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Basic Japanese Words and Phrases for Beginners

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Essential Phrases and Words
    • Greetings
    • Everyday Expressions
  3. People and Pronouns
  4. Food and Drink
  5. Numbers and Time
    • Days of the Week
    • Months of the Year
    • Time Expressions
  6. Places
  7. Colours
  8. Essential Verbs
  9. Conclusion
  10. FAQs

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Japan or starting your journey to learn the Japanese language? Mastering basic Japanese words and phrases can help you navigate everyday conversations and show respect for the local culture. This guide will introduce essential words, greetings, and practical expressions to build your language skills.

Let’s dive into these must-know words and phrases!

Essential Phrases and Words

Greetings

In Japan, greetings are accompanied by bowing to express respect and courtesy. Understanding the right greeting based on time and situation is key.

  • Ohayoo Gozaimas (おはようございます) – Good Morning
  • Use before 11 AM for formal settings. Casually, say “Ohayoo.”
  • Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは) – Good Afternoon
  • Commonly used during the daytime. Often mistaken as a general hello.
  • Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good Evening
  • Appropriate after 5 PM.
  • Arigatoo Gozaimas (ありがとうございます) – Thank You
  • The formal version casually says, “Arigato.”
  • Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse Me/I’m Sorry
  • Useful for getting someone’s attention, apologizing politely, or expressing gratitude.

Everyday Expressions

These phrases will help in daily interactions:

  • Hai (はい) – Yes
  • Iie (いいえ) – No
  • Namae wa nan desu ka (名前は何ですか) – What is your name?
  • Watashi wa ~ desu (私は〜です) – I am ~
  • ~ kara kimashita (から来ました) – I am from ~
  • Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか?) – What is this?
  • Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか?) – How much is it?
  • Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか?) – Where is the bathroom?
  • Wakarimasen (わかりません) – I don’t understand.
  • Nihongo woHanasemasen (日本語を話せません) – I can’t speak Japanese.

People and Pronouns

Japanese culture emphasizes politeness and formality, often avoiding pronouns like “you” in favour of names or social roles.

  • Watashi (私) – I (used formally by both genders)
  • Boku (僕) – I (used casually by males)
  • Ore (俺) – I (used informally by males)
  • Tomodachi (友達) – Friend
  • Buchoo (部長) – Manager
  • Kazoku (家族) – Family
  • Otoo-san (お父さん) – Father
  • Okaa-san (お母さん) – Mother
  • Oni-san (お兄さん) – Older Brother
  • Onee-san (お姉さん) – Older Sister

Food and Drink

Japan boasts a rich culinary heritage with unique dishes and flavours. These words will help you navigate menus and dining experiences:

  • Asa-gohan (朝ご飯) – Breakfast
  • Hiru-gohan (昼ご飯) – Lunch
  • Yoru-gohan (夜ご飯) – Dinner
  • Gohan (ご飯) – Rice/Meal
  • Pan (パン) – Bread
  • Sakana (魚) – Fish
  • Mizu (水) – Water
  • Koohii (コーヒー) – Coffee
  • Ocha (お茶) – Green Tea
  • Osake (お酒) – Sake/Alcohol
  • Wain (ワイン) – Wine

Numbers and Time

Numbers

Japanese numbers are straightforward and essential for shopping or giving directions.

  • Ichi (一) – 1
  • Ni (二) – 2
  • San (三) – 3
  • Shi/Yon (四) – 4
  • Go (五) – 5
  • Roku (六) – 6
  • Shichi/Nana (七) – 7
  • Hachi (八) – 8
  • Kyuu (九) – 9
  • Juu (十) – 10

Days of the Week

  • Nichiyoobi (日曜日) – Sunday
  • Getsuyoobi (月曜日) – Monday
  • Kayoobi (火曜日) – Tuesday
  • Suiyoobi (水曜日) – Wednesday
  • Mokuyoobi (木曜日) – Thursday
  • Kinyoobi (金曜日) – Friday
  • Doyoobi (土曜日) – Saturday

Months of the Year

  • Ichigatsu (一月) – January
  • Nigatsu (二月) – February
  • Sangatsu (三月) – March
  • Shigatsu (四月) – April
  • Gogatsu (五月) – May
  • Rokugatsu (六月) – June
  • Shichigatsu (七月) – July
  • Hachigatsu (八月) – August
  • Kugatsu (九月) – September
  • Juugatsu (十月) – October
  • Juuichigatsu (十一月) – November
  • Juunigatsu (十二月) – December

Essential Verbs

Learning verbs will help you form sentences and express actions:

  • Taberu (食べる) – To eat
  • Iku (行く) – To go
  • Nomu (飲む) – To drink
  • Miru (見る) – To see
  • You (読む) – To read
  • Hanasu (話す) – To talk
  • Kaeru (帰る) – To return
  • Kiku (聞く) – To listen

Conclusion

Mastering these basic Japanese words and phrases is a great first step in your language-learning journey. Whether you’re travelling to Japan or simply curious about the culture, having these essentials under your belt will enhance your experience.

FAQs

  1. How long does it take to learn basic Japanese?

It depends on your learning goals and consistency. With daily practice, you can learn essential phrases in a few months.

  1. Is Japanese grammar difficult?

Japanese grammar differs from English but is logical and structured. With practice, it becomes easier to grasp.

  1. Can I visit Japan without speaking Japanese?

Yes, but knowing basic phrases greatly improves your travel experience and shows respect for the culture.

  1. How do you say “I love Japan” in Japanese?

“Nihon ga suki desu (日本が好きです)” translates to “I love Japan.”

  1. Are there any good resources for learning Japanese?

Language apps, online courses, and native tutors are excellent resources for learning Japanese.

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