What are common phrases used in daily Japanese conversations

Daily Japanese conversations are rich with common phrases that facilitate politeness, greetings, and everyday interactions. Here are some key phrases frequently used:

Greetings and Polite Expressions

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — “Good afternoon” or “Hello” konnichiwa
• おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — “Good morning” ohayou gozaimasu
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) — “Good evening” konbanwa
• さようなら (Sayounara) — “Goodbye” sayounara
• ありがとう (Arigatou) — “Thank you” arigatou
• ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — “Thank you very much” arigatou gozaimasu

Common Daily Phrases

• お元気ですか? (Ogenki desu ka?) — “How are you?” ogenki desu ka
• はい (Hai) — “Yes” hai
• いいえ (Iie) — “No” iie
• すみません (Sumimasen) — “Excuse me / Sorry” sumimasen
• お願いします (Onegaishimasu) — “Please” onegaishimasu
• ちょっと待ってください (Chotto matte kudasai) — “Please wait a moment” chotto matte kudasai
• どうも (Doumo) — “Thanks” or “Hello” in casual contexts doumo

Everyday Conversation Starters

• これは何ですか? (Kore wa nan desu ka?) — “What is this?” kore wa nan desu ka
• いくらですか? (Ikura desu ka?) — “How much does it cost?” ikura desu ka
• どこですか? (Doko desu ka?) — “Where is it?” doko desu ka

Responses and Politeness

• はい、わかりました (Hai, wakarimashita) — “Yes, I understand” hai, wakarimashita
• いいです (Ii desu) — “That’s fine” ii desu
• もちろんです (Mochiron desu) — “Of course” mochiron desu

Cultural Note

In daily interactions, Japanese people often incorporate aizuchi (listening interjections like “un,” “hai,” “sou desu ne”) to show they are actively listening during a conversation. ¹⁷

These phrases form the backbone of casual and formal communication in Japanese and are useful for everyday interactions, shopping, asking for directions, and showing politeness.

References

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