Ben spent a year in Japan and ALWAYS raves about it. We are hoping to be able to do a longer trip to Eastern Asia next year to hit Bali, Thailand, and Japan! Today I am learning some Japanese basics so that I am already to explore Tokyo next year! Checkout some of the basics and fun phrases you can learn in Japanese as well!
Japanese Basics
Hi, my name is Krysta – Kon’nichiwa watashinonamaeha Krysta
Nice to meet you (informal)– hajimemashite
Thank you – arigato
Thank you very much – Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita
You’re Welcome – Dōitashimashite
Hello – Kon’nichiwa
Bye- Sayōnara
Yes – Hai
No– Bangō
Excuse me, Do you speak English?– Sumimasen, eigo o hanasemasu ka?
I don’t understand – Wakarimasen
Japanese Slang Words
The best part of learning 30 different languages this month is learning the slang words and phrases commonly used by locals. If you want to fit in on your next trip to Japan, you are going to want to try and slip these in your conversations:
- Yabai
- Literal Translation – Dangerous
- Actual Translation – “Wicked”
I actually loved this one because being from Massachusetts, we use “wicked” to exaggerate another word. Ex. “Wicked awesome”. Cannot wait to try this one out!
- Riajuu
- Literal Translation – “real world” and “satisfied” combined into one word
- Actual Translation – No perfect English translation, but basically it is someone who would rather be out in the real world experiencing life
I LOVE this one too because it decides me perfectly. I am so anti-tv or sitting at home and I am always trying to get out and live life, hence my year of 30 day challenges!
- W
- Literal Translation – Warai (to laugh)
- Actual Translation – lol
This is slang you would use when texting. Instead of the English lol, you would with W.
- Saitei
- Literal Translation – The lowest
- Actual Translation – the worst
Many of us use “the worst” in English when describing situations. Ex. He got stung by a bee at the playground, you would reply with “that’s the worst”. Works the same way in Japanese.
- Maji
- Literal Translation – serious
- Actual Translation – “Seriously?” Or “For real?”
This one comes from the word “majime”which means seriously. Commonly used in English and Japanese as a shocked or snarky response to what someone else has said.
You can find many more slang terms with great usage explanations here! Let me know your favorite Japanese basics or slang phrases that you’ve picked up along the way.
xoxo
Krysta
