Glossary of Japanese Terms

Common Japanese words and terms you'll encounter while living in Japan.

Everyday Life

Konbini - Convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson). Open 24/7 and useful for everything from snacks to paying bills.
Koban - Police box. Small neighborhood police stations found near train stations and intersections.
Yakkyoku - Pharmacy or drugstore.
Combini ATM - ATMs found in convenience stores, often the easiest option for foreign bank cards.
Genkan - Entryway area where you remove your shoes before entering a home or building.
Gomi - Garbage/trash. Sorting rules vary by city and can be very detailed.
Sodai gomi - Large or bulky garbage that requires scheduling a special pickup.
Futon - Japanese bedding laid directly on tatami floors, folded and stored during the day.
Tatami - Traditional woven rush mat flooring found in Japanese-style rooms.
Onsen - Hot spring bath, often at resorts or dedicated facilities.
Sento - Public bathhouse found in neighborhoods, cheaper than onsen.
Izakaya - Casual Japanese pub serving food and drinks. Great for socializing.
Nomikai - Drinking party, very common for workplace socializing.
Hanko/Inkan - Personal seal or stamp used in place of signatures on official documents.
Yubinkyoku - Post office.
Eki - Train station.
Densha - Train.
Shinkansen - Bullet train. Japan's high-speed rail network connecting major cities.
Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA - Rechargeable transit IC cards used for trains, buses, and convenience store purchases.

Yakusho/Kuyakusho - City hall or ward office where you handle registrations and paperwork.
Juminhyo - Resident certificate. An official document proving your registered address.
Zairyu card - Residence card issued to foreign nationals with mid- to long-term visas.
My Number - Japan's individual identification number used for tax and social security.
Koseki - Family register. The official record of a Japanese family's vital events.
Tsukin teiki - Commuter pass for regular train/bus routes, usually purchased monthly or quarterly.

TIP

For a full housing terminology guide, see the Housing Terminology page.

Mansion - Concrete apartment building (not a large house). Generally nicer than apaato.
Apaato - Wooden or lightweight apartment building, typically cheaper.
Fudosan/Fudousan - Real estate agency. Where you go to find rental apartments.