Japanese Text-book / Getting Started Part 1

Hajimemashite. Kawamura desu.

はじめまして。かわむらです。

Nice to meet you. I’m Kawamura.

Hajimemashite. Buraun desu.

はじめまして。ぶらうんです。

Nice to meet you. I’m Buraun.

Doozo yoroshiku.

どうぞよろしく。

I’m in your care (please regard me favorably.)

Doozo yoroshiku.

どうぞよろしく。

m in your care (please regard me favorably.)

Note

Hajimemashite (literally, it’s the first time we meet) and Doozo yoroshiku (please regard me favorably) are set phrases. Desu corresponds to the verb to be (am, are, is, etc., depending on context.)

Language Note: Romanization

Romanization is the transcription of Japanese using rooma-ji (lit., Roman letters), or the English alphabet. In Japan, the only words you see written in rooma-ji are station names (for the sake of foreigners), trademarks, ad catchphrases, and the like. In this textbook, romanization is used only as an aid for the beginning student. By the end of getting started, you should have a good working knowledge of hiragana and katakana.

Culture Note

When Japanese people greet each other, they bow. Nowadays, many Japanese people shake hands when greeting, but they may also bow while shaking hands. How deeply and how often Japanese people bow depends on factors such as their relative ages and social status.

Sumimasen. Chin-san desu ka.

すみません。ちんさんですか。

Excuse me. Are you chin? / Chin?

Hai, soo desu.

はい、そうです。

Yes, (I am.)

Buraun desu. Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku.

ぶらうんです。はじめまして。どうぞよろしく。

I’m Buranu. NIce to meet you. I’m in your care.

Chin desu. Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku.

ちんです。はじめまして。どうぞよろしく。

I’m Chin. Nice to meet you.

Note

Sumimasen is an expression of apology, corresponding to the English “I’m sorry” or “excuse me”. It is also frequently used to attract someone's attention or to express appreciation (in the latter case thank you is a closer English equivalent). To form a simple yes/no question in Japanese, add “ka” (か) to the end of a statement (with a rising intonation. Ka (か)) takes the place of a question mark.

Note

To form a simple yes/no question in Japanese, add “Ka” to the end of a statement (with a rising intonation). “Ka” takes the place of a question mark.

Culture Note

When Japanese people give their full names, they say their family name first and given name last (Japanese do not have middle names). Japanese people typically introduce themselves with their family name alone and address others (except close friends and family members) by family name followed by a respectful title. For now, the only titles you need to know are “-san” (Mr./Ms.) for your friends or classmates and “-sensei” (professor) for your instructor. Never attach these titles to your own name.

Sumimasen. Hayashi-san desu ka.

すみません。はやしさんですか。

Excuse me. Are you Hayashi?

Iie.

いいえ。

No.

Shitsurei shimashita.

しつれいしました。

I’m sorry. (I have committed a rudeness)

Iie.

いいえ。

No.

Hajimemasite. Buraun desu. O-namae wa?

はじめまして。ぶらうんです。おなまえは。

Nice to meet you. I’m Buraun. What is your name?

Chin desu. Hajimemashite.

ちんです。はじめまして。

I’m Chin. Nice to meet you.

O-namae wa?

おなまえわ。

What is your name?

Chin desu.

ちんです。

Chin.

Language Note: Informal Questions

Notice that the question “o-namae wa?” does not end in “ka”. In formal Japanese, questions end in “ka”, but in an informal, colloquial style of speech, questions are often abbreviated. “O-namae wa?” is short for “O-namae wa nan desu ka” (lit., As for your name, what is it?).

Note

Note that the subject may be left unexpressed in Japanese when it can be figured out from the context.

Hajimemashite, Tookyoo daigaku no Buraun desu.

はじめまして、とおきょおだいがくのぶらうんです。

Nice to meet you. I’m Buraun from the University of Tokyo.

Hajimemashite, Sonii no Takada desu.

はじめまして、そにいのたかだです。

Nice to meet you. I’m Takada from Sony.

Kore, watashi no meishi desu.

これ、わたしのめえしです。

This is my name card.

Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu. Kore, watashi no meishi desu.

どうもありがとうございます。これ、わたしのめえしです。

Thank you very much. This is my name card.

Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu.

どうもありがとうございます。

Thank you very much.

Note

When you introduce yourself in Japan, it is common to state your affiliation. Japanese tend to identify strongly with the group they belong to (their “in-group”) and are interested in knowing another person’s affiliation and rank. You can tell a lot about someone from his/her affiliation and rank. Stating affiliation also helps get a conversation going by giving your conversational partner something more to ask you about. To clarify your affiliation, say:

• (Company/school) no (last name) desu. - I am (name) of (institution).

• Tookyoo daigaku no Kawamura desu.

• とおきょおだいがくのかわむらです。

• I am Kawamura from the University of Tokyo.

(Company/school) no (last name) desu.

I am (name) of (institution).

Tookyoo daigaku no Kawamura desu.

とおきょおだいがくのかわむらです。

I am Kawamura from the University of Tokyo.

Culture Note

Name cards (meishi) play an important role in Japan because they contain the following pieces of information essential to developing a relationship:

• Company or school affiliation

• Rank in the company or school

• The correct written form and pronunciation of the person’s name

• Address, telephone, and fax numbers, and often email address

Since the “meeshi” represents the person, you should treat it with respect, receiving it with both hands while bowing slightly and studying it for a few moments before putting it away, preferably in a card holder. Or “meeshi-ire” (never put it in your back pocket). If you receive a “meeshi” during a business meeting, you may want to keep it on the table in front of you for a handy reference.

Language Note: Expressing Gratitude

apanese express gratitude and apologize frequently as ways of maintaining harmonious relationships. Among the many ways to express gratitude in Japanese are these common expressions, listed from formal to informal.

• Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu (どおもありがとおございます)

• Arigatoo gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

• Doomo arigatoo (どぉもありがとお)

• Arigatoo (ありがとお)

• Doomo (どおも)

Among these, “doomo” (very) is commonly used in everyday conversation when speaking to social equals or subordinates. Students often use “sankyuu” (from English thank you). Note that such an expression of apology as “doomo” sumimasen “deshita” is also used as a polite expression of gratitude. When someone expresses gratitude, and you would like to say you’re welcome, say “doo itashimashite” or “ii, doo itashimashite”.

Ohayoo gozaimasu

おはようございます

Good morning (formal)

Ohayoo

おはよお

Good morning (informal)

Konnichi wa

こんにちは

Good afternoon

Konban wa

こんばんは

Good evening

O-genki desu ka

おげんきですか

How are you?

Ee, genki desu

ええ、げんきです

(yes) I am fine

Okagesama de, genki desu

おかげさまで、げんきです

Thanks to you, I'm fine.

Ee, okagesama de

ええ、おかげさまで

(yes) Thanks to you… (I'm fine) (informal)

O-hisashiburi desu ne

おひさしぶりですね

I haven’t seen you for a long time.

Shibaraku desu ne

しばらくですね

I haven’t seen you for a long time (informal)

Shitsurei shimasu

しつれいします

Good-bye (excuse me)

Ja (or de wa), mata

じゃ(でわ)、また

See you later (again)

Ja (or de wa)

じゃ(でわ)

See you (very formal)

Sayo(o)nara

さよ(う)なら

Good-bye

O-yasuminasai

おやすみなさい

Good night (informal)

Language Note: Greetings

In America, “how are you?” is not an inquiry about your health as much as an idiomatic way of saying hello. In Japan, commenting on the weather serves much the same function. If someone greets you with “ii o-tenki desu ne”, do not feel compelled to give your opinion on the matter. Just be agreeable; 

Soo desu ne (yes, it is, isn't it).

So what about “o-genki desu ka”. This “how are you” really means “how have you been lately?”, so don’t say it to anyone you have seen recently. If you haven’t seen someone for some time, or if you are sincerely concerned about his or her health, “o-genki desu ka” is appropriate. The proper response when asked, “o-genki desu ka” is “okagesama de” (lit., thanks to you). The implication is that the questioner’s concern has contributed to your physical and spiritual health. Also, be careful with “sayo(o)nara”. It has a sense of finality, so don’t say it to someone you expect to see later in the day or in a couple of days in most situations. In this case, say “ja mata” or “de wa mata”. (school children say “sayo(o)nara at the end of a day”).

Note

Shitsuree shimasu is commonly used among business associates and as a polite way of taking leave of one’s superior.

Note

• Ohayoo gozaimasu - 12 am to 12 pm

• Konnichi wa - 12 pm to 6 pm

• Konban wa - 6 pm to 12 am

Konnichi wa

こんにちは

Good afternoon

O-genki desu ka

おげんきですか

How have you been lately?

Ja, mata

じゃ、また

See you (formal)

Konban wa

こんばんわ

Good evening

Arigatoo gozaimasu

ありがとうございます

Thank you (formal)

Hajimemashite

はじめまして

How do you do?

Shibaraku desu ne

しばらくですね

It has been a while

Ohayoo gozaimasu

おはよおございます

Good morning (formal)

Ii o-tenki desu ne

いいおてんきですね

It is nice weather

O-yasuminasai

おやすみなさい

Good night

Desk wa nihongo de nan to iimasu ka.

Desk はにほんごでなんといいますか。

Desk は日本語でなんといいますか。

How do you say desk in Japanese?

Tsukue to iimasu.

つくえといいます。

(You) Say tsukue.

Desk wa nihongo de nantte iimasu ka.

Desk はにほんごでなんといいますか。

Desk は日本語でなんといいますか。

Tsukette imasu is more common.

Language Note: Japanese Nouns

Japanese nouns do not have different singular and plural forms. One word means both book and books; another means person and people; another, idea and ideas. Context determines which is meant. Later you will learn how to indicate a specific number of items in cases where you need to make a plural/singular distinction. Remember that although their English equivalents are given in the singular, Japanese nouns in vocabulary lists throughout this book assume the plural too, unless otherwise stated. Note, too, that unlike nouns in such languages as Spanish and French, Japanese nouns have no gender (i.e., they are not masculine or feminine). In addition, Japanese nouns keep the same form whether they are the subject or the object of a sentence.

Shitsumon ga arimasu

しつもんがあります

I have a question

Moo ichido onegai shimasu

もおいちどおねがいします

Please say that again

Wakarimasen

わかりません

I don't understand

Wakarimashita

わかりました

I understand

Chotto matte kudasai

ちょっとまってください

ちょっと待ってください

Please wait a moment

Book wa nihongo de nan to iimasu ka

Book はにほんごでなんといいますか

How do you say book in Japanese?

Hon to iimasu

ほんといいます

(You) Say hon.

Hon o tojite kudasai

ほんおとじてください

Please close you book

Hon o akete kudasai

ほんおあけてください

Please open your book

Hon o mite kudasai

ほんおみてください

Please look at your book

Hon wa minaide kudasai

ほんわみないでください

Don't look at your book

Kiite (ite) kudasai

きいて(いて)ください

Please listen

Mite kudasai

みてください

Please look at (me, it, this)

Itte kudasai

いってください

Please say it

Moo ichido itte kudasai

もおいちどいってください

Please repeat again

Yonde kudasai

よんでください

Please read (it)

Nihongo de itte kudasai

にひんごでいってください

Please say it in japanese

Kurikaeshite kudasai

くりかえしてください

Please repeat

Kaite kudasai

かいてください

Please write

Renshuu shite kudasai

れんしゅうしてください

Please practice

Pea o tsukutte kudasai

ぺあおつくってください

Pair off with a classmate

Nooto o dashite kudasai

のおとおだしてください

Please take out your notebook

Nooto ni kaite kudasai

のおとにかいてください

Please write in your notebook

Nani mo kakanaide kudasai

なにもかかないでください

Please don't write anything down

Wakarimasu ka

わかりますか

Do you understand?

Hai, wakarimasu

はい、わかりません

Yes, I understand

Iie, wakarimasen

いいえ、わかりません

No, I don't understand

Shitsumon ga arimasu ka

しつもんがありますか

Do you have any questions?

Hai, arimasu

はい、あります

Yes, I do (have a question)

Iie, arimasu

いいえ、あります

No, I don't (have a question)

Hajimemashoo

はじめましょお

let’s begin

Moo ichido

もおいしど

once again, please

Minasan, issho ni

みなさん、いっしょに

everyone (do it) together

Ii desu ka

いいですか

is that alright?