, snowfall

ゆき / yuki: hear "you" + "key" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you beside a bright key turning into a clear scene for "snow"; that little scene ties yuki to "snow".

slowly, at ease

ゆっくりと / yukkurito: hear "you" + "click" + "coo" in the word. Picture someone pointing to you, a quick click, and a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "slowly, at ease"; that little scene ties yukkurito to "slowly, at ease".

eight days; eighth day of the month, 8th day of the month, eight days

ようか / youka: hear "yo" + "ooh" + "car" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!", someone saying "ooh", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "eight days; eighth day of the month"; that little scene ties youka to "eight days; eighth day of the month".

Western-style clothes, Western-style clothes (cf. traditional Japanese clothes)

ようふく / youfuku: hear "yo" + "ooh" + "foo" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!", someone saying "ooh", and a puff of air turning into a clear scene for "Western-style clothes"; that little scene ties youfuku to "Western-style clothes".

beside; side; width, horizontal (as opposed to vertical), side-to-side (as opposed to front-to-back)

よこ / yoko: hear "yo" + "coat" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!" beside a big coat turning into a clear scene for "beside; side; width"; that little scene ties yoko to "beside; side; width".

four days; fourth day of the month, 4th day of the month, four days

よっか / yokka: hear "yo" + "click" + "car" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!", a quick click, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "four days; fourth day of the month"; that little scene ties yokka to "four days; fourth day of the month".

four things, four, 4

よっつ / yottsu: hear "yo" + "tap" + "tsk" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!", a quick tap, and a tiny "tsk!" spark turning into a clear scene for "four things"; that little scene ties yottsu to "four things".

evening, night, night, evening

よる / yoru: hear "yo" + "room" in the word. Picture a friendly "yo!" beside a tiny room turning into a clear scene for "evening, night"; that little scene ties yoru to "evening, night".

radio

ラジオ / rajio: hear "rah" + "gee" + "oh" in the word. Picture a cheering "rah!", a surprised "gee!", and someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "radio"; that little scene ties rajio to "radio".

radio cassette player

ラジオカセ / rajiokase: hear "rah" + "gee" + "oh" in the word. Picture a cheering "rah!", a surprised "gee!", and someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "radio cassette player"; that little scene ties rajiokase to "radio cassette player".

international student, overseas student, exchange student

りゅうがくせい / ryuugakusei: hear "re-you" + "ooh" + "gasp" in the word. Picture a redo arrow pointing at you, someone saying "ooh", and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "international student"; that little scene ties ryuugakusei to "international student".

parents (lit., both parents), parents, both parents

りょうしん / ryoushin: hear "re-oh" + "ooh" + "she" in the word. Picture a redo arrow with an "oh!", someone saying "ooh", and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "parents (lit., both parents)"; that little scene ties ryoushin to "parents (lit., both parents)".

cooking; cuisine, cooking, cookery

りょうり / ryouri: hear "re-oh" + "ooh" + "reel" in the word. Picture a redo arrow with an "oh!", someone saying "ooh", and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "cooking; cuisine"; that little scene ties ryouri to "cooking; cuisine".

travel, trip, travel, trip

りょこう / ryokou: hear "re-oh" + "coat" + "ooh" in the word. Picture a redo arrow with an "oh!", a big coat, and someone saying "ooh" turning into a clear scene for "travel, trip"; that little scene ties ryokou to "travel, trip".

zero, nought, zero, nought

れい / rei: hear "ray" + "eek" in the word. Picture a ray of light beside someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "zero, nought"; that little scene ties rei to "zero, nought".

refrigerator, fridge

れいぞうこ / reizouko: hear "ray" + "eek" + "zone" in the word. Picture a ray of light, someone squeaking "eek!", and a marked-off zone turning into a clear scene for "refrigerator"; that little scene ties reizouko to "refrigerator".

record, (phonograph) record, record (esp. in sports)

レコード / rekoodo: hear "ray" + "coat" + "oh" in the word. Picture a ray of light, a big coat, and someone realizing "oh!" turning into a clear scene for "record"; that little scene ties rekoodo to "record".

restaurant, restaurant (esp. Western-style)

レストラン / resutoran: hear "ray" + "Sue" + "toe" in the word. Picture a ray of light, someone named Sue, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "restaurant"; that little scene ties resutoran to "restaurant".

(to) practice, practice, training

れんしゅう / renshuu: hear "ray" + "hum" + "shoe" in the word. Picture a ray of light, a humming "n" sound, and a shiny shoe turning into a clear scene for "(to) practice"; that little scene ties renshuu to "(to) practice".

corridor, hallway, passageway

ろうか / rouka: hear "row" + "ooh" + "car" in the word. Picture a neat row, someone saying "ooh", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "corridor"; that little scene ties rouka to "corridor".

six, 6

ろく / roku: hear "row" + "coo" in the word. Picture a neat row beside a soft "coo" sound turning into a clear scene for "six"; that little scene ties roku to "six".

shirt (lit: white shirt), business shirt, (formal) shirt, dress shirt

ワイシャツ / waishatsu: hear "water" + "eek" + "shah" in the word. Picture a splash of water, someone squeaking "eek!", and a royal-looking shah turning into a clear scene for "shirt (lit: white shirt), business shirt"; that little scene ties waishatsu to "shirt (lit: white shirt), business shirt".

dangerous, risky, hazardous

あぶない / abunai: hear "ah" + "boo" + "knot" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a playful "boo!", and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "dangerous"; that little scene ties abunai to "dangerous".

red, crimson, scarlet

あかい / akai: hear "ah" + "car" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a small car, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "red"; that little scene ties akai to "red".

bright, light, well-lit

明 holds the sun (日) and the moon (月) — both sources of brightness.

sweet, sweet-tasting, sugary

あまい / amai: hear "ah" + "ma" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a motherly "ma!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "sweet"; that little scene ties amai to "sweet".

blue, azure, green

あおい / aoi: hear "ah" + "oh" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", someone realizing "oh!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "blue"; that little scene ties aoi to "blue".

new, novel, fresh

あたらしい / atarashii: hear "ah" + "ta-da" + "rah" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a cheering "rah!" turning into a clear scene for "new"; that little scene ties atarashii to "new".

warm, mild, (pleasantly) hot

あたたかい / atatakai: hear "ah" + "ta-da" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "warm"; that little scene ties atatakai to "warm".

hot to the touch, hot (to the touch), passionate (feelings, etc.)

あつい / atsui: hear "ah" + "tsk" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "hot to the touch"; that little scene ties atsui to "hot to the touch".

thick, deep, heavy

あつい / atsui: hear "ah" + "tsk" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "thick"; that little scene ties atsui to "thick".

hot weather, hot, warm

あつい / atsui: hear "ah" + "tsk" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone gasping "ah!", a tiny "tsk!" spark, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "hot weather"; that little scene ties atsui to "hot weather".

convenient, handy, useful

べんり / benri: hear "bell" + "hum" + "reel" in the word. Picture a ringing bell, a humming "n" sound, and a film reel turning into a clear scene for "convenient"; that little scene ties benri to "convenient".

small, little, tiny

ちいさい / chiisai: hear "cheese" + "eek" + "saw" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese, someone squeaking "eek!", and a hand saw turning into a clear scene for "small"; that little scene ties chiisai to "small".

near, close, short (distance)

ちかい / chikai: hear "cheese" + "car" + "eek" in the word. Picture a wedge of cheese, a small car, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "near"; that little scene ties chikai to "near".

okay, safe, secure

だいじょうぶ / daijoubu: hear "dart" + "eek" + "Joe" in the word. Picture a small dart, someone squeaking "eek!", and someone named Joe turning into a clear scene for "okay"; that little scene ties daijoubu to "okay".

like very much, liking very much, loving (something or someone)

だいすき / daisuki: hear "dart" + "eek" + "Sue" in the word. Picture a small dart, someone squeaking "eek!", and someone named Sue turning into a clear scene for "like very much"; that little scene ties daisuki to "like very much".

old, aged, ancient

ふるい / furui: connect the sound to "fur". Picture furry clouds dropping rain in a scene for "old" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

thick, fat, fat, thick

ふとい / futoi: hear "foo" + "toe" + "eek" in the word. Picture a puff of air, a tapping toe, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "thick, fat"; that little scene ties futoi to "thick, fat".

healthy, energetic, lively, full of spirit

げんき / genki: hear "gate" + "hum" + "key" in the word. Picture a garden gate, a humming "n" sound, and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "healthy, energetic"; that little scene ties genki to "healthy, energetic".

fast, quick, rapid

はやい / hayai: hear "ha" + "yard" + "eek" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a grassy yard, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "fast"; that little scene ties hayai to "fast".

early, fast, quick

はやい / hayai: hear "ha" + "yard" + "eek" in the word. Picture a laughing "ha!", a grassy yard, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "early"; that little scene ties hayai to "early".

unskillful, humble position, inferior

へた / heta: hear "hey" + "ta-da" in the word. Picture someone waving "hey!" beside a dramatic "ta-da!" pose turning into a clear scene for "unskillful"; that little scene ties heta to "unskillful".

low, low (rank, degree, value, content, quality, etc.), low (position)

ひくい / hikui: connect the sound to "hook". Picture a hook pulling or playing the idea in a scene for "low" so the sound points straight back to the meaning.

free, not busy, spare time, free time

ひま / hima: hear "he" + "ma" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he" beside a motherly "ma!" turning into a clear scene for "free, not busy"; that little scene ties hima to "free, not busy".

wide, spacious, spacious, vast

ひろい / hiroi: hear "he" + "row" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone pointing and saying "he", a neat row, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "wide, spacious"; that little scene ties hiroi to "wide, spacious".

true, truth, reality

ほんとう / hontou: hear "hoe" + "hum" + "toe" in the word. Picture a garden hoe, a humming "n" sound, and a tapping toe turning into a clear scene for "true"; that little scene ties hontou to "true".

wanted, wanting (to have), desiring

ほしい / hoshii: hear "hoe" + "she" + "eek" in the word. Picture a garden hoe, someone saying "she", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "wanted"; that little scene ties hoshii to "wanted".

thin, slender, thin, slender

ほそい / hosoi: hear "hoe" + "sew" + "eek" in the word. Picture a garden hoe, a sewing needle, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "thin, slender"; that little scene ties hosoi to "thin, slender".

various, a variety of, all sorts of

いろいろ / iroiro: hear "eek" + "row" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a neat row, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "various"; that little scene ties iroiro to "various".

busy, occupied, hectic

いそがしい / isogashii: hear "eek" + "sew" + "gasp" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a sewing needle, and a dramatic gasp turning into a clear scene for "busy"; that little scene ties isogashii to "busy".

painful, sore, cringy

いたい / itai: hear "eek" + "ta-da" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!", a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "painful"; that little scene ties itai to "painful".

unpleasant, disliking, not wanting

いや / iya: hear "eek" + "yard" in the word. Picture someone squeaking "eek!" beside a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "unpleasant"; that little scene ties iya to "unpleasant".

strong, durable, healthy, robust

じょうぶ / joubu: hear "Joe" + "ooh" + "boo" in the word. Picture someone named Joe, someone saying "ooh", and a playful "boo!" turning into a clear scene for "strong, durable"; that little scene ties joubu to "strong, durable".

skilled, skillful, proficient

Think of having the upper hand at something — 上手 is the skilled hand.

spicy, hot, salty

からい / karai: hear "car" + "rah" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car, a cheering "rah!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "spicy"; that little scene ties karai to "spicy".

light, light (i.e. not heavy), feeling light (i.e. offering little resistance, moving easily)

かるい / karui: hear "car" + "room" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car, a tiny room, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "light"; that little scene ties karui to "light".

cute, adorable, charming

かわいい / kawaii: hear "car" + "water" + "eek" in the word. Picture a small car, a splash of water, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "cute"; that little scene ties kawaii to "cute".

splendid, enough, splendid, nice

けっこう / kekkou: hear "kettle" + "click" + "coat" in the word. Picture a whistling kettle, a quick click, and a big coat turning into a clear scene for "splendid, enough"; that little scene ties kekkou to "splendid, enough".

yellow, high-pitched (voice), shrill

きいろい / kiiroi: hear "key" + "eek" + "row" in the word. Picture a bright key, someone squeaking "eek!", and a neat row turning into a clear scene for "yellow"; that little scene ties kiiroi to "yellow".

disliked, hated, disagreeable

きらい / kirai: hear "key" + "rah" + "eek" in the word. Picture a bright key, a cheering "rah!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "disliked"; that little scene ties kirai to "disliked".

pretty, clean, pretty, lovely

きれい / kirei: hear "key" + "ray" + "eek" in the word. Picture a bright key, a ray of light, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "pretty, clean"; that little scene ties kirei to "pretty, clean".

dirty, filthy, foul

きたない / kitanai: hear "key" + "ta-da" + "knot" in the word. Picture a bright key, a dramatic "ta-da!" pose, and a tight knot turning into a clear scene for "dirty"; that little scene ties kitanai to "dirty".

dark, gloomy, murky

暗 hides the sun (日) behind a sound (音) — light is muffled, the room is dark.

black, dark, blackish

くろい / kuroi: hear "coo" + "row" + "eek" in the word. Picture a soft "coo" sound, a neat row, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "black"; that little scene ties kuroi to "black".

round, circular, spherical

まるい / marui: hear "ma" + "room" + "eek" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", a tiny room, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "round"; that little scene ties marui to "round".

straight, straight (ahead), direct

まっすぐ / massugu: hear "ma" + "hiss" + "Sue" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", a quick hiss, and someone named Sue turning into a clear scene for "straight"; that little scene ties massugu to "straight".

bad-tasting, bad(-tasting), unpalatable

まずい / mazui: hear "ma" + "zoo" + "eek" in the word. Picture a motherly "ma!", a zoo gate, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "bad-tasting"; that little scene ties mazui to "bad-tasting".

short, brief

みじかい / mijikai: hear "me" + "gee" + "car" in the word. Picture someone pointing to themselves, a surprised "gee!", and a small car turning into a clear scene for "short"; that little scene ties mijikai to "short".

difficult, hard, troublesome

むずかしい / muzukashii: hear "moo" + "zoo" + "car" in the word. Picture a deep "moo" sound, a zoo gate, and a small car turning into a clear scene for "difficult"; that little scene ties muzukashii to "difficult".

long, long (distance, length), long (time)

ながい / nagai: hear "knot" + "gasp" + "eek" in the word. Picture a tight knot, a dramatic gasp, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "long"; that little scene ties nagai to "long".

lively, bustling, busy

にぎやか / nigiyaka: hear "knee" + "guitar" + "yard" in the word. Picture a bent knee, a tiny guitar, and a grassy yard turning into a clear scene for "lively"; that little scene ties nigiyaka to "lively".

lukewarm, tepid, lenient

ぬるい / nurui: hear "new" + "room" + "eek" in the word. Picture a shiny new tag, a tiny room, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "lukewarm"; that little scene ties nurui to "lukewarm".

delicious, good(-tasting), nice

おいしい / oishii: hear "oh" + "eek" + "she" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", someone squeaking "eek!", and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "delicious"; that little scene ties oishii to "delicious".

heavy, weighty, heavy (feeling)

おもい / omoi: hear "oh" + "moat" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a little moat, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "heavy"; that little scene ties omoi to "heavy".

interesting, fascinating, intriguing

おもしろい / omoshiroi: hear "oh" + "moat" + "she" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a little moat, and someone saying "she" turning into a clear scene for "interesting"; that little scene ties omoshiroi to "interesting".

many, numerous, a lot

おおい / ooi: hear "oh" + "oh" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", someone realizing "oh!", and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "many"; that little scene ties ooi to "many".

big, large, great

おおきい / ookii: hear "oh" + "oh" + "key" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", someone realizing "oh!", and a bright key turning into a clear scene for "big"; that little scene ties ookii to "big".

slow, late, slow, late

おそい / osoi: hear "oh" + "sew" + "eek" in the word. Picture someone realizing "oh!", a sewing needle, and someone squeaking "eek!" turning into a clear scene for "slow, late"; that little scene ties osoi to "slow, late".

splendid, fine, handsome

りっぱ / rippa: hear "reel" + "pop" + "party" in the word. Picture a film reel, a quick pop, and a tiny party hat turning into a clear scene for "splendid"; that little scene ties rippa to "splendid".