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...")
