We present to your attention a short Japanese phrasebook; if you need everyday, frequently used words and phrases in Japanese, then go ahead!
Greetings
Ohayo gozaimasu (Ohayou gozaimasu) - "Good morning".
This is a variant of a fairly polite good morning wish.
It is worth recalling that "y" don't pronounce in Japanese after voiceless consonants. So they say it "Ohae gozaimas".
Ohayou- This is an informal option, can be used among friends and youth.
Ossu– a very informal and very masculine version (pronounced like "oss"). Girls are strongly advised not to use masculine pronunciations.
Konnichiwa- “Good afternoon”, “Hello”, “Hello”. Probably one of the most famous Japanese words.
Yahho! (Yahhoo)– an informal version of the word “hello”.
Ooi! (Ooi)– also an informal version of “Hello”, used by men. Often to attract attention at a great distance.
Yo! (Yo!)- an exclusively informal male version of the same greeting.
Gokigenyou– a rather rare and very polite female greeting, which can be translated as “Hello.”
Konbanwa- "Good evening".
Hisashiburi desu- "Long time no see". Pronounced like "hisashiburi des." A female informal option would be - Hisashiburi ne? (Hisashiburi ne?), male Hisashiburi da naa... (Hisashiburi da naa) .
Moshi-moshi– used when answering a phone call as “hello”.
Farewells
Sayonara– the usual “Farewell” option if there is little chance of a new meeting.
Saraba– an informal option like “bye.”
Mata Ashita– the usual “see you tomorrow” option. Female - Mata ne, male - Mata naa.
Dzya, mata (Jaa, mata)- "See you". A very commonly used informal option.
Jia (Jaa)– a very informal option, often used by friends.
De wa- a little more formal than "Jia (Jaa)".
Oyasumi nasai- "Good night". A somewhat formal option, an informal one would be simple - Oyasumi.
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Answers
Hai – “Yes.” Universal standard answer. Often it can mean anything, but not agreement, but, for example, only “continue”, “I understand”, “yeah”.
Haa (Haa)- “Yes, sir,” “I obey, sir.” This is a very formal expression.
Uh (Ee)- "Yes". Not very formal.
Ryoukai- "Yes sir". Military response.
Ie- "No". Standard polite expression. Also used as a polite form of declining gratitude or compliment.
Nai- "No". Used to indicate the absence or non-existence of something.
Betsu ni- "Nothing".
Naruhodo- “Of course,” “Of course.”
Motiron- "Naturally!" Expression of confidence.
Yahari- "I thought so".
Yappari– too, but not so formally.
Maa... (Maa)- "Maybe…"
Saa... (Saa)- "Well…". Used when they have difficulty agreeing and doubt.
Honto desu ka? (Hontou desu ka?)- "Is it really true?"
Honto? (Hontou?)– Less formal.
So desu ka? (Sou desu ka?)– Formal form of the phrase “Wow...”. Informal - So what? (Sou ka?), can be pronounced as “Su ka!”
So desu nee... (Sou desu nee)- “That’s how it is...” Formal version.
So da na... (Sou da naa)- Male version.
So nah... (Sou nee)– Female version.
Masaka! (Masaka)- "It can not be!"
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Requests
Onegai shimasu- A very polite form of request. Especially often used in requests like “do something for me.”
Onegai– A less polite and much more common request.
- kudasai- Polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb.
- kudasaimasen ka? (kudasaimasenka)- More polite form. It is also added as a suffix to a verb. It can be translated as “could you do something for me?”
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Acknowledgments
Doumo– “Thank you” is used in response to everyday small help. For example, when you were let ahead or served something.
Arigatou gozaimasu– A polite and formal form, the expression is usually pronounced as “Arigato gozaimas“.
Arigatou— Less formal polite form.
Doumo arigatou- "Thank you very much".
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu– A very polite and very formal phrase of gratitude.
Osewa ni narimashita- “I am your debtor.” Very polite and formal uniform. Informally they say - Osewa ni natta.
Iie- "My pleasure". Informal form. Polite option - Dou itashimashite.
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Apologies
Gomen nasai– “Excuse me, please”, “I beg your pardon”, “I’m very sorry.” A very polite form. Expresses regret for some reason, say, if you have to disturb someone. Often not an apology for a significant offense (unlike “sumimasen”).
Gomen– Informal form of the same.
Sumimasen- "I'm sorry". Polite form. An apology for committing a significant wrongdoing.
Sumanai/Suman– Not very polite, male version.
Shitsurei shimasu- "I'm sorry". Very polite formal uniform. Used, say, as “I’m sorry to bother you” when entering a superior’s office.
Shitsurei– too, but less formally.
Moushiwake arimasen- “I have no forgiveness.” A very polite and formal form, more often used in the army and in business.
Moushiwake nai- not such a formal option.
Dozo- "Ask". A short form, an offer to enter, take an item, and so on. The answer is something we already know “Domo”.
Chotto... (Chotto)- "No worries". Polite form of refusal. For example, if you are offered coffee.
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Everyday phrases
Itte kimasu– Literally can be translated as “I left, but I’m going to come back.” Use when leaving home for work or school.
Chotto itte kuru– Not a formal form, something like “I’ll go out for a minute.”
Itte irashai- “Come back quickly.” In response to " Itte kimasu."
Tadaima- “I'm back” or “I'm home.” It is also used as a spiritual return home.
Okaeri nasai– “Welcome home,” in response to “Tadaima” . Okaeri- not a formal option.
Itadakimasu- pronounced before eating. Literally – “I accept [this food].” They often fold their palms as if in prayer.
Gochisousama deshita- “Thank you, it was delicious.” When finishing a meal. Another variant - Gochisousama
Everyday phrases in Japanese:
Everyday and necessary phrases
Kawaii! (Kawaii)- “Wow!”, “How cute!”, “How lovely!” . Often used in relation to children, girls, and also very handsome guys. This word has a strong meaning of “manifestation of weakness, femininity, passivity (in the sexual sense of the word).”
Sugoi! (Sugoi)– “Cool” or “Cool/cool!” In relation to people, it is used to denote masculinity.
Kakkoii! (Kakkoii!)- “Cool, beautiful, awesome!”
Suteki! (Suteki!)– “Beautiful, charming, delightful!”, pronounced “Stacky!”
Hide! (Hidoi!)- “Evil!”, “bad.”
Forge! (Kowai)- "Scary!" . With an expression of fear.
Matte! (Matte)- “Wait!”, “Stop!”
Abunay! (Abunai)– warning – “Danger!” or “Look out!”
SOS phrases in Japanese:
Tasukete! (Tasukete)- “Help!”, “Help!” - pronounced as “Taskete!”
Yamero!/Yamete! (Yamero/Yamete)- “Stop!”, “Stop it!” or “Stop it!”
Dame! (Dame)- “No, don’t do that!”
Hanase! (Hanase)- “Let go!”
Hentai! (Hentai)- “Pervert!”
Urusai! (Urusai)- "Shut up!"
Uso! (Uso)- “Lie!”, “You’re lying!”
We continue our new section. Answering questions from the last lesson, I can say that although the title says that it’s a minute, in reality each lesson goes a little longer. This means that the lessons are small and simple.
In the second lesson, you and I will learn words and phrases that will allow us to express gratitude or apologize in Japanese. For the Japanese, these are very important phrases, because Japanese society and mentality as a whole are built on this. We will study the most popular and most used words, but in reality there are many more.
Word 感謝 - かんしゃ (kansya) translated as gratitude. The word is お詫び - おわび (owabi) means "apology". Let's look at all the words in order.
Thank you very much.
The phrase can be translated as “thank you very much.” These words can be said to absolutely anyone, be it your friend or your boss at work. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) - polite Japanese. Ending ございます (gozaimasu) is part of the polite Japanese language 敬語 (keigo), which we will talk about more in later lessons. Adding ございます (gozaimasu) we are, simply put, reinforcing the politeness of the word or phrase that comes before it. The same as withおはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu)from our last lesson.
By the way, there is an even more polite option. どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu), which can be translated as “thank you very much.” This phrase can be said when, for example, you received a gift from a client or boss. It can also be said when you just really want to thank someone very much. In general, you should not skimp on gratitude. You won’t lose money, but the person will be pleased.
ありがとう (arigatou)- Thank you.
A simpler and more informal way to say "thank you" in Japanese. Just ありがとう (arigatou) you can say "you" to the people with whom you communicate. In general, the usage is exactly the same as in Russian.
どういたしまして (douitashimashite)- You're welcome, please.
The phrase is translated as “you’re welcome” or “please”. Used in the “thank you-please” connection. For example, you are sitting in class and you need an eraser to correct a mistake in your notebook. You asked Tanaka-san, sitting next to you, to give you the eraser, which he did. The following dialogue turns out:
You: ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu)- Thank you very much
Tanaka-san: どういたしまして (douitashimashite)- Please.
You should always be polite and speak “you” to everyone until you become close.
There is another way to say "you're welcome" in Japanese.
とんでもないです (tondemonai desu)- You're welcome, please.
Personally, I like this version of the phrase better and I use it much more often than どういたしまして (douitashimashite). This phrase is polite, but you can drop the polite ending です (desu) and get an informal version とんでもない (tondemonai), which you can say to friends or acquaintances with whom you communicate on a first-name basis.
すみません (sumimasen)- Sorry.
A polite way to say "sorry" in Japanese. This word can be said to both your boss and your friend. The Japanese say すみません (sumimasen) always and everywhere, which may seem strange to a foreigner.
Get into the elevator when someone is already there - speak すみません (sumimasen). If you stepped on someone's foot on a train, speak up すみません (sumimasen). The person in front of you held the door for you a little when entering the building - say すみません (sumimasen). And so on. And of course it is used in standard situations when you just want to apologize.
By the way, one of the most polite ways to say “sorry” in Japanese is the phrase (taihen moushi wake gozaimasen), which can be translated as “I apologize to you incredibly deeply.” This phrase should be used if, for example, while working as a waiter in a restaurant, you spilled a drink on a client. In most cases it will be quite simple すみません (sumimasen).
ごめんなさい (gomen nasai)- Sorry, I beg your pardon.
A simpler version of apologizing in Japanese. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) It's no longer worth telling your boss, clients, or anyone else when you're running a business. This way you can apologize to your friends, acquaintances if you accidentally stepped on someone’s foot, and so on. If we rank Japanese words of apology according to politeness, then this phrase comes lower than すみません (sumimasen).
ごめんね (gomen ne)- Sorry, sorry.
An informal version of the phrase "sorry." It can simply be translated as “forgive”, “excuse me” or “excuse me”. It can be said to those with whom you communicate on a first-name basis. For example, you forgot to call your friend and the next day when you meet you tell him ごめんね (gomen ne), which would mean "sorry". Particle ね at the end allows you to make the apology softer and friendlier.
しつれいします (shitsureishimasu)- I'm sorry, sorry, goodbye.
This phrase has many meanings and, although it is translated as an apology, it is used in other situations. In the video tutorial on the channel, I gave several examples with a train and a teacher's room. The phrase is used in a situation when you need to do something, but your actions may cause some inconvenience to other people.
For example, there is a line in front of you that you need to go through. To do this, approach people, talk しつれいします (shitsureishimasu) and come on in. Also, if you want to call someone from a room where there are other people, you can knock, say しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu) and then call the person. I think the use of this phrase is understandable.
However, しつれいします (shitsureishimasu) there is also the meaning of "goodbye". When communicating politely, when conducting business or just talking on the phone, before ending the conversation, you must say しつれいします (shitsureishimasu), which will mean "goodbye". For example, you made a phone call to find out some information. We talked, and then, before you hang up, you can say first ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) to thank and then しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu) to say goodbye. You will hear the same thing on the phone.
だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu)- It's okay, it's okay, okay, okay.
This is a very versatile word in Japanese. Sometimes the Japanese themselves do not fully understand what exactly a person meant when he said だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu).
If, for example, you fell and someone asked if everything was okay with you, then you can answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu) to say that everything is fine. The phrase can also be used to show your agreement with something. You are asked whether it will be okay to meet tomorrow at 1 pm, and not at 3, as planned. If you are satisfied with this, then simply answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu).
However, as I said, sometimes it is not entirely clear what is meant. For example, you are buying ice cream at a grocery store and the clerk asks if you need an ice cream scoop. Most Japanese will answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu), which can be translated as “no need” or “yes, let’s do it.” What a person really meant can be understood only from intonation and behavior, although there are cases when the seller understands incorrectly. And there are many such situations.
The Japanese language is difficult not because of its hieroglyphs, grammar or pronunciation, but precisely because of its nuances, which can sometimes not be understood by foreigners. By the way, if you are wondering how difficult it is to learn Japanese, then take a look my video about this theme.
Well then, friends. I hope you liked the lesson and everything was clear. Be sure to watch Lesson 1 again to review the words you learned earlier. Don't forget to leave your comments and reviews, they are very important to us. The future of the “Japanese in a Minute” column depends on you, friends.
If you want to seriously learn Japanese, then you can subscribe to our. To get started, take the free introductory lessons and form your own opinion about them.
See you in the next lessons, friends.
A group of words that mean "Hello" in Japanese:
Ohayo: gozaimasu (Ohayou gozaimasu) - “Good morning” in Japanese. Polite greeting.
Ohayo: (Ohayou) - Informal way to say “good morning” in Japanese
Oss (Ossu) - A very informal men's version. Often used by karatekas.
Konnichiwa – “Good afternoon” in Japanese.
Konbanwa – “Good evening” in Japanese.
Hisashiburi desu - “Long time no see.” The usual polite option.
Hisashiburi ne? (Hisashiburi ne?) - Female version.
Hisashiburi da naa... (Hisashiburi da naa) - Male version.
Yahho! (Yahhoo) - “Hello.” Informal option.
Ooi! (Ooi) – “Hello.” Quite an informal men's option. A common greeting for roll call at a distance.
Yo! (Yo!) – “Hello.” An exclusively informal men's option. However, women can also sometimes speak, but it will sound quite rude.
Gokigenyou - “Hello.” Quite a rare, very polite female greeting.
Moshi-moshi – “Hello” in Japanese.
Ogenki des ka? (o genki desuka?) - “how are you?” in Japanese.
A group of words meaning "Until" in Japanese:
Sayonara - “Farewell” or “Goodbye” in Japanese The usual option. It is said that if the chances of a new meeting soon are small.
Saraba – “Bye.” Informal option.
Mata ashita – “See you tomorrow” in Japanese. The usual option.
Mata ne - Female version.
Mata naa - Male version.
Dzya, mata (Jaa, mata) - “See you again.” Informal option.
Jia (Jaa) - A completely informal option.
De wa - A slightly more formal option.
Oyasumi nasai - “Good night” in Japanese. The usual polite-formal option.
Oyasumi - An informal way to say "good night" in Japanese
A group of words that mean "Yes" in Japanese:
Hai – “Yes/uh-huh/of course/understood/continue.” It's a universal standard expression to say "Yes" in Japanese, but it doesn't necessarily mean agreement. Therefore, if during your speech the Japanese answers your questions with “hi”, and at the very end he says “No” to the main question, do not be surprised, he was simply assenting to you, showing that he is listening to you attentively.
Haa - “Yes, sir.” A very formal expression.
Ee (Ee) - “Yes.” Not very formal.
Ryo:kai (Ryoukai) - “That’s right / I obey.” Military or paramilitary option.
Group of words meaning "No" in Japanese:
Iie - “No” in Japanese. Standard polite expression. It is also a polite form of declining a thank you or compliment.
Nai - “No.” An indication of the absence or non-existence of something.
Betsu ni - “Nothing.”
A group of words meaning "Of course" in Japanese:
Naruhodo - “Of course”, “Of course”. (it can also mean it’s clear, that’s how it is, etc.)
Mochiron - “Naturally!” or “Definitely!” Indicates confidence in the statement.
Yahari - "That's what I thought."
Yappari - Less formal uniform
Group word meaning "Maybe" in Japanese:
Maa... (Maa) - “Maybe...”
Saa... (Saa) - “Well...” In the sense - “Perhaps, but doubts still remain.”
A group of words with the meaning “Really?” in Japanese:
Honto: des ka? (Hontou desu ka?) - “Really?” Polite form.
Honto:? (Hontou?) - Less formal form.
So: what? (Sou ka?) - “Wow...” “Is that so?” (if you heard the word “bitch” from a Japanese person, then most likely it was this exact expression)
So: des ka? (Sou desu ka?) - Formal form of the same.
So: des nee... (Sou desu nee) - “This is how it is...” Formal version.
So: yes to... (Sou da naa) - Male informal option.
So: nah... (Sou nee) - Women's informal option.
Masaka! (Masaka) - “It can’t be!”
Onegai shimasu – “please/please” in Japanese. Quite a polite form. Used in requests like “please do this for me.”
Onegai - A less polite form of saying "please" in Japanese.
Kudasai - Polite form. Added to the verb in –te form. For example, “mite-kudasai” - “look, please.”
Kudasaimasen ka? (kudasaimasen ka) - More polite form. Can be translated as “couldn’t you do...?” For example, “mite-kudasaimasen ka?” - “Could you take a look?”
Group of words meaning "Thank you" in Japanese:
Doumo - Short form of saying "thank you" in Japanese. usually said in response to small “everyday” help, for example, in response to a given coat and an offer to enter.
Arigatou gozaimasu - A slightly formal, polite way of saying "thank you" in Japanese.
Arigatou: A common polite form of saying "thank you" in Japanese
Domo arigatou: (Doumo arigatou) - “Thank you very much” in Japanese. Polite form.
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu - “Thank you so much.” Very polite, formal way to say "thank you" in Japanese
Katajikenai - An obsolete, very polite form of saying "thank you" in Japanese
Osewa ni narimashita - “I am your debtor.” A very polite and formal way to say thank you in Japanese.
Osewa ni natta - Informal form with the same meaning.
Group of words meaning "Please" in Japanese:
Do: itashimashite (Dou itashimashite) - “No thanks/No thanks/Please” in Japanese. Polite, formal uniform.
Iie - “No/No thanks/Please” in Japanese. Informal form.
Group of words meaning "Sorry" in Japanese:
Gomen nasai - “Please excuse me,” “I beg your pardon,” “I’m really sorry.” Quite a polite form. Expresses regret for some reason, for example, if you have to disturb someone. Usually not an actual apology for a significant offense (unlike sumimasen).
Gomen - Informal form of saying "sorry" in Japanese
Sumimasen - “I beg your pardon” in Japanese. Polite form. Expresses an apology related to the commission of a significant offense.
Sumanai/Suman - Not a very polite form of saying "sorry" in Japanese, usually the masculine form.
Sumanu - Not very polite, old-fashioned form.
Shitsurei shimasu - “I beg your pardon” in Japanese. Very polite formal uniform. Used, for example, to enter the boss's office.
Shitsurei - a less formal form of "shitsurei shimas"
Moushiwake arimasen - “I have no forgiveness.” A very polite and formal form of apology in Japanese.
Moushiwake nai - Less formal option.
Other expressions
Dozo (Douzo) - “Please.” A short form, an invitation to enter, take a coat, and so on. The standard answer is “Do:mo.”
Chotto... (Chotto) - “No need to worry.” Polite form of refusal. For example, if you are busy or something else.
Group of words “Leaving and returning” in Japanese:
Itte kimasu - “I left, but I’ll be back.” Pronounced when leaving home.
Chotto itte kuru - Less formal form. Usually means something like “I’ll go out for a minute.”
Itte irashai - “Come back quickly” They answer a person in response to his “itte kimas”.
Tadaima - “I'm back, I'm home.” They say when they return home.
Okaeri nasai - "Welcome home." The usual response to "Tadaima".
Okaeri is a less formal form of "welcome" in Japanese.
"Bon appetit" in Japanese:
There is no such phrase in Japanese, but instead of “bon appetit” in Japanese they say the following:
Itadakimasu - Pronounced before eating. Literally translated roughly as - “I accept [this food].”
Gochisousama deshita - “Thank you, it was very tasty.” Pronounced after finishing meals.
Gochisousama - Less formal form.
Exclamations in Japanese:
Kawaii! (Kawaii) - “How lovely!/How cute!”
Sugoi! (Sugoi) - “Cool!”
Kakkoyi! (Kakkoii!) - “Cool, beautiful, awesome!”
Suteki! (Suteki!) - “Cool, charming, wonderful!”
Forge! (Kowai) - “Scary!” Expression of fear.
Abunay! (Abunai) - “Danger!” or "Look out!"
Hide! (Hidoi!) - “Evil!”, “Evil, bad.”
Taskatee! (Tasukete) - “Help!”, “Help!”
Yamero!/Yamete! (Yamero/Yamete) - “Stop!”, “Stop it!”
Dame! (Dame) - “No, don't do that! It is forbidden!"
Hayaku! (Hayaku) - “Faster!”
Matte! (Matte) - “Wait!”
Yoshi! (Yoshi) - “So!”, “Come on!”, “Excellent / Good” Usually pronounced as “Yos!”.
Ikuzo! (Ikuzo) - “Let’s go!”, “Forward!”
Itai!/Itee! (Itai/Itee) - “Oh!”, “It hurts!”
Atsui! (Atsui) - “Hot!”, “Hot!”
Daijou:boo! (Daijoubu) - “It’s okay,” “Don’t worry.”
Kampai! (Kanpai) - “To the bottom!” Japanese toast.
Gambatte! (Ganbatte) - “Don’t give up!”, “Hold on!”, “Give your best!”, “Try your best!” The usual parting words at the beginning of difficult work.
Hanase! (Hanase) - “Let go!”
Hentai! (Hentai) - “Pervert!”
Urusai! (Urusai) - “Shut up!” , "noisy"
Uso! (Uso) - “Lies!”
Yokatta! (Yokatta!) - “Thank God!”, “What happiness!”
Yatta! (Yatta) - “It worked!”
Other Japanese words that people often search for on search engines.
Morning in Japanese is asa (朝
Day in Japanese is nichi or hi (日
Night in Japanese is yoru (夜
Japanese flower hana (花
Luck in Japanese is un (運)
Happiness/luck in Japanese - shiawase (幸せ
Good in Japanese – Ii (ii) (良い
mom in Japanese haha (haha) or politely oka:san (okaasan) (お母さん
Dad in Japanese is titi (chichi), and politely (otousan) (お父さん
big brother in Japanese is ani or politely nisan(兄さん
little brother in Japanese oto:to (弟
elder sister in Japanese ane (姉
little sister in Japanese imo:to (妹
dragon in Japanese is ryuyu (竜
friend in Japanese is tomodachi(友達
Congratulations in Japanese omedeto: (おめでとう
cat in Japanese is neko(猫
wolf in Japanese is ookami (狼
death in Japanese is si (死
fire in Japanese is hi (火
water in Japanese is mizu (水
wind in Japanese is kaze (風
earth in Japanese is tsuchi (土
Moon in Japanese is tsuki (月
angel in Japanese is tenshi (天使
student in Japanese is gakusei (学生
teacher in Japanese - sensei (先生
Beauty in Japanese is utsukushisa (美しさ
Life in Japanese is sei (生
girl in Japanese - sho:jo (少女
beautiful in Japanese - utsukushii (美しい
beautiful girl in Japanese bisho:jo (美少女
God in Japanese is kami (神
sun in Japanese is hi (日
world in Japanese is sekai (世界
path in Japanese is do: or Michi (道
black in Japanese – (黒い
tiger in Japanese is tora (虎
ass in Japanese - siri (尻
I miss you in Japanese - taikutsu (退屈
light in Japanese is hikari (光
Fox in Japanese is kitsune (狐
red in Japanese is akai (赤い
ambulance in Japanese - kyu:kyu:sha (救急車
anime in Japanese is anime (アニメ
Sakura in Japanese is sakura (桜
health in Japanese – kenko: (健康
baka in Japanese - fool in Japanese (馬鹿
shadow in Japanese is kage (影
Why is it called nande in Japanese? (何で
hare in Japanese is usagi (兎
raven in Japanese is karasu (烏
star in Japanese is hoshi (星
bear in Japanese is kuma (熊
warrior in Japanese is bushi (武士
soul in Japanese is reikon (霊魂
sky in Japanese is sora (空
eye in Japanese is me (目
rose in Japanese is bara (薔薇
strength in Japanese is chikara (力
white in Japanese is shiroi (白い
snake in Japanese is hebi (蛇
child in Japanese is kodomo (子ども
dog in Japanese is inu (犬
time in Japanese is toki (時
girl in Japanese is onna no ko (女の子
kiss in Japanese - kissu (キッス
woman in Japanese is onna (女
lion in Japanese is shishi (獅子
master in Japanese is shujin (主人
work in Japanese - shigoto (仕事
Summer in Japanese is Natsu (夏
Spring in Japanese is Haru (春
autumn in Japanese is aki (秋
Winter in Japanese is fuyu (冬
vampire in Japanese is kyu:ketsuki (吸血鬼
tree in Japanese is ki (木
princess in Japanese is hime (姫
sword in Japanese is ken (剣
killer in Japanese is satsugaisha (殺害者
city in Japanese is machi (町
Lily in Japanese is yuri 百合
To kill in Japanese is korosu (殺す
stone in Japanese is willow (岩
Lotus in Japanese is hasu(蓮
stranger in Japanese is gaijin (外人
man in Japanese is otoko (男
boy in Japanese is otoko no ko (男の子
Happy New Year in Japanese - Shinnen akemashite omedeto gozaimas (新年あけましておめでとうございます
Do you call yourself an anime fan?
Don't understand anything in Japanese?
You don't have to speak, but you should know the most common Japanese phrases.
How to find out: you can watch anime more often, the phrases will become memorable.
And to consolidate the material, look at our small collection:
Meeting and farewell
This section describes popular expressions that Japanese people use when dating or saying goodbye.
Group with the meaning “Hello”
Ohayou gozaimasu- "Good morning". Polite greeting. In youth communication it can also be used in the evening. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Ohayo gozaimas”.
Ohayou- Informal option.
Ossu– A very informal masculine option. Often pronounced "Oss".
Konnichiwa- "Good afternoon". The usual greeting.
Konbanwa- "Good evening". The usual greeting.
Hisashiburi desu- "Long time no see". Standard polite option.
Hisashiburi ne? (Hisashiburi ne?)– Female version.
Hisashiburi da naa... (Hisashiburi da naa)- Male version.
Yahho! (Yahhoo)- "Hello". Informal option.
Ooi! (Ooi)- "Hello". A very informal men's option. A common greeting for roll call over long distances.
Yo! (Yo!)- "Hello". An exclusively informal men's option.
Gokigenyou- "Hello". A rare, very polite female greeting.
Moshi-moshi- “Hello.” Answer by phone.
Group with the value “For now”
Sayonara- "Goodbye". The usual option. It is said that if the chances of a new meeting soon are small.
Saraba- "Bye". Informal option.
Mata Ashita- "Till tomorrow". The usual option.
Mata ne– Female version.
Mata naa- Male version.
Dzya, mata (Jaa, mata)- "See you". Informal option.
Jia (Jaa)- A completely informal option.
De wa– A slightly more formal option.
Oyasumi nasai- "Good night". A somewhat formal option.
Oyasumi- Informal option.
"Yes and no"
This section describes popular expressions that are often found in the speech of Japanese people and anime and manga characters and express various versions of agreement and disagreement.
Group with the value “Yes”
Hai- "Yes". Universal standard expression. Can also mean “I understand” and “Continue”. That is, it does not necessarily mean consent.
Haa (Haa)- "Yes, sir". A very formal expression.
Uh (Ee)- "Yes". Not very formal.
Ryoukai- "Yes sir". Military or paramilitary option.
Group with value “No”
Ie- "No". Standard polite expression. Also a polite form of declining a thank you or compliment.
Nai- "No". An indication of the absence or non-existence of something.
Betsu ni- "Nothing".
Group with the value “Of course”:
Naruhodo- “Of course,” “Of course.”
Motiron- "Naturally!" An indication of confidence in a statement.
Yahari- “That’s what I thought.”
Yappari– A less formal form of the same thing.
Group with the value “Maybe”
Maa... (Maa)- "May be…"
Saa... (Saa)– “Well...” In the sense of – “It’s possible, but doubts still remain.”
Group with the meaning “Really?”
Honto desu ka? (Hontou desu ka?)- “Really?” Polite form.
Honto? (Hontou?)– Less formal.
So what? (Sou ka?)- “Wow...” Sometimes pronounced as “Bitch!”
So desu ka? (Sou desu ka?)– Formal form of the same thing.
So desu nee... (Sou desu nee)- “That’s how it is...” Formal version.
So da na... (Sou da naa)– Men's informal option.
So nah... (Sou nee)– Women's informal option.
Masaka! (Masaka)- "Can't be!"
Expressions of politeness
This section describes popular expressions of politeness that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Onegai shimasu- Very polite form. Can be used independently. Especially often used in requests like “do something for me.” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Onegai shimas”.
Onegai– Less polite, more common form.
- kudasai- Polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. For example, “kite-kudasai” - “Please come.”
- kudasaimasen ka? (kudasaimasenka)- More polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. Translates to “could you do something for me?” For example, “kite-kudasaimasen ka?” - “Could you come?”
Group with the meaning “Thank you”
Doumo– Short form, usually said in response to a small “everyday” help, say, in response to a given coat and an offer to enter.
Arigatou gozaimasu– Polite, somewhat formal uniform. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Arigato gozaimas”.
Arigatou– Less formal polite form.
Doumo arigatou- "Thank you very much". Polite form.
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu- "Thank you very much". Very polite, formal uniform.
Katajikenai- Old-fashioned, very polite form.
Osewa ni narimashita- “I am your debtor.” Very polite and formal uniform.
Osewa ni natta– Informal form with the same meaning.
Group with the meaning “Please”
Dou itashimashite– Polite, formal uniform.
Iie- "My pleasure". Informal form.
Group with the meaning “Sorry”
Gomen nasai– “Excuse me, please”, “I beg your pardon”, “I’m very sorry.” A very polite form. Expresses regret for some reason, say, if you have to disturb someone. Usually it is not actually an apology for a significant offense (unlike “sumimasen”).
Gomen– Informal form.
Sumimasen- "I'm sorry". Polite form. Expresses an apology related to the commission of a significant offense.
Sumanai/Suman– Not very polite, usually male uniform.
Sumanu– Not very polite, old-fashioned form.
Shitsurei shimasu- "I'm sorry". Very polite formal uniform. Used, say, to enter the boss's office.
Shitsurei– Similar, but less formal
Moushiwake arimasen- “I have no forgiveness.” Very polite and formal uniform. Used in the military or business.
Moushiwake nai– Less formal option.
Other expressions
Dozo- "Ask". A short form, an invitation to enter, take a coat, and so on. The usual answer is “Domo.”
Chotto... (Chotto)- "No worries". Polite form of refusal. For example, if you are offered tea.
Standard everyday phrases
This section contains everyday phrases that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Group “Departure and Return”
Itte kimasu- “I left, but I’ll be back.” Pronounced when leaving for work or school.
Chotto itte kuru– Less formal. Usually means something like “I’ll go out for a minute.”
Itte irashai- “Come back quickly.”
Tadaima- “I’m back, I’m home.” Sometimes it is said outside the home. This phrase then means a “spiritual” return home.
Okaeri nasai- “Welcome home.” The usual response to “Tadaima”.
Okaeri- less formal form.
Group “Food”
Itadakimasu– Pronounced before starting to eat. Literally – “I accept [this food].” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Itadakimas”.
Gochisousama deshita- “Thank you, it was very tasty.” Pronounced at the end of a meal.
Gochisousama– Less formal.
Exclamations
This section contains various exclamations that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Kawaii! (Kawaii)- "How lovely!" Often used in relation to children, girls, very handsome guys. In general, this word has a strong meaning of “the appearance of weakness, femininity, passivity (in the sexual sense of the word).” According to the Japanese, the most “kawaii” creature is a fair-haired good girl of four or five years old with European features and blue eyes.
Sugoi! (Sugoi)– “Cool” or “Cool/cool!” In relation to people, it is used to denote “masculinity”.
Kakkoii! (Kakkoii!)- “Cool, beautiful, drop dead!”
Suteki! (Suteki!)- “Cool, charming, wonderful!” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Stacks!”
Forge! (Kowai)- "Scary!" Expression of fear.
Abunay! (Abunai)- "Dangerous!" or “Look out!”
Hide! (Hidoi!)- “Vicious!”, “Vicious, bad.”
Tasukete! (Tasukete)- “Help!”, “Help!” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “Taskete!”
Yamero!/Yamete! (Yamero/Yamete)- “Stop!”
Dame! (Dame)- “No, don’t do that!”
Hayaku! (Hayaku)- "Faster!"
Matte! (Matte)- “Wait!”
Yoshi! (Yoshi)- “So!”, “Come on!”. Usually pronounced as “Yos!”.
Ikuzo! (Ikuzo)- “Let's go!”, “Forward!”
Itai!/Itee! (Itai/Itee)- “Oh!”, “It hurts!”
Atsui! (Atsui)- “Hot!”
Daijōbu! (Daijoubu)- “Everything is fine”, “Healthy”.
Kampai! (Kanpai)- "To the dregs!" Japanese toast.
Gambatte! (Ganbatte)- “Don’t give up!”, “Hold on!”, “Give it your all!”, “Try to be conscientious!” The usual parting words at the beginning of difficult work.
Hanase! (Hanase)- “Let go!”
Hentai! (Hentai)- “Pervert!”
Urusai! (Urusai)- "Shut up!"
Uso! (Uso)- "Lie!"
Yokatta! (Yokatta!)- “Thank God!”, “What happiness!”
Yatta! (Yatta)- "Happened!"
When we first start learning Japanese, one of the first words we usually learn is the word “thank you”.
The most common Japanese word meaning “thank you” is the familiar ありがとう（arigatou).
As you know from my video lesson (which you received if you subscribed to my free newsletter), there are 3 speaking styles in Japanese, which differ in the degree of politeness. Therefore, saying “thank you” can be done in different ways, depending on who you are talking to.
Let's see what the options are:
1. If you want to say “thank you” to your friend, then conversational options are suitable for you.
ありがとう － arigatou
どうも － doumo
サンキュー － sankyuu (thank you)
You can use these expressions to communicate with friends, family members and people of equal status, age or junior to you.
どうも（doumo）－ the word itself means “big”, “very”, but in colloquial speech it is understood as a short “thank you”.
サンキュー（sankyuu）― it is not difficult to guess that this word is borrowed from the English language. Thank you, pronounced in the Japanese manner, is used everywhere and is very popular among young people. And writing it on the Internet and mobile phone saves time and characters, because it is enough to type 3-9 (the numbers 3 and 9 are read san kyuu in Japanese).
2. If you want to thank an older person or a work colleague, then you will need a more polite form, and the more polite the form, the longer it is.
ありがとうございます － arigatou gozaimasu
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu
ありがとうございました － arigatou gozaimashita
If you cannot read these words and do not yet know hiragana, then you.
As you probably noticed, gozaimasu and gozaimashita were added to our “thank you”. What is it and why do we add it there?
Gozaimasu is the present tense form of the verb gozaru (to be, to exist). It is used as a polite expression, which means that you are respectful of your interlocutor.
Therefore, often in formal conversations, in conversations with strangers and people older in age or status, you will hear gozaimasu.
ありがとうございます(arigatou gozaimasu) － standard polite gratitude, if you are in doubt about which form is best to choose to thank a person, stick to it and you will never go wrong!
どうもありがとうございます(doumo arigatou gozaimasu) － Thanks a lot. As we said above, doumo is “big,” and adding it to the standard thank you makes the phrase even more polite and emotional.
Everything is clear with these two, you say, but what is gozaimashita? Why is it needed and how is it different from gozaimasu?
And I will be happy to explain to you that:
1. Gozaimasu is the present tense form of the verb, and gozaimashita is the past tense form.
2. We will use the past form of gozaimashita if the person we are thanking has ALREADY fulfilled our request, done something good for us, or something good happened to us in the past thanks to him. That is, he ALREADY did a great job and we definitely need to tell him arigatou gozaimashita for this!
3. Okay, this is all clear, but how do you say “please” in Japanese?
どういたしまして － dou itashimashite
Dou itashimashite “please” is our standard option, which can be used to respond to any gratitude, formal or not.
きにしないでください － ki ni shinaide kudasai
Do not worry about it, do not worry or it wasn't difficult for me.
But in informal situations and with friends it is much better to simply say:
オッケー － okke- (okay)
That is, okay, of course, what are we talking about :) Or:
いえいえ － ie ie
Come on, not worth it etc.
4. Hmm, what if I want to thank you for the delicious food?
A reasonable question. For such cases it is used:
ごちそうさまでした － gochisou sama deshita (formal version)
ごちそうさま － gochisou sama (informal version)
Gotisou means treat or treat, sama adds politeness, and deshita indicates the past tense. Thus we get “it was very tasty, thank you”!
(We will talk more about the past tense and politeness prefixes in other lessons).
It will also be good if during the meal you praise the food and say that it is delicious, then the person who prepared it will be pleased.
To do this you need to say:
美味しい（おいしい）- oishii
Tasty!
So, we got acquainted with several options Thank you in Japanese! In the future, we will look at more complex constructions and phrases that require some grammatical base.
Do you want to know more and start speaking, writing and reading Japanese at a serious level now? Maybe it's time to make your dream come true and sign up. for a one-year Japanese language course to our school? In just three months you will begin to understand what the Japanese are talking about, in six months you will be able to pass the Noreku Shiken exam for N5, and in a year you will understand that you can freely talk about everyday topics with the Japanese. These are very good results! Then what are you waiting for? Sign up quickly while there are still places in the groups!
Arigatou gozaimashita!
What word or expression do you use most often when you want to say thank you in Japanese? Share in the comments.
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