Useful Japanese Phrases To Surprise The Locals!
Konnichiwa is a common greeting for Japanese people. It's a general “hello” and can be used throughout the day.
THE BASICS : COMMON JAPANESE WORDS AND PHRASES
1. Hello - Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah
People in Japan greet one another with a bow. A bow can range from a modest nod of the head to a deep waist bend. A deeper, longer bow shows respect, while a short nod of the head is casual and informal.
2. Thank you - Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs
3. Please - kudasai (ください)
Pronunciation: koo-dah-sigh
4. Excuse me/ I'm sorry - Sumimasen (すみません)
Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen
This versatile phrase can mean "Excuse me," "I'm sorry," or be used to express your gratitude or start a conversation. Whether you're catching someone's attention in a busy train station or apologizing for a minor inconvenience, "Sumimasen" is your go-to phrase for maintaining the harmony of your interactions.
5. Yes - Hai (はい)
Pronunciation: hi
6. No - Īe (いいえ)
Pronunciation: ee-eh
7. Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite (はじめまして)
Pronunciation: hah-jee-meh-mah-shee-teh
8. Goodbye - Sayōnara (さようなら)
Pronunciation: sah-yoh-nah-rah
9. Beautiful - Utsukushii (美しい ()
Pronunciation: oo-tsoo-koo-shee
FOOD AND DRINKS : HOW TO ORDER AND APPRECIATE FOOD IN JAPANESE
10. An expression of gratitude spoken before the first bite - Itadakimasu (いただきます)
Pronunciation: ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs
Just as the dining experience in Japan extends beyond taste to encompass cultural rituals, "itadakimasu" is more than a mere phrase; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude spoken before the first bite, symbolizing the humility of saying 'I humbly receive’.
11. Delicious - Oishii (美味しい)
Pronunciation: oh-ee-shee
12. Wine - Wain (ワイン)
Pronunciation: wah-een
13. Beer - Bīru (ビール)
Pronunciation: bee-roo
14. Japanese sake - Nihonshu (日本酒)
Pronunciation: nee-hohn-shoo
15. Water please - O-mizu o onegai shimasu (お水をお願いします)
Pronunciation: oh-mee-zoo oh oh-neh-guy shee-mahs
16. Check, please - Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計 お願いします)
Pronunciation: oh-kai-kay oh-neh-guy shee-mahs
17. I would like ___, please - __ o Kudasai (__をください)
Pronunciation: ___ oh koo-dah-sigh
All you need to do is say the name of the item you wish to order, followed by “kudasai”, or “please”.
USEFUL JAPANESE PHRASES TO USE WHEN SHOPPING
18. How much is this? - Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)
Pronunciation: ee-koo-rah deh-soo kah?
19. I'll take it - Sore o moraimasu (それをもらいます)
Pronunciation: soh-reh oh moh-rah-ee-mahs
20. Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? (Can I use a credit card?)
In Japan, , not all payment lanes will accept credit cards. When in doubt, make sure to ask this question.
Once you've chosen an item you want to buy, you can say "kore, onegai shimasu".
EMERGENCIES AND ASSISTANCE : HOW TO ASK FOR HELP IN JAPANESE
20. Help! - Tasukete! (助けて！)
Pronunciation: tah-soo-keh-teh!
21. Hospital - Byōin (病院)
Pronunciation: byoh-een
22. It hurts! - Itai desu (痛いです)
Pronunciation: ee-tie deh-soo
Last, But Certainly Not Least:
23. I love Japan! - Nihon daisuki (にほんだいすき)
Pronunciation: nee-hohn dahy-soo-kee