Hello! Welcome to the introductory lesson of Japanese! ^_^
If you have any questions please let me know.
In this lesson, I will cover:
Greetings/Closings
Yes/No/Thank you/Excuse me/I'm sorry
General Greetings
Well, I hope you all know what Greetings are. In case you don't, they're phrases you use to greet people with XP. These are some of the most common, basic phrases in the Japanese Language.
Ohayou gozaimasu: This is a formal way of saying "Good Morning". In Japanese, there is a lot of emphasis on showing respect towards people. The use of different phrases toward different social and age classes reflects that respect. In other words, some words in Japanese are more formal and respectful than others and must be used to more generally respected members of Japanese society... or else you will be judged as rude :/
Ohayou: An informal way of saying "Good morning". You basically use informal phrases toward people that you are really close with, like direct family members and really close friends. Otherwise, you're better off using the more formal phrase.
Konnichiwa: How you say "Good afternoon", this phrase can be used toward anyone without worry of disrespecting them.
Konbanwa: "Good evening"
General Closings
Closings are phrases you use when you part with another person. Remember, these are just basic common ones, there are most likely many more that I am totally unaware of ^_^;;
Sayounara: It means "good-bye". However, it's only said to someone you will not see for a long period of time. In other words, you don't say it to someone you plan on seeing later, or in a day or two.
Shitsureishimasu: A formal way of saying "good-bye" to someone you will see relatively soon, like to a teacher you will see the next day.
Jaa mata ne: An informal way of saying "good-bye" like shitsureishimasu. It's very common between friends. You can also use the shorter versions: mata ne, jaa ne, or even just jaa.
Oyasumi Nasai: "Good night" Usually said right before going to bed.
Oyasumi: Informal version of "good night"
Please be the look out for Basic Japanese Learning (Intro. Part 2) which includes:
Leaving/Returning Home
Before/After a Meal
By @Sai Drawings
