Basic Japanese conversation for beginners
Learning Japanese conversation is a crucial step for anyone interested in mastering Japanese, especially because spoken communication plays a central role in daily interactions. Unlike focusing solely on grammar or vocabulary, conversation allows learners to connect the dots between what they’ve learned and real-life situations.
Whether you aim to travel to Japan, work in a Japanese-speaking environment, or simply engage with Japanese media, mastering conversation will help you build practical communication skills. It will enable you to hold meaningful dialogues, understand nuances in speech, and express yourself confidently.
50 common Japanese phrases | Learn Japanese phrases for beginners
However, there are some reasons why people think that learning to speak Japanese is a challenge. You have no environment to practice, for example, practice with friends or native speakers. Another challenge is the listening aspect of conversation. The rapid pace at which native speakers talk, combined with regional dialects and slang, can make it difficult for learners to keep up.
Despite these challenges, there are effective solutions to overcome them. The first is consistent practice. If you're a beginner, starting with some basic Japanese phrases can make a huge difference. MochiKanji provides "100 Basic Japanese Phrases for beginners" to help you get started.
11 ways to greet people in Japanese
| Basic Japanese Phrases | Pronunciation | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello! (Greetings) |
| おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Good afternoon |
| こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening |
| おやすみなさい | oyasumi nasai | Good night |
| さようなら | sayounara | Good bye |
| すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me |
| ありがとうございます | arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you |
| どうした？ | doushita | What happened? |
| ようこそ | youkoso | Welcome |
| もしもし | moshi moshi | Hello (on phone) |
Basic Japanese phrases for free download
Some phrases for introducing yourself in Japanese
| Basic Japanese Phrases | Pronunciation | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| お名前はなんですか? | o-namae wa nan desu ka | What’s your name? |
| わたしは ～です | watashi wa ~ desu | My name is … |
| 出身はどこですか？ | shusshin wa doko desu ka | Where are you from? |
| 出身は ～です | shusshin wa ~ desu | I’m from … |
| 初めまして | hajimemashite | Pleased to meet you |
Use these Japanese phrases when you traveling to Japan
| Basic Japanese Phrases | Pronunciation | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| しりません | shirimasen | I don’t know |
| わかります | wakarimasu | I understand |
| わかりません | wakarimasen | I don’t understand |
| もう一度、言ってください | mou ichido, itte kudasai | Please say that again |
| 英語はできますか？ | eigo wa dekimasu ka? | Do you speak English? |
| いくらですか？ | ikura desu ka? | How much is this? |
| ~ ください | ~ kudasai | Please ~ |
| ゆっくり話してください | yukkuri hanashite kudasai | Please speak more slowly |
| トイレはどこですか？ | toire wa doko desu ka? | Where’s the toilet? |
Useful Japanese phrases for beginners
| Basic Japanese Phrases | Pronunciation | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 愛してるよ | aishiteru yo | I love you |
| 警察を呼んでください! | keisatsu wo yonde kudasai! | Call the police! |
| お誕生日おめでとうございます | otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu | Happy birthday |
| すみません。分かりませんでした | sumimasen. wakarimasen deshita | Sorry, I didn’t understand that |
| なんて言いましたか？ | nan te iimashita ka? | What did you say? |
| これはどういう意味ですか？ | kore wa douiu imi desu ka? | What does this mean? |
| その部屋は問題があります | sono heya wa mondai ga arimasu | There’s a problem in the room |
| エアコンがうるさすぎます | eakon ga urusasugimasu | The air conditioner is too noisy |
| 他の部屋へ移れますか？ | hoka no heya e utsuremasu ka? | Can I have another room? |
| 私は菜食主義者です | watashi wa saishokushugisha desu | I am a vegetarian |
| あなたが会いたかったです | anata ga aitakatta desu | I miss you |
| 迷ってしまいました。 | mayotte shimai mashita | I’m lost |
| Johnを探しています。 | John wo sagashite imasu | I’m looking for John. |
| ちょっと待ってください。 | chotto matte kudasai | Wait a minute |
| お手伝いしましょうか？ | otetsudai shimashouka? | Can I help you? |
| 最近どうですか？ | saikin dou desu ka? | How have you been? |
| 変わりないです。 | kawari nai desu | Nothing much |
| 元気です。 | genki desu. | Good |
| 手伝ってくれますか？ | tetsudatte kuremasu ka? | Can you help me? |
| 好きです | suki desu | I like it. |
| いいですよ | ii desu yo | It’s good. |
| ダメです | dame desu | It’s no good. |
| 日本語で話しましょう | nihongo de hanashimashou | Let’s talk in Japanese. |
Here's why learning simple Japanese conversation is beneficial and some useful phrases to begin with.
Make a good first impression
When you meet someone from Japan, using even a few Japanese words can leave a positive impression. It shows that you respect their culture and are willing to make an effort to communicate. For example, greeting someone with "こんにちは" (Konnichiwa - Hello) is a simple yet powerful way to show respect.
Build connections easily
Knowing basic phrases helps you connect with Japanese people more easily. Simple phrases like 'ありがとう' (Arigatou - Thank you) and 'すみません' (Sumimasen - Excuse me) can help in everyday interactions, whether you are shopping, eating out, or asking for directions. These small efforts can make people feel appreciated and more willing to help you.
Enhance your travel experience
Traveling in Japan becomes much smoother when you know basic conversation phrases. Asking "トイレはどこですか？" (Toire wa doko desu ka? - Where is the bathroom?) or "この電車は東京に行きますか？" (Kono densha wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka? - Does this train go to Tokyo?) can be incredibly useful. You'll find that many locals appreciate your effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words.
Boost confidence
Learning basic Japanese conversation gives you confidence. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel using the language. Simple exchanges like "お元気ですか？" (Ogenki desu ka? - How are you?) and responding with "元気です" (Genki desu - I'm fine) can build your speaking skills and boost your confidence.
How MochiKanji helps you learn Japanese conversation effectively
Learning basic Japanese conversation is a great way to start your language journey. It helps you connect with people, enhances your travel experience, and boosts your confidence. Plus, it's a wonderful way to show respect for Japanese culture. MochiKanji provides <b>100+ Japanese phrases for beginners</b>, the most common phrases you can use in daily <b>Japanese conversation</b>. Supported by the cute characters Mochi and Michi, you will memorize Japanese phrases fast and easily gain confidence in real-life situations such as ordering foods, chatting with Japanese friends... So, why not start practicing these simple phrases today? You'll be amazed at how much they can enrich your interactions and experiences.