Learn Japanese

Hi there,

I first starting learning Japanese years ago and remember what it's like to start learning the language. One thing that I have noticed is that the sooner someone starts actually speaking Japanese, even if it's only a couple of basic sentences they tend to be motivated by that and stick with it.

On that note I thought I would put together a basic lesson for anyone that wants to learn Japanese.

Let's start by looking at basic Greetings. It does depend on what time of the day you are greeting someone and the formality of the situation.

Good day: Konnichi Wa

This can be used most times of the day really, and it is slightly more formal than a regular 'Hi' would be.

Good Morning: Ohayo Gozaimasu or Ohayo

This first phrase is the more formal So if your name was John: Wastashi wa John desu

However make sure you are aware that the word 'San' is placed after someone else's name if you are introducing them, as 'san' is a polite addition. For example Michael san.

NOTE: Japanese people often say their surname first and then the first name, for example: Sazuki Yukari . I embarrassed myself once by calling a person I met, now my friend, by her last name for ages before she clarified this point.

Following on from telling someone your name you can then explain your nationality and to do this you say: Watashi wa (nationality) jin desu.

Being English you would say: Watashi wa Igirisu jin desu

The next thing that I will do is have a quick look at verbs and how to say that something exists. The verb to say there is an 'object' apposed to a 'person' is: Arimasu, however if you want to say that you have a brother or sister etc.. then the verb is: Imasu

Let's have a look at two examples:

There is a Bridge: Hashi(bridge) ga arimasu

I have a wife: Tsuma(wife) ga imasu (this literal translation in english would be more like "there is a wife" as possession the way we say in English doesn't translate in Japanese)

The word 'Ga' is called a particle, but we won't look at them now.

A brief look at some difference tenses of sentences and we'll wrap it up by looking at the sentence "I don't understand".

Do you understand? Wakarimashtaka

Yes I understand: Hai(yes) Waikarimashta

No I don't understand: Iie(no) wakarimasen

I hope you enjoyed learning some basic Japanese, now go and practice with the next Japanese speaker you meet.

There are a number of great ways to learn Japanese and if you want my advice on the best methods available click here: Japanese language course, and make sure you grab my 7 day beginner audio course while you there too.

I also have some more free tips here: Learn Japanese for Free

Take care!