Japanese Langugae Lesson 1:

When you meet or leave someone

Hello.

Konnichiwa.

Pronounce "n" and "ni" separately. It's like "kon-nichiwa".

Good morning.

Ohay gozaimasu.

The last vowel "u" is not pronounced ly. It's like "gozaimas".
Informal: Ohay.

Good evening.

Konbanwa.

Used at the beginning of the conversation, not at the end.

Good night.

Oyasuminasai.

Informal: Oyasumi.

Goodbye.

Saynara.

In general, used when people will not see each other for some time.
Informal: Sayonara. (short "o" after y).

See you.

Dewa mata.

See you tomorrow.

Dewa mata ashita.

See you next week.

Dewa mata raish.

dewa: well, now or so

mata: again

When you thank or apologize to someone

Thank you.

Arigat gozaimasu.

Thank you very much.

Dmo arigat gozaimasu.

Thank you. (past)

Arigat gozaimashita.

Thanks.

Dmo.

The last vowel "u" is not pronounced ly. gozaimas(u).

Dmo arigat gozaimasu.: To emphasize.

Arigat gozaimashita.: To thank for something in the past.

Dmo.: To thank for a small favor.
Informal: Arigat.

You're welcome.

Ditashimashite.

Don't mention it.

Iie.

Iie. (literally means "No.") also can be used with the rising accent if it's not a big deal.

Excuse me.

Sumimasen.

Yes.

Hai.

Used when you talk to someone, and to apologize for small faults (Sorry.).
Hai. (Yes.) can be used to answer someone's call.

I'm sorry.

Gomennasai.

I'm sorry.

Dmo sumimasen.

Don't be sorry.

Iie.

Dmo sumimasen. is also used. It sounds more polite.

As a response, Iie. can be used if it's not a big deal.

When you start or finish eating

(before eating)

Itadakimasu.

Literally means "I accept (the food)". Used when you start eating as a signal "Let's start".
You can say this to the person who is treating you the meal.

(after eating)

Gochissamadeshita.

Literally means "It was a wonderful feast". Used when you finished eating.
You can say this to thank the person who treated you the meal.
You can download audio recordings of all the sample expressions at Resources page.
In this course, all the Japanese words and sentences are shown in Rmaji (Roman alphabet). See Rmaji page to
check how to pronounce Rmaji letters.
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Basic Rules
How to address a person
In general, add "san" after one's family name.
"san" is like Mr., Mrs., or Miss..

For example, Mr. Tanaka is Tanaka-san. But for foreigners (westerners), people add san after the first names such as
Paul-san or Kate-san.
Except for the close relationships, people address almost anybody with san.
Hello, Mr. Tanaka.

Tanaka-san, konnichiwa.

Yes and No
Yes is "hai". No is "iie".
As shown above, Hai. and Iie. can be used in the different contexts.

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Communication Tips
Styles of speech - plain, honorific and informal
Spoken Japanese has some variations - plain, honorific and informal. People use different styles of speech in
different situations. For example, the same person uses the plain style at work and the informal style at home.
Plain style is a standard textbook language. Newscasters speak in this style.
Honorific style is called "keigo" in Japanese, and is used when you speak to a person who is in higher status.
Informal style is used in close relationships such as with friends or with family members.
In this course, you will learn the plain style of speech. In addition, frequently-used honorific and informal expressions
are included.
In the Japanese society, politeness is one of the most cherished value. Using plain (standard) language is taken to be
a polite attitude. It's safe for you to use the plain language till you become fluent enough.
Inappropriate use of informal (casual) language could be taken as rude or offensive.
As you can see in this lesson, informal expressions are shorter in many cases.
Lesson 2:
How are you?
Are you well?

Ogenki desuka?

Yes, I'm well.

Hai, genki desu.

No, I'm not well.

Iie, genki dewa (ja) arimasen..

Yes, I'm very well.

Hai, totemo genki desu.

So so.

Mm desu.

genki: well
"o" in front of genki is a prefix which makes the word more polite.
Genki desu.: I'm well.
Genki dewa (ja) arimasen.: I'm not well.
"ja arimasen" sounds more casual, and is used more in daily conversation.
Informal: Genki?

Understand?
Do you understand?

Wakari masuka?

Yes, I understand.

Hai, wakari masu.

No, I don't understand.

Iie, wakari masen.

I understand a little.

Sukoshi wakari masu.

Do you understand Japanese?

Nihongo ga wakari masuka?

Do you understand English?

Eigo ga wakari masuka?

wakaru: to understand, to know

Wakari masu.: I understand.
Wakari masen.: I don't understand.
Wakari mashita.: I understood. (I got it. All right.)
[Nihongo] ga wakari masu.: I understand [Japanese].
ga: Particle which comes after the object. Used with the verb "wakaru".

Please. (to request)

Please.

Onegaishimasu.

One more time, please.

Michido onegaishimasu.

Slowly please.

Yukkuri onegaishimasu.

Menu please.

Meny o onegaishimasu.

Used to ask some favor.

[Meny] o onegaishimasu.: [Menu] please.
o: Particle which comes after the object.

Please. (to offer)

Please.

Dzo.

Used to offer something. (Here you are. After you. etc.)

Wait!
One moment, please.

Chotto matte kudasai.

chotto: a little
matte kudasai: Please wait.
Informal: Chotto matte.

What?
What is it?

Nan desuka?

What's this? (in speaker's hand)

Kore wa nan desuka?

What is it? (in the listener's hand)

Sore wa nan desuka?

What's that? (in the sky)

Are wa nan desuka?

[Kore] wa nan desuka?: What is [this]?

wa: Particle which comes after the subject.
kore: this (something close to you - the speaker)
sore: it (close to the person you are talking to - the listener)
are: that (some distance away from the both)
nan (nani): what
You will learn more in the lesson 3.

What time?
What time is it?

Nanji desuka?

What time is the departure?

Shuppatsu wa nanji desuka?

What time is the arrival?

Tchaku wa nanji desuka?

[Shuppatsu] wa nanji desuka?: What time is [the departure]?

You will learn more in the lesson 4.

Where?
Where is it?

Doko desuka?

Where is the toilet?

Toire wa doko desuka?

[Toire] wa doko desuka?: Where is [the toilet]?

You will learn more in the lesson 5.

Is there...?
Do you have? Is there?

Ari masuka?

Do you have vegetarian dishes?

Bejitarian ryri wa ari masuka?

Is there an internet cafe?

Intnetto kafe wa ari masuka?

[Bejitarian ryri] wa ari masuka?: Do you have [vegetarian dishes]?

[Intnetto kafe] wa ari masuka?: Is there [an internet cafe]?
You will learn more in the lesson 6.

How much?
How much is it?

Ikura desuka?

How much is a double room?

Daburu rmu wa ikura desuka?

[Kore] wa ikura desuka?: How much is [this]?

You will learn more in the lesson 7.

Why?
Why is it?

Naze desuka?

Informal: Naze? Dshite? Nande?

You will learn more in the lesson 9.

OK?
Are you all right?

Daijbu desuka?

Yes, I'm all right.

Hai, daijbu desu.

Informal: Daijbu?
You will learn more in the lesson 10.

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Basic Rules
The following rules are very simplified. Please note that there are some exceptions.
Word Order
Usually, the subject is placed at the beginning, and the verb at the end of the sentence.
Watashi wa Nihongo ga wakarimasu.

I / Japanese / understand

The subject (sometimes the object too) of the sentence is usually omitted when it can be clearly known from the
context.
(Anata wa) eigo ga wakari masuka?

Do (you) understand English?

Particles (joshi)
Particles (joshi in Japanese) are usually attached after a word to indicate the function of that word.
For example, "wa" in the following sentence indicates that "watashi (I)" is a subject, and "ga" indicates that "Nihongo
(Japanese)" is an object of the verb "wakarimasu (understand)".
Particles
Watashi wa Nihongo ga wakarimasu.

I understand Japanese.

Each particle has different functions and meanings. And some are used with the particular verbs.
When you are not sure which particle should be used, you can try to say without it like "Watashi, Nihongo,
Wakarimasu.". In most cases, people will understand if the word order is correct.
Sentence Forms
You can easily make different forms by changing the end of the sentence. Word order stays the same.
Affirmative
Affirmative sentences normally end with "desu" or "masu".

You can assume that the sentences with the verb "be" (am, is, are...) end with "desu". And the sentences with other
verbs end with "masu".
Genki desu.

I am well.

Wakari masu.

I understand.

Negative
Change "desu" into "dewa arimasen" or "ja arimasen". "ja" sounds more casual, and is used more often in daily
conversation.
Change "masu" into "masen".
Genki dewa (ja) arimasen.

I am not well.

Wakari masen.

I don't understand.

Question (Interrogative)
To make a question sentence, add "ka" at the end of the sentence.
This "ka" is pronounced with a rising intonation.
(O) Genki desuka?

Are you well?

Genki dewa (ja) arimasenka?

Aren't you well?

Wakari masuka?

Do you understand?

Wakari masenka?

Don't you understand?

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lesson 3:
Expressions
Click button to play audio.
I'm from ...
I'm from Brazil.

Burajiru kara kimashita.

South Korea

Kankoku kara kimashita.

China

Chgoku kara kimashita.

Australia

sutoraria kara kimashita.

U. S. A.

Amerika kara kimashita.

kara: from
kimashita: came
See Nations page for other countries.

Nationality
I am Japanese.

Watashi wa Nihon-jin desu.

Is Ms. Wang Australian?

Wan-san wa sutoraria-jin desuka?

He is not American

Kare wa Amerika-jin dewa arimasen.

What nationality is she?

Kanojo wa Nani-jin desuka?

watashi: I / anata: you / kare: he / kanojo: she

Country name + jin = nationality
Nihon-jin: Japanese
Nani-jin desuka?: What nationality?

Profession
We are also students.

Watashi tachi mo gakusei desu.

Are they also engineers?

Kare ra mo enjinia desuka?

Are you (all) also officeworkers?

Anata tachi mo kaishain desuka?

watashi tachi: we / anata tachi: you (all) / kare ra: they (men) / kanojo tachi: they (women)
mo: also (comes after the subject instead of "wa")
gakusei: student
kaishain: office worker
enjinia: engineer
Hai, so desu.: Yes, it is so.
Iie, chigai masu.: No, it isn't so.

Name
His name is Paul.

kare no namae wa Pru desu.

What is (your) name?

Onamae wa nan desuka?

What is her name?

Kanojo no namae wa nan desuka?

What is (your) job?

Oshigoto wa nan desuka?

What is Ms.Wang's job?

Wan-san no shigoto wa nan desuka?

noun + no = possessive
watashi no: my / anata no: your / kare no: his / kanojo no: her
namae: name
shigoto: job
onamae wa nandesuka?: What is (your) name?
oshigoto wa nandesuka?: What is (your) job?
"o" (prefix to make the word polite) is usually attached when you ask name or job directly to the person.

Who?

Who is that person?

Ano hito wa dare desuka?

Who are those people?

Ano hito tachi wa dare desuka?

Who is her boyfriend?

Kanojo no boifurendo wa dare desuka?

hito: person / hito tachi: people

kono (hito): this (person) / sono (hito): that (person) / ano (hito): that (person)
dare: who
tomodachi: friend
kazoku: family
bifurendo: boyfriend / grufurendo: girlfriend

Whose?
Whose pen is this?

Kore wa dare no pen desuka?

Whose friend is he?

Kare wa dare no tomodachi desuka?

It's not his family's book.

Sore wa kare no kazoku no hon dewa arimasen.

pen: pen
hon: book
dare no: whose

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Basic Rules
Articles and Nouns
Japanese language does not have articles (a, an, the).
You can assume that nouns don't change the form. Basically, there is no plural form, and no gender (feminine,
masculine, neuter etc.).
In English, "apple" can be "an apple", "apples" or "the apple". In Japanese, it is just "apple". To mention how many,
you say "one apple", "two apple" or "many apple"...
Verbs
Verbs don't change the form depending on the person or the number of the subject.
In English, "I am", "he or she is" and "we, you or they are", and also "I speak" and "he or she speaks". There is no
such changes in Japanese.
But they do change the form for other purposes such as tense (past, present, present progressive, etc.). You will
learn more in the following lessons.

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Communication Tips
Business Card
If you are a business person, you definately should bring your business card (with the Japanese translation on the
back side if possible). It is a must-have item in Japan. Even many of collage students have it.
People exchange their business cards at the first meetings - not only for the business, but also for the personal
relationships. The following are some tips to give a good impression to your potential clients.

When you hand your card, the card should be readable from the receiver (upside down from yourself).
Receive the card with both hands. Treat it as a valuable thing, and don't put it into your pocket right away without a
glance.
While business meetings, people usually put client's cards on the table so that you know who is sitting on which seat.
Lesson 4:
Numbers
It should be enough if you memorize 1-10 and know how to count 1-100.
You can download and print out the list of numbers. Just look up the list when you have a difficulty with bigger
numbers.
ichi, ni, san, yon, go, roku, nana,
hachi, ky, j

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

11-19: j ichi (10+1), j ni (10+2), j san (10+3)...

20-99: ni-j (2x10), ni-j ichi (2x10+1), ni-j ni (2x10+2)...
zero: 0 / hyaku: 100 / sen: 1,000 / man: 10,000
456,789

yon-j go-man roku-sen nana-hyaku hachi-j ky

Basically, you can read any numbers in this way. But there are some irregular pronunciations. For example, 300 is
san-byaku (not san-hyaku), 600 is rop-pyaku (not roku-hyaku).
See Numbers page for more details.

Time
Basically, you use "ji" for hours and "fun" for minutes.
For example, 1:25 is ichi-ji ni-j go-fun.
But there are irregular pronunciations.
For hours, some numbers are pronounced differently.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, ichi-ji, ni-ji, san-ji, yo-ji, go-ji, roku-ji, shichi-ji, hachi-ji, ku-ji, j-ji, j
12 (o'clock)
ichi-ji, j ni-ji
For minutes, some numbers are pronounced differently and "fun" becomes "pun" in many cases.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(minutes past)

ip-pun, ni-fun, san-pun, yon-pun, go-fun, rop-pun, nana-fun, happun, kyu-fun, jup-pun.

11-19, j ip-pun, j ni-fun, j san-pun, j yon-pun...

20-59, ni-jup-pun, ni-j ip-pun, ni-j ni-fun... san-jup-pun...
ima: now
nan-ji: what time?
gozen: a.m. / gogo: p.m.
asagohan: breakfast
han: half past
kara: from / made: to (till)
shgo: noon

now, what time?

Ima, nan-ji desuka?

3:15pm.

Gogo, san-ji jgo-fun desu.

breakfast what time?

Asagohan wa nan-ji desuka?

from 7:30 to 9:00.

Shichi-ji han kara ku-ji made desu.

check-out what time?

Chekkuauto wa nan-ji desuka?

noon.

Shgo desu.

Date
Basically, you use "gatsu" for months and "nichi" for days.
For example, January 25th is ichi-gatsu ni-j go-nichi.
But there are irregular pronunciations...
For months, some numbers are pronounced differently.
Jan., Feb., Mar.,

ichi-gatsu, ni-gatsu, san-gatsu,

Apr., May, Jun.,

shi-gatsu, go-gatsu, roku-gatsu,

Jul., Aug., Sep.,

shichi-gatsu, hachi-gatsu, ku-gatsu,

Oct., Nov., Dec.

j-gatsu, j ichi-gatsu, j ni-gatsu

For days, 1st to 10th and 20th are quite different from the usual way. Other days are more straight forward.
tsuitachi, futsuka, mikka, yokka,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (day)

itsuka, muika, nanoka, yka,

kokonoka, tka

tanjbi: birthday
nan-nen: what year? / nan-gatsu: what month? / nan-nichi: what day?
kekkonshiki: wedding
tsugi no: next
orinpikku: olympics
birthday when?

Tanjobi wa itsu desuka?

May 23rd.

Go-gatsu ni-j san-nichi desu.

departure which day?

Shuppatsu wa nan-nichi desuka?

11th.

ju-ichi-nichi desu.

wedding which month?

Kekkonshiki wa nan-gatsu desuka?

June.

Roku-gatsu desu.

next olympics what year?

Tsugi no orinpikku wa nan-nen desuka?

2012.

Ni-sen j ni-nen desu.

Days of the week

Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat.,
Sun.

getsu-ybi, ka-ybi, sui-ybi, moku-ybi, kin-ybi, do-ybi,

nichi-ybi

yesterday, today, tomorrow

kin, ky, ashita

last week, this week, next week

sensh, konsh, raish

ybi: day of the week

nan-ybi: which day of the week?
no: of
yasumi: day-off
to: and
today which day?

Ky wa nan-ybi desuka?

Monday.

Getsu-ybi desu.

tomorrow which day?

Ashita wa nan-ybi desuka?

Tuesday.

Ka-ybi desu.

next Friday what date?

Raish no kin-yobi wa nan-nichi desuka?

30th.

San-ju-nichi desu.

day-off which day?

Yasumi wa nan-yobi desuka?

Saturdays and Sundays.

Do-ybi to nichi-ybi desu.

Duration
minutes: "fun(kan)" or "pun(kan)". 5 minutes is go-fun or go-funkan.
hours: "jikan". 2 hours is ni-jikan.
days: "ka(kan)" or "nichi(kan)". 3 days is mikka or mikkakan.
weeks: "shkan". 2 weeks is ni-shukan.
months: "kagetsu(kan)". 4 months is yon-kagetsu or yon-kagetsukan.
years: "nen(kan)". 6 years is roku-nen or roku-nenkan.
1 min., 2 hrs., 3 days, 4 wks, 5 months,
ip-punkan, ni-jikan, mikkakan, yon-shukan, go6 years
kagetsukan, roku-nen-kan
donokurai: how much (time)
kakarimasu (kakaru): to take
yaku: about / kurai: about
ni imasu (iru): be at, be in
How long does it take?

Donokurai kakarimasuka?

About 2 weeks.

Yaku ni-shkan desu.

to Kyoto how many hours?

Kyto made nan-jikan kakari masuka?

about 3 hours.

San-jikan kurai desu.

how many days be in Japan?

Nan-nichikan Nihon ni imasuka?

18 days.

J hachi-nichikan desu.

I read books everyday.

Mainichi, hon o yomi masu.

Present tense = verb + masu, masuka?, masen

mai: every
mai-nichi: every day / mai-sh: every week
mai-asa: every morning / mai-ban: every night
yomi masu (yomu): to read
mi masu (miru): to watc, to see
oki masu (okiru): to wake up, to get up
ne masu (neru): to sleep, to go to bed
o: comes after the object of the verbs (read, watch, etc.)
ni: at
every Friday watch movies

Mai-sh kin-ybi ni eiga o mi masu.

every morning, at 7 get up

Mai-asa shichi-ji ni oki masu.

every night, at what time go to bed?

Mai-ban, nan-ji ni ne masuka?

I went to Kyoto.

Kyto e iki mashita.

Past tense = verb + mashita, mashitaka?, masendeshita

Future tense = same as the present tense
iki masu (iku): to go
ai masu (au): to meet
tabe masu (taberu): to eat
ki masu (kuru): to come
e: to - comes after the object of the verb go.
to: with - comes after the object of the verb meet.
kesa: this morning / konya: tonight
hirugohan: lunch
ga: comes after the subject of the verb come.
this morning met her?

Kesa, kanojo to ai mashitaka?

lunch did not eat

Hirugohan o tabe masendeshita.

tonight friend will come

Konya, tomodachi ga ki masu.

Yesterday was rain.

Sentenses with the verb "be".
Present & Future: desu, desuka?, dewaarimasen
Past: deshita, deshitaka?, dewaarimasendeshita
-mae: before / -go: after
hare: / kumori: cloudy / ame: rain

Kin wa ame deshita.

han-toshi: half year

tabun: probably
2 hrs before was

Ni-jikan-mae wa hare deshita.

half year before office worker was not

Hantoshi-mae wa kaishain dewaarimasendeshita.

after 2 days will be probably cloudy

Futsuka-go wa tabun kumori desu.

I studied Japanese.

Nihongo o benky shi mashita.

shi masu (suru): do

The verb suru is usually used solely. And in this case, the particle "o" comes after the object.
For example, benky o shimasu.: I do study.
But sometimes, a noun together with suru functions as a verb.
For example, benky shimasu.: I study.
benky (study) suru: to study
ryok (travel) suru: to travel
sji (cleaning) suru: to clean
sengetsu: last month / kongetsu: this month / raigetsu: next month
kyonen: last year / kotoshi: this year / rainen: next year
ajia: Asia
heya: room
sakk: soccor
last year, Asia traveled

Kyonen, Ajia o ryok shi mashita.

last month, didn't clean the room

Sengetsu, heya o sji shi masen deshita.

next month, with friend will play soccor

Raigetsu, tomodachi to sakk o shi masu.

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Basic Rules
Counting System
Japanese counting system is complex and has a lot of irregular pronunciations. It can take some time to master all of
them.
But to be practical, you just need to know the following.
Master how to count 1 to 100. (You just need to memorise 1-10.)
Know the basic principles. For example, time is "ji" and "fun", date is "gatsu" and "nichi", etc.
In addition, days of the week and dates (1st to 10th) would be good to know.
People will understand when you say roku-fun (not roppun) or ni-nichi (not futsuka).

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Communication Tips
Punctuality
In the Japanese society, everything supposed to be on time. And people do care about it.
If you are asked to come at 2pm, it really means 2:00pm sharp - not later than that. In general, people show up 5-10
minutes before.
If you are late, better to apologize with no fake excuse which could make the situation worse.
If you are meeting with someone important to you, and if you want to give a good impression. Be on time. This is true
especially in business.

Lesson 5:
Expressions
Where?
Where is this?

Koko wa doko desuka?

Where is the station?

Eki wa doko desuka?

To where do you go?

Doko e iki masuka?

From where does the bus depart?

Basu wa doko kara shuppatsu shimasuka?

doko: where?
koko: here
eki: train station
basu: bus
_ e: to _
_ kara: from _
shuppatsu suru: to depart <shuppatsu (departure) + suru (to do)>
Basic Rules
koko (here), soko (there) and asoko (over there) refer the place.
Verbs have different forms with different endings. Basic form is called jisho-kei (dictionary form). The basic form ends
with the u-column syllables (u, ku, su, tsu, nu, mu, ru).
Examples: iku (to go), kaku (to write), suru (to do)

Directions
You turn right at the 3rd
crossing.

Mittsu-me no ksaten o migi e magari masu.

Go straight this way about

50m.

Kono michi o goj-mtoru kurai massugu iki masu.

Turn left at the T-junction.

Tsukiatari o hidari e magari masu.

It is on the right-hand side of

Dro no migi gawa ni ari masu.
the street.
mittsu-me: 3rd
ksaten: crossing

michi: way, street

dro: road
tsukiatari: far end (of the street)
migi: right / hidari: left
_ gawa: _ side / hantai gawa: opposite side
massugu: straight
magaru: to turn
mtoru: meters / kiro: kilo meters
Basic Rules
Ordinal number (1st, 2nd, 3rd) = cardinal number (1, 2, 3) + banme
Examples: ni-banme (2nd), roku-banme (6th), j go-banme (15th)
In daily conversation, 1st to 9th are often spoken in different ways.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th,
7th, 8th, 9th

hitotsu-me, futatsu-me, mittsu-me, yottsu-me, itsutsu-me, muttsu-me,

nanatsu-me, yattsu-me, kokonotsu-me

Destination
Is this bound for Shinjuku?

Kore wa Shinjuku iki desuka?

What time is the next one to Tokyo?

Tsugi no Tky iki wa nan-ji desuka?

Which platform is the train to Osaka?

saka iki wa nan-bansen desuka?

From Tokyo to London is full

Tky hatsu Rondon iki wa manseki desu.

_hatsu: from_ / _iki: to_ (bound for_)

Shinjuku: one of the largest station in Tky
saka: 2nd largest city in Japan
_bansen: platform number_
manseki: full, fully occupied

at _
Does this bus stop at Shibuya?

Kono basu wa Shibuya de tomari masuka?

Express train does not stop at that station.

Kyk wa sono eki de tomari masen.

Change to yamanote-line at Tokyo station.

Tky eki de Yamanotesen e norikae masu.

At where do I change?

Doko de norikae desuka?

_de: at_ (place)

Shibuya: one of the most popular downtown in Tky
kyk: express
Yamanotesen: Yamanote line (train in Tokyo)
tomaru: to stop
norikaeru: to change, to transfer, to connect

norikae: transfer

by _
How long does it take on foot?

Aruki de donokurai kakari masuka?

About 15 minutes by bus.

Basu de jgo-fun kurai desu.

How long did it took by train?

Densha de nan-jikan kakari mashitaka?

Is it near? / Is it far?

Chikai desuka? / Ti desuka?

_de: by_ (means)

aruki: on foot, walking
densha: train
chikai: near, close / ti: far
Basic Rules
Particles de (place) and de (means) are pronounced the same way, but the function of these is entirely different.

want to _
I want to go to Mt. Fuji.

Fujisan e iki taidesu.

I want to get on the 8 o'clock bus.

Hachi-ji no basu ni nori taidesu.

I want to send a package at the post

office.

Ybinkyoku de nimotsu o okuri taidesu.

What do you want to eat?

Nani o tabe taidesuka?

_tai: want to_

Fujisan: highest mountain in Japan
ybinkyoku: post office
nimotsu: package, baggage
noru: to get on, to ride
okuru: to send
taberu: to eat
Basic Rules
want to_:
Affirmative: _taidesu (present) / _takattadesu (past)
Negative: _takuarimasen (present) / _takuarimasendeshita (past)
Question: _taidesuka? (present) / _takattadesuka? (past)
Examples: tabe taidesu (want to eat), tabe takuarimasen (don't want to eat), tabe takattadesuka? (Did you want to
eat?), tabe takuarimasendeshita (didn't want to eat)

want to do_

I want to exchange money at the bank. Gink de rygae o shitai desu.

I want to make a phone call to
overseas.

Kaigai ni denwa o shitai desu.

Do you want to do shopping in

Akihabara?

Akihabara de kaimono o shitai desuka?

What do you want to do?

Nani o shitai desuka?

_o shitai: want to do_

rygae: money exchange
denwa: phone call
kaimono: shopping
gink: bank
kaigai: overseas
Akihabara: popular shopping area for electric appliances (Tokyo)
Basic Rules
want to do:
Affirmative: shi taidesu (present) / shi takattadesu (past)
Negative: shi takuarimasen (present) / shi takuarimasendeshita (past)
Question: shi taidesuka? (present) / shi takattadesuka? (past)
Examples: kaimono o shi taidesu (want to do shopping), kaimono o shi takuarimasen (don't want to do shopping),
kaimono o shi takattadesuka? (Did you want to do shopping?)

_ please.
Reserved seat please.

Shitei seki o onegaishimasu.

To Hakata at 2 o'clock please.

Ni-ji no Hakata iki o onegaishimasu.

Return ticket please.

fuku kippu o onegaishimasu.

To Kyoto station please.

Kyto eki made onegaishimasu.

onegaishimasu: please
shitei seki: reserved seat / jiy seki: nonreserved seat
fuku kippu: return ticket / katamichi kippu: one-way ticket
Hakata: one of the largest station in Kysh
Kyto: ancient capital city, popular tourist destination

Please _.
Please stop here.

Koko de tome te kudasai.

Please get off at Shibuya station.

Shibuya eki de ori te kudasai.

Please change to the bullet train.

Shinkansen e norikae te kudasai.

Please cancel the reservation.

Yoyaku o kyanseru shi te kudasai.

...te (tte) kudasai: Please _.

tomeru: to stop
oriru: to get off
norikaeru: to change, to transfer
shinkansen: bullet train
yoyaku: reservation, booking
kyanseru: cancel
Basic Rules
_ please:
verb + te (tte) + kudasai
Examples: tabe te kudasai (Please eat), i tte kudasai (Please go), no tte kudasai (Please get on)

Can you (please)_?

Can you write here?

Koko ni kaite morae masuka?

Can you take a photo?

Shashin o totte morae masuka?

Can you tell the address?

Jsho o oshiete morae masuka?

Can you do the cleaning?

Sji o shite morae masuka?

_te (tte) morae masuka?: Can you (please)_?

kaku: to write
toru: to take
oshieru: to tell, to teach
shasin: photo
jsho: address
sji: cleaning
Basic Rules
Can you (please)_?:
verb + te (tte) + morae masuka?
Examples: tome te morae masuka? (Can you stop?), i tte morae masuka? (Can you go?), ka tte morae masuka?
(Can you buy?)

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Communication Tips
Asking Directions
When you get lost, it's best to ask the people. In Japan, street names are not shown in many cases.
People are generally kind and will try to give you the best advice. Or they will take you to the place if it's close.
The biggest challenge for you would be to understand what people are saying. To make it easier, try the following...
(1) Show where you want to go on the map (if you have).
(2) Ask to draw a route map. "Kantan na chizu o kaite morae masuka? (Can you draw a simple map?)"

(3) Ask to write down the name of the places in Japanese so that you can identify where you are. "Basho no
namae o nihongo de kaite morae masuka? (Can you write the name of the place in Japanese?)"

Lesson6:
Expressions
Number of person
Welcome. How many persons?

Irasshaimase. Nan-mei-sama desuka?

6 persons.

Roku-mei desu.

4 persons.

Yo-nin desu.

2 adults and 1 child.

Otona futari to kodomo hitori desu.

-nin: _persons
-mei: _persons (sounds more formal)
irasshaimase: welcome (polite)
-sama: prefix for a person (more polite than "san")
otona: adult
kodomo: child
_ to _: _ and _
Basic Rules
Number of persons:
-nin: number + nin (except for 1 & 2). 4 is pronounced "yo".
Examples: hitori (1), futari (2), san-nin (3), yo-nin (4), go-nin (5)
-mei: number + mei
Examples: ichi-mei (1), ni-mei (2), san-mei (3), yon-nin (4)
Polite form:
In Japan, it is said that "the customer is god.". Every sales person speaks polite language to their customers.
You may not have a chance to speak in that way, but you need to understand what they are saying.
In this course, such polite expressions are colored in blue.

Availability of the room

Do you have a single room? Singuru rmu wa ari masuka?
Double rooms are full.

Daburu rmu wa manshitsu desu.

Dormitory room is for 4

persons.

Aibeya wa yonin-y desu.

In twin rooms, there are 2

beds.

Tsuin rmu niwa beddo ga futatsu ari masu.

_wa ari masuka?: Do you have_?

singuru rmu: single room / daburu rmu: double room / tsuin rmu: twin room / aibeya: dormitory room

manshitsu: full
-y: for the use of_ (otona-y :for adults, kodomo-y :for children)
beddo: bed
futatsu: 2 (things)
Basic Rules
Counting things:
In Japanese, different suffixes are attached to indicate the number of particular things.
Examples: 3 nin (3 persons), 2 mai (2 thin objects), 4 hiki (4 animals)
In this course, you will learn the most common way of counting things which can be used for almost everything.
1 to 10 are as follows. For more quantity, you can just say the number without preffix.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(things)

hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu,

yattsu, kokonotsu, t

Length of stay
How long will you stay?

Nan-nichi-kan otomari desuka?

I'll stay for 3 days.

Mikka-kan tomari masu.

I'll stay 2 nights.

ni-haku shi masu.

I'll stay one more night.

M ip-paku shi masu.

nan-nichi-kan: how many days?

tomaru: to stay
suru: to do
-haku: _overnight stay
ip-paku (1 night), ni-haku (2 nights), san-paku (3), yon-paku (4), go-haku (5), rop-paku (6), nana-haku (7), hap-paku
(8), kyu-haku (9), jup-paku (10)... nan-paku? (how many nights?)
m: more (m ip-paku:one more night)

About fares
How much for a night?

Ip-paku ikura desuka?

Breakfast included?

Chshoku tsuki desuka?

Is there a fare for a child?

Kodomo rykin wa ari masuka?

When should I pay?

Shiharai wa itsu desuka?

ikura: how much (price)?

chshoku: breakfast (sounds more formal than "asagohan")
_tsuki: attached, included
rykin: fare (kodomo rykin: fare for a child)
waribiki: discount (gakusei waribiki: student discount)
shiharai: payment

About utilities
Is there a shower in the room?

Heya ni shaw wa ari masuka?

Toilet and shower are shared.

Toire to shaw wa kyy desu.

There are coin-washers on the 3rd floor.

Koin randorii wa san-kai ni arimasu.

Where there is the switch of air conditioner?

Eakon no suicchi wa doko ni ari masuka?

aru: there is
heya: room
- ni: in, at (place)
shaw: shower
kyy: shared, for common use
Koin randorii: coin operated washing machine
shokud: dining room
-kai: floor
ik-kai (1st), ni-kai (2nd), san-kai (3rd)... nan-kai (which floor?)
eakon: air conditioner
- no: of_
suicchi: switch
doko ni?: at where?
Basic Rules
there is_:
Affirmative: ari masu (present) / ari mashita (past)
Negative: ari masen (present) / ari masendeshita (past)
Question: ari masuka? (present) / ari mashitaka? (past)

Selecting a room
Which is the cheapest room?

Ichiban yasui heya wa dore desuka?

Can you show me the room?

Heya o misete moraemasuka?

Do you have a bigger room?

Motto kii heya wa ari masuka?

The 3rd floor is quieter than the 1st

floor.

San-kai wa ik-kai yori shizuka desu.

I'll take this room.

Kono heya ni shimasu.

ichiban: the most, number one

yasui: cheap / takai: expensive
dore: which
miseru: show (misete moraemasuka?: Can you show me?)
motto: more

kii: big / chiisai: small

_yori: than_
shizuka: quiet / urusai: noisy
_ni shimasu: I'll take...
Basic Rules
Superlative = ichiban + adjectives or adverbs
Examples: Kore ga ichiban kii desu. (This is the largest.), Koko ga ichiban shizuka desu. (Here is the most quiet.)
Comparative = _yori + adjectives or adverbs
Examples: Kore wa are yori kii desu. (This is larger than that.), Koko wa asoko yori shizuka desu. (Here is more
quiet than over there.)

Order
Can I take your order?

Gochmon wa okimari desuka?

Order please.

Chmon o onegaishimasu.

3 tendon please.

Tendon o mittsu onegaishimasu.

chmon: order
tendon: tempura bowl
mittsu: 3

About ingredients
What is in it?

Nani ga hai tte imasuka?

Fish is not in it.

Sakana wa hai tte imasen.

Without wasabi please.

Wasabi nuki de onegaishimasu.

What's the taste like?

Donna aji desuka?

hai tte iru: be contained

sakana: fish
wasabi: green horseradish paste
_nuki: without_
donna: how? what kind of?
aji: taste
amai: sweet / shoppai: salty / karai: hot, spicy / nigai: bitter

Vegetarian food
Where is this?

Yasai dake no ryri wa ari masuka?

I don't eat meat and seafood.

Watashi wa niku to shiifdo o tabe masen.

Egg and dairy products are OK.

Tamago to ny seihin wa daijbu desu.

Can you cook only with vegetables?

Yasai dake de tsuku tte moraemasuka?

yasai: vegetables
dake: only
ryri: dishes, cuisine, food
niku: meat / shiifdo: seafood
tamago: egg / ny seihin: dairy products
daijbu: all right
tsukuru: to make, to cook (tsukutte moraemasuka?: Can you cook?)

How about_?
How about drinks?

Onomimono wa ikaga desuka?

Yes, 2 coffee please.

Hai, khii o futatsu onegaishimasu.

No, thanks.

Iie, kekk desu.

All right. Please wait for a moment.

Kashikomarimashita. Shsh omachi kudasaimase.

nomimono: drinks
ikaga desuka?: how about?, what about?, how is? (polite)
khii: coffee / kcha: English tea / orenji jsu: orange juice
Iie, kekk desu: No, thanks.
"kekk" can mean both positive and negative response, like English "fine". Better to put "hai (yes)" or "iie (no)" in front
to make it .

Extra arrangements
Is take-away possible?

Mochikaeri wa dekimasuka?

Is it possible to have extra large helping?

mori wa dekimasuka?

Extra large helping costs 100 yen extra.

mori wa hyaku-en mashi desu.

We are sorry. We can not do the home delivery.

Mshiwake gozaimasen. Takuhai wa dekimasen.

dekimasuka?: Can you? Is it possible?

mochikaeri: take-away
mori: extra large helping (of food)
-en: _yen
_mashi: increase, extra
mshiwake gozaimasen: I'm sorry. (polite)
takuhai: home delivery
Basic Rules
dekiru: can, possible
Affirmative: dekimasu (present) / dekimashita (past)
Negative: dekimasen (present) / dekimasendeshita (past)

Question: dekimasuka? (present) / dekimashitaka? (past)

Payment
Can I use credit card?

Kurejitto kdo wa tsukae masuka?

Cash only.

Genkin dake desu.

Can I pay?

Kaikei o onegaishimasu.

Thank you. Please come again.

Arigato gozaimashita. Mata okoshi kudasaimase.

kurejitto kdo: credit card

tsukau: to use (tsukae masuka?: Can I use?)
genkin: cash
kaikei: payment
Mata okoshi kudasaimase: Please come again. (polite)
Basic Rules
tsukae ru:
Affirmative: tsukae masu (present) / tsukae mashita (past)
Negative: tsukae masen (present) / tsukae masendeshita (past)
Question: tsukae masuka? (present) / tsukae mashitaka? (past)

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Communication Tips
There is no tipping custom in Japan. You don't have to pay any extra money at the hotel, restaurant or to the taxi
drivers.
To get a place to sleep, it's always better to make a reservation and to check what time you can check-in. In some
hotels, it's in the late afternoon like 3 or 4pm.
When you leave the restaurant, you normally pay at the cash register near the entrance, not at your table.

Lesson7:
Expressions
About the store
Where can I buy electric appliances?

Denka seihin wa doko de kae masuka?

Is there a convenience store nearby?

Chikaku ni konbiniensu sutoa wa ari masuka?

What time does the pharmacy close?

Yakkyoku wa nan-ji ni heiten desuka?

Does that store have variety of products?

Sono mise wa shurui ga hfu desuka?

denka seihin: electric appliances / tabemono: food / fuku: clothes

dokode?: at where? (doko: where + de: at)
kau (kai masu): to buy (kae masu: can buy)

chikaku: nearby
konbiniensu sutoa: convenience store / sp: supermarket / yakkyoku: pharmacy
mise: store, shop
kaiten: opening (of the store) / heiten: closing (of the store)
shurui ga hfu: full of variety (shurui: kinds, hfu: plenty, abundant)

I am looking for _.
Are you looking for something?

Nanika osagashi desuka?

I'm looking for second-hand computers.

Chko no konpyta o sagashi te

imasu.

Where's camera section?

Kamera uriba wa doko desuka?

Watch section is on the 3rd flr.

Tokei uriba wa san-kai desu.

sagasu: to look for, to search

_te (tte) imasu: doing something right now (present progressive)
chko: second-hand / shinpin: brand-new
konpyta: computer / kamera: camera / tokei: watch
_uriba: _section (for sale)
Basic Rules
verb + te (tte) + imasu = present progressive form
Affirmative: te imasu (present) / te imashita (past)
Negative: te imasen (present) / te imasen deshita (past)
Wuestion: te imasuka? (present) / te imashitaka? (past)
Examples: tabe te imasu (I'm eating), ka tte imashita (I was buying), tsuka tte imasendeshita (I was not using)

About the product

Can this also be used in foreign countries?

Gaikoku demo tsukae masuka?

What is this made of?

Kore wa nani de dekite imasuka?

What is the material?

Sozai wa nan desuka?

100% cotton.

Men hyaku psento desu.

gaikoku: foreign country

_demo: also at_, also in_ (place) (de: at + mo: also)
tsukau: to use (tsukae masu: can use)
_de dekite iru: be made of_
sozai: material
men: cotton / kinu: silk / poriesuteru: polyester

Extra arrangements

Can I try this on?

Shichaku dekimasuka?

Can I back order?

Toriyose wa dekimasuka?

Can you do alteration?

Sunp naoshi wa dekimasuka?

Can I return?

Henpin wa deki masuka?

shichaku: trying to put clothes on

toriyose: back order
sunp naoshi: alteration (sunpo: size + naoshi: fix)
henpin: return (of the purchased goods)

Fitting
How is it?

Ikaga desuka?

Little small.

Sukoshi chiisai desu.

It fits. I'll take this.

Chdo ii desu. Kore ni shimasu.

Little short.

Sukoshi mijikai desu.

sukoshi: little
kii: large / chiisai: small
nagai: long / mijikai: short
ikaga desuka?: How is it? (polite) / d desuka? (informal)
chdo ii: just right (it fits) (chdo: just + ii: right, good)

Back order
Do you have a little smaller size?

Msukoshi chiisai saizu wa ari masuka?

L size is out of stock.

Eru saizu wa shinagire desu.

How long does it take for back order?

Toriyose wa donokurai kakarimasuka?

Then, please (back order). / Then, no thanks.

Dewa, onegaishimasu. / Dewa, kekk desu.

msukoshi: little more (m: more + sukoshi: little)

saizu: size
shinagire: out of stock
dewa: then

Color
Do you have a little lighter color?

Msukoshi akarui iro wa

arimasuka?

white, black, red, blue, yellow

shiro, kuro, aka, ao, kiiro

green, orange, pink

midori, orenji, pinku

purple, brown, gray

murasaki, chairo, haiiro

Do you have a pink color with the same design? Onaji dezain de pinku wa arimasuka?
akarui: light / kurai: dark
iro: color
onaji: same
dezain: design
Basic Rules
Colors:
People know most colors in English. Try with the Japanese way of pronunciation.
howaito (white), burakku (black), reddo (red), buruu (blue), ier (yellow), guriin (green)

Ask for other items

Do you have other patterns?

Hoka no gara wa arimasuka?

Do you have other colors?

Hoka no iro wa ari masuka?

Do you have other brands?

Hoka no burando wa arimasuka?

Do you have something similar to this?

Nitamono wa arimasuka?

hoka: other
gara: pattern (print)
burando: brand
nitamono: similar goods

Is _ included?
Batteries included?

Denchi wa tsui te imasuka?

Half year warranty is included.

Han-toshi kan hosh ga tsuite imasu.

Instructions in English is not included.

Eigo no setsumeisho wa tsuite imasen.

tsuku: attach, include (tsui te iru: be attached, be included)

denchi: battery
hosh: warranty
setsumeisho: instruction, manual
Basic Rules
verb + te (tte) + imasu = state of things
The present progressive form can be used to refer the state of things.
It is like English passive form also refers the state of things. "It's frozen." for example.

Bargaining
Can it be a little cheaper?

Msukoshi yasuku nari masuka?

Can it be cheaper if I bought two?

Futatsu kattara yasuku nari masuka?

How much in total?

Zenbu de ikura desuka?

How about 7,500 yen?

Nana-sen go-hyaku en de ddesuka?

Then I'll take it. / Then, no thanks.

Dewa, kore ni shimasu. / Dewa, kekk desu.

yasui: cheap
naru: become (yasu ku naru: becomes cheap)
kau: to buy (ka ttara: if I buy)
zenbu: all
_de ddesuka?: How about_? (inpolite)
dewa: then
Basic Rules
adjectives or adverbs + ku (or ni) + naru = become_
Affirmative: ku nari masu (present) / ku nari mashita (past)
Negative: ku narimasen (present) / ku narimasendeshita (past)
Question: ku nari masuka? (present) / ku nari mashitaka? (past)
Examples: taka ku nari masu (become expensive), chiisaku takuarimasen (doesn/t become small), shizuka ni nari
mashita (became quiet)
verb + ta (tta) + ra = if I _
Examples: i ttara (if I go), tabe tara (if I eat), shi tara (if I do)

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Communication Tips
In most shops, prices are labeled. Consumption tax (5%) is included in that price.
Bargaining is not a common practice in Japan. You can try at the privately owned small shops, and electric appliance
stores especially in Akihabara, Tokyo (famous tourist destination for shopping).
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Lesson 8:
Expressions
Impression
That was good / not good.

Yo katta desu. / Yo kunakatta desu.

That was funny (interesting) / boring.

Omoshiro katta desu. / Tsumarana katta desu.

That was delicious / bad taste.

Oishi katta desu. / Mazu katta desu.

That was beautiful / not beautiful.

Kirei deshita. / Kirei dewa arimasen deshita.

That was easy / difficult.

Kantan deshita. / Muzukashi katta desu.

That was effortless / hard.

Raku deshita. / Taihen deshita.

yo i: good
omoshiro i: funny, interesting
tsumarana i: boring
oishi i: delicious
mazu i: bad taste
tsumarana i: boring
muzukashi i: difficult
kirei na: beautiful
kantan na: easy
raku na: effortless
taihen na: hard
Basic Rules
i-adjectives - "i" + katta desu = past tense
i-adjectives are the adjectives ends with "i" when it modifies a noun.
To make it the past tense, remove ending "i", and add "katta".
To make it negative, remove ending "i", and add "kunakatta".
Examples: oishi i desu (It's delicious) / oishi katta desu (It was delicious) / oishi kunai desu (It isn't delicious). / oishi
kunakatta desu (It wasn't delicious).
na-adjectives + deshita = past tense
na-adjectives are the adjectives ends with "na" when it modifies a noun.
To make it the past tense, remove ending "na", and add "deshita".
To make it negative, remove ending "i", and add "dewa arimasen deshita".
Examples: kantan desu (It's easy) / kantan deshita (It was easy) / kantan dewa arimasen (It isn't easy). / kantan dewa
arimasen deshita (It wasn't easy).

Likes & Dislikes

I like sushi very much.

Sushi ga dai suki desu.

I like sushi.

Sushi ga suki desu.

Sushi is OK.

Sushi ga mama suki desu.

I don't like sushi very much.

Sushi ga amari suki dewaarimasen.

I don't like sushi.

Sushi ga kirai desu.

I hate sushi.

Sushi ga dai kirai desu.

suki: like, be fond of

kirai: dislike
dai_: Used to emphasize the following word. Only applicable to some words such as suki and kirai, not to all.

Emotions
I'm glad. / I was sad.

Ureshi i desu. / Kanashi katta desu.

It's fun. / It was not fun.

Tanoshi i desu. / Tanoshi kunakatta desu.

I got angry. / I didn't get angry.

Atama ni ki mashita. / Atama ni ki masen deshita.

I feel lonely. / I didn't feel lonely.

Sabishii desu. / Sabishi kunakatta desu.

I was surprised. / I was surprised. (more casual) Odoroki mashita. / Bikkuri shi mashita.
ureshii: be glad, be pleased
kanashii: sad
tanoshii: fun, enjoyable
atama ni kita: got ungly (atama: head + ni: into + kuru: to come) Used in the past tense.
sabishii: to feel lonely
odoroku: be surprised
bikkuri suru: be surprised (sounds more casual)

Degree of Feelings
It's very hot.

Totemo atsui desu.

It's hot.

Atsui desu.

It's a little hot.

Sukoshi (warito) atsui desu.

It's not so hot.

Amari atsuku arimasen.

It's not hot.

Atsuku arimasen.

It's not hot at all.

Zenzen atsuku arimasen.

atsui: hot (temperature)

totemo: very
sukoshi: little / warito: relatively
amari: not very_
zenzen: not at all
Basic Rules
different degree of feelings
The list above shows how to express the different degrees. Top is the most positive and the bottom is the most
negative.
This rule can be applied to most cases.
"sukoshi" does not fit to some words, and "warito (means relatively)" can be used instead.
Examples: Ano eiga wa warito yokatta desu. (That movie was OK.)

About the Environment

It's hot. / It was cold.

Atsui desu. / Samu katta desu.

It's warm. / It was cool.

Atatakai desu. / Suzushi katta desu.

It's clean. / It was dirty.

Kirei desu. / Kitana katta desu.

It's quiet. / It was noisy.

Shizuka desu. / Urusa katta desu.

atsui: hot (temperature)

samui: cold, chilly (temperature)
atatakai: warm (temperature)
suzushii: cool (temperature)
kirei: clean (also means beautiful)
kitanai: dirty
shizuka: quiet, silent
urusai: noisy

About the Physical Conditions

Are you well? / I'm not feeling good.

Genki desuka? / Chshi ga warui desu.

Are you tired? / I'm not tired.

Tsukare mashitaka? / Tsukare te imasen.

Are you hungry? / I'm full.

Onaka ga suite imasuka? / Onaka ga ippai desu.

Are you thirsty? / I want to drink something.

Nodo ga kawaite imasuka? / Nani ka nomi tai desu.

Are you busy. / I have time to spare.

Isogashii desuka? / Hima desu.

genki: being well

choshi: condition (physical and mental)
warui: bad
tsukareru: be tired
warui: bad
onaka ga suku: hungry (onaka: stomach + suku: be empty)
onaka ga ippai: full stomach (onaka: stomach + ippai: full)
nodo ga kawaku: thirsty (nodo: throat + kawaku: be dry)
isogashii: busy
hima: nothing to do, have plenty of time

About a person

nice person / annoying person

ii hito / iyana hito

gentle / cold (attitude)

yasashii / tsumetai

beautiful / handsome

kirei / hansamu

intelligent / stupid

atama ga ii / atama ga warui

good at cooking / bad at cooking

ryri ga jzu / ryri ga heta

ii: good, nice

iyana: annoying, unpleasing
hito: person
yasashii: gentle, sweet
tsumetai: cold
kirei: beautiful (about women)
hansamu: handsome (about men)
atama ga ii: smart, intelligent (atama: head + ii: good)
atama ga warui: dull, stupid (atama: head + warui: bad)
ryri: cooking (also means dishes, cuisine)
_ga jzu: be good at_
_ga heta: be bad at_

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Communication Tips
Japanese people tend to say the negative things indirectly. Because they try not to hurt the feeling of others, and to
avoid confrontational situations.
It's better in general to use the mild expressions rather than the direct critical ones. People can take your words
differently than you meant.
For example, if you say the food in the restaurant tastes bad, the person may feel guilty to chose that restaurant.
Also, be a little careful about what you hear. The person may be implying something more than the word simply
means. People usually don't say "Stop it." or "Don't do it.".
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Lesson 9:
Expressions
Asking to get together

Why don't we eat out together some

time?

Kondo, issho ni shokuji ni iki

masenka?

Yes, I'd like to go.

Hai, iki taidesu.

Why don't we watch DVD together

tonight?

Konban, issho ni DVD o mi masenka?

Yes, sounds good.

Hai, iidesune.

Why don't we go out together

tomorrow?

Ashita, issho ni dekake masenka?

Some other time.

Mata kondo.

PLEASE, come to the party.

Zehi, pthii ni kite kudasai.

Yes, with pleasure.

Hai, yorokonde.

Let's play a game.

Gmu o shi mash.

I'm a little busy.

Chotto isogashii desu.

kondo: some time in the near future, at the next chance

issho ni: together
shokuji: having meal
_masenka?: Why don't we_?
_mash: Let's _.
Iidesune.: Sounds good.
miru: to watch, to look, to see
dekakeru: to go out
Mata kondo.: Maybe, some other time. (Used often as indirect refusal.)
zehi: Used to emphasize your willingness.
Yorokonde.: With pleasure. (positive acceptance)
chotto: little (sounds more casual than "sukoshi")
isogashii: busy
Basic Rules
verb + masenka? = Why don't we _?
Literally, it seems to mean "Don't you _?". But mostly, this sentence form is used to invite someone.
Examples: tabe masenka?: Why don't we eat?, nomi masenka?: Why don't we drink (go for a drink)?, tenisu o shi
masenka?: Why don't we play tennis?
verb + mash = Let's _.
It is also used to invite someone, but sounds more stronger than "_masenka?".
Use this sentence pattern when you are almost sure that the person also wants to do it.
Examples: tabe mash: Let's eat, nomi mash: Let's drink (go for a drink), tenisu o shi mash: Let's play tennis.

Making an appointment

When would be good?

Itsu ga ii desuka?

How about this Saturday?

Konsh no Doy wa d desuka?

Saturday is not good.

Doybi wa tsug ga warui desu.

Then, how about Sunday?

Dewa, Nichiy wa d desuka?

All right.

Daijbu desu.

Then, let's meet here at 2pm.

Dewa, gogo ni-ji ni kokode ai mash.

ii: good, fine

warui: bad

d: how?
tsug ga ii: convenient, suit one's schedule, can make it
tsug ga warui: inconvenient, not suit one's schedule, can't make it
dewa: then
kokode: at this place (koko: here + de: at)
au: to meet

Exchanging contact information

Can you tell me (your) phone number?

Denwabang o oshiete
moraemasuka?

Do you have a cell phone?

Keitai o motte imasuka?

Can you enter (input) the mail address

Mru adoresu o koko ni irete moraemasuka?
here?
I'll send my address by e-mail later.

Ato de watashi no jush o mru de okuri masu.

denwabang: phone number (denwa: phone + bang: number)

keitai: cell phone, mobile phone
mru adoresu: mail address
ireru: enter, input
atode: at later time
jsho: address
okuru: to send
Basic Rules
verb + te (tte) + imasu = continuous state
This present progressive sentence form can also mean the continuous state.
Examples: keitai o mot te imasu (I own a cell phone. It doesn't mean that "I am holding it at this moment."), kare o
shitte imasu. (I know him. Does not mean that "I'm getting to know him now.")

Eating out

Why don't we eat something?

Nanika tabe masenka?

What do you want to eat?

Nani o tabe tai desuka?

How about Italian food?

Itaria ryri wa d desuka?

Why don't we drink beer?

Biiru o nomi masenka?

Sounds good.

Ii desune.

No, I don't drink alcohol.

Iie, watashi wa osake o nomi masen.

Cheers!

Kanpai!

It's my treat, today.

Ky wa gochis shimasu.

Let's split the bill.

Warikan ni shi mash.

Thank you for the treat.

Gochissama deshita.

nanika: something, anything

itaria: Italy / itaria ryori: Itarian food, dishes, cuisine
biiru: beer
taberu: to eat
ii desune: Sounds good.
osake: alcoholic drinks
kanpai!: Cheers!
gochis suru: treat the meal (pay for the meal)
warikan: separating the bill (paying separately)
gochissamadeshita: Greeting when you finished the meal. Also can be used to thank someone who treated you a
meal.

About language skills

Can you read (display) the Japanese

characters on your computer?

Anata no konpyut de Nihongo no

moji o yome masuka?

Probably OK.

Tabun, daijbu desu.

No, not possible.

Iie, muri desu.

Can you write Kanji letters?

Kanji o kake masuka?

I can write Hiragana and Katakana only.

Hiragana to Katakana dake kake masu.

Can you speak English?

Eigo o hanase masuka?

I can speak just a little.

Sukoshi dake hanase masu.

moji: letters, characters

tabun: probably
muri: not possible, can't make it
dake: only
yomu: to read
kaku: to write
hanasu: to speak
Basic Rules
verb (e) + masu = be able to _
Change the end vowel of the verb from "i (desu, masu form)" to "e".
Examples: yomi masu (I read) / yome masu (I can read) / yome masen (I can't read), iki masu (I go) / ike masu (I can
go) / ike masen (I can't go).

Asking the reason

Oh, I have to go home.

A, m, kaera nakutewa ikemasen.

Why?

Naze desuka?

Because, I'll go out tomorrow morning

Ashita, asa roku-ji ni dekakeru karadesu.
at 6.
Oh, I see.

, s desuka.

kaeru: to go back
naze?: why?
dekakeru: to go out
s desuka: I see.
Basic Rules
verb (a) + nakutewa ikemasen = have to _
Change the end vowel of the verb from "i (desu, masu form)" to "a" and add "nakutewa ikemasen".
Examples: kaeri masu (I go back) / kaera nakutewa ikemasen (I have to go back), hanashi masu (I speak) / hanasa
nakutewa ikemasen (I have to speak).
verb (u) + karadesu = Bacause _. (Explaining the reason why)
Change the end vowel of the verb from "i (desu, masu form)" to "u (dictionary form)" and add "karadesu".
Examples: kaeri masu (I go back) / kaeru karadesu (Because I go back), kai masu (I buy) / kau karadesu (Because I
buy)

Giving a present

Happy birthday!

Tanjbi omedet gozaimasu.

Here, a present for you.

Kore, purezento desu.

Here, a souvenir from Thailand.

Kore, Tai no omiyage desu.

Can I open?

Ake temo ii desuka?

Can I share with my family?

Kazoku to wake temo ii desuka?

Yes, please.

, dzo.

Wow, beautiful!

W, kirei!

Wow, great!

W, sugoi!

Wow, cute!

W, kawaii!

Wow, looks delicious!

W, oishis!

tanjbi: birthday
omedet gozaimasu: Congratulations!
Tai: Thailand
omiyage: souvenir

akeru: to open
wakeru: to share
: yes (sounds more casual)
w: wow! Used when you are surprised.
kirei: beautiful
sugoi: great, amazing
kawaii: cute, pretty Young girls use this often.
oishis: looks delicious
Basic Rules
verb + temo iidesuka = May I _?
Examples: ake masu (I open) / ake temo iidesuka? (May I open?), tabe masu (I eat) / tabe temo iidesuka? (May I
eat?),

Farewell
Thank you for taking care of me so
Osewa ni nari mashita.
nicely.
PLEASE stay my house when you Rosia ni ki tara, zehi, watashi no ie ni
come to Russia.
tomatte kudasai.
Please contact me when you arrive
Bankoku ni tsui tara renraku shite kudasai.
in Bangkok.
Please come to visit us again, any
Mata, itsudemo asobi ni kite kudasai.
time.
I really appreciate that.

Hont ni arigat gozaimashita.

So, see you again. Good-bye.

Dewa, mata aimash. Saynara.

osewa ni narimashita: Used to thank for the hospitality

Rosia: Russia
kuru: to come
ie: house
tomaru: to stay
Bankoku: Bangkok
tsuku: to arrive
renraku suru: to contact, to get in touch
itsudemo: any time
asobi ni kuru: come to visit, come to play
asobi ni iku: go to visit, go to play
honto ni: truly, really
Basic Rules
verb + tara = when _, if _
Examples: Kare ga ki masu (He comes) / Kare ga ki tara (When he comes, If he comes), tabe masu (I eat) / tabe tara
(When I eat, If I eat).

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Communication Tips
Japanese people have a group-oriented mentality. People tend to value the benefit and the harmony of the whole
group, rather than the benefit of oneself.
For example, when people decide which restaurant they go, minority happily give up their desire and follow the will of
majority. Nobody starts to say "Then, I don't go.".
Self-oriented attitude is not welcomed in Japan. Compromise and "after you" attitude are the keys to get along with a
group of people.
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Lesson 10:
Expressions
Health problems
I don't feel well.

Karada no guai ga warui desu.

What's wrong?

Doko ga warui desuka?

Is there a pharmacy nearby?

Chikaku ni yakkyoku wa ari masuka?

I want to go to the hospital.

Byin e iki taidesu.

Are you all right?

daijbu desuka?

It's not a big deal.

Taishitakoto arimasen.

Take care.

Odaijini.

karada: body
guai: condition
warui: bad
chikaku: nearby
yakkyoku: pharmacy
byin: hospital
odaijini: Used only to the person who is sick or injured.

Body parts
head, eye, ear, nose, mouth

atama, me, mimi, hana, kuchi

neck, arm, hand, leg

kubi, ude, te, ashi

chest, back, belly, lower back

mune, senaka, hara, koshi

brain, heart, stomach, lung

no, shinzo, i, hai

Symptoms

I caught a cold.

Kaze o hiite imasu.

I have a fever.

Netsu ga ari masu.

I have a headache.

Atama ga itai desu.

I feel nauseous.

Hakike ga shimasu.

I have diarrhea.

Geri o shite imasu.

It's swelled.

Harete imasu.

It's itchy.

Kayui desu.

kaze: cold / kaze o hiku: catch a cold

netsu: fever, heat
itai: it pains, it hurts, painful
hakike: nausea
geri: diarrhea
hareru: to swell
kayui: it itches

Injury
I got hurt.

Kega o shi mashita.

I got burned.

Yakedo o shi mashita.

I had a tumble.

Korobi mashita.

I banged my head.

Atama o butsuke mashita.

I cut myself with a knife.

Naifu de kiri mashita.

I'm bleeding.

Chi ga dete imasu.

kega: injury
yakedo: burn
krobu: to have a tumble, to fall down
butsukeru: to bang, to bump
naifu: knife
kiru: to cut
chi: blood / chi ga deru: to bleed

At the pharmacy
How many hours will this medicine be effective? Kono kusuri wa nan-jikan kurai kiki masuka?
Take twice a day after meals.

Ichi-nichi ni-kai, shokugo ni non de kudasai.

cold medicine, headache pills, antidiarrheal

kazegusuri, zutsu yaku, geri dome

antiseptic, band-aid, insect-repelling spray

shodoku yaku, bandoeido, mushiyoke supure

kusuri: medicine
kiku: to effect, to be effective
shokugo: after the meal
shokuzen: before the meal

At the hospital
Surgery has to be performed at once.

Sugu ni shujutsu ga hitsuy desu.

3 days hospitalization is needed.

Mikka-kan nyin ga hitsuy desu.

The treatment takes a week.

Chiry wa isshu-kan kakarimasu.

Can I use the travel insurance?

Ryok hoken wa tsukae masuka?

suguni: at once, right away

shujutsu: surgery, operation
hitsuy: necessary, in need
nyin: hospitalization
chiry: medical treatment
ryok hoken: travel insurance (ryok: travel + hoken: insurance)
tsukau: to use

Lost property

I left my bag in the train.

Densha ni kaban o okiwasure mashita.

What should I do?

D shitara iidesuka?

It's good to talk to a station staff.

Ekiin ni sodan suruto iidesuyo.

It may be found.

Mitsukaru kamo shiremasen.

We will contact you if it is found.

Moshi mitsuka ttara, renraku shimasu.

densha: train
kaban: bag
okiwasureru: leave (oku: to put + wasureru: to forget)
do sureba iidesuka?: Used to ask what you should do.
ekiin: station staff
sdan suru: to consult
mitsukaru: to be found
mitsukeru: to find
moshi: if
renraku suru: to contact, to get in touch

Basic Rules
verb (u) + kamo shiremasen = may _. (mentioning about the possibility)
Change the ending "i" to "u" and add "kamo shiremasen".
Examples: iki masu (I go) / iku kamo shiremasen (I may go, Maybe I go), Kanojo ni ai masu (I see her) / Kanojo ni au
kamo shiremasen (I may see her, Maybe I see her).
Moshi + verb + tara (ttara) = If _.
Change the ending "i" to "u" and add "kamo shiremasen".
Examples: tabe masu (I eat) / moshi tabe tara (If I eat), kai masu (I buy) / Moshi ka ttara (If I buy).

At the police

My baggage was stolen.

Nimotsu o nusuma re mashita.

I was cheated and got stolen my

money.

Damasarete, okane o tora re mashita.

I lost my wallet.

Saifu o nakushi mashita.

Where is the police box?

Koban wa doko desuka?

What happened?

Dshimashitaka?

koban: police box, police station

saifu: wallet, purse
nakusu: to lose
nimotsu: baggage, belongings
nusumu: to steal, to rob
damasu: to cheat
okane: money
toru: to take, to steal
Basic Rules
verb (a) + re mashita = passive form (past tense)
Change the ending vowel "i" to "a" and add "re mashita".
Examples: nusumi masu (I steal) / nusuma re mashita (I was stealed), kiri masu (I cut) / kira re mashita (I was cut).

Emergency
Please help.

Tasukete kudasai.

Please call an ambulance.

Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai.

Please call the police.

Keisatsu o yonde kudasai.

My friend got serious injury.

Tomodachi ga kega o shimashita.

My friend got terrible disease.

Tomodachi ga hidoi byoki desu.

tasukeru: to help

kyukyusha: ambulance
yobu: to call (to come)
keisatsu: police
kega: serious injury
hidoi: terrible
byoki: disease, illness

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Communication Tips
Japan is said to be one of the safest country in the world. But bad things can happen. You should be careful
especially about your money and belongings.
If you have a problem, police can be trustworthy and helpful in general. There are many small police stations in town.
They even happily show you the directions.
When you lost your belongings, don't give up and report to the facilities you can think of. The chance to have your lost
item returned is actually surprisingly high.
In emergency situations, it is best to ask the local people for the help. They can call an ambulance or the police for
you. You may lose your time if you try to do it by yourself.
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