| In this quick Japanese lesson, I'm going to | | | | This is another phrase that is used at the end of |
| introduce you to my top 10 most useful Japanese | | | | the ritualized greeting to mean something like |
| words and phrases. Learn these 10 words and | | | | "now that we've just met each other, let's be |
| simple phrases and you'll instantly be able to | | | | friends and have a good relationship". It is also |
| navigate around Japan and impress your Japanese | | | | used as a more polite form of "onegai shimasu" |
| hosts as a polite, well-mannered gaijin! | | | | to mean something like "thanks in advance for |
| If you need help pronouncing these words, please | | | | what you are about to do for me". |
| refer to my previous article (Japanese Language | | | | Itadakimasu (i-ta-da-ki-ma-su) |
| Learning Tips - 25 Japanese Words You Already | | | | This is an important word that must be used for |
| Know!), which includes a brief explanation on | | | | proper Japanese dining etiquette. It is a ritualized |
| proper Japanese pronunciation. Now on to our | | | | expression used right before you are about to |
| lesson! | | | | eat anything meaning "I humbly and appreciatively |
| Sumimasen (su-mi-ma-sen) | | | | receive this food". When dining with Japanese |
| This might be the most useful all-purpose word in | | | | friends or hosts, be sure to use this expression |
| the Japanese language. Depending upon the | | | | before digging into your meal! |
| context, it can mean excuse me (as in "I need to | | | | Kudasai (ku-da-sa-i) |
| get by you"), sorry (as in "oops, didn't mean to | | | | Alone, this word is an imperative meaning "give |
| bump into you), or thank you (as in"thanks for | | | | me". However, when combined with other words, |
| doing that for me"). You'll start hearing this word | | | | it becomes a polite way of asking for something |
| the moment you arrive in Japan, and pretty soon | | | | or requesting some action. For instance "kore |
| you'll figure out how and when to use it, | | | | kudasai" means "please give me this", and "oshiete |
| Dozo (dou-zo) | | | | kudasai" means "please teach me or tell me". |
| Dozo means "please" and is used to offer | | | | Wakarimasen (wa-ka-ri-ma-sen) |
| something or give permission, as in "go right | | | | During your first trip to Japan, you'll find yourself |
| ahead" or "be my guest", but it does NOT mean | | | | in many situations where you don't understand |
| please as in "may I?"! Beginners often get this one | | | | something. This word is used to simply say "I |
| mixed up so be sure you understand the | | | | don't understand". |
| difference. | | | | Wakarimashita (wa-ka-ri-ma-shi-ta) |
| Onegai-shimasu (o-ne-ga-i shi-ma-su) | | | | In contrast to the above, this word is used to |
| This word is used to say please in Japanese or | | | | express that you DO understand something |
| request something, as in "may I please do this?" | | | | someone is telling you. |
| or "can you please do something for me?". This | | | | Arigato gozaimasu (a-ri-ga-tou go-za-i-ma-su) |
| phrase is commonly used in Japanese martial arts | | | | Finally, you need to know how to politely say |
| classes when requesting a teacher or training | | | | thank you in Japanese, and this is how you say it. |
| partner to teach a technique or spar together. | | | | "Arigato" alone also means thank you (more like |
| Hajimemashite (ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te) | | | | "thanks!), but is a bit less formal, so add |
| This word literally means "it's a beginning," but is | | | | "gozaimasu" to make your thank you a suitably |
| actually used as a ritualized greeting expression to | | | | polite expression of appreciation. |
| mean "nice to meet you." Always use this | | | | Use this list of my Top 10 most useful Japanese |
| expression when meeting someone for the first | | | | Words and phrases and you'll find yourself able to |
| time. | | | | nimbly navigate through any Japanese social |
| Yoroshiku onegai-shimasu (yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i | | | | situation! |
| shi-ma-su) | | | | |