Praktisch · Kapitel 14
Japanese Phrasebook
Japanese is not an easy language—but a few words and phrases in Japanese will infinitely enrich your journey. Japanese people sincerely appreciate any attempt to speak their language. Here are the most important expressions with Romaji (Latin transcription).
Basics & Greetings
The Most Important Words
| German | Japanese | Romaji | Pronunciation Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello (during the day) | こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Kon-ni-tschi-wa |
| Good morning | おはようございます | Ohayō gozaimasu | O-ha-joo go-sai-mass |
| Good evening | こんばんは | Konbanwa | Kon-ban-wa |
| Thank you (polite) | ありがとうございます | Arigatō gozaimasu | A-ri-ga-too go-sai-mass |
| Thank you (casual) | ありがとう | Arigatō | A-ri-ga-too |
| Please (request) | お願いします | Onegai shimasu | O-ne-gai schi-mass |
| Excuse me | すみません | Sumimasen | Su-mi-ma-sen |
| Yes | はい | Hai | Hai |
| No | いいえ | Iie | I-i-e |
| Goodbye | さようなら | Sayōnara | Sa-joo-na-ra (formal) |
| Good night | おやすみなさい | Oyasumi nasai | O-ja-su-mi na-sai |
| I don't understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen | Wa-ka-ri-ma-sen |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話しますか | Eigo o hanashimasu ka? | E-go o ha-na-schi-mass ka? |
The Magic Word: Sumimasen
Sumimasen (すみません) is the most useful word in Japan. It simultaneously means "Excuse me," "Pardon me," "May I?" and "Thank you for your effort." Use it to:
- Attract attention (in a restaurant: "Sumimasen!" = call the waiter)
- Apologize (if you are in the way)
- Express gratitude (when someone helps you)
- Make your way through a crowd ("Sumimasen, sumimasen...")
In the Restaurant & Shopping
| German | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| First a beer, please! | とりあえずビール | Toriaezu bīru! |
| That one please (pointing) | これをお願いします | Kore o onegai shimasu |
| The bill please | お会計お願いします | Okaikei onegai shimasu |
| Delicious! / Tasty! | おいしい！ | Oishii! |
| Enjoy your meal (before eating) | いただきます | Itadakimasu |
| Thank you for the meal (after eating) | ごちそうさまでした | Gochisōsama deshita |
| Without ... please | ...抜きで | ...nuki de |
| I am a vegetarian | ベジタリアンです | Bejitarian desu |
| Allergy to ... | ...アレルギーがあります | ...arerugii ga arimasu |
| How much does this cost? | いくらですか | Ikura desu ka? |
| Too expensive! | 高すぎます | Takasugimasu! |
| Tax-free please | 免税でお願いします | Menzei de onegai shimasu |
Ritual Before and After Eating
Itadakimasu (いただきます) — literally "I humbly receive" — is said before eating with hands together. It expresses gratitude to the cook and the ingredients. After eating: Gochisōsama deshita — "It was a feast." Both are naturally said in Japan and show respect.
On the Go & Emergencies
| German | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Where is ...? | ...はどこですか | ...wa doko desu ka? |
| Station | 駅 | Eki |
| Toilet | トイレ | Toire |
| Hotel | ホテル | Hoteru |
| Hospital | 病院 | Byōin |
| Left / Right / Straight | 左 / 右 / まっすぐ | Hidari / Migi / Massugu |
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| I am sick | 具合が悪いです | Guai ga warui desu |
| Please call an ambulance | 救急車をお願いします | Kyūkyūsha o onegai shimasu |
| I am lost | 道に迷いました | Michi ni mayoimashita |
| This place please (Taxi) | ここにお願いします | Koko ni onegai shimasu |
| A ticket to ... please | ...までの切符をお願いします | ...made no kippu o onegai shimasu |
Numbers
| Number | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | Ichi |
| 2 | 二 | Ni |
| 3 | 三 | San |
| 4 | 四 | Yon / Shi |
| 5 | 五 | Go |
| 6 | 六 | Roku |
| 7 | 七 | Nana / Shichi |
| 8 | 八 | Hachi |
| 9 | 九 | Kyū / Ku |
| 10 | 十 | Jū |
| 100 | 百 | Hyaku |
| 1,000 | 千 | Sen |
| 10,000 | 万 | Man |
Useful Everyday Expressions
| German | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Cheers! | 乾杯！ | Kanpai! |
| Cute! | かわいい！ | Kawaii! |
| Incredible! | すごい！ | Sugoi! |
| No problem | 大丈夫 | Daijōbu |
| Welcome! (in shops) | いらっしゃいませ | Irasshaimase |
| I am from Germany | ドイツから来ました | Doitsu kara kimashita |
Tipp
Japanese people speak little English—but it gets better in tourist areas. Google Translate with camera function is a lifesaver for Japanese menus and signs. Download the Japanese package for offline use!
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