Three useful basic Japanese phrases are こんにちは (konnichiwa, hello), ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu, thank you) and すみません (sumimasen, excuse me or sorry). Start with those, then practise one short exchange.
This guide gives Japanese script, romanisation and when to use each phrase. Listen to Japan Foundation Irodori Starter for greetings and apologies in Lesson 1, repetition in Lesson 2 and introductions in Lesson 3.
Greetings
Choose a greeting for the time of day. You can reply with the same greeting when someone greets you.
Good morning, hello and good evening
Use おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu) for a polite “Good morning,” こんにちは (konnichiwa) for “Hello” during the day and こんばんは (konbanwa) for “Good evening.” 今何時ですか (ima nanji desu ka) asks “What time is it now?”
Thank you
ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu) is a polite “Thank you.” どうもありがとうございます (dōmo arigatō gozaimasu) means “Thank you very much.” With a friend, ありがとう (arigatō) is the casual form.
Yes/No
はい (hai) is “yes” and can also acknowledge what someone is saying. いいえ (iie) is “no.” Listen to the full reply when checking whether someone actually agreed to a request.
Excuse Me
Say すみません (sumimasen) to get someone’s attention or excuse yourself as you pass. For a request, お願いします (onegai shimasu) means “please,” as in お水をお願いします (omizu o onegai shimasu), “Water, please.”
I’m Sorry
すみません (sumimasen) works for a light apology, such as when you brush past someone. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) means “I’m sorry.” わかりませんでした (wakarimasen deshita) means “I didn’t understand.”
Introducing Yourself
Start with はじめまして (hajimemashite, nice to meet you), then give your name. See the Japanese self-introduction template for a full first meeting.
My name is…
Use マイケルです (Maikeru desu) or 私はマイケルです (watashi wa Maikeru desu) to introduce yourself as Michael. Replace the name with your own.
What’s your name?
お名前は何ですか (onamae wa nan desu ka) asks “What’s your name?” In a friendly introduction you may also hear お名前は？ (onamae wa?).
At Work
These are common polite forms you may hear in a workplace. Listen to how colleagues use them before choosing a more casual form.
Good work
お疲れさまです (otsukaresama desu) is a common workplace greeting or acknowledgement of someone’s work. To praise a particular result, say what went well. For example, わかりやすかったです (wakariyasukatta desu) means “That was easy to understand.”
Nice to meet you
はじめまして (hajimemashite) is a polite opening when you meet someone for the first time. Say your name next, then use よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) as a courteous closing.
Wait a minute
ちょっと待ってください (chotto matte kudasai) means “Please wait a moment.” 少々お待ちください (shōshō omachi kudasai) is a more formal version you may hear from staff.
I understand
はい、わかりました (hai, wakarimashita) confirms “Yes, I understand.” そうですね (sō desu ne) can express agreement or give you a moment to think.
I will be counting or depending on you.
お願いします (onegai shimasu) is a polite way to make a request. この件、お願いします (kono ken, onegai shimasu) asks the other person to handle the matter. よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) can close a request politely.
Asking for Directions
Get someone’s attention, then name the place you need. For more situations, see Japanese phrases for your trip.
May I ask you a question?
質問してもいいですか (shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka) means “May I ask a question?” For a short exchange on the street, すみません (sumimasen) is enough to get someone’s attention before you ask.
Where is …?
Use a place name followed by はどこですか (wa doko desu ka). 駅はどこですか (eki wa doko desu ka) means “Where is the station?” トイレはどこですか (toire wa doko desu ka) means “Where is the restroom?”
Where is this?/Where am I?
ここはどこですか (koko wa doko desu ka) asks “Where are we?” or “Where is this place?” これは何ですか (kore wa nan desu ka) asks “What is this?” when you are pointing to an object.
I can’t speak Japanese.
日本語が話せません (nihongo ga hanasemasen) means “I can’t speak Japanese.” If you know a little, 日本語があまり話せません (nihongo ga amari hanasemasen) means “I don’t speak much Japanese.”
Can you please say that again?
もう一度お願いします (mō ichido onegai shimasu) means “Once more, please.” For slower speech, try ゆっくりお願いします (yukkuri onegai shimasu), “Slowly, please.”
Conclusion
Try a short exchange. Imagine you are asking for the station. Say すみません、駅はどこですか (sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka). If the answer is too fast, say もう一度お願いします (mō ichido onegai shimasu). End with ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu).
To study the writing system and basic language in a class, compare the beginner Japanese course outline and current intake information alongside this guide.
For a guided first session, ask about the S$45 two-hour Japanese trial.
