Japanese Idioms & Phrases Hub

Speak Japanese More Naturally

Learn expressions people actually use: idioms, fixed phrases, and colloquial patterns with clear meaning and context.

Total Expressions

7,069

Matches

7,069

Types

5

Pages

236

A0

0

A1

1,500

A2

2,491

B1

2,940

B2

138

C1

0

C2

0

Expression Types

Coverage by type
Expression - 3,409 Collocation - 2,408 Idiom - 806 Proverb - 293 Slang - 153
Collocation A1

たくさん読む

a lot read

This phrase is all about diving deep into the world of books and text! It means you've been reading a whole lot, like a true bookworm. Think of it as your brain feasting on stories, knowledge, or even just endless manga pages. It carries a vibe of dedication and enjoyment of the written word.

Usage: The phrase `たくさん読む` is quite versatile and generally safe to use in most informal and neutral situations. It's important to remember it focuses on quantity, not necessarily depth or speed. Avoid it in highly formal writing where more specific or elevated vocabulary might be preferred.

Collocation A1

一つ買う

one buy

This phrase simply means 'to buy one.' It is the most common and natural way to say you are purchasing a single item.

Usage: The dictionary form `kau` is informal. Use `kaimasu` when speaking to people you don't know well, like shop staff, to avoid sounding too blunt.

Collocation A1

二回買う

twice buy

This phrase refers to the act of purchasing the exact same item on two separate occasions, usually because you loved it or need a replacement.

Usage: This is a neutral collocation. The main 'gotcha' is confusing the counter for frequency (回) with the counter for objects (個/つ).

Collocation A1

休みをとる

take a break

It's the phrase you use when you're stepping away from work or school to recharge. Whether it's a 10-minute coffee break or a two-week vacation, this is how you say you're claiming that time for yourself.

Usage: The phrase is neutral and very versatile. In professional settings, adding the honorific 'o' (`o-yasumi`) and using the 'itadaku' verb makes it much more appropriate for speaking to superiors.

Collocation A1

信じている

believe

It means you have deep trust or faith in someone or something. It describes a continuous state of believing rather than just a fleeting thought.

Usage: The phrase is generally neutral but leans towards 'informal' when the 'i' is dropped. It is a 'stative' verb form, meaning it describes a condition of the heart rather than a physical movement.

Collocation A2

少し働く

a little work

This phrase, `少し働く` (sukoshi hataraku), is like saying you're doing a bit of work, not a full-on grind. Think of it as dipping your toes into work, maybe just enough to get something done or earn a little extra. It carries a vibe of 'just a little bit' or 'for a short while,' often implying it's not your main job or a super demanding task. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to be productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Usage: This phrase leans towards informal and neutral settings. Avoid it in highly formal business contexts or when discussing significant responsibilities. It's perfect for casual conversations, explaining side projects, or describing light tasks.