Japanese dictionary with Russian transcription. Clueless Dictionary
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 is 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.
Ooi! (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 a new meeting soon are 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...” I mean, “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 a 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!"
If you are a professional copywriter, programmer or web designer, you probably try to work with the whole world. And we have already noticed that using basic phrases in the customer’s native language improves trust and disposition towards you. So let's start with the Japanese greeting.
How to say "Hello" in Japanese?
1. The classic way to greet in Japanese
So, " konnichiwa" is a universal greeting that is suitable for all occasions and for all people, regardless of financial or social status. Analogue of our " Greetings«.
Basic moments:
- When meeting in person, it is obligatory to bow
- Can be used at different times of the day, for example, as " Good afternoon»
- How to spell "konnichiwa" hieroglyphs: 今日は
- How to write “konnichiwa” in Hiragana characters: こんにちは
- Pronounced "kon-ni-chi-wa" more often as: "kon-nichi-wa"
2. Greeting by phone
The Japanese, instead of what we are used to, " Hello" They say " moshi moshi" You should also answer “moshi moshi” or “power power.”
Basic moments:
- When meeting in person, DO NOT say “moshi moshi”
- You can use it at any time of the day, but only by phone
- This greeting is written in Hiragana characters like this: もしもし
- Pronounced “mosi mosi” more often as: “mosh mosh”
3. How to say “Good morning” in Japanese
Usually, when meeting in the morning, Japanese people say to each other “ Ohayō" Full expression " Ohayōgozaimasu" You can also say “konnichiwa”, but you must understand that this will be too pompous.
Basic moments:
- In everyday life, the abbreviated version “Ohaiyo” is more often used.
- “Ohayōgozaimasu” is written in Hiragana characters like this: おはようございます
- How to write "Ohayōgozaimasu" in Kanji characters: お早うございます
- "Ohayōgozaimasu" is usually pronounced as: "Ohayo-gozaimasu"
4. How to say “Good evening” in Japanese
In the evening the Japanese say to each other “ Konbanwa" This is a respectful greeting, so it can also be said after dinner.
- How to write "Konbanwa" in Hiragana characters: こんばんは
- How to write "Konbanwa" in Kanji characters: 今晩は
- The correct way to pronounce “Konbanwa” is “kon-ban-wa.”
5. How to say “Good night” in Japanese
Often when saying goodbye after dark, the Japanese say to each other “ Oyasuminasai" This is something like our " Good night" But you need to know that they can use the same expression for greetings at night.
Basic moments:
- When communicating with friends or peers, you can use the abbreviated expression "Oyasumi"
- The correct way to write “Oyasumi” in Hiragana characters is as follows: おやすみ
- The correct way to write the full expression “Oyasuminasai” in Hiragana is: おやすみなさい
- Pronounced "oyasumi-nasai"
6. How to say “Hello!” in Japanese Long time no see!”
To meet an old friend or relative, the Japanese use a separate phrase “ Hisashiburi" The full expression "Ohisashiburidesune" is rarely used.
Basic moments:
- How to write “Hisashiburi” in characters: 久しぶり
- The phrase is read as: “hisashiburi”
7. The shortest greeting in Japanese
Many who have been to Japan may have heard " Yāhō" This short greeting is often used among friends, mainly among girls. The guys shorten it to the phrase “ Yo" This greeting originally appeared in Osaka and spread throughout Japan.
Basic moments:
- This greeting “Yahho” is usually written in katakana as: ヤーホー
- The phrase is read as: “yaahoo”
8. How to say “Hey dude” in Japanese
Guys of the same age in an informal setting often greet each other by saying “ Ossu" What does “hey dude” or “hey dude” literally mean? Hi dude", "healthy", etc.
Basic moments:
- Only guys say that
- “Ossu” is written in Hiragana characters like this: おっす
- It should be pronounced like this: “oss”
9. How to say “How are you?” in Japanese?
In general, there is an expression “Hello, how are you?” or “Hi, how are you?” and it sounds like this: “Ogenkidesuka”. But, if you just want to ask “how are you?” or greeting say "how are you doing" in Japanese?, then the expression “ Saikin dō", it is used more often in everyday life.
Basic moments:
- This is what close acquaintances, friends, colleagues or classmates usually say
- “Saikin dō” is written in Kanji characters like this: 最近どう
- The phrase is pronounced "say-kin-doo"
Bowing in Japan
As I already wrote, bowing is the norm in Japan. Often the greeter begins the first bows. In response, you should bow lower than your interlocutor. Interestingly, if you do not bow lower, this will be regarded as a “limp handshake” among us, i.e. like disrespect. The emperor and his consort also bow, even in front of ordinary people.
I would especially like to note that the Japanese speak English well, but they feel especially happy if you even greet them in Japanese.
How to say "Hello" in Japanese? (Practical video)
Phrasebook
Some features of the Japanese language:
Japanese is one of the most difficult languages in the world. It is based on Chinese characters called kanji. To learn to read and write in Japanese, in addition to hieroglyphs, you need to know two syllabic alphabet - hiragana and katakana: the first contains records of native Japanese things and concepts, and the second - borrowed words.
Among the general linguistic features, the following facts can be highlighted:
1. There is no “L” sound in the Japanese language. For example, instead of the name “Alexey” the Japanese will say “Areksey”.
2. Present, past and future tenses have not only familiar verbs, but also adjectives. For example, acai is red, akacatta is red.
3. The Japanese consider the unit of a word not to be a letter, but a syllable. They perceive the entire text only by syllables. For example, if you ask a Japanese person to pronounce the word “watakushi” (I) backwards, he will say “shi-ku-ta-wa” and not “isukataw”, as we would do.
4. The Japanese language lacks the categories of person, number and gender. It is possible to determine whether we are talking about a cat or a cat, about many or about one only by context.
5. The vowels “U” and “I”, located between voiceless consonants, are not pronounced. For example, the word "Empitsu" (pencil) is pronounced "Empts".
6. The sound “S” in the syllable “SI” is pronounced slightly hissing, similar to a soft “SCI”. Hence the discrepancy in the transcription of Japanese words containing this syllable (sushi - sushi, etc.).
7. Unlike many other East and Southeast Asian languages, Japanese is not a tonal language. Good news: phonetics (pronunciation of words) in Japanese are quite close to Russian.
Useful words and expressions:
Greetings, expression of gratitude
Good morning - Ohayo: gozaimas
Good evening - Kombanwa
Hello how are you doing? - Konnichiwa, o-genki des ka?
Thank you, everything is fine - Genki des
Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite, yoroshiku o-negai shimas
Excuse me, please - Sumimasen
Congratulations - Omadeto: gozaimas
My name is... - Watashi wa... des
Thank you for the invitation - Go-sho:tai arigato:gozaimas
Thank you for the gift - Presento arigato: gozaimas
I am very obliged to you - O-seva ni narimasita
Thank you for the warm welcome - Go-shinsetsu arigato:
Thank you - Arigato: (gozaimas), Do:mo
No thanks needed - Doitashimashite
Questions
Where is my room? - Watashi no heya wa doko des ka?
Where is the hotel? - Hoteru wa doko ni arimas ka?
Where is the bank located? - Ginko: wa doko ni arimas ka?
How to get to the hotel? - Hoteru made wa do: ittara ii des ka?
Where can I buy a phone card? - Terekhon ka: do-o doko de utteimas ka?
Where is the post office? - Yu:binkyoku wa doko des ka?
What time do we meet? - Nan-ji ni matiawasesimas ka?
Where shall we meet? - Doko de matiavasesimas ka?
How much does it cost? - Kore wa o-ikura des ka?
What is this? - Kore wa nan des ka?
Why? - Naze des ka? Dosite des ka?
Where? - Doko des ka?
Who is this? - Kono hito wa donata des ka?
Can I pay by credit card? - Kureditto ka:do de haratte mo ii des ka?
Why? What for)? - Nan-no tame des ka?
Wishes
I want to change money - O-kane-o ryo:gae shitai des
I want to go to... -...ni Ikitai des
Tomorrow I want to wake up at ... hours ... minutes - Asa ... ji ... fun ni okitai to omoimas
I want to set an alarm clock - Mezamashi tokei-o kakatai des
I want to call Moscow - Mosukuwa ni denwa sitai des
I'm thirsty - Nodo ga kawakimashita
I want to sleep - Nemui des
I'm hungry (I want to eat) - O-naka ga suitimas
I want to go to the theater (Kabuki) - (Kabuki) gekijo e ikitai des
I would like to buy the book - Hon-o kaitai to omoimas
Difficulties
Mogu - Dekimas
I can't - Dakimasen
I can go with you - Anata to isshoni iku koto ga dekimas
I can't go with you - Anata to isshoni iku koto ga dekimasen
I'm sorry, but I can't - Zannen des ga dekimasen
I'm busy (I don't have time) - Watashi wa isogashii
I need to hurry - Isoganakereba narimasen
I'm late - Okuremas
I'm lost - Miti ni mayotta
Sorry to keep you waiting - O-matase Shimashita
I don't understand - Wakarimasen
I understand - Vakarimas
I have a headache (head) - Atama ga itai
Belly - O-naka ga itai
Ruka - Te ga itai
Leg - Asi ga itai
Heart - Shinzo: ga itai
I feel bad (feel bad) - Kibun ga waruku natta
I caught a cold - Kaze-o hiita
I need medicine - Kusuri ga hoshii
Numerals
How many? - ikutsu (dono gurai)
0 - zero (rei)
1 - ichi (hitotsu)
2 - no futatsu
3 - san mizzu (mitsu)
4 - si yotsu (yotsu)
5th Itsutsu
6 - roku mutsu (mutsu)
7 - city nanatsu
8 - hati yatsu (yatsu)
9 - ku (kyu:) kokonotsu
10 - ju: then.
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And in order to get the most out of your trip to Japan, we want to offer you a Russian-Japanese phrasebook, which you can download or print directly from our website. There are the following topics.
Common phrases
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Thanks a lot. | do: mo arigato: gozaimas | |
| thank you. | taihen arigato: gozaimas | |
| My pleasure. | to:itashimasite | |
| do not mention it. | o-rei niwa oyobimasen | |
| nothing, don't worry. | nandemo arimasen | |
| thanks for the service. | go-kuro: deshita sama | |
| thanks for the invitation | Go-sho: tai arigato: gozaimas | |
| excuse me (excuse me), please | shitsurei (sumimasen) | |
| what is your name? | nan toyu: o-namae des ka? | |
| Tell me please | tetto sumimasen ga... | |
| please pass. | o-hairi kudasai | |
| here please | do:zo kotirae do:zo | |
| let me introduce myself, I... | jikosho: kai sasete itadakimas, watashi-wa... | |
| please meet me | do:zo o-chikazuki-ni natte kudasai... | |
| Pleased to meet you | hajimemashite | |
| Very nice | o-mi-ni kakarete ureshii des | |
| What is your first and last name? | o-namae to myo: ji-wa nan-to iimas ka? | |
| my surname... my name is... | watakushi-wa sei-wa..., namae-wa... mo:shimas | |
| Excuse me, please | gomen nasai | |
| Excuse me, please | shitsurei des ga... | |
| I'm sorry | o-wabi itashimas | |
| Thank you for your hospitality | Go-shinsetsu arigato | |
| Thank you | Arigato (gozaimas) | |
| Please! | Do:zo | |
| Do not mention it | Doitasimaste | |
| Congratulations! | Omedit! | |
| Thank you for everything! | Iroiro to do: mo arigato | |
| can `t you help me? | onegai itashimas | |
| sorry to bother you | you sumimasen desyta | |
| congratulations | omedeto: gozaimas | |
| I want to invite you to Russia | Rosia ni go-sho:tai sitai to omoimas | |
| I want to invite you to a restaurant | Resutoran ni go-sho:tai sitai to omoimas | |
| Come with us to... | ...ni isshoni ikimasen ka? | |
| thank you for your help (for your cooperation) | go-kyo:ryoku arigato: gozaimas | |
| thanks for the gift | presento arigato: gozaimas | |
| I'm very obliged to you | o-seva ni narimashita | |
| Unfortunately I can not | zannen nagara dekimasen | |
| What is this? | kore wa nan des ka? | |
| Why? | naze des ka? | |
| Where? | doko des ka? | |
| who is this? | kono hito wa donata des ka? | |
| My name is… | watakushi-wa... -to iimas | |
| I want to drink | nodo ga kawakimashita | |
| I want to sleep | nemui des | |
| I'm hungry (I want to eat) | o-naka ga suitimas | |
| Please help me | o-tetsudai o-site kudasaru yo: o-negai shimas | |
| Can | Dekimas | |
| I can not | Dekimasen | |
| I can go with you | Anata to isshōni iku koto ga dekimas | |
| I can't go with you | Anata to isshōni iku koto ga dekimasen | |
| I'm very sorry, but I can't | Zannen des ga dekimasen | |
| I'm busy (I don't have time) | Watashi wa isogasi | |
| I need to hurry | Isoganakereba narimasen | |
| I am late | Okuremas | |
| I'm lost | Miti ni majotta | |
| sorry for making you wait | O-matase shimashita | |
| I don't understand | Wakarimasen | |
| I understand | Vacarimas | |
| please come again | do:zo mo: ichido ashita o-ide-ni natte kudasai | |
| make yourself at home | o-raku-ni do:zo | |
| Sorry | Sumimasen | |
| It's OK | Give jobu des | |
| I | watashi | |
| you(you) | anata | |
| He | kare | |
| she | kanojo | |
| woman | josei | |
| man | dansei | |
| husband | Shujin | |
| child | Kodomo | |
| son | musuko | |
| daughter | Musume | |
| big | ooky | |
| small | chisai | |
| hot | atsui | |
| Cold | samui | |
| hot | atatakai | |
| cold | tsumetai | |
| good | II | |
| bad | warui | |
| What? | nan deska? | |
| When? | itsu deska? | |
| For what? | naze? | |
| Who? | Dare deska? | |
| you will not say… | tetto o-ukagai shitai no des ga... | |
| may I ask you? | tetto o-tazune shite mo ii des ka? | |
| listen... | moshimoshi... | |
| Let's take a photo together | Isshoni shashin-o torimasho | |
| I have to ask you | O-negai ga arimas | |
| Help me please | Tetsudatte kudasai, Tasukete kudasai | |
| Call a translator | Tsu:yaku-o yonde kudasai | |
| Do you understand Russian (English)? | rosyago (igirisugo)-ga arimas ka? | |
| I do not understand well. | amari wakarimasen | |
| Do you speak Russian? | Rosiago-o hanashimas ka? | |
| Yes, I speak a little./No, I don’t. | uh, sukoshi hanashimas/ie, hanashimasen | |
| I do not understand you. | anata no itte iru koto ga wakarimasen | |
| Please talk slowly. | mo: sukoshi yukkuri itte kudasai | |
| Sorry, please repeat again. | shiturei des ga, mo: ichi-do itte kudasai | |
| I don't understand when they speak quickly. | hayaku hanasareru to, watashi-wa wakarimasen | |
| How would it be in Russian (English?) | kore-wa rosiago (igirisugo)-de nan-to iimas ka? | |
| Wait a minute. | totto matte kudasai | |
| This is right. | sore-wa mattaku des | |
| It is not right. | sore-wa tigaimas | |
| Absolutely right. | ossyaru to:ri des | |
| I was wrong (I was wrong) | watashi-wa matigaimasita | |
| Really? | masaka ne? |
Appeals
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | o-hayo: gozaimas | |
| Good afternoon | konnitiva | |
| Good evening | konbanwa | |
| Hello how are you doing? | konnichiwa, do: des ka? | |
| How are you doing? | go-kigen ikaga des ka? | |
| How are you? | de anata-wa ikaga des ka? | |
| OK, thank you | arigato, genki des | |
| How are you? | before: des ka? | |
| Still | Aikawarazu des | |
| So-so | ma:ma des | |
| Hello! | I:! | |
| Welcome! | e: askance! | |
| Glad to see you | o-aisite ureshii | |
| See you! | jya:mata | |
| Goodbye | sayo:nara | |
| Good night | o yasmi nasai | |
| Till tomorrow | Mata Ashita | |
| Best wishes. | deva o-daiji-ni | |
| Take care of yourself. | deva o-karada-o taisetsu-ni | |
| I have to go. | Oitoma Simas |
At customs
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Fill out the entry (exit) form. | nyu:koku (shukkoku) ka:do-o kinyu: si-te kudasai | |
| Show your passport. | pasupo:too haiken shimas | |
| Please, here is my passport. | do:zo, watashi no pasupo:to des | |
| I am a tourist. | watakushi-wa kanko: des | |
| I came on trade business. | Shoyo: de kimashita | |
| Customs inspection of luggage. | zeikan tenimotsu kensa | |
| Please present your customs declaration. | zeikan shinkokusho-o misete kudasai | |
| I have nothing to write down in the declaration. | Zeikan-ni Shinkoku Surumono-wa Arimasen | |
| This is my baggage. | kore-ga watakushi no nimotsu des | |
| Do you have any prohibited items? | kinseihin-wa arimasen ne? | |
| This suitcase and this bag are mine. | watashi-no-wa kono toranku to baggu des | |
| Please open (close) your suitcase | kono toranku-o akete (shimate) kudasai | |
| These are my personal things. | sore-wa watashi-ga jibun-de tsukau mono des | |
| What is your currency? | do:yu: gaika-o o-mochi des ka? | |
| Here is my claim tag. | kore-ga tenimotsu uketori bango: des |
At the station
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where can I find out the train schedule? | Ressha-no jikokuhyo:-wa doko desho: ka? | |
| Excuse me, where is the information desk? | sumimasen ga, annaisho-wa doko des ka? | |
| Is there a train connection from here to the city...? | koko-kara...-made tetsudo:-ga tsujite imas ka? | |
| How many hours (days) does the train take to the city...? | ... si-made kisha-de nan-jikan-gurai (nan-niti-gurai) des ka? | |
| From which platform does the train depart to...? | ...-yuki-wa namban-ho:-mu des ka? | |
| Does this train (this electric train) stop at ...? | kono ressha (densha)-wa...-ni teishya-shimas ka? | |
| Is this train going to the city...? | kono kisha-wa... si-e ikimas ka? | |
| This train doesn't go any further... | kono ressha-wa ... eki-yori saki-e-wa ikimasen | |
| There is no direct message there. You will have to make a transplant. | asoko-e-wa chokutsu:-wa arimasen kara, norikaenakereba. narimasen | |
| What time is the next train to...? | ... yuki-no tsugi-no ressha-wa nan-ji des ka | |
| Excuse me, how do I get to the train station? | tetto o-tazune-shimas ga, eki-e-wa (teishaba-e-wa) do: ittara ii desho: ka? | |
| Tell me, where is the ticket office? | kippu-uriba-wa doko des ka? | |
| Where can I buy a ticket to the city...? | ... si-made-no kisha-no kippu-wa doko-de kattara ii no desho: ka? | |
| How much does the ticket cost? | kippu-wa ikura des ka? | |
| Can I return the ticket and get my money back? | kippu no haraimodoshi-o site itadakemas ka? | |
| I beg you to give me the lower seat. | Sita no Shindai-o kudasaru yo:ni o-negai shimas | |
| What carriage is this? | kore-wa nan-go:sya deska? | |
| This place is free? | kono seki-wa aite imas ka? | |
| No, it's busy. | ee, fusagatte imas | |
| Sorry, this is my place. | shitsurei des ga, soko-wa watakushi no seki des | |
| Excuse me, what station is this? | sumimasen ga, koko-wa nani eki des ka? | |
| Will this train arrive on time? | kono kisha-wa jikan to ori-ni tsukima-mu ka? | |
| How many minutes is this train late? | kono kisha-wa nampun okura des ka? | |
| Where can I buy a plane ticket to...? | .. yuki no hiko: ki no kippu-wa doko-de kattara ii no desho: ka? | |
| How much does a plane ticket to... cost? | ... yuki-no hiko:ki-no kippu-wa o-ikura des ka? | |
| How many hours is the flight to...? | ...-made nanjikan kakarimas ka? | |
| Where is ticket registration done? | kippu-no chiekku-wa doko-de yatte imas ka? | |
| How much hand luggage can I take with me? | tenimotsu-wa donogurai keiko:-dekimas ka? | |
| How many kilograms of luggage are you allowed to carry for free? | ju:ryo:-seigen-wa nan-kiro-made des ka? | |
| Luggage weight exceeds the norm | nimotsu-no ju:ryo:-ga seigen-o o:ba:-site imas | |
| Will the plane take off exactly on schedule? | hiko:ki-wa yotei-do:ri shuppatsu shimas ka? | |
| Flight delayed due to bad weather | akutenko:-no tame shuppatsu-ga okurete imas | |
| The plane has just been boarded. | tadaima to: jo-kaishi no ana-unsu-ga arimashita | |
| air terminal/airfield | ku:ko:-ta:minaru/hiko:jo: | |
| railway station | eki | |
| Waiting hall | matiaishitsu | |
| port | minato | |
| pier | futo: |
Walking around the city
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the hotel? | Hoteru wa doko ni arimas ka? | |
| Where is the bank located? | Ginko: wa doko ni arimaska? | |
| How to get to the hotel? | Hoteru made wa do: ittara ii des ka? | |
| Where can I buy a phone card? | Terekhon ka:do-o doko de utteimas ka? | |
| Where is the post office? | Yu:binkyoku wa doko des ka? | |
| What time do we meet? | Nan-ji ni matiawasesimas ka? | |
| Where shall we meet? | Doko de matiavasesimas ka? | |
| Is this street...? | kore-wa...to:ri des ka? | |
| House number... here? | kono hen wa... bunty des ka? | |
| What kind of building is this? | kore-wa do:yu: tatemono des ka? | |
| Where I am? | koko-va doko des ka? | |
| I got lost. | watashi-wa michi-ni mayota no des ga | |
| Tell me how to get to the hotel? | tetto sumimasen ga, hoteru-e wa do: ittara ii desho: ka? | |
| I need to go back to the hotel... | watashi-wa hoteru... -ni kaeritai no des ga | |
| This is the next street. | sore-wa konotsugi-no to:ri des | |
| How to get to the street… ? | ... to: ri-e wa do: ittara ii desho: ka? | |
| Walk straight along this street. | kono to:ri-o massugu itte kudasai | |
| At the intersection (at the traffic light/on the corner), turn (right/left). | kohaten (shingo:/kado)-o (migi-e/hidari-e) magatte kudasai | |
| It is far from here? | koko kara to:i des ka? | |
| Yes, far away. | uh, then: and des | |
| No, not far | ee, to:ku arimasen | |
| Can you walk there? | aruite ikemas ka? | |
| This road? | sono michi des ne? | |
| You're going to the wrong place. | michi-ga tigatte imas | |
| I would like to get to the station, but I don’t know the way | eki-ni iki-tai no des ga, michi-ga wakarimasen | |
| Could you draw a plan for me? | totto, chizu-o kaite kudasa-imasen ka? | |
| Will you walk me to the metro station? | Chikatetsu no eki made tsure-te itte kudasaimasen ka? | |
| Is it possible to get there by metro? | soko-e chikatetsu-de ikemas ka? | |
| Yes, you can. | uh, ikemas | |
| What transport can you use to get to...? | ...-e va donna norimono de ikemas ka? | |
| Where is the post office nearby? | yu:binkyoku-wa doko des ka? | |
| Where can I call from? | denwa-o sitai no des ga, doko-kara kakerare-mas ka? |
In transport
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Call a taxi | Takushi-o yonde kudasai | |
| I want to go to... | ...ni Ikitai des | |
| I need to hurry | Isoganakereba narimasen | |
| I am late | Okuremas | |
| What type of transport is most convenient to get to the city? | mati-e iku niva donna ko:tsu:kikan-ga benri desho: ka? | |
| When does the bus leave for the city? | mati-e iku basu-wa itsu demas ka? | |
| How much does a bus ticket to the city cost? | mati-made-no basu-no kip-pu-wa ikura des ka? | |
| What is the approximate cost for a taxi to the city? | machi-made takushi: dai-wa ikura gurai kakarimas ka? | |
| Where is the taxi stand? | Takushi: -no noriba-wa doko des ka? | |
| Taxi rank is in front of the airport building. | takushi: no noriba-wa ku:ko: biru no mae des | |
| To me in the center. | tu:singai-made | |
| Please take it to this address | kono ju: sho-made, kudasai | |
| How much do I have to pay? | Ikura des ka | |
| boarding pass | to:deyo:ken | |
| money | o-kane | |
| After how many stops will there be...? | ...-wa, ikutsu me no teiryushjo des ka? | |
| What's the next stop? | tsugi-wa, doko des ka? | |
| Can this bus take you to the city center? | kono basu-va, tosin-o to: rimas ka? | |
| Please notify me when there is a stop…. | ... tei-re:ze-ni tsuitara o-shiete kudasai | |
| How long does it take by metro (bus) from here to ...? | koko kara...ma-de wa chikatetsu (basu)-de nampun gurai kakarimas ka? | |
| It's a twenty minute drive. | Niju: pun gurai kakarimas. | |
| How much does a ticket cost to... | ... made no kippu-wa, ikura des ka? | |
| One ticket to... | ... made no kippu o itimai kudasai | |
| I want to take a taxi. Where is the taxi stand? | takushi: -o hiroi tai no des ga, noriba-wa doko des ka? | |
| Stop. | tomete kudasai |
At the hotel
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a hotel nearby? | kono hen-ni hoteru-ga arimasen ka? | |
| I want to stay in a hotel near the station. | eki no chikaku-ni hoteru-o toritai no des ga | |
| What is the name of this hotel? | sore-wa nan toyu: hoteru des ka? | |
| I would like to stay at your hotel. | kotira no hoteru ni tomete itadakitai no des ga | |
| Do you have any available rooms? | aita heya-ga arimas ka | |
| I need a room for one. | hitoribeya-ga hoshii no desga | |
| How much does a room cost per night? | Kono hoteru no heyadai-wa o-ikura des ka? | |
| Could you give us two single rooms? | shinguru hutahey o-negai dekinai desho: ka? | |
| How much does a double room cost? | futaribeya-wa ikura des ka? | |
| I need a room with a bath. | Basutsuki no heya ga hoshii no des ga | |
| Fill out this form for visitors. | kono e:shi-ni go-kinyu: kudasai | |
| What floor is our room on? | watashitati-no heya-wa nangai des ka? | |
| Is there a better (cheaper) room? | motto ei (yasui) heya-wa arimasyon ka? | |
| What room does... live in? | ...-san-wa navgohitsu desho: ka? | |
| I would like to pay for a room tonight. | watashi-wa komban-no uchi-ni shiharai-o sumasetai no des ga | |
| I'll leave early tomorrow morning. | asu-wa hayaku tachimas | |
| I want to leave my suitcase in the storage room until the evening. | yu:gata-made to-ranku-o tenimotsu ichiji azukarijo-ni azuketai no des ga | |
| What does this item mean in the bill? | Kanjo: -no kono komoku-wa nan des ka? | |
| This is a stay tax. | sore-wa taizaizei des | |
| Can I pay in dollars? | doru-de shiharaemas ka? | |
| I handed over the key to the maid. | ki:-wa ru:mu-me:do-ni watashimasita | |
| administrator on duty | furonto | |
| room/room | heya/kyakushitsu | |
| bill/tip | kanjo/tippu | |
| key | ki:, kaga |
Emergencies
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I have a headache | Atama ga itai | |
| I feel bad. | kibun-ga warui no des ga | |
| I caught a cold | Kaze-o Hiita | |
| I need medicine | Kusuri ga hoshii | |
| Help! | Taskatee! | |
| Fire! | Kaji! | |
| Stop! | Tomate! | |
| Dangerous | Abunai | |
| Call the doctor! | Looking for oyonde kudasai | |
| Call the police! | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! | |
| Call an ambulance | Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai! |
Dates and times
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | getsuyo: bi | |
| Tuesday | Kayo: bi | |
| Wednesday | suiyo: bi | |
| Thursday | mokuyo: bi | |
| Friday | Kinyo: bi | |
| Saturday | doyo: bi | |
| Sunday | nobody: bi | |
| Today | kyo | |
| Tomorrow | asita | |
| yesterday | movie | |
| early | Hayai | |
| late | wasps | |
| soon | sugu | |
| this morning | kesa | |
| Today | kyo: but gogo | |
| tonight | konban | |
| this year | Kotoshi | |
| next year | Ryann | |
| last year | kyo: nen | |
| At 6 o'clock in the evening | Roku-ji ni | |
| At 10 am | Asa ju-ji ni | |
| What time is it now? | nadzi deska? | |
| spring | Haru | |
| winter | wow | |
| summer | natsu | |
| autumn | aki | |
| January | ichigatsu | |
| February | nigatsu | |
| March | sangatsu | |
| April | shigatsu | |
| May | gogatsu | |
| June | rokugatsu | |
| July | shitigatsu | |
| August | hachigatsu | |
| September | kugatsu | |
| October | ju:gatsu | |
| november | zkkitigatsu | |
| December | jugnigatsu |
Numerals
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | zero (rei) | |
| 1 | ichi hitotsu | |
| 2 | no futatsu | |
| 3 | san mizzu(mitsu) | |
| 4 | si yotsu(yotsu) | |
| 5 | go itsutsu | |
| 6 | roku mutsu(mutsu) | |
| 7 | nanatsu city | |
| 8 | hati yatsu (yatsu) | |
| 9 | ku (kyu:)kokonotsu | |
| 10 | ju: then: | |
| 11 | ju:-iti | |
| 12 | ju:-ni | |
| 13 | ju:-san | |
| 14 | ju:-si (ju:-yon) | |
| 15 | ju:-go | |
| 16 | ju:-roku | |
| 17 | ju:-city (ju:-nana) | |
| 18 | ju:-hachi | |
| 19 | ju:-ku (ju:-kyu) | |
| 20 | niju: | |
| 30 | san-ju: | |
| 40 | si-ju:(yon-ju:) | |
| 50 | go-ju: | |
| 60 | Roku-ju: | |
| 70 | Shichi-ju: (nana-ju:) | |
| 80 | Hachi-ju: | |
| 90 | kyu:-ju: (ku-ju:) | |
| 100 | hyaku | |
| 200 | nihyaku | |
| 300 | sambyaku | |
| 400 | yonhyaku | |
| 500 | gohyaku | |
| 600 | roppyaku | |
| 700 | nanahyaku | |
| 800 | happyaku | |
| 900 | kyu:hyaku | |
| 1 000 | sen | |
| 10 000 | hyakuman | |
| 1 000 000 | itiman |
In the shop
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost? | Kore wa o-ikura des ka? | |
| Can I pay by credit card? | Kureditto ka:do de haratte mo ii des ka? | |
| Why? What for)? | Nan no tame des ka? | |
| I want to change money | O-kane-o ryo:gae shitai des | |
| How do I get to the market? | itiba-e-wa do: ittara ii no desho: ka? | |
| Exchange this for yen please | Kore o en ni kaete kudasai | |
| How many? | ikutsu (dono gurai) | |
| I'd like to exchange these traveler's checks for cash | Kono traberazu chekku o genkin ni shieldai des | |
| Where can I buy…? | ... wa doko de kaemaska? | |
| You have …? | ...arimasca? | |
| Show me this please | Sore o misete kudasai | |
| Can I try this on? | Kite mite mo ii deska? | |
| I will take it | Kore o kudasai | |
| women's clothing | fujin fuku | |
| men's clothing | shinshi fuku | |
| electrical goods | kateiyo: denki kigu | |
| souvenirs | omiyage | |
| perfumery | ko: suirui | |
| accessories | akusesari | |
| products | sekuryo: hin | |
| Please tell me where the shopping center (quarter) is located? | sumimasen ga, sho:tengai-wa doko des ka? | |
| I need to buy milk and bread. Is there a grocery store nearby? | pan to po:nu:-o kaitai no des ga, kono hen-ni sekuryo:hinten-ga arimasen ka | |
| How much do I charge for everything? | zembu-de ikura-ni naru no des ka? | |
| Where to pay? | shiharai-wa doko des ka? | |
| Pay the money to the cashier. | reji-ni o-kane-o haratte kudasai | |
| Please give me the check. | tekku-o o-negai shimas | |
| Can I try on a suit (jacket/coat/dress)? | sebiro (uwagi/gai-to:/ doresu)-o kite mite ii deska? | |
| Can I try on pants (skirt/shoes)? | zubon (bitch:to/kutsu)-o haite mite ii des ka? | |
| I want to see the camera (video camera). | camera-o mitai no des ga |
In a cafe, restaurant
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter! | Chotto, sumimasen | |
| Menu, please | Menu: kudasai | |
| What would you recommend? | O susume wa nandeska? | |
| How do you eat this? | Kore o do: yatte tabemaska? | |
| ...please (order) | ...oh kudasai | |
| Thank you, everything was very tasty | Gochiso: Dashita sama | |
| food | tabemono | |
| drink | nomimono | |
| japanese food | vashcheku | |
| western dishes | e: cheek | |
| beef | gyu: nick | |
| pork | butanica | |
| chicken | torinika | |
| fish | sakana | |
| potato | pote: then | |
| rice | gohan | |
| bread | pan | |
| salad | sarada | |
| soup | su: pu | |
| vegetables | yasai | |
| fruits | kudamono | |
| dessert | Deza: then | |
| salt | shio | |
| sugar | sato | |
| pepper | pe: pa | |
| soy sauce | cheek | |
| coffee (hot) | hotto ko: hee | |
| iced coffee) | aisu ko: hee | |
| Black tea | ko: cha | |
| green tea | o: cha | |
| mineral water | mineraru uo: ta | |
| cola | ko: ra | |
| juice | ju:su | |
| milk | gyu: nude | |
| whiskey | whiskey | |
| vodka | butt | |
| Red wine) | Akawain | |
| wine (white) | shirowaine | |
| rice wine | sake | |
| beer | bi:ru | |
| Let's have lunch together | Chu: shoku-o go-isshoni ikaga des ka? | |
| Let's have breakfast together | Cho: shoku-o go-isshoni ikaga des ka? | |
| Let's have dinner together | Yu: shoku-o go-isshoni ikaga des ka? | |
| I'm hungry. | watashi-wa o-naka-ga sukimashita | |
| What will you order? | Nani-ni itasimas ka? | |
| Please give me a vegetable salad. | yasai-sarada-o o-negai shimas | |
| Give me some soup (broth), please. | su:pu-o (consome-o) kudasai | |
| Please bring chicken with potatoes (with rice). | tikin-ni pote-to (raisu-no) moriawase-o tsukete o-negai shimas | |
| Give me the bill, please. | kanjo:-o o-negai shimas | |
| I'd like some coffee and scrambled eggs, please. | kanjo:-o o-negai shimas | |
| I'll take tea with lemon and a sandwich. | Watashi-wa Remon-chi: to sandoitti-ni simas | |
| I'll have a beer. | bi:ru-o itadakimasho: | |
| Thank you, I don't drink. | do:mo arigato, watakushi-wa nomasen | |
| fork | fo-ku | |
| spoon/teaspoon | supu:n/cha-supu:n | |
| knife | naif | |
| plate | Sarah | |
| it was very tasty (similar to ‘thank you’) | gotiso: deshita sama |
Tourism
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I want to go to... | ...ni Ikitai des |
Greetings – in order not to seem uncultured, you should be able to greet locals correctly. Just the translation and correct pronunciation of such words are collected in this topic.
Standard phrases - a list of all kinds of common phrases that will be simply necessary during communication or discussion with representatives of the local population.
Station - all the words that you need at stations are collected in one topic, here you will find any phrase you need at the station.
Passport control - even if you go through such strict customs and passport control as in Japan, you will find the right words to explain the purpose of your arrival and where you are going, for this you just need to open this topic.
Orientation in the city - Japan is a huge country, and if you decide to walk around megacities such as Tokyo without a Russian-Japanese phrasebook, you will most likely get lost and spend a long time looking for where you came from. Therefore, while walking around a big city, keep this topic open.
Transport - when using public transport, make sure that you have this particular topic open in your phrasebook, because here there is a translation of all the necessary questions and words related to transport.
Hotel - staying at a hotel can be even more enjoyable if you have a phrase book at hand, which contains all the necessary questions and words, for example, to ask to clean your room or bring lunch to your room, and much more.
Emergencies - in a foreign city, and even more so in a foreign country, you always need to be sure that you have enough funds to protect yourself from emergencies. If something happens to you in Japan, you can always open this topic and call passers-by for help, call an ambulance or representatives of the law.
Dates and times – if you have a meeting or some kind of event scheduled for a certain time, and you forgot your watch in your hotel room, don’t worry, you can always find out what time it is from passers-by by opening a topic that has a translation of all the questions necessary for this and phrases
Shopping - when visiting stores, you need to know how to pronounce and translate the name of a particular product in order to ask the seller to give you what you are looking for. In this section you can find a large list of products and phrases that are often used in stores.
Restaurant – If you want to visit a Japanese restaurant, you will want to know what the dishes on the menu consist of. For this purpose, this section has been created, with translations of the most frequently asked questions in the restaurant.
Numbers and numbers - a complete list of numbers and numbers, with translation and correct pronunciation.
Imagine saying “thank you” in perfect Japanese to a nice waiter and seeing a surprised smile on his face. Or ask for the bill like a local, even though this is your first visit to Japan. It will be great, right? Your next trip to Japan can be twice as interesting if you know some Japanese, which you can learn thoroughly by attending a language school in Japan. You'll have a lot more fun when you can interact with the locals without the awkward grunting and waving of your arms.
The good news is that you don't have to spend months or even weeks learning Japanese—all you need to know are a few simple (and very user-friendly) phrases that you can read in minutes and master in a few days. Of course, a few memorized phrases cannot be compared with the amount of knowledge that you can get by going to study at a language school in Japan, the cost of which largely depends on the training program. However, even some phrases will significantly help in the first days of your stay in Japan. Once you've mastered these phrases, you'll be able to use them expertly, and your new Japanese friends will be delighted.
Note: Desu and masu are pronounced "des", as in the English word "desk" and "mas", as in the English word "mask". Well, unless you're an anime character. The particle は is pronounced "wa".
1. Hello!
Ohayo (good morning) おはよう
Konichiwa (good afternoon)
Konbanwa (good evening)
In Japan, people usually do not say "hello" but greet each other depending on the time of day. Say "Ohayo" in the morning and "Konichiwa" in the afternoon. From 18:00 onwards use "konbanwa". Note that "konbanwa" is a greeting and is not used to say goodnight - the word for that is "oyasumi". If you confuse these two words, you will receive laughter or strange looks in response. Don't ask me how I know.
2. Everything is fine, or I'm fine
Daijōbu des だいじょうぶです
This is a very useful phrase that has many nuances depending on the situation (it can mean “yes” or “no”). Use it for:
- telling someone that you are okay (For example, "daijobu des", which is a minor injury)
- polite refusal (For example, if the seller asks if you want your gift wrapped, you can politely refuse by saying “daijobu des”).
3. Thank you
Arigato gozaimas ありがとう ございます。
Saying "arigato" without "gozaimas" to strangers such as a cashier or waiter is a bit careless. As a foreigner you can get away with it, but the more natural expression in this case is "arigato gozaimas". Say it when you get change or when someone, for example, helps you find a vending machine or gives you directions to a language school in Japan.
4. I'm sorry
Sumimasen
If you only need to remember one phrase in Japanese, this is it. This is a magic phrase. You can use it in almost any situation. Accidentally stepped on someone's foot? Sumimasen! Trying to get the waiter's attention? Sumimasen! Is someone holding the elevator door for you? Sumimasen! The waitress at the cafe brought you a drink? Sumimasen! Don't know what to say? You guessed it - sumimasen.
But wait, why should I apologize to the person serving me the drink, you ask? Good question. The thing is, the word "sumimasen" is essentially an acknowledgment that you are bothering or inconveniencing someone. Thus, the legendary Japanese politeness is partly true, even if it is superficial. You can (and should) say "sumimasen" before any of the phrases below.
5. Where is (train station)?
(Eki) wa doko des ka? (えき)はどこですか？
Feel free to use this phrase when you want to know where something is: the Totoro section of a store, a train station or a museum, or - and this is very important - a toilet.
6. How much does it cost?
Kore wa ikura des ka? これ は いくら ですか？
If you decide to learn Japanese at a language school in Japan, you will definitely have to shop in stores. Most stores have price tags in a visible place, but if the price is not visible and you want to know how much an item costs, say “sumimasen” and ask the question.
7. Can I have the bill, please?
O-kaikei onegai shimas
Use this phrase in places like izakayas, but if you find the bill on your table, there's no need to ask. Just pay for it.
“Onegai shimas” is another very convenient phrase. Use it like "please." You can use it whenever you ask for something, such as a bill. Just replace the word o-kaikei in the example above with whatever you need, such as "Sumimasen, o-mizu onegai shimas." (Can I ask for some water please?)
8. Does this train go to (Shibuya)?
Kono densha wa Shibuya ikimas ka? この でんしゃ は (しぶや) いきますか？
Tokyo's extensive train network can be confusing if you're using it for the first time, and this phrase helps you know if a certain train is going to your destination before you board it. Replace the word Shibuya with the name of any other train station you are heading to.
9. Do you have (menu in English)?
(Eigo no menu) wa arimas ka? (えいご の めにゅう) は ありますか？
Sometimes you are in a hurry and need to find a certain item in the store. Instead of rushing around looking for an item, you can simply stop at the information desk or ask the nearest employee if the item is in the store. Ask this question in Japanese and they will show you where what you are looking for is located.
This phrase works great for restaurants too. If the entire menu is in Japanese, don't point your finger at it randomly. Just ask the waiter if they have something you would like to eat, such as chicken (tori), fish (sakana) or strawberry ramen (sutoroberi ramen). Just replace the words in brackets with whatever you like.
