Your first words
These essential phrases will let you navigate basic social situations in Japan from day one. Japanese has different levels of formality, and the phrases below are polite enough for any situation. As a learner, erring on the side of politeness is always safe — Japanese people appreciate the effort.
Greetings
Japanese greetings change with the time of day, and the most common ones are longer than English equivalents. Unlike English's all-purpose "hello", Japanese has specific greetings for morning, afternoon, and evening. Learn these first — you'll use them constantly:
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔊 おはようございます | ohayō gozaimasu | Good morning | Until ~10am |
| 🔊 こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello | Daytime |
| 🔊 こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening | Evening |
| 🔊 おやすみなさい | oyasuminasai | Good night | Before bed |
| 🔊 さようなら | sayōnara | Goodbye | Formal/final |
| 🔊 じゃね | ja ne | Bye | Casual |
| 🔊 またね | mata ne | See you | Casual |
Polite essentials
"Sumimasen" may be the most useful word in Japanese — it works as "excuse me", "sorry", and even a soft "thank you". These polite phrases are the foundation of respectful interaction and will make every encounter smoother:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🔊 ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) |
| 🔊 ありがとう | arigatō | Thanks (casual) |
| 🔊 どういたしまして | dō itashimashite | You're welcome |
| 🔊 すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry |
| 🔊 ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | I'm sorry |
| 🔊 おねがいします | onegai shimasu | Please |
Yes and no
Japanese "hai" and "iie" don't map exactly to English "yes" and "no". "Hai" often means "I hear you" or "I acknowledge" rather than agreement. For questions, Japanese speakers often answer by repeating the verb positively or negatively rather than saying yes/no:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🔊 はい | hai | Yes |
| 🔊 いいえ | iie | No |
| 🔊 そうです | sō desu | That's right |
| 🔊 ちがいます | chigaimasu | That's wrong |
| 🔊 わかりました | wakarimashita | I understand |
| 🔊 わかりません | wakarimasen | I don't understand |
Asking for help
These phrases are essential for survival as a learner. Don't be shy about using them — Japanese people generally appreciate when foreigners make an effort, and asking for help (using polite language) is perfectly acceptable:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🔊 英語を話せますか | Eigo o hanasemasu ka | Do you speak English? |
| 🔊 もう一度お願いします | Mō ichido onegai shimasu | Once more please |
| 🔊 ゆっくり話してください | Yukkuri hanashite kudasai | Please speak slowly |
| 🔊 これは何ですか | Kore wa nan desu ka | What is this? |
| 🔊 〜は日本語で何ですか | ~wa nihongo de nan desu ka | What is ~ in Japanese? |
Introducing yourself
Japanese self-introductions follow a ritual pattern: "Hajimemashite" (nice to meet you), state your name, and close with "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu" (please treat me well). This formula works in both business and social settings:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🔊 はじめまして | hajimemashite | Nice to meet you |
| 🔊 私は〜です | Watashi wa ~ desu | I am ~ |
| 🔊 〜と申します | ~ to mōshimasu | My name is ~ (humble) |
| 🔊 よろしくお願いします | Yoroshiku onegai shimasu | Please treat me well |
| 🔊 どこから来ましたか | Doko kara kimashita ka | Where are you from? |
| 🔊 〜から来ました | ~ kara kimashita | I'm from ~ |
Numbers 1–10
Basic numbers are essential for shopping, telling time, and counting. Note that 4, 7, and 9 each have two readings — the alternative readings (yon, nana, kyū) avoid homophones with unlucky words:
| Number | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🔊 一 | ichi |
| 2 | 🔊 二 | ni |
| 3 | 🔊 三 | san |
| 4 | 🔊 四 | shi / yon |
| 5 | 🔊 五 | go |
| 6 | 🔊 六 | roku |
| 7 | 🔊 七 | shichi / nana |
| 8 | 🔊 八 | hachi |
| 9 | 🔊 九 | ku / kyū |
| 10 | 🔊 十 | jū |
Common expressions
These expressions are deeply embedded in Japanese daily life. "Itadakimasu" (said before eating) and "Gochisōsama" (after eating) are rituals, not optional politeness. Using them shows cultural awareness and respect:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 🔊 いただきます | itadakimasu | Before eating |
| 🔊 ごちそうさま | gochisōsama | After eating |
| 🔊 乾杯 | kanpai | Cheers! |
| 🔊 お元気ですか | ogenki desu ka | How are you? |
| 🔊 元気です | genki desu | I'm fine |