Check out these free resources for unique downloadable vocabulary lists and printable flashcards. You’ll find something here whether you are new to the language or a pro.
There are many ways to jump into Japanese language learning. If you are enrolled in a formal course, your instructor may have a designated list of words you are to learn. These are most probably located in the course’s textbook. You do not need to do much more than follow the syllabus your Sensei has prepared. – No mess, No Fuss.
Flashcards are not only for the beginning students. The sites found here can benefit students from novice (absolute beginner) to distinguished (near native). My curated list contains 100% free to use or download flashcards; some are connected to digital flashcards as well.
These sites offer different ways you can begin developing your own vocabulary. These 5 are just the tip of the iceberg to what is available on the web. I’ve provided a short synopsis of what you can expect from each resource because not all resources are the same, nor are they for every student.
Before you dive in, consider what your current skills are:
- Can you read hiragana?
- Can you read katakana?
- Are you preparing for a proficiency exam?
- Do you need supplements to a textbook you are using?
- Do you want to start building a vocabulary base in categories you’re interested in
I’ve had sooo many of these
DIY Your Vocabulary Lists – Handwritten flashcards
1. LEARN JAPANESE AZ
https://learnjapaneseaz.com/vocabulary-lists
Technically this is site does not have downloadable printables. In actuality, this is a word list resources. This website provides hundreds of lists based on the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and other topics of interest. The site is a bit overwhelming at first, but there is plenty of English guidance. I could not find support for other languages. There are sources within this site.
First, for the words most likely to appear in all levels of the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) click the Vocabulary button in the top navigation bar, then select Level N5 (beginner level) to N1 (most advanced level). Once you’ve chosen your list, you’ll find the words in a table image. The table includes the kanji, hiragana/katakana, romaji, and English meanings for all the Japanese vocabulary. The only downside is that you cannot copy and paste these lists.
If you click Minna no Nihongo in the tool bar, you will have access to the word lists for this textbook series. These are downloadable Pdf files which you can copy and paste from if you prefer to use a printer.
- Format: Charts you can hand copy to notecards and pdf of other lists
- Cost: FREE
- Japanese is found on a chart
- Focus: preparation for the JLPT
Infinite variety of list sources by learners & teachers
2. STUDY STACKS
https://www.studystack.com/Japanese
If you have a specific textbook or topic you are interested in, Study Stacks has student- and teacher-created flashcards for specific books, topics, and classrooms.. After making an account, you can print the flashcards you are studying. Follow instructions found in the FAQ page.
I was able to locate lists for several different books that I have used either as a student or as a teacher. At the time I’m writing this, there are 51 pages of vocabulary flashcard list resources here.
- Format: automated digital cards that can be printed in different formats
- Cost: FREE
- Program: Do a search for the textbook you’re using…. It’s probably there.
Vetted Resource
3. JAPANESEPOD101
https://www.japanesepod101.com/visual-flashcards
JapanesePod101 is my go to recommendation for a subscription-based program. It is a great site for all things self-study learners need and fun enough for students enrolled in courses to enjoy without feeling they are in another class. I have personally used various resources on JapanesePod101 for my own studies. It is not where I focus my personal Japanese learning, but I do enjoy their videos and podcasts.
To access these cards and the connected digital app, you will need to provide your email address. If you are not comfortable with that, you may want to pass on this resource. However, I have never had a problem with their marketing practices or customer service. These cards have both Japanese and English on the front of the card, and instructions for a variety of games to play with your flashcards are provided.
- Format: Downloadable Pdf
- Cost: FREE but you must provide your email to receive
- Japanese on card: Hiragana & Katakana, some kanji
- English on card: yes on front
- Style: Picture cards
- Number of cards: 1500+
- Focus: everyday vocabulary
Japan Focused Images
4. NIHONGO FLASHCARDS
https://jp.nihongoflashcards.com/
To use these cards learners need to be able to read Hiragana and Katakana at the basic level. To access the card descriptions in your preferred language, you will use the dropdown list in the right column to choose the descriptive language. There are three pages of vocabulary list links. Each vocabulary word is illustrated with images that are culturally Japanese. I appreciate this. In my own language journey I have been frustrated with illustrated vocabulary resources that were quickly created based on North American/European expectations of words.
I also appreciate how you can print these double-sided. You can look at the image on one side, and have the Japanese on the reverse.
- Format: Downloadable Pdf after supplying email address
- Cost: FREE, but you can buy the creators an onigiri here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nihongoflash
- Japanese on card: Hiragana & Katakana, some kanji
- English on card: None
- Style: Picture cards
Flashcards for children of all ages
5. KIDS FLASHCARDS
https://kids-flashcards.com/en/flashcards-in-japanese#google_vignette
This site will provide free downloads in a variety of sizes and printing styles. You will need to know how to read Hiragana/Katakana and some kanji. English is not provided on the card as it is expected you will be able to figure out what the meaning is by the image. Templates are even available to create your own cards.
This series is designed in the style of Glenn Doman’s reading program for young children as well as brain-injured children. Along with Makoto Shinchida the Japanese program was added to their foreign language series. While I appreciate the program these were modeled after, I wish the images were more Japan-centered. However, anyone using these cards will understand what the meaning is. I used this reading program in English with my own children when they were quite small. Japanese resources like this did not exist at the time. The mother who developed these is from the UKRAINE. She is the mother of an autistic son who is using these cards as well, although I don’t know if he is using them for learning languages.
- Format: Downloadable Pdf
- Cost: FREE, but paypal donations accepted at thekidsflashcards@gmail.com
- Japanese on card: Hiragana & Katakana, some kanji
- English on card: None
- Style: Picture cardsNumber of cards: 1300+
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