Japanese 101: Lecture 1 Vocabulary

Dozo

A word meaning "here you go" or "please," used when offering or giving something to someone.

Domo

An informal phrase for thank you.

Arigato

A standard phrase for thank you, more formal than domo.

Arigato gozaimasu

A formal phrase for thank you.

Domo arigato gozaimasu

The most formal expression of thank you, combining domo, arigato, and gozaimasu.

Onegaishimasu

A polite phrase meaning literally "I beg of you" or "I humbly implore you," used when asking someone to do something for you or give you something.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu

A polite phrase used when first introducing yourself, meaning "please take care of me in our future relations" or "please look after me."

Konbanwa

A greeting used in the evening when it starts to turn dark, meaning "Good evening."

Ohio

An informal morning greeting used with friends, meaning literally "it is early."

Ohio gozaimasu

A formal morning greeting meaning "it is early," used to show respect to teachers or bosses, typically used until about 10:00 AM.

Konichiwa

A greeting meaning "Good day" or literally "today," used from about 10:30 or 11:00 AM through about 5:00 or 6:00 PM.

Oyasumi nasai

A phrase meaning "Good night" or "Please rest well," used when parting from someone for the night.

Sayonara

A word for "goodbye," implying you are parting from someone for a fairly long time.

Janae

An informal parting phrase used when you expect to see someone again soon.

Bye bye

An informal, casual expression used to say goodbye to friends.

Kiite kudasai

A classroom request phrase meaning "Please listen."

Itte kudasai

A classroom request phrase meaning "Please say" or "Please speak."

Ooki koe de itte kudasai

A request phrase meaning "Please say it louder" or "with a bigger