40 Japanese Greetings and Phrases for Beginners

A handful of polite words goes a long way in Japan. These 40 Japanese greetings and phrases for beginners are grouped by how you will use them, from hellos and thank-yous to everyday replies and useful travel lines. Each entry includes the Japanese script, a romaji reading to help you pronounce it, and an accurate English meaning.

Start with the greetings and courtesy phrases, since those come up in almost every conversation. With just these basics you can greet people, show respect, and handle common situations with confidence.

Basic Greetings

These are the first words to learn and the ones you will use every day.

1. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu): Good morning (polite).
2. こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello, or good afternoon.
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening.
4. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai): Good night.
5. さようなら (Sayounara): Goodbye.
6. また明日 (Mata ashita): See you tomorrow.
7. はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you (used on a first meeting).
8. お元気ですか (Ogenki desu ka): How are you?
9. 久しぶり (Hisashiburi): Long time no see.
10. いってきます (Ittekimasu): I am off (said when leaving home).

Polite and Courtesy Phrases

Japanese culture values politeness, and these phrases show respect and good manners.

1. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you (polite).
2. どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite): You are welcome.
3. すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me, or sorry; also used to get attention.
4. ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai): I am sorry.
5. お願いします (Onegai shimasu): Please (when making a request).
6. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu): Excuse me (when entering or leaving a room).
7. いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai): Said in reply to ittekimasu, meaning go and come back safely.
8. ただいま (Tadaima): I am home.
9. おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai): Welcome home.
10. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu): Thank you for your hard work.

Everyday Phrases

Simple replies and expressions that come up in daily conversation.

1. はい (Hai): Yes.
2. いいえ (Iie): No.
3. わかりました (Wakarimashita): I understand, or understood.
4. わかりません (Wakarimasen): I do not understand.
5. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu): I am fine, or it is okay.
6. いただきます (Itadakimasu): A phrase of gratitude said before eating.
7. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita): Said after a meal to give thanks for the food.
8. お名前は何ですか (Onamae wa nan desu ka): What is your name?
9. 日本語が少しわかります (Nihongo ga sukoshi wakarimasu): I understand a little Japanese.
10. もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegai shimasu): One more time, please.

Useful Travel Phrases

Practical lines that help you get around, shop, and ask for help.

1. 英語を話せますか (Eigo wo hanasemasu ka): Can you speak English?
2. トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka): Where is the toilet?
3. これはいくらですか (Kore wa ikura desu ka): How much is this?
4. 助けて (Tasukete): Help!
5. ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai): Please speak slowly.
6. 駅はどこですか (Eki wa doko desu ka): Where is the station?
7. おすすめは何ですか (Osusume wa nan desu ka): What do you recommend?
8. 写真を撮ってもいいですか (Shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka): May I take a photo?
9. これをください (Kore wo kudasai): This one, please.
10. お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegai shimasu): The bill, please.

Understanding Politeness Levels

Japanese has different levels of formality, and choosing the right one is part of being polite. The phrases in this list mostly use the polite form, marked by endings like -masu and the word gozaimasu, which is the safe default for talking to anyone you do not know well. For example, ohayou gozaimasu is the polite good morning, while a casual ohayou is fine among close friends and family.

As a beginner, it is wise to stick with the polite forms everywhere. They are never rude, and they show respect in shops, restaurants, workplaces, and first meetings. Once you are comfortable and have built relationships, you can relax into casual speech with friends, matching the way they speak to you.

Bowing and Body Language

Greetings in Japan often come with a small bow, and the gesture matters as much as the words. A light nod of the head works for casual hellos and thank-yous, while a deeper bow shows greater respect or sincere apology. You do not need to master formal bowing as a beginner, but offering a gentle nod when you say konnichiwa or arigatou gozaimasu makes your greeting feel natural and warm. Eye contact is generally softer than in some Western cultures, and a calm, friendly manner goes a long way.

Tips for Learning These Phrases

• Start with greetings and thanks. Ohayou gozaimasu, konnichiwa, and arigatou gozaimasu will carry you a long way.
• Practice pronunciation. Japanese vowels are steady and clear, so say each one evenly.
• Learn the polite form first. The -masu and gozaimasu endings are safe and respectful in most situations.
• Use them daily. Even saying ittekimasu and tadaima at home helps the phrases stick.

Final Thoughts

These 40 Japanese greetings and phrases for beginners give you everything you need to be polite, friendly, and understood. Learn a few each day, say them out loud, and you will be surprised how quickly simple courtesy opens doors in Japanese.