More Useful Japanese Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Comprehension and Expressing Thanks

Building on last week’s lesson, this week we’re going to provide some addition Japanese phrases that are useful for beginning learners of the language. These are common expressions that you will use frequently and in a wide variety of situations. Each phrase is presented in its original Japanese characters, followed by a romaji transliteration in parenthesis. Phrases are grouped by the situation in which they are used.

Remember, if you’re struggling with any other facet of the Japanese language, you can contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our highly-qualified teachers offer classes that are custom-tailored to your individual needs.

Comprehension
わかります (wakarimasu) – I understand (formal)

わかる (wakaru) – I understand (informal)

わかりません (wakarimasen) – I don’t understand (formal)

わからない (wakaranai) – I don’t understand (informal)

ゆっくり話してください (yukkuri hanashite kudasai) – please speak more slowly

もうひとつ言ってください (mō hitotsu itte kudasai) – please say that again

書いて、頂けますか (kaite itadakemasu ka) – please write that down

は日本語でなんと言いますか (wa nihongo de nanto īmasu ka) – how do you say [word/phrase] in Japanese?

英語はできますか (Eigo wa dekimasu ka) – Do you speak English?

日本語はできますか (Nihongo wa dekimasu ka) – Do you speak Japanese?

はい、出来ます (hai, dekimasu) – yes, I speak a little bit

Please and Thank You

どうも (doumo) – thanks (informal)

ありがとう (arigatou) – thank you (formal)

どうもありがとう (doumo arigatou) – thanks a lot (formal)

ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) – thank you (polite formal)

どうもありがとうございます(doumo arigatou gozaimasu) – thank you very much (very polite formal)

どういたしまして (dō itashimashite) – you’re welcome

ください (kudasai) – please

ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) – sorry

すみません (sumimasen) – excuse me