Learning a few basic words in Japanese can greatly enhance your experience when traveling to Japan or interacting with Japanese speakers. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of saying common words in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and insights along the way. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of the Japanese language!
Table of Contents
1. Greetings and Expressions of Politeness
Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. Here are some essential greetings and expressions you can use:
- Konnichiwa – Hello (used throughout the day)
- Ohayou gozaimasu – Good morning (formal)
- Konbanwa – Good evening
- Oyasumi nasai – Good night (formal)
- Doumo – Thanks
- Doumo arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you (formal)
- Gomen nasai – I’m sorry (formal)
- Sumimasen – Excuse me (formal, also used to apologize)
2. Introductions
When meeting new people, it’s helpful to introduce yourself. Here’s how you can do it:
Informal:
Hajimemashite. Watashi wa [your name] desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
(Nice to meet you. My name is [your name]. Please take care of me.)
Formal:
Hajimemashite. Watashi wa [your name] to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
(Nice to meet you. My name is [your name]. Please take care of me.)
3. Numbers
Knowing numbers is essential for everyday situations, especially while shopping and dealing with money. Here are the basic numbers:
- 1 – ichi
- 2 – ni
- 3 – san
- 4 – shi (informal) / yon (formal)
- 5 – go
- 6 – roku
- 7 – shichi (informal) / nana (formal)
- 8 – hachi
- 9 – kyuu
- 10 – juu
Formal:
Hyaku
(100)
4. Basic Phrases
Here are some essential phrases that can come in handy during your stay in Japan:
- Wakarimasen – I don’t understand
- Eigo o hanashimasu ka? – Do you speak English?
- Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka? – Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- O-genki desu ka? – How are you?
- Oishii – Delicious
- Kawaii – Cute
- Omotenashi – Japanese hospitality
- Kampai! – Cheers!
5. Regional Variations
While standard Japanese is spoken across the country, there are some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. Here are a few examples:
Kansai Dialect (Osaka, Kyoto, etc.):
Ookini – Thank you
Akan! – Don’t
Ahō – Fool
Hokkaido Dialect:
Yeppe – Good
Nonbiri – Relaxed
Shinpai sunna – Don’t worry
While these variations exist, standard Japanese will be widely understood throughout the country.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned some essential basic words and phrases in Japanese. Remember, politeness and respect are fundamental in Japanese culture, so use formal expressions in formal situations, particularly when interacting with elders or strangers. Keep practicing your pronunciation and vocabulary, and don’t be afraid to engage with locals during your Japan journey. Enjoy exploring the rich linguistic and cultural landscape that Japan offers!
