Japanese basic phrases

Characteristics of the Japanese Language

The Japanese language, or nihongo, is unique among global languages. It has three writing systems: kanji (Chinese characters), hiragana (a native syllabary), and katakana (used mainly for foreign words and names). These systems work together in Japanese writing, creating a rich, multifaceted language structure. Japanese is also characterized by its use of honorifics and varying levels of politeness, which depend on the social context and relationship between speakers. This sensitivity to social hierarchy is a core part of Japanese communication and can be seen in both language structure and word choice.

Japanese grammar differs from English in several ways, such as its subject-object-verb (SOV) order, rather than the subject-verb-object (SVO) order typical in English. Additionally, Japanese has a variety of particles—such as wa (は) and ga (が)—that indicate the function of words in a sentence, serving as markers of topic, subject, and more.

Ten Basic Japanese Phrases and Their Meanings

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – “Hello” or “Good Afternoon”

Konnichiwa is a versatile greeting used throughout the day to say “hello” or “good afternoon.” It’s polite and suitable for both casual and formal situations. Although it originally meant “this day” in a more archaic Japanese, today it’s used as a friendly greeting. Note that it’s typically used in the afternoon, as other greetings are more common in the morning or evening.

2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – “Good Morning”

This is a polite way to greet someone in the morning. The phrase ohayou (おはよう) means “good morning” in informal settings, while adding gozaimasu (ございます) makes it formal and respectful. Ohayou gozaimasu is often used in the workplace, and it’s common for Japanese people to greet coworkers with this phrase, even if it’s later in the morning.

3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – “Good Evening”

Konbanwa is a greeting used exclusively in the evening. It’s polite but not overly formal, making it suitable for a variety of social settings. Like konnichiwa, it’s simple to use and doesn’t require additional formalities, making it a good option for saying hello in the evening.

4. さようなら (Sayounara) – “Goodbye”

Sayounara is a formal way to say “goodbye” and implies that you won’t see the person for a while, making it somewhat final. Japanese people often use other phrases to say “goodbye” in casual settings, like またね (mata ne – “see you later”) or じゃあね (jaa ne – “bye”), as sayounara can feel overly formal or even imply a long separation.

5. ありがとう (Arigatou) – “Thank You”

Arigatou is the Japanese word for “thank you.” In formal situations, it’s often extended to arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) to show more respect. This phrase is fundamental to Japanese culture, where gratitude is frequently expressed in daily interactions. Using gozaimasu makes it more polite and appropriate for situations where you want to show deeper appreciation.

6. すみません (Sumimasen) – “Excuse Me” or “I’m Sorry”

Sumimasen is a versatile phrase that serves as both “excuse me” and “I’m sorry.” It’s used to apologize, but also to get someone’s attention in a polite way, such as when asking for directions or requesting service in a restaurant. This phrase reflects the Japanese culture’s focus on politeness and respect in interactions.

7. いただきます (Itadakimasu) – “I Humbly Receive” (Said Before Eating)

Itadakimasu is a phrase said before eating a meal, meaning “I humbly receive.” This expression shows gratitude for the food and the effort of those who prepared it. It’s deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and manners, reflecting appreciation for all the hands involved in bringing food to the table.

8. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) – “Thank You for the Meal”

This phrase is said after finishing a meal and is a way of showing appreciation for the food. Similar to itadakimasu, gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) expresses gratitude, not just to the cook but also to the ingredients and nature itself. It’s used in both home and dining-out settings, showing respect and thanks.

9. はい (Hai) / いいえ (Iie) – “Yes” and “No”

Hai means “yes,” while iie means “no.” However, hai is more than a simple “yes” in Japanese; it often serves as an acknowledgment that one is listening, similar to “I understand” in English. Iie is not as commonly used directly for “no” in Japanese, as Japanese culture favors indirect communication. Often, people may use softer refusals instead, such as chotto… (ちょっと… – “that’s a bit…”) to avoid saying “no” directly.

10. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – “Please Treat Me Well” / “I Look Forward to Working with You”

This phrase doesn’t translate directly into English but expresses a desire for good relations and cooperation. It’s often used when meeting someone for the first time, before a task that requires cooperation, or when asking for a favor. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) shows a sense of humility and is crucial in polite Japanese interactions, especially in business or social settings.