Japanese Phrases for Eating

By Emily Kato

If you are planning a trip to Japan you may be looking forward to enjoying some Japanese food. Learning a few Japanese Phrases for eating will make your experience a lot more fun and interesting. Even if you are not travelling to Japan, you can make use of these Japanese Phrases the next time you visit your favourite Japanese restaurant. If you are just starting out learning Japanese or don't know any words at all, don't worry about trying to learn what every one of the words mean, just learn some of the most useful phrases below to communicate while enjoying the Japanese food.

The first Japanese phrases to learn for eating, is I-ta-da-ki-ma-su. This phrases is used at the start of the meal and is roughly equivalent to 'Let's Eat'. Its not a religious type of phrase but is certainly part of the routine when beginning to eat. It's a good phrases to learn to show that you have learnt a few words in Japanese about eating.

If you are having a Japanese meal at a home, there may be many dishes to choose from. You may not recognise them and would like to enquire what a particular dish is. To ask 'What is This' in Japanese, you can use 'Kore wa nan desu ka?'.

As you look around at the food on the table, you may like the look of some of the food. To say 'That's looks delicious' you can use 'Oishii sou'. If it really is very tasty, the word for very nice taste is 'Oishii'. When you are also drinking with the meal, the most important word is 'Cheers', which is 'Kampai' in Japanese.

As the meal progresses and you get full, you may be offered more and more food. If your stomach is full and you cannot eat any more, you can use the phrase 'Onaka ippai', which literally means 'stomach full', or 'I can't eat any more'. Once the meal is over, the traditional phrases to use is 'Gochisousama deshita', which is a way of expressing thanks for the meal. - 30216

About the Author:

Of course you have to actually learn the pronunciation to be able to use these phrases. To learn Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases For Traveling Japan

By Emily Kato

Learning a new language is always fun but learning Japanese is extremely interesting, as it is a very different language from English. The beauty of learning new languages is that you come across various new words and phrases and enjoy different words coming out from your mouth. To meet a person from a different language back ground and to communicate with him, you need not to have a firm grip over the entire language but some common phrases will do the job for you.

For example, if you learn some basic survival Japanese phrases, then you can conveniently put across you thoughts to your Japanese friends. In this article, I have compiled a list of top 10 survival Japanese phrases, which will give you more confidence while interacting with your Japanese friends. Merely by learning the following basic Japanese phrases, you will instantly be able to roam around Japan and leave a positive impression on your Japanese:-

1. "Please" is a very courteous word which can be very useful and handy in most situations and in Japanese you can say "Dozo" to express your permission as in "Please go ahead!" or "Be my guest". "Dozo" should not be used for seeking permission as in "May I start?"

2. In order to seek permission as in "May I start?" you must use "O-negai shi-masu" as a way of saying "Please".

3. In case you feel bad about something and you want to say "I am (really) sorry", you can convey your feelings by saying "Gomen-nasai".

4. "Yes" and "No" are the two most commonly used words in any culture of the world and most of the tourists travel through various countries, knowing only these two words. The Japanese alternative for "Yes" is "Hai" and for "No" you can say "iie".

5. "Thank you" can commonly be expressed as "Ari-gatou" and if some one thanks you for something then you can reply "You are welcome" by saying "Dou Itashi-ma-shite!"

6. "Kekkou desu!" is the Japanese alternative phrase for "No! Thank you!" and can be used when your friend offers you something which you do not need.

7. When you are trying to disturb some one busy in his work or want to attract some one's attention then you say "Excuse me please" and in Japanese language you can say "Shit-surei Shi-masu".

8. When entering your friend's house, as per Japanese customs, you are supposed to say "O Jama Shi-masu", which literally means "Sorry to bother you".

9. "Cheers" can be said in Japanese as "Kanpai!"

10. "Take care of yourself" is another commonly used phrase in daily conversation and you can express your greeting as "O Daiji Ni".

I am sure that these top 10 survival Japanese phrases will make your trip more pleasurable and comforting. You can use this list as a handy guide and it will prove useful in any Japanese social gathering. - 30216

About the Author:

Of course you have to know how to pronounce the language. For more Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Japanese Phrases - Phrases You Won't Find In Your Textbook

By Emily Kato

Every language has swear words (or bad words as we like to politely refer to them) that we tend to learn and memorize better than any basic foreign language vocabulary. Why? Because it's fun, and there's no test on it and it's become quite popular in social circles. As a matter of fact, there have been books written about swearing in other languages that offer a warning not to use swear words with just anyone or else you could be insulting the wrong person.

Thus, when it comes to Japanese words, the rules of engagement for using Japanese swear words also apply. However, what's nice and what needs to be pointed out is that in Japan, swearing doesn't necessarily have the same function as they do in English because the words are not just used as words themselves but also on how they are used in context as well as the tone of the speaker.

Here are a few examples of such words:

Baka = Nitwit or Idiot

Tousakusha = Pervert.

Aho = Stupid.

Damare = Shut Up

Hetakuso = Clumsy Idiot

If you are looking to talk about making love indirectly you can use words such as asoko (there), are (that) or nani (what). In a sentence, and directly translated you could say that they did what and exposed that (hence the typical Japanese politeness and ambiguity).

In order to truly understand how Japanese swear words works, consider the fact that those who truly "swear like a sailor" are very rough and rude Japanese who are looking to rebel against the polite and status quo. Most oftentimes, you can see these folks depicted in Japanese gangster movies or TV shows late at night. Japanese soldiers too have been known to use expressions that are rough, very similar to American soldiers today when going to boot camp or issuing orders to their fleet or Calvary.

Those who want to keep the decorum will use euphemisms and subtlety and find "nice ways" to call it like it is. After all, it's what makes Japanese culture world-renowned because of such politeness. However, you have to be careful because this is where using your intuition is the key and you have to look at how it's used in context. It might sound a bit on the ambiguous side to the non-native Western Japanese learner, but to the native Japanese, they know exactly what you are talking about. - 30216

About the Author:

Of course you have to know how to pronounce the language. For more Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Japanese Phrases - Phrases You Shouldn't Learn

By Emily Kato

Every language has swear words (or bad words as we like to politely refer to them) that we tend to learn and memorize better than any basic foreign language vocabulary. Why? Because it's fun, and there's no test on it and it's become quite popular in social circles. As a matter of fact, there have been books written about swearing in other languages that offer a warning not to use swear words with just anyone or else you could be insulting the wrong person.

Thus, when it comes to Japanese words, the rules of engagement for using Japanese swear words also apply. However, what's nice and what needs to be pointed out is that in Japan, swearing doesn't necessarily have the same function as they do in English because the words are not just used as words themselves but also on how they are used in context as well as the tone of the speaker.

Here are a few examples of such words:

Baka = Nitwit or Idiot

Tousakusha = Pervert.

Aho = Stupid.

Damare = Shut Up

Hetakuso = Clumsy Idiot

If you are looking to talk about making love indirectly you can use words such as asoko (there), are (that) or nani (what). In a sentence, and directly translated you could say that they did what and exposed that (hence the typical Japanese politeness and ambiguity).

In order to truly understand how Japanese swear words works, consider the fact that those who truly "swear like a sailor" are very rough and rude Japanese who are looking to rebel against the polite and status quo. Most oftentimes, you can see these folks depicted in Japanese gangster movies or TV shows late at night. Japanese soldiers too have been known to use expressions that are rough, very similar to American soldiers today when going to boot camp or issuing orders to their fleet or Calvary.

Those who want to keep the decorum will use euphemisms and subtlety and find "nice ways" to call it like it is. After all, it's what makes Japanese culture world-renowned because of such politeness. However, you have to be careful because this is where using your intuition is the key and you have to look at how it's used in context. It might sound a bit on the ambiguous side to the non-native Western Japanese learner, but to the native Japanese, they know exactly what you are talking about. - 30216

About the Author:

To hear the pronunciation of these and other Japanese phrases visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Catchy Japanese Phrases

By Emily Kato

Some people say that Japanese conversation is like a ping-pong match. You have exchanges of sentences and phrases that mix together, and as you continue studying Japanese, it becomes more difficult to keep up. If you learn frequently used, catchy, and current Japanese words and phrases you will not only develop your vocabulary but become more attuned to Japanese culture.

So where can you find these catchy Japanese phrases? Catchy Japanese phrases can be found in most Japanese pop culture and media especially with music, commercials, and television shows. Some of these phrases are made up and others come from variations of song lyrics or foreign loan-words, especially English.

Here is an example - A company in Japan has created a drink designed for kids that is meant to look like fake beer, champagne, and cocktails. Their product is called Kodomo no nomimono which literally means kids drink. When you hear their commercial, not only does the song stick in your head, but also you want to keep singing it even after its over.

There is even a horror movie dedicated to the idea of a catchy tune called Densen Uta or "Infectious Tune". This movie is about a'90s pop song that brings death to anyone who hears in their mind and sings it. Because of the catchy melody of the tune, it has been made available in all karaoke rooms across the country. Because of the storyline, some people might believe that the same cursed song featured in the movie could be the same cursed song in real life.

If you take the time to learn catchy Japanese phrases, you'll be able to understand most televisions shows, especially variety shows where a lot of catchy phrases and slang are used. It's guaranteed to be a lot of fun and also a good way to make Japanese friends quickly.

So what are some of the catchy phrases you can learn? Here are a few to get you started:

Nihongo pera pera da. = That person speaks Japanese fluently

Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu = Please take care of this.

Itsu demo ii yo. = Anytime is ok.

Ne ne ne ne = Guess what?

Sono koto nandakedo = Speaking of which

Moshikasuruto.. = Possibly

No matter what you discover in Japan, you'll always find something catchy to remember and enjoy, especially if it's part of popular culture and it allows you to enjoy your Japanese language learning experience. - 30216

About the Author:

Hear the pronunciation for these phrases. For more Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Japanese Phrases - Have Fun Learning Catchy Phrases

By Emily Kato

Some people say that Japanese conversation is like a ping-pong match. You have exchanges of sentences and phrases that mix together, and as you continue studying Japanese, it becomes more difficult to keep up. If you learn frequently used, catchy, and current Japanese words and phrases you will not only develop your vocabulary but become more attuned to Japanese culture.

So where can you find these catchy Japanese phrases? Catchy Japanese phrases can be found in most Japanese pop culture and media especially with music, commercials, and television shows. Some of these phrases are made up and others come from variations of song lyrics or foreign loan-words, especially English.

Here is an example - A company in Japan has created a drink designed for kids that is meant to look like fake beer, champagne, and cocktails. Their product is called Kodomo no nomimono which literally means kids drink. When you hear their commercial, not only does the song stick in your head, but also you want to keep singing it even after its over.

There is even a horror movie dedicated to the idea of a catchy tune called Densen Uta or "Infectious Tune". This movie is about a'90s pop song that brings death to anyone who hears in their mind and sings it. Because of the catchy melody of the tune, it has been made available in all karaoke rooms across the country. Because of the storyline, some people might believe that the same cursed song featured in the movie could be the same cursed song in real life.

If you take the time to learn catchy Japanese phrases, you'll be able to understand most televisions shows, especially variety shows where a lot of catchy phrases and slang are used. It's guaranteed to be a lot of fun and also a good way to make Japanese friends quickly.

So what are some of the catchy phrases you can learn? Here are a few to get you started:

Nihongo pera pera da. = That person speaks Japanese fluently

Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu = Please take care of this.

Itsu demo ii yo. = Anytime is ok.

Ne ne ne ne = Guess what?

Sono koto nandakedo = Speaking of which

Moshikasuruto.. = Possibly

No matter what you discover in Japan, you'll always find something catchy to remember and enjoy, especially if it's part of popular culture and it allows you to enjoy your Japanese language learning experience. - 30216

About the Author:

Of course you have to actually learn the pronunciation to be able to use these phrases. For more Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Learn Japanese By Talking About Your Hobbies

By Emily Kato

'Shumi' is a very useful word to know in Japanese, especially when you are talking to friends or colleagues outside of work. It means 'Hobby' or 'Hobbies'. Talking about your hobbies or that of your friend is a great way to get the conversation started.

Here is a list of popular Japanese hobbies, that would be useful to learn and make part of your vocabulary. Dokusho = Reading, Engei = Gardening, Ikebana = Traditional flower arranging, Ryori = Cooking, Haikingu = Hiking, Supotsu = Sports, Rakugaki = Drawing, Undou = Exercise, Eiga = Movies and Onagaku = Music.

Sleeping and Eating are not usually considered hobbies. They may well be in Japane. What is that? It is due to the busy life of the typical Japanese man or woman. After working hard at the office or being busy at home with household duties, when it comes time to relax and enjoy oneself, eating, drinking, and sleeping fall into those categories (usually at night or on the weekend). these 'hobbies' can be enjoyed while there is some "time to kill" before starting it all over again the next day, Monday morning, or after a vacation or holiday.

It's also important to know that when a Japanese person really likes a hobby, chances are they are crazy about it, and will often devote their time to it. This is especially true with some of the traditional arts and hobbies of Japan such as: flower arranging, tanka and haiku poetry, playing the game of go, and traditional ink painting which is what older people often do.

Young people enjoy going out to bars or clubs, drinking with friends, or even going to the computer or manga coffee shop. For housewives, their hobbies are mostly of shopping, cooking, going to a coffee shop, and some of the traditional arts. For men, especially businessmen, their hobbies would consist mostly of playing golf, drinking with their coworkers, hiking in the mountains, or going to a baseball game.

Here are some expressions that you can use to say that you can do something related to your hobby such as: Watashi wa karate ga dekimasu = I can do karate You can also say: Watashi no shumi wa __________ desu. = My hobby is/are _____________. Watshi wa __________ ga suki desu. = I like _________________. Watashi wa ___________ ni kyoumi ga arimasu. = I am interested in __________________. - 30216

About the Author:

Of course you have to actually learn the pronunciation to be able to use these phrases. To learn Japanese phrases and the correct pronunciation, visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com