The Japanese words you know the better you will be able to speak Japanese. This is also true of Japanese phrases. Learning a number of common Japanese phrases will make it much easier to communicate. The reason for this is that the most common Japanese phrases are used over and over again in basically the same order. For instance, when you meet someone for the first time the conversation will consists of mostly a set dialogue. I highly recommend that you find yourself a good Japanese conversational phrase book. If possible, choose one that also contains phone conversations as the language is slightly different.
- P1: こんにちは (good afternoon)
- P2: こんにちは (good afternoon)
- P1: はじめまして (nice to meet you)
- P2: はじえまして (nice to meet you)
- P1: わたしは (insert name)です (my name is —-)
- P2: わたしは (insert name) です (my name is —-)
- P1: よろしくおねがいします (please treat me well)
- P2: よろしくおねがいします (please treat me well)
Below I have listed some common Japanese phrases. While learning these will not mae you fluent in Japanese, they should help you converse in basic conversations. You can also click on the following link for a list of common Japanese words or a list of over 1000 Japanese words and Kanji.
Common Japanese Phrases
| English | romaji | Hiragana |
| Japanese Greetings | ||
| Good morning | ohayou gozaimasu | おはようございます |
| Good afternoon | konnichiwa | こんにちは |
| Good evening | konnbanwa | こんばんは |
| How are you? | ogenki desu ka | おげんきですか |
| I’m doing well, I’m fine | genki desu yo | げんきですよ |
| See you later | mata ato de | またあとで |
| See you tomorrow | mata ashita | またあした |
| Thank you | arigatou gozaimasu | ありがとうございます |
| No problem, don’t mention it | douitashimashite | どういたしまして |
| Take care | odaiji ni | おだいじに |
| It’s nice to meet you | hajimemashite | はじめまして |
| I’m (name) | (name) desu | —です |
| Please treat me well | yoroshiku onegaishimasu | よろしくおねがいします |
| excuse me, sorry | sumimasen | すみません |
| sorry | gomen nasai | ごめんなさい |
| Getting Around | ||
| Where is train station | Eki wa doko desu ka | えきはどこですか |
| How much is this | kore wa ikura desu ka | これはいくらですか |
| I want to go to — | — ni ikitai desu | — にいきたいです |
| I would like (to buy) this please | kore onegaishimasu | これおねがいします |
| Where is the bathroom | otearai wa doko desu ka | おてあらいはどこですか |
| where is a phone | denwa wa doko desu ka | でんわはどこですか |
| Can I get a water please | omizu kudasai | おみずください |
| Can I get —- | — kudasai | —ください |
| Please speak more slowly | motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai | もっとゆっくりはなしてください |
| Can you please repeat it | mou ichido itte kudasai | もういちどいってください |
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Deborah Sullivan on August 30, 2009 at 7:57 am
? how do you say – good luck on your job interview
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for visiting Japanese Words! You can say “がんばって（gambatte)” or “がんばれ（gambare)” for “good luck”.
These words are used very often and can be used in almost any situations.
How would you write This Much? I’m wanting to get it as a tat.
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Hi, Kristy. I am not sure exactly what you are asking. Are you wanting to know how to write “this much”? Also please let me know the context you are trying to use it in.
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hi i want to know what is the japanese for:
Is it possible maybe to have a love so strong
That nothing could ever compare
I’m holding back nothing just for the look in your eyes
So baby don’t be surprised..
thank youuuu so much
how should i know when use “chi” and when “ti” / “si” and “shi” / “tu” and “tsu” / “hu” and “fu”?
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Azul,
It’s very simple. In Japanese, there is no ti, si, tu, or hu. You should only use chi, shi, tsu, and fu. Hope that helps.
What is an appropriate closing for a professional letter or email, the equivalent of “sincerely” or “best regards”? Thank you.
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can you tell me how to write a japanese greetings word because i want to know how to write
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How would i say “where is the money you owe me?”
how would you say ” dont tread on me” in kanji writing?