Essential Japanese Phrases & Cultural Insights

Essential Japanese Language Basics

This section provides fundamental Japanese phrases and essential cultural insights to help you navigate daily interactions and understand Japanese society better.

Hiragana and Katakana Fundamentals

Key Japanese Phrases for Communication

Essential Japanese Greetings

Good morning.
おはようございます。
Ohayou gozaimasu.

Hello / Good afternoon.
こんにちは。
Konnichiwa.

Good evening.
こんばんは。
Konbanwa.

Goodbye.
さようなら。
Sayounara.

Good night.
おやすみなさい。
Oyasuminasai.

Polite Japanese Expressions

Please.
お願いします。
Onegaishimasu.

Thank you.
ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimasu.

I am sorry.
ごめんなさい。
Gomen nasai.

No, don't worry about it / You're welcome.
いいえ、気にしないで。
Iie, ki ni shinaide.

Excuse me, please let me through.
すみません、通してください。
Sumimasen, tooshite kudasai.

Asking for Help in Japanese

May I ask you a question?
質問してもいいですか？
Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?

Can you help me?
手伝ってもらえますか？
Tetsudatte moraemasu ka?

I don’t understand.
わかりません。
Wakarimasen.

Please speak more slowly.
もう少しゆっくり話してください。
Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai.

Do you speak English?
英語を話せますか？
Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

Useful Everyday Japanese Phrases

I’m learning Japanese.
日本語を勉強しています。
Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.

How do you say this in Japanese?
これは日本語で何と言いますか？
Kore wa Nihongo de nanto iimasu ka?

Could you repeat that, please?
もう一度言ってもらえますか？
Mou ichido itte moraemasu ka?

I’m looking for the train station.
駅を探しています。
Eki o sagashite imasu.

I’d like to order this, please.
これを注文したいです。
Kore o chuumon shitai desu.

Understanding Japanese Cultural Nuances

Communication Styles

• Japan: Indirect, non-verbal cues are important, and silence is valued.
• West: Direct, straightforward, with discomfort often felt with silence.

Social Hierarchies and Respect

• Japan: Formal titles are common, with strong respect for seniors and elders.
• West: More casual interactions, with emphasis on merit and individual achievement.

Group vs. Individual Orientation

• Japan: Collectivist, emphasizing group harmony and consensus decision-making.
• West: Individualist, celebrating individual achievement and autonomy.

Work Ethic and Business Etiquette

• Japan: Formal workplace, strong company loyalty, bowing, and exchanging business cards with two hands.
• West: More informal, emphasizing work-life balance, handshakes, and casual card exchanges.

Public Behavior in Japan

• Japan: Orderly queuing, silent public transport, and a high emphasis on cleanliness and public responsibility.
• West: Less structured public behavior, conversations on public transport are common, and there's a different approach to public cleanliness.

Attitudes Towards Time

• Japan: Punctuality is crucial; arriving early is often expected.
• West: Slight delays are often acceptable in casual settings.