Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Konnichiwa!
Japanese is a very phonetic language. So learning basic phrases can be surprisingly easy for native English speakers. Spending time learning a bit Japanese through independent study or a class can have a real pay off in improving the traveler’s comfort level.
There are many audio and computer resources for learning basic Japanese phrases for travelers. [Please see Japanese Language Learning Programs link below.]
Here are a few basic Japanese words and phrases to start with:
- Ohayoo gozaimasu - Good morning
- Konnichiwa - Good afternoon
- Konbanwa - Good evening
- Sayonara - Goodbye
- Arigato - Thank you
- Do-itash-imash-itay - You’re welcome
- Sumimasen - Excuse me
- Hai - Okay/yes
- Iie - No
- O genki desuka - How are you?
- Genki desu - I’m fine.
- Dozo - Please (as in “go ahead”)
- Kampai! - Cheers! (for toasting a drink)
- Eigo o hana-shimasu-ka - Do you speak English?
- Nihongo ga wakarimasen - I don’t speak Japanese.
Listen to the words on CD, tape, or computer to hear the correct pronunciations.
Take along a Japanese phrasebook to help out. The Lonely Planet Phrasebook, by Yoshi Abe [Lonely Planet, 2004] for Japan is a popular option, though it reportedly has several errors (which will hopefully be corrected in the next edition.)
Help with Japanese Signage
Japanese text bears no resemblance to English text, so the signage can be very c onfusing for the first time traveler. Become familiar, at least on a basic level, with Japanese text can help. That is easier said than done. The Japanese written language uses three completely different alphabets, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Kanji characters represent whole words or concepts and are adapted from the Chinese writing system.
Hiragana are the phonetic characters used to write most Japanese words. This is the alphabet that Japanese children learn first.
Katakana represent the same phonetic sounds as Hiragana, but are used to write foreign words that have been introduced into the Japanese language, such as doru (dollar) or kurejitto kaado (credit card) and company names like Honda or Toyota.
Learning the hiragana and katakana symbols can help a traveler match signs to those in guidebooks. This is particularly helpful in train stations and when looking for hotels. With practice, travelers to Japan can also learn to recognize a few Kanji words, such as those that represent specific cities like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Two excellent websites for learning and practicing Japanese letters are:
- The Japanese Writing Tutor by Blake Edward Sterzinger
- Real Kana by Bryn Dyment
Understand Japanese Etiquette and Customs
Politeness is important to the Japanese. And cleanliness is supreme. Knowing cultural do’s and don’ts can make a big difference in creating a positive experience while in Japan.
Some customs, like removing one’s shoes before entering a home, some restaurants, even many businesses and most schools are non-negotiable. Do learn to eat with chopsticks. Never use the eating end of the chopsticks to dish food from the serving bowl. And don’t leave chopsticks in the food between bites. Do bring small gifts for the host and others. Arigato!
Others faux pas might be forgivable depending on the company one keeps. For example, it is impolite to pour one’s own drink. Rather, companions pour each other’s drinks. It is proper to slurp one’s noodles. But it is not proper to count change after paying the bill. Sumimasen!
Best of all—there is no tipping in Japan. Anywhere! Anytime!
Check with Japanese For Dummies [For Dummies, 2002] for a list of do’s and don’ts the average traveler might not have thought of.
To learn more about Japanese customs read A Successful Japanese Homestay and Traveling To Japan For the First Time.To find out about Japanese language self-study programs try Japanese Language Learning Programs. Sayonara!
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