日本へようこそ
Nihon e yōkoso
The phrase "welcome to japan" in Japanese is 日本へようこそ (Nihon e yōkoso).
This phrase is a greeting used to welcome someone who has just arrived in the country. You will often see it used on signage at airports or in various travel contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of 日本 (Nihon), which means Japan. The particle へ (e), which means to or towards. And ようこそ (yōkoso), which means welcome.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle へ (written with the hiragana character へ but pronounced e) is used to indicate the direction or destination of the welcome.
How do you pronounce it?
Nihon e yōkoso
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called omotenashi, which describes a unique form of wholehearted hospitality. Using ようこそ is the first step in practicing this cultural philosophy of anticipating a guest's needs.
- The word ようこそ originates from the phrase よくこそ, which literally means 'you have come well'. It emphasizes the success and safety of the traveler's journey.
- If you want to say 'Welcome' to a specific place like a shop or a home, you would not use ようこそ, but rather the word いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) or いらっしゃい (irasshai).
Examples in context
- 日本へようこそ。Welcome to Japan.This sentence is useful for showing a standard way to say 'Welcome to Japan.'Tatoeba #122387 by small_snow, translation #281616 by CN
- 日本へようこそ！Welcome to Japan!This sentence is useful for showing an enthusiastic way to say 'Welcome to Japan!'Tatoeba #13753497 by TanukiKun, translation #13965933 by Leglaine
- 日本へようこそ、お待ちしていました。Nihon e yokoso, omachi shite imashita.Welcome to Japan, I have been waiting for you.
Example conversation
A friend greets a person arriving at the airport.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さん、日本へようこそ！Himari-san, Nihon e yokoso!Himari, welcome to Japan!
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、ありがとう！Hiroto-kun, arigatou!Hiroto, thank you!
- 大翔 Hiroto日本の生活を楽しんでね。Nihon no seikatsu o tanoshinde ne.Enjoy your life in Japan.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても楽しみです。Hai, totemo tanoshimi desu.Yes, I am looking forward to it very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
