Conversational Japanese

6 Japanese phrases to respond when you don’t understand

6 Japanese phrases to respond when you don’t understand 1. もう一度お願いします。 (もういちどおねがいします。) (mou ichido onegaishimasu.) Could you say that again? → Polite (everyone you want to show respect) 2. ゆっくり話していただけますか。 (ゆっくりはなしていただけますか。) (yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?) Could you speak more slowly? → Polite / very polite (teachers, customers, colleagues, or people …

5 ways to say “sorry” in Japanese

5 ways to say “sorry” in Japanese: a simple instruction from casual to formal 1. ごめん (Gomen) = Sorry / My bad → Casual (friends and family) 2. ごめんなさい (Gomennasai) = A softer and more polite “sorry” → Still friendly and very common in daily conversation. Example: 遅れてごめんなさい (Oso kurete …

What to Say When Giving a Present in a Japanese Office

What to Say When Giving a Present in a Japanese Office Japanese office: What to say when giving a present? Formal occasions / Showing humility 1. ほんの気持ちです。ほんのきもちです。 (Honno kimochi desu) → It’s just a little something from me. 2. ほんの気持ちですが、どうぞお受け取りください。ほんのきもちですが、どうぞおうけとりください。 (Honno kimochi desu ga, douzo o uketori kudasai) …

150 Common Japanese Verbs Used in Conversation

150 Common Japanese Verbs Used in Conversation The 150 Verbs That Make Up 90% of Daily Japanese Conversations. No. Kanji Hiragana Romaji Meaning 1 起きるおきる Okiru Wake up 2 寝るねる Neru Sleep 3 食べるたべる Taberu Eat 4 飲むのむ Nomu Drink 5 見るみる Miru See / …

Japanese Grammar for Better Communication

Japanese Grammar for Better Communication Knowing Japanese vocabulary isn’t enough. To speak Japanese like a native, you need these sentence patterns. Save and learn them now! Related Post: JLPT N4 – Everyday Conversation Vocabulary Important Daily Life Short Sentences (JLPT N5)

5 Ways to Say “Happy Birthday” in Japanese

5 Ways to Say “Happy Birthday” in Japanese 1. お誕生日おめでとうございます（おたんじょうびおめでとうございます） Otanjoubi Omedetou Gozaimasu Happy Birthday (Formal) This phrase is the most polite way to give someone well wishes on their birthday! It’s a form of keigo, 敬語（けいご）—polite speech, a cornerstone of speaking the Japanese language. 2. お誕生日おめでとう（おたんじょうびおめでとう） Otanjoubi …