ありがとう。(Arigatou)
Thank you. This phrase can be used in almost any situation.
ごちそうさまでした。(Gochisousama deshita)
Thank you for the meal. Use after eating. It’s a part of Japanese culture.
すみません。(Sumimasen)
Excuse me / I’m sorry. Can mean both, depending on context.
おはようございます。(Ohayou gozaimasu)
Good morning. A polite greeting used in the morning, even at work.
こんにちは。(Konnichiwa)
Hello / Good afternoon. Used during the day in most casual or polite situations.
こんばんは。(Konbanwa)
Good evening. Used in the evening as a polite greeting.
さようなら。(Sayounara)
Goodbye. A formal goodbye — often used when parting for a while.
じゃあね。(Jaa ne)
See you / Later. Casual phrase used with friends.
いってきます。(Ittekimasu)
I’m leaving / I’ll be back. Said when leaving home or a place temporarily.
いってらっしゃい。(Itterasshai)
Take care / See you later. The reply to “いってきます” — said to someone heading out.
ただいま。(Tadaima)
I’m home. Used when returning home.
おかえりなさい。(Okaerinasai)
Welcome back. The standard response to “ただいま.”
はじめまして。(Hajimemashite)
Nice to meet you. Used when meeting someone for the first time.
おねがいいします。(Onegaishimasu)
Please. Polite way to ask for help, a favor, or service.
よろしく おねがいします。(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)
Please treat me well. Often said after “Nice to meet you.” It shows respect and goodwill.
おめでとうございます。(Omedetou gozaimasu)
Congratulations. A polite way to offer congratulations in any formal or happy event. These two phrases are closely related but used in slightly different situations—both show politeness and humility.
だいじょうぶです。(Daijoubu desu)
I’m okay / It’s okay. Used to reassure or politely decline something.
わかりました。(Wakarimashita)
I understand / Got it. Shows you’ve understood instructions or conversation.
ちょっとまってください。(Chotto matte kudasai)
Please wait a moment. Used when you need someone to wait briefly.
すごい！(Sugoi!)
Amazing! A common exclamation used to show excitement or praise.
いらっしゃいませ。(Irasshaimase)
Welcome [to our store]. Said by staff to greet customers entering a shop or restaurant.
おつかれさまです。(Otsukaresama desu)
Thank you for your hard work. A polite phrase used between coworkers or after completing a task.
そうですね。(Sou desu ne)
That’s right / I see. Very common in conversation. It shows agreement or thoughtful listening.
どうぞ。(Douzo)
Here you go / Please go ahead. Used when offering something or letting someone go first.
すみませんが…。(Sumimasen ga…)
Excuse me, but… A polite way to begin a request or question.
だめです。(Dame desu)
No good / Not allowed. Used to express disapproval or something that’s not permitted.
おねがいします。(Onegaishimasu)
Please [request or order]. Used to politely ask for something — at restaurants, stores, or in conversation.
ちょっといいですか？(Chotto ii desu ka?)
Do you have a moment? A polite way to ask if someone is available to talk or help.
きをつけて。(Ki wo tsukete)
Take care. A kind farewell, especially when someone is heading out.
ほんとうですか？ (Hontou desu ka?)
Really? A common reaction showing surprise or seeking confirmation.