While many of us are enjoying the beginning of spring and looking forward to all that April (and May and June…) have in store, this feeling of excitement is perhaps strongest in Japan right now.
You see, April 29 (Showa Day) marks the beginning of Golden Week! This is a several-day period during which many Japanese people receive time off work, allowing them to travel and enjoy the refreshing spring weather at will.
The Showa Day holiday in Japan, or 昭和の日 (Shōwa no hi), commemorates one of the most trying (and most successful) periods of the nations’ history: the Showa era. In this article, you’ll learn all about Showa Day in Japan and gain some knowledge about the emperor behind it!
1. What is Showa Day in Japan?
Showa Day is meant to be a time of reflection on the past and anticipation of the future, or 将来 (shōrai). The day shares a name with 昭和天皇 (Shōwa tennō), or Emperor Showa, who ruled as Emperor of Japan from 1926 to 1989—the Showa Period, which was marked by both crippling obstacles and amazing successes.
In Japanese, the word 昭和 (Shōwa) means “enlightened peace.” This is the name given Emperor Hirohito (Showa) posthumously and the name of the era during which he reigned.
Many consider Emperor Showa to have been a strong leader and credit him with having helped Japan recover economically following such tragedies as World War II, the Second Sino-Japanese War, and Japan’s first-ever occupation by foreign forces. Despite these setbacks, the nation was able to rise and become one of the leading nations from an economic standpoint—this success was further spurred onward by the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
→ Want to learn more about Japan’s most notable figures? Then head over to our lesson series Top 10 Japanese Historical Figures to learn about such people as Ieyasu Tokugawa and Takeda Shingen.
2. Showa Day Traditions
Because Showa Day marks the beginning of Golden Week, many people begin making travel plans far in advance.
Showa Day celebrations in Japan tend to be laidback in nature, with many people traveling to see friends, family, and other loved ones for quiet reunions. Emperor Showa was well-known for his great love of nature and the outdoors; in this spirit, many people opt to spend the day cherry blossom viewing or organizing other outdoor activities such as picnics.
Some people also visit shrines, museums, or the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum in Tokyo (where the body of Emperor Showa is buried). Many museums, such as the National Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo, hold lectures on this day and teach visitors about the Showa Period and World War II.
Once upon a time, April 29 was known as Greenery Day. It was so named because of Emperor Showa’s love of nature, and the day encouraged things such as spending time outdoors and promoting environmental health.
In 2007, Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed Showa Day. This allowed for Golden Week to contain a holiday dedicated to Emperor Showa himself and another holiday for the environment.
Even earlier on, before Emperor Showa’s death, April 29 was simply the Emperor’s holiday.
Want to impress your Japanese-speaking friends by talking about Showa Day in Japanese? Here are some of the vocabulary words from the article, plus a few more.
祝日 (shukujitsu) – holiday [n.]
誕生日 (tanjōbi) – birthday [n.]
将来 (shōrai) – future [n.]
昭和の日 (Shōwa no hi) – Showa Day [n.]
昭和天皇 (Shōwa tennō) – Emperor Showa [p.]
昭和 (Shōwa) – Showa era [n.]
4月29日 (shigatsu nijū kunichi) – April 29 [p.]
偲ぶ (shinobu) – commemorate [v.]
復興 (fukkō) – reconstruction [n.]
日本国憲法 (Nihonkoku kempō) – Constitution of Japan [p.]
文化功労者 (Bunka kōrōsha) – Person of Cultural Merit [p.]
顧みる (kaerimiru) – think back [v.]
Make sure to visit our Showa Day vocabulary list to hear and practice the pronunciation of each word and phrase!
Final Thoughts
Due to the strength of leadership shown by Emperor Showa, Japan was able to bounce back better than ever after some of the nation’s most unfortunate and trying times.
Are there any leaders of your nation, past or present, who have immensely helped your country in hard times? Is there a holiday to commemorate them? We look forward to hearing from you!
If you enjoyed this lesson and would like to read more insightful blog posts on Japanese culture or the language, you might enjoy these articles:
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How many different Japanese foods have you eaten? Have you ever ventured outside of the familiar Sushi and Rāmen?
Japanese cuisine features a variety of delicious dishes ranging from cheap, local foods to high-end meals. In Japan, you’ll find both authentic and traditional foods as well as foods that have evolved through the influence of other cultures.
Believe it or not, Tokyo is the world’s most Michelin-starred city—it’s not Paris or Rome, but the capital city of Japan! According to the Michelin Guide, 226 of its restaurants received stars for the thirteenth consecutive year. Japanese people are avid foodies and they’re quite picky when it comes to the taste of their food.
In this article, we’ll introduce a list of Japanese foods you must try. We’ll also give you some tips to help you enjoy Japanese food even more, an overview of unique Japanese dishes, food-related Japanese vocabulary, and a couple of easy Japanese recipes!
Ready to explore Japanese cuisine with JapanesePod101.com? Then let’s go!
There are a few Japanese cuisine staples that everyone should try at least once. Exploring the flavors, ingredients, and presentation of these dishes will work wonders for your language studies by immersing you in the culture!
1 – 寿司 (Sushi)
Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese food items, both internationally and in Japan. In old times (before there were refrigerators), Sushi was originally a preserved food using pickled fish. In the Edo Period, fresh fish and shellfish were used on rice seasoned with vinegar; this is the same style of Sushi we have today.
As an island country surrounded by Mother Seas, Japan benefits from affluent fresh seafoods.
In Japan, people can easily enjoy Sushi through takeout from casual Sushi restaurants or by purchasing it from supermarkets. There are also specialized Sushi restaurants for celebrations or special occasions.
There are several types of Sushi restaurants, ranging from budget Conveyor Belt Sushi / Sushi-Go-Round (回転寿司) restaurants to high-end restaurants that cost at least ¥20,000-¥30,000 (around $190-$280) per person. The price differences account for the quality and freshness of ingredients, how skilled the Sushi chef is, and the restaurant’s level of service and hospitality.
Authentic Japanese Sushi uses a variety of fish.
2 – ラーメン (Rāmen)
Originally imported from China, Japanese Rāmen evolved uniquely and became a very popular casual dish in Japan. Rāmen is inexpensive and you can find Rāmen restaurants, or ラーメン屋 (Rāmen’ya), throughout the country. Some Rāmen restaurants are very popular and have long lines to enter.
Rāmen is a bowl of soup noodles with various types of ingredients. There are several different soup flavors based on the ingredients used, such as:
しょうゆ (Shōyu) – “soy sauce-flavored broth”
とんこつ (Tonkotsu) – “creamy broth made of pork bones and vegetables”
鶏白湯 (Toripaitan)– “creamy broth made of chicken bones and vegetables”
The soup is a very important element of Japanese Rāmen. It’s made with bones and vegetables, typically boiled for several hours or even for days, to extract flavors that have depth and richness. Every Rāmen restaurant has its own soup recipe, and some Rāmen restaurants are so popular that you have to wait in a long line to enter.
The 麺 (Men), or “noodle,” used in Rāmen is just as important as the soup. Each type of soup is matched with a certain type of noodle; the noodles can be thin, thick, straight, or curly. A good soup-noodle combination should have a good balance of stiffness, taste, and texture.
Rāmen is an easy and budget-friendly option when you’re traveling in Japan. Make sure you research which Rāmen restaurants are popular and have good local reviews in advance!
For Japanese Rāmen, the taste of the soup is very important and it takes several hours to make.
3 – カレーライス (Japanese Curry Rice)
Japanese curry is definitely one of the most popular Japanese foods! It’s usually cooked at home, but you can also find it in specialized curry restaurants called カレー屋 (karēya) or other restaurants. It’s typically a casual dish.
Originally from India, curry was introduced to Japan in the Meiji Era. Since then, its flavor and preparation/serving methods have developed to reflect Japanese food culture. Thus, the texture and flavor of Japanese curry is very different from those in Indian curry, Thai curry, or any other type of curry.
Japanese curry is served with white steamed rice and it’s commonly called カレーライス (karē raisu) or ライスカレー (raisu karē), both meaning “curry rice” in Japanese. Japanese curry typically uses a カレールー(karē rū), or “curry roux,” which is concentrated curry seasoning in block or powder form; it’s composed of curry powder, flour, oils, and other various flavorings.
Curry is cooked with various ingredients, typically meat and vegetables. One of the most popular curry recipes is カツカレー(Katsu karē),which is a perfect coupling of a Japanese pork cutlet and curry rice. There are a few other variations of Japanese curry, such as:
スープカレー (sūpukarē)– “soup-style curry”
カレーうどん (karē udon)– “curry-flavored udon noodle”
カレードリア (karē doria)– “curry-flavored béchamelle on rice baked with cheese”
Katsu (pork cutlet) curry is one of the most popular recipes for Japanese curry rice.
4 – 天ぷら (Tempura)
Tempurais another one of the famous Japanese cuisine dishes you should try. It’s typically served at 和食 (wasyoku) Japanese restaurants or in specialized Tempura restaurants. You can have Tempura in casual, inexpensive restaurants as well as in high-class restaurants.
Tempura is made using a variety of ingredients, typically seasonal vegetables and seafood. The ingredients are lightly battered and delicately deep-fried, then served with 天つゆ (tentsuyu) dipping sauce and grated Japanese radish. It’s recommended to eat this dish while it’s still hot, immediately after frying, to enjoy the crispy texture.
Tempura is eaten as a main dish served with white rice and miso soup, though it’s also popularly served as 天丼 (Tendon), which is a Tempura bowl with salty-sweet soy sauce, or as a topping for noodle dishes such as うどん (Udon) and そば (Soba).
The main ingredients of Tempura are vegetables and seafood, especially prawns.
5 – しゃぶしゃぶ (Shabu-shabu)
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and thin-sliced meat. It’s typically served at specialized Shabu-shabu restaurants and you’re expected to share a hot pot with at least one other person.
The hot pot, filled with だし (dashi) soup (seasoned broth), is placed in the middle of a table with a stove, and the ingredients are brought to the table raw. The fun part of this dish is to cook the ingredients yourself. Firstly, you put all vegetables into the pot to boil. While you wait for them to be boiled, you can pick up a very thin slice of meat with chopsticks and submerge it into the pot’s soup, swishing it back and forth for a few seconds as it quickly cooks. The name Shabu-shabu is the onomatopoeia of the swishing movement.
Once the vegetables and meat are cooked, you dip them in a citrus-based ポン酢 (ponzu) sauce or sesame sauce before eating them.
It’s most popular in the colder seasons of autumn and winter, as cooking and eating this delicious soup will warm you up.
Ultra-thin meat boils quickly when it’s dipped and stirred in the hot pot.
6 – 丼ぶり (Donburi)
丼ぶり (Donburi), or “bowl,” dishes feature white rice on the bottom and other ingredients on top of the rice. Donburi dishes are also called 丼もの (donmono), or “bowl meals.”
There are various types of Donburi dishes and they’re available at casual budget restaurants as well as 和食(washoku), or “Japanese food,” restaurants. Many people also cook these meals at home. There are two popular versions of this dish:
牛丼 (Gyūdon)
牛丼 (Gyūdon), meaning “beef bowl,” is one of the most popular bowls. The ingredients include thin-sliced beef, onions, and sometimes しらたき (shirataki) noodles topped with pickled ginger. The ingredients are simmered in a slightly sweet sauce seasoned with soy sauce, みりん (mirin) or “sweet rice wine,” and だし (dashi) or “fish stock.”
カツ丼 (Katsudon)
Katsu means “pork cutlet.” This is a breaded deep-fried pork, also called とんかつ (tonkatsu).
Katsudon is prepared by simmering tonkatsu and onion with beaten eggs on rice. It’s then flavored with some soy sauce, みりん (mirin) or “sweet rice wine,” and だし (dashi) or “fish stock.”
There are some variations, such as the ソースカツ丼 (sōsu katsudon),or “sauced cutlet bowl.” Here, とんかつ (tonkatsu)is served on rice without simmering the onion and eggs, and it’s flavored with a tonkatsu sauce.
Katsudon is a rice bowl with a Japanese pork cutlet, usually boiled with egg (Photo by Hajime Nakano, under CC BY 2.0).
天丼 (Tendon)
Tendon is served with several Tempura on rice with salty-sweet soy sauce. Popular ingredients are prawn, eggplant, pumpkin, sweet potato, and squid.
Tendon is a Tempura bowl with sweet-salty soy sauce.
7 – 麺 (Men) – Traditional Japanese Noodles
There are many types of traditional Japanese noodles, and the ones on our list are the most popular in both restaurants and homes. Japanese noodle dishes are typically inexpensive.
そば (Soba)
Soba is a traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat and wheat flour with water. The noodle is squared and typically around two millimeters in width. Soba is enjoyed hot in soups with toppings or cold with つゆ (tsuyu) dipping sauce.
うどん (Udon)
Udon is another type of traditional noodle that’s made of white wheat flour and water. This thick and round noodle has a five- to six-millimeter width. Udon is also served hot or cold, in hot soups with toppings or with cold dipping sauce.
そうめん (Sōmen)
Sōmen noodles, made of wheat flour, are very popular in the summertime. The noodles are very thin and typically eaten cold with つゆ (tsuyu) dipping sauce. It’s considered to be a very easy meal that cooks in just a few minutes in boiling water.
2. Authentic Japanese Food vs. Overseas Japanese Food
Since Japanese cuisine gained its worldwide popularity, it’s easy to find Japanese restaurants in any big city in the world. However, many overseas Japanese restaurants are not Japanese-owned nor are the foods cooked by Japanese chefs. Some dishes look and taste very different from the authentic ones.
Although some creative Sushi dishes taste good, some are very different from authentic Sushi.
1 – Overseas Sushi
Sushi ranks among Japan’s most popular foods and it’s eaten all around the world. As it becomes more popular, especially in Western countries, Sushi is being made in various styles. Overseas chefs are using their bold imagination and creativity to create Sushi dishes featuring different forms and flavors.
Transformed Sushi, often seen in 巻き寿司 (makizushi) or “roll sushi,” uses various ingredients that are never used in authentic Sushi, such as avocado, cream cheese, chili sauce, and sometimes even mangos and strawberries! In addition, some “healthy” Sushi uses brown rice or black rice instead of traditional white rice.
In addition to using different ingredients, overseas chefs are offering Sushi dishes in a variety of forms. Take for example the 裏巻き (uramaki), or “inside-out roll,” represented by the California roll and the Tempura roll (or fried Sushi) where the entire roll is battered and fried Tempura-style.
Would you try Strawberry Sushi?
2 – Overseas Rāmen
Due to the increasing popularity of Japanese cuisine nowadays, Rāmen restaurants are booming overseas. However, real Rāmen is much more than just noodles in soup. Some restaurants serve soup noodles and name it “Rāmen,” though these dishes are very different from authentic Japanese Rāmen.
As mentioned earlier, the soup and noodles are crucial elements of Japanese Rāmen. The soup in particular is very difficult to make as it requires perfectly balanced ingredients and many hours of boiling.
If you want to taste good Rāmen with authentic flavor, go to a specialized Rāmen restaurant (Rāmen’ya) that exclusively serves Rāmen. In most cases, “Rāmen” served in restaurants with a variety of other menu items have disappointing soup or use different kinds of soup noodles.
Don’t get the wrong idea that Rāmen is similar to Chinese or Vietnamese soup noodles! Authentic Rāmen tastes totally different from other soup noodles.
3 – Overseas Japanese Curry Rice
Japanese-style curry is also becoming well-known and you can find it in big cities overseas, sometimes even at Japanese fast-food franchise restaurants. Katsu curry (pork cutlet curry) is especially popular.
However, some of the Japanese curry dishes available overseas don’t taste authentic. Some probable reasons include not using the proper ingredients or using less Japanese curry roux blocks in favor of other seasonings.
If you want to taste authentic Japanese curry overseas, make sure you ask if the restaurant’s owner or its chefs are Japanese!
3. Unique Japanese Foods
Are you planning a trip to Japan and want to try some unique dishes? For the best food experiences in Japan, we highly recommend the following foods!
1 – B-Class Cuisine: Casual, Inexpensive Local Cuisine
So-called B級グルメ (B kyū gurume), or “B-class cuisine,” is very popular in Japan.
B-class cuisine is unofficially distinguished from other “decent” Japanese dishes in that they are very casual, low-budget, and locally available.
Following is a Japanese food list of some notable B-class cuisine items.
お好み焼き (Okonomiyaki)
Okonomiyaki (meaning “as-you-like-it pancake”) is essentially a salty pan-fried pancake. It’s often cooked at home, but it’s also available at specialized Okonomiyaki restaurants.
You can choose any ingredients you’d like and put them into the batter (which is made of flour and cabbage). Common ingredients include meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, and rice cakes. Put the mixture onto a pan or griddle and fry both sides until it’s cooked. It’s served with:
Okonomiyaki sauce
青のり (aonori), or “dried seaweed particles”
かつお節 (katsuobushi), or “dried bonito flakes”
Japanese mayonnaise
Okonomiyaki is originally from Osaka region (Photo by Marcel Montes, under CC BY-SA 3.0).
タコ焼き (Takoyaki)
Takoyaki is a very popular B-class cuisine item and snack. It’s cooked at home and is also available at 屋台 (yatai), or market stalls often seen at festivals.
Takoyaki can be explained as “octopus balls,” where octopus is the main ingredient. It’s used together with wheat flour batter, Tempura scraps or 天かす (tenkasu), pickled ginger or 紅しょうが (beni shoga), and green onion or ネギ (negi). It’s cooked in a special molded pan that features many holes shaped like half-balls.
This dish is eaten with all of the same toppings as Okonomiyaki is, and it’s usually eaten with toothpicks.
Takoyaki is also originally from Osaka region (Photo by heiwa4126, under CC BY 2.0).
コロッケ (Korokke)
Korokke is a Japanese deep-fried dish originally inspired by the French croquette. This dish is typically cooked at home, though it’s also sold at specialized Korokke shops and delicatessen corners in supermarkets.
Standard Korokke is made of mashed potato and minced beef, shaped into flat and oval forms. Each patty is coated with flour, beaten eggs, and パン粉 (panko), or “Japanese breadcrumbs,” and then deep-fried until the surface becomes brown.
There are some popular Korokke flavor variations:
カニクリーム (Kani kurīmu) –“crab meat and white sauce”
かぼちゃ (kabocha) – “pumpkin”
カレー (karē) – “curry-flavored potato”
2 – Other Unique Foods
Here are a few more traditional Japanese dishes that are a bit higher-grade than those in the previous section.
納豆 (Natto)
Natto is made of fermented soybeans and is often eaten with white rice. It’s known as a Japanese superfood that offers many nutritional benefits. Natto is normally eaten at home (purchased from supermarkets), but it’s not usually available in restaurants.
Although Natto has a mild taste, some people may not be able to accept its unique smell and slimy texture. Without any forewarning, a foreigner may be shocked after smelling it and seeing its texture for the first time. If you focus on the taste, however, you’ll enjoy its flavor in combination with the white rice.
Natto is made of fermented soybeans.
馬刺し (Basashi)
Horse meat is eaten in some regions of Japan. 馬刺し (basashi), or sliced raw horse meat, is especially popular, eaten with grated ginger or garlic, sliced onions, and soy sauce. It’s served at 居酒屋 (Izakaya)-style dining bars.
Raw horse meat tastes similar to beef.
海藻 (Kaisō)
Kaisō, or “seaweed,” is commonly eaten in Japan, usually as an ingredient in みそ汁 (miso) soup or salad. There are several kinds of seaweed, but わかめ (wakame) is one of the most popular types.
Kaisō is often eaten in salad or as a small side dish.
4. Food-Related Japanese Vocabulary
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, it’s time to look at some Japanese food vocabulary that you can start practicing today!
Before you go, check out these easy recipes for Japanese cuisine to make at home! With only a few ingredients and a little spare time, you can eat delicious Japanese food without needing to find a specialized restaurant.
1 – Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is very simple to make! Basically, all you need to do is mix all of the ingredients together and pan-fry it. Serve with Okonomiyaki sauce and toppings.
Step 1: Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. For sliced pork meat, add in the next step.
Step 2: Put vegetable oil into a small- or middle-sized heated pan. Pour the mixture onto a heated pan and spread it to approximately 2 cm thickness. If you’re using thin-sliced pork meat, place it on the mixture.
Step 3: Fry it until the frying surface is cooked and turns brown. Flip Okonomiyaki over and cook it for about 5 minutes with the lid on.
Step 4: Open the lid and fry it until it’s well-cooked inside. Flip it again to cook as needed.
Step 5: Serve Okonomiyaki with Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori seaweed flakes on top.
2 – Oyakodon
Oyakodon is one of the easiest bowl dishes to make at home. Oyako means “parent and child,” referencing the dish’s ingredients: chicken and egg.
For two servings,
Ingredients:
400g cooked white rice (Japanese rice)
1 small onion, cut in half and thin-sliced
200g chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Condiments:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cooking sake (or white wine)
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons dashi powder
Step 1: Pour vegetable oil into a pan on middle heat. Stir fry the chicken meat until it changes color.
Step 2: Add onions and cook until they become soft and then pour all the condiments into a pan.
Step 3: Simmer until liquid is evaporated to about half the original amount, and then pour ⅔ of the beaten eggs.
Step 4: When eggs are cooked, add the rest of the beaten eggs and cook it for around 10-15 seconds.
Step 5: Put it on the warm white rice in a donburi / bowl and serve. If you have nori/seaweed paper, sprinkle it on the top.
6. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced several Japanese foods that you must try, including those you should only eat in Japan and others to make at home. We also provided you with some useful food-related vocabulary for cooking and ordering. I hope you enjoyed this article and that you’ve become more interested in such a fascinating cuisine!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and culture, you’ll find more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. If you’re just starting out, here are a few vocabulary lists we recommend you review:
Personal one-on-one tutoring is also available through our MyTeacher service when you upgrade to Premium PLUS. Your private teacher will help you practice pronunciation and you’ll get personalized feedback and advice to improve efficiently.
And there’s so much more we have to offer you! Learn faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments what you learned about Japanese food today. How many of these dishes have you tried before? We look forward to hearing from you.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? All it takes is a look at social media posts, framed wall decorations, and postcards to see that insightful quotes and proverbs inspire people and touch their hearts.
Proverbs are the fruit of wisdom, accumulated through the ages to reflect a given culture. By studying Japanese sayings, you’ll also learn about Japanese culture and values, as well as historical facts. For example, did you know that many Japanese quotes were influenced by ancient China and 儒教 (Jukyō),or “Confucianism“?
Today, we’ll introduce you to popular Japanese quotes and proverbs on a variety of topics. Whether you want life-changing motivation or are seeking relationship advice, you’ll love reading these words of wisdom. Learn Japanese and get inspired here at JapanesePod101.com!
Quotes, or 格言 (Kakugen), and proverbs, or ことわざ (Kotowaza), give people inspiration and motivation.
Do you have big plans for your future, or maybe an upcoming task you’re concerned about? These practical Japanese quotes on success will give you the encouragement you need to go above and beyond!
1 – 継続は力なり
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization:Keizoku wa chikara nari
Literally: “Continuance is power.”
Meaning: Continuity is the father of success. / Persistence pays off.
This is one of the most famous Japanese proverbs for success.
It highlights the importance of continuous effort, even if you only do a little bit. When you progress one unit per day, the result after 100 days will be 100. But if you don’t do anything, the result will be zero after any number of days. You’ll eventually gain the strength and power to achieve your goal, as long as you put in the effort and overcome the difficulties involved.
This Japanese proverb is often used to encourage someone in their studies, sports, music (e.g. playing piano), and so on.
2 – 七転び八起き
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization: Nanakorobi yaoki
Literally: “Stumbling seven times but standing up eight”
Meaning: However many setbacks you face, never give up and always keep trying.
While the numbers “seven” and “eight” have no intrinsic meaning, they’re used to represent “many times.”
The fact that the number for standing up (eight) is one higher than the number for stumbling (seven) is said to be rooted in Buddhism. When a person is born, he can’t walk by himself; he stands up for the first time with support from other people. This extra one is counted.
This proverb is also used to express that life always has ups and downs, so there’s no reason to give up.
3 – 振り向くな、振り向くな、後ろには夢がない
[by 寺山修司 (Shuji Terayama), a Japanese playwright and poet]
Romanization: Furimuku na, furimuku na, ushiro ni wa yume ga nai
Meaning: Don’t look back, don’t look back, there is no dream in the back.
This encouraging quote is from the late Japanese multi-creator Shuji Terayama, who challenged the new era and was labeled a maverick.
One must face forward in order to walk steadily; no one can walk backwards well. In other words, no matter how much you regret the past, you can only change the future to make a brighter life for yourself.
4 – 人を信じよ、しかし、その百倍も自らを信じよ
[by 手塚治虫 (Osamu Tezuka), a Japanese manga artist and animator]
Romanization: Hito o shinjiyo, shikashi, sono hyaku-bai mo mizukara o shinjiyo
Meaning: Believe in people, but believe in yourself a hundred times more.
Believing in yourself is the most important thing when you want to achieve something big.
This Japanese quote is very convincing and has encouraged people for decades. Osamu Tezuka had to believe in himself to become the pioneering manga and anime creator he was. He is known for his innovative techniques and his ability to redefine genres.
振り向くな、振り向くな、後ろには夢がない。(Furimuku na, furimuku na, ushiro ni wa yume ga nai.) – “Don’t look back, don’t look back, there’s no dream in the back.”
2. Quotes About Life
Are you feeling stuck or unsatisfied with your day-to-day existence? Maybe you just need some Japanese quotes about life to get yourself back in the right direction.
5 – 残り物には福がある
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization:Nokorimono ni wa fuku ga aru
Literally: “There’s luck in the leftovers.”
Meaning: The greatest fortune and value in life are those things left behind by others.
This Japanese proverb comes from a line of a story in 浄瑠璃 (Jōruri), a form of traditional Japanese narrative music during the Edo period.
It’s often used to cheer someone up when they have to take the last turn doing something. People also use it as a warning toward someone who is greedy and selfish, scrambling to get things for him- or herself.
The proverb implies that good luck comes to those who are generous and give away their valuable possessions. It reflects the Japanese values that put importance on cooperativeness and thoughtful consideration for others.
6 – 井の中の蛙大海を知らず
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization:I no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu
Literally: “A frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.”
Meaning: Those who live in a small world think that what they see is everything; all the while, they never know about the bigger outside world.
The proverb originally came from Zhuangzi, ancient Chinese Taoist literature. When it was brought to Japan, the Japanese turned the following line into a proverb: “The reason why you can’t talk about the ocean with a frog in the well is that a frog only knows about a hole.”
This proverb warns against putting too much value on one’s own knowledge. It criticizes a narrow perspective and closed mindset, and encourages the broadening of one’s horizons.
7 – 人生に失敗がないと、人生を失敗する
[by 斎藤茂太 (Shigeta Saito), a Japanese psychiatrist and essayist]
Romanization: Jinsei ni shippai ga nai to, jinsei o shippai suru
Literally: “If you have no failure in life, you will fail in life.”
Meaning: If you want to succeed in life, you must learn from your failures.
This quote tells us that there are always ups and downs in life, and that no one can lead a perfect and successful life without learning from failures. It’s crucial to take failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and to change yourself with the lessons you learn.
This quote is from Shigeta Saito, who encouraged many distressed people as a “great doctor of mind” as well as a writer and lecturer. His words inspire and encourage people who face failures and difficulties.
8 – 人生には、テキストもノートも助っ人も、何でも持ち込めます
[by 森博嗣 (Hiroshi Mori), a Japanese writer and engineer]
Romanization: Jinsei ni wa, tekisuto mo, nōto mo suketto mo, nan demo mochikomemasu
Literally: “You can bring textbooks, notes, supporters, anything into life.”
Meaning: Make maximum use of resources and opportunities to make your life better.
Unlike an examination, where you’re not allowed to bring a cheat sheet or helper, you can utilize any kind of supporting tools in life. Some people may feel hopeless and desperate when they face difficulties or when they can’t achieve something all by themselves. However, by benefiting from others’ knowledge and ideas, these kinds of problems could be easily resolved. This quote also suggests that you can do anything with your life, as there is no rule about how to live.
This quote is a persuasive life lesson that award-winning Hiroshi Moripractices.He has created multiple works of literature and has also worked as an assistant professor of architectural engineering.
人生に失敗がないと、人生を失敗する(Jinsei ni shippai ga nai to, jinsei o shippai suru) – “If you have no failure in life, you will fail in life.”
3. Quotes About Time
Time is what binds us to our own mortality, and it’s the topic of many Japanese quotes of wisdom. Check it out!
9 – 急がば回れ
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization: Isogaba maware
Literally: “If you are in a hurry, go the long way around.”
Meaning: Haste makes waste.
This Japanese proverb means that when someone is in a hurry, it’s wise to choose the secure and stable path, even if it takes a little longer. Using a shortcut may involve risks and uncertainty.
This proverb comes from a line of classical Japanese poetry, 短歌 (Tanka), written by the poet 宗長 (Sōchō) in the Muromachi period. He wrote that when warriors go to Kyoto (the capital city back then), using a bridge was more secure and reliable than crossing 琵琶湖 (Lake Biwa) with a board; this is because the strong wind from 比叡山 (Mt.Hiei) could blow and move the board. Of this poem, the phrase 急がば回れ (isogaba maware) is the most popular today.
When in a hurry, don’t rush and head for what looks like an easier way. Rather, think calmly and make a wiser choice.
10 – 歳月人を待たず
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization:Saigetsu hito o matazu
Literally: “Time and tide wait for no man.”
Meaning: Time flows without regard for humans’ convenience.
This proverb is said to originate from the following line in a poem by ancient Chinese poet, 陶潜 (Táo Qián): “Youth never comes back again. There is no morning twice a day. Work and study hard, cherishing each moment and without wasting time.”
In other words, make each day count and use time wisely, as it’s limited and never comes back.
11 – 石の上にも三年という。しかし、三年を一年で習得する努力を怠ってはならない。
[by 松下幸之助 (Kōnosuke Matsushita), a Japanese businessman, inventor, and founder of Panasonic]
Romanization: “Ishi no ue ni mo san-nen” to iu. Shikashi, san-nen o ichi-nen de shūtoku suru doryoku o okotatte wa naranai.
Meaning: Proverb says: “Three years on a stone (Perseverance prevails).” However, we must not neglect our efforts to try to acquire things in one year, not three.
Japanese culture puts importance on the value of perseverance, which is expressed by the proverb: Ishi no ue ni mo san-nen (“Three years on a stone”). It means that even a stone will become warm when you sit on it patiently for three years. In other words, you can achieve things when you remain patient and put in the effort, even if it’s difficult and painful.
On the other hand, Kōnosuke Matsushitasays that patience is essential, but it’s more important to put in extra effort to thrive and to accelerate your results.
The words of the great inventor and businessman Kōnosukeare very encouraging and convincing. His endeavors, in only a limited amount of time, resulted in a number of innovations.
12 – 人生において 最も大切な時 それはいつでも いまです
[by 相田みつを (Mitsuo Aida), a Japanese poet and calligrapher]
Romanization: Jinsei ni oite mottomo taisetsu na toki sore wa itsu demo ima desu
Meaning: The most important time in life is always the present.
No one can retrieve the past and you can only change the future. However, the future is merely a continuation of the present.
Mitsuo Aida, known as The Poet of Zen, emphasizes the utmost importance of “now” in life because the present is what shapes the future. Even if you have regrets about the past or worries about the future, focus on what you can do right now to make your life better.
急がば回れ (Isogaba maware) – “Haste makes waste.”
4. Quotes About Love
Are you madly in love with someone? Or maybe you’re a hopeless romantic? Either way, we think you’ll enjoy these heartwarming Japanese quotes about love!
13 – 思えば思わるる
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization: Omoeba omowaruru
Literally: “When you care about (someone), you will be cared about.”
Meaning: Love and be loved. / Love is the reward of love.
When you’re kind and well-disposed toward others, they will also be nice to you. Likewise, when you have a hateful and hostile attitude, it will come back to you.
This proverb encourages people to have a generous heart and to be kind to others. This quote is also said to be the floral language of Gypsophila.
14 – かわいい子には旅をさせよ
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization:Kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo
Literally: “Make a beloved child travel.”
Meaning: Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Children learn better through experiencing different things than by being kept close to their parents and getting spoiled. If you truly love your child, let them see the world and experience bitterness themselves; it will make them grow stronger and wiser.
This proverb teaches us that watching over someone quietly from afar is indirect, but also a sign of firm and trusting love.
15 – 恋とは自分本位なもの、愛とは相手本位なもの
[by 美輪明宏 (Akihiro Miwa), a Japanese singer, actor, director, composer, author, and drag queen]
Romanization: Koi to wa jibun hon’i na mono, ai to wa aite hon’i na mono
Meaning: Romance is self-oriented; love is companion-/partner-oriented.
When people are romantically in love with someone, they tend to think and see things from an egoistic perspective: “I want to go out with her.” / “I want to be his girlfriend.” / “I don’t want her to disappoint me.”
On the other hand, real love is more generous and giving. It makes a person look at things from the other person’s point of view: “She would be happy if she got flowers.” / “My family would enjoy it if I went on holiday and took them to Disneyland.”
These words founded in Akihiro Miwa’s experience get to the heart of the matter, as he went through difficult times while living an extraordinary life.
Romanization:Ai no mae de jibun no sontoku o kangaeru koto jitai nansensu da
Meaning: It’s nonsense to think about your profits and losses in front of love.
Love is sincere and profoundly tender; it comes from one’s genuine heart and feelings, without any lies. If you act from self-interest, it is not true love.
Unconventional artist Tarō Okamoto’s quote strikes a chord and makes people realize what it’s really like to love someone.
思えば思わるる (Omoeba omowaruru) – “When you care about (someone), you will be cared about.”
5. Quotes About Family & Friends
Family and friends are the most important people in our lives. Read through the following Japanese quotes on friendship and family to gain some cultural insight!
17 – 親しき仲にも礼儀あり
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization: Shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari
Literally: “Courtesy should be exercised even among intimate relationships.”
Meaning: A hedge between keeps friendships.
The origins of this proverb can be traced back to the Cheng–Zhu school, which was a major philosophical school of Neo-Confucianism. In the Analects of Confucius, an ancient Chinese book, it’s written that even if there is harmony, order can’t be maintained without courtesy.
Close relationships include friends, neighbors, relatives, and family. To keep sound relationships, one must always observe the boundaries.
18 – 類は友を呼ぶ
[Japanese proverb]
Romanization: Rui wa tomo o yobu
Literally: “Same kind calls friends.”
Meaning: Birds of a feather flock together.
People who have things in common naturally tend to get closer and become friends. These similarities can be anything: a sense of values, personality, background, environment, hobbies, experiences, and so on. The proverb can also be used to warn people to be wise in choosing friends, because if you hang out with bad people, you would become steeped in vice as well.
This proverb derives from theI Ching or Yi Jing (“Book of Changes”), the oldest Chinese classic and a major divination text. It was brought to Japan and has become very widespread since.
Romanization:Kazoku to wa, “aru” mono de wa naku, te o kakete “hagukumu” mono desu
Meaning: Family is not something that is “there,” but something that is “fostered” with care and time.
Family is the most important thing. It is your family that you call first in an emergency, such as an earthquake or hurricane, to confirm their safety. However, a loving family is never made by itself; it has to be created by each member with love and care, over time.
With this quote, Shigeaki Hinohara, who devoted his whole life to being a doctor even after he turned 100 years old, reminds people not to take their family for granted. Rather, one should cherish and take good care of them.
20 – 人生最大の幸福は一家の和楽である
[by 野口英世 (Hideyo Noguchi), a Japanese bacteriologist who discovered the agent of syphilis]
Romanization:Jinsei saidai no kōfuku wa ikka no waraku de aru
Meaning: The greatest happiness of life is happy and quality time with family.
The base of any kind of happiness lies in family. No matter how difficult a goal you achieve, nothing is happier than sharing positive feelings and celebrating with loved ones.
類は友を呼ぶ (Rui wa tomo o yobu) – “Birds of a feather flock together.”
6. Quotes About Language Learning
Finally, let’s look at a couple of Japanese language quotes that you can apply to your language learning journey!
21 – 為せば成る 為さねば成らぬ何事も 成らぬは人の為さぬなりけり
[by 上杉鷹山 (Yōzan Uesugi), a powerful Japanese feudal lord]
Romanization: Naseba naru, nasaneba naranu nanigoto mo, naranu wa hito no nasanu nari keri
Meaning: You can accomplish anything by simply doing it. Nothing will get done unless you do it. If something was not accomplished, that’s because no one did it.
Most things in this world can be done with a strong will and ceaseless effort. As a similar English proverb also says: “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
This is from a poem of Yōzan Uesugi,who was known as the greatest lord in the Edo period. He gave this poem to his vassals as a cautionary lesson. It’s said that he also followed the words of the powerful warrior 武田信玄 (Shingen Takeda) and the warlords of the Sengoku period (fifteenth to sixteenth century): “It is human frailty that people give up by thinking they can’t, although anything can be achieved if they have a strong will.”
The first part—Naseba naru (“You can accomplish if you do it”)—is one of the most famous Japanese quotes for encouraging people who are up against a challenge. Don’t find reasons that you can’t do something and complain about them; instead, try to think about how you can do that thing and put your ideas into action.
22 – 努力は必ず報われる。もし報われない努力があるのならば、それはまだ努力と呼べない。
[by 王貞治 (Sadaharu Ō), a former baseball player and manager in Japan]
Romanization: Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru. Moshi mukuwarenai doryoku ga aru no naraba, sore wa mada doryoku to yobenai.
Meaning: Effort is always rewarded. If there is an unrewarding effort, it can not yet be called an effort.
Like the quote above, this quote tells the importance of making an effort and emphasizes that anything can be achieved with enough effort.
These words from Sadaharu Ō strike the hearts of many people. He is a man of effort, and has numerous career highlights and awards, as well as records in Japan and worldwide. His ceaseless effort and passion is seen not only in his playing days, but also in his career as a coach, leading his team to victory a number of times.
His quote is very inspiring, especially for language learners!
努力は必ず報われる。もし報われない努力があるのならば、それはまだ努力と呼べない。 (Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru. Moshi mukuwarenai doryoku ga aru no naraba, sore wa mada doryoku to yobenai.) – “Effort is always rewarded. If there is an unrewarding effort, it can not yet be called an effort.”
7. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced the most inspirational Japanese quotes and proverbs in several categories. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and were encouraged by these Japanese words of wisdom!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. Here are some more inspiring Japanese quotes and motivational phrases for language learning:
For instance, you’ll gain access to our personal one-on-one coaching service, MyTeacher, when you subscribe for a Premium PLUS membership. Your private teacher will help you practice your pronunciation and offer you personalized feedback and advice to ensure effective learning.
Learn Japanese in the fastest and easiest way possible with JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments which of these Japanese quotes is your favorite, and why! We look forward to hearing from you.
Now that you’ve been learning Japanese for a while, do you plan on working in Japan or with Japanese speaking clients? Knowing the basic Japanese business phrases will help you communicate smoothly and build better relationships with your colleagues and clients.
Business Japanese is quite different from the casual Japanese used in daily life. It’s important to know particular expressions for work and how to express yourself formally in context of the Japanese business etiquette and culture. Even if you’re not yet fluent, being able to give a courteous greeting in Japanese can make a huge difference, even if it’s just for a business trip to Japan.
In this article, we’ll introduce the most useful Japanese business phrases you need to know for job interviews, meetings, communication with coworkers, handling phone calls and emails, and helpful tips about Japanese business culture.
Before diving into the Japanese business phrases, let’s cover the basics of Japanese business culture and how it works.
1 – Japanese Business Etiquette
Politeness and respect are the most important values in Japanese culture, and these values are emphasized even more in the business world.
This is clearly pronounced in the Japanese ritual of greeting and bowing. There are various ways to bow according to the level of politeness and whom you’re greeting:
会釈 (Eshaku) – light greeting for colleagues / bow with upper body to fifteen degrees
敬礼 (Keirei) – respectful greeting for clients, gratitude, and apologies / bow with upper body to thirty degrees
最敬礼 (Saikeirei) – the most respectful greeting for VIP and deep apologies / bow with upper body to forty-five degrees
Exchanging business cards, called 名刺 (Meishi), is another basic formality in business situations. This is typically done when you’re meeting someone for the first time, especially if the person works for another company. Business cards are considered to be one’s “face” in Japan, and therefore must be treated politely.
Here are some tips on Japanese business card usage:
When exchanging cards, stand face-to-face and offer your card with both hands, usually with a slight bow. The card must be facing toward the other person so that the receiver can read it. Accept the other person’s card with both hands, and after taking a look at it, you must put it on the table near the receiver’s seat in a neat manner. It’s considered very rude to give/receive a card with just one hand, treat it brusquely, or put the card in a card holder right after receiving it.
Exchanging business cards is one of the most important business etiquette rules in Japan.
2 – Keigo (Honorific Language) is a Must
Being able to use the appropriate Japanese business honorifics is considered good manners in Japan.
In business settings, people may be regarded as incompetent if they can’t command 敬語 (Keigo), or honorific language, properly.
The Japanese honorific language has three different forms of respectful speech:
丁寧語 (Teineigo) – polite language
尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) – respectful language
謙譲語 (Kenjōgo)– humble language
There are different ways of saying a given verb depending on whom you’re talking to and whose action you’re referring to. For example:
English
Basic Verb
丁寧語 (Teineigo) polite language express things politely – general politeness
尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) respectful language talk about superior people, clients, and customers
謙譲語 (Kenjōgo) humble language talk about yourself in a humble way
do
する suru
します shimasu
なさいます nasaimasu
いたします itashimasu
→ To learn how to use Keigo correctly and avoid mistakes, please see our article on “Common Japanese Mistakes.”
3 – Finding a Job in Japan
Working in Japan can be difficult for foreigners because of visas, language barriers, limited options, and an unfamiliar working culture. However, there are opportunities for foreigners to find a job in Japan.
Although English is not an official language here, Japan is still one of the strongest countries economically, with a number of international companies in big cities and numerous local companies aiming to go abroad. There is also a big demand for English speakers in Japan’s educational sector.
Depending on what skills and competencies you have, your mother tongue, and how fluent you are in Japanese, finding a job in Japan is within your reach!
You can find even more words, and their pronunciation, on our Workplace vocabulary list.
2. Nail Your Job Interview
When you get the opportunity to have an interview, make sure you give them the best impression you can!
In conjunction with a relaxed smile, a willing attitude, and confidence, the following business phrases in Japanese can help you stand out and get your dream job.
1 – ___と申します。(___ to mōshimasu.)
Translation: “My name is ___.”
The first thing you do when entering the interview room is introduce yourself.
申します (mōshimasu) is 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo), or humble language, for 言う (iu), which means “to say.” The phrase is literally translated as: “I say myself as ___,” in a humble way.
In any business setting, using Kenjōgo when referring to yourself gives the interviewer the impression that you’re very polite and decent.
Translation: “I beg your kindness.” / “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu is a more polite version of yoroshiku onegai shimasu, one of the most commonly used phrases in Japanese. In fact, it’s unique to the Japanese language, and not easily translatable into other languages.
This phrase is very useful in any formal situation. It can be used to say something like:
“Nice to meet you.”
“Favorably please.”
“Best regards.”
“Please take care of me.”
By saying this, it shows your gratitude and humbleness in hoping to have a good relationship from that point forward.
Say this phrase after giving your name and introducing yourself, and before starting the actual interview.
3 – 私の 強み / 弱み は___です。(Watashi no tsuyomi / yowami wa ___ desu.)
Translation: “My strength / weakness is ___.”
強み (tsuyomi) is “strength” and 弱み (yowami) is “weakness.”
In order to let the interviewer know that you are an ideal candidate for the position, explain your strengths. In addition, it leaves a good impression when you’re able to explain your weaknesses and how you can improve. This shows that you have good analysis skills, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude.
Example:
私の強みはチームをまとめるリーダーシップと決断力です。
Watashi no tsuyomi wa chīmu o matomeru rīdāshippu to ketsudanryoku desu. “My strengths are the leadership to pull a team together and decision-making ability.”
私の弱みは時々楽観的になり過ぎることです。
Watashi no yowami wa tokidoki rakkanteki ni narisugiru koto desu. “My weakness is that I sometimes become too optimistic.”
4 – 私は___の経験があります。(Watashi wa ___ no keiken ga arimasu.)
Translation: “I have experience as ___.”
経験 (keiken)is “experience.”
Use this phrase when explaining your experience to show that you are a competent candidate.
Example:
私は20人のチームマネージャーの経験があります。
Watashi wa 20-nin no chīmu manējā no keiken ga arimasu. “I have experience as a team manager of twenty members.”
おっしゃる (ossharu) is 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo), or respectful language, for 言う (iu), which means “to say.” It respectfully refers to an action the other speaker performed.
This phrase is a very polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said when you couldn’t hear or understand the first time.
You can also use this phrase if you want a little bit more time to think about how to respond. You can earn some extra time by saying this to your interviewer, without an awkward silence!
6 – いくつか質問してもいいですか。(Ikutsu ka shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka.)
Translation: “Can I ask you some questions?”
If something is unclear during the interview, you can use this phrase to let the interviewer know that you have some questions. This phrase is also very versatile; you can use it anytime and with anyone.
7 – 面接のお時間をいただき、どうもありがとうございました。(Mensetsu no o-jikan o itadaki, dōmo arigatō gozaimashita.)
Translation: “Thank you very much for making time for the interview.”
At the end of the interview, say this phrase with a smile. Make sure you don’t forget a polite bow, or 敬礼 (Keirei), before leaving the interview room.
面接を受けます(Mensetsu o ukemasu) – “take an interview”
3. Interact with Coworkers
When you talk with colleagues, it’s usually sufficient to use 丁寧語 (Teineigo), or polite language, as long as they’re your subordinate, of a similar age, or hold a similar level of job position.
However, when you’re talking to superiors, bosses, or someone respectable—such as a company president—you should use 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo), or respectful language, and 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo), orhumble language, properly.
Some people use casual language when talking to their subordinates, but it’s recommended that you never use casual language in the workplace, even if you’re close to your colleagues.
1- おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu.)
Translation: “Good morning.”
This is the first word you should say when you show up at your workplace. Most people arrive at work in the morning, but in some industries where work starts later in the day, they still use this phrase as the first greeting upon arrival, even if it’s in the afternoon or evening.
It’s literally translated as “(You must be) tired” (with respect), but it can also mean “hello,” “well done,” “see you,” “goodbye,” etc. Yes, it’s a very useful phrase. Just remember that です (desu) is present tense and でした (deshita) is past tense.
When you pass by one of your colleagues in a hallway, for example, you can say this phrase to them as “hi,” which has a nuance of caring and respect. You can also use this to mean “well done” after someone finishes their presentation, and as “goodbye” or “see you” when you leave the office.
Examples:
お疲れ様でした。プレゼンとても良かったです。
Otsukare-sama deshita. Purezen totemo yokatta desu. “Well done. The presentation was very good.”
お疲れ様でした。ではまた明日。
Otsukare-sama deshita. Dewa mata ashita. “See you tomorrow, then.”
3 – お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
Translation: “Please excuse me leaving before you.”
The literal translation, broken down, is:
お先に (osaki ni) – “before you”
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) – “I do rude/impolite”
This phrase reflects the Japanese working culture, in which people feel guilty for leaving the office while their colleagues are still working. Traditionally, there is an implicit rule that you should not leave before your boss or team, even if you’ve finished your own work. This is because it’s considered impolite to do so, and it may indicate that you’re not as hard of a worker as those who are still working.
Such tradition is disappearing nowadays, but by using this phrase, you can leave the office without guilt while still being courteous to your colleagues.
This is a standard greeting pair for when someone leaves the office to visit clients or even just to have lunch (and intend to come back later).
It’s polite to announce that you’re leaving by saying: いってきます(ittekimasu), meaning “I’m going.” Those who remain in the office should respond with the phrase いってらっしゃい (itterasshai), which means: “(You) go” with a respectful nuance.
If you want to be even more polite, you can also say いってまいります (Ittemairimasu),which is 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo), orhumble language, for “I go.”
Translation: “I’ve returned now.” / “Welcome back.”
This is another set of polite Japanese business phrases, used when someone has come back to the office.
It may sound a bit strange that you should announce when you’re leaving and coming back, but there’s a reason for it. The Japanese work culture places great value on teamwork and the concept of 報告・連絡・相談(Hō-Ren-Sō), or “Report-Inform-Consult,” for better work efficiency.
By announcing where you are to your colleagues, whether you’re going or coming back, it will make things easier on everyone. For example, if you get a phone call while you’re away or there’s an emergency, your colleagues will know where you are.
Example:
お昼休憩から戻りました。
O-hiru kyūkei kara modorimashita. “I’m back from a lunch break.”
おかえりなさい。
Okaerinasai. “Welcome back.”
4. Sound Smart in a Meeting
In most workplaces, meetings are inevitable.
Use our list of useful Japanese phrases for business meetings to really be present during the conversation and show your colleagues how well you’re performing.
1 – 会議を始めましょうか。(Kaigi o hajimemashō ka.)
Translation: “Shall we start the meeting?”
2 – 今日の議題は___です。(Kyō no gidai wa ___ desu.)
Translation: “Today’s agenda is ___.”
3 – ___さん、プレゼンをお願いします。(___-san, purezen o onegai shimasu.)
Translation: “Mr./Ms. ___, please start the presentation.”
さん (-san) is the most common Japanese honorific title to refer to someone politely, including colleagues. It can be used for both males and females, and it’s equivalent to the English titles “Mr.” and “Ms.” On the other hand, when you’re talking to clients or customers, you should use the more respectful 様 (-sama).
4 – この事案について、何か意見はありますか。(Kono jian ni tsuite, nani ka iken wa arimasu ka.)
Translation: “Do you have any opinions / questions on this matter?”
You can replace 意見 (iken), or “opinion,” with 質問 (shitsumon), meaning “question,” to ask: “Do you have any questions on this matter?”
To say it more politely, when talking to a client or customer for example, put the polite particle ご (go) in front of 意見 (iken) or 質問 (shitsumon). Also change ありますか (arimasu ka) to ございますか (gozaimasu ka). The end result will be:
何かご質問/ご意見はございますか。
Nani ka go-iken / go-shitsumon wa gozaimasu ka.
5 – 私は___さんの意見に賛成です。(Watashi wa ___-san no iken ni sansei desu.)
Translation: “I agree with Mr./Ms. ___’s opinion.”
You can also replace 賛成 (sansei), meaning “agree,” with 反対 (hantai), meaning “disagree.”
6 – 次の会議までに報告書を提出してください。(Tsugi no kaigi made ni hōkokusho o teishutsu shite kudasai.)
Translation: “Please submit a report by the next meeting.”
会議を始めましょうか。(Kaigi o hajimemashō ka.) – “Shall we start the meeting?”
5. Handle Business Phone Calls
Unlike business customs in other countries, Japanese business etiquette is quite strict and requires delicate attention, especially when it comes to dealing with clients and customers.
There are a lot of detailed rules for handling business phone calls, and these are considered the basics of business. They include:
➢ Prepare a memo pad and pen
➢ Talk with a friendly voice and speak clearly
➢ Be conscious of your role as a company representative
➢ Answer the phone in three rings
➢ When receiving a phone call, ask for the name of the speaker and company, and repeat it back to them
➢ When concluding the conversation, wait until the client/customer hangs up
➢ Never put the phone down roughly
Here’s a list of commonly used phrases for business Japanese phone conversations.
1 – はい、もしもし、___でございます。(Hai, moshimoshi, ___ de gozaimasu.)
Translation: “Hello, this is ___.”
This one is simple. When receiving a phone call, give the person your name or your company’s name.
2 – いつもお世話になっております。(Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu.)
Translation: “Thank you for always being a good business partner with us.”
This is another untranslatable Japanese phrase, used as a typical greeting toward clients/customers when answering phone calls, writing emails, and even talking with them in person.
It’s literally translated as “I’m always taken care of,” and it means something along the lines of “Thank you for your always kind cooperation.” This phrase shows gratitude toward clients/customers for their favor, support, or cooperation.
3 – ___ さんはいらっしゃいますか。(___-san wa irasshaimasu ka.)
Translation: “Is Mr./Ms. ___ there?”
いらっしゃる (irassharu) is 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo), or respectful language, for いる (iru), which means “be (there).”
4 – 少々お待ちくださいませ。(Shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.)
Translation: “Please wait for a moment.”
5 – ___ はただいま外出しております。(___ wa tadaima gaishutsu shite orimasu.)
Translation: “___ is currently out of the office.”
Remember that you should not use an honorific title when talking about your colleague to a client/customer.
6 – ___ へ折り返しお電話をさしあげるよう申し伝えます。(___ e orikaeshi o-denwa o sashiageru yō mōshitsutaemasu.)
Translation: “I will tell ___ to call you back,” in a respectful way.
This is a very polite and respectful expression. さしあげる (sashiageru) and 申し伝える(mōshitsutaeru)are謙譲語 (Kenjōgo), orhumble language, for “give” and “tell,” respectively.
少々お待ちくださいませ。(Shōshō o-machi kudasai mase.) – “Please wait for a moment.”
6. Handle Business Emails
Like phone call etiquette, Japanese business email etiquette adheres to a number of detailed rules.
Following are the basics of writing professional emails:
➢ Write a simple and precise subject
➢ Use TO, CC, BCC correctly and appropriately
➢ It is rude to use a read receipt function
➢ Use line breaks and shorter sentences to increase readability
➢ Write the name of the company/department/recipient at the top of the body
➢ Write a polite greeting at the beginning and the end
➢ Reply back as soon as possible, within twenty-four hours at the latest
Here’s a list of the most useful phrases for writing business emails.
1 – ___ 様 / ___ さん (___-sama / ___-san)
Translation: (“Dear Mr. ___ / Ms. ___”)
Use 様 (-sama) for clients/customers and さん (-san) for colleagues.
2 – 平素よりお世話になっております。(Heiso yori o-sewa ni natte orimasu.)
Translation: “Thank you for always being a good business partner with us.”
Here, 平素より (heiso yori) is a more polite expression than いつも (itsumo) for “always/usually.”
3 – ___の件でメールいたしました。(___ no ken de mēru itashimashita.)
Translation: “I’m writing regarding ___.”
To break it down, いたす (itasu) is 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo), orhumble language, for する (suru), meaning “do.”
When you combine メール (“[e]mail”) and する (“do”), it becomes: メールする (“write/send email”).
4 – 添付資料をご確認くださいませ。(Tenpu shiryō o go-kakunin kudasai mase.)
Translation: “Please check the document attached.”
5 – 何かご不明点、ご質問がございましたら、ご遠慮なくお知らせください。(Nani ka go-fumeiten, go-shitsumon ga gozaimashitara, go-enryo naku o-shirase kudasai.)
Translation: “Should anything be unclear or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
7. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced the most useful Japanese business phrases and talked about Japanese business etiquette and culture. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and that you were able to learn more about the Japanese culture and workplace.
If you would like more information about the Japanese language, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. Here are some more pages on our website related to work:
For example, when you subscribe to our Premium PLUS plan, you’ll get a personal one-on-one coaching service called MyTeacher. Your private teacher will help you practice your pronunciation and give you personalized feedback and advice to help you improve efficiently.
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any business Japanese phrases you still want to know! We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks to information technology nowadays, learning Japanese isn’t as difficult as you think. You can acquire the language quickly, even if you live outside of Japan and don’t have access to native speakers. There are various sources on the internet (like YouTube) that can help you learn Japanese!
While there are plenty of Japanese YouTube channels, not all of them are useful or efficient for learning. Using the right tools and resources is the key to faster and more effective learning, so in this article, we’ll introduce the ten best YouTube channels to supplement your Japanese studies.
These channels provide informative and entertaining content, and we’ll include channels in a variety of categories. And at the end, we’ll show you why the JapanesePod101 YouTube channel is the best place to learn Japanese on YouTube!
Category: News, Documentary, Culture, Language
Level: All
NHK, or 日本放送協会 (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai),stands for the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, which is Japan’s national broadcaster. It has terrestrial and satellite television channels, as well as domestic and international radio networks.
Their YouTube channel, NHK World Japan, offers a variety of interesting videos, including:
An “Easy Japanese Lessons” series for learning Japanese
Most of the videos are narrated in English, and some are in Japanese with English subtitles.
Their “Easy Japanese Lesson” playlist is especially useful for beginners looking to learn basic Japanese. Each episode follows a short skit in Japanese on a particular topic, such as answering phone calls or how to politely ask someone to repeat something. The videos have subtitles in both Japanese and English. Then, the host explains the dialogue and phrases in English (or in Japanese with English or Rōma-ji subtitles).
All of their videos are well-produced. This channel is useful not only for learning Japanese, but also for deepening your knowledge about Japan and its culture.
Category: Culture, Japanese Street Interviews
Level: All
Easy Language has many language channels on YouTube, including Easy Japanese.
This is one of the best Japanese YouTube channels for immersion, and it introduces learners to how Japanese natives speak in everyday conversations. The videos feature interviews with Japanese people on the street, where the interviewer asks their opinions on certain topics. These topics may include things like Japanese public transportation, love, sushi, onomatopoeia, and Valentine’s Day in Japan.
It’s very easy to follow along with, and its captions are in English, Japanese script, and Rōma-ji for effective learning. It’s not a conventional language lesson, but it’s helpful for learning spoken Japanese.
Category: Learn with Anime
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
If you’re a fan of anime, then the Baka Proof channel is just right for you! This Japanese anime YouTube channel uses famous anime to introduce Japanese phrases, vocabulary, and grammar points.
The videos on this channel first show a snippet of an anime scene with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Then, there’s an explanation (in English) of the Japanese phrases used in that scene. Even if you don’t have any basic knowledge, you can easily follow along with the videos and start learning basic Japanese.
It’s an ideal channel for anime-lovers who want to learn spoken Japanese and eventually watch anime in the original language.
When you get bored of formal lessons and textbook-style content, you’ll find the TOFUGU channel fun and entertaining.
This channel deals with many aspects of Japanese culture, covering various topics that will keep you focused and entertained. You’ll find videos on topics such as Japanese gestures, weird and interesting restaurants in Japan, Hiragana lessons, news, travel, and old Japanese myths.
All of the videos are narrated in English so that absolute beginners can enjoy the videos. On the other hand, we only recommend this channel as a supplement to your normal Japanese studies. This is because the hosts don’t speak Japanese in the videos nor do they offer traditional-style lessons.
YouTuber Misa is a cute bilingual Japanese girl who will teach you practical Japanese phrases with grammatical explanations. She gives fun and easy-going Japanese lessons in English, with both Japanese and English subtitles.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced learner, you’ll find her videos very useful. Her lessons include very basic content (such as how to write Hiragana and Katakana), as well as more advanced explanations (such as the difference between similar expressions and phrases). She also has interesting videos in which she reads manga comics in Japanese or introduces viewers to Japanese snacks.
Her content features wonderful grammatical explanations and covers a good deal of useful information. However, most of the phrases she deals with are informal and casual, so it’s better to use this channel mainly for learning daily conversations and casual language.
Category: Culture, Japanese Street Interviews
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Ask Japanese is hosted by a multilingual German girl who lives in Japan. This is another channel that features interviews with people on the street. She talks with both native Japanese people and foreigners living in Japan.
These interviews cover many different topics, including subculture and personal matters. For example:
Japan’s strictest school rules
Whether Japanese people use dating apps
Sweets that Japanese people can’t live without
How the Japanese take great photogenic photos
Videos are narrated in Japanese or English, and you can turn on the subtitles. It may be a bit difficult to keep up with the Japanese, as they speak fast at times; in addition, there’s no Japanese script or Rōma-ji to follow along with. That said, this channel can be a good tool for listening practice and for learning natural spoken Japanese.
Category: Life, Subculture, Travel, Vlog
Level: All
YouTubers Rachel & Jun, an American and Japanese couple living in Japan, offer interesting videos covering a range of topics.
The couple creates vlogs to show what it’s like to live in Japan, culture shock, travel and food reports, interviews with traditional Japanese craftsmen, interesting facts about Japan, etc. If you’re interested in Japanese culture and life in Japan, this informative channel will become your new favorite!
Rachel & Jun speak mainly English in their videos, and there are Japanese captions. If you’re more interested in the language aspect, some of their videos focus on the Japanese language. For example, they sometimes talk about Japanese mistakes that Japanese people make, Japanese words that English should have, Japanese slang on the internet, and so on.
Paolo from TOKYO is one of the most popular YouTubers in Japan, creating videos that serve as an exciting guide to the country. Paolo is a fun and friendly American guy who has been living in Tokyo for a long time, and is married to a Japanese woman.
His videos cover topics such as:
Good food and tasty restaurants
Sightseeing spots and travel information
What it’s like to live in Japan
Cultural events and traditions
Some of his videos are documentary-style, following individual people. For example, he has videos about a day in the life of a Japanese university student and what life is like for a mother of a young child. Paolo is also a tech fan, and he creates videos about his drone and other cool gadgets he discovers.
Although it may be a bit difficult to choose which video to watch, as most of the titles are written in Japanese, you’ll be able to follow along with any video you choose. He speaks in English and his videos have Japanese subtitles; when other people speak Japanese, there are English captions.
This channel can be a very useful addition to your main language learning sources. Paolo will stir up your interest in Japan, its life, and its culture. In turn, this will motivate you to keep learning Japanese.
Category: Language / Language Exam (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
If you’re a serious Japanese learner aiming to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), this channel is perfect for you.
Nihongo no mori provides Japanese lesson videos that are made especially for JLPT preparation. There’s a lot of content for N1 and N2 levels, but you can also find some lessons for N3, N4, and N5. In addition to Japanese grammar lessons, you’ll find plenty of vocabulary and practice tests by level.
The presenters teach in Japanese, so this channel is recommended for those who already have some Japanese knowledge. (You can turn on the subtitles for better understanding, but these are also in Japanese.)
Learning Japanese with anime, vlogs, news stories, and street interviews can be interesting and helpful, but when you want to learn a language effectively, you need a solid source of information. The JapanesePod101 YouTube channel serves as this solid source, providing fun and effective lessons for learners at every level.
The JapanesePod101 YouTube channel has a well-organized structure, and its lesson content includes:
Comprehensive grammar lessons
Vocabulary lists
Writing and reading exercises
Phrases for any situation
Conversations between native speakers
Exam preparation tips
Cultural insights
Learning tips
Much more
You’re sure to enjoy these lessons, delivered by our friendly and humorous hosts!
Whether you’re just starting out or already know some Japanese, you’ll find tons of useful content suitable for your current level. You’ll feel comfortable learning with us, as we provide you with Japanese script, Rōma-ji, and English subtitles.
Not sure where to start? Here are some recommendations:
11. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced the ten best YouTube channels for learning Japanese. When you take your language studies seriously, watching Japanese YouTube channels can really help you brush up on your skills. Continuation and repetition are the keys for effective learning. Find your favorite channels and make the most of your YouTube time!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, from basic grammar to practical phrases for any occasion, you’ll find a lot more useful content on JapanesePod101.com. Together with the JapanesePod101 YouTube channel, we provide a variety of free lessons for you to improve your Japanese language skills.
Our personal one-on-one coaching service, MyTeacher, is also available when you subscribe to a Premium PLUS membership with us. Your private teacher will help you practice pronunciation, and you’ll get personalized feedback and advice to improve efficiently.
And we have so much more to offer you! Learn Japanese faster and enjoy studying at JapanesePod101.com.
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any good Japanese YouTube channels you know about that we didn’t include. Have you watched any of the ones from this article? We look forward to hearing from you!
As you know, greeting is the most basic and essential aspect of any conversation. While knowing how to say hello is certainly crucial for getting to know people, learning how to say goodbye is just as important. Giving the proper farewell can improve the quality and longevity of your relationships and make you sound more like a native speaker.
There are various ways to say goodbye in Japanese, and some phrases are unique and untranslatable ones which reflect the politeness of Japanese culture. As you learn how to say goodbye in Japanese, you’ll also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and get tips for having smooth conversations with Japanese people.
In this article, we’ll introduce the most common phrases for saying bye in Japanese, from easy casual words to more formal ones. We’ll also show you some expressions that are unique to the Japanese language. After reading this guide from JapanesePod101.com, you’ll be able to leave any conversation with confidence! Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Let’s start by looking at the most popular ways to say goodbye in the Japanese language. These are phrases you may know already, but keep reading to learn how to use them properly!
1 – さようなら (Sayōnara)
You’ve probably heard the famous Japanese word さようなら (Sayōnara) in movies and other media. This word is the direct translation of “goodbye.”
To say it properly, pronounce yōa bit longer and with no intonation. (English-speakers saying “sayoNAra” in Hollywood movies is a big Japanese pronunciation mistake! Don’t shorten the long vowel and stress the wrong syllable of a word!)
Despite its overall popularity, however, Sayōnara is not commonly used by Japanese people from day to day, especially between close friends or family.
Sayōnara is actually a formal word, having the connotation of “farewell,” “goodbye for a long time,” or even “goodbye forever.” This word is most often used when someone isn’t sure when they’ll be seeing another person again (or if they’ll meet again at all). Therefore, don’t scare your loved one by telling them Sayōnara, as they may get confused and think that you’re going far away or that you don’t want to see them again!
Example
A:
ごめんなさい、他に好きな人がいるの。さようなら。
Gomen nasai, hoka ni suki na hito ga iru no. Sayōnara. “I’m sorry, I have feelings for someone else. Goodbye.”
B:
待って、行かないで！別れたくない！
Matte, ikanaide! Wakaretaku nai! “Wait, don’t go! I don’t want to break up!”
2 – ばいばい (Baibai)
This simple and easy phrase, borrowed from the English phrase “bye-bye,” is very common among close friends and family, though women and younger generations tend to use it more.
Baibai is used very casually. For example, someone may say this to their close friend after chatting with them for a while.
Example
A:
今日は楽しかったね、また遊ぼう。ばいばい！
Kyō wa tanoshikatta ne, mata asobō. Baibai! “Today was fun, let’s hang out again. Bye-bye!”
B:
うん、またね！ ばいばい！
Un, mata ne! Baibai! “Yeah, see you! Bye-bye!”
天国でも元気でね。さようなら。
Tengoku demo genki de ne. Sayōnara. “Be well also in heaven. Goodbye.”
3 – Japanese Goodbye Gestures
Bowing is the most basic and essential gesture when it comes to Japanese greetings, especially in formal situations. Whether you’re greeting your boss or a client, you should bow when you say goodbye in Japanese to be polite. The form and length of your bow will depend on the level of respect you have for the other person and/or how official the situation is. To learn all about how to bow properly, please check out our Japanese Body Language article.
On the other hand, Japanese people don’t bow when they say goodbye to friends or family. The most common gesture in casual situations is to wave one’s hand. Simply wave your palm left and right in front of your chest.
Unlike in Western culture, Japanese culture does not have greeting customs that involve hugging or kissing. So, even if it’s a casual occasion, do not astonish Japanese people with hugs or kisses when greeting them. They’ll be very bashful and not know how to react to it!
In formal situations, Japanese people bow when saying goodbye.
2. Various Ways to Say Goodbye in Japanese
Now that the basics are covered, we’ll show you how to say goodbye in Japanese in a variety of situations!
1 -じゃあね (Jā ne)
This is a very casual word used among close friends and family, and it means “See you” or “Bye, then.”
じゃあ (jā) means something like “well then,” and ね (ne) is a Japanese particle that’s put at the end of a sentence to make it sound softer. This particle also has a nuance of seeking the listener’s agreement and confirming a fact.
This is such a natural phrase that using it with your friends will make you sound like a native speaker!
Example
あ、もう5時だ。行かなくちゃ！ じゃあね！
A, mō go-ji da. Ikanakucha! Jā ne! “Ah, it’s already five o’clock. I gotta go! See you!”
2 – またね (Mata ne)
またね (mata ne) is another very casual phrase you can use with your close friends and family. This one means “See you later.”
また (mata) is a colloquial way of saying “again,” and ね (ne) is the sentence ending particle. The masculine version, またな (mata na), is also commonly used among males.
This is a very natural and common expression that you’ll hear often in Japan.
Example
クラスが始まるからもう行くよ。ばいばい、またね！
Kurasu ga hajimaru kara mō iku yo. Baibai, mata ne! “I’m going now because the class is starting. Bye, see you later!”
ばいばい、またね！
Bai bai, mata ne! “Bye, see you later!”
3 – また___ (Mata ___)
This is a useful expression that you can use both casually and in slightly more formal circumstances.
また (mata) means “again,” and you can put any word in the blank that expresses time. Common examples include “later,” “tomorrow,” and “next week.”
Adding では (dewa), which means“then,” in front of the phrase makes it sound a bit more formal, and thus more appropriate for use with colleagues in the workplace.
A:
明日はプロジェクトの大事な日なので、今日はもう帰りましょう。
Ashita wa purojekuto no daiji na hi nanode, kyō wa mō kaerimashō. “Let’s go home now because tomorrow is an important day for the project.”
B:
はい、ではまた明日。
Hai, dewa mata ashita. “Yes, see you tomorrow then.”
4 – 元気でね (Genki de ne)
元気でね (genki de ne) can be translated as “Take care of yourself,” “Stay well,” or “All the best.”
This casual phrase is used when someone is going on a long trip or moving to another place.
You can also say お元気で (o-genki de) to make it sound more polite for use in formal situations. The お (o) here is the Japanese honorific prefix that adds a feeling of politeness or respect to a word. For example:
すし (sushi) >> おすし (o-sushi)
水 (mizu) – “water” >> お水 (o-mizu)
皿 (sara) – “plate” >> お皿 (o-sara)
Example
新しい町でも友達たくさんできるよ。元気でね！
Atarashii machi de mo tomodachi takusan dekiru yo. Genki de ne! “You will make a lot of friends in the new town, too. All the best!”
5 – 気をつけてね (Ki o tsukete ne)
This casual phrase means “Take care.”
Similar to the phrase above, 気をつけてね (ki o tsukete ne) is used when someone is going on a trip. However, it can also be used when a family member is leaving home.
To make it more polite, you can say: お気をつけて (o-ki o tsukete).
Example
A:
明日富士山に登りに行くよ。
Ashita Fujisan ni nobori ni iku yo. “I’m going to climb Mt. Fuji tomorrow.”
B:
気をつけてね。
Ki o tsukete ne. “Take care.”
山登り気をつけてね。
Yamanobori ki o tsukete ne. “Take care when climbing the mountains.”
6 – 行ってきます(Ittekimasu) / 行ってらっしゃい (Itterasshai)
行ってきます (ittekimasu) means “I’m leaving (the house),” and it’s a common way to say goodbye to family members when you’re opening the front door to leave.
This phrase is also used between colleagues when a staff member is leaving the office to meet clients outside (if he’s coming back to the office later).
The paired response to 行ってきます (ittekimasu) is 行ってらっしゃい (itterasshai), which literally means “Go and come back.” Those who are staying behind say this phrase to those who are leaving.
B (Mom):
行ってらっしゃい。気をつけてね。
Itterasshai. Ki o tsukete ne. “Bye. Take care.”
-行ってきます！(Ittekimasu!) –“I’m leaving now!”
-行ってらっしゃい。(Itterasshai.)– “Bye, take care.”
7 – 良い1日を (Ii ichi-nichi o)
良い1日を (ii ichi-nichi o) means “(Have) a good day.”
This is the short version of the polite phrase: 良い1日をお過ごしください (Ii ichi-nichi o o-sugoshi kudasai) or “Please have a good day.”
Keep in mind that while the equivalent phrase in English is used often in English-speaking countries, this is not the case for this phrase in Japan. It might be used in a situation where the speaker is a host and the listener is a guest (such as at a hotel).
Example
[From a hotel staff member to hotel guests who are leaving and will come back later]
お客様、いってらっしゃいませ。良い1日をお過ごしください。
O-kyaku-sama, itterasshai-mase. Ii ichi-nichi o o-sugoshi kudasai. “Dear guests, please go safely and have a good day.”
8 – 楽しんでね (Tanoshinde ne)
The casual Japanese goodbye phrases 楽しんでね (tanoshinde ne) and 楽しんできてね (tanoshinde kite ne), which mean “have fun” and “have a good time,” are more commonly used than 良い1日を (ii ichi-nichi o).
To make it more polite, you can also say 楽しんでください (tanoshinde kudasai) or 楽しんできてください (tanoshinde kite kudasai).
Example
A:
今から友達と映画にいくの。またね。
Ima kara tomodachi to eiga ni iku no. Mata ne. “I’m going to watch a movie with my friend. See you.”
B:
いいね。楽しんできてね。
Ii ne. Tanoshinde kite ne. “That’s nice. Have fun.”
9 – お大事に (Odaiji ni)
お大事に (odaiji ni) means “get well soon,” and it’s frequently used when you’re leaving a person who is sick or injured.
You can use this phrase when you leave your friend’s or family member’s room at a hospital, or when a colleague is leaving work early because they don’t feel well. In addition, doctors often say this to their patients after a consultation.
Example
A:
気分が悪いので早退して病院にいきます。
Kibun ga warui node sōtai shite byōin ni ikimasu. “I’m leaving the office early and going to see the doctor because I feel sick.”
B:
お大事に。ゆっくり休んでください
Odaiji ni. Yukkuri yasunde kudasai. “Get well soon. Please rest well.”
-風邪を引いています。Kaze o hiite imasu. – “I have a cold.”
-お大事にどうぞ。Odaiji ni dōzo.- “Please get well soon.”
3. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Japanese
There are numerous untranslatable Japanese phrases which do not have a direct translation in English. Such untranslatable phrases are unique to the Japanese language as they reflect the Japanese culture, which places importance on politeness and respect for social harmony.
Here’s a list of untranslatable goodbye phrases in Japanese:
1 – お疲れ様 (Otsukare-sama)
お疲れ様 (otsukare-sama) is literally translated as “(You must be) tired,” in a respectful manner.
This phrase is often used between colleagues as a greeting, sort of like “see you” or “see you tomorrow.” It can also be used in sport-related situations such as at a gym or sports club.
Japanese people use this phrase to express a feeling of gratitude for hard work, as well as sympathy concerning the tiredness one might feel after working.
Example
A:
今日のトレーニングはキツかったですね。
Kyō no torēningu wa kitsukatta desu ne. “Today’s training was really tough, wasn’t it?”
B:
お疲れ様でした。また来週。
Otsukare-sama deshita. Mata raishū. “(We trained so hard and tired.) See you next week.”
2 – お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) is literally translated as “I do impoliteness before you,” meaning “Excuse me for leaving before you.”
This phrase is commonly used as a departure greeting, especially between colleagues.
In the traditional working culture of Japan, people are considered more hardworking when they work long hours. Additionally, due to the seniority tradition, less-experienced employees have invisible yet strong pressure to leave the office later than their bosses or more-experienced colleagues. Therefore, people feel guilty leaving the office earlier than other colleagues. The formal phrase “I do impoliteness before you” is used to excuse the action of leaving early.
There’s also a shorter version of this phrase: お先に (osaki ni),meaning “Before you.” This is used casually among close colleagues or to subordinates.
Example
今日は子供の誕生日なので、お先に失礼します。
Kyō wa kodomo no tanjōbi na node, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu. “Excuse me for leaving before you, (I’m leaving the office now because) today is my kid’s birthday.”
*Japanese people tend to subconsciously feel that they need a good reason for leaving the office earlier.
3 – お世話になりました (O-sewa ni narimashita)
This beautiful untranslatable Japanese phrase is literally translated as “I was taken care of by you,” which means “Thank you for taking care of me/supporting me” in a humble way.
This phrase is often used when you resign from your job and greet colleagues on your last day in the office, or when you finish a course or training that helped grow your career. It shows gratitude toward the people and environment that supported you.
Variations of this phrase are:
お世話になります (o-sewa ni narimasu)– present tense
いつもお世話になっております (itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu)
These mean “Thank you for your support” and “Thank you for your continued support,” respectively. They’re commonly used in business settings when talking to clients when they visit or send emails.
Example
10年間お世話になりました。素晴らしい同僚と一緒に働けて幸せでした。
Jū-nenkan o-sewa ni narimashita. Subarashii dōryō to issho ni hatarakete shiawase deshita. “Thank you for taking care of and supporting me for ten years. I was happy to work with such wonderful colleagues.”
お世話になりました (o-sewa ni narimashita)is a typical goodbye phrase on one’s last day of work to say “Thank you for supporting me.”
4 – お邪魔しました (Ojama shimashita)
お邪魔しました (ojama shimashita) is literally translated as “I disturbed/bothered you,” in a humble and polite way. It means “Excuse me for intruding” or “Thank you for having me over.”
In Japan, it’s polite to say this phrase together with “thank you” when you’re invited to someone’s home, and when you’re leaving there. Similarly, when you enter someone’s home, you should say: お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) in the present tense.
You can use this phrase casually or formally whenever you enter someone’s house or property.
Example
ご招待ありがとうございました。お邪魔しました。
Go-shōtai arigatō gozaimashita. Ojama shimashita. “Thank you for inviting me and having me over.”
4. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced how to say goodbye in Japanese in any situation, and also showed you a few untranslatable goodbye phrases in Japanese. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic, and that you were able to take away some valuable information on how Japanese culture relates to its many goodbye phrases.
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. To get you started, here’s some information about the basics of Japanese to enrich your knowledge:
Pronouns are used to substitute nouns, such as people or things, in a sentence. Using pronouns allows you to avoid repetitive usage of a particular word in a sentence, which would sound awkward. Japanese pronouns are very different from those in English because Japanese pronouns can be omitted from a sentence when they’re implied through the context.
Unlike in English, there are many different variations of Japanese personal pronouns that translate as “I/me” and “you,” although only a few are commonly used. This expression of Japanese pronouns comes from Japanese culture, which puts importance on respect, seniority, and social order.
Each Japanese pronoun variation denotes the different characteristics of the speaker. These include gender, age, social status, level of respect, and their relationship with the person they’re speaking to. Ready to learn Japanese pronouns? In this Japanese pronoun guide, we introduce Japanese pronouns that will boost your language skills, and teach you how to use them. JapanesePod101 makes it simple and easy to understand!
Personal pronouns in Japanese are rich in expression, and there are dozens of first- and second-person pronouns. However, most of them aren’t commonly used so we’ll introduce frequently used Japanese personal pronouns here.
Very formal and polite personal pronoun often used in very official occasions.
watashi
私
わたし
formal / informal
both
Used by both genders in formal occasions, such as at the workplace. This is the most commonly used word for “I,” but it’s often omitted in a sentence. In informal situations, this is typically used by women.
atashi
ー
あたし
informal
female
This is the casual version of watashi and it’s used by younger females in conversations. However, it can sound a bit childish and unsophisticated.
boku
僕
ぼく
informal
male
Used by males of all ages, but very often by kids and younger men. It gives an impression of humbleness. This can also be used as a second-person pronoun toward little boys (English equivalent: “kid”).
ore
俺
おれ
very informal
male
Frequently used by men in informal settings, such as among family and friends. It sounds very masculine. This can be very rude when it’s used in formal occasions or in front of respectable/senior people.
2. How to Say “You”
Reading
Kanji
Hiragana
Level of Formality
Gender
Characteristics
anata
貴方
あなた
formal / informal
both
This is almost equivalent to the English word “you.” However, it’s not often used as the subject in a sentence, and it’s often omitted. It’s more common to use a person’s name with a Japanese honorific, such as 様 (sama) or さん (san), to express “you” in formal contexts. In addition, wives often call their husbands by this Japanese pronoun. When used this way, it’s comparable to the English words “dear” or “darling.” Kanji is rarely used.
kimi
君
きみ
informal
both
Often used to call subordinates and peers in informal settings. It can also be affectionate and polite when used by a boyfriend/husband to call his girlfriend/wife. It’s impolite and inappropriate when used with respectable/senior people or strangers. The Kanji 君 can also be read as kun when it’s added next to a male’s name as a casual and affectionate honorific word.
omae
お前
おまえ
very informal
both / male
Often used by men. It expresses that the speaker has a superior status or age, and it’s very rude to use this toward senior people and in formal settings. It’s also used among close friends to call peers. In addition, husbands frequently call their wives by this pronoun, which is comparable to the female use of anata.
anta
ー
あんた
very informal
both
It’s a short version of anata, but it sounds very impolite and implies a sense of contempt. It can also be used between people in a very close relationship. It’s very rude and inappropriate to use toward senior people and in formal settings.
kisama
貴様
きさま
very rude and hostile
both
The historical origin of this word was very formal, but it’s used today as a very rude way to call another person. It has a sense of extreme hostility from the speaker. You’ll often hear this in 時代劇 (jidaigeki) (samurai warrior) drama shows.
3. How to Say “He” and “She”
Does Japanese have gendered pronouns? Sort of. Here’s what we mean:
Reading
Kanji
Hiragana
Level of Formality
kare
彼
かれ
formal / informal
kanojo
彼女
かのじょ
formal / informal
The Japanese pronouns for the third person are above. However, they’re not used like they are in English.
Native Japanese people prefer to use the person’s name, or to describe them as あの人 (ano hito), meaning “that person,” which makes it unnecessary to indicate gender.
In informal settings, 彼 (kare) means “boyfriend” and 彼女 (kanojo) means “girlfriend.”
2. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Person Plural
In order to make Japanese personal pronouns plural, a suffix is added to them. The suffix can be ～達 (-tachi ), ～方 (-gata), or ～ら (-ra), depending on which word comes in front.
Meaning
Suffix
Reading
Level of Formality
We
-tachi
watashi-tachi
neutral / formal
You [plural]
-tachi
anata-tachi
neutral / formal
You [plural]
-gata
anata-gata
formal
They [he, plural]
-ra
kare-ra
neutral / formal
They [she, plural]
-ra
kanojo-ra
neutral / formal
The suffix 達 (-tachi) can be added to most of the nouns that refer to people and animals. For example, 動物達(dōbutsu-tachi) means “animals.”
3. Possessive Forms
To make Japanese possessive pronouns, add the suffix の (〜no) to the pronouns.
Meaning
Reading
mine
watashi no
yours
anata no
his
kare no
hers
kanojo no
ours
watashi-tachi no
theirs
kare-ra no
4. Reflective or Intensive Forms
To make Japanese reflexive pronouns or intensive forms, add the suffix 自身 (〜jishin) to the pronouns.
Demonstrative pronouns in Japanese are typically written in Hiragana. Further, Japanese demonstrative pronouns are easy to remember as they’re categorized in groups depending on their degree of distance from the speaker or listener.
Words that:
begin with こ (ko-) indicate something close to the speaker.
begin with そ (so-) indicate some distance from the speaker or something close to the listener.
begin with あ (a-) indicate far distance.
Meaning
Reading
Hiragana
Notes
this
kore
これ
near speaker
it
sore
それ
near listener
that
are
あれ
distant from both speaker and listener
these
kore-ra
これら
near speaker
those
sore-ra / are-ra
それら/ あれら
near listener / distant from both speaker and listener
here
koko
ここ
near speaker
there
soko
そこ
near listener
over there
asoko
あそこ
distant from both speaker and listener
3. Japanese Interrogative Pronouns
Similar to demonstrative pronouns, most of the Japanese interrogative pronouns begin with ど (do-) or だ (da-).
Meaning
Reading
Kanji
Hiragana
what
nani
何
なに
which
dono / dore
ー
どの/どれ
who
dare
誰
だれ
whom
dare ni
誰に
誰に
whose
dare no
誰の
だれの
when
itsu
ー
いつ
why
naze
ー
なぜ
Keep in mind that “whose” is a possessive form of “who,” and the rules of the Japanese possessive forms also apply:
誰 (dare) meaning “who” + の (〜no) = 誰の (dare no) meaning “whose.”
4. Japanese Indefinite Pronouns
In the Japanese language, “everyone/everybody” and “anyone/anybody” are both translated as 誰でも (dare demo) in some contexts.
In a negative sentence using indefinite pronouns such as “no one/nobody,” “nowhere,” and “nothing,” a negative form is typically: も…ない (...mo…nai …).
Meaning
Reading
Kanji
Hiragana
everyone / everybody
minna / dare demo
皆/誰でも
みんな/だれでも
everywhere
doko demo / doko ni mo
ー
どこでも/どこにも
everything
subete / zenbu
全て/全部
すべて/ぜんぶ
someone / somebody
dare ka
誰か
だれか
somewhere
doko ka
ー
どこか
something
nani ka
何か
なにか
no one / nobody
dare mo…nai
誰も…ない
だれも…ない
nowhere
doko ni mo…nai
ー
どこにも…ない
nothing
nani mo…nai
何も…ない
なにも…ない
anyone / anybody
dare demo
誰でも
だれでも
anywhere
doko demo / doko ni mo
ー
どこでも/どこにも
anything
nan demo
何でも
なんでも
5. Examples
Now that we’ve come to the end of this Japanese pronouns list, here are some example sentences using Japanese pronouns.
1. Personal Pronouns
あなたと私は東京出身で、彼と彼女は大阪出身です。
Anata to watashi wa Tōkyō shusshin de, kare to kanojo wa Ōsaka shusshin desu.
You and I are from Tokyo, and he and she are from Osaka.
年上の人に向かって「お前」や「貴様」と呼ぶことはとても失礼です。
Toshiue no hito ni mukatte “omae” ya “kisama” to yobu koto wa totemo shitsurei desu.
It is very rude to call an elder person omae and kisama.
私達は明日、君の誕生日会へ行きます。
Watashi-tachi wa ashita, kimi no tanjōbi kai e ikimasu.
We will go to your birthday party tomorrow.
2. Demonstrative Pronouns
それをここに持ってきてください。
Sore o koko ni motte kite kudasai.
Please bring it here.
これらの本はあそこの棚へ戻してください。
Kore-ra no hon wa asoko no tana e modoshite kudasai.
Please put these books back on the shelf over there.
彼らはここからあなたの家へ出発しました。
Kare-ra wa koko kara anata no ie e shuppatsu shimashita.
They departed to your home from here.
3. Interrogative Pronouns
私はなぜあそこに行かなければならないか分かりません。
Watashi wa naze aoko ni ikanakereba naranai ka wakarimasen.
I don’t understand why I have to go there.
誰に向かって話しているのですか。
Dare ni mukatte hanashite iru no desu ka.
To whom are you talking?
あそこのあの靴は誰のですか。
Asoko no ano kutsu wa dare no desu ka.
Whose shoes are those there?
4. Indefinite Pronouns
彼女はどこかに全てを置いてきました。
Kanojo wa doko ka ni subete o oite kimashita.
She left everything somewhere.
誰もあのような変な服を持っていないでしょう。
Dare mo ano yō na hen na fuku o motte inai deshō.
No one would have strange clothes like that.
誰かが彼にここで何でも食べていいと伝えました。
Dare ka ga kare ni koko de nan demo tabete ii to tsutaemashita.
Somebody told him that he could eat anything here.
To learn more useful Japanese vocabulary, check out our 100 Adjectives and 100 Nouns articles.
6. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced you to a variety of common pronouns in Japanese. By now, you should have an enhanced vocabulary and have a better idea of how to use Japanese pronouns. This is something that will definitely improve your overall Japanese language skills!
Did you learn something new from this article? Do you want to know more about Japanese grammar? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and other useful Japanese phrases for any situation, you’ll find more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills.
To get you started, here’s some more information about the basics of Japanese, with audio:
When learning a new language, the grammatical part is inevitable. Even if you have a large vocabulary and can communicate well enough with native speakers of that language (which is a great way to practice at first!), you need to know the correct word order and sentence structure to continue improving.
Japanese grammar is totally different from English grammar. However, once you get used to the Japanese sentence structure, it will be much easier for you to make sentences. This is because the Japanese language word order is more flexible than that of English. In this article, we’ll introduce the basics of Japanese word order, which will help you better understand Japanese sentence structure as a whole. Brush up on your Japanese here at JapanesePod101.com!
Japanese is an SOV language, which means that the basic word order in a sentence is S (subject) – O (object) – V (verb). English, on the other hand, is an SVO language with the order of S (subject) – V (verb) – O (object).
(S) (O) (V)
Japanese: 私は本を読みます。(Watashi wahon oyomimasu.)
(S) (V) (O)
English: “I readthe book.”
2. Variable/Flexible Sentence Structure
The Japanese sentence structure is flexible:
[1] Thesubject can be omitted when it’s clear from the context/situation.
[2] Thesubject and object(s) can be placed in a variable order.
[1]
(S) (O) (V)
(私は)本を読みます。 [(Watashi wa)hon oyomimasu.] = “I read the book.”
The subject 私は (watashi wa) can be omitted.
[2]
(S) (V) (O)
English: “Ireadthe book.”
In English, the subject can’t be omitted and the verb comes before the object.
(S) (O) (V)
Japanese: (私は)本を読みます。 [(Watashi wa) hon oyomimasu.]
In Japanese, the subject can be omitted and the verb is always at the end of a sentence. The basic word order in Japanese is variable in that the subject can also appear after the object, and the order of the objects (if there are multiple) is flexible.
The postpositional particles are used in a Japanese sentence to modify words.
3. The Distinguishable Features of Word Order in Japanese Sentences
Compared to English, one of the distinguishable features of word order in Japanese is that Japanese has a 述語 (Jyutsugo), grammatically translated as “predicate.”
The predicate is one of the two main parts of a sentence stating something about the subject. While an English predicate can appear in the middle of a sentence, a Japanese 述語 (Jyutsugo) is always placed at the end of a sentence. This applies to both the casual form and the polite form.
Japanese: 私は本を読みます。(Watashi wa hon o yomimasu.) >> 読みます(yomimasu)is the predicate.
English: “I read the book.” >> “read the book” is the predicate.
2. The Basic Word Order of Japanese
1. SOV in Japanese
As we saw in the previous section, the basic sentence structure of Japanese is S (subject) – O (object) – V (verb).
Japanese parts of speech are usually followed by 助詞 (Joshi), or“particles,” that modify the word in front.
The object is usually a noun or pronoun that is acted upon by the subject. A Japanese object is followed by a particle, such as を (o) or に (ni), which are 格助詞(Kaku-Joshi). The verb conveys an action (eat, write, move, etc.), an occurrence (happen, change), or a state of being (be, seem, exist). Japanese verbs either end the sentence, or are followed by 丁寧体 (Teinei-tai) such as です(desu) or ます(masu) in the polite form.
Word Order
SVO : English (subject)-(verb)-(object)
Example
“I read the book.”
“I am a musician.”
“The book is about music.”
SOV : Japanese (subject)-(object)-(verb)
Literal translation following the word order
私は本を読みます。 Watashi wa hon o yomimasu.
I / the book / read.
私は音楽家です。 Watashi wa ongakuka desu.
I / a musician / am.
その本は音楽についてです。 Sono hon wa ongaku ni tsuite desu.
The book / the music / about / is.
2. Flexible Word Order
As we mentioned earlier, in Japanese grammar, word order is pretty flexible. Look at the diagram of the Japanese sentence structure in 1. 2. [2] above; the word order of the subject and object(s) is flexible. Even though the subject usually appears at the beginning of a sentence, the subject can also be placed in the middle or even be omitted.
Let’s take a look at the example.
S (subject) –O (object) –V (verb)
(私は)明日図書館で友達と本を読みます。
(Watashi wa)ashita toshokan de tomodachi to hon oyomimasu.
(I) (tomorrow) (at the library) (with a friend) (the book) (read).
“I will read the book with a friend at the library tomorrow.”
The subject and object(s) can be placed in a variable order.
For example, the sentence above can also be in the following orders:
(私は)図書館で明日友達と本を読みます。
(Watashi wa) toshokan de ashita tomodachi to hon oyomimasu.
(私は)友達と図書館で明日本を読みます。
(Watashi wa) tomodachi to toshokan de ashita hon oyomimasu.
明日図書館で(私は)友達と本を読みます。
Ashita toshokan de (watashi wa) tomodachi to hon o yomimasu.
3. Word Order with Postpositional Phrases
While English uses prepositions (such as “at,” “on,” and “for”) to express a relationship to another word, Japanese uses postpositional particles, or 助詞 (Joshi). These particlescome after the modified noun, verb, adjective, or at the end of a sentence.
There are several types of particles, categorized by function. However, we’ll only introduce the most essential particle: 格助詞 (Kaku-Joshi)or “case maker.”
When there are multiple objects, their order is flexible and variable as mentioned in the previous section.
Meaning/Function
Reading
Hiragana
Example
Nominative case
-ga
ーが
彼女が一番です。 Kanojo ga ichi-ban desu. “She is number one.”
Location
-de
ーで
ここで食べます。 Koko de tabemasu. “(I) eat here.”
Destination
-e
ーへ
彼は図書館へいきます。 Kare wa toshokan e ikimasu. “He goes to the library.”
Dative case / Time
-ni
ーに
Dative: 彼は子供に本をあげました。 Kare wa kodomo ni hon o agemashita. “He gave the kid a book.”
Time: 私は5時に出発します。 Watashi wa go-ji ni shuppatsu shimasu. “I depart at five o’clock.”
Origin
-kara
ーから
駅は家から徒歩5分です。 Eki wa ie kara toho go-fun desu. “The station is a five-minute walk from home.”
Co-participant
-to
ーと
彼女は彼と歌います。 Kanojo wa kare to utaimasu. “She sings with him.”
Objective case
-o
ーを
私は本を読みます。 Watashi wa hon o yomimasu. “I read the book.”
Possessive case
-no
ーの
これは私のカバンです。 Kore wa watashi no kaban desu. “This is my bag.”
End point
-made
ーまで
彼は駅まで歩きました。 Kare wa eki made arukimashita. “He walked to the station.”
Starting point / Comparative
-yori
ーより
Starting point: 会議は9時より行われます。 Kaigi wa ku-ji yori okonawaremasu. “The meeting will be held at nine o’clock.”
Comparative: これはあれより安いです。 Kore wa are yori yasui desu. “This is cheaper than that.”
彼は駅まで歩きました。(Kare wa eki made arukimashita.), “He walked to the station.”
4. Word Order with Modifiers
With the basic Japanese word order rules in mind, let’s see how it works with modifiers to make more complex sentences.
A modifier is a word—such as an adjective, pronoun, or adverb—that expresses something about the word that follows it. Adjectives and pronouns modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs.
Here’s the Japanese word order with modifiers by function.
1. With Adjectives
In Japanese word order, adjectives come in front of nouns to describe them.
赤いりんご (akairingo), “red apple”
分厚い本 (buatsuihon), “thick book”
In a sentence with a subject and verb, the format is: S (subject) –O (object)–V (verb).
彼は赤いりんごを食べました。(Kare wa akai ringo otabemashita.),“He ate a red apple.”
私は分厚い本を読みます。(Watashi wabuatsui hon oyomimasu.), “I read the thick book.”
To learn more about Japanese adjectives, please visit our page on the Most Common Adjectives.
2. With Possessive Pronouns
Japanese possessive pronouns—such as 私の (watashi no) meaning “my” and 彼の (kare no) meaning “his”—come in front of nouns. The Japanese possessive case is の (-no) which is the postpositional particle marked after a person or thing.
私の車 (Watashi nokuruma),“my car”
彼女の家 (Kanojo noie),“her house”
In a sentence with a subject and verb:
彼は私の車を使いました。(Kare wa watashi no kuruma otsukaimashita.),“He used my car.”
私は彼女の家へ行きました。(Watashi wakanojo no ie eikimashita.), “I went to her house.”
3. With Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Japanese adverbs come in front of the words they modify.
静かに話します (shizuka nihanashimasu),“speak quietly”
ひどく疲れました (hidokutsukaremashita), “terribly tired”
In a sentence with a subject and verb:
彼女は静かに話します。(Kanojo wa shizuka nihanashimasu.), “She speaks quietly.”
彼女はとても静かに話します。(Kanojo wa totemo shizuka nihanashimasu.),“She speaks very quietly.”
Dōbutsuen ni panda ga go-tō imasu. (“There are five pandas in the zoo.”)
5. Asking Questions
Making an interrogative sentence in Japanese is surprisingly easy! It doesn’t involve changing the word order or adding an auxiliary verb to form a question, like in English (e.g. You swim. >> Do you swim?).
In Japanese, you only have to add か (ka), a question marker, to the end of a sentence and pronounce it with a rising intonation.
Polite / Basic Sentence
私は本を読みます。(Watashi wa hon oyomimasu.), “I read the book.”
Question: 私は本を読みますか。 (Watashi wa hon oyomimasu ka.),“Do I read the book?”
これは100円です。(Kore wa hyaku-endesu.), “This is 100 yen.”
Question: これは100円ですか。 (Kore wa hyaku-endesu ka.), “Is this 100 yen?”
彼女は肉を食べません。(Kanojo wa niku otabemasen.), “She doesn’t eat meat.”
Question: 彼女は肉を食べませんか。(Kanojo wa niku o tabemasen ka.), “Doesn’t she eat meat?”
Casual Sentence
In casual and colloquial speech, just change the pronunciation to have a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, without adding か (ka).
今日は寒い。(Kyō wa samui.), “Today is cold.”
Question: 今日は寒い?(Kyō wa samui?), “Is today cold?”
私に小包が届いた。(Watashi ni kozutsumi ga todoita.), “The parcel was delivered to me.”
Question: 私に小包が届いた？ (Watashi ni kozutsumi ga todoita?), “Was the parcel delivered to me?”
（あなたは）犬が好き。[(Anata wa) inu ga suki.], “You like dogs.”
Question:（あなたは）犬が好き？ [(Anata wa) inu ga suki?], “Do you like dogs?”
6. Let’s Practice Making a Sentence in Japanese!
Learning by doing is the best way to master! Now, let’s practice making a Japanese sentence, step by step, with the Japanese word order rules you’ve learned today. If you don’t remember anything, feel free to review the sections above!
Try to translate the following sentences in Japanese.
1. “You went to the library.” : _________________
2. “You went to the library in the morning.” : _________________
3. “You went to the library in the morning at eight o’clock.” : _________________
4. “Did you go to the library in the morning?” : _________________
5. “She ate sushi today.” : _________________
6. “She ate sushi with Mariko today.” : _________________
7. “She ate sushi with Mariko for lunch today.” : _________________
8. “Did she eat sushi with Mariko for lunch today?” :_________________
あなたは朝図書館へ行きました。(Anata wa asa toshokan e ikimashita.)
3. “You went to the library in the morning at eight o’clock.”
あなたは朝8時に図書館へ行きました。(Anata wa asa hachi-ji ni toshokan e ikimashita.)
4. “Did you go to the library in the morning?”
あなたは朝図書館へ行きましたか。(Anata wa asa toshokan e ikimashita ka.)
5. “She ate sushi today.”
彼女は今日寿司を食べました。(Kanojo wa kyō sushi o tabemashita.)
6. “She ate sushi with Mariko today.”
彼女は今日まりこと寿司を食べました。(Kanojo wa kyō Mariko to sushi o tabemashita.)
7. “She ate sushi with Mariko for lunch today.”
彼女は今日お昼ご飯にまりこと寿司を食べました。(Kanojo wa kyō o-hirugohan ni Mariko to sushi o tabemashita.)
8. “Did she eat sushi with Mariko for lunch today?” :
彼女は今日まりこと寿司を食べましたか。(Kanojo wa kyō Mariko to sushi o tabemashita ka.)
*The word order of objects can vary when there are many in a sentence.
7. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced you to Japanese word order. Now you understand how the Japanese sentence structure works. At first, you might feel confused about the flexibility of Japanese word order, but you’ll find it’s actually a lot easier to make complex sentences once you get used to it!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and practice other useful Japanese phrases for any situation, you’ll find a lot more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. Here’s some more information about the basics of Japanese with audio:Top 10 Sentence Patterns for Beginners and Most Useful Pronouns.
And there’s so much more we can offer you! Learn faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if you still have questions about Japanese word order. We’d be glad to help.
Giving compliments makes people feel important and happy, and compliments are a great way to express your positive feelings. However, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” There’s a particular way that people give and respond to compliments in Japanese.
Before giving compliments in Japanese, keep this in mind: Humbleness and modesty are the most important values in Japanese culture. Therefore, it’s considered bad manners to show off and explicitly exhibit your abilities and achievements. For this reason, people aren’t used to receiving a lot of praise.
However, it’s still a good thing to give a compliment when someone has great traits or has done wonderful things. Giving compliments is a useful way to improve communication and your relationships with others.
Let’s learn the most useful Japanese compliments and how to give them at JapanesePod101.com!
In Japanese culture, compliments aren’t given directly, contrary to compliments in other cultures (such as American). Compliments in Japanese tend to be mild, indirect, and euphemistic.
1 – Hair
Casual:
髪の毛切った？ショートヘア似合うね。かわいい (かっこいい) ね！ Kaminoke kitta? Shōto hea niau ne. Kawaii (kakkoii) ne !
“Did you cut your hair? The short hairstyle suits you well. You are cute (handsome)!”
The Japanese compliment above is in the casual style. In order to say it politely, change the predicate 述語 (Jyutsugo) to the polite honorific 丁寧語 (Teineigo).
Polite:
髪の毛切りましたか。ショートヘア似合いますね。かわいい (かっこいい) ですね！ Kaminoke kirimashita ka. Shōto hea niaimasu ne. Kawaii (kakkoii) desu ne !
2 – Outfit
Casual:
そのシャツいいね。 Sono shatsu ii ne.
Polite:
そのシャツいいですね。 Sono shatsu ii desu ne.
Meaning: “That shirt is good.” (“Your shirt looks good.” )
Casual:
そのスカート素敵だね。どこで買ったの？ Sono sukāto suteki da ne. Doko de katta no?
Polite:
そのスカート素敵ですね。どこで買いましたか。 Sono sukāto suteki desu ne. Doko de kaimashita ka.
Meaning: “That skirt is nice. (Your skirt looks nice.) Where did you buy it?”
3 – Smile
Casual:
笑顔が素敵だね /かわいいね。 Egao ga suteki da ne / kawaii ne.
Polite:
笑顔が素敵ですね /かわいいですね。 Egao ga suteki desu ne / kawaii desu ne.
Meaning: “(Your) smile is nice / pretty.”
4 – General
Casual:
彼女はとても美人だね。 Kanojo wa totemo bijin da ne.
Polite:
彼女はとても美人ですね。 Kanojo wa totemo bijin desu ne.
Meaning: “She is very beautiful.”
Casual:
彼は背が高くてハンサムだね。 Kare wa se ga takakute hansamu da ne.
Polite:
彼は背が高くてハンサムですね。 Kare wa se ga takakute hansamu desu ne.
Meaning: “He is tall and handsome.”
How to compliment a Japanese girl: Egao ga totemo kawaii ne. = “Your smile is very cute.”
2. Complimenting Someone’s Work
In Japanese business settings, people typically use the formal and honorific language. Some people use casual language toward younger subordinates, but you should never use casual language when talking to your boss, seniors, or clients, because it’s very rude and inappropriate. Following is a list of the best compliments in Japanese for the workplace.
Casual: 今日のプレゼンとても良かったよ。(Kyō no purezen totemo yokatta yo.) Polite: 今日のプレゼンとても良かったです。(Kyō no purezen totemo yokatta desu.)
8 – That’s a nice idea with pretty good sense.
Casual: なかなかセンスの良いアイディアだね。(Nakanaka sensu no ii aidia da ne.) Polite: なかなかセンスの良いアイディアですね。(Nakanaka sensu no ii aidia desu ne.)
9 – You are amazing to have solved that difficult matter easily.
Casual: あの難しい案件を簡単に解決させてすごいね。(Ano muzukashii anken o kantan ni kaiketsu sasete sugoi ne.) Polite: あの難しい案件を簡単に解決させてすごいですね。(Ano muzukashii anken o kantan ni kaiketsu sasete sugoi desu ne.)
* すごい (sugoi) is a Japanese adjective which can be translated as “great,” “amazing,” “wonderful,” “cool,” etc. This is often used when something or someone has strong abilities.
The casual phrase すごいね (Sugoi ne) and polite phrase すごいですね (Sugoi desu ne) are very useful phrases you can use in many situations. They can be used just like “Wow!” in English.
Here’s a compliment for a Japanese businessman: Kyō no purezen totemo yokatta desu. = “Presentation today was very good.”
3. Complimenting Someone’s Skills
10 – The meal is very delicious! You are good at cooking. (You are a good cook!)
Casual: ご飯がとてもおいしいよ！料理上手いね！(Gohan ga totemo oishii yo! Ryōri umai ne!) Polite: ご飯がとてもおいしいです！料理上手いですね！(Gohan ga totemo oishii desu! Ryōri umai desu ne!)
11 – You have skills and a good sense of photography.
Casual: 写真のスキルがあって、センスもいいね。(Shashin no sukiru ga atte, sensu mo ii ne.) Polite: 写真のスキルがあって、センスもいいですね。(Shashin no sukiru ga atte, sensu mo ii desu ne.)
12 – Your English is very fluent!
Casual: 英語がすごくペラペラだね！(Eigo ga sugoku perapera da ne!) Polite: 英語がすごくペラペラですね！(Eigo ga sugoku perapera desu ne!)
*ペラペラ (Perapera) is a Japanese onomatopoeia which expresses a state of fluent speech.
13 – You run really fast! You could participate in the Olympic Games!
Casual: 足がすごく速いね！オリンピックに出られそうだね！(Ashi ga sugoku hayai ne! Orinpikku ni deraresō da ne!) Polite: 足がすごく速いですね！オリンピックに出られそうですね！(Ashi ga sugoku hayai desu ne! Orinpikku ni deraresō desu ne!)
14 – You are (so) amazing that you can do anything!
Good handwriting skills are praised in Japan as it’s considered a skill of the well-educated and sophisticated.
4. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere
Sometimes, compliments sound fake when you praise too much or only use words. Here are some tips for giving sincere Japanese compliments to avoid sounding empty.
1 – Avoid Direct and Exaggerated Expressions
As mentioned in the introduction, many Japanese people aren’t used to receiving compliments, especially when they’re very direct.
It becomes more natural and sounds real when you make a comment with euphemistic and indecisive expressions, and avoid using straightforward words.
For example:
Not Good
豪華なスカートを履いていますね。 Gōka na sukāto o haite imasu ne.
“You are wearing a gorgeous skirt.”
Good
ファッションのセンスが素敵ですね。 Fasshon no sensu ga suteki desu ne.
“Your fashion sense is nice.”
Not Good
君の瞳はとても美しいよ。 Kimi no hitomi wa totemo utsukushii yo.
“Your eyes are very beautiful.”
Good
笑顔がとても素敵だね。 Egao ga totemo suteki da ne.
“Your smile is very nice.”
2 – Don’t Praise; Tell Instead
When you compliment someone in Japanese, it sounds more natural and real when you tell them casually instead of actually praising them. The key point is to say positive things to him/her casually and naturally in the flow of conversation.
For example:
When a boy likes a girl, he shouldn’t just give her compliments one after another whenever he wants: “You are cute today, too,” “You’re so nice,” “You have a pretty hairstyle.”
However, he can give positive comments during a conversation if the situation allows for it:
At a cafe, if the girl he likes pours water to refill his glass, he can say ありがとう、優しいね (arigatō, yasashii ne.), which means “Thank you, you are kind.”
Or, when she shows him pictures of her trip, he can tell her 楽しそうだね、笑ってる顔がとてもかわいいよ(tanoshisō da ne, waratte ru kao ga totemo kawaii yo.), which means “It looks fun, your smiling face is very cute.”
3 – Refer to Someone to Add Credit
When you give compliments, refer to someone else’s comment in order to avoid direct compliments, and to add credit to make it more realistic.
For example:
田中さんは仕事ができる人だと上司が言っていました。私も本当にそう思います。 Tanaka-san wa shigoto ga dekiru hito da to jōshi ga itte imashita. Watashi mo hontō ni sō omoimasu.
“My boss said that Tanaka-san is someone who is good at his job. I really think so, too.”
みんなも言っているように、君はとても優しいね。 Minna mo itte iru yō ni, kimi wa totemo yasashii ne.
“As everyone is saying, you are very thoughtful.”
5. What to Expect After Giving Compliments
As mentioned, modesty and humbleness are important values in Japanese culture, and Japanese people aren’t used to receiving a lot of compliments or direct expressions of praise from others.
While American people usually receive compliments with confidence and pride, Japanese people often receive them with hesitance and a shy feeling. Some Japanese people may reply with negative or denial phrases to express their humbleness, rather than admitting their good ability/quality. Doing so would be considered boasting and showing pride.
Response Examples :
1.
Casual: 全然そんなことないよ (zenzen sonna koto nai yo) Polite: 全然そんなことないです (zenzen sonna koto nai desu.) Meaning: “(I’m) not (that) at all.”
This phrase is one of the most typical responses to compliments in Japanese. Often, compliments are met with denial, and 全然〜ない (zenzen — nai) is a common expression which means “not — at all.”
A:
ドイツ語をペラペラ話せてすごいね！ Doitsugo o perapera hanasete sugoi ne!
“You are great that you can speak German fluently!”
B:
全然すごくないよ。 Zenzen sugoku nai yo.
“I’m not great at all.”
2.
Casual: もっと上手くできたのだけど… (Motto umaku dekita no da kedo…) Polite: もっと上手くできたのですが… (Motto umaku dekita no desu ga…) Meaning: “I could have done better…”
This is another typical response to Japanese compliments. Saying that he or she could have done better is a way of showing modesty and that he/she needs to keep making an effort rather than satisfying the status quo.
A:
今日のプレゼンとても良かったですよ！ Kyō no purezen totemo yokatta desu yo!
“Your presentation was very good today!”
B:
そうですか？もっと上手くできたのですが… Sō desu ka? Motto umaku dekita no desu ga…
“Was it? I could have done better…”
3.
Casual: (OOOの)足元にも及ばないよ ([OOO no] ashimoto ni mo oyobanai yo) Polite: (OOOの)足元にも及びません ([OOO no] ashimoto ni mo oyobimasen) Meaning: “can’t hold a candle to (OOO)” / “nowhere near as good as (OOO)”
This phrase is usually used in formal settings to respond to compliments. It literally means “I don’t even reach (someone’s) feet.” It expresses modesty by referring to someone better than you, and often, it’s the person who gave the compliment. This phrase is also used as お世辞 (O-seji), or “flattery,” to flatter a boss or client for smoother communication and relationships in traditional Japanese business customs.
Boss:
今日の商談良くやったな！君は強い交渉力を持っている。 Kyō no shōdan yoku yatta na! Kimi wa tsuyoi kōshōryoku o motte iru.
“Well done with the business today! You have a strong negotiation skill.”
Subordinate:
部長の足元にも及びません！ Buchō no ashimoto ni mo oyobimasen!
“I’m nowhere near as good as you, Director!”
The important Japanese value of modesty is reflected in phrases toward compliments.
6. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced the most useful Japanese compliments and how to give/respond to compliments in Japanese. Did you find it interesting that Japanese compliments are quite a reflection of Japanese culture? Always remember not to start bragging about your skills or traits after receiving a compliment in Japan!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and other useful Japanese phrases for different situations, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons for you to improve your Japanese language skills.
Here’s some more information about compliments in Japanese with audio:
And that’s not all! Learn faster and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any Japanese compliments you still want to know! We’d be glad to help, and look forward to hearing from you!
It’s essential to be able to express your feelings when communicating with others in everyday life. Knowing how to express your emotions in Japanese, including anger, will help you have smoother communication with Japanese people. Although showing anger with swear words isn’t common in Japanese culture, there are various angry phrases in Japanese you can use.
Knowing angry phrases, and how to show that you’re angry in Japanese, will not only help you understand Japanese anime and Japanese TV shows better, but it will also improve your conversation and communication skills.
In this article, we’ll introduce useful angry Japanese expressions and phrases to help you discuss your emotions. Let’s learn various expressions here at JapanesePod101!
The following phrases are commonly used phrases in the imperative form for expressing anger in Japanese.
1 – Shut up.
黙れ (damare) — impolite, order form
うるさい (urusai) — literally means “noisy”
Damare is a very hostile and impolite expression. You probably won’t hear this in daily conversations, but maybe in Japanese anime, especially those that are adventurous or involve lots of battles. Urusai is very casual and it’s a soft way to express “Shut up.”
Example
A: またアイス食べてるの？太るよ。
A: Mata aisu tabete ru no? Futoru yo.
A: “Are you eating ice cream again? You’ll get fat.”
Yamete is a very casual and commonly used expression. Yamenasai is polite and usually said by a person in a superior position toward a person(s) in a lower position. Yamero is a very casual and impolite way to express “Stop it.”
Example
Mari:
やめて！ママ、お兄ちゃんがぶった！ Yamete! Mama, o-nii-chan ga butta!
“Stop it! Mom, my (big) brother hit me!”
Takashi:
マリが先に僕を押してきたんだ！ Mari ga saki ni boku o oshite kita n da!
“Mari pushed me first!”
Mom:
2人ともやめなさい！ Futari tomo yamenasai!
“Both of you, stop it!”
“Stop it, I don’t wanna hear it. ” = Yamete, kikitakunai.
3 – Cut it out.
やめて (yamete) — casual
いい加減にして (iikagen ni shite) — casual
Iikagen ni shite is a very useful expression which literally means “Be in good moderation.” It can be translated as “That’s enough,” “Cut it out,” and “Stop it.”
Example
いい加減にして！今すぐやめないと警察を呼ぶよ！ Iikagen ni shite ! Ima sugu yamenai to keisatsu o yobu yo!
“Cut it out! I will call the police if you don’t stop now!”
4 – Leave me alone.
ほっといてよ (Hottoite yo)
Hottoite yo is a casual expression that’s typically used between people who are in a close relationship, such as family members and close friends.
Example
もう子供じゃないんだから、ほっといてよ！ Mō kodomo ja nai n da kara, hottoite yo!
“I’m not a child anymore, leave me alone!”
“I’m not a kid anymore, leave me alone!” = Mō kodomo ja nai n da kara, hottoite yo!
5 – Get lost.
失せろ (usero) — impolite, order form
You’re likely to hear this expression in Japanese anime and movies. Usero is a very impolite and hostile expression which you’ll probably hear used by a very angry Japanese man or yakuza in a movie.
Example
失せろ！２度と姿を現わすな！ Usero! Ni-do to sugata o arawasu na!
“Get lost! Never show up again!”
2. Angry Warnings
Use these angry Japanese phrases to let someone know they’re going too far and it’s time to back off!
1 – Don’t mess with me.
私に関わらないで (watashi ni kakawaranaide) — casual
俺に関わるな (ore ni kakawaru na) — masculine
Watashi ni kakawaranaide is milder and a bit more feminine, while ore ni kakawaru na is a stronger, masculine expression. They both have the connotation of “Don’t get involved with me.”
There are various Japanese personal pronouns. Watashi is for the unisex “I” in the formal style, but it sounds more feminine in the informal style. Ore is commonly used by men in very casual situations.
Example
私に関わらないで。さもないと、大変な目にあうよ。 Watashi ni kakawaranaide. Samonaito, taihen na me ni au yo.
“Don’t mess with me, or you’ll have a hard time.”
2 – You’re asking for trouble.
面倒 / 厄介なことになるよ (mendō / yakkai na koto ni naru yo)
This is a very useful phrase that you can use in many different situations. If you want to say it in a polite way, change the last word to narimasu yo.
Example
そんなことしたら、面倒なことになるよ。 Sonna koto shitara, mendō na koto ni naru yo.
“You’re asking for trouble if you do so.”
3 – Don’t make me say it again.
同じことを何度も言わせないで (onaji koto o nan-do mo iwasenaide)
This is another very common phrase you can use in many situations. If you want to say it in a polite way, add the word ください (kudasai) to the end.
Example
片付けをして！同じことを何度も言わせないで。 Katazuke o shite! Onaji koto o nan-do mo iwasenaide.
“Clean up! Don’t make me say it again.”
4 – This is my last warning.
これが最後の警告だ (kore ga saigo no keikoku da)
You’re likely to hear this Japanese angry phrase in TV shows or movies. If you want to say it in a polite way, change the word だ (da) at the end to です (desu).
Example
これが最後の警告です。次は訴えます。 Kore ga saigo no keikoku desu. Tsugi wa uttaemasu.
“This is my last warning, I will sue you next time.”
5 – I can’t tolerate anymore.
もう我慢できない (mō gaman dekinai)
もう耐えられない (mō taerarenai)
These are commonly used angry Japanese sayings when someone can’t stand something anymore. If you want to say it in a polite way, conjugate the negative form ない (nai) to the polite ません (masen).
Example
もう我慢できない！今すぐそのうるさい音楽を止めろ！ Mō gaman dekinai! Ima sugu sono urusai ongaku o tomero!
“I can’t stand anymore! Stop that loud music right away!”
“I can’t tolerate this person anymore !” = Kono hito ni wa mō taerare nai!
6 – Watch your mouth.
言葉に気をつけろ (kotoba ni ki o tsukero) — order form
This rough phrase is commonly used by angry Japanese people in TV shows and movies. If you want to say it in a milder way, change the word つけろ (tsukero) to つけなさい (tsukenasai), or even more politely, つけてください (tsukete kudasai).
Example
親に向かってその口の聞き方はなんだ！言葉に気をつけなさい！ Oya ni mukatte sono kuchi no kikikata wa nan da! Kotoba ni ki o tsukenasai!
“Don’t you dare talk to your parent like that! Watch your mouth!”
3. Angry Blames
1 – Who do you think you are?
何様のつもり？(nani-sama no tsumori?) — casual
This is a casual phrase that you can use with people you’re close to, such as family or friends. When you want to imply a stronger meaning, add お前 (omae), a rude form of “you,” in front of the phrase.
Example
私に全部家事をやらせて、あなた何様のつもり？私は家政婦じゃないのよ！ Watashi ni zenbu kaji o yarasete, anata nani-sama no tsumori? Watashi wa kaseifu ja nai no yo!
“Who do you think you are to make me do all the house chores? I’m not a housemaid!”
2 – Are you out of your mind?
頭おかしいんじゃないの？(atama okashii n ja nai no?) — casual
正気ですか (shōki desu ka) — polite
Atama okashii n ja nai no? is a casual phrase that’s used among close friends or family members, while shōki desu ka is a more polite expression that can be used in workplaces.
Example
何でこうしたの？頭おかしんじゃないの？ Nande kō shita no? Atama okashii n ja nai no?
“Why did you do this? Are you out of your mind?”
“How could you say that? Who do you think you are?” = Yokumo sonna koto ieta wa ne, nani-sama no tsumori?
3 – What’s wrong with you?
あなた一体どうしたの？(anata ittai dō shita no?)
This casual phrase is used to express frustration at someone’s unreasonable behavior.
Example
今すぐやめて！あなた一体どうしたのよ！ Ima sugu yamete! Anata ittai dō shita no yo!
“Stop it right now! What’s wrong with you?”
4 – Listen to me.
ちゃんと聞いて (chanto kiite) — casual
ちゃんと聞きなさい (chanto kikinasai) — polite
Chanto kiite is a casual phrase that’s used among family and friends, while chanto kikinasai is the polite and imperative form which is usually used by a superior/senior person to a junior person.
Example
言い訳をやめてちゃんと聞きなさい！ Iiwake o yamete chanto kikinasai !
“Stop making excuses and listen to me!”
5 – It’s your fault.
あなたのせいだ (anata no sei da)
This phrase is casual and commonly used. When お前 (Omae) is used instead of あなた (anata), it becomes an even stronger expression. This is because お前 (Omae) is a rude way of saying “you.”
Example
全部あなたのせいです。責任とってください。 Zenbu anata no sei desu. Sekinin totte kudasai.
“It’s all your fault. Take responsibility for it.”
6 – It’s none of your business.
あなたに関係ない (anata ni kankei nai)
This phrase is casual and commonly used. In order to say it more politely, use ありません (arimasen) instead of ない (nai).
Example
これは私的なことで、あなたに関係ありません。 Kore wa shiteki na koto de, anata ni kankei arimasen.
“This is a private matter and none of your business.”
4. Describing How You Feel
Now that you’ve learned how to get angry in Japanese, let’s take a look at how to describe your emotions or why you’re angry.
1 – It’s getting on my nerves.
イライラする (iraira suru) — casual
This is a casual phrase that’s commonly used. Especially among younger people, 超ムカつく (chō mukatsuku) is also frequently used, and is considered 若者言葉 (youngster language).
Example
彼のそのような態度にイライラする。 Kare no sono yō na taido ni iraira suru.
“His attitude gets on my nerves.”
2 – I’m fed up with it.
うんざりだ (unzari da)
This phrase is casual and very common to use. By adding する (suru), meaning “do,” or its conjugated form next to うんざり (unzari), you can also use it as a verb.
Example
彼女の言い訳にうんざりします。 Kanojo no iiwake ni unzari shimasu.
“I’m fed up with her excuses.”
3 – I hate it.
嫌だ (iya da)
This is a casual phrase that’s frequently used to express one’s discomfort. To say it more politely, use です(desu) instead of だ (da).
Example
嫌だ！歯医者に行きたくない！ Iya da! Haisha ni ikitakunai!
“I hate it! I don’t want to go to the dentist!”
“I hate it! I wanna quit! ” = Iya da! Mō yametai!
4 – I’m disappointed.
がっかりだ (gagari da) — casual
失望しました (shitsubō shimashita) — polite
がっかりだ (gagari da) is the casual phrase, while 失望しました (shitsubō shimashita) is a more polite form that can be used in formal situations.
Example
彼のプレゼンのひどい内容に失望しました。 Kare no purezen no hidoi naiyō ni shitsubō shimashita.
“I’m disappointed with the terrible content of his presentation.”
5. Phrases to Calm Someone Down
1 – Take a deep breath.
深呼吸して (shinkokyū shite) — casual
深呼吸 (shinkokyū) is “a deep breath” and して (shite) is the conjugated form of する (suru), meaning “do.” If you want to say it more politely, add the word ください (kudasai) at the end.
Example
頭にきたら、深呼吸して10秒数えてください。 Atama ni kitara, shinkokyū shite jū-byō kazoete kudasai.
“When you get angry, take a deep breath and count ten seconds.”
2 – Calm down.
落ち着いて (ochitsuite)
This is a conjugated form of 落ち着く (ochitsuku), which means “relax.” If you want to say it more politely, add the word ください (kudasai) at the end.
Example
騒がず落ち着いてください。 Sawagazu ochitsuite kudasai.
“Please don’t make a fuss and calm down.”
“Let’s take a deep breath and calm down.” = Shinkokyū shite ochitsukimashō.
3 – Write it down.
書き出して (kakidashite)
The word 書き出して (kakidashite) consists of 書く (kaku), meaning “write,” and 出す (dasu), meaning “out.” If you want to say it more politely, add the word ください (kudasai) at the end.
In Japanese culture, 写経 (Shakyō) (Sutra copying and writing) of Buddhism is considered the action of calming one’s mind by concentrating only on writing, without thinking about anything else. This is done to empty one’s mind.
Example
ケンカの時は大声を出す前に、紙に嫌なことを書き出して。 Kenka no toki wa ōgoe o dasu mae ni, kami ni iya na koto o kakidashite.
“When quarreling, write down the things you don’t like on paper before yelling.”
4 – Think from a different point of view.
違う観点から考えて (chigau kanten kara kangaete)
It’s always good to try to see things from different angles; this also changes the way you think about things.
Example
こんな時は、違う観点から考えてみよう。 Kona toki wa, chigau kanten kara kangaete miyō.
“Let’s think from a different point of view at times like this.”
6. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced 20+ useful angry phrases in Japanese. Although Japanese people don’t often show angry emotions expressly, it’s helpful to know some angry phrases in Japanese for better understanding and communication.
Do you feel ready to express your anger in Japanese now? Let us know in the comments!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language and other useful Japanese phrases for different situations, you’ll find much more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons for you to help you improve your Japanese language skills. For example, here’s some more information about expressing emotions in Japanese, with audio:
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Table of Contents
