1. abunai- dangerous.The term has a broader application in Japanese than a direct translation would suggest, being employed in situations where an English speaker would say "Duck!" or "Look out!" Another common usage is as a euphemism for "deviant," i.e. a "dangerous" relationship (abunai kankei).
2. ai- love.If a native speaker wanted to specify romantic love, he would use the character pronounced koi (or ren, depending on the context).
3. aite- opponent.Be careful, the word has many applications that are counter-intuitive. A more literal reading of the characters would be "the one whom I must face." As a result, the word can also refer to one's dancing partner or the person whom you are addressing in a two-person conversation.
4. akuma- Satan, Devil.As with it's English counterparts, this word can be used figuratively.
5. arigatou- Thanks.The full formula is arigatou gozaimasu.
6. baka- an all-purpose insult denigrating the subject's intelligence.Depending on tone of voice and other factors, it can range in severity from "silly" to "retard." Other similar insults are aho and manuke, although manuke is more specifically "dolt, buffoon."
7. bakemono- monster.
8. be-da!- the sound made by Japanese when they perform akanbe,a gesture of contempt made by sticking out the tongue and bringing down one lower eyelid. The gesture is analogous to a Bronx cheer or "Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah."
9. bijin- a beautiful woman.In terms of frequency and usage, it's best likened to "babe." However, it's still acceptable in formal speech registers, so is not inherently disrespectful.
10. chigau- a verb meaning "to deviate, be different."In standard Japanese, it's used to declare that someone is wrong. When shouted as an explanation, it's meaning is closer to "No way!" or "Don't be ridiculous!/You are SO off-base!"
11. chikara- strength, power.
12. chikusho- an exclamation of frustration,equivalent to "Damn!" or "Shit!" Comparable exclamations are kuso (literally "shit") and shimatta.
13. chotto- a little.Differs from its English counterpart in that it can only be used as an adverb. (The adjectival form is chiisai.) When exclaimed, it means "Hold it!" or "Cut it out!"
14. daijoubu- O.K.Most often encountered in anime when one character inquires as to another's health.
15. damaru- be still, silent.Most often found in its imperative form, Damare!, meaning "Shut up!/Silence!"
16. damasu- to deceive.Often encountered in its passive form, damasareru, "to be tricked."
17. dame- bad, no good; no can do.One very common usage is dame desu/dame da, uttered when refusing permission or indicating that something is a bad idea.
18. dare- who.Note that certain particles placed after the word will alter its meaning, i.e. dareka-someone, anyone daremo-no one daredemo-everyone.
19. doko- where.
20. fuzakeru- to play games, fool around.It can also be shaded by tone of voice to assume a harsher meaning, like "bullshitting" or "screw/fuck around."
21. gaki- young, immature person.Often translated as "brat" or "punk."
22. gambaru- a literal reading of the characters would be "to adhere to something with tenacity."A very popular term used when encouraging someone is a difficult task. Some English translations are "Hang in there!," "Don't give up!," "Do your best!," and "Give it your all!" Note: the verb phrase shikkari suru has an overlapping meaning, but slightly different connotations. Apparently, the latter term implies use of innate abilities as opposed to a conscious act of willpower. The two are generally interchangeable, though. The command forms of "gambaru" are "gambatte" and "gambare."
