You are here: Useful Japanese Phrases

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Useful Japanese Phrases

On this page you will find useful Japanese phrases for you to learn. Firstly we will start with a few tips on actually starting to learn the language. Then you will find a player where you can actually here the audio pronunciation for the words. Click on the 'Play' button and then click on the back and forward buttons to find the words you would like to hear.

Speaking Japanese: Before You Begin

First, think about why you want to learn Japanese. Learning a new language can be a big time commitment, so consider how much time you can spend learning Japanese. If you're going to Japan for a vacation or brief visit, concentrate on learning some key phrases phonetically. Knowing how to say even a few words will let you communicate, and you'll start to understand what others are saying to you. Phonetic learning will limit you; you will not be able to comprehend any written Japanese, such as signs and newspapers. To reach a higher level of comprehension, lessons with audio and written elements are necessary. To get the best return on these lessons, studying regularly is very important! No matter what type of course you follow, always keep in mind that you should take advantage of any chance you get to practice the language, however the occasion arises. When you are in Japan, don't worry about what your level of Japanese is, just try to communicate! The people you meet will appreciate every effort you put into speaking the language. Speaking (and understanding what is said to you) may be hard at first, but it will get easier with every word.

Basic Japanese Phrases Click Play and Listen below to listen to some basic Japanese Phrases.

Basic Japanese Phrases

English Hello How are You? I'm fine Thank-you very much You are welcome

Japanese Konnichi wa Ogenki desu ka? Genki desu Arigatou Gozaimasu Do itashimashite

Japanese Phrases for Greetings

English Good Morning Hello Good Evening Good Night

Japanese Ohayo Gozaimasu Konnichi wa Konban wa Oyasumi Nasai

Japanese Phrases for Eating

English Let's Eat That Looks Delicious Taste's Great What is this? Cheers I'm full Thanks for the meal

Japanese Itadakimasu Oishii sou Oishii Kore wa nan desu ka? Kampai Onaka ippai Gochisousama deshita

Japanese Phrases for Shopping

English Whats this? How much? Just looking!

Japanese Kore wa nan desu ka? Ikura desu ka? Miteru dake desu!

Anything else? Thats all! Anything Smaller? Anything Bigger? Too expensive

Nanika hokani arimasu ka? Sore de zenbu desu! Motto chiisai no wa? Motto ookii no wa? Taka sugimasu

Japanese Phrases for Introductions

English How do you do? My name is I am a student I came from America It was nice to meet you.

Japanese Hajimemashite Watashi no namae wa Watashi wa gakusei desu Amerika kara kimashita Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Japanese Phrases for Weather

English It's sunny today It's raining today It's hot isn't it? It's cold isn't it? It's nice weather isn't it What's the weather tomorrow?

Japanese Kyo wa hare desu Kyo wa ame desu Atsui desu ne Samui desu ne Ii tenki desu ne Ashita no tenki wa

Japanese Phrases for Directions

English Straight Left Right Here North

Japanese Masugu Hidari Migi Koko Kita

Japanese Phrases for Love

English I Really Like You May I kiss You? I Love You Will You Marry Me?

Japanese Dai Suki Dayo Kisu shite mo ii? Ai shiteru Kekkon shite kureru

You are here: Useful Japanese Phrases

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Useful Japanese Phrases

On this page you will find useful Japanese phrases for you to learn. Firstly we will start with a few tips on actually starting to learn the language. Then you will find a player where you can actually here the audio pronunciation for the words. Click on the 'Play' button and then click on the back and forward buttons to find the words you would like to hear.

Speaking Japanese: Before You Begin

First, think about why you want to learn Japanese. Learning a new language can be a big time commitment, so consider how much time you can spend learning Japanese. If you're going to Japan for a vacation or brief visit, concentrate on learning some key phrases phonetically. Knowing how to say even a few words will let you communicate, and you'll start to understand what others are saying to you. Phonetic learning will limit you; you will not be able to comprehend any written Japanese, such as signs and newspapers. To reach a higher level of comprehension, lessons with audio and written elements are necessary. To get the best return on these lessons, studying regularly is very important! No matter what type of course you follow, always keep in mind that you should take advantage of any chance you get to practice the language, however the occasion arises.

When you are in Japan, don't worry about what your level of Japanese is, just try to communicate! The people you meet will appreciate every effort you put into speaking the language. Speaking (and understanding what is said to you) may be hard at first, but it will get easier with every word.

Basic Japanese Phrases Click Play and Listen below to listen to some basic Japanese Phrases.

Basic Japanese Phrases

English Hello How are You? I'm fine Thank-you very much You are welcome

Japanese Konnichi wa Ogenki desu ka? Genki desu Arigatou Gozaimasu Do itashimashite

Japanese Phrases for Greetings

English Good Morning Hello Good Evening Good Night

Japanese Ohayo Gozaimasu Konnichi wa Konban wa Oyasumi Nasai

Japanese Phrases for Eating

English Let's Eat That Looks Delicious Taste's Great What is this? Cheers

Japanese Itadakimasu Oishii sou Oishii Kore wa nan desu ka? Kampai

I'm full Thanks for the meal

Onaka ippai Gochisousama deshita

Japanese Phrases for Shopping

English Whats this? How much? Just looking! Anything else? Thats all! Anything Smaller? Anything Bigger? Too expensive

Japanese Kore wa nan desu ka? Ikura desu ka? Miteru dake desu! Nanika hokani arimasu ka? Sore de zenbu desu! Motto chiisai no wa? Motto ookii no wa? Taka sugimasu

Japanese Phrases for Introductions

English How do you do? My name is I am a student I came from America It was nice to meet you.

Japanese Hajimemashite Watashi no namae wa Watashi wa gakusei desu Amerika kara kimashita Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Japanese Phrases for Weather

English It's sunny today It's raining today It's hot isn't it? It's cold isn't it? It's nice weather isn't it What's the weather tomorrow?

Japanese Kyo wa hare desu Kyo wa ame desu Atsui desu ne Samui desu ne Ii tenki desu ne Ashita no tenki wa

Japanese Phrases for Directions

English Straight Left Right Here North

Japanese Masugu Hidari Migi Koko Kita

Japanese Phrases for Love

English I Really Like You May I kiss You? I Love You Will You Marry Me?

Japanese Dai Suki Dayo Kisu shite mo ii? Ai shiteru Kekkon shite kureru

More Japanese Phrases

Text in italic font style are in japanese phrases translations.

[A]
All of these are my personal belongings. Subete watashi no mochimono desu. All right! Wakarimashita Anybody home! Gomen kudasai! Any problem? Nani ka mondai ga arimasu ka? Anything will do. Nan demo ii desu Are there any letters for me? Watashi ni Tegami ga kite imasen ka? Are these yours? Kore wa anata no mono deshou ka?

Are you a Japanese? Anata wa Nihonjin desu ka? Are you an American? Anata wa Americajin desu ka? Are you busy now? Ima isogashii desu ka? Are you free now? Ima ohima desu ka? Are you free this evening? Konya wa ohima desu ka? Are you going to inspect my baggages? Watashi no nimotsu o oshirabe ni narimasu ka? Are you happy? Ureshii desu ka? Are you hungry? Onaka ga sukimashitaka? Are you married? Kekkon shite irasshaimasu ka? Are you Miss Tanaka? Tanakasan desu ka? Are you okay? Daijoubu desu ka? Are you ready? Youi wa ii desu ka? Are you serious? Honki desu ka? Are you sleepy? Nemui desu ka? Are you still single? Mada dokushin desu ka? Are you tired? Tsukaremashita ka? A thousand thanks. Hontou ni arigatou. Attention! Ki o tsukete! Attention, please. Ki o tsukete kudasai.

[B]

Be careful. Ki o tsuke nasai. Best wishes! Go koufuku o inorimasu! / Go takou o inorimasu! Beware of pickpockets! Oseifu youjin! Beware of dogs! Inu chuui! Try your best. Gambatte Bottoms up! Kampai! Bravo! Umaizo! / Dekashita! / Burabou! / Appare! Breakfast is ready. Choushoku ga dekite orimasu. / Shokuji ga dekite orimasu. By all means. Kanarazu. By and by. Sono uchi ni

[C]
Can I have my bill? Okanjou o onegaishimasu? Can we go there by bus? Basu de ikemasu ka? Can you drive? Kuruma no unten ga dekimasu ka? Can you drive for me? Watashi wo kuruma ni nosete kuremasen ka? Can you eat Japanese food? Nihon no tabemono ga taberaremasu ka? Can you eat Korean food? Kankoku ryouri o taberaremasu ka? Can you fix it? Kore wa naosemasu ka? Can you speak English? Eigo ga dekimasu ka? Can you speak Japanese? Nihongo ga dekimasu ka?

Can you speak Spanish? Supeingo ga dekimasu ka? Care of (c/o) ...Kata Certainly. ( Answering questions) Kashikomari mashita. Certainly not. Ton demo nai. / Dame desu. Check your things. Mochimono wo kakunin shite kudasai. Cheers! Kampai! Cheer up! Genki o dase! / Genki o dashite kudasai!/ Shikkari shiro! Closed to traffic. Tsuukou dome. Close your eyes. Me o toji nasai. Come and join us. Anata mo isshoni douzo. Come here, please. Kochira e kite kudasai. Come in. Ohairi nasai. / Douzo haitte kudasai. / Douzo agatte kudasai. Come on! Saa koi! Come this way, please. Kochira e, douzo. Come what may. Nani ga attemo. Condolence! Okuyami! Congratulations! Omedetou gozaimasu! Congratulations on your marriage! Gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu! Congratulations on your success! Seikou omedetou! Cordially yours, Keigu,

Could you translate this for me? Kore o honyaku shite kudasai.

[D]
Did you bring your camera? Kamera o motte kimashita ka? Did you feel the earthquake? Jishin o kanjimashita ka? Did you watch the show last night? Yuube wa shibai o mimashita ka? Do as you please. Go jiyuu ni. Don't be ashamed. Hazukashii garanaide kudasai. Don't be in a hurry. Asera nai. / Awate nai de. Don't bother me! Urusai! Don't bother yourself. Okamai naku. Don't come here. Konaide kudasai. Don't disturb. Jama shinaide kudasai. Don't forget. Wasure nai de kudasai. Don't get mad. Okoranaide kudasai. Don't give up. Ganbatte kudasai. Don't hesitate to call me. Enryo naku watashi o yobi nasai. / Enryo naku watashi ni denwa nasai. Don't mention it. Dou itashimashite. (also used when saying "you are welcome", a reply when a person says "thank you") Don't mind it. Kinishi nai de kudasai. Don't worry. Kuyokuyo suru na. / Shinpai nai yo.

Don't you agree with me? Watashi ni sansei dewa nai no desu ka? Do you drink liquor? Sake o nomimasu ka? Do you eat vegetables? Yasai wa tabete imasu ka? Do you enjoy your vacation? Yasumi wo tanoshinde imasu ka? Do you feel homesick? Houmushikku desu ka? Do you feel okay? Daijoubu desu ka? Do you go to the office every day? Mainichi kaisha e ikimasu ka? Do you have an ID? Mibun shoumeisho wo omochi desu ka? Do you have a pencil? Empitsu o motte imasu ka? Do you have another color? Hoka no iro wa arimasen ka? Do you know? Shitte imasu ka? Do you know her? Kanojo o shitte imasu ka? Do you know him? Kare o shitte imasu ka? Do you know Tanaka's telephone number? Tanakasan no denwa bango o shitte imasu ka? Do you know how to swim? Oyogemasu ka? Do you know when is his birthday? Kare no tanjoubi wa itsu ka shitte imasu ka? Do you like it? Suki desu ka? Do you miss your family? Kazoku ni aitai desu ka? Do you play golf? Gorufu o shimasu ka? Do you remember me? Watashi no koto o oboete imasu ka?

Do you smoke? Tabako o suimasu ka? Do you understand? Wakarimasu ka? Do you want to eat now? Ima oshokuji nasai masu ka? Drive carefully. Chuui shite hashitte kudasai.

[E]
Either will do. Dochira demo yoroshii. / Dochira demo ii desu. Enjoy your meal. Douzo, go yukkuri. Enjoy yourself. Tanoshinde kudasai. Even though. Demo. Excellent! Subarashii. Excuse me. Sumimasen. Excuse me, this my seat. Shitsurei desu ga, koko wa watashi no seki desu. Excuse me, what place is this? Sumimasen ga, koko wa doko desu ka? Excuse me, you're stepping on my foot. Ashi o fumanaide kudasai.

[F]
Faithfully yours, keigu, Finished. Sumimashita. Fire! Kaji! For a while, please. Shibaraku jikan o kudasai. Forget it. Sonna koto wa wasure nasai.

Fragile, handle with care. Koware mono, chuui. Funny! Omoshiroi ne.

[G]
Get out of my way! Doite kudasai! Get up! Oki nasai! Give me something cold to drink. Nani ka tsumetai nomimono o kudasai. Give me two hamburgers, please. Hanbaagaa o futatsu kudasai. Give me your address, please. Juusho o oshiete kudasai. Go ahead! Zen shin! Go easy. Aseru na. Good! Sore wa ii! Good afternoon! Konnichiwa! Goodbye! Sayounara! Good day! Konnichiwa! Good evening! Kombanwa! Good for you! Dekashita! / Umaizo! Good luck! Kooun o inorimasu! Good morning! Ohayou gozaimasu! Goodnight! Oyasumi nasai! ( for bed time only) Go straight. Massugu ni iki nasai.

[H]

Handle with care. Tori atsukai chuui. Hands off. Te o hanashi nasai. Happy Anniversary! Omedetou gozaimasu! Happy Birthday! Otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu! Happy New Year! Shinnen omedetou gozaimasu! / Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! Happy trip! Yoi otabi! Have a good time. Tanoshinde rasshai. Have a nice day. Gokigen you. Have you even been to Japan? Nihon ni itta koto ga arimasu ka? He doesn't eat meat. Kare wa niku o tabemasen. He is my friend. Kare wa watashi no tomodachi desu. He is my older brother. Kare wa watashi no oniisan desu. He is my younger brother. Kare wa watashi no otouto desu. Hello! Konnichiwa! Hello! (on the telephone) Moshi! Moshi! Help! Help! Tasukete Tasukete! Help me! Tasukete! Here it is! A, arimashita! Here it is. Koko ni arimasu. He rested for a while. Kare wa shibaraku yasunda.

Here's your change. Otsuri desu. Hi! I'm home. Tadaima! Hold it! Ugoku na! / Sono mama! Hold on! Matta! Hold the line, please (on the telephone) Denwa o kirazu ni omachi kudasai. Hold this, please. Motte kudasai. Hope to see you again. Mata aimashou. Hope to visit your country soon. Okuni o hayaku tazunetai. Hope you don't mind. Kamaimasen ka? Hope you like it. Oki ni iru to iin desu ga. How? Dou? How about you? Tokoronde anata wa? How are you? Ogenki desu ka? / Gokigen ikaga desu ka? How are you these days? Kono goro dou desu ka? How cold is the weather? Samusa wa dono gurai desu ka? How do you do? Hajimemashite? How do you find Japan? Nihon wa dou desu ka? How do you like it? Sore wa ikaga desu ka? How do you say it in English? Sore wa Eigo de nanto iimasu ka? How do you say it in Japanese? Sore wa Nihongo de nanto iimasu ka?

How do you say it in Filipino? Sore wa Firipingo de nanto iimasu ka? How do you use the chopsticks? Hashi wa donoyou ni tsukaimasu ka? How far is the station? Eki wa dono gurai tooi desu ka? How is it? Dou desu ka? How is he? Kare wa ikaga desu ka? How is she? Kanojo wa ikaga desu ka? / Kanojo wa genki desu ka? How is that? Sore wa dou desu ka? How is the weather? Otenki wa dou desu ka? How is this? Kore wa dou desu ka? How is your baby? Akachan wa genki desu ka? / Akachan wa dou desu ka? How is your family? Kazoku no minasan wa ikaga desu ka? How is your father? Otousan wa genki desu ka? / Otousan wa dou desu ka? How is your mother? Okaasan wa genki desu ka? / Okaasan wa dou dese ka? How long have you been in Japan? Nihon ni kite dono kurai ni narimasu ka? How long have you been in the Philippines? Firipin ni kite dono kurai ni narimasu ka? How long must I wait? Dorehodo mattara ii deshou ka? How long will you stay here? Itsu made kochira ni irasshaimasu ka? How many? Ikutsu? How many children do you have? Okosan wa nan nin desu ka? / Kodomo wa nan nin desu ka? How many do you want? Ikutsu onozomi desu ka?

How many kilos is that? Nan kiro desu ka? How much? Ikura desu ka? How much does it weigh? Sore wa dono kurai no omosa desu ka? How much do I have to pay? O ikura desu ka? How much do i owe you? O ikura desu ka? How much is it? Sore wa ikura desu ka? How much is it to go there? Asoko made iku noni ikura gurai kakarimasu ka? How much is my salary? Watashi no kyuuryou wa ikura desu ka? How much is that? Are wa ikura desu ka? How much is the admission fee? Nyuujouken wa ikura desu ka? How much is the fare? Ryoukin wa ikura desu ka? How much is the ticket? Kippu wa ikura desu ka? How much is this? Kore wa ikura desu ka? How much is this in dollars? Doru dewa ikura desu ka? How old are you? Nan sai desu ka? How's your work going? Oshigoto wa ikaga desu ka? How was your trip? Goryokou wa ikaga deshita ka? How young you are! Nanto kimi wa wakai no daro! Hurry up! Isoide kudasai! / Isoge!

[I]
I agree. Doukan desu. I am a factory worker. Watashi wa roudousha desu. I am a Japanese. Watashi wa Nihonjin desu. I am a Filipino. Watashi wa Firipinjin desu. I am busy. Isogashii desu. I am deeply grateful for your kindness to me. Goshinsetsu o fukaku kansha shimasu. I am full. Onaka ga ippai. I am going to the airport. Watashi wa hikoujou e ikimasu. I am going to the post office. Watashi wa youbinkyoku e ikimasu. I am happy to meet you. Ome ni kakarete ureshii. I am hungry. Onaka ga sukimashita. I am in a hurry. Watashi wa isoide imasu. I am lost. Michi ni mayotte imasu. I am Koichi. Watashi wa Koichi desu. I am Iwata. Watashi wa Iwata desu. I am married. Watashi wa kekkon shite imasu. I am Mr. Takishima Watashi wa Takishima desu. I am not a Japanese. Watashi wa Nihonjin dewa arimasen. I am not a Filipino. Watashi wa Firipinjin dewa arimasen.

I am not busy. Isogashiku arimasen. / Hima desu. I am not hungry. Onaka wa suite imasen. I am sick. Watashi wa byouki desu. I am single. Watashi wa dokushin desu. I am so happy. Totemo ureshii da. I am sorry. Gomen nasai. / Shitsurei shimashita. I am sorry for you. Okino doku desu. I am sorry that I can't come. Zannen desu ga mairemasen. I am sorry to disturb you. Goshinpai okake shimashita. I am so tired. Taihen tsukarete imasu. / Sukkari tsukare mashita. I am still single. Mada dokushin desu. I am surprised to see it. Sore o mite bikkurishita. I am thirsty. Nodo ga kawaita. I am tired. Tsukareta. I am twenty-seven years old. Ni juu nana sai desu. I am thirty years old. San juu sai desu. I am very happy to see you. Oaishite taihen ureshii desu. / Oaidekite taihen ureshii desu. I am worried. Watashi wa shimpai desu. I am your friend. Watashi wa anata no tomodachi desu. I beg your pardon. Mou ichido itte kudasai.

I bet you. Kitto. I can drive. Watashi wa kuruma no unten ga dekimasu. I cannot wait. Matemasen. I can speak Japanese. Watashi wa Nihongo ga hanasemasu. I can speak English. Watashi wa Eigo ga hanasemasu. I can speak Filipino. Watashiwa Firipingo ga hanasemasu. I can speak Japanese a little. Sukoshi dake Nihongo ga hanasemasu. I can't believe it. Shinjirare nai. I can't forget it. Watashi wa wasurenai. I can wait. Mattemasu. I caught a cold. Watashi wa kaze wo hikimashita. I didn't order this. Kore wa chuumon shite imasen. I do not dye my hair. Kami wa somemasen. I do not understand what you say. Anata no ossharu koto ga wakarimasen. I don't care. Dou demo yoi desu. I don't eat dessert. Dezaato wa kekkou desu. I don't expect something in return. Okaeshi wa kitai shite imasen. I don't feel well. Kibun ga warui. I don't have an ID. Mibun shoumeisho wa motte imasen. I don't know. Wakarimasen. / Shirimasen.

I don't know Japanese. Watashi wa Nihongo ga dekimasen. I don't know her. Kanojo o zonjimasen. I don't know him. Kare o zonjimasen. I don't know English. Watashi wa Eigo ga dekimasen. I don't know Filipino. Watashi wa Firipingo ga dekimasen. I don't know when I'll be back. Itsu kaette kuru ka wakarimasen. I don't know why. Doushite nanoka wakarimasen. I don't know yet. Mada Wakarimasen. I don't like. Kirai desu. I don't like it. Sore wa kirai desu. I don't think so. Watashi wa sou omoimasen. I don't understand. Wakarimasen. I don't wear pants. Zubon wa hakimasen. I exercise every day. Mainichi undo shite imasu. I feel blue. Yuutsu desu. I feel cold. Karada ga hiete imasu. I feel dizzy. Watashi wa memai ga shimasu. I feel ill. Kibun ga warui. I feel lazy today. Kyou wa nanimo shitaku arimasen. I feel sleepy. Nemui desu. / Nemutai desu.

I feel warm. Atatakai desu. I forgot. Wasuremashita. I gained one kilo. Taijuu ga ichi kiro fuemashita. I got used to hard work. Watashiwa tsurai shigoto ni nareta. I guess so. Sou omoimasu. I have a driver's license. Unten menkyosshou wa motte imasu. I have a fever. Watashi wa netsu ga arimasu. I have a headache. Atama ga itai desu. I have a stomachache. Onaka ga itai desu. I have a toothache. Ha ga itai desu. I have enjoyed it. Omoshirokatta. I have a good neigbors here. Kinjo no hito wa mina ii hito bakari desu. I have just arrived. Ima kita bakari desu. I have never been to Japan. Watashi wa Nihon e itta koto ga arimasen. I have no money. Okane ga arimasen. I have to prepare my things. Jumbi wo shinakereba narimasen. I hope for your good health always. Itsumo ogenki wo inotte imasu. I hope for your prompt recovery. Hakaku naotte kudasai. I know. Shitte imasu. I know Mr. Tanaka. Tanakasan wo zonjite orimasu.

I like all of them. Zembu ga suki desu. I like basketball very much. Basuketto bouru ga dai suki desu. I like it. Suki desu. I like it, too. Watashi wa sore mo suki desu. I like this place. Koko ga ki ni irimashita. I like to eat salad. Sarada wo itadakitai. I live in Tokyo. Watashi wa Tokyo ni sunde imasu. I live near the school. Watashi wa gakkou no chikaku ni sunde imasu. I'll be leaving next month. Raigetsu shuppatsu shimasu. I'll be leaving next week. Raishuu shuppatsu shimasu. I'll be leaving tomorrow. Ashita shuppatsu shimasu. I lost my key. Kagi wo nakushi mashita. I lost my passport. Pasupooto wo nakushi mashita. I love sports. Watashi wa supootsu ga suki desu. I'm coming. Kimasu. I'm coming home. Watashi wa uchi ni kaerimasu. I'm coming right now. Ima sugu mairimasu. I'm doing nothing. Watashi wa nani mo yara nai. / Nani mo shite imasen. I'm fine. Genki desu. I'm here. Koko desu. / Koko ni imasu.

I missed the train. Densha ni noriokure mashita. / Kisha ni noriokure mashita. I miss my family. Kazoku ni aitai desu. I miss you. Anata ga inai to sabishii. I miss you very much. Watashi wa anata ga inai node taihen sabishii. I'm not in the mood. Sonna ki ni naremasen. I'm ready. (willingness) Watashi wa yorokonde. I must go now. Watashi wa ikaneba narimasen. I'm very glad to hear it. Sore o kiite taihen ureshii. I'm very sorry, I can't. Zannen desu ga, dekimasen. I'm very sorry to hear that. Okinodoku desu. I need a blanket. Moufu ga irimasu. I need an interpreter. Tsuuyaku ga hoshii desu. I see. Wakarimashita. Is everything ready? Jumbi shuuryou desu ka? I shall be pleased to go with you. Yoronkonde go issho shimashou. Is he a Japanese? Kare wa NihonJin desu ka? Is he a Filipino? Kare wa Firipinjin desu ka? Is he present? Kare wa irasshaimasu ka? Is he your relative? Kare wa anata no shinseki desu ka? Is it correct? Kore wa tadashii desu ka?

Is it finished? Sumimashita ka? Is it important? Taisetsu na koto desu ka? Is it near? Sore wa chikaku desu ka? Is it true? Hontou desu ka? I slept well last night. Watashi wa sakuya juubun ni nemutta. Isn't it? Desu ne? Is she absent? Kanojo wa rusu desu ka? Is ten thousand yen enough? Juuman en de juubun desu ka? Is that all? Sore de zembu deshou ka? Is that so? Sou desu ka? Is that yours? Are wa anata no desu ka? Is there a bank near here? Kono fukin ni ginkou ga arimasu ka? Is there any discount? Waribiki ga arimasu ka? Is this okay? Kore de ii desu ka? Is this seat vacant? Kono seki aite imasu ka? Is this yours? Kore wa anata no desu ka? It depends. Sore wa baai ni yorimasu. It doesn't fit you. Ni awa nai. / Ni ai masen. It fits you. Ni au. / Ni aimasu. I think so. Sou Omoimasu.

It is beautiful. Kirei desu ne. It is cheap. Yasui desu. It is cold, isn't it? Samui, desu ne? It is difficult. Muzukashii desu. It is easy. Kantan desu. It is expensive. Takai desu. It is five thousand yen. Gosen en desu. It is important. Kore wa daiji na koto desu. It is interesting. Omoshiroi desu. It is 9:30. Kuji han desu. It is not beautiful. Kirei ja arimasen. It is not important. Sore wa daiji na koto de wa arimasen. It is one hundred pesos. Sore wa hyaku peso desu. It is right. Tadashii desu. It is quarter past seven. Shichiji juugo fun desu. It is ten o'clock. Juuji desu. It is three o'clock. Sanji desu. It is wrong. Sore wa chigaimasu. It's a good idea. Sore ga ii. It's bad. Warui desu.

It's big. OOkii desu. It's clean. Kirei desu. It's cold. (thing) Tsumetai desu. It's cold. (weather) Samui desu. It's correct. Tadashii desu. It's delicious. Oishii desu. It's dirty. Kitanai desu. It seems delicious. Oishisou desu. It's enough. Juubun desu. It's far. Toui desu. It's forbidden. Kore wa dame desu. It's good. Ii desu. It's heavy. Omoi desu. It's here. Koko desu. It's hot. Atsui desu. It's impossible. Fukanou desu. / Sore wa dekimasen. It's late. Osoi desu. It's mine. Sore wa watashi no mono desu. It's more than enough. Kore wa oui desu. / Mou takusan desu. It's my first time here in Japan. Nippon ni kitano wa hajimete desu.

It's near. Chikai desu. It's nice. Yoi desu. It's none of your business! yokei na osewa da! It's not me. Watashi ja arimasen. It's not nice. Yoku nai. It's not painful. Itaku nai. It's not raining anymore. Ame ga fura nai. / Mou ame wa futte inai. It's not you. Anata ja nai! It's okay. / It's all right. Daijoubu desu. It's painful. Itai desu. It's possible. Dekimasu. It's raining. Ame ga futte imasu. It's snowing. Yuki desu. It's still early. Mada hayai desu. It's still raining. Mada ame ga futte imasu. It's there. Soko desu. It's too high. Amari takai. It's too low. Amari hikui. It's ugly. Minikui desu. It's unbelievable. Shinji rare masen.

It's unfair. Fukouhei desu. It's up to you. Omakase shimasu. It's very cold today. Kyou wa kanari samui desu. It's very nice of you. Goshinsetsu arigatou gozaimasu. It's warm. Atatakai desu. It's wet. Nureta. It's yours. Sore wa anata no desu. It tastes good! Aa, oishii! It was very hot yesterday. Kinou wa kanari atsukatta desu. I understand. Wakarimasu. I want a book. Hon ga hoshii desu. I want this letter registered. Watashi wa kono tegami o kakitome ni shite morai tai. I want to buy a TV set. Terebi wo kaitai to omotte imasu. I want to close my account. Kouza wo torikeshitai no desu ga. I want to deposit money. Yokin onegai shimasu. I want to develop these pictures. Genzou onegai shimasu. I want to eat an apple. Ringo wo tabetai. I want to go to Disneyland. Dizuniirando ni ikitai desu. I want to open an account. Kouza wo hirakitai no desu ga. I want to make a withdrawal. Okane o hikidashitai no desu ga.

I want to work abroad. Gaikou de hataraki tai. I was born in 1990 Watashi ga umareta no wa senkyuuhyaku kyuujuunen desu. I was born on Septermber 7, 1998. Watashi wa sen kyuu hyaku kyuuju hachi nen kugatsu nanoka ni umare mashita. I was impressed. Kandou shimashita. I will accompany you there. Achira made otomo shimasu. I will always remember you. Kesshite anata no koto wo wasuremasen. I will be back. Kitto kaette kimasu. I will be back soon. Sugu ni modori masu. I will be there for three months. Kochira ni sankagetsu taizai shimasu. I will call you up. Denwa shimasu. I will come later. Watashi wa ato kara mairimasu. I will come tomorrow. Asu mairimasu. I will do whatever I can do. Dekiru koto wa nandemo shimasu. I will go to the bank tomorrow. Ashita ginkou e ikimasu. I will go to the market. Ichiba ni itte kimasu. I will go with you. Goissho shimasu. I will introduce you to Mr. Hirai. Hiraisan o goshoukai shimasu. I will leave. Watashi wa shuppatsu shimasu. I will leave early tomorrow morning. Asu no asa hayaku shuppatsu shimasu. I will leave today. Watashi wa kyou shuppatsu shimasu.

I will meet you on Sunday. Nichiyoubi ni oai shimashou. I will pay cash. Kyasshu de oharai shimasu. I will pay for the excess. Choukabun wa haraimasu. I will pay weekly. Watashi wa isshuukan barai ni shimasu. I will rest for a while. Sukoshi yasumimasu. I will send you some pictures. Shashin o oukuri shimasu. I will see what I can do about it. Nani ga dekiru ka kangaemasu. I will start working tomorrow. Ashita kara shigoto desu. I will take this room. Kono heya ni shimasu. I will think about it. Kangaete mimasu. I will try. Yatte mimashou. I will wait. Omachi shimashou. You are here: Useful Japanese Phrases Learn Japanese Phrases
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Learn Japanese Phrases

You may be planning a trip to Japan and would like to learn some Japanese phrases. You may be thinking this will be a hard task and not sure if you will be able to utter a single word of Japanese. Relax; it's not that hard - really. There are two points that will make learning Japanese and especially a few phrases easier for you. The first point is that Japanese is a phonetically based language. What that means is that you pronounce it the way it is written. There are no exceptions like there are in English. Once you learn the basic building blocks of the language, to say words are simply a case of putting together

the syllables and you will be able to pronounce the words correctly. For example to say 'Thankyou' in Japanese is 'Arigatou'. If you sound the word out and write it how it sounds in English it would be ah ri gah toh. The second point is that many phrases in English are only one or two words in Japanese. For example, 'How do you do?' is only one word in Japanese 'Hajimemashite'. Another example is 'Lets start eating', again in Japanese is only one word 'Itakakimasu'. Japanese does use a different sentence structure to English though, so when you are first starting out to learn Japanese, you are better to learn the phrases as they are and not try to understand every word, as it may confuse you. Later on, if you continue learning, you will then how sentences are put together. Of course not all phrases will be one or two words, but you should find after you have learnt the basic sounds of the language, putting together words and sentences is not so hard after all. Click Play and Listen below to learn some basic Japanese phrases. Most of the phrases below are one or two words which makes them good ones to start to learn Japanese.

Learn Japanese Phrases

English Hello Excuse Me Yes No I don't understand Thank-you No Thank-you You're welcome I'm sorry I'm pleased I'm sad

Japanese Konnichi wa Sumimasen Hai Iie Wakarimasen Arigato Kekko desu Do Itashimashite Gomen Nasai Ureshii desu Kanashii desu
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Japanese Phrases For I Love You

Have a look below for some phrases that will help you when you need to say 'I Love You' or perhaps something not so strong. In Japanese, the word for 'Love' is 'Ai'. To say 'I Love You' you say 'Ai shiteru'.

Japanese Phrases for Liking and Loving

English I Really Like You May I kiss You? I Love You Will You Marry Me?

Japanese Dai Suki Dayo Kisu shite mo ii? Ai shiteru Kekkon shite kureru

You are here: Japanese Greetings

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On this page you will find all of the basic Japanese Greetings that you need to know when you learning Japanese. Of course just reading the words won't actually help you to speak and pronounce the language correctly, so we've also included audio so that you can also hear the words. Scroll down and click on 'Play' and the back and forward arrows to select the word you would like to hear.

Japanese

Pronunciation

English

Ohayoo gozaimasu Konnichi wa. Konban wa. Oyasumi nasai. Ogenki desu ka? Genki

Good Morning. Good afternoon. [Good day] [Hello] Good evening Good night (said just before going to bed). How are you? [Are you in good spirits?] Well [ good spirits]

Genki desu Arigatoo gozaimasu. Okagesama de. Onamae wa nan to osshaimasu ka? Onamae wa? Yamada Masao to mooshimasu. Yamada desu. Watakushi no namae wa Yamada desu. Gomen nasai Ii desu. Sayounara Do-itashi-mashite Sumimasen Gomen-nasai Ogenki-desu-ka? Do-shimashita-ka? Odaijini

I am very well. Thank you Thank you. [Due to your kind thought, am well] What is your name? What is your name? My name is Yamada Masao. I am Yamada. My name is Yamada. Excuse me. I'm sorry. That's all right Good bye. / See you later. You're welcome. I'm sorry. / Excuse me. / Thank you. I'm terribly sorry. How are you? What's the matter? Take good care of yourself.

=> Hiragana is the basic Japanese phonetic alphabet. It represents every sound in the Japanese language. Therefore, you can theoretically write everything in hiragana. However, because Japanese is written with no spaces, this will create nearly indecipherable text. => Hiragana is used along with kanji to write all native Japanese words (including words of Chinese origin). Hiragana is used for verb and adjective endings (okurigana), particles, words that have no kanji, words which are commonly written only in kana, words for which the writer does not know the kanji, and as furigana (hints provided by the writer to the reading of an unfamiliar kanji). => Hiragana are used when you can't use kanji, for sound symbolism, particles, help verb, and conjunctions. Hiragana can also be used for adverbs and names for animals and plants. Often you can see them together with a kanji to form a word. Hiragana is used for changing meanings of kanji by adding a hiragana character after the kanji. Hiragana is also used wherever kanji characters wouldn't be used. => Hiragana can be used to express and write all Japanese words without the use of kanji since hiragana is like an alphabet. If you can't remember the right kanji for a word, you can just spell it out in hiragana. There are 46 Hiragana to learn. In addition to those 46 hiragana there are some hiragana with different pronunciation. How many hiragana characters are used in Japanese Language? ->There are 46 hiragana symbols in Japanese, each with a particular sound but with no independent meaning. How do the 46 hiragana characters behave in the Japanese Language? ->Each Japanese "alphabet" has a particular function. Hiragana characters play two major roles. *Creating grammatical structure A major function of hiragana is to add grammatical structure to sentences. One way is in the form of okurigana, the hiragana characters added to the end of words to modify meaning. *Showing pronunciation Hiragana characters are often written next to unusual kanji characters to show their pronunciation in the same way that we have added roman characters to the sentence above. In this case the hiragana characters are referred to as furigana or yomigana. In addition, hiragana is also used to write native Japanese words that have no kanji of their own.
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