Although we were under no delusions that we could learn the language, we did make an effort to learn the key expressions of greetings and appreciation. In a culture where ceremony reigns supreme, these little gestures were greatly appreciated and returned with compliments and giggles. If you do nothing but learn to say “please,” “thank you” and count to five , you will be in good standing.
Phrases:
* Hello/Good afternoon – Konnichiwa (kon-nee-chee-WAH)
* Nice to meet you – Hajimemashite (hah-jee-meh-MOSH-teh)
* Please – (request) Onegai shimasu. (oh-neh-gigh shee-moss)
Please – (offer) Dōzo. (DOH-zo)
* Thank you – (normal) Arigatō. (ah-ree-GAH-toh)
Thank you – (less formal) Arigatō gozaimasu. (ah-ree-GAH-toh go-ZAh-ee-mahs)
* Thanks – (informal) Dōmo. (doh-moh)
Thank you very much – (formal) Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu. (doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh go-ZAh-ee-mah-ss)
You’re welcome – Dō itashi mashite. (doh EE-tah-shee mosh-teh)
Yes – Hai. (HIGH)
No – Iie. (EE-eh)
* Excuse me – Sumimasen. (soo-mee-mah-sen)
I’m sorry – Gomen-nasai. (goh-men-nah-sigh)
I can’t speak Japanese – Nihongo hanasemasen. (nee-hohn-goh hah-nah-seh-mah-sen)
Do you speak English? Eigo o hanasemasuka? (AY-goh oh hah-nah-seh-moss-KAH?)
Help! Tasukete! (tah-soo-keh-teh!)
Look out! Abunai! (ah-boo-NIGH!)
Good morning – Ohayō gozaimasu. (oh-hah-YOH go-zigh-moss)
Good evening – Konbanwa. (kohm-bahn-wah)
Good night – (to sleep) Oyasuminasai. (oh-yah-soo-mee-nah-sigh)
* Goodbye – Sayōnara. (sa-YOH-nah-rah)
Where is the toilet? Toire wa doko desu ka? (toy-reh wah DOH-koh dess kah?)
How much? Ikura? (ee-koo-rah)
Street sign in Harajuku: I hate smorking!
1 (ichi)
2 (ni)
3 (san)
4 (yon or shi)
5 (go)
6 (roku)
7 (nana or shichi)
8 (hachi)
9 (kyū)
10 (jū)
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