100 Most Common Japanese Verbs Every Beginner Needs

Three Verb Groups

Preparing effectively for the JLPT requires understanding both the content and the test format. This guide covers the essential knowledge you need along with practical strategies for maximizing your score.

This section covers the fundamentals that every learner needs to understand. Take your time with these concepts โ€” they form the foundation for everything that follows.

20 Most Essential Verbs

This is a critical area that many learners underestimate. Understanding these patterns and concepts will significantly accelerate your progress and help you avoid common plateaus.

Focus on recognizing these elements in real Japanese content โ€” news articles, manga, conversations, and social media. Active recognition in context is far more effective than passive memorization.

Basic Conjugation Forms

This is a critical area that many learners underestimate. Understanding these patterns and concepts will significantly accelerate your progress and help you avoid common plateaus.

Focus on recognizing these elements in real Japanese content โ€” news articles, manga, conversations, and social media. Active recognition in context is far more effective than passive memorization.

Daily Life Verbs

This is a critical area that many learners underestimate. Understanding these patterns and concepts will significantly accelerate your progress and help you avoid common plateaus.

Focus on recognizing these elements in real Japanese content โ€” news articles, manga, conversations, and social media. Active recognition in context is far more effective than passive memorization.

Practice Methods

The key to JLPT success is combining systematic study with regular practice using authentic materials. Past exam questions are your most valuable resource โ€” work through at least 3-5 full practice tests before your exam date.

Beyond the exam, the skills you develop through JLPT preparation โ€” reading comprehension, listening strategies, grammar analysis โ€” transfer directly to real-world Japanese use. Practice with JLPT Vocabulary and Verb Conjugator to reinforce what you have learned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many verb groups are there? โ–ผ

Three groups: Group 1 (u-verbs like ้ฃฒใ‚€), Group 2 (ru-verbs like ้ฃŸในใ‚‹), and Group 3 (irregular โ€” ใ™ใ‚‹ and ๆฅใ‚‹ only).

Which conjugation should I learn first? โ–ผ

Start with masu-form (polite present) and te-form. These two forms cover most beginner conversations.

How do I memorize verb conjugations? โ–ผ

Learn verbs in sentences rather than isolation. Practice conjugation drills with the 20 most common verbs until they become automatic.

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