![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/basic-japanese-min.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Basic Japanese in greeting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In Japanese culture, greetings are more than just words; they are a reflection of respect and politeness. Begin your cultural immersion by learning these essential greetings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japanese vocabulary for greetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the time of day, morning, noon, and evening, the basic greetings in Japanese will be different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u304a\u306f\u3088\u3046 (ohayou) <\/strong>– Good morning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Polite greeting: \u304a\u306f\u3088\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059(ohayou gozaimasu)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u306f (konnichiwa) – <\/strong>Good afternoon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is typically used from late morning until early evening, around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u3053\u3093\u3070\u3093\u306f (konbanwa) <\/strong>– Good evening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is generally used from early evening until night, starting around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u304a\u3084\u3059\u307f (oyasumi) <\/strong>– Good night” or Rest well<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Polite greeting: \u304a\u3084\u3059\u307f\u306a\u3055\u3044 (oyasuminasai) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Japanese-people-greet-each-other-in-the-morning.webp\")
<\/a>Japanese people greet each other in the morning<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Greetings when meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first time you meet someone in a meeting or appointment, use the following basic Japanese phrase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u306f\u3058\u3081\u307e\u3057\u3066 (hajimemashite) <\/strong>– Nice to meet you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Goodbye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When leaving or saying goodbye to someone, the vocabulary that is often used is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The polite way to say \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 (sayounara) <\/strong>– Goodbye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The youthful way to say \u3070\u3044\u3070\u3044 (baibai)<\/strong> – Bye bye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you plan to meet the other person again \u307e\u305f\u306d (matane) <\/strong>– See you again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Above are the most basic and common phrases for greetings. Knowing these phrases will help you communicate confidently! You can learn more phrases about greetings in MochiKanji’s communication course.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try it for free now!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn Japanese phrases<\/strong> now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBasic Japanese vocabulary in daily communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thanks and sorry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046 (arigatou)<\/strong> – Thank you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Politely: \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059 (arigatou gozaimasu)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of you may have heard of the famous phrase Arigatou gozaimasu. If you find it a bit long and difficult to remember, you can just say \u201cArigatou\u201d. Although it is not as formal as the whole sentence, it is very cute when a foreign tourist says thank you in Japanese because they tried to use their language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u3054\u3081\u3093 (gomen)<\/strong> – Sorry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Politely: \u3054\u3081\u3093\u306a\u3055\u3044 (gomennasai)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sumimasen (\u3059\u307f\u307e\u305b\u3093) and Gomennasai (\u3054\u3081\u3093\u306a\u3055\u3044) are probably the two words most used by Japanese people. These catchphrases are used frequently and unconsciously in their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sumimasen and Gomennasai both mean \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u201d. However, Sumimasen is used more commonly, with the main purpose of getting someone\u2019s attention (like \u201cexcuse me, I\u2019d like to bother you for a moment\u2026), not necessarily in a formal way. Gomennasai, on the other hand, is used when you\u2019ve done something wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Politely-apologize-2.webp\")
<\/a>Politely apologize<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Basic Japanese vocabulary when eating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- \u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u307e\u3059 (itadakimasu)<\/strong> – I’ll enjoy having this<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This word is used before eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u3054\u3061\u305d\u3046\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3057\u305f (gochisousamadeshita)<\/strong> – Thank you for the meal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This word is used after eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daily conversation sentences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- \u308f\u304b\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f (wakarimasita)<\/strong> – Got it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Show that you understand\/know<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u308f\u304b\u308a\u307e\u305b<\/strong>\u3093 (wakarimasen)<\/strong> – I don’t understand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Show that you don’t understand\/don’t know<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a Japanese person says something you don’t understand, say “Wakarimasen” which means “I don’t understand”. This is probably the most commonly used phrase by tourists when they hear native speakers speak but don’t understand anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u3082\u3046\u5c11\u3057\u3086\u3063\u304f\u308a\u8a71\u3057\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044 (mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai)<\/strong> – Please speak a little more slowly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ask the other person to speak more slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPeople\/ Pronouns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most difficult things about learning basic Japanese vocabulary is understanding how people use pronouns. Unlike most languages, Japanese people tend to avoid using pronouns in conversation when it is clear who is being addressed. Instead, they often use the person\u2019s name, family role, or social role to refer to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Japanese culture, addressing someone without using their name is considered disrespectful. Therefore, it is common to not use \u201cyou,\u201d \u201che,\u201d or \u201cshe\u201d if you already know the person\u2019s name. If you are learning Japanese, keep this in mind when using pronouns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \u79c1\u3001\u50d5\u3001\u4ffa (Watashi\/ Boku\/Ore)<\/strong> – I <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u53cb\u9054 (Tomodachi) <\/strong>– Friend<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u540c\u50da (Douryou) <\/strong>– Co-worker<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u90e8\u9577(Buchou) – <\/strong>President (of a company)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u793e\u9577 (Shachou) <\/strong>– Boss (of a company)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5bb6\u65cf (Kazoku)<\/strong> – Family<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u7236\u3055\u3093 (Otousan)<\/strong> – Father<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u6bcd\u3055\u3093 (Okaasan)<\/strong> – Mother<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u5144\u3055\u3093 (Oniisan)<\/strong> – Older brother<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u59c9\u3055\u3093 (Oneesan) <\/strong>– Older sister<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5f1f (Otouto)<\/strong> – Younger brother<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u59b9 (Imouto)<\/strong> – Younger sister<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5927\u4eba (Otona) <\/strong>– Adults<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5b50\u4f9b (Kodomo) <\/strong>– Children<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5f7c\u6c0f (Kareshi)<\/strong> – Boyfriend<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5f7c\u5973 (Kanojo) <\/strong>– Girlfriend<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u7537\u306e\u4eba (Otoko no hito)<\/strong> – Man<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u5973\u306e\u4eba (Onna no hito)<\/strong> – Woman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBasic Japanese words for food and drinks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Japan boasts a culinary heritage of unparalleled richness and diversity. Tokyo, its vibrant capital, stands as a global epicenter for gastronomy, holding the world record for Michelin-starred restaurants. The nation’s palate is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of Washoku, its traditional cuisine, and Yoshoku, a harmonious blend of Western and Japanese flavors. To embark on a culinary exploration of Japan, a foundation in basic food and drink vocabulary is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/food-and-drinks-in-Japanese.webp\")
<\/a>Some food and drinks in Japanese<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n - \n
- \u671d\u3054\u98ef (Asa gohan)<\/strong> – Breakfast <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u663c\u3054\u98ef (Hiru gohan)<\/strong> – Lunch <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u6669\u3054\u98ef<\/strong> (Ban gohan) <\/strong>– Dinner <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u3054\u98ef (Gohan) <\/strong>– Rice\/Meal <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u30d1\u30f3 (Pan) <\/strong>– Bread <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u8089 (Niku)<\/strong> – Meat <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u9b5a (Sakana)<\/strong> – Fish <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u91ce\u83dc (Yasai)<\/strong> – Vegetables <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u6c34 (Mizu)<\/strong> – Water <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u8336 (Ocha)<\/strong> – Green tea, Tea in general<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u30b3\u30fc\u30d2\u30fc (Ko-hi-)<\/strong> – Coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u9152 (Osake)<\/strong> – Sake, Alcohol in general <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u30ef\u30a4\u30f3 (Wain)<\/strong> – Wine <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u30d3\u30fc\u30eb (Bi-ru)<\/strong> – Beer <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Above is the most basic and common vocabulary about food and drinks. By understanding this vocabulary, you can confidently introduce food and drinks! You can learn food and drink vocabulary with full pictures, phonetic transcriptions, pronunciation, and example sentences in MochiKanji’s vocabulary course<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start your free trial now!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn Japanese phrases<\/strong> now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nJapanese phrases for special occasions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What if you\u2019ve found yourself speaking to a native Japanese person for the first time because you decided to go to a celebration or special event, like a birthday or festival? Here are a few useful phrases for almost any situation you might find yourself in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-to-say-happy-birthday.webp\")
<\/a>How to say happy birthday at a party<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n - \n
- \u6c17\u3092\u4ed8\u3051\u3066 (Ki wo tsukete<\/strong>) – Be careful (Hint: you might say this to someone going on a trip)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u3088\u304f\u3067\u304d\u307e\u3057\u305f (Yoku dekimashita<\/strong>) – Great job<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u3081\u3067\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059 (Omedetou gozaimasu<\/strong>) – Congratulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u8a95\u751f\u65e5\u304a\u3081\u3067\u3068\u3046 (Tanjoubi omedetou<\/strong>) – Happy birthday<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u4e7e\u676f <\/strong>(Kanpai<\/strong>) – Cheers (Hint: you should really only go for this one if you actually have a drink of some sort in your hand)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBasic Japanese learning tips for beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn some key phrases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are you wondering what the quickest way to learn to speak Japanese is? It\u2019s simple! Start with the list of the most common words and expressions. Knowing basic phrases like \u201cHello\u201d \u201cHow do you do?\u201d and \u201cNice to meet you\u201d allows you to begin speaking and quickly join conversations with native speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make sure you\u2019re understood when speaking to natives, make an effort to perfect your Japanese pronunciation. One way to do this is to record yourself saying these phrases and review your efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use apps to get started<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A language-learning app will be very helpful when you start learning Japanese. MochiKanji is a very simple app for beginners to learn basic Japanese phrases and vocabulary. This app allows you to study anywhere and anytime you want with a spaced repetition system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"basic](\"https:\/\/mochidemy.com\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/The-golden-time-feature.webp\")
<\/a>The golden time feature improves learning efficiency of MochiKanji<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
This application provides vocabulary for the JLPT N5-N2 exam by topic and sample conversations, with images and sounds. You can look up new words on J-Dictionary save them in your study notebook, and practice using the spaced repetition method with MochiKanji’s Golden Time feature. In addition, the application also provides popular conversations on many topics such as hobbies, weather, and health, making the learning process more lively and easier.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
- \u3088\u304f\u3067\u304d\u307e\u3057\u305f (Yoku dekimashita<\/strong>) – Great job<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u663c\u3054\u98ef (Hiru gohan)<\/strong> – Lunch <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u53cb\u9054 (Tomodachi) <\/strong>– Friend<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u79c1\u3001\u50d5\u3001\u4ffa (Watashi\/ Boku\/Ore)<\/strong> – I <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u3082\u3046\u5c11\u3057\u3086\u3063\u304f\u308a\u8a71\u3057\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044 (mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai)<\/strong> – Please speak a little more slowly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u308f\u304b\u308a\u307e\u305b<\/strong>\u3093 (wakarimasen)<\/strong> – I don’t understand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u308f\u304b\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f (wakarimasita)<\/strong> – Got it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u3054\u3061\u305d\u3046\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3057\u305f (gochisousamadeshita)<\/strong> – Thank you for the meal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u307e\u3059 (itadakimasu)<\/strong> – I’ll enjoy having this<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u3054\u3081\u3093 (gomen)<\/strong> – Sorry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The youthful way to say \u3070\u3044\u3070\u3044 (baibai)<\/strong> – Bye bye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The polite way to say \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 (sayounara) <\/strong>– Goodbye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u306f\u3058\u3081\u307e\u3057\u3066 (hajimemashite) <\/strong>– Nice to meet you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u304a\u3084\u3059\u307f (oyasumi) <\/strong>– Good night” or Rest well<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u3053\u3093\u3070\u3093\u306f (konbanwa) <\/strong>– Good evening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u306f (konnichiwa) – <\/strong>Good afternoon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n