Katakana -

As mentioned in Lesson 1, Katakana (as seen in the chart below) is mainly used for foreign words such as foreign names and words that have been borrowed from other languages such as (kompyu-ta- = computer). Katakana is the least frequently used of the three character sets in Japanese. The Japanese language does not have as many sounds as the English language so, when creating a name in Katakana, for instance, the name must be sound out to the closest Japanese equivalent. Katakana, Hiragana, and Furigana (when Hiragana is written small next to a Kanji character to show how that character is read) are collectively known as Kana. Don't worry too much about Katakana (beyond maybe learning your name) for now. There are some special Katakana characters that exist only for foreign names (such as (she) or (ti)). These special characters are not in the chart below (which contains only the standard set of Katakana characters) but can be seen in our Names in Japanese lesson. There are also the characters (wi) and (we) which were deemed obsolete in 1946.

Combinations

ka

ki

ku

ke

ko

kya

kyu

kyo

ga

gi

gu

ge

go

gya

gyu

gyo

sa

shi

su

se

so

sha

shu

sho

za

ji

zu

ze

zo

ja

ju

jo

ta

chi

tsu

te

to

cha

chu

cho

da

ji

zu

de

do

nya

nyu

nyo

na

ni

nu

ne

no

hya

hyu

hyo

ha

hi

fu

he

ho

bya

byu

byo

ba

bi

bu

be

bo

pya

pyu

pyo

pa

pi

pu

pe

po

mya

myu

myo

ma

mi

mu

me

mo

rya

ryu

ryo

ya

yu

yo


ra

ri

ru

re

ro

wa

wo

n/m

Vocabulary -
Now that you've at least started learning the Japanese alphabets, let's learn some basic vocabulary words and simple Japanese phrases. I will list the Kanji, Hiragana, Romaji (the word sounded out using English letters), and the English meaning for each Japanese word or phrase. Most Japanese words have Kanji for them but I will only include the Kanji if that word is typically written that way. Keep in mind that the Japanese language has different levels of politeness that change based on who you are talking to. I will refer to these as "ultra-formal", "formal" (or "polite form"), "normal" (or "plain form"), "informal", and "rude" (we won't be covering too much of the rude form, however). - Kanji Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) watashi boku kare kanojo anata kore koko kono sore soko sono hito inu neko ie arigatou arigatou gozaimasu douitashimashite English Meaning I (formal for males, normal for females) I (normal for males) he she you (singular/normal) this (noun) here this (descriptive - ex. this pen) that (noun) there that (descriptive - ex. that pen) person dog cat house Thank you. (normal) Thank you. (formal) You're welcome. (normal)

ohayou (sounds like "Ohio") ohayou gozaimasu konnichiwa konbanwa sayonara gambatte kudasai (can also be written "ganbatte kudasai") ki o tsukete kudasai (can also be written "ki wo tsukete kudasai")

Good morning. (informal) Good morning. (normal and formal) Hello. (normal) Good evening. (normal) Goodbye. (normal) Hang in there

Be careful, Take care

Basic Japanese Grammar -

Japanese grammar is quite simple and straight forward but very different from English grammar so most English speakers find it rather confusing. For instance, in Japanese the verb always comes at the end. The best thing you can do when learning Japanese is to learn it from the bottom up and not compare it to English grammar. The Japanese language uses what we will refer to as particles to mark the various parts of the sentence. The main particles are: (These particles will be described in more detail below) wa (as mentioned in Lesson 1, the Hiragana "ha" is pronounced "wa" when it immediately follows the topic) ga wo (pronounced "o") ni e (as mentioned in Lesson 1, the Hiragana "he" is pronounced "e" when it immediately follows a place or direction)

topic marker subject marker direct object marker direction marker, time marker, indirect object marker direction marker

The particles "wa" () and "ga" (): The particle "wa" marks the topic of the sentence and the particle "ga" marks the subject of the sentence. In the example, "I know where you live" (watashi wa anata ga doko ni sunde iru ka shitte iru), "I" would be the topic while "you" would be the subject. Not all Japanese sentences have both a topic and subject and, in many cases, the topic is implied in Japanese (for example, the "I" (watashi wa) would be left out of this sentence because it is implied that

since I am talking I am the one that knows where you live). Many Japanese books and teachers teach that "wa" and "ga" are the same thing and it doesn't matter which you use when. This is not the case but I wouldn't worry too much about keeping them straight at first - it will come with time. The particle "wo" (): The particle "wo" (or "o") marks the direct object of a Japanese sentence. In the example, "I'm going to take her home" (watashi wa kanojo wo ie ni okuru), "her" would be the direct object. The particle "ni" (): The particle "ni" can be used to mark the direction, time, or the indirect object of a Japanese sentence. An example of a direction marker can be seen in the previous example "I'm going to take her home" (watashi wa kanojo wo ie ni okuru). In this case, the "ni" acts like a "to" - "I'm going to take her 'to' home". The particle "e" () can be used in this way as well but usually implies more of a general direction as opposed to a specific place. The particle "ni" is also used to mark time in a Japanese sentence. For example, "I'm leaving at 3 o'clock" (watashi wa sanji ni hanareru). The final use for the particle "ni" in Japanese grammar is that of indirect object marker. In the example, "I was taken home by him" (watashi wa kare ni ie made okurareta), "him" is the indirect object.

Note: The "watashi wa" in all of the example sentences used above would normally be left out as it is implied.

Numbers, Time, and Days of the Week

Before we get too much further into Japanese grammar and verb conjugation, I thought it would be a good idea to teach Japanese numbers, time, days of the week, etc. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) ichi ni san shi (yon after 10) go roku shichi (nana after 10) hachi kyuu juu hyaku English Meaning one two three four five six seven eight nine ten hundred

Numbers after 10 are a piece of cake once you know 1 through 10. 11 is simply ten with a one after it, (, juuichi), 12 - juuni, 13 - juusan, 14 - juuyon, etc. 20 is simply (, nijuu), 21 nijuuichi, and so forth. Put these numbers in front of the character for time and you've got the time of the day. - Kanji - Hiragana ...etc. Now just put the character for moon after a number and you've got a month. - Kanji - Hiragana ...etc. Japanese days of the week don't follow such an easy pattern but here they are anyway along with some other time-related words. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) nichiyoubi getsuyoubi kayoubi suiyoubi mokuyoubi kinyoubi doyoubi kyou ashita kinou ototoi asatte English Meaning Sunday ( - sun/day) Monday ( - moon) Tuesday ( - fire) Wednesday ( - water) Thursday ( - tree/wood) Friday ( - gold) Saturday ( - dirt) Today Tomorrow Yesterday the day before yesterday the day after tomorrow (a small "tsu" () makes a double consonant) Romaji (English Letters) ichigatsu nigatsu sangatsu shigatsu English Meaning January February March April Romaji (English Letters) ichiji niji nijihan nijiyonjuugofun English Meaning one o'clock two o'clock two thirty ( means half) 2:45 ( means minute)

kesa konban ima

this morning this evening now

Godan Verbs -
Now, before you can start making up sentences of your own, you need to learn how to conjugate Japanese verbs. Verbs are the most important part of the Japanese sentence. Often times Japanese people will leave out everything but the verb. They are very big on leaving out the obvious and sometimes not so obvious which can get confusing at times. There are only 3 types of verbs in the Japanese language and they each follow a pattern that is very simple and very rarely has any exceptions. Most Japanese verbs fall into the first group, the Godan () verbs. These verbs always conjugate the same way with only one exception. These verbs have five changes that follow the order of the Japanese vowels (i.e. the characters for that section of the hiragana chart), hence the name Godan (meaning 5 levels or steps), and then the "te" and "ta" forms that are common to all verbs. The chart below shows how to conjugate Japanese Godan verbs: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) hanasu (to speak) hanasa hanashi hanasu hanase hanasou hanashite hanashita Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta" Verb Base

Base 1: Base 1 can not be used by itself but becomes the plain form negative simply by adding -nai. (ex. hanasanai - I won't say anything.) If the verb ends in (u) then the end for Base 1 becomes (wa). (ex. au (Base 1) -> awa) (Plain form is what people use when talking to a friend. It would not be proper to use in a business environment. We will go over the polite form in lesson 8.) Base 2: Base 2 is, in most cases, a noun when used by itself but is primarily used with the polite form of the verb. Base 3: Base 3 is the main form (the one that would be found in the dictionary) and is also the plain form present/future tense. Base 4: Base 4 is most often used as "if verb" by adding -ba. (ex. hanaseba - If he'd just say something.) It can also be used by itself as a command form but it is extremely rude and I recommend not using it at all.

Base 5: Base 5 is used by itself as the "let's" form. (ex. hanasou - Let's talk.) We will get into other ways it's used in later lessons. Base "te": Base "te" can be used by itself as a plain form command. It is not rude but should only be used with close friends and children. By adding kudasai it becomes the polite form command. Base "te" can also be used in other ways that we will get into in later lessons. Base "ta": Base "ta" is merely Base "te" with an "a" sound on the end instead of an "e" sound. It is mainly used by itself as the plain form past tense. (ex. hanashita - I talked.) We will get into other ways it's used in later lessons. Notice: There is one thing that you'll need to learn in order to conjugate the "te" and "ta" forms correctly. Basically, for all Godan verbs ending in (u), (tsu), or (ru); the (u), (tsu), or (ru) becomes (tte) in the "te" form and (tta) in the "ta" form. (ex. katsu (to win) -> katte (Win!), katta (We won!)) For all Godan verbs ending in (bu), (mu), or (nu); the (bu), (mu), or (nu) becomes (nde) in the "te" form and (nda) in the "ta" form. (ex. yomu (to read -> yonde (Read it.), yonda (I read it.)) For all Godan verbs ending in (ku), the (ku) becomes (ite) in the "te" form and (ita) in the "ta" form. (ex. aruku (to walk) -> aruite (Walk!), aruita (I walked here.)) The only exception to this rule is for the verb iku (to go) which becomes , (itte/itta). For all Godan verbs ending in (gu), the (gu) becomes (ide) in the "te" form and (ida) in the "ta" form. (ex. oyogu (to swim) -> oyoide (Swim!), oyoida (I swam.)) For all Godan verbs ending in (su), the (su) becomes (shite) in the "te" form and (shita) in the "ta" form. (ex. hanasu (to talk) -> hanashite (Say something!), hanashita (I talked (to him).)) Here are some Godan verbs. Try conjugating them on a piece of paper using what you have just learned. Click here for the answers. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) au katsu uru asobu nomu shinu aruku oyogu kesu iku English Meaning to meet to win to sell to play to drink to die to walk to swim to erase, turn off to go (Remember the exception for Bases "te"and "ta")

Ichidan Verbs -
The second group of Japanese verbs are called Ichidan ( ) verbs. It is usually an Ichidan verb if it ends with the sound "iru" or "eru". Some well used Japanese verbs which appear to be Ichidan but are really Godan are listed here. Ichidan verbs also follow a simple conjugation pattern that is somewhat similar to that of the Godan verbs. Below is a verb conjugation chart for Japanese Ichidan verbs: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) taberu (to eat) tabe tabe taberu tabere tabeyou tabete tabeta Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta" Verb Base

Base 1 and Base 2: As you can see, Base 1 and 2 are the same. Just like with the Godan verbs, a negative can be made by adding -nai (ex. tabenai - I will not eat.) and this base, or root form, is also used for the formal form of the verb. Base 3: Base 3 is the same as with Godan verbs.

Base 4: Base 4, however, can not be used by itself like with Godan verbs. It is only used for "if verb" by adding -ba. (ex. tabereba - If I eat it...) It is not the low command form for Ichidan verbs. The low command form for Ichidan verbs is Base 1 + (ro). Base 5: Base 5 is the same as with Godan verbs.

Base "te" and Base "ta": The Base "te" and "ta" forms for Ichidan verbs are a lot easier than with Godan verbs. Simply take off the "ru" and add a "te" for Base "te" and a "ta" for Base "ta". These have the same functions as with Godan verbs. Here are some Ichidan verbs. Try conjugating them on a piece of paper using what you have just learned. Click here for the answers. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) iru miru neru kiru English Meaning to exist (animate), to be somewhere to see to sleep to wear, put on

dekiru oboeru

can do to remember

Irregular Verbs
The last type of verbs are the Irregular verbs but there are only 2 of them in the entire language so just memorize their charts below. The first one is suru (to do something). Many nouns can be used as a verb simply by putting "suru" right after them. It is probably the most used of all Japanese verbs. The second Irregular verb is kuru (to come). - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) suru (to do) shi shi suru sure shiyou shite shita Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta" Verb Base

The functions for these bases are the same as for the Godan verbs except that Base 4 can only be used as the "if verb". The rude command form is "Shiro". - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) kuru (to come) ko ki kuru kure koyou kite kita Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta" Verb Base

The functions for these bases are the same as for the Godan verbs except that Base 4 can only be used as the "if verb". The rude command form is "Koi" and really should only be used on animals.

Using Verb Bases

Now that you know about 30 Japanese verbs and can conjugate them, I'll show you what you can do with those verb bases. You may want to regularly refer to Lesson 6 andLesson 7 while learning these. The following chart applies to all Japanese verbs unless otherwise noted. - Hiragana Base 1 + Base 1 + Base 2 + Base 2 + Base 2 + Base 2 + Base 2 + Base 3 Base 4 + Base 4 + Base 4 + Base 5 + Romaji (English Letters) Base 1 + nai Base 1 + nakatta Base 2 + masu Base 2 + mashita Base 2 + masen Base 2 + masen deshita Base 2 + tai Base 3 Base 4 + ba Base 4 + ru Base 4 + masu Base 5 + to suru English Meaning plain form negative (will not verb) plain form past negative (did not verb) polite form present/future tense polite form past tense polite form negative (will not verb) polite form past negative (did not verb) want to verb (add (desu) to make it polite) plain form present/future tense if verb plain form can verb (Godan verbs only) (verb now becomes an Ichidan verb) polite form can verb (can be changed like above) try to verb (this suru is the same verb learned in lesson 7 (to do something)) want someone else to verb (hoshii is an adjective which will be covered in the next lesson) plain form command polite form command plain form presently verbing (this iru is the same verb learned in lesson 7 (to exist (animate)) polite form presently verbing (can be changed like above) plain form past tense if and when I verb (similar to Base 4 + ba) do such things as... (this suru is also the same verb learned in lesson 7 (to do something))

Base "te" + Base "te" Base "te" + Base "te" + Base "te" + Base "ta" Base "ta" + Base "ta" +

Base "te" + hoshii Base "te" Base "te" + kudasai Base "te" + iru Base "te" + imasu Base "ta" Base "ta" + ra Base "ta" + ri suru

Adjectives and Adverbs

There are two different types of Japanese words that can be used to modify nouns (adjectives) and verbs (adverbs). One group is much like what we would call an adjective but they can also be conjugated to modify verbs as well. We will refer to these as "dv" (for "descriptive verb"). These are often referred to as "true adjectives" or "i-adjectives". The other group can, in most cases, stand alone like a noun but can also be used to modify nouns and verbs. We will refer to these as "dn" (for "descriptive noun"). These are often referred to as "quasi adjectives" or "na-adjectives". All adjectives in the "dv" group always end with (i). No exceptions. These are placed in front of a noun in order to modify it. For example: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) akai kuruma English Meaning red car

These adjectives can be conjugated to form different tenses, turned into adverbs (modify verbs), etc. The conjugation rules for "true" Japanese adjectives are as follows: - Hiragana drop the and add drop the and add drop the and add drop the and add Romaji (English Letters) drop the "i" and add "ku" drop the "i" and add "kunai" drop the "i" and add "katta" drop the "i" and add "kunakatta" English Meaning modifies a verb (adverb form) (akaku natta -> became red) (naru is the verb "to become") present tense negative (akakunai -> is not red) (becomes a new "dv") past tense (akakatta -> was red) past tense negative (akakunakatta -> was not red) (This one might take a little practice saying.)

It's not as easy to recognize "dn" adjectives but I will point them out in the vocabulary lists. Sometimes you'll even find a "dn" that ends in (i) (ex. kirei - pretty). As mentioned before, these words can, in most cases, be used by themselves like a noun (ex. shizen - nature). By adding a (na) to the end of these words they can be used to modify a noun (ex. shizen na kankyou -> a natural environment). And by adding a (ni) to the end of these words they can be used to modify a verb as an adverb (ex. shizen ni aruku -> to walk naturally). Here's a list of some commonly used "dv" and "dn" adjectives: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) akai (dv) kiiroi (dv) aoi (dv) kuroi (dv) English Meaning red yellow blue black

shiroi (dv) omoshiroi (dv) atsui (dv) samui (dv) ookii (dv) chiisai (dv) shizen (dn) kirei (dn) shitsurei (dn) shizuka (dn) tokubetsu (dn) genki (dn) hen (dn) jouzu (dn) shinsetsu (dn) suteki (dn)

white interesting, funny hot cold big small nature pretty, clean rude quiet special in good spirits weird, strange skillful kind, nice "cool", good looking

Meeting Someone New

We are often asked by our students learning Japanese how to introduce yourself to a Japanese person. This interaction is normally very formal and filled with a few bows. Below is a typical Japanese conversation/introduction between two people meeting for the first time: Japanese (In Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji) Person 1: Konnichi wa. Hajimemashite. Person 2: Hajimemashite. O-genki desu ka? Person 1: Hai, genki desu. ______ Person 1: ______ Watashi wa ______ to moushimasu. Anata no o-namae wa? ______ Person 2: ______ Watashi wa ______ to iimasu. Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu. English Meaning Hello. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you. How are you?

I am fine.

My name is ______. What is your name? My name is ______. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

 Person 1: Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Explanation: "Hajimemashite" literally means "it is a beginning" but would be the equivalent of "Nice to meet you" in English. It would only be used the first time meeting someone. As learned in Lesson 9, "genki" means "in good spirits". "O-genki desu ka" is literally asking "Are you in good spirits?". This is the most common way of asking "How are you?" in Japanese. The other person responds "Yes, I am in good spirits". "Mousu" is the ultra polite form of the verb "iu" (to say). Both people are literally saying "I am said/called _____". "Namae" is the word for "name". An "o" is added in front of it (and other words throughout this exchange) to show respect. This is not done when talking about yourself. "Yoroshii" means "good/fine" and "negai" is a wish or request. "Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu" literally means "I request/wish kindly of you". It is basically like saying "Please treat me well". It can be used in other situations as well - such as when asking for a favor.

Other Common Japanese Phrases

We are often asked how to say "I love you" in Japanese. This would be "Anata o ai shite imasu" BUT be advised that the Japanese typically don't use the word for love ( - - ai) when talking about their feelings for someone else (not even a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, child, parent, etc.). They would typically say "Anata no koto ga suki desu" or "Anata ga daisuki desu". "Suki" is Japanese for "like" and "daisuki" means "favorite". This may seem strange but this is just what they say for "I love you". Romaji (English Letters) tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu akemashite omedetou gozaimasu omedetou gozaimasu oyasuminasai gomennasai sumimasen toire wa doko desu ka English Meaning Happy Birthday! Happy New Year! Congratulations! Good night. (used when someone is going to bed) I'm sorry. Excuse me. Where is the bathroom?

- Kanji

- Hiragana

I am hungry. onaka ga suite ("My stomach is imasu empty.")

See Lesson 3 for other common Japanese phrases.

English Phrases

Japanese Phrases

English Greetings Hi! Good morning! Good evening! Welcome! (to greet someone) How are you? I'm fine, thanks! And you? Good/ So-So. Thank you (very much)! You're welcome! (for "thank you") I missed you so much! What's new? Nothing much Good night! See you later! Good bye! Asking for Help and Directions

Japanese Greetings: Yaa. *1 Ohayou gozaimasu. Konbanw Youkoso irasshai mashita. Ogenki desuka?

Watashi wa genki desu. Arigato! Anatawa?

Genki desu. / maa-maa desu. / Arigatou! *2 Dou itashi mashite. Samishi katta desu. *3 Saikin dou desuka? Kawari nai desu. Oyasumi nasai. Mata atode aimashou! Sayonara!

English Phrases
I'm lost Can I help you? Can you help me? Where is the (bathroom/ pharmacy)? Go straight! then turn left/ right! I'm looking for john. One moment please! Hold on please! (phone) How much is this? Excuse me ...! (to ask for something) Excuse me! ( to pass by) Come with me!

Japanese Phrases
Mayotte shimai mashita. Otetsudai shimashouka? Tetsudatte kuremasuka? *4

(Toire/yakkyoku) wa doko desuka? (/)

Massugu itte kudasai. Soshite, hidari / migi ni magatte ku John wo sagashite imasu. John Chotto matte kudasai. Chotto matte kudasai. Kore wa ikura desuka? Sumimasen! Sumimasen!

Watashi to issho ni kite kudasai.

To Save this Page Press (CTRL D) or E-mail this Page! Free Translation
How to Introduce Yourself

Do you speak (English/ Japanese)? Just a little.

Anata wa eigo/nihongo wo hanashimasu ka? Sukoshi dake.

How to Introduce Yourself

What's your name? My name is ... Mr.../ Mrs./ Miss Nice to meet you! You're very kind! Where are you from? I'm from (the U.S/ Japan) I'm (American) Where do you live? I live in (the U.S/ Japan) Did you like it here? Japan is a wonderful country What do you do for a living? I work as a (translator/ businessman) I like Japanese I've been learning Japanese for 1 month Oh! That's good! How old are you? Namae wa nandesu ka? Watashi no namae wa .. *5 san is adequate for all. Hajimemashite! or Oai dekite ureshii desu. *6

Anata wa totemo shinsetsu desu. Doko no shusshin desu ka? Amerika/Nihon kara desu. Watashi wa Amerika jin desu. Doko ni sun de imasu ka? Watashi wa amerika / nihon ni sundeimasu. Kokowa suki ni narimashita ka? Nihon ha subarashii kuni desu. Osigoto wa nandesu ka?

Osigoto wa nandesu ka? Watashi wa nihongo ga suki desu. Watashi wa nihongo wo ichikagetu narrate imasu. Sorewa iidesu ne. Toshi wa ikutsu desu ka?

How to Introduce Yourself

I'm (twenty, thirty...) years old. I have to go I will be right back! Wish Someone Something Good luck! Happy birthday! Happy new year! Merry Christmas! Congratulations! Enjoy! (for meals...) I'd like to visit Japan one day Say hi to John for me Bless you (when sneezing) Good night and sweet dreams! Solving a Misunderstanding I'm Sorry! (if you don't hear something) Sorry (for a mistake) No Problem! Sumimasen. Gomenasai. Daijyoubu desu. Ganbatte ne! *7 Watshi wa (20, 30) sai desu. Ikanakutewa narimasen. Sugu modori masu.

Tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu! Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Merii Kurisumasu! *8 Omedetou! (noun, etc) wo tanoshinde kudasai. ( ) Ituka nihon wo otozure tai. John ni yoroshiku to tsutaete kudasai. John Odaiji ni. Oyasumi nasai.

How to Introduce Yourself

Can You Say It Again? Can You Speak Slowly? Write It Down Please! I Don't Understand! I Don't Know! I Have No Idea. What's That Called In Japanese? Mouichido itte kuremasuka?

Yukkuri shabette kuremasuka? Kaite kudasai. Wakarimasen. Shirimasen. Wakarimasen. Arewa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka? Omedeto wa eigo de douiu imi desu ka? Omedeto Please wa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka? Please Korewa nandesu ka? Watashi no nihongo wa heta desu. Nihonn go wo renshu suru hitsuyou ga arimasu. Goshinpai naku.

What Does "gato" Mean In English?

How Do You Say "Please" In Japanese? What Is This? My Japanese is bad. I need to practice my Japanese Don't worry! Japanese Expressions and Words Good/ Bad/ So-So. Big/ Small Today/ Now

Yoi / Warui / maa-maa Ookii/Chiisai Kyou / Ima

How to Introduce Yourself

Tomorrow/ Yesterday Yes/ No Here you go! (when giving something) Do you like it? I really like it! I'm hungry/ thirsty. In The Morning/ Evening/ At Night. This/ That. Here/There Me/ You. Him/ Her. Really! Look! Hurry up! What? Where? What time is it? It's 10 o'clock. 07:30pm. Give me this! I love you! I feel sick. Ashita / Kinou Hai / iie Hai, douzo! Suki desu ka? Honto ni suki desu. Onaka ga suki masita. / Nodo ga kawaki mashita. Asa ni, yuugata ni, yoru ni Kore / Are Koko / Asoko

Watashi / anata Kare / Kanojyo Honto! Mite Isoide! Nani? Doko?

Nanji desu ka? Jyuji desu. Gogo hichi ji sanjyu pun desu. Kore wo kudasai! Daisuki desu./ Anata wo aishite imasu. *9 / Choshi ga warui desu.

How to Introduce Yourself

I need a doctor One, Two, Three Four, Five, Six Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten Yon, go, roku Ichi, ni, san Byouin ni ikitai.

Nana (shichi) hachi, kyuu, jyuu

*1 This may be a kind of literary/writing expression and its seldom used in conversation. But never is unnatural. *2 Arigato and Arigato gozaimasu. Theres no big difference between them, Arigato gozaimasu is more polite. *3 (Anata ga inakute) Samishi katta desu : Abbreviated Anata ga inakute. *4 Usually we just say Excuse me/ Sumimasen, and Can you help me is included in this Sumimasen. *5 ...san is a very normal way. Add after both first and family name like Koizumi san or Jyunichiro san. *6 This sentence can directly be Oai dekite ureshii desu. If you meet person for the first time, you can say Hajimemashite. *7 Direct translation is Kouun wo inorimasu. *8 Christmas is not really celebrated by the Japanese and therefore Merry Christmas is not a common greeting you would hear. *9 This is one of the Japanese language mysteries, I love you is expressed in progressive aspect like I am loving you. But basically its seldom used. Instead, Daisuki desu is used casually. I hope the content of this page was useful to you, and that you learned some Japanese phrases, expressions and words. Make sure to memorize them to be able to use them in your daily conversation. If you want to practice what you have learnt here, go to Language Test.

Read more: http://www.linguanaut.com/english_japanese.htm#ixzz2hbglkYrZ

English Welcome

(Japanese) (ykoso) (konnichiwa) (ossu) - used between close male friends (moshi moshi) - on phone (o genki desu ka) (hai, genki desu. anata wa?) (o kagesama de genki desu) (hisashiburi) (o hisashiburi desu ne) ? (o-namae wa nan desu ka) ... (... da) (inf) ... (... desu) (frm) (Shusshin wa doko desu ka?) (Dochira kara desu ka?) - frm ((watashi wa) ... shusshin desu) (hajimemashite) (hajimemashite. dzo yoroshiku) reply (oaidekite ureshii desu) / (ohay gozaimasu) / (ohay) / (konnichiwa) / (konbanwa) (oyasumi nasai) (oyasumi)

Hello

How are you? I'm fine, thanks. And you?

Long time no see

What's your name? My name is ...

Where are you from? I'm from ...

Pleased to meet you

Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night

Goodbye

(saynara) (ittekimasu) - 'I'll be back' - you are leaving (itterasshai) - 'come back soon' - you are staying (j mata ne) - see you later ! (gokon o inorimasu) - frm (gambatte ne) - inf (Yoi ichinichi o) (yoi ryok o) (gokigen y - Goodbye / Good luck) (itte irasshai - Go and come back) (ichiroheian o inoru) - I wish you a smooth road (old fashioned) ! (sumimasen) (ikura desu ka?) ! (gomen nasai) (dmo) (arigat) (arigat gozaimasu) (dmo arigat) (dmo arigat gozaimasu) (d itashimashite) (benjo wa doko desu ka?) (toire wa doko desu ka?) (tearai wa doko desu ka?) (konohito ga zembu haraimasu)

Good luck Have a nice day

Bon voyage (Have a good journey)

Excuse me How much is this? Sorry Thank you

Response

Where's the toilet?

This gentleman/lady will pay for everything Would you like to

dance with me?

(isshoni odorimasenka?) (suki desu) (suki da) (suki dayo) (suki yo) f (daisuki desu) (aishiteru yo) (aishiteru wa) >f (odaiji ni)

I love you

Get well soon

Language difficulties
Do you understand? I understand (wakarimasu ka?) - frm (wakarimasu) (wakaru) inf (wakarimasen) - frm (wakaranai) - inf (wakarimashta) - frm (yukkuri hanashite kudasai) (yukkuri itte kudasai) (kaite kudasai) (kaite itadakemasu ka) (m ichido, itte kudasai) (Nihongo o hanashimasu ka?) (Nihongo wa hanasemasu ka?) (Nihongo wa dekimasu ka?) (Hai, hanashimasu) (Hai, hanasemasu) (Hai, dekimasu) ...

I don't understand I understood Please speak more slowly

Please write it down Please say that again

Do you speak Japanese?

Yes, a little

How do you say ...

in Japanese? I don't speak Japanese Do you speak English?

(... wa nihongo de nanto masu ka?) (Nihongo o hanasemasen) (Eigo wa dekimasu ka?) (Eigo no hanaseru hito wa imasen ka) (dare ka, eigo ga hanasemasu ka?) (sumimasen. wakarimasen deshita) (nan te iimashita ka?) (yakushite kudasai) (kore wa diu imi desu ka) (kore wa donna f ni hatsuon shimasu ka)

Does anyone speak English?

Sorry, I didn't understand that What did you say? Can you translate it for me? What does this mean?

How do you pronounce that?

In the hotel There's a problem in the room

There's no hot water

(heya no setsubi ga kowarete ite komatteimasu) (oyu ga arimasen) (jaguchi ga moreteimasu) (haisuik ga tsumatteimasu)

The tap/faucet is leaking

The drain is blocked The air conditioner

is too noisy Can I have another room? When should I vacate the room? I'd like to check out I'd check out on this date Could you call a taxi please? May I see the bill please? How much is the total bill? Can I have an itemised bill? I think there's a mistake on this bill

(eakon ga urusasugimasu) (hoka no heya e utsuremasu ka?) (itsu, heya o denakute wa narimasen ka?) (chekkuauto shitai no desu ga) (kono hi ni chekkuauto shitai no desu ga) (takus o yonde kudasi?) (seikysho o misete itadakemasu ka?) (seikysho no gkei wa ikura desu ka?) (meisaisho o misete itadakemasu ka?) (kono seikysho ni machigai ga aruy ni om no desu ka?)

Eating out
Is there a restaurant near here? I'd like to reserve a table (chikaku ni resutoran wa arimasu ka?) (tburu no yoyaku o toritai no desu ga) (sudeni yoyaku o totte imasu)

We have a reservation Do you have

an English menu? Can I see the wine list?

(eigo no menyu wa arimasu ka?) (wain no risuto o misete itadakemasen ka?) (watashi wa saishokushugisha desu) (douzo meshiagare) = 'enjoy your meal' - said by the cook/chef (itadakimasu) - said before a meal by those eating it (gochissama deshita) - said after a meal by those who have eaten it (kanpai) lit. "dry glass"

I am a vegetarian

Bon appetit (Have a good meal)

Cheers/Good health!

Emergencies
Leave me alone! Help! Fire! Call the police! ! (hottoite!) ! (tasukete!) ! (kaji da!) ! (keisatsu o yonde kudasai!)

Special occasions Merry Christmas

(mer kurisumasu) New Year greeting - 'Western' style (shinnen omedet gozaimasu) New Year greetings (used before New Year) (yoi otoshi o) - inf (yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai) - frm New Year greetings (used at New Year, not before) (akemashite omedet gozaimasu)

Happy New Year

(kynenj taihen osewa ni narimashita) (kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) (fukkatsu-sai omedet gozaimasu) (sut omedet gozaimasu) (otanjbi omedet gozaimasu)

Happy Easter

Happy Birthday

Other phrases
One language is never enough (gengo o hitotsu wa kesshite tarinai) (gengo hitotsu dake de wa tarinai) (Watashi no hobkurafuto wa unagi de ippai desu.)

My hovercraft is full of eels

Now, how do you introduce yourself using your name? Many places teach "watashi wa ______ desu." but this has a problem:

"watashi wa ______ desu." means both "I am ______." and "I am a ______." Unless the Japanese person you are introducing yourself to is familiar with your name (which isn't always too likely) they won't know that you are telling them your name. This is particularly a problem with names that have the same sound as actual words in the Japanese language. For instance, "jimu" (Jim) means "business" and "gym/gymnasium" in Japanese (depending on the context) so "watashi wa jimu desu." could also mean "I am a business." or "I am a gymnasium."

So what is the better way to introduce yourself? "watashi wa ______ to iimasu." means "I am called ______." and makes it very clear that the "______" is your name. It can be either your first name, last name, or nickname - whatever you want them to call you by.

The first step to learning the Japanese language is to learn the alphabet. Or, at least, to learn the sounds that exist in the language. There are absolutely no "tones" in Japanese like in many other asian languages and there are only 2 exceptions within the alphabet which will be explained later. The Japanese alphabet does not contain letters but, instead, contains characters and, technically, they are not alphabets but character sets. The characters in the chart below are called Hiragana . Hiragana is the main alphabet or character set for Japanese. Japanese also consists of two other character sets Kanji (Chinese characters), which we will get into later, and another alphabet/character set, Katakana , which is mainly used for foreign words. Katakana will be covered in the Katakana lesson. Don't wait to move on until you have all Hiragana characters memorized - learn them as you continue to go through the other lessons. There are 5 vowels in Japanese. (a) , pronounced "ahh", (i) , pronounced like "e" in "eat", (u) , pronounced like "oo" in "soon", (e) , pronounced like "e" in "elk", and (o) , pronounced "oh". All Hiragana characters end with one of these vowels, with the exception of (n) . The only "consonant" that does not resemble that of English is the Japanese "r". It is slightly "rolled" as if it were a combination of a "d", "r", and "l". Click on the image next to each Hiragana character to hear how they are pronounced.

Combinations

kya

kyu

kyo

ka

ki

ku

ke

ko


ga

gi

gu

ge

go

gya

gyu

gyo

sha

shu

sho

sa

shi

su

se

so

ja

ju

jo

za

ji

zu

ze

zo

cha

chu

cho

ta

chi

tsu

te

to

nya

nyu

nyo

da

ji

zu

de

do

hya

hyu

hyo

na

ni

nu

ne

no

bya

byu

byo

ha

hi

fu

he

ho

pya

pyu

pyo

ba

bi

bu

be

bo

mya

myu

myo

pa

pi

pu

pe

po

rya

ryu

ryo

ma

mi

mu

me

mo

ya

yu

yo

ra

ri

ru

re

ro

wa

wo

n/m

Here is a Printable Hiragana Chart (PDF - get Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Exceptions: 1. The Hiragana (ha)

is pronounced "wa"

when it immediately follows the topic of the sentence.

This character is usually only pronounced "ha" when it is part of a word. 2. The Hiragana (he) is pronounced "e" when it immediately follows a place or direction. Both of these are very simple to detect. Click here if you'd like to know why these two exceptions exist.

Note: You probably noticed in the chart above that there are 2 characters pronounced "zu" and 2 characters pronounced "ji" . The characters (zu) and (ji) are very rarely used. (zu) only occurs when there is a (tsu) Kanji in front of it like in (tsuzuku - to continue) or when a is paired at the end with (Chinese character) that has a reading which starts with (tsu)

another character changing the (tsu) to a (zu) . The same applies for the Hiragana (ji) . Since they are used so rarely I wouldn't worry about them too much. I will let you know whenever we come upon a word in which they are used. Some people wonder why "yi", "ye", "wi", "wu", and "we" are missing. There aren't characters for "yi", "ye", or "wu". There is a (wi) and a (we) but these were deemed obsolete in 1946 and were replaced by (i) and (e) respectively.

Basic Japanese Grammar -

Japanese grammar is quite simple and straight forward but very different from English grammar so most English speakers find it rather confusing. For instance, in Japanese the verb always comes at the end. The best thing you can do when learning Japanese is to learn it from the bottom up and not compare it to English grammar. The Japanese language uses what we will refer to as particles to mark the various parts of the sentence. The main particles are: (These particles will be described in more detail below) wa (as mentioned in the Hiragana lesson, the Hiragana "ha" is pronounced "wa" when it immediately follows the topic) ga wo (pronounced "o")

topic marker

subject marker

direct object marker direction marker, time marker, indirect object marker

ni

e (as mentioned in the Hiragana lesson, the Hiragana "he" is pronounced "e" when it immediately follows a

direction marker

place or direction)

The particles "wa" () and "ga" (): The particle "wa" marks the topic of the sentence and the particle "ga" marks the subject of the sentence. In the example, "I know where you live" (watashi wa anata ga doko ni sunde iru ka shitte iru), "I" would be the topic while "you" would be the subject. Not all Japanese sentences have both a topic and subject and, in many cases, the topic is implied in Japanese (for example, the "I" (watashi wa) would be left out of this sentence because it is implied that since I am talking I am the one that knows where you live). Many Japanese books and teachers teach that "wa" and "ga" are the same thing and it doesn't matter which you use when. This is not the case but I wouldn't worry too much about keeping them straight at first - it will come with time. The particle "wo" (): The particle "wo" (or "o") marks the direct object of a Japanese sentence. In the example, "I'm going to take her home" (watashi wa kanojo wo ie ni okuru), "her" would be the direct object. The particle "ni" (): The particle "ni" can be used to mark the direction, time, or the indirect object of a Japanese sentence. An example of a direction marker can be seen in the previous example "I'm going to take her home" (watashi wa kanojo wo ie ni okuru). In this case, the "ni" acts like a "to" - "I'm going to take her 'to' home". The particle "e" () can be used in this way as well but usually implies more of a general direction as opposed to a specific place. The particle "ni" is also used to mark time in a Japanese sentence. For example, "I'm leaving at 3 o'clock" (watashi wa sanji ni hanareru). The final use for the particle "ni" in Japanese grammar is that of indirect object marker. In the example, "I was taken home by him" (watashi wa kare ni ie made okurareta), "him" is the indirect object.

Note: The "watashi wa" in all of the example sentences used above would normally be left out as it is implied.

Godan Verbs -
Now, before you can start making up sentences of your own, you need to learn how to conjugate Japanese verbs. Verbs are the most important part of the Japanese sentence. Often times Japanese people will leave out everything but the verb. They are very big on leaving out the obvious and sometimes not so obvious which can get confusing at times. There are only 3 types of verbs in the Japanese language and they each follow a pattern that is very simple and very rarely has any exceptions. Most Japanese verbs fall into the first group, the Godan () verbs. These verbs always conjugate the same way with only one exception. These verbs have five changes that follow the order of the Japanese vowels (i.e. the characters for that section of the hiragana chart), hence the name Godan (meaning 5 levels or steps), and then the "te" and "ta" forms that are common to all verbs. The chart below shows how to conjugate Japanese Godan verbs: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji Verb Base

(English Letters) hanasu (to speak) hanasa hanashi hanasu hanase hanasou hanashite hanashita Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta"

Base 1: Base 1 can not be used by itself but becomes the plain form negative simply by adding -nai. (ex. hanasanai - I won't say anything.) If the verb ends in (u) then the end for Base 1 becomes (wa). (ex. au (Base 1) -> awa) (Plain form is what people use when talking to a friend. It would not be proper to use in a business environment. We will go over the polite form in Using the Verb Bases - Part 1.) Base 2: Base 2 is, in most cases, a noun when used by itself but is primarily used with the polite form of the verb. Base 3: Base 3 is the main form (the one that would be found in the dictionary) and is also the plain form present/future tense. Base 4: Base 4 is most often used as "if verb" by adding -ba. (ex. hanaseba - If he'd just say something.) It can also be used by itself as a command form but it is extremely rude and I recommend not using it at all. Base 5: Base 5 is used by itself as the "let's" form. (ex. hanasou - Let's talk.) We will get into other ways it's used in later lessons. Base "te": Base "te" can be used by itself as a plain form command. It is not rude but should only be used with close friends and children. By adding kudasai it becomes the polite form command. Base "te" can also be used in other ways that we will get into in later lessons. Base "ta": Base "ta" is merely Base "te" with an "a" sound on the end instead of an "e" sound. It is mainly used by itself as the plain form past tense. (ex. hanashita - I talked.) We will get into other ways it's used in later lessons. Notice: There is one thing that you'll need to learn in order to conjugate the "te" and "ta" forms correctly. Basically, for all Godan verbs ending in (u), (tsu), or (ru); the (u), (tsu), or (ru) becomes (tte) in the "te" form and (tta) in the "ta" form. (ex. katsu (to win) -> katte (Win!), katta (We won!))

For all Godan verbs ending in (bu), (mu), or (nu); the (bu), (mu), or (nu) becomes (nde) in the "te" form and (nda) in the "ta" form. (ex. yomu (to read -> yonde (Read it.), yonda (I read it.)) For all Godan verbs ending in (ku), the (ku) becomes (ite) in the "te" form and (ita) in the "ta" form. (ex. aruku (to walk) -> aruite (Walk!), aruita (I walked here.)) The only exception to this rule is for the verb iku (to go) which becomes , (itte/itta). For all Godan verbs ending in (gu), the (gu) becomes (ide) in the "te" form and (ida) in the "ta" form. (ex. oyogu (to swim) -> oyoide (Swim!), oyoida (I swam.)) For all Godan verbs ending in (su), the (su) becomes (shite) in the "te" form and (shita) in the "ta" form. (ex. hanasu (to talk) -> hanashite (Say something!), hanashita (I talked (to him).)) Here are some Godan verbs. Try conjugating them on a piece of paper using what you have just learned. Clickhere for the answers. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) au katsu uru asobu nomu shinu aruku oyogu kesu

English Meaning

to meet to win to sell to play to drink to die to walk to swim to erase, turn off to go (Remember the exception for Bases "te"and "ta")

iku

Ichidan Verbs -

The second group of Japanese verbs are called Ichidan ( ) verbs. It is usually an Ichidan verb if it ends with the sound "iru" or "eru". Some well used Japanese verbs which appear to be Ichidan but are really Godan are listed here. Ichidan verbs also follow a simple conjugation pattern that is somewhat similar to that of the Godan verbs. Below is a verb conjugation chart for Japanese Ichidan verbs: - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) taberu (to eat) tabe tabe taberu tabere tabeyou tabete tabeta Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta"

Verb Base

Base 1 and Base 2: As you can see, Base 1 and 2 are the same. Just like with the Godan verbs, a negative can be made by adding -nai (ex. tabenai - I will not eat.) and this base, or root form, is also used for the formal form of the verb. Base 3: Base 3 is the same as with Godan verbs.

Base 4: Base 4, however, can not be used by itself like with Godan verbs. It is only used for "if verb" by adding -ba. (ex. tabereba - If I eat it...) It is not the low command form for Ichidan verbs. The low command form for Ichidan verbs is Base 1 + (ro). Base 5: Base 5 is the same as with Godan verbs.

Base "te" and Base "ta": The Base "te" and "ta" forms for Ichidan verbs are a lot easier than with Godan verbs. Simply take off the "ru" and add a "te" for Base "te" and a "ta" for Base "ta". These have the same functions as with Godan verbs. Here are some Ichidan verbs. Try conjugating them on a piece of paper using what you have just learned. Clickhere for the answers. - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) iru

English Meaning

to exist (animate), to be

somewhere miru neru kiru dekiru oboeru to see to sleep to wear, put on can do to remember

Irregular Verbs
The last type of verbs are the Irregular verbs but there are only 2 of them in the entire language so just memorize their charts below. The first one is suru (to do something). Many nouns can be used as a verb simply by putting "suru" right after them. It is probably the most used of all Japanese verbs. The second Irregular verb is kuru (to come). - Kanji - Hiragana Romaji (English Letters) suru (to do) shi shi suru sure shiyou shite shita Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta"

Verb Base

The functions for these bases are the same as for the Godan verbs except that Base 4 can only be used as the "if verb". The rude command form is "Shiro".

 - Kanji

- Hiragana

Romaji (English Letters) kuru (to come) ko ki kuru kure koyou kite kita

Verb Base

Base 1 Base 2 Base 3 Base 4 Base 5 Base "te" Base "ta"

The functions for these bases are the same as for the Godan verbs except that Base 4 can only be used as the "if verb". The rude command form is "Koi" and really should only be used on animals.

Using Verb Bases

Now that you know about 30 Japanese verbs and can conjugate them, I'll show you what you can do with those verb bases. You may want to regularly refer to Verb Conjugation (Godan) and Verb Conjugation (Ichidan and Irregular) while learning these. The following chart applies to all Japanese verbs unless otherwise noted. Hiragana Base 1 + Romaji (English Letters) Base 1 + nai

English Meaning

plain form negative (will not verb) plain form past negative (did not verb) polite form present/future tense polite form past tense polite form negative (will not verb)

Base 1 + Base 1 + nakatta Base 2 + Base 2 + masu

Base 2 + Base 2 + mashita Base 2 + Base 2 + masen

Base 2 + Base 2 + Base 3 Base 4 + Base 4 + Base 4 +

Base 2 + masen deshita Base 2 + tai Base 3 Base 4 + ba

polite form past negative (did not verb) want to verb (add (desu) to make it polite) plain form present/future tense if verb plain form can verb (Godan verbs only) (verb now becomes an Ichidan verb) polite form can verb (can be changed like above)

Base 4 + ru

Base 4 + masu

Base 5 +

try to verb Base 5 + to suru (this suru is the same verb learned in Verb Conjugation (Ichidan and Irregular) (to do something)) Base "te" + hoshii Base "te" Base "te" + kudasai want someone else to verb (hoshii is an adjective which will be covered in the Descriptive Words - Part 1 lesson) plain form command polite form command plain form presently verbing (this iru is the same verb learned in Verb Conjugation (Ichidan and Irregular) (to exist (animate)) polite form presently verbing (can be changed like above) plain form past tense if and when I verb (similar to Base 4 + ba) do such things as... (this suru is also the same verb learned in Verb Conjugation (Ichidan and Irregular) (to do something))

Base "te" +

Base "te" Base "te" +

Base "te" +

Base "te" + iru

Base "te" + Base "ta" Base "ta" +

Base "te" + imasu Base "ta" Base "ta" + ra

Base "ta" +

Base "ta" + ri suru

Meeting Someone New

We are often asked by our students learning Japanese how to introduce yourself to a Japanese person. This interaction is normally very formal and filled with a few bows. Below is a typical Japanese conversation/introduction between two people meeting for the first time: Japanese (In Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji) Person 1: Konnichi wa. Hajimemashite. Person 2: Hajimemashite. O-genki desu ka? Person 1: Hai, genki desu. ______ Person 1: ______ Watashi wa ______ to moushimasu. Anata no o-namae wa? ______ Person 2: ______ Watashi wa ______ to iimasu. Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu. Person 1: Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu.

English Meaning

Hello. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you. How are you?

I am fine.

My name is ______. What is your name?

My name is ______. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Explanation: "Hajimemashite" literally means "it is a beginning" but would be the equivalent of "Nice to meet you" in English. It would only be used the first time meeting someone. As learned in Descriptive Words - Part 1, "genki" means "in good spirits". "O-genki desu ka" is literally asking "Are you in good spirits?". This is the most common way of asking "How are you?" in Japanese. The other person responds "Yes, I am in good spirits". "Mousu" is the ultra polite form of the verb "iu" (to say). Both people are literally saying "I am said/called _____". "Namae" is the word for "name". An "o" is added in front of it (and other words throughout this exchange) to show respect. This is not done when talking about yourself. "Yoroshii" means "good/fine" and "negai" is a wish or request. "Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu" literally means "I request/wish kindly of you". It is basically like saying "Please treat me well". It can be used in other situations as well - such as when asking for a favor.

Other Common Japanese Phrases

We are often asked how to say "I love you" in Japanese. This would be "Anata o ai shite imasu" BUT be advised that the Japanese typically don't use the word for love ( - - ai) when talking about their feelings for someone else (not even a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, child, parent, etc.). They would

typically say "Anata no koto ga suki desu" or "Anata ga daisuki desu". "Suki" is Japanese for "like" and "daisuki" means "favorite". This may seem strange but this is just what they say for "I love you". Romaji (English Letters) tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu akemashite omedetou gozaimasu omedetou gozaimasu

- Kanji

- Hiragana

English Meaning

Happy Birthday!

Happy New Year!

Congratulations! Good night. (used when someone is going to bed) I'm sorry. Excuse me. Where is the bathroom?

oyasuminasai

gomennasai sumimasen toire wa doko desu ka

I am hungry. onaka ga suite ("My stomach is imasu empty.")

100 Most Useful Phrases - Part 1 of 4

Below are 25 of the most breakdown/explanation of each. - Kanji common/useful phrases in the Japanese language and a

- Hiragana

Romaji (English Letters)

English Meaning

ohayou gozaimasu

Good morning

Explanation: "ohayou gozaimsu" can be used both formally and informally. It can also be shortened to simply "ohayou" which is less polite but in no way rude. It can be shortened further to "ohayo" which is less polite than "ohayou" and more on the informal side. "ohayou" comes from the adjective (hayai) which means "early". "gozaru" (which becomes "gozaimasu" in polite form) is the honorific version of "aru" (to exist (inanimate)). Putting these two together, "ohayou gozaimasu" literally means "it honorably exists early". konnichiwa Hello

Explanation: "konnichiwa" is made up of the Kanji for "now", the Kanji for "day/sun", and the topic marker "wa" (the Hiragana "ha"). It is probably closer to "Good day" but used similar to how "Hello" is used in English. konbanwa Good evening

Explanation: "konbanwa" is made up of the Kanji for "now", the Kanji for "evening", and the topic marker "wa" (the Hiragana "ha"). "konban" by itself means "this evening". oyasuminasai Good night

Explanation: "oyasuminasai" is derived from the verb (yasumu) which means "to be absent (from work or school), to rest, to go to bed". It is a farewell and implies that the person you're saying it to will soon go to sleep. It appears similar to base 2 + nasai which is a very informal (rude in most situations) command form but the "o" at the beginning (which is , an honorific prefix, in Kanji but not typically written as such due to the complexity of the Kanji) elevates it to polite form. "yasuminasai" by itself would simply mean "Take a break!" expression of gratitude before meals

itadakimasu

Explanation: "itadakimasu" is commonly said just before eating a meal. It expresses gratitude for the meal and is the polite form of the verb (itadaku - to humbly receive/accept). "itadaku" is the humble version of (morau - to receive/accept). gochisousama deshita

said after meals

Explanation:

"gochisousama deshita" is commonly said just after eating a meal. The "go" at the beginning would be written in Kanji with the same honorific prefix that we saw on "oyasuminasai" ( ) but it is read "go" instead of "o" in this case. (chisou) means "banquet, feast" even though the Kanji are for "hurry" and "run/race". (sama) is the same as the honorific suffix that could be used after a person's name. arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you

Explanation: "arigatou" is made up of the Kanji for "aru" (to exist (inanimate)) and (muzukashii - difficult). It literally means "difficulty exists" or "it is difficult". (doumo - a more informal way of saying "Thank you") could be added to the beginning of "arigatou gozaimasu" to make it even more polite. The different words for "Thank you" from most polite to least polite are as follows: doumo arigatou gozaimasu arigatou gozaimasu doumo arigatou arigatou doumo gomen nasai I beg your pardon, I'm sorry

Explanation: You probably recognize the honorific prefix at the beginning of "gomen nasai". It is similar to "oyasuminasai" in that it kind of sounds like a command but it is not. (men) means "dismissal" so "gomen nasai" literally means "I request your honorable dismissal". The shorter and less polite version is "gomen" by itself. shitsurei shimasu a way of saying "Excuse me"

Explanation: (shitsurei) is a "dn" (descriptive noun) that means "rude/rudeness". (shitsurei suru ("shimasu" in polite form)) means "to be rude or impolite" so this literally means "I'm going to be rude". It is often used when one is about to hang up the phone to end a conversation or a way to ask for forgiveness for something one is about to do (like squeeze past someone on a train). To be more polite, use the humble version of "suru", (itasu) and say "shitsurei itashimasu" instead. another way of saying "Excuse me" or "I'm sorry"

sumimasen

Explanation: The verb behind "sumimasen" is (sumu) which means "to finish, to end, to be completed". "sumimasen" literally means "it will not be ended". It is a common way of asking for forgiveness for troubling someone. A very similar phrase would be the previous phrase in past tense - "shitsurei shimashita".

itte kimasu

a way of saying "See you later"

Explanation: "itte kimasu" combines the verbs (iku - to go) and (kuru - to come). A verb in base "te" form (as "iku" is here) can be used to continue a sentence or phrase (like using "and" in English). "itte kimasu" literally means "I will go and come back". It is often said by the father as he leaves for work, children as they leave for school, etc. a different way of saying "See you later"

itte rasshai

Explanation: "itte rasshai" is the response to "itte kimasu". The first part is exactly the same but the second part uses an abbreviated form of the verb (irassharu) which is the honorific version of "kuru". "rasshai" can only be used with another verb in base "te" right before it. In the form "irasshai" (unabbreviated) is it kind of like a command so this is literally "go and honorably come back!". "irasshai" is often said by itself to welcome someone. The more polite version, "irasshaimase" is often said by those working in a shop to welcome customers. tadaima I'm home!

Explanation: "tadaima" is the opposite of "itte kimasu" and is said by the person upon their return. It is typically written in Hiragana but the Kanji mean "only, just" and "now". It literally means "presently" or "just now" and can be used this way as part of a longer sentence. okaerinasai Welcome home

Explanation: "okaerinasai" is the response for "tadaima". It is derived from the verb (kaeru) which means "to return home" and is very similar to how "oyasuminasai" is structured. a way of saying "May I come in?"

gomen kudasai

Explanation: "gomen kudasai" is very similar to "gomen nasai" but, instead of a way to ask for forgiveness, it is a way to ask permission to enter someone's residence. It is often said by visitors as they step up from the (genkan - entranceway) into the residence (leaving their shoes behind, of course). ima, nanji desu ka What time is it (now)?

Explanation: is a Kanji we've seen in a number of the greetings above. By itself, it is read "ima" and means "now".

"nanji" means "what time". onaka ga suite imasu

I'm hungry

Explanation: by itself is read "hara" and means "abdomen, belly, stomach". With the honorific "o" at the beginning, it becomes "onaka" (stomach). The verb (suku) means "to become less crowded, to thin out, to get empty" so "onaka ga suite imasu" means "my stomach is empty". Another way to say "I'm hungry" is "onaka ga peko peko desu" (see Sound Words). Like with most polite form statements, this can be turned into a question by adding "ka" on the end. a request for second helpings

okawari kudasai

Explanation: The verb (kawaru) means "to take the place of, to be substituted for, to be exchanged, to change places with, to take turns, to be replaced". The noun form "kawari" typically means "substitute, proxy, alternate" but can also mean "second helping". Especially when it is prefixed with the honorific "o". "okawari kudasai" is like "may I please have seconds?" in English but it is not a question. ikura desu ka How much?

Explanation: "kore wa" could be added to the beginning to make this "how much is this?" or "sore wa" could be added to the beginning to make this "how much is that?". otsuri wa ikura desu ka

How much is the change?

Explanation: This is kind of an interesting phrase since (tsuri) means "fishing" but this is how you would ask how much change is coming back to you from a purchase. otearai wa doko desu ka Where is the bathroom/restroom?

Explanation: (te) means "hand(s)" and the verb (arau) means "to wash" so "otearai" literally means "the honorable hand washing place". (doko - commonly written in Hiragana) means "where". ofuro ni hairimasu I'm going to take a bath

Explanation: Taking baths is big in Japan. This is usually done after taking a shower to clean yourself. (furo) is "bathtub" (standardly prefixed with the honorific "o") and the verb (hairu - which happens to be a

godan verb that sounds like an ichidan verb) means "to enter". kao o araimasu I'm going to wash my face

Explanation: (kao) means "face" and this is the same (arau - to wash) that we saw above. ha o migakimasu I'm going to brush my teeth

Explanation: (ha) means "tooth/teeth" and the verb (migaku) means "to polish, to shine". ugai o shimasu I'm going to gargle

Explanation: "ugai" means "gargling". The Kanji is but it is typically written in Hiragana due to the complexity.

100 Most Useful Phrases - Part 2 of 4

If you are unable to hear the audio, click here for the alternate audio method. Below are 25 of the most common/useful phrases in the Japanese language and a breakdown/explanation of each. To some extent, this lesson assumes that you have already gone through Part 1. Romaji - Kanji - Hiragana (English Letters) gohan o tabemasu English Meaning

I'm going to eat (a meal)

Explanation: This sentence could work for "I'm going to eat dinner now", or "I'm going to eat lunch now", etc. The "now" is implied and which meal is also implied based on the time of day. Like with most polite form statements, this can be turned into a question by adding "ka" on the end. It could also be turned into a command by changing the verb to "te" form ("kudasai" could be added to the end to make it more polite).

ohirugoha Where n wa doko would you de tabetai like to eat desu lunch? ka

Explanation: You generally shouldn't state that someone other than yourself wants to do something (using base 2 + "tai") but it's fine to ask. If you wanted to turn this into a statement then it needs to be followed by "to omoimasu" ("omou" means "to think") instead of "desu" - "kare wa soko de tabetai to omoimasu". In Japanese, one should never assume to know what someone else does or doesn't want. ohiru wa nani ni shimasu ka

What shall we do for lunch?

Explanation: "nani" means "what". "nani ni shimasu ka" by itself means "What would you like to do?" and is used quite frequently. It's my kyou wa treat watashi no today/The ogori meal is on desu me

Explanation: "ogori" comes from the verb (ogoru ) which means "to give (someone) a treat, to be extravagant, to live luxuriously". It is typically written in hiragana because the kanji isn't widely known. Like with many verbs, base 2 by itself can be a noun. The lunch kono at this resutoran restaurant no ranchi is great wa totemo (very oishii delicious/ta desu sty)

Explanation: While Japanese has it's own word for "lunch", using English words (especially in pop songs) is very "cool". "ranchi" would be the closest pronunciation of the English word "lunch". "resutoran", on the other hand, is a borrowed word (from "restaurant") and the typical Japanese word for "restaurant". "totemo" means "very, exceedingly" and "oishii" means "delicious, tasty" (the kanji are for "beautiful" and "taste").

ramen o onegai shimasu

Ramen please

Explanation: (negau ) is a verb which means "to desire, to wish, to hope, to beg, to request, to implore". Using base 2 of a verb with the honorific "o" on the front and "shimasu" on the end essentially creates the humble form of the verb. It is literally "I humbly request ramen". The word "ramen" could be replaced to request or order (in a restaurant) anything. The word for "order" is (chuumon when you are in a Japanese restaurant. ) so listen for that

nodo ga kawaite imasu

I'm thirsty

Explanation: This sentence is very similar to "onaka ga suite imasu" (learned in part 1). (nodo means "throat" and (kawaku ) means "to be thirsty". The primary "kawaku" () means "to get dry" so (although it uses a different kanji) "nodo ga kawaite imasu" has origins in "my throat is dry". May I please have a glass of water?

omizu o ippai itadakema su ka

Explanation: "mizu" (cold water) is often prefixed with the honorific "o". (oyu - which could also be written if you prefer to use the kanji for the honorific) is the word for "hot water" and rarely has the "o" left off. (ippai can mean "a lot", "full", or "cupful". This sentence could mean both "may I please have a lot of water?" or "may I please have a cupful (glass) of water?" but the second makes more sense. "itadaku" is in base 4 + "ru" (can verb) form. yoroshiku no real onegai shimasu equivalent in English

Explanation: "yoroshiku onegai shimasu" is one of the most commonly spoken phrases in Japanese but it doesn't really have an equivalent in English. It is basically "please be my friend" or "please treat me well". It can be used right after introducing yourself to someone (in which case it has more of a "pleased to make your acquaintance" vibe), when you see someone again after a period of time, or as part of a farewell. "yoroshii" means "good, OK, all right, fine, very well". It is essentially the honorific form of "ii/yoi". With

the last "i" dropped and a "ku" added, it is in adverb form so "yoroshiku onegai shimasu" literally means "I request/beg goodly from you". kyuukei shimasu I'm going to take a break

Explanation: (kyuukei ) means "rest, break" and "kyuukei suru" means "to rest, to take a break". Statements such as this ("I'm going to...") are often used in Japanese in places where we might say "I need to..." in English so this could also be translated as "I need to take a break". sanpo ni itte kimasu I'm going to take a walk/stroll

Explanation: While "itte kimasu" by itself is a common farewell for someone leaving the house, it is also often used with a specific "destination" to indicate that they are going somewhere and then coming back. While "walk/stroll" [n] is not a destination and "I'm going to a stroll" sounds weird in English, this is a very common sort of thing in Japanese. chotto I'm going koko de to rest hitoyasumi here for a shimasu bit

Explanation: "chotto" is a great and very regularly used Japanese word. It means "just a minute, short time, just a little, somewhat". "koko" means "here" and is very closely related to "kore" (this) and "kono" (this descriptive). These words could be written in kanji as (koko), (kore), and (kono) but they are typically written in hiragana. The word "hitoyasumi" is a combination of the character for "one" and the character for "rest" (which you might recognize from "kyuukei" and "yasumu"). ichiban chikai eki wa doko desu ka Where is the closest/ne arest train station?

Explanation: Trains are a very common form of transportation in Japan and the train station is called an "eki". While "ichiban" can mean "number 1" or "the best" it can also be used with adjectives (such as "chikai" (close, near) in this case) to mean ____est (closest, nearest in this case).

kono basu wa doko Where de does this tomarimas bus stop? u ka

Explanation: This is basically the Japanese equivalent of "where does this bus go?". Just because a particular verb is used in one language to express a particular idea does not mean the same verb might be used in another language. (tomaru ) means "to stop, to come to a halt". Japanese stop signs are red upside down triangles which have ("Stop!!!") written on them. "basu" is another borrowed word from the English word "bus". Could you kuruma de please eki made take me to okutte the train kuremasu station (in ka your car)?

Explanation: As taught in Using Verb Bases - Part 2, base "te" + "kureru" ("kuremasu" in polite form) means that someone else verbs for you or another person. When used as a question it is a very polite way to ask for someone to do something for you. (okuru ) means "to send (a thing), to dispatch, to despatch, to take or escort (a person somewhere), to see off (a person)" and is the same verb that could be used for sending a package, for instance. The particle "made" means "until" - see the lesson More Particles for more information on this and the particle "de". ano eki de machiawa Let's meet se at that train shimashou station

Explanation: "ano" is related to "kono" (this - descriptive) and "sono" (that - descriptive) and essentially means "that over there". It's kind of like "that thing that we talked about before". "machiawase" is the noun form (base 2) of the verb (machiawaseru "to wait") and (au ) which means "to rendezvous, to meet at a prearranged place and time, to arrange to meet" and is a compound verb made up from the verbs (matsu to allow) - (awaseru - "to join together, to unite, to combine"). Base 2 + "mashou" is the polite form equivalent of base 5 (let's verb). sono What time densha wa does that

- "to come together, to merge, to unite, to meet") in a causitive form (to force,

nanji ni hanarema su ka

train leave?

Explanation: "densha" means "train" but, more specifically, an electric train. is the kanji for "electricity" and is the kanji for "wheel" or "car". (hanareru ) means "to be separated from, to leave, to go away".

nibansen I will be no hachiji taking the no densha 8 o'clock ni norimasu train from platform 2

Explanation: "___bansen" is how you would say which track/platform your train will be on. is the kanji for "number" (like "number 1 (#1)", "number 2 (#2)", etc.) and is the kanji for "line, wire, beam". "___ji" indicates the time - for more information see Numbers, Time, and Dates. The verb (noru to ride". ) means "to get on,

amerika yuki no hikouki wa itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka

When does the plane to America depart?

Explanation: While is generally read "iku" it can also be read "yuku". When in base 2 and combined with another noun, it is read "yuki" and means "going to ____" as a compound noun. You can see the same kanji as the middle kanji for (hikouki ("machine"). (shuppatsu suru - airplane). The kanji are ("to fly"), ("to go"), and ) means "to depart". takushi- o Could you yonde please call kuremasu me a taxi? ka

Explanation: "takushi-" is also a borrowed word from the English word "taxi". The verb (yobu out (to), to summon (a doctor, etc.)". ) means "to call

kuukou ni Where is a chikai hotel close hoteru wa to the doko desu airport? ka

Explanation: (kuukou ) means "airport" and is made up of the kanji ("sky") and ("harbor"). Once again we have a borrowed word "hoteru" that comes from the English word "hotel". Can I hoteru no make a yoyaku ga reservation dekimasu (for this ka hotel)?

Explanation: (yoyaku ) means "reservation". In Japanese, the verb "to make" isn't used but the verb "dekiru" (can do) can be used instead. eigo ga wakarimas u ka Explanation: In Japanese, the verb (wakaru - "to understand") is used instead of the verb "to speak". ____ wa, dou iu imi What does ____ desu ka mean? Do you speak English?

____

____

Explanation: ("imi") means "meaning" (noun) so "____ wa, dou iu imi desu ka" technically means "____... what sort of meaning is it?". mouichido Could you itte please say kuremasu that again? ka

Explanation: ("ichido") by itself means "once, one time" but when paired with "mou" (which means "more, further, other, again" in this case) it means "once more, again". The verb (iu ) means "to say".

Introduction to Kanji
Kanji are Chinese characters and a core part of the Japanese writing system. A typical Japanese sentence will contain both Kanji and Hiragana with the occasional Katakana mixed in. We will teach the Kanji by the grade in which the Japanese learn them and will start with 40 Kanji at a time so that it doesn't become overwhelming. In these lessons, we will teach all of the readings for a particular Kanji that you need to know in order to learn how to read Japanese fluently. We will also provide at least one vocabulary example for each necessary reading. There are over 2,000 regularly used Kanji so it can take quite a while to learn them all. Once we have covered all of the 1,000+ Kanji taught in Elementary School (grades 1-6), we will move into the 1,100+ Kanji taught in Secondary School (Junior High School and High School). These are not split up by grade and we will cover 60 Kanji per lesson. Kanji have 2 categories of readings "On" ( ) and "Kun" ().

"On" Reading: The "On" reading was borrowed from Chinese and then modified to fit within the sounds of the Japanese language. The "On" reading is typically the one used when the Kanji is combined with another (we will try to point out exceptions to this rule in the examples). One common exception to this rule is when the Kanji does not have a "Kun" reading without trailing Hiragana. Most Kanji have only one "On" reading but some have two or three. We will display the "On" reading(s) in Katakana. "Kun" Reading: The "Kun" reading is typically used when the Kanji is by itself. It is also the reading used in verbs that begin with that Kanji. One Kanji can have a number of different "Kun" readings depending on how it is used although most Kanji only have one. We will display the "Kun" reading(s) in Hiragana and separate the reading from the trailing Hiragana (the Hiragana which follows the Kanji and causes it to have that reading) by a "". Note: Examples will be written out in Hiragana regardless of which reading they are displaying. Also note that many Japanese nouns can be made into a verb simply by adding "suru" (to do). For instance, the noun (benkyou - "study"), which is covered in Grade 3 Kanji - Part 1 of 5, can be turned into "to study" by adding "suru" thereby making it (benkyou suru - "to study"). Most of these should be pretty easy to identify by the English translation (especially if it ends in "ing").

Introduction to Kanji
Kanji are Chinese characters and a core part of the Japanese writing system. A typical Japanese sentence will contain both Kanji and Hiragana with the occasional Katakana mixed in. We will teach the Kanji by the grade in which the Japanese learn them and will start with 40 Kanji at a time so that it doesn't become overwhelming. In these lessons, we will teach all of the readings for a particular Kanji that you need to know in order to learn how to read Japanese fluently. We will also provide at least one vocabulary example for each necessary reading. There are over 2,000 regularly used Kanji so it can take quite a while to learn them all.

Once we have covered all of the 1,000+ Kanji taught in Elementary School (grades 1-6), we will move into the 1,100+ Kanji taught in Secondary School (Junior High School and High School). These are not split up by grade and we will cover 60 Kanji per lesson. Kanji have 2 categories of readings "On" ( ) and "Kun" ().

"On" Reading: The "On" reading was borrowed from Chinese and then modified to fit within the sounds of the Japanese language. The "On" reading is typically the one used when the Kanji is combined with another (we will try to point out exceptions to this rule in the examples). One common exception to this rule is when the Kanji does not have a "Kun" reading without trailing Hiragana. Most Kanji have only one "On" reading but some have two or three. We will display the "On" reading(s) in Katakana. "Kun" Reading: The "Kun" reading is typically used when the Kanji is by itself. It is also the reading used in verbs that begin with that Kanji. One Kanji can have a number of different "Kun" readings depending on how it is used although most Kanji only have one. We will display the "Kun" reading(s) in Hiragana and separate the reading from the trailing Hiragana (the Hiragana which follows the Kanji and causes it to have that reading) by a "". Note: Examples will be written out in Hiragana regardless of which reading they are displaying. Also note that many Japanese nouns can be made into a verb simply by adding "suru" (to do). For instance, the noun (benkyou - "study"), which is covered in Grade 3 Kanji - Part 1 of 5, can be turned into "to study" by adding "suru" thereby making it (benkyou suru - "to study"). Most of these should be pretty easy to identify by the English translation (especially if it ends in "ing").