Phrases for Beginners Joining Japanese Language Classes

Whether you need to learn Japanese because you work for Japan’s company, move to Japan, or a passion, joining Japanese language classes  seems like a challenge. However, once you get started, it is actually quite easy and simple. The first important thing is learning their basic phrases and using them often. Here, we will share frequent common words that every beginner should be familiar with.

Greeting

How to greet people is always be the first step when someone learns a certain language. Therefore, you need to know how to start a conversation when you say hello to people. In Japanese, there are eight common ways to greet.

1. Konnichiwa – Hello
2. Ohayou gozaimasu – Good morning
3. Konbanwa – Good evening
4. Moshi moshi is used to say hello when you answer a call on the phone
5. Ogenki desu ka? – How are you?
6. Genki desu – I’m fine / I’m good
7. Ohisashiburi desu ne – Long time no see
8. ……….. –san mo? – and you? [mention the name of someone you’re speaking to when using this phrase]

Getting to Know Your Partner

Once you greet your friends, let them know that you are interested in getting to know them further. Therefore, these expressions will help you to carry on the chat. Every Japanese language classes will teach you how to use these.

1. Namae wa nan desu ka? – What is your name?
2. Watashi no namae wa ……….. desu – My name is ………..
3. Doko kara kimashita ka? – Where are you from?
4. Watashi wa ……….. kara kimashita – I’m from ………..
5. Sou desu ka? – Really? Is that so? [Japanese use this expression a lot]

Polite Words

Japanese is very polite to one another, whether it is to someone they know or even to strangers. Besides studying their language, being familiar with their customs will give you a better understanding. Here are some polite utterances Japanese mostly spoke.

1. Arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you
2. Douitashimashite – You’re welcome
3. Sumimasen – Excuse me/I’m sorry
4. Gomen nasai – I’m truly sorry
5. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu – Thank you very much/ I’m in your debt
6. Itadakimasu – Thank you for the meal [Japanese always say this word when they will enjoy their food. It is a way to show gratitude for the meal served]

Need Explanation

There will be times when you don’t understand what your partner is saying, get confused, or extra explanation is needed. Do not stress it because these common expressions will help you cope with the situation.

1. Eigo te iu no wa ……….. ? – In English, is that ……….. ?
2. Wakarimasen – I don’t understand
3. Shirimasen – I don’t know
4. Nihongo de perapera de wa nai desu – I can’t speak Japanese fluently
5. Tetsudatte kuremasen ka? – Can you help me?
6. Mou ichido kudasai – Can you repeat that once more?
7. Wasuremashita – I forgot
8. ……….. te iu no imi wa nan desu ka? – What does ……….. mean?

Never fear to make a discussion using Japanese. Once you join Japanese language classes, set a goal and be determined during the learning program. By mastering those basic phrases, you’ll gain more confidence when speaking with native speakers.