This is a selection of simple and useful phrases transcribed
in hiragana. These phrases and words will return in the regular
lessons, where they will be further explained.
| おはようございます。 |
O-hayou gozaimasu.
Good morning. |
| こんにちは。 |
Konnichi wa.
Good afternoon. |
| こんばんは。 |
Komban wa.
Good evening. |
| おやすみなさい。 |
O-yasumi nasai.
Good night / sleep well. |
| |
| すみません。 |
Sumimasen.
I'm sorry. |
| わかりません。 |
Wakarimasen.
I don't understand. |
| ありがとうございます。 |
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you. (polite) |
| ありがとう。 |
Arigatou.
Thanks. (informal) |
| どういたしまして。 |
Dou itashimashite.
You're welcome. |
| |
| いってきます。 |
Itte kimasu.
I'm leaving. |
| いってらっしゃい。 |
Itte rasshai.
Come back soon. |
| ただいま。 |
Tadaima.
I'm back. |
| おかえりなさい。 |
O-kaeri nasai.
Welcome back. |
| |
The phrases given here are everyday phrases. They are perfect for
showing off to your friends or impressing the Japanese.
Japanese people love to hear foreigners speak Japanese. Unlike
Americans or Europeans they will show immediate appreciation for
the fact that you have spoken in their native tongue, even if it
is only a single word. Likely responses will be "Nihongo ga
jouzu desu ne." or "Nihongo umai." meaning "Your
Japanese is very good."
Probably the best thing of these phrases is that they won't tempt
the Japanese to start a conversation with you. They will assume
that this is all you know how to say. To truly impress them, continue
with the lessons.
| How to tell your progress from
the reactions of the Japanese |
| Beginner: |
"Nihongo ga jouzu desu ne." (Your Japanese is very
good.) |
| Intermediate: |
"Nihongo ga pera pera desu ne." (Your Japanese is
fluent.) |
| Advanced: |
People start a conversation with you. |
| Near fluent: |
People will start to correct your Japanese. |
|
