Basic Japanese Phrases - Study Easy-To-Learn, Practical Expressions

Beginner Japanese Phrases Helpful for Language Learners

In this article, we introduce 20 convenient Japanese phrases useful for beginners, from self-introductions to asking for directions. These are all easy expressions not requiring any prior Japanese knowledge and are very handy.

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Table of Contents

Greetings
Introducing Yourself
Asking for Directions
At Stores and Restaurants
When You Need Help

Greetings

1. Konnichiwa

[konnichiwa]

This is “hello,” the regular daytime greeting.

Drag out the [n] sound in [nni] for a bit. [Konichiwa] sounds unnatural.

2. Sayonara

[sayo:nara]

This is “goodbye.”

3. Hai

[hai]

This is “yes.” Unlike “hi!” in English, you pronounce both the [a] and [i]. You can also say “un” [un], but this is a casual expression for use between friends. If you use it at stores or hotels, it might be seen as a little rude.

4. Iie

[i:e]

This is “no.”

5. Arigato gozaimasu

[arigato: gozaimas]

This is “thank you.” You can just say “arigato,” but say “arigato gozaimasu” if you want to be polite.

6. Sumimasen

[sumimasen]

You can use this versatile expression to get someone’s attention (“excuse me”), apologize (“sorry”), or say “thank you.” If it’s hard to pronounce, suimasen [suimasen] is also OK.

7. Ogenki desu ka?

[ogenki deska?]

This is “How are you?”

Introducing Yourself

8. Watashi no namae wa OO desu.

[watashino namaewa ◯◯des]

This is “My name is ______.”

Example

“My name is Mikiko Tanaka.”
[watashino namaewa tanaka mikiko des]

9. Onamae wa nan desu ka?

[onamaewa nandeska]

This is how to ask someone for their name.

Asking for Directions

10. ◯◯ wa doko desu ka?

[◯◯wa doko deska]

This is “Where is ◯◯?” Use this if you’re close to your destination but don’t know exactly where it is.

Example
“Kokuritsu hakubutsukan wa doko desu ka?”
[kokurits hakubuts kanwa doko deska]

“Where is the National Museum?”

11. Kore, ◯◯ ni ikimasu ka?

[kore ◯◯ni ikimaska]

This means “Does this go to ◯◯?” Use this on the bus or train to make sure that it’s going to your intended destination.

Example
“Kore, Asakusa ni ikimasu ka?”
[kore asaksani ikimaska]

“Does this go to Asakusa?”

12. Koko kara, arukemasu ka?

[kokokara aruke maska]

This phrase means “Is it possible to walk from here?”

You can also ask,

◯◯ made, koko kara, arukemasu ka?
[◯◯made kokokara aruke maska]

which means “Is it possible to walk to ◯◯ here?”

Example
“Sukaitsurii made, koko kara, arukemasuka?”
[skai tsuri: made kokokara aruke maska]

“Is it possible to walk to the Skytree from here?”

At Stores and Restaurants

13. Oikura desu ka?

[oikura deska]

This phrase means “How much?” Japanese store displays may show prices with or without tax, so double-check with this phrase.

14. Osusume wa nan desu ka?

[ossumewa nandeska]

This means “What do you recommend?” Use this phrase if you don’t know what to order at a restaurant.

15. Kore wa nan desu ka?

[korewa nandeska]

If you don’t know what something is, ask “what is this?”

16. “◯◯ wa arimasu ka?”

[◯◯ wa arimaska]

Use this to ask “Do you have ◯◯?” when you’re looking for something.

Examples

“Eigo menyu wa arimasu ka?”
[e:gono menyu:wa arimaska]

“Do you have an English menu?”

“Bejitarian menyu wa arimasu ka?”
[bejitarian menyu:wa arimaska]

“Do you have vegetarian options?”

“Butaniku nuki no menu wa arimasu ka?”
[butaniku nukino menyuwa arimaska]