Examples of Useful Japanese Phrases

Politeness and courtesy are two important aspects of the Japanese culture. Besides gestures such as bowing, language also plays a key role. The Japanese people are polite in the sense that they are not direct and tend not to have a straight-to-the-point kind of conversation. They will ask about a person’s well-being and even moving on to discuss about the weather. Response words such as “Hai” which means “yes” and “So desu ka” which means “Is that so?” shows attentiveness even if the person does not agree with the issue that is being discussed about.

Greetings:
Japanese --> English
Ohayou= Good morning
Konnichiwa= Good afternoon
Konbanwa= Good evening
Oyasumi nasai= Good night
Sayonara= Good bye
Genki desu ka= How are you?
So desu ka= Is that so?

Japan has become one of the major shopping districts of the world with Harajuku being a popular tourist attraction. Since shopping is an essential part of a tourist’s experience in a foreign country, it would be helpful to know a few phrases to make the shopping experience a little bit easier.

Useful expressions when you are shopping”
Hai= Yes
Iie(EE-eh)= No
Arigato gozaimasu= Thank You
Do itashimashite= You’re Welcome
Ikura desu ka= How much?
Kore wa nan desu ka= What’s this?

Another bane for a tourist in Japan is the possibility of getting lost and the need to ask for help.

Phrases you can use in case you get lost or need help:
Sumimasen= Excuse me
Gomen-nasai= Sorry
Tatsuke (tah-soo-ke-teh)= Help!
Wakarimasen= I don’t understand
Dareke eigo o hanasemasuka? (dah-reh-kah AY-goh oh hah-nah-she-moss-KAH?)= Is there someone here who speaks English?