This table presents a ranked list of fundamental greetings and polite expressions commonly used in everyday Japanese communication. Each phrase is provided with its romaji transcription and an audio shortcode for pronunciation practice. The explanations clarify the appropriate context and usage to help learners build confidence in basic spoken interactions while prioritizing important expressions for polite and effective communication.
📚 Greetings and Polite Phrases with Pronunciation Support:
| Word/Phrase | Japanese (romaji + read shortcode) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | konnichiwa | Used to greet someone during the day. |
| Thank you | arigatou / arigatou gozaimasu | Expressing thanks; “gozaimasu” adds politeness. |
| Excuse me / Sorry | sumimasen | Used to get attention, apologize lightly, or thank someone after a favor. |
| Yes | hai | Affirmative response. |
| No | iie | Negative response or refusal. |
| Good Morning | ohayou / ohayou gozaimasu | Morning greeting; “gozaimasu” is more polite. |
| Good Evening | konbanwa | Evening greeting. |
| Please | onegaishimasu | Used to request something politely. |
| Thank you very much | doumo arigatou gozaimasu | A more formal, grateful thank you. |
| Sorry (apology) | gomen nasai | Apologizing sincerely. |
| It’s okay / No problem | daijoubu desu | Used to reassure or say something is fine. |
| Nice to meet you | hajimemashite | Used when meeting someone for the first time. |
| Please take care of me (polite) | yoroshiku onegaishimasu | Used when asking for favor or in introductions meaning “please treat me well.” |