20 common Japanese phrases for daily conversation

🗣️ Speak naturally from day one with common Japanese phrases

If you’re just starting your Japanese journey, don’t get stuck memorizing textbook dialogues. The best way to sound natural is by using common Japanese phrases you’ll actually hear and say every day.

These expressions will help you greet people, respond politely, ask questions, and navigate daily life in Japan — whether you’re traveling, studying, or chatting with a Japanese friend online.

Start using these 20 phrases now and you’ll feel more confident immediately.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Basic greetings and polite words

1. おはようございます – Ohayou gozaimasu
Good morning (formal)

2. こんにちは – Konnichiwa
Hello / Good afternoon

3. こんばんは – Konbanwa
Good evening

4. おやすみなさい – Oyasuminasai
Good night

5. ありがとう / ありがとうございます – Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu
Thanks / Thank you very much

6. すみません – Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry

7. はい / いいえ – Hai / Iie
Yes / No

8. ごめんなさい – Gomennasai
I’m sorry (stronger than sumimasen)

📌 Everyday questions and phrases

9. はい、わかりました – Hai, wakarimashita
Yes, I understand

10. わかりません – Wakarimasen
I don’t understand

11. もう一度お願いします – Mou ichido onegaishimasu
One more time, please

12. ゆっくり話してください – Yukkuri hanashite kudasai
Please speak slowly

13. ～はどこですか？ – ___ wa doko desu ka?
Where is ___? (e.g., トイレ = toilet)

14. これは何ですか？ – Kore wa nan desu ka?
What is this?

15. 英語を話せますか？ – Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?

😊 Friendly expressions

16. はじめまして – Hajimemashite
Nice to meet you

17. よろしくお願いします – Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
A polite phrase often said after hajimemashite; hard to translate, but means “please treat me well”

18. お元気ですか？ – Ogenki desu ka?
How are you?

19. 大丈夫です – Daijoubu desu
It’s okay / I’m fine / No problem

20. またね – Mata ne
See you later (casual)

💬 Practice makes progress

Learning common Japanese phrases is the fastest way to start having real conversations. Use them in voice apps, with a tutor, or even when watching anime or J-dramas. You’ll start recognizing these expressions everywhere — and that makes learning fun.

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