You work for a foreign company or you simply have to frequently communicate with residents of the country rising sun?! Then you should know the basics conversational phrases on their native language. The most basic thing with which any normal conversation begins is a greeting. In this post I want to tell you how to say “Hello” in Japanese.
How to say hello in Japanese
In general, to begin with, it is worth taking into account the fact that in Japanese there are 9 only the most popular greetings, not counting everything else. The easiest way to say "Hello" in Japanese is kon'nichiwa. It is pronounced “konichiwa”, or “konnichiwa”. The easiest way to pronounce the word syllable by syllable is “kon-ni-chi-wa.” This is the simplest and most common greeting, which is suitable in 80% of cases. That is, if you meet a person at any time of the day and don’t know how to greet him, say “konichiwa” - this will work without any problems instead of “ Good morning", "Good afternoon" or " Good evening».
And one more thing - do not forget that when meeting in person you must bow.
If you need to say hello in a letter, you can write “Hello” in Japanese as a hieroglyph:
Option 1: “konichiwa” - 今日は Option 2: “konichiwa” in Hiragana: こんにちは
By the way, there is another very cool fragment from the film “Taxi” on this topic.
How to say hello to a friend in Japanese
The second popular way for Japanese people to greet friends is to say “Hello!” in Japanese. Long time no see!". The phrase used for this is "Hisashiburi". It is pronounced "hisashiburi". IN in writing This Japanese greeting is written like this: 久しぶり
Note: There is also an older and longer variation of this phrase - "Ohisashiburidesune". But it’s just used much less often and in the most honorable context.
To your closer friends and comrades, you can say “Hey, dude!” in Japanese. There is also such a slang greeting in the land of the rising sun - “Ossu”. Pronounced “oss”. It is used only in informal setting and only between guys. Literally it means “hey dude”, “hi dude”, “healthy”, etc.
You can write “Ossu” in Hiragana characters as follows: おっす
Short greeting in Japanese
In Japan, a very popular way for young people (especially young girls) to say hello to each other is short phrase"Yāhō." This greeting first appeared in Osaka, and only then spread throughout the country.
It reads like “Yahho” (yaahoo!). In Katanaka, you can write “hello” in this version as follows: ヤーホー.
Sometimes the phrase is shortened to "Yo".
But again, keep in mind that this can only be used when talking to a friend. On official evening or when meeting a distinguished guest, such a “Japanese greeting” will look, to put it mildly, a little strange.
"Hello! How are you?!" in Japanese
The Japanese have a special expression "Ogenkidesuka". It sounds like “ogenki des ka” and literally translates as “are you cheerful?” You can use it to say “Hello, how are you?” in Japanese. It’s also suitable if you want to ask your interlocutor “How are you?!”
But if you really want to take an interest in the affairs of your interlocutor, then the phrase “Saikin dō” is more suitable here. Pronounced "say-kin-doo." This is how you ask in Japanese “How are you?”
You can write it in hieroglyphs like this: 最近どう
This phrase is more popular and occurs more often.
This section describes popular expressions that Japanese people use when dating or saying goodbye.
Group with the meaning "Hello"
Ohayou gozaimasu- "Good morning". Polite greeting. In youth communication it can also be used in the evening. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression usually pronounced as "Ohayo gozaimas".
Ohayou- Informal option.
Ossu- A very informal masculine option. Often pronounced as "Oss".
Konnichiwa- "Good afternoon". The usual greeting.
Konbanwa- "Good evening". The usual greeting.
Hisashiburi desu- "Long time no see". Standard polite option.
Hisashiburi ne? (Hisashiburi ne?)- Female version.
Hisashiburi da naa... (Hisashiburi da naa)- Male version.
Yahho! (Yahhoo)- "Hello". Informal option.
Ooh! (Ooi)- "Hello". A very informal men's option. A common greeting for roll call over long distances.
Yo! (Yo!)- "Hello". An exclusively informal men's option.
Gokigenyou- "Hello". A rare, very polite female greeting.
Moshi-moshi- "Hello." Answer by phone.
Group with value "For now"
Sayonara- "Goodbye". The usual option. It is said that if the chances of an ambulance new meeting small.
Saraba- "Bye". Informal option.
Mata Ashita- "Till tomorrow". The usual option.
Mata ne- Female version.
Mata naa- Male version.
Dzya, mata (Jaa, mata)- "See you". Informal option.
Jia (Jaa)- A completely informal option.
De wa- A slightly more formal option.
Oyasumi nasai - "Good night". A somewhat formal option.
Oyasumi- Informal option.
"Yes and no"
This section describes popular expressions that are often found in the speech of Japanese people and anime and manga characters and express various versions of agreement and disagreement.
Group with value "Yes"
Hai- "Yes". Universal standard expression. Can also mean "I understand" and "Continue". That is, it does not necessarily mean consent.
Haa (Haa)- "Yes, sir". A very formal expression.
Uh (Ee)- "Yes". Not very formal.
Ryoukai- "Yes sir". Military or paramilitary option.
Group with value "None"
Ie- "No". Standard polite expression. Also a polite form of declining a thank you or compliment.
Nai- "No". An indication of the absence or non-existence of something.
Betsu ni- "Nothing".
Group with the value "Of course":
Naruhodo- “Of course,” “Of course.”
Motiron- "Naturally!" An indication of confidence in a statement.
Yahari- “That’s what I thought.”
Yappari- A less formal form of the same thing.
Group with value "Maybe"
Maa... (Maa)- "May be..."
Saa... (Saa)- “Well...” In the sense of - “Perhaps, but doubts still remain.”
Group with the meaning "Really?"
Honto desu ka? (Hontou desu ka?)- “Really?” Polite form.
Honto? (Hontou?)- Less formal.
So what? (Sou ka?)- “Wow...” Sometimes pronounced like "Bitch!"
So desu ka? (Sou desu ka?)- Formal form of the same.
So desu nee... (Sou desu nee)- “That’s how it is...” Formal version.
So da na... (Sou da naa)- Men's informal option.
So nee... (Sou nee)- Women's informal option.
Masaka! (Masaka)- "Can't be!"
Expressions of politeness
This section describes popular expressions of politeness that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Onegai shimasu- Very polite form. Can be used independently. Especially often used in requests like “do something for me.” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Onegai Shimas".
Onegai- Less polite, more common form.
- kudasai- Polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. For example, "kite-kudasai"- "Please, come".
- kudasaimasen ka? (kudasaimasenka)- More polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. Translates to "could you do something for me?" For example, "kite-kudasaimasen ka?"- “Could you come?”
Group with the meaning "Thank you"
Doumo - Short form, usually said in response to small “everyday” help, say, in response to a given coat and an offer to enter.
Arigatou gozaimasu- Polite, somewhat formal uniform. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “ Arigato gozaimas".
Arigatou- Less formal polite form.
Doumo arigatou- "Thank you very much". Polite form.
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu- "Thank you very much". Very polite, formal uniform.
Katajikenai - Old fashioned, very polite uniform.
Osewa ni narimashita- “I am your debtor.” Very polite and formal uniform.
Osewa ni natta- Informal form with the same meaning.
Group with the meaning "Please"
Dou itashimashite) - Polite, formal form.
Iie- "My pleasure". Informal form.
Group with the meaning "Sorry"
Gomen nasai- “Excuse me,” “I beg your pardon,” “I’m very sorry.” A very polite form. Expresses regret for some reason, say, if you have to disturb someone. Usually not an actual apology for a significant offense (unlike "sumimasen").
Gomen- Informal form.
Sumimasen- "I'm sorry". Polite form. Expresses an apology related to the commission of a significant offense.
Sumanai/Suman- Not very polite, usually male form.
Sumanu- Not very polite, old-fashioned form.
Shitsurei shimasu- "I'm sorry". Very polite formal uniform. Used, say, to enter the boss's office.
Shitsurei- Similar, but less formal
Moushiwake arimasen- “I have no forgiveness.” Very polite and formal uniform. Used in the military or business.
Moushiwake nai- Less formal option.
Other expressions
Dozo- "Ask". A short form, an invitation to enter, take a coat, and so on. The usual answer is "Domo".
Chotto... (Chotto)- "No worries". Polite form of refusal. For example, if you are offered tea.
Standard everyday phrases
This section contains everyday phrases that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Group "Departure and Return"
Itte kimasu- “I left, but I’ll be back.” Pronounced when leaving for work or school.
Chotto itte kuru- Less formal. Usually means something like "I'll go out for a minute."
Itte irashai- “Come back quickly.”
Tadaima- “I’m back, I’m home.” Sometimes it is said outside the home. This phrase then means a "spiritual" return home.
Okaeri nasai- "Welcome home." The usual answer to "Tadaima".
Okaeri- less formal form.
Group "Food"
Itadakimasu- Pronounced before starting to eat. Literally - “I accept [this food].” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Itadakimas".
Gochisousama deshita- “Thank you, it was very tasty.” Pronounced at the end of a meal.
Gochisousama- Less formal.
Exclamations
This section contains various exclamations that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.
Kawaii! (Kawaii)- "How lovely!" Often used in relation to children, girls, very handsome guys. In general, this word has a strong meaning of “the appearance of weakness, femininity, passivity (in the sexual sense of the word).” According to the Japanese, the most "kawaii" the creature is a fair-haired good girl of four or five years old with European features and blue eyes.
Sugoi! (Sugoi)- “Cool” or “Cool/cool!” In relation to people, it is used to denote "masculinity".
Kakkoii! (Kakkoii!)- "Cool, beautiful, drop dead!"
Suteki! (Suteki!)- "Cool, charming, wonderful!" Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Stacks!".
Forge! (Kowai)- "Scary!" Expression of fear.
Abunay! (Abunai)- "Dangerous!" or "Look out!"
Hide! (Hidoi!)- “Evil!”, “Evil, bad.”
Tasukete! (Tasukete)- “Help!”, “Help!” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Taskete!".
Yamero!/Yamete! (Yamero/Yamete)- "Stop!"
Dame! (Dame)- “No, don’t do that!”
Hayaku! (Hayaku)- "Faster!"
Matte! (Matte)- “Wait!”
Yoshi! (Yoshi)- “So!”, “Come on!”. Usually pronounced as "Yes!".
Ikuzo! (Ikuzo)- “Let’s go!”, “Forward!”
Itai!/Itee! (Itai/Itee)- “Oh!”, “It hurts!”
Atsui! (Atsui)- "It's hot!"
Daijōbu! (Daijoubu)- “Everything is fine”, “Healthy”.
Kampai! (Kanpai)- "To the dregs!" Japanese toast.
Gambatte! (Ganbatte)- “Don’t give up!”, “Hold on!”, “Give your best!”, “Try your best!” The usual parting words at the beginning of difficult work.
Hanase! (Hanase)- “Let go!”
Hentai! (Hentai)- "Pervert!"
Urusai! (Urusai)- "Shut up!"
Uso! (Uso)- "Lie!"
Yokatta! (Yokatta!)- “Thank God!”, “What happiness!”
Yatta! (Yatta)- "Happened!"
Basically, the Japanese use first and last names with nominal suffixes. There are some exceptions, but more on that later.
In general, the topic of nominal suffixes is huge and there are a lot of nuances that are better to learn in life, rather than in theory. However, in this article I will try to theoretically break down some points and bring a little clarity to this topic.
We won’t go into everything, we’ll go over the top so as not to drag out the article.
Let's start with the most popular nominal suffixes: san, kun and chan.
Suffixes SAN, KUN, TIAN
These 3 suffixes are enough for the first time of learning Japanese, because... in fact, this is the basis.
Suffix "San"
For example, Yamada-san. Suffix "San"– neutral polite style. It is possible to some extent compare with speaking on “you”.
That is, in essence, the suffix “ San"used by juniors in relation to seniors, when speaking on equal terms with official address, either stranger or work colleague, usually use " San».
However, it is worth clarifying here that using “ San", this may not always mean official communication. But let's hold that and move on to the suffix " Tian».
Suffix "Tian"
I see errors quite often with this suffix. Most beginners and some textbooks believe that the suffix "Kun" is used in relation to boys, and "chan" is used in relation to girls. Of course this is not true. I honestly admit, I don’t know where it came from, maybe it was like this once or it’s a usage error, I don’t know what I don’t know.
However, if we talk about the Japanese language at the present time, then “ Tian" V real life similar to ours diminutive suffix. That is, saying, for example, Yoko- chan– You are essentially saying Yokochka or to make it easier in Russian you say to Masha - Mashenka. It is used in approximately the same way as in Russian, that is, in informal speech, and it is a gross misconception to think that “Tyan” is used exclusively for girls, although for some reason many people think so.
So, for example, you can hear when a girl calls a guy Akira- chan and this does not mean that Akira became a girl.
It's simple diminutive Akirochka. Or if grandfather is called “Oji-chan”, this will not make him a woman.
But there is one “BUT” here: Of course, a guy won't call a guy with the suffix "chan" because... it will really be strange, although there are such cases. Well, our two guys don’t talk in a diminutive style among themselves.
Suffix "Kun"
« Kun"less formal and a little more 'friendly'. It is also a mistake to believe that Kun is used exclusively for men. Yes, in practice, it mostly turns out this way, but it is not 100% always the case. Those. it is fair to use " Kun" and to a girl, if you don’t want to substitute the suffix “ Tian", i.e. when the diminutive form is not entirely appropriate. Even in movies or dramas you can hear them using the suffix “ Kun».
Those. if you show graphically the rank of politeness, then you can “ Kun» put below « San", but higher " Tian».
And these 3 suffixes should be enough for the first couple of years of study. And then come the following suffixes.
Suffix "Herself"
The suffix “Sama” has the highest position in our hierarchy.
It’s hard to translate literally, but essentially as “honorable.” It is quite rare in spoken Japanese, but it does occur. For example, this is how the service staff may address you when they ask 何名様ですか “Nan mei sama deska” - “table for how many people”? Not San, but herself. Or when you are waiting and they read you from the list, for example: 山田様はいらっしゃいますか “Yamada-sama wa irasshaimaska?” That is, we often use the nominal suffix “Sama” in the conversation of service personnel.
Just like with us, Sama can be used as a joke, this is comparable when we say “Sorry, sir” or something similar, when we deliberately raise a person’s rank as a joke.
If we are not talking about colloquial language, then “sama” is used quite often. For example, in letters to the recipient they use Sama.
Suffix "Sensei"
Sensei, literally “born before” - this is both a word and a nominal suffix, can be used with a name in those cases when you are addressing a teacher, professor and everyone who is in the subject of education, as well as when addressing a doctor, lawyer, politician , scientist, etc. Those. we can characterize this as certain socially important social figures. Rather, “Sensei” denotes a certain status rather than your attitude towards a person.
In my opinion, the main part of the suffixes is over, now comes the part for the most inquisitive minds who want to know more.
Suffix "Dono"
Suffix "Dono" used in various official documents. For example, this is what they write when receiving diplomas, certificates, etc. In fact, “Dono” is used not only in these cases, but we will limit ourselves to this for now, so as not to clutter our heads unnecessary information. On initial stage this is quite enough.
Suffix "Senpai"
"Senpai"- this is someone who is “older” in a particular area. For example, for a 1st grade student high school The senpai will be a student from the 2nd grade of high school, and for a student from the 2nd grade of high school, the student from the first will be Kohai.
We can say what they are like simple words and nominal suffixes, just like Sensei. Those. they can also be used with names, such as Tanaka-senpai. Or you have been working for the company for 2 years, and another person has been working for 5 years. Who do you think he is for you? Right! Senpai! And for him you are Kohai.
To avoid confusion between Senpai and Kohai, use literal translation and mnemonics. Senpai is “comrade in front”, Kohai is “comrade behind”, and in the distance stands Sensei – “born before”.
Those. We imagine a graph where you stand and in the distance stands the Sensei who was born before you, the kanji Sen just hints that they came before you. Also, ahead of you is Senpai. And Kohai is behind you, as indicated by the kanji “after”.
Suffix "Senshu"
"Senshu"– not only is the word “athlete”, but it is also a suffix used for famous athletes.
P.S. You expected that there would be more nominal suffixes, but I thought about it and realized that there is nothing more to talk about, so if I remember something, I will definitely update the article.
Now let's talk when suffixes are not used, because this also happens.
Suffixes do not need to be used in relation to family members when, for example, you are talking to someone.
Also, there is no particular need to use a suffix when addressing by name, because Usually in Japan this indicates a fairly close relationship to the person, so why the suffix? Those. when the relationship with a person is close enough, suffixes are not needed. On the other hand, there are so many nuances that even within the family circle they can use nominal suffixes by name.
We continue our new section. Answering questions from the last lesson, I can say that although the title says that it’s a minute, in reality each lesson goes a little longer. This means that the lessons are small and simple.
In the second lesson, you and I will learn words and phrases that will allow us to express gratitude or apologize in Japanese. For the Japanese this is very important phrases, because Japanese society and mentality as a whole are built on this. We will study the most popular and most used words, but in reality there are many more.
Word 感謝 - かんしゃ (kansya) translated as gratitude. The word is お詫び - おわび (owabi) means "apology". Let's look at all the words in order.
Thank you very much.
The phrase can be translated as " Thanks a lot"These words can be said to absolutely anyone, be it your friend or your boss at work. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) - polite Japanese. Ending ございます (gozaimasu) is part of the polite Japanese language 敬語 (keigo), which we will talk about more in later lessons. Adding ございます (gozaimasu) we are, simply put, reinforcing the politeness of the word or phrase that comes before it. The same as withおはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu)from our last lesson.
By the way, there is an even more polite option. どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu), which can be translated as “thank you very much.” This phrase can be said when, for example, you received a gift from a client or boss. It can also be said when you just really want to thank someone very much. In general, you should not skimp on gratitude. You won’t lose money, but the person will be pleased.
ありがとう (arigatou)- Thank you.
A simpler and more informal way to say "thank you" in Japanese. Just ありがとう (arigatou) you can say "you" to the people with whom you communicate. In general, the usage is exactly the same as in Russian.
どういたしまして (douitashimashite)- You're welcome, please.
The phrase is translated as “you’re welcome” or “please”. Used in the “thank you-please” connection. For example, you are sitting in class and you need an eraser to correct a mistake in your notebook. You asked Tanaka-san, sitting next to you, to give you the eraser, which he did. The following dialogue turns out:
You: ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu)- Thank you very much
Tanaka-san: どういたしまして (douitashimashite)- Please.
You should always be polite and speak “you” to everyone until you become close.
There is another way to say "you're welcome" in Japanese.
とんでもないです (tondemonai desu)- You're welcome, please.
Personally, I like this version of the phrase better and I use it much more often than どういたしまして (douitashimashite). This phrase is polite, but you can drop the polite ending です (desu) and get an informal version とんでもない (tondemonai), which you can say to friends or acquaintances with whom you communicate on a first-name basis.
すみません (sumimasen)- Sorry.
A polite way to say "sorry" in Japanese. This word can be said to both your boss and your friend. The Japanese say すみません (sumimasen) always and everywhere, which may seem strange to a foreigner.
Get into the elevator when someone is already there - speak すみません (sumimasen). If you stepped on someone's foot on a train, speak up すみません (sumimasen). The person in front of you held the door for you a little when entering the building - say すみません (sumimasen). And so on. And of course it is used in standard situations when you just want to apologize.
By the way, one of the most polite ways to say “sorry” in Japanese is the phrase (taihen moushi wake gozaimasen), which can be translated as “I apologize to you incredibly deeply.” This phrase should be used if, for example, while working as a waiter in a restaurant, you spilled a drink on a client. In most cases it will be quite simple すみません (sumimasen).
ごめんなさい (gomen nasai)- Sorry, I beg your pardon.
A simpler version of apologizing in Japanese. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) It's no longer worth telling your boss, clients, or anyone else when you're running a business. This way you can apologize to your friends, acquaintances if you accidentally stepped on someone’s foot, and so on. If we rank Japanese words of apology according to politeness, then this phrase comes lower than すみません (sumimasen).
ごめんね (gomen ne)- Sorry, sorry.
An informal version of the phrase "sorry." It can simply be translated as “sorry”, “excuse me” or “excuse me”. It can be said to those with whom you communicate on a first-name basis. For example, you forgot to call your friend and the next day when you meet you tell him ごめんね (gomen ne), which would mean "sorry". Particle ね at the end allows you to make the apology softer and friendlier.
しつれいします (shitsureishimasu)- I'm sorry, sorry, goodbye.
This phrase has many meanings and, although it is translated as an apology, it is used in other situations. In the video tutorial on the channel I gave several examples with a train and a teacher's room. The phrase is used in a situation when you need to do something, but your actions may cause some inconvenience to other people.
For example, there is a line in front of you that you need to go through. To do this, approach people, talk しつれいします (shitsureishimasu) and come on in. Also, if you want to call someone from a room where there are other people, you can knock, say しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu) and then call the person. I think the use of this phrase is understandable.
However, しつれいします (shitsureishimasu) there is also the meaning of "goodbye". At polite communication, when doing business or just talking on the phone, before ending the conversation, you must say しつれいします (shitsureishimasu), which would mean "goodbye." For example, you made a phone call to find out some information. We talked, and then, before you hang up, you can say first ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) to thank and then しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu) to say goodbye. You will hear the same thing on the phone.
だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu)- It's okay, it's okay, okay, okay.
This is a very versatile word in Japanese. Sometimes the Japanese themselves do not fully understand what exactly a person meant when he said だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu).
If, for example, you fell and someone asked if everything was okay with you, then you can answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu) to say that everything is fine. The phrase can also be used to show your agreement with something. You are asked whether it will be okay to meet tomorrow at 1 pm, and not at 3, as planned. If you are satisfied with this, then simply answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu).
However, as I said, sometimes it is not entirely clear what is meant. For example, you are buying ice cream at a grocery store and the clerk asks if you need an ice cream scoop. Most Japanese will answer だいじょうぶです (daijyoubu desu), which can be translated as “no need” or “yes, let’s do it.” What a person really meant can be understood only from intonation and behavior, although there are cases when the seller understands incorrectly. And there are many such situations.
The Japanese language is difficult not because of its hieroglyphs, grammar or pronunciation, but precisely because of its nuances, which can sometimes not be understood by foreigners. By the way, if you are wondering how difficult it is to learn Japanese, then take a look my video about this theme.
Well then, friends. I hope you liked the lesson and everything was clear. Be sure to watch Lesson 1 again to review the words you learned earlier. Don't forget to leave your comments and reviews, they are very important to us. The future of the “Japanese in a Minute” column depends on you, friends.
If you want to seriously learn Japanese, then you can subscribe to our. To get started, go through the free ones. introductory lessons and make your own own opinion about them.
See you in the next lessons, friends.
When we first start learning Japanese, one of the first words we usually learn is the word “thank you”.
Most common Japanese word with the meaning “thank you” - this is familiar to many (ありがとう（arigatou).
As you know from my video lesson (which you received if you subscribed to my free newsletter), there are 3 speaking styles in Japanese, which differ in the degree of politeness. Therefore, saying “thank you” can be done in different ways, depending on who you are talking to.
Let's see what the options are:
1. If you want to say “thank you” to your friend, then conversational options are suitable for you.
ありがとう － arigatou
どうも － doumo
サンキュー － sankyuu (thank you)
You can use these expressions to communicate with friends, family members and people of equal status, age or junior to you.
どうも（doumo）－ the word itself means “big”, “very”, but in colloquial speech understood as a short “thank you.”
サンキュー（sankyuu）― it is not difficult to guess that this word is borrowed from in English. Thank you, pronounced in the Japanese manner, is used everywhere and is very popular among young people. And writing it on the Internet and mobile phone saves time and characters, because all you need to do is type 3-9 (numbers 3 and 9 in Japanese are read san kyuu).
2. If you want to thank an older person or a work colleague, then you will need a more polite form, and the more polite the form, the longer it is.
ありがとうございます － arigatou gozaimasu
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu
ありがとうございました － arigatou gozaimashita
If you cannot read these words and do not yet know hiragana, then you.
As you probably noticed, gozaimasu and gozaimashita were added to our “thank you”. What is it and why do we add it there?
Gozaimasu is the present tense form of the verb gozaru (to be, to exist). It is used as a polite expression, which means that you are respectful of your interlocutor.
Therefore, often in formal conversations, in conversations with strangers and by people older in age or status, you will hear gozaimasu.
ありがとうございます(arigatou gozaimasu) － standard polite gratitude, if you are in doubt about which form is best to choose to thank a person, stick to it and you will never go wrong!
どうもありがとうございます(doumo arigatou gozaimasu) － Thanks a lot. As we said above, doumo is “big,” and adding it to the standard gratitude makes the phrase even more polite and emotional.
Everything is clear with these two, you say, but what is gozaimashita? Why is it needed and how is it different from gozaimasu?
And I will be happy to explain to you that:
1. Gozaimasu is the present tense form of the verb, and gozaimashita is the past tense form.
2. We will use past form gozaimashita, if the person we thank has ALREADY fulfilled our request, done something good to us, or something good happened in our past thanks to him. That is, he ALREADY did a great job and we definitely need to tell him arigatou gozaimashita for this!
3. Okay, this is all clear, but how do you say “please” in Japanese?
どういたしまして － dou itashimashite
Dou itashimashite “please” is our standard option, which can be used to respond to any gratitude, formal or not.
きにしないでください － ki ni shinaide kudasai
Do not worry about it, do not worry or it wasn't difficult for me.
But in informal situations and with friends it is much better to simply say:
オッケー － okke- (okay)
That is, okay, of course, what are we talking about :) Or:
いえいえ － ie ie
Come on, not worth it etc.
4. Hmm, what if I want to thank you for the delicious food?
A reasonable question. For such cases it is used:
ごちそうさまでした － gochisou sama deshita (formal version)
ごちそうさま － gochisou sama (informal version)
Gotisou means treat or treat, sama adds politeness, and deshita indicates the past tense. Thus we get “it was very tasty, thank you”!
(We will talk more about the past tense and politeness prefixes in other lessons).
It will also be good if during the meal you praise the food and say that it is delicious, then the person who prepared it will be pleased.
To do this you need to say:
美味しい（おいしい）- oishii
Tasty!
So, we got acquainted with several options Thank you in Japanese! In the future, we will look at more complex constructions and phrases that require some grammatical base.
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Arigatou gozaimashita!
What word or expression do you use most often when you want to say thank you in Japanese? Share in the comments.
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