Learning Japanese is exciting — but also a little overwhelming at first.
With three writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana) and a whole new set of sounds, beginners often ask: “Where should I start?”
The answer: Start with the basics.
By learning a few essential phrases, you can greet people, show respect, and handle common situations in Japan — even if you don’t know much grammar yet.
Here are 10 must-know Japanese phrases, complete with pronunciation, meanings, and cultural notes.
こんにちは（今日は）– Konnichiwa
Romaji: Konnichiwa
Pronunciation: kon-ni-chi-wa (the “wa” is written as は in Japanese)
Meaning: Hello / Good afternoon
When to use: From late morning to sunset, in both formal and casual situations.
Example:
「こんにちは。お元気ですか？」
Konnichiwa. O-genki desu ka? – Hello. How are you?
おはようございます – Ohayou gozaimasu
Romaji: Ohayou gozaimasu
Pronunciation: o-ha-yo go-za-i-mas
Meaning: Good morning
Casual: おはよう (Ohayou) — with friends, family.
Polite: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — with teachers, colleagues, strangers.
Example:
「おはようございます。今日はいい天気ですね。」
Ohayou gozaimasu. Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne. – Good morning. It’s nice weather today, isn’t it?
こんばんは – Konbanwa
Romaji: Konbanwa
Pronunciation: kon-ban-wa (again, written with は but read “wa”)
Meaning: Good evening
When to use: As a greeting after dark, never as a goodbye.
Example:
「こんばんは。お仕事は終わりましたか？」
Konbanwa. Oshigoto wa owarimashita ka? – Good evening. Have you finished work?
はじめまして – Hajimemashite
Romaji: Hajimemashite
Pronunciation: ha-ji-me-mash-te
Meaning: Nice to meet you
Used at the start of an introduction. Usually followed by your name, then よろしくおねがいします (#6).
Example:
「はじめまして。ラヒブです。よろしくおねがいします。」
Hajimemashite. Rahibu desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. – Nice to meet you. I’m Raghib. Please take care of me.
ありがとう / ありがとうございます – Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu
Romaji: Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu
Pronunciation: a-ri-ga-to / a-ri-ga-to go-za-i-mas
Meaning: Thank you
Casual: ありがとう (Arigatou) — with friends, family.
Polite: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — most other situations.
Example:
「手伝ってくれてありがとう。」
Tetsudatte kurete arigatou. – Thanks for helping me.
よろしくおねがいします – Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Romaji: Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Pronunciation: yo-ro-shku o-ne-ga-i-shi-mas
Meaning: Please take care of me / I look forward to working with you
Has no exact English equivalent. Used when requesting help, starting cooperation, or ending an introduction.
Example:
「明日から新しい仕事です。よろしくおねがいします。」
Ashita kara atarashii shigoto desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. – I start my new job tomorrow. Please take care of me.
すみません – Sumimasen
Romaji: Sumimasen
Pronunciation: su-mi-ma-sen
Meaning: Excuse me / I’m sorry / Thank you
Uses:
1. To get someone’s attention
2. To apologize politely
3. To thank someone for going out of their wayExample:
「すみません、駅はどこですか？」
Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? – Excuse me, where is the station?
はい / いいえ – Hai / Iie
Romaji: Hai / Iie
Pronunciation: hai / i-ie (two syllables)
Meaning: Yes / No
Cultural note: In Japanese, “yes” can mean “I understand” — not necessarily “I agree.”
Example:
「この席、空いていますか？」
Kono seki, aiteimasu ka? – Is this seat free?
「はい。」 – Yes.
「いいえ。」 – No.
トイレはどこですか – Toire wa doko desu ka
Romaji: Toire wa doko desu ka?
Pronunciation: toi-re wa do-ko des ka
Meaning: Where is the bathroom?
Pattern: [Place] はどこですか？ – Where is [place]?
Examples:
駅はどこですか？ – Where is the station?
コンビニはどこですか？ – Where is the convenience store?
わかりません – Wakarimasen
Romaji: Wakarimasen
Pronunciation: wa-ka-ri-ma-sen
Meaning: I don’t understand
Polite and safe to use when confused or unsure.
Example:
「すみません、日本語がわかりません。」
Sumimasen, nihongo ga wakarimasen. – Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese.
With these 10 basic Japanese phrases, you can already navigate greetings, thanks, questions, and simple requests — giving you a strong foundation for your Japanese learning journey.