Basic Japanese Phrases: Essential Guide for Beginners to Business

2025/06/01

Learning Japanese phrases is your gateway to connecting with Japanese culture and people. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, starting to learn the language, or preparing for work in a Japanese environment, mastering these essential phrases will boost your confidence and help you navigate various situations.

This comprehensive guide provides 85 carefully selected phrases organized by difficulty and context, complete with romanization, Japanese script, and English meanings to support your learning journey.

The Simplest Japanese Phrases (20 Essential Basics)

These fundamental phrases form the backbone of Japanese communication. Every Japanese language learner should memorize these expressions first, as they’re used countless times daily in all types of interactions. Focus on proper pronunciation and natural intonation, as these basics will be your most frequent tools for communication.

Greetings and Basic Responses

Japanese greetings are time-sensitive and carry cultural significance. Unlike English “hello,” Japanese greetings change based on the time of day. Proper bowing accompanies these verbal greetings, with deeper bows showing greater respect.

1. Hai | はい | Yes
2. Iie | いいえ | No
3. Konnichiwa | こんにちは | Hello/Good afternoon
4. Ohayou gozaimasu | おはようございます | Good morning
5. Konbanwa | こんばんは | Good evening

Cultural Note: Use “konnichiwa” from late morning until around 5 PM. “Ohayou gozaimasu” is used until about 11 AM, while “konbanwa” begins around 5 PM.

Essential Politeness Expressions

Politeness is fundamental in Japanese culture. These expressions demonstrate respect and maintain social harmony. “Sumimasen” is particularly versatile—use it to get attention, apologize, or even express gratitude in some contexts.

6. Arigatou gozaimasu | ありがとうございます | Thank you
7. Sumimasen | すみません | Excuse me/I’m sorry
8. Gomen nasai | ごめんなさい | I’m sorry (more formal)
9. Onegaishimasu | お願いします | Please
10. Douitashimashite | どういたしまして | You’re welcome

Usage Tip: “Arigatou gozaimasu” is formal; drop “gozaimasu” for casual situations. “Gomen nasai” implies deeper regret than “sumimasen.”

Basic Communication

These phrases are lifesavers when language barriers arise. Japanese people appreciate when foreigners attempt to communicate in Japanese, even if imperfectly. Don’t hesitate to use these phrases—they show respect for the language and culture.

11. Wakarimasen | わかりません | I don’t understand
12. Shirimasen | 知りません | I don’t know
13. Mou ichido kudasai | もう一度ください | Please say that again
14. Yukkuri kudasai | ゆっくりください | Please speak slowly
15. Eigo ga dekimasu ka | 英語ができますか | Can you speak English?

Learning Strategy: Practice these with different intonations. A rising tone makes them sound more polite and less demanding.

Farewells

Japanese farewells vary in formality and implied future contact. “Sayounara” suggests you may not meet again soon, while “ja, mata” indicates you’ll see each other again shortly. Choose appropriately based on your relationship and circumstances.

16. Sayounara | さようなら | Goodbye (formal)
17. Ja, mata | じゃ、また | See you later
18. Oyasumi nasai | おやすみなさい | Good night
19. Ki wo tsukete | 気をつけて | Take care
20. Mata ashita | また明日 | See you tomorrow

Cultural Insight: “Oyasumi nasai” is used when parting at night or going to bed. “Ki wo tsukete” shows genuine care and is commonly used when someone is traveling.

Easy Japanese Phrases for Travelers (25 Practical Expressions)

Travel situations require specific vocabulary that goes beyond basic greetings. These phrases address common tourist needs: navigation, shopping, dining, and emergencies. Master these before your trip to Japan for a more confident and enjoyable experience.

Self-Introduction and Basic Information

First impressions matter in Japan. These formal introduction phrases help establish respectful relationships. Always state your name clearly and mention your home country, as Japanese people are genuinely interested in international visitors.

21. Watashi no namae wa [name] desu | 私の名前は[name]です | My name is [name]
22. [Country] kara kimashita | [国]から来ました | I came from [country]
23. Hajimemashite | はじめまして | Nice to meet you
24. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu | よろしくお願いします | Please treat me favorably
25. Kankou desu | 観光です | I’m sightseeing

Pronunciation Tip: When stating your country, use the Japanese pronunciation: “Amerika” for America, “Igirisu” for England, “Furansu” for France.

Navigation and Directions

Getting lost is common for tourists, but these phrases will help you find your way. Japanese people are generally helpful to lost tourists, especially when you make an effort to ask in Japanese. Train stations and bathrooms are the most frequently asked-about locations.

26. Toire wa doko desu ka | トイレはどこですか | Where is the bathroom?
27. Eki wa doko desu ka | 駅はどこですか | Where is the train station?
28. Koko wa doko desu ka | ここはどこですか | Where am I?
29. Michi ni mayoimashita | 道に迷いました | I’m lost
30. Tetsudatte kudasai | 手伝ってください | Please help me

Practical Advice: Carry a map or have your destination written in Japanese characters. Many Japanese people can read maps better than they can speak English.

Shopping and Money

Shopping in Japan involves specific etiquette and phrases. Prices are usually fixed, but these phrases help with basic transactions. Japanese customer service is exceptionally polite, and using these phrases shows appreciation for their culture.

31. Ikura desu ka | いくらですか | How much is it?
32. Kore wo kudasai | これをください | I’ll take this one
33. Motto yasui no wa arimasu ka | もっと安いのはありますか | Do you have anything cheaper?
34. Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka | クレジットカードは使えますか | Can I use a credit card?
35. Fukuro wa irimasen | 袋はいりません | I don’t need a bag

Cultural Note: Japan is increasingly environmentally conscious. Declining plastic bags is appreciated and sometimes saves you money, as some stores charge for bags.

Food and Dining

Japanese dining culture includes specific phrases said before and after meals. “Itadakimasu” expresses gratitude for the meal and everyone involved in bringing it to the table. These phrases show respect for Japanese customs and will impress restaurant staff.

36. Itadakimasu | いただきます | Let’s eat (before meals)
37. Gochisousama deshita | ごちそうさまでした | Thank you for the meal
38. Oishii desu | おいしいです | It’s delicious
39. Okaikei onegaishimasu | お会計お願いします | Check, please
40. Mizu wo onegaishimasu | 水をお願いします | Water, please

Dining Etiquette: Say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after finishing. Complimenting the food with “oishii desu” is always appreciated.

Emergency and Health

While hopefully unnecessary, these emergency phrases could be crucial. Japanese emergency services are efficient, and hospital staff often have some English capability. However, knowing these phrases demonstrates the seriousness of your situation.

41. Tasukete | 助けて | Help!
42. Byouin wa doko desu ka | 病院はどこですか | Where is the hospital?
43. Itai desu | 痛いです | It hurts
44. Guai ga warui desu | 具合が悪いです | I don’t feel well
45. Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai | 警察を呼んでください | Please call the police

Emergency Tip: The emergency number in Japan is 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance. Keep these numbers and phrases easily accessible.

Japanese Phrases for Daily Conversation (20 Social Expressions)

Moving beyond survival phrases, these expressions help build meaningful relationships with Japanese people. They show genuine interest in others and allow for deeper cultural exchange. These phrases transform you from a tourist into someone making real connections.

Getting to Know People

Personal questions in Japan follow certain protocols. Age and marital status are more commonly discussed than in some Western cultures, but always ask politely. These phrases help establish personal connections and show interest in others’ lives.

46. Ogenki desu ka | お元気ですか | How are you?
47. Genki desu | 元気です | I’m fine
48. Nansai desu ka | 何歳ですか | How old are you?
49. Doko ni sunde imasu ka | どこに住んでいますか | Where do you live?
50. Kyoudai ga imasu ka | 兄弟がいますか | Do you have siblings?

Social Context: Family questions show genuine interest. Japanese people often live with their families longer than in Western countries, making family topics common conversation starters.

Expressing Opinions and Feelings

Japanese communication often involves subtle expression of feelings. These phrases help you articulate your opinions while maintaining harmony. Be aware that direct negative opinions might be softened with additional polite language.

51. Suki desu | 好きです | I like it
52. Kirai desu | 嫌いです | I don’t like it
53. Tanoshii desu | 楽しいです | It’s fun
54. Tsumaranai desu | つまらないです | It’s boring
55. Muzukashii desu | 難しいです | It’s difficult

Communication Style: Japanese conversation often includes more positive expressions than negative ones. Consider softening negative opinions with phrases like “chotto…” (a little…).

Time and Scheduling

Time consciousness is important in Japanese culture. These phrases help coordinate activities and show respect for others’ schedules. Punctuality is highly valued, so use these phrases to communicate clearly about timing.

56. Ima nanji desu ka | 今何時ですか | What time is it?
57. Kyou wa nanyoubi desu ka | 今日は何曜日ですか | What day is today?
58. Ashita jikan ga arimasu ka | 明日時間がありますか | Do you have time tomorrow?
59. Isogashii desu | 忙しいです | I’m busy
60. Hima desu | 暇です | I’m free

Time Culture: Being on time is crucial in Japan. If you’re running late, call ahead. “Isogashii desu” is commonly used and understood as a polite way to decline invitations.

Making Plans and Suggestions

Japanese people often make group decisions through subtle suggestion rather than direct commands. These phrases help you participate in this cultural style of planning while being respectful of group harmony.

61. Issho ni ikimasen ka | 一緒に行きませんか | Would you like to go together?
62. Eiga wo mi ni ikimasen ka | 映画を見に行きませんか | Would you like to go see a movie?
63. Ii kangae desu ne | いい考えですね | That’s a good idea
64. Zannen desu | 残念です | That’s unfortunate
65. Mata kondo | また今度 | Maybe next time

Social Dynamics: Suggesting activities using “~masen ka” is polite and gives the other person an easy way to decline. “Mata kondo” is a gentle way to postpone without directly refusing.

Business Japanese Phrases for Working Professionals (20 Workplace Expressions)

Professional Japanese requires higher levels of formality and specific business terminology. These phrases are essential for anyone working in a Japanese company or doing business with Japanese partners. They demonstrate cultural awareness and professional competence.

Professional Greetings and Introductions

Business relationships in Japan begin with proper formal introductions and exchange of business cards (meishi). The level of formality is higher than in casual settings, and these phrases establish professional credibility from the first meeting.

66. Otsukaresama desu | お疲れ様です | Thank you for your hard work
67. Osewa ni natte orimasu | お世話になっております | Thank you for your continued support
68. Shitsurei shimasu | 失礼します | Excuse me (entering/leaving)
69. Hajimete o-me ni kakarimasu | 初めてお目にかかります | It’s the first time meeting you (formal)
70. Meishi wo koukan sasete kudasai | 名刺を交換させてください | Please let me exchange business cards

Business Etiquette: “Otsukaresama desu” is used throughout the day between colleagues. Business card exchange involves specific rituals—receive with both hands and study the card carefully.

Meeting and Discussion Phrases

Japanese meetings often involve consensus-building and careful consideration of all opinions. These phrases help you participate effectively in professional discussions while showing respect for the group decision-making process.

71. Kaigi wo hajimemasu | 会議を始めます | Let’s start the meeting
72. Shitsumon ga arimasu | 質問があります | I have a question
73. Iken wo kiseisasete kudasai | 意見を聞かせてください | Please share your opinion
74. Dou omoimasu ka | どう思いますか | What do you think?
75. Sansei desu | 賛成です | I agree

Meeting Culture: Japanese meetings may include long periods of silence for reflection. Don’t rush to fill silence—it’s part of the decision-making process.

Work Tasks and Deadlines

Project management and task coordination require clear communication about deadlines and responsibilities. These phrases help ensure smooth workflow and demonstrate your commitment to meeting professional obligations.

76. Kakunin shimasu | 確認します | I will confirm
77. Houkoku shimasu | 報告します | I will report
78. Shimekiri wa itsu desu ka | 締切はいつですか | When is the deadline?
79. Maniaimasu ka | 間に合いますか | Will it be on time?
80. Ganbarimashou | 頑張りましょう | Let’s do our best

Work Ethic: “Ganbarimashou” reflects the Japanese value of collective effort. Use these phrases to show reliability and team commitment.

Professional Courtesy

Proper workplace etiquette includes specific phrases for various daily interactions. These expressions maintain professional relationships and show understanding of Japanese business culture, particularly the importance of mutual respect and acknowledgment of others’ efforts.

81. Arigatou gozaimashita | ありがとうございました | Thank you (past tense, formal)
82. Moushiwake gozaimasen | 申し訳ございません | I’m very sorry (formal)
83. Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu | お先に失礼します | Excuse me for leaving before you
84. Otsukaresama deshita | お疲れ様でした | Thank you for your hard work (end of day)
85. Ashita mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu | 明日もよろしくお願いします | Please treat me favorably tomorrow as well

Workplace Harmony: These phrases maintain the wa (harmony) that’s central to Japanese workplace culture. Always acknowledge others’ work and show appreciation for teamwork.

From Basic Phrases to Professional Success: Mastering Japanese Interviews

Learning these essential Japanese phrases is an excellent foundation, but if you’re planning to work in Japan, your language skills will be put to the ultimate test during job interviews. While memorizing phrases is important, Japanese interviews require you to use these expressions naturally while navigating complex cultural expectations and demonstrating your professional competence.

The Challenge Beyond Basic Communication

Many foreigners who can handle daily conversations in Japanese find themselves struggling in interview situations. Japanese interview culture emphasizes not just language ability, but cultural understanding, appropriate formality levels, and the ability to articulate your value proposition while showing humility and team orientation—concepts that don’t always translate directly from Western interview approaches.

The business phrases you’ve learned in this guide are just the starting point. In interviews, you’ll need to combine these expressions with storytelling, cultural awareness, and the confidence to handle unexpected questions—all while maintaining the proper level of formality and respect.

Specialized Interview Preparation for Career Success

To transform your growing Japanese language skills into interview success, consider investing in targeted preparation that builds upon the foundation you’re developing with these basic phrases.

For General Job Seekers

Our “Mastering Japanese Job Interviews [for general job seekers]” course takes the business phrases you’ve learned here and teaches you how to use them effectively in real interview scenarios. This 3-6 month program expands your phrase knowledge into full conversational competence, covering everything from advanced self-introductions using the phrases from this guide to demonstrating your understanding of Japanese workplace culture through proper language use.

Designed for intermediate to advanced Japanese speakers (JLPT N3-N2), this comprehensive program helps you progress from knowing individual phrases to conducting confident, culturally appropriate interviews that lead to job offers.

For Engineers and IT Professionals

Our “Mastering Japanese Job Interviews for Engineers” course addresses the unique challenge of combining technical expertise with Japanese business communication. You’ll learn to articulate complex technical concepts while incorporating the respectful, humble communication style that Japanese employers expect.

This specialized program builds on the business phrases foundation to help you communicate your technical skills effectively while addressing common concerns Japanese employers have about foreign engineers, such as team integration and long-term commitment. You’ll master both the language and cultural elements needed to succeed in Japan’s competitive tech industry.