Japanese phrases: The basics
*すみません* (sumimasen) is the most useful word in Japan: excuse me, sorry, and even thank you.
Speed:
- はい。Hai.Yes. · Also means “I'm listening” or “here you are”. Casual: (un).
- いいえ。Iie.No. · Sounds quite direct. A refusal is usually softened: (sumimasen, chotto…).
- お願いします。Onegai shimasu.Please. · When asking for something: (kōhī, onegai shimasu).
- どうぞ。Dōzo.Please, go ahead. / Here you are. · When offering something or letting someone go first.
- ありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you. · Polite. To friends and family: (arigatō).
- どういたしまして。Dō itashimashite.You're welcome. · In everyday life people more often say (iie) or (ieie), not at all.
- すみません。Sumimasen.Excuse me. / Sorry. · Also to call staff, and as a thank-you when someone goes to trouble for you.
- ごめんなさい。Gomen nasai.I'm sorry. · A personal apology, to friends and family. At work: (mōshiwake arimasen).
- 大丈夫です。Daijōbu desu.It's fine. / No, thank you. · Also a polite way to say no to an offer, such as a bag in a shop.
- わかりません。Wakarimasen.I don't understand. / I don't know.
- 英語が話せますか。Eigo ga hanasemasu ka.Do you speak English?
- ゆっくり話してください。Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.Please speak slowly. · Once more, please: (mō ichido onegai shimasu).