Japanese greetings and common phrases are essential for any beginner learning the language. Understanding these expressions will not only help you navigate daily conversations but also show respect and politeness in Japanese culture. In this guide, we will introduce some of the most important Japanese greetings, expressions, and phrases that you should know for daily conversation.
I. Greetings and Farewells
おはよう (Ohayou) – Good morning (informal)
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning (formal)
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Good afternoon / Hello
こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye (formal)
じゃあね (Jaa ne) – Goodbye / See you (informal, among friends)
おやすみ (Oyasumi) – Goodnight (informal)
おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Goodnight (formal)
II. Expressing Gratitude and Apologies
ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you (informal)
ありがとう ございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you (formal)
どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) – You’re welcome
すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / I’m sorry / Thank you (when used in place of “Arigatou”)
ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – I’m sorry (more formal than “Sumimasen”)
ごめん (Gomen) – I’m sorry (informal)
III. Basic Questions and Responses
お元気ですか (Ogenki desu ka) – How are you? (formal)
元気です (Genki desu) – I’m fine.
お名前は何ですか (O-namae wa nan desu ka) – What’s your name?
私の名前は [Your Name] です (Watashi no namae wa [Your Name] desu) – My name is [Your Name].
何歳ですか (Nansai desu ka) – How old are you?
私は [Your Age] 歳です (Watashi wa [Your Age] sai desu) – I am [Your Age] years old.
どこから来ましたか (Doko kara kimashita ka) – Where are you from?
私は [Your Country] から来ました (Watashi wa [Your Country] kara kimashita) – I am from [Your Country].
何時ですか (Nanji desu ka) – What time is it?
[Time] です ([Time] desu) – It’s [Time].
IV. Polite Expressions
お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please (used when asking for a favor)
どうぞ (Douzo) – Please go ahead / Here you are (used when offering something)
いただきます (Itadakimasu) – I humbly receive (used before eating)
ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) – Thank you for the meal (used after eating)
失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse me (used when leaving a room or ending a phone call)
お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita) – Thank you for your hard work (used to show appreciation for someone’s efforts)
V. Making Requests and Asking for Permission
～をください ([Item] o kudasai) – Please give me [Item]
～をお願いします ([Action] o onegaishimasu) – Please do [Action] for me
～てもいいですか ([Action] te mo ii desu ka) – May I [Action]?
ちょっと待ってください (Chotto matte kudasai) – Please wait a moment
VI. Expressing Likes, Dislikes, and Preferences
好きです (Suki desu) – I like it
大好きです (Daisuki desu) – I really like it / I love it
嫌いです (Kirai desu) – I don’t like it
大嫌いです (Daikirai desu) – I really don’t like it / I hate it
どちらの方が好きですか (Dochira no hou ga suki desu ka) – Which one do you prefer?
VII. Useful Phrases for Dining Out
これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll have this, please
メニューを見せてください (Menyuu o misete kudasai) – Please show me the menu
お勧めは何ですか (Osusume wa nan desu ka) – What do you recommend?
お会計お願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu) – Check, please
VIII. Navigating Public Transportation and Asking for Directions
～はどこですか ([Place] wa doko desu ka) – Where is [Place]?
駅はどこですか (Eki wa doko desu ka) – Where is the train station?
この電車は [Place] に行きますか (Kono densha wa [Place] ni ikimasu ka) – Does this train go to [Place]?
乗り換えはどこですか (Norikae wa doko desu ka) – Where do I transfer?
Conclusion
Mastering essential Japanese greetings and common phrases will give you a solid foundation for engaging in daily conversations and will also help you express respect and politeness in Japanese culture. These phrases are just the beginning of your language learning journey. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that communicating in Japanese will become more natural and enjoyable. 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) – Good luck!