15 basic Japanese phrases for beginner learners

When I was living in Canada, my friends sometimes asked me to teach them very simple Japanese phrases. So here are the most basic Japanese words or phrases that you need to remember first.

I hope you can enjoy this with audio.

Please click “+” to see Japanese translation and hear audio that Natsuko sensei created.

Thank you

ありがとう(Arigatou)
ありがとうございます(Arigatou gozaimasu)

Arigatou gozaimasu is more polite, so if you want to say thank you to someone older than you or in a formal situation, it’s better to say “Arigatou gozaimasu”

You’re welcome

どういたしまして(Douitashimashite)

Excuse me

すみません(Sumimasen)

No Problem

だいじょうぶ(Daijyoubu)

Yes

はい(Hai)

No

いいえ(Iie)

Please

おねがいします(Onegaishimasu)

How much is it?

いくらですか?(Ikura desuka?)

When is it?

いつですか?(Itsu desuka?)

What is it?

なんですか?(Nandesuka?)

Where is it?

どこですか?(Doko desuka?)

How’s it?

どうですか?(Dou desuka?)

Why is it?

どうしてですか?(Doushite desuka?)

Who is it?

だれですか?(Dare desuka?)

Great!

すごい!(Sugoi!)