Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As one of the most influential and widely spoken languages in the world, Japanese is a great language to start with for new language learners. In this article, we will go over 10 of the most basic and useful Japanese words to know as a beginner.
The Japanese language is spoken by over 128 million people worldwide, mainly in Japan. Japanese is considered one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn, due to its complex writing system and grammar rules. However, learning just a small sample of basic Japanese words and phrases can be tremendously helpful for travelers visiting Japan or those interested in Japanese culture.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common Japanese words and phrases to know as a beginner. These essential Japanese words and expressions will allow you to navigate basic interactions and conversations during your first trip to Japan. Learning these fundamental vocabulary words will also provide a strong foundation as you continue your Japanese language studies.
10 Essential Japanese Words for Beginners
Here are the 10 most important basic Japanese words and phrases to memorize first:
| Japanese Word/Phrase | Romanized Spelling | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Konnichiwa | こんにちは | Hello |
| Arigatō | ありがとう | Thank you |
| Sayōnara | さようなら | Goodbye |
| Hai | はい | Yes |
| Īe | いいえ | No |
| Sumimasen | すみません | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Gomen’nasai | ごめんなさい | I’m sorry |
| Wakarimasen | わかりません | I don’t understand |
| Anata | あなた | You |
| Watashi | わたし | I / Me |
1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
“Konnichiwa” is the most common Japanese greeting. It is used to say “hello” or “good afternoon” when meeting someone. “Konnichiwa” is appropriate for both formal and informal greetings. Pronounce it as “cone-nee-chee-wah.”
2. Arigatō (ありがとう)
The casual phrase for “thank you” in Japanese is “arigatō.” Use it when expressing gratitude for a favor or service. For example, say “arigatō” to thank a cashier, waiter, taxi driver, etc. Pronounce this essential term as “ah-ree-GAH-toh.” In very formal situations, you can say “arigatō gozaimasu” instead.
3. Sayōnara (さようなら)
“Sayōnara” means “goodbye” in Japanese. Use this term when parting ways with someone. While it directly translates to “if it be thus,” “sayōnara” carries a sense of finality, implying you may not see that person for a long time. Pronounce this essential farewell as “sah-YOH-nah-rah.”
4. Hai (はい)
The Japanese word for “yes” is “hai.” Use “hai” to agree, accept, confirm, or acknowledge something. For example, say “hai” when a server asks if your order is correct. Pronounce this basic affirmative term as “hah-ee.” Unlike “yes” in English, “hai” has an upbeat, cheerful tone.
5. Īe (いいえ)
“Īe” is how to say “no” in Japanese. Use this essential term when you need to politely decline something, convey disagreement, or say you don’t need help. For example, say “īe” if a salesperson asks if you need assistance. Pronounce “īe” as “ee-eh.” Keep in mind that openly expressing “no” is not common in Japanese culture.
6. Sumimasen (すみません)
The phrase “sumimasen” has a couple different meanings in Japanese. Most commonly, it means “excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” For example, say “sumimasen” to politely get someone’s attention or express apology after bumping into them. You can also use it to ask someone to repeat themselves. Pronounce this versatile phrase as “soo-mee-mah-sen.”
7. Gomen’nasai (ごめんなさい)
The Japanese phrase “gomen’nasai” translates to “I’m sorry” in a sincere, apologetic way. Use “gomen’nasai” when profusely apologizing for a mistake, accident, inconvenience, etc. For example, say “gomen’nasai” if you drop and break someone’s phone. Pronounce this polite term as “go-men-nah-sigh.”
8. Wakarimasen (わかりません)
“Wakarimasen” means “I don’t understand” in Japanese. Use this phrase if you need someone to repeat or explain something because you didn’t comprehend it. For example, say “wakarimasen” politely if you didn’t understand a question someone asked you. Pronounce it as “wah-kah-ree-mah-sen.”
9. Anata (あなた)
The Japanese word for “you” is “anata.” Use this to directly address the person you are speaking with. For example, say “anata no namae wa nandesu ka” to ask someone their name. Pronounce “anata” as “ah-nah-tah.” Keep in mind “anata” is casual – in formal situations, use honorific titles instead.
10. Watashi (わたし)
“Watashi” means “I” or “me” in Japanese. Use this term to refer to yourself. For example, introduce yourself by saying “watashi wa Emily desu” which means “I am Emily.” Pronounce “watashi” as “wah-tah-she.” Although uncommon, men can also use the more formal term “watakushi” to say “I.”
Conclusion
Learning basic vocabulary is essential when studying any new language. With this list of the 10 most common Japanese words and phrases, you now have a solid foundation to build upon. Start by mastering these essential terms and incorporating them into your daily conversations and interactions. With continued practice and immersion, you will be surprised by how quickly your Japanese language skills improve. Use these fundamental building blocks as a stepping stone to achieving fluency.
Knowing how to say basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” will serve you well on your first trip to Japan. You’ll be able to navigate everyday interactions with polite greetings and responses. As you expand your vocabulary over time, add in more advanced phrases and sentences while reviewing these foundational words.
Mastering the pronunciation and usage of these 10 essential Japanese words is also excellent preparation for further developing your language skills. With the ability to agree, disagree, apologize, ask for help, and express gratitude in Japanese, you have a head start on conversational fluency. Use these key words and phrases as a launch pad to confidently learning and speaking Japanese.