Nihonggo For Dummies
May 7th, 2008
So you’re in Japan, but you don’t speak a word of Japanese. Fear not, here are a few essential phrases which will help you get by when you visit Japan. There are a lot of phrases that is useful to know. If you plan to go to Japan and you are not fluent, remember that it is also helpful to bring a Japanese-English dictionary to better understand what your Japanese counterparts are saying to you. One thing to remember is that the japanese have distinct ways of speaking, depending on who the speaker is addressing and the situation. Nihonggo can either be formal or informal, such as when talking to friends or family the informal form is usually used. Most of the phrases here are in their informal form. When speaking in a formal event or to one’s elders, it is imperative to use the formal way of speaking.
PLEASANTRIES
Good morning - Ohayou
Good evening - Kombanwa
Good day - Konnichiwa
Good night - Oyasumi
How do you do? - Ikaga desu ka?
Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite
I am very well - Genki desu
Thank you - Arigatou
Many thanks - Domo arigatou
Goodbye - Sayounara/ Ja ne
Best regards - Yoroshiku
By all means - Douzo
