These Are the three Most Important Phrases to Know in Japan, Based on a Native

Whereas translation apps have made touring overseas an excellent deal simpler, it by no means hurts to have a number of phrases memorized for politeness and comfort. If you’re headed to Japan, you in all probability already know konnichiwa (hey) and arigatō (thanks), however what different phrases turn out to be useful? As a long-term resident, this is my quick checklist of what each traveler ought to know.

Sumimasen

Identical to English “Excuse me,” this versatile phrase can be utilized to get somebody’s consideration, to ask them to repeat one thing you didn’t catch, to apologize for small errors, and to ask somebody to make means. Which implies that is an precise dialog you would possibly hear on the practice:

A: Sumimasen.
B: Sumimasen?
A: [gestures at blocked exit]
B: Oh, sumimasen!

Intonation and pronunciation are key right here. Talking up with clear enunciation is extra prone to be a name for consideration, a softly spoken and elided suimasen in all probability a request to get by.

Daijōbu

Probably probably the most helpful phrase in your complete Japanese language, daijōbu means one thing like “nice” and has a variety of functions. When you stumble upon somebody, for instance, you possibly can ask if they’re OK with Daijōbu? The response: Daijōbu! If somebody provides you one thing you don’t need, you possibly can gently refuse with daijōbu. If somebody asks if preparations are passable? Daijōbu! If somebody apologies? Daijōbu! Are you able to eat uncooked fish? You guessed it: Daijōbu!

Mata ne!

You might have heard that sayonara means goodbye in Japanese, however that phrase will not be used a lot in each day life as a result of it really means one thing nearer to “Farewell, ceaselessly! We might by no means meet once more!” So, until you might be headed off to struggle or wish to come throughout as a complete drama queen, the extra informal mata ne (goodbye) will suffice.

A Few Bonus Bits

In Japanese, a vocabulary checklist is typically known as kotoba no takarabako or a treasure field of phrases. Listed here are a number of jewels vacationers might wish to have of their hoard.

• hōdai (all-you-can): As in nomihōdai (all-you-can-drink) and tabehōdai (all-you-can-eat). These budget-friendly choices are generally discovered at bars and eating places.
• manseki (absolutely booked): Indicators with the characters 満席 imply don’t even hassle coming in, we’re full up.
• nihonshu (sake): In Japanese, sake means alcohol broadly, not simply the brewed rice beverage the nation is known for. Strolling right into a bar and asking for sake is like strolling right into a Starbucks and simply asking for espresso.
• sugoi (unimaginable/superb): An all-purpose response phrase for something you want
• Nihongo jōzu! (Your Japanese is nice!): Put together to listen to this each time you employ even probably the most fundamental Japanese with any competency …