Japanese Godan Verbs Free PDF Download

Japanese verbs don’t always play by tidy rules, and godan verbs (also called u‑verbs) can feel like a puzzle if you’re just starting to spot the patterns. Once you nail the five‑vowel shifts, though, a huge chunk of everyday Japanese clicks into place. This list gathers around 200 of the most common godan verbs you’ll actually use-whether you’re chatting about your day, reading manga, or just trying to order ramen without sounding like a textbook.

Every verb here comes with a straightforward meaning and a natural example sentence, so you can see exactly how it behaves in real Japanese. Tap the play button beside any word to hear it spoken aloud, because your ears need practice too. And when you’re ready to study offline, the free PDF download button sits right below the table-no sign‑up, no fuss.

If this topic helped, explore more in our Japanese learning section. it’s the easiest way to keep building related vocabulary without jumping around the web.

Quick Quiz

Think you’ve got a handle on these conjugations? Give the quiz a go and see which godan verbs are already locked in-and which ones could use a little more love.

Browse the Full List

WordTypeMeaningAudio
動くGodan verbto move
勝つgodanto win
勧めるgodanto recommend (someone to do); to advise; to encourage; to urge
包むgodanto wrap
占めるgodanto occupy; to hold
去るgodanto leave; to go away
及ぼすgodanto exert; to cause; to exercise
収めるgodanto dedicate; to make an offering; to pay (fees)
取るgodanto take
受け取るgodanto receive; to get; to accept
叩くgodanto hit; to knock
叫ぶGodan verbto shout, yell
合うGodan verbto fit, match, suit
合わせるgodanto match (rhythm, speed, etc.)
向かうgodanto head toward
吸うgodanto smoke; to inhale
吹くgodanto blow
呼ぶgodanto call
唸るgodanto groan; to moan
噛むgodan verbto bite
困るgodanto be troubled, to be in trouble
囲むgodanto surround; to encircle; to enclose; to fence; to wall in
売るgodanto sell
売れるgodanto sell (well)
変わるgodanto change (intransitive)