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
抱くgodanto embrace; to hold in the arms (e.g. a baby); to hug
押すGodanto push, to press
拭くgodanto wipe
拾うGodanto pick up
持つgodanto hold
指すgodanto point
捕まるgodan verbto be caught
掛かるgodanto take (time/money), to hang
探すgodanto search, to look for
掴むGodan verbto grab, grasp
描くgodanto draw; to paint; to sketch
撃つgodanto shoot (at)
断るGodanto refuse, to decline
暮らすgodanto live (one's life)
曇るgodan verbto become cloudy
曲がるgodanto bend; to turn
書くgodanto write
楽しむgodanto enjoy
欠けるgodanto be chipped; to be damaged; to be broken
歌うgodanto sing
止まるgodanto stop (intransitive)
歩くgodanto walk
死ぬgodanto die
殺すgodanto kill
気づくgodanto notice; to recognize; to recognise; to become aware of; to perceive; to realize; to realise