Daily Useful Expressions (33 expressions)

1. ohayou gozaimasu おはよう ございます

Good morning. This greeting is used during the morning hours, typically until around 10 a.m.

2. konnichiwa こんにちは

Hello. This is a common greeting used from 10 a.m. until sunset.

3. konbanwa こんばんは

Good evening. This greeting is appropriate after sunset and is not used to mean 'good-bye'.

4. sayounara さようなら

Good-bye. A standard farewell expression when parting from someone.

5. shitsurei shimasu しつれい します

Pardon me for being rude. A formal expression used when leaving or entering a room as a polite way to say good-bye.

6. oyasumi nasai おやすみ なさい

Good night. This phrase is said at bedtime or when parting ways late at night.

7. dewa mata / jya mata / mata ne! では また ・ じゃ また ・ またね

See you again / See you later. An informal send-off that translates to 'again'. Used among family and friends.

8. ki o tsukete き を つけて

Take care. A friendly farewell implying that the person should be careful.

9. itte kimasu / itte mairimasu (formal) いって きます ・ いって まいります

So long; I'll be back. Said when one leaves home, indicating the intent to return.

10. itte rasshai いって らっしゃい

So long. This phrase means 'go and come back', spoken to someone leaving home, serving as a reply to 'itte kimasu'.

11. tadaima ただいま

Just now / 'I'm back!'. Used upon returning home to announce one's arrival.

12. o-kaeri nasai おかえり なさい

Welcome home. A response to 'tadaima', expressing joy at someone's return.

13. o-genki desu ka おげんき です か

How are you?; Are you well? This is a common way to inquire about someone's well-being.

14. arigatou gozaimasu genki desu ありがとう ございます げんき です

Thank you (respectfully), I am well. An expression of gratitude combined with a confirmation of one's good status.

15. o-kagesama de genki desu おかげさまで げんき です

Thanks to your honorable help, I am well. A very polite reply to 'o-genki desu ka'.

16. omedetou gozaimasu おめでとう ございます

Congratulations! A respectful way to express goodwill on someone's achievement.

17. otanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu おたんじょうび おめでとう ございます

Happy birthday! A celebratory phrase offered to someone on their birthday.

18. o-daijini おだいじに

Take care of yourself. Commonly said to someone who is unwell, wishing them a speedy recovery.

19. chotto matte kudasai ちょっと まって ください

Wait a moment please. A polite request for someone to pause or hold on.

20. mou ichido onegaishimasu もう いちど おねがいします

One time more, if you please. A request for repetition or further explanation.

21. osakini おさきに

Pardon me for going before you. Expressed when one is going ahead of another.

22. douzo osakini どうぞ おさきに

Please go ahead. An invitation for someone to proceed before oneself.

23. abunai あぶない

Look out! It's dangerous. A warning phrase to alert someone to a potential danger.

24. dame desu だめ です

No good. Impossible. A phrase indicating that something cannot be done or is prohibited.

25. ganbatte kudasai がんばって ください

An encouragement. A motivational phrase meaning 'you can do it!' or 'keep your chin up!'

26. daijoubu だいじょうぶ

Okay; alright. An affirmative response indicating that everything is fine.

27. sumimasen すみません

Excuse me. This phrase doubles as an apology and can express gratitude in certain contexts.

28. gomen nasai ごめん なさい

Forgive me. Used for more serious apologies when one feels genuinely regretful.

29. dou itashimashite どう いたしまして

You're welcome; It's nothing. Often used after someone thanks you, typically preceded by 'iie'.

30. itadakimasu いただきます

I gratefully partake. Traditionally said before eating or drinking as a gesture of gratitude for the meal.

31. gochisousama deshita ごちそうさま でした

It was a feast. An expression of satisfaction said after finishing a meal.

32. doumo / arigatou / doumo arigatou / doumo arigatou gozaimasu どうも ・ ありがとう ・ どうも ありがとう ・ どうも ありがとう ございます

Thanks / Thank you / Thank you very much / Thank you very much (respectfully). Different levels of gratitude expressed.

33. douzo / kudasai / onegaishimasu どうぞ ・ ください ・ おねがいします

Please (offering) / Please (asking) / If you please. Expressions used to make requests or offers politely.