How are you doing in Japanese? Some commonly used phrases in Japanese

This section describes popular expressions that Japanese people use when dating or saying goodbye.

Group with the meaning "Hello"

Ohayou gozaimasu - "Good morning". A 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 as "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 value "For now"

Sayonara- "Goodbye". The usual option. It is said that if the chances of an ambulance new meeting small.

Saraba- "Bye". Informal option.

Mata Ashita- "See you tomorrow." 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". 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 options agreement and disagreement.

Group with 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- “That’s right.” Military or paramilitary option.

Group with value "None"

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 value "Maybe"

Maa... (Maa)- "May be..."

Saa... (Saa)- “Well...” I mean, “Perhaps, 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 like "Bitch!"

So desu ka? (Sou desu ka?)- Formal form of the same.

So desu nee... (Sou desu nee)- “That’s how it is...” Formal version.

So da na... (Sou da naa)- Men's informal option.

So nee... (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 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 uniform.

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 form.

Iie- "My pleasure". Informal form.

Group with the meaning "Sorry"

Gomen nasai- “Excuse me,” “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 not an actual 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 form.

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- “Please.” 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 answer 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)- “What a delight!” 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" the 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!)- “Evil!”, “Evil, 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 "Yes!".

Ikuzo! (Ikuzo)- “Let’s go!”, “Forward!”

Itai!/Itee! (Itai/Itee)- “Oh!”, “It hurts!”

Atsui! (Atsui)- "It's hot!"

Daijōbu! (Daijoubu)- “Everything is fine”, “Healthy”.

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!"

Uso! (Uso)- "Lie!"

Yokatta! (Yokatta!)- “Thank God!”, “What happiness!”

Yatta! (Yatta)- “It worked!”

It is no coincidence that Japanese is considered one of the most difficult languages ​​in the world. It does not have the slightest resemblance either to Russian or to the usual European languages. He acts according to his own laws and logic that is not understandable to everyone. In this regard, its study entails many difficulties.

Origin of the Japanese language

Next, you should work hard on your pronunciation. It is important to pay attention to the pronunciation of individual sounds. A peculiarity of the Japanese language is the change in the designation of the word used depending on the pronounced intonation. Then you should study the variations of sound combinations and having basic knowledge, you can turn to a mentor for help. To do this, it is recommended to enroll in a language school. Here you can learn Japanese phrases and words. Typically, cards, audio recordings and other attributes are used for this.

Immersion in the language environment

There are two ways to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Japan. The first is, of course, to go to the Country rising sun and communicate directly with real Japanese people. If this is not possible, then you can enroll in a circle where everyone speaks only Japanese, and usually it includes people born and living in this country.

It is important to understand that going on vacation to Japan for a week is, of course, a great idea, but this approach is not very effective in learning the language. For a deep dive, it is recommended to become a student at a local university or go to a given state under an experience exchange program within the framework of your profession. It is best to learn a language from the model of a peer of the same gender. After all, the presentation of an adult differs from the explanation of a young person, just as female communication differs from male communication.

Imagine saying “thank you” in perfect Japanese to a nice waiter and seeing a surprised smile on his face. Or ask for the bill like a local, even though this is your first visit to Japan. It will be great, right? Your next trip to Japan can be twice as interesting if you know some Japanese, which you can learn thoroughly by attending a language school in Japan. You will have much more fun when you can communicate with local residents without awkward grunting or waving of arms.

The good news is that you don't have to spend months or even weeks learning Japanese—all you need to know are a few simple (and very user-friendly) phrases that you can read in minutes and master in a few days. Of course, a few memorized phrases cannot be compared with the amount of knowledge that you can get by going to study at a language school in Japan, the cost of which largely depends on the training program. However, even some phrases will significantly help in the first days of your stay in Japan. Once you've mastered these phrases, you'll be able to use them expertly, and your new Japanese friends will be delighted.

Note: Desu and masu are pronounced "des" as in English word"desk" and "mas", as in the English word "mask". Well, unless you're an anime character. The particle は is pronounced "wa".

1. Hello!

Ohayo (good morning) おはよう

Konichiwa (good afternoon)

Konbanwa (good evening)

In Japan, people usually do not say "hello" but instead greet each other depending on the time of day. Say "Ohayo" in the morning and "Konichiwa" in the afternoon. From 18:00 onwards use "konbanwa". Note that "konbanwa" is a greeting and is not used to say goodnight - the word for that is "oyasumi". If you confuse these two words, you will receive laughter or strange looks in response. Don't ask me how I know.

2. Everything is fine, or I'm fine

Daijōbu des だいじょうぶです

This is very useful phrase, which has many nuances depending on the situation (it can mean “yes” or “no”). Use it for:

• telling someone that you are okay (For example, "daijobu des", which is a minor injury)
• polite refusal (For example, if the seller asks if you want your gift wrapped, you can politely refuse by saying “daijobu des”).

3. Thank you

Arigato gozaimas ありがとう　ございます。

Saying "arigato" without "gozaimas" strangers, such as a cashier or waiter, will be a little careless. As a foreigner you can get away with it, but the more natural expression in this case is "arigato gozaimas". Say it when you get change or when someone, for example, helps you find a vending machine or gives you directions to a language school in Japan.

4. I'm sorry

Sumimasen

If you only need to remember one phrase in Japanese, this is it. This is a magic phrase. You can use it in almost any situation. Accidentally stepped on someone's foot? Sumimasen! Trying to get the waiter's attention? Sumimasen! Is someone holding the elevator door for you? Sumimasen! The waitress at the cafe brought you a drink? Sumimasen! Don't know what to say? You guessed it - sumimasen.

But wait, why should I apologize to the person serving me the drink, you ask? Good question. The thing is, the word "sumimasen" is essentially an acknowledgment that you are bothering or inconveniencing someone. Thus, the legendary Japanese politeness is partly true, even if it is superficial. You can (and should) say "sumimasen" before any of the phrases below.

5. Where is (train station)?

(Eki) wa doko des ka? (えき)はどこですか？

Feel free to use this phrase when you want to know where something is: the Totoro section of a store, a train station or a museum, or - and this is very important - a toilet.

6. How much does it cost?

Kore wa ikura des ka? これ　は　いくら　ですか？

If you decide to learn Japanese at a language school in Japan, you will definitely have to shop in stores. Most stores have price tags in a visible place, but if the price is not visible and you want to know how much an item costs, say “sumimasen” and ask the question.

7. Can I have the bill, please?

O-kaikei onegai shimas

Use this phrase in places like izakayas, but if you find the bill on your table, there's no need to ask. Just pay for it.

“Onegai shimas” is another very convenient phrase. Use it like "please". You can use it whenever you ask for something, such as a bill. Just replace the word o-kaikei in the example above with whatever you need, such as "Sumimasen, o-mizu onegai shimas." (Can I ask for some water please?)

8. Does this train go to (Shibuya)?

Kono densha wa Shibuya ikimas ka? この　でんしゃ　は　(しぶや)　いきますか？

Tokyo's extensive train network can be confusing if you're using it for the first time, and this phrase helps you know if a certain train is going to your destination before you board it. Replace the word Shibuya with the name of any other train station you are heading to.

9. Do you have (menu in English)?

(Eigo no menu) wa arimas ka? (えいご　の　めにゅう)　は　ありますか？

Sometimes you are in a hurry and need to find a certain item in the store. Instead of rushing around looking for an item, you can simply stop at the information desk or ask the nearest employee if the item is in the store. Ask this question in Japanese and they will show you where what you are looking for is located.

This phrase works great for restaurants too. If the entire menu is in Japanese, don't point your finger at it randomly. Just ask the waiter if they have something you would like to eat, such as chicken (tori), fish (sakana) or strawberry ramen (sutoroberi ramen). Just replace the words in brackets with whatever you like.

Probably さよなら [sayonara] is one of the most famous Japanese words, however, the Japanese themselves do not use it very often. There are quite a few ways to say "goodbye" in Japanese, and the choice depends on who you're saying goodbye to and where it's happening.

・さよなら [sayonara]

This word is used when it means that you will not see a person for some time, often for a long time. For this reason, you should be careful when choosing a word for goodbye, so as not to cause misunderstandings with your interlocutor.

・またあした [mata asta]

Using the word また [mata] “again, again,” you can create several options for farewell phrases indicating the time when the next meeting is expected to take place: また明日 [mata asta] - see you tomorrow; また来週 [mata raishu:] - see you next week; また来月 [mata raigetsu] - see you next month, etc.

・じゃあね [ja:ne]

This phrase is used when saying goodbye between friends. There are several options with approximately the same meaning: じゃあまた [ja: mata], またね [mata ne].

If you try to literally translate these phrases, you get the following: じゃ [ja] is a form of では, which essentially means “well, then”; ね [ne] ending, indicating that what was said is also obvious to the interlocutor (); また [mata] - “again, again” in the meaning “see you soon”, similar to また明日 [mata asta].

・お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shitsurei shimas]

This polite phrase literally translates to “sorry for leaving before you” () and is used to mean “goodbye” in relation to what remains when you leave, for example, from the office.

The short form お先に [o-saki-ni] can be used to refer to colleagues with whom you have friendly relations, but never to your superiors.

The response to such a “goodbye” from those remaining in the room you are leaving will be お疲れ様でした [o-tskare-sama deshta].

It is important to remember that お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shiturei shimas] is used when you do not plan to return to where you left on that day. If you are leaving, for example, for a meeting, you should use 行って来ます (see below)

・お疲れ様でした [o-tskare-sama desta]

This phrase is used to mean "goodbye" and as a response to お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shitsurei shimas]. Literally translated as “you are so tired” (or more literally “thank you for your work”).

However, this phrase can be used not to mean “goodbye.” For example, if a colleague told you about completing some task, you can answer him お疲れ様です [o-tskare-sama des].

Similarly, お先に [o-saki-ni] in relation to colleagues with whom you have friendly relations, the shortened form お疲れ様 [o-tskare-sama] can be used.

ご苦労様です [go-kuro:-sama des] is a phrase with a similar meaning that can be used by superiors in relation to subordinates (and never vice versa).

・行って来ます [itte-kimas]

This phrase is used to mean "goodbye" when leaving home, and literally translates to "I'm leaving and will return." The answer to it from those staying at home will be いってらっしゃい [itte-rasshiai], which, in turn, is literally translated as “go away and come back.”

Often these phrases are used when you leave, for example, the office, but plan to return there.

・気をつけて [ki-o tsukete]

And its more polite counterpart 気をつけてください [ki-o tsukete-kudasai] are used to mean “take care of yourself.” Typically used when you are seeing someone off, or when someone is leaving, for example, on vacation.

・お大事に [o-daiji-ni]

This phrase is used when you wish someone well when saying goodbye. The phrase comes from 大事にする [daiji-ni suru] “to appreciate, cherish”, that is, literally translated “take care of yourself.”

・バイバイ [bye-bye]

Borrowed from English language(bye-bye) farewell is often used by children and young people. Adults can use it in friendly communication, but be careful as it sounds somewhat childish.

Today's lesson will be about greetings - 挨拶 (Aisatsu). From the very beginning of learning Japanese, it is very important to learn how to greet correctly. It seemed that it could be simpler? Anyone, even someone who has not studied Japanese, can easily remember the standard Japanese greeting, which sounds like this: こんにちは (Konnichiwa). But the Japanese wouldn't be Japanese if it were that simple. There are a number of different greetings used depending on the situation, time of day, or the status of the person you're talking to. We will get acquainted with these nuances in this article.

Greetings at different times of the day

-お早うございます(Ohayo: gozaimasu)- Good morning. "Gozaimasu" is a polite form of speech, so if you greet your friend, it can be shortened to a simple おはよう(ohayo:).

-こんにちは(Konnichiwa)- Good afternoon/hello. A universal greeting, but it is most appropriate to use it from 12 to 16 o'clock.

-今晩は(Konbanwa)- Good evening. A very popular standard evening greeting.

Greetings in different situations

-久しぶり(Hisashiburi)- Long time no see. If you want to greet a friend you haven't seen for a long time, address him with the phrase: お久しぶりですね (Ohisashiburi desu ne) - “Long time no see.” If you have not seen each other for several years, then you can say: 何年ぶりでしたか (Nan nen buri deshita ka) - “How many years have passed?” And if the break was not very long, then you can use the phrase: しばらくでした (Shibaraku deshita). In addition to meaning “long time no see,” this phrase also means “glad to see you.”

-もしもし(Moshi-moshi)- Hello. Answer by phone.

-ごきげんよう(Gokigenyo:)- Hello. A rarely used, very polite female greeting.

Friendly greetings

-おっす(Ossu)- a very informal male version of greeting. Used by close friends of the same age.

-ういっす(Uissu)– informal female version greetings. The greeting comes from the very strong abbreviation おはようございます(ohayo: gozaimasu:).

-やっほー(Yahho:)- Hello! An informal option used by both men and women.

-よー！(Yo!)- male version of greeting. Often used by women, but it sounds rude.

“What kind of signs do you use in writing greetings?”- you ask. This is hiragana. And if you do not yet know how to read this Japanese alphabet, then we advise you to use ours that will help you start reading Japanese.

When greeting a Japanese person, it is important to remember non-verbal communication techniques. In everyday polite or formal communication, greetings are inextricably linked with bows of various types. Handshakes are used mainly in relation to Europeans. In everyday life, head nods or half-bows take place. Of course, it would be appropriate to simply wave your hand as a sign of greeting.

If you often watch Japanese films or anime, you have probably encountered one or another greeting. Share in the comments: what greetings did you encounter in the Japanese films you watched?

Did you like this article? Would you like to know even more and become fluent in spoken Japanese? In this case, we invite you to our online courses to learn Japanese for beginners. After just a year of studying Japanese in Daria Moinich’s courses, you will be able to freely communicate with the Japanese on everyday topics. Do you want to get this result? Then quickly sign up for the group, because the number of places is limited. There are many people who want to learn! You can find out more about the annual training program and enroll in courses at .