Japanese Phrases and Expressions

Explore useful Japanese phrases and expressions with clear explanations and cultural context to help you communicate more naturally.

Essential Japanese

Start here. These are the most essential Japanese words you need to know for basic communication.

• Hai (はい) Yes
• Iie (いいえ) No
• Arigato (ありがとう) / Arigato Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) Thank you
• Sumimasen (すみません) Excuse me
• Onegaishimasu (お願いします) Please

Basic Greetings

Learn the most common Japanese greetings used in everyday life. From “good morning” to “good evening” and “goodbye,” these basic expressions will help you greet people naturally and politely in Japanese.

Understanding when and how to use each greeting is just as important as memorizing the words. Start with these essential phrases to build a strong foundation in Japanese communication.

• Ohayou (おはよう) / Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます) Good morning
• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) Hello
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) Good evening
• Sayonara (さよなら) Goodbye
• Mata ne (またね) See you (casual)
• Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい) Good night

At a Café

Before visiting a café in Japan, it’s helpful to learn these common phrases. These are expressions you will often hear from staff, and understanding them will help you feel more confident in real situations.

• Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ) Welcome (used in shops and cafés)
• Gochuumon wa? (ご注文は？) What would you like?
• Tennai de omeshiagari desu ka? (店内でお召し上がりですか？) For here?
• Omochikaeri desu ka? (お持ち帰りですか？) To go?
• Shoushou omachi kudasai (少々お待ちください) Please wait a moment
• Ijou de yoroshii desu ka? (以上でよろしいですか？) Is that all?
• Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) Thank you (said by staff)