Japanese, a language spoken by over 125 million people primarily in Japan, is known for its complex system of honorifics reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society. Learning Japanese can be a rewarding challenge, offering insights into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Japanese, including transliterations for pronunciation help, to navigate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa)
• Good morning – “おはようございます” (Ohayou gozaimasu)
• Good afternoon – “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) [used after noon]
• Good evening – “こんばんは” (Konbanwa)
• Goodbye – “さようなら” (Sayounara) [formal]; “じゃあね” (Jaa ne) [informal]

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “私の名前は[name]です。” (Watashi no namae wa [name] desu.)
• This is [name]. – “こちらは[name]です。” (Kochira wa [name] desu.)
• I am from [country]. – “私は[country]から来ました。” (Watashi wa [country] kara kimashita.)
• I live in [city/place]. – “私は[city/place]に住んでいます。” (Watashi wa [city/place] ni sunde imasu.)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “[Place]はどこですか？” ([Place] wa doko desu ka?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “[Place]へはどうやって行けますか？” ([Place] e wa dou yatte ikemasu ka?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “これは[place]へ行く道ですか？” (Kore wa [place] e iku michi desu ka?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “地図で見せていただけますか？” (Chizu de misete itadakemasu ka?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “ごめんなさい、わかりません。” (Gomen nasai, wakarimasen.)
• Can you please repeat that? – “もう一度言っていただけますか？” (Mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka?)
• I mean… – “私が言いたいのは…” (Watashi ga iitai no wa…)
• What does [word] mean? – “[Word]はどういう意味ですか？” ([Word] wa dou iu imi desu ka?)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “また後でね” (Mata atode ne)
• Take care – “お気をつけて” (Oki o tsukete)
• Have a good day – “良い一日を” (Yoi ichinichi o)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “部屋を予約したいのですが。” (Heya o yoyaku shitai no desu ga.)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “メニューを見せていただけますか？” (Menyuu o misete itadakemasu ka?)
• I am vegetarian. – “私はベジタリアンです。” (Watashi wa bejitarian desu.)
• The bill, please. – “お会計お願いします。” (Okaikei onegaishimasu.)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “これはいくらですか？” (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “これの別のサイズはありますか？” (Kore no betsu no saizu wa arimasu ka?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “見ているだけです、ありがとう。” (Mite iru dake desu, arigatou.)
• Can I pay by card? – “カードで支払いできますか？” (Kaado de shiharai dekimasu ka?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “あなたは美しいです。” (Anata wa utsukushii desu.) / “あなたはハンサムです。” (Anata wa hansamu desu.)
• I miss you. – “あなたが恋しいです。” (Anata ga koishii desu.)
• I love you. – “愛しています。” (Aishite imasu.)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “私と付き合ってくれますか？” (Watashi to tsukiatte kuremasu ka?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “助けて！” (Tasukete!)
• Call the police! – “警察を呼んでください！” (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!)
• I need a doctor. – “医者が必要です。” (Isha ga hitsuyou desu.)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “一番近い病院はどこですか？” (Ichiban chikai byouin wa doko desu ka?)

These phrases provide a foundation for basic communication in Japanese. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Japanese media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Japanese.