As you know, there are few Japanese people who can speak English.
This is because English education in Japan is not very advanced.
Therefore, it is helpful to know some basic Japanese when speaking with Japanese people.
But don’t worry.
You only need to remember five words.
Learn and use these magic words and Japanese people will feel a connection with you.
Arigatō（ありがとう）
This word has the same meaning as “Thank you” in English.
You can say it when you want to express your gratitude to someone.
There is also “Arigatōgozaimasu” which is an even more polite version of “Arigatō”.
This is used when you are not on a close relationship with the other person, but it is not something that bothers Japanese people.
Kon’nichiwa（こんにちは）
This word has the same meaning as “Hello” and is a greeting exchanged around noon in Japan time.
The correct greetings are “Ohayo” in the morning and “Konbanwa” in the evening, but it is enough to remember “Kon’nichiwa”.
Even just this word will be understood as greetings by Japanese people.
After all, you say ‘Hello’ all the time, right？
Sumimasen（すみません）
This word has several meanings, the main ones being “Sorry” and “Excuse me”
It is used when you are apologizing to someone or when you feel that you are even slightly at fault.
However, you can also use it when calling a waiter at a restaurant or when someone gives you way.
Because apologizing is an important part of Japanese culture.
Bringing your palms together in front of your chest and bowing slightly will make you appear more polite and respectful.
Wakarimashita（わかりました）
This word is used when you agree with what the other person is saying.
In English, it has the same meaning as many words such as “Got it”, “Understood” and “Agree”.
In other words, what you say when you understand what the other person is saying.
On the other hand, if you don’t understand what the other person is saying or want them to repeat it, say “Wakarimasen”.
If you are close to the person, you can simply say “Ok”, which is a word that any Japanese person would know.
Onegaishimasu（おねがいします）
This word has the same meaning as the English word “Please”, so it’s versatile and can be used in any situation.
You can use it when you ask someone to do something for you, or when someone does something for you and you agree to it.
If you use it in combination with “Arigatō” or “Sumimasen”, you will make a better impression on Japanese people.
Japanese people are generally very kind and understanding towards foreigners.
So, although there are an infinite number of words to memorize, you don’t need to memorize them all.
For the rest of the words, a translation app and gestures will suffice.
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