Japanese Phrases with audio

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おはようございます。
ohayou gozaimasu.
Good morning.

Phrase breakdown:

ohayou = good morning
gozaimasu = to be,exist

In casual speech, the “gozaimasu” is dropped and only “ohayou” is said. Saying “ohayou” is like saying “mornin’ in English as opposed to “good morning”.

こんにちは。
konnichiwa.
1. Hello. | 2. good afternoon.

Phrase breakdown:

kon = the current …; this
nichi = day
wa = particle that marks the topic of the sentence (Roughly means: as for, speaking of)

With this commonly used expression, one is literally saying “Speaking of this day….”. It does sound quite funny and odd when you look at it literally, but just remember that it is is used as a daytime greeting. Also note that ‘konnichiwa’ can mean “Hello.” or “Good afternoon.”

こんばんは。
konbanwa.
Good evening.

Phrase breakdown:

kon = the current …; this
ban = evening
wa = particle that marks the topic of the sentence (Roughly means: as for, speaking of)

This is a formal greeting used in the evening. It is okay to use this expression from 5pm to 12am.

さようなら。
sayounara.
Good bye. | Farewell.

Phrase breakdown:

sayou = like that
nara = if

“sayounara” is the most polite form of saying goodbye. It’s mostly
reserved for when departing for a significant amount of time. If
you will most likely see the person the next day or relatively soon do not use “sayounara”, instead, use the formal phrase “dewa mata ashita. = See you tomorrow.”

はじめまして。
hajimemashite.
Nice to meet you.

Phrase breakdown:

hajimemashite = derived from the verb “hajimeru (to begin, to start)”

Used only once when meeting someone for the very first time.

よろしくおねがいします。
yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Please treat me kindly.

Phrase breakdown:

yoroshiku = adverb derived from the adjective “yoroshii (good; ok)”
onegaishimasu = please

You will encounter the expression “Onegaishimasu” quite often. Onegaishimasu is used to request a favor from someone. Similar to the way one uses “Please……” in the English language. In the phrase “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” you are literally requesting that the listener treat you in a way that is good or kind. Needless to say this is a very formal and humble expression. Native Japanese usually bow while saying this phrase.

こちらこそ
kochira koso.
Same here. | The pleasure is mine.

Phrase breakdown:

kochira = this person, this direction, this side
koso = particle that puts emphasis on the word before it.

In casual conversation you can say “kocchi koso” instead.

おげんきですか。
o-genki desu ka?
How are you?

Phrase breakdown:

o = honorific prefix used before a word to make it polite
genki = healthy; well
desu = linking verb “to be” which can mean (is, am or are)

This is a common greeting used daily in Japan. It literally means “Are you well?”.

さいきんはどうですか。
saikin wa dou desu ka?
How have you been lately?

Phrase breakdown:

saikin = most recent; these days
kaeru = to return, go back

おひさしぶりです。
o-hisashiburi desu.
It’s been a long time.

Phrase breakdown:

hisashiburi = adjective meaning “a long time” or “a while”
o = honorific prefix used before a word to make it polite
desu = linking verb meaning (is, am, or are)

Sometimes you’ll hear the informal expression “hisabisa” which is a shortened form that literally means “long time”. hisabisa has a nuance similar to the English expression ” Long time no see.”

いってきます。
ittekimasu.
I’m going. | I’m off.

Expression said when leaving a place. Usually said when leaving from home, the office or any place you spend a lot of time in.

いってらっしゃい。
itterasshai.
See you later. | Have a good day.

Expression said to someone who is leaving a place. This expression is said in response to someone saying “ittekimasu”.

ex:

Person A: ittekimasu! = I’m off!

Person B: itterasshai. = See you later. (Literally: Please go and come back.)

ただいま。
tadaima.
I’m home. | I’m back.

Expression said by the person coming back to a place such as home, the office, etc.

おかえりなさい。
okaerinasai.
Welcome home. | Welcome back.

Phrase breakdown:

o = honorific prefix placed before a word to make it polite
kaeru = to return, go back
-nasai = imperative suffix placed at the end of verbs to indicate a command or soft request, it roughly means “please”.

おやすみなさい。
oyasuminasai.
Good night.

Phrase breakdown:

o = honorific prefix
yasumi = derived from the verb “yasumu (to rest, to take a break)”
nasai = imperative form used to request that someone do something

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おはいりください。
ohairi kudasai.
Please come in.

Phrase breakdown:

hairu = to enter, come in
kudasai = please do for me (polite word used to request that the listener do something for the speaker)

Said when inviting a person into your home.

あなたのなまえはなんですか。
anata no namae wa nan desu ka?
What is your name?

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
namae = name
nan = what
desu = linking verb “to be” which can mean (is, am or are)
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

わたしのなまえは＿＿＿です。
watashi no namae wa _ desu.
My name is “_”.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I, me
no = a particle used to show possession. Ex: Mine, his, hers, ours, John’s etc.
namae = name

example:
watashi no namae wa Grethel desu. = My name is Grethel.)

あなたはあアメリカ人ですか。
anata wa amerika-jin desu ka?
Are you American?

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
amerika = America
jin = suffix meaning “person”
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

“jin” is a very important suffix. It roughly means “person”. You will place it after the name of a country to indicate that you or someone is of that nationality. Look at the table below for some examples.

Country Nationality
nihon = Japan
nihon jin = Japanese (person)

amerika = America
amerika jin = American (person)

supein = Spain
supein jin = Spanish (Person)

あなたはにほんじんですか。
anata wa nihon-jin desu ka?
Are you Japanese?

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
nihon = Japan
jin = suffix meaning “person”

-jin is a suffix meaning “person” or “people”. It is placed at the end of the country’s name to indicate a person’s nationality.

どこからきましたか。
doko kara kimashita ka?
Where are you from?

Phrase breakdown:

doko = where
kuru = to come
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

This phrase literally means “Where did you come from?”

あなたはなんさいですか。
anata wa nan sai desu ka?
How old are you?

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
nan sai = how old / what age (nansai is made up of two words “nan” which
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you.

Phrase breakdown:

arigatou = thank you
gozaimasu = to be; to exist

There are many levels of formality in the Japanese language therefor there are various ways to say “Thank you” to someone. A more casual way to express gratitude is simply “arigatou = thanks” or “doumo = thanks”. Both ‘arigatou’ & ‘doumo’ are used in informal situations (with family,friends etc). The most polite form of expressing gratitude is “doumo arigatou gozaimasu. = Thank you very much. ”

どういたしまして。
douitashimashite.
You’re welcome.

すみません。
sumimasen.
I’m sorry.

‘Sumimasen’ also means “Excuse me” when you are trying to grab someone’s attention. It is also used for requests and for showing gratitude. Sumimasen is a multi-purpose word. It can be used in many situations, whereas ‘gomennasai’ is only used to say sorry.

ごめんなさい。
gomennasai.
I’m sorry.

You can also say “gomen” which simply means “Sorry” but this is an informal way of apologizing which should only be used with people you are aquainted or familiar with since it doesn’t sound as serious as “gomennasai”.

もうしわけありません。
moushiwake arimasen.
I’m sorry.

Phrase breakdown:

moushiwake = apology, excuse
arimasen = don’t have, is not

literally means “I have no excuse.” Use it in any formal situation such as with a superior. It is considered more apologetic and serious than saying “gomennasai” or “sumimasen”.

もうしわけございません。
moushiwake gozaimasen.
I’m very sorry.

Phrase Breakdown:

moushiwake = apology, excuse

This is the most polite form of all, use this one when you are in a tight situation and really want forgiveness.

わたしのことをごかいしないでください。
watashi no koto wo gokai shinaide kudasai.
Please don’t misunderstand me. / Please don’t get me wrong.

Phrase Breakdown:

koto = thing
gokai = misunderstanding
shinaide = don’t do
kudasai = please do for me (polite word used to request that the listener do something for the speaker)

いいですよ。
ii desu yo.
That’s okay.

Phrase breakdown:

ii = good
yo = sentence ending particle used to emphasize/stress one’s statement or opinion.

ごしんぱいなく。
goshinpai naku.
Don’t worry about it.

Phrase breakdown:

shinpai = worry

The “go” before “shinpai” is an honorific particle. It’s added after some words to make them more polite.

おせわになりました。
osewa ni narimashita.
Thank you for everything.

Phrase breakdown:

sewa = looking after, aid, assistance
narimashita = became ( this is the past tense polite masu form of the verb “naru = to become)

This is an expression you’ll hear often. It’s used to give thanks to someone who has helped you out over a considerable period of time. The “o” before “sewa” is another honorific particle like “go”. They both function in the same way.

いろいろありがとうございました。
iroiro arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you for everything. / Thank you for your kindness.

Phrase breakdown:

iroiro = various(things)
arigatou = thank you
gozaimasu = to be,exist

This is another way of expressing gratitude for the things someone has done for you. The difference is that this phrase is used when those good deeds have been done to you over a short period of time. While the previous phrase is used when someone has done something for you over a longer period of time.

おくれてすみません。
okurete sumimasen.
I’m sorry for being late.

Phrase breakdown:

okurete = (te) form of the verb “okureru = to be late, to be delayed, to fall behind schedule
sumimasen = excuse me; I’m sorry

おさきにしつれいします。
osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.
I’m leaving now.

Phrase breakdown:

saki = prior, ahead
shitsurei = discourtesy; impoliteness
shimasu = to do

Use this phrase when leaving someplace before or ahead of others.

おさきにどうぞ。
osaki ni douzo.
After you. / Go ahead

Phrase breakdown:

saki = prior, ahead
douzu = by all means; feel free

おじゃまではありませんか。
ojama dewa arimasen ka?
Won’t I be disturbing you?

Phrase breakdown:

jama = hindrance, intrusion, nuisance
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

This phrase literally means “Isn’t it a hindrance?”
You can say this when someone invites you somewhere, like their home for example. It can come across rude if you flat out accept going to someone’s home, so use this phrase as a way of politely hesitating, if the person insists that you go, then you can accept.

それではわたしそろそろ。
sore de wa watashi sorosoro.
Well, I must be going.

Phrase breakdown:

sore de wa = Well then..
sorosoro = soon, gradually, steadily

わたしはよろこんでおてつだいします。
watashi wa yorokonde otetsudai shimasu.
I am happy to help you.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
wa = topic marking Particle
yorokonde = with pleasure
otetsudai = help
shimasu = to do

すみませんが
sumimasen ga…
Excuse me, but…..

Phrase breakdown:

sumimasen = Excuse me
ga = subject marking particle on it’s own, however when used after sumimasen, the meaning of ga changes to “But” to indicate hesitation and respect.

Use this at the very beginning of what you are about to ask about…This expression is used to grab the listener’s attention. It let’s the listener know that you have a question or a request for them.

ちょっとうかがいたいことがあるんですが。
chotto ukagaitai koto ga arun desu ga.
Excuse me but may I ask you a question?

Phrase breakdown:

ukagau = to ask, to inquire
-tai = verb ending attached to the end of verbs to indicate the speaker’s/listener’s wish to do something.

あの、すみません。
ano, sumimasen.
Excuse me.

Phrase breakdown:

ano = a) that over there /b) umm..(“ano” is used as an interjection similar to the English “umm…” and it’s also used to indicate location.)
sumimasen = excuse me, pardon me, I’m sorry

This phrase has a nuance of “Excuse me, but…”. It is a very friendly and humble way to approach a stranger in order to ask for help or to simply to start up a conversation.

たすけてください。
tasukete kudasai.
I need help.

Phrase breakdown:

tasukete = help (-te form of the verb tasukeru = 1. to save 2.to help)
kudasai = please do for me

In case of an emergency you can say the shorter and more direct version of this phrase which is is:tasukete!
Help!

たろをさがしています。
taro wo sagashite imasu.
I’m looking for Taro.

Phrase breakdown:

sagasu = to search for, look for

ぎんこうはどこですか。
ginkou wa doko desu ka?
Where is the bank?

Phrase breakdown:

ginkou = bank
doko = where
desu = linking verb meaning “is, am, are”
doko = where
ka = ? (question marker)

ぎんこうはあのびるのとなりです。
ginkou wa ano biru no tonari desu.
The bank is next to that building.

Phrase breakdown:

ginkou = bank
ano = next to, next door to
biru = building
no = particle that indicates possession or ownership
tonari = next to; neighbor
desu = linking verb meaning “is, am, are”

あるいてどれぐらいかかりますか。
aruite dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to walk there?

Phrase breakdown:

aruite = derived from the verb “aruku (to walk)”
dore kurai = used to ask the degree of something (ex: about how much in time or quantity, about how long in distance or time)
kakarimasu = to take (a resource such as time or money)
ka = Question marker ( Used like the English question marker “?”

＿＿＿＿へはどれぐらいじかんがかかりますか。
_________e wa dore kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka?
How long will it take to get to ?

Phrase breakdown:

e = building
dore kurai = used to ask the degree of something (ex: about how much in time or quantity, about how long in distance or time)
jikan = time
kakarimasu = to take (a resource such as time or money)

くうこうへはどれくらいかかりますか。
kuukou e wa dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to get to the airport?

Phrase breakdown:

kuukou = airport
e = particle used to indicated direction or destination( it translates to the English directional word “to” or “towards”)
dore kurai = used to ask the degree of something (ex: about how much in time or quantity, about how long in distance or time)
kakarimasu = to take (a resource such as time or money)

きょうとへはなんじかんかかりますか。
kyouto e wa nan-jikan kakari masu ka?
How many hours does it take to get to Kyoto?

Phrase breakdown:

kyouto = Kyoto
e = particle used to indicated direction or destination( it translates to the English directional word “to” or “towards”)
nan = what
jikan = time

つぎのでんしゃ/ ばすはいつですか。
tsugi no densha wa itsu desu ka?
When is the next train?

つぎのバスはいつですか。
tsugi no basu wa itsu desu ka?
When is the next bus?

Phrase breakdown:

tsugi = next
densha = train
basu = bus
itsu = when

えきはどれぐらいとおいですか。
eki wa dore kurai tooi desu ka?
How far is it to the train station?

Phrase breakdown:

eki = station
dore kurai = used to ask the degree of something (ex: about how much in time or quantity, about how long in distance or time)
tooi = far

えきはどこですか。
eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the train station?

Phrase breakdown:

eki = station
doko = where

としょかんはぎんこうのとなりです。
toshokan wa ginkou no tonari desu.
The library is next to the bank.

Phrase breakdown:

toshokan = library
ginkou = bank
no = particle that indicates posession
tonari = next to; neighbor
desu = linking verb meaning (is, am, or are)

ちかてつのえきはどこですか。
chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the subway station?

Phrase breakdown:

chikatetsu = subway
eki = station
doko = where

でんしゃのえきへはどういくのですか。
densha no eki e wa dou iku no desu ka?
How do I get to the train station?

Phrase breakdown:

densha = train
eki = station
dou = how
iku = to go

ここはどこ。
koko wa doko desu ka?
Where am I? / What place is this?

Phrase breakdown:

koko = here
doko = where
desu = linking verb meaning (is, am, or are)
ka = ? (Question Marker)

This is a casual phrase literally meaning “Here is where?” Use this phrase when you are in an unfamiliar location and want to know what the name of the location is.

わたしといっしょにきてください。
watashi to issho ni kite kudasai.
Come with me please.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I, me
to = with
issho ni = adverb meaning “together with”
kite = -te form of the verb “kuru (to come)”
kudasai = please do for me (polite word used to request that the listener do something for the speaker)

トイレはどこですか。
toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the toilet? | Where is the restroom?

Phrase breakdown:

toire = toilet, restroom
doko = where

どこへいきたいですか。
doko e ikitai desu ka?
Where do you want to go?

Phrase breakdown:

doko = where
e = towards
ikitai = want to go
desu = linking verb meaning (is, am, or are)

にちにまよいました。
michi ni mayoimashita.
I’m lost.

Phrase breakdown:

michi = street
mayou = to be puzzled, to be perplexed, to lose one’s way

いまなんじですか。
ima nan-ji desu ka?
What time is it (now)?

Phrase breakdown:

ima = now
nanji = what time

ごごいちじです。
gogo ichi ji desu.
It’s 1pm.

Phrase breakdown:

gogo = p.m
ji = o’clock
ichi = one

ごぜんにじです。
gozen ni ji desu.
It’s 2am.

Phrase breakdown:

gozen = a.m

hachi ji han desu.
It’s 8:30.

Phrase breakdown:

hachi = 8
ji = o’clock
han = half

すみませんが、もういちどいってくださいますか。
Sumimasen ga, mou ichido itte kudasaimasu ka.
I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?

Phrase breakdown:

sumimasen ga = Excuse me…..
mou ichido = once more; again
itte = say (this is the -te form of the verb ‘iu’ which means ‘to say’.)
kudasaimasu ka = Would you kindly do X ?

As you might have imagined, use this phrase when you want someone to repeat what they just said. This is without a doubt once of the most essential phrases when starting to learn Japanese, so be sure to memorize it.

A more simpler version of this expression is:

Mou ichido itte kudasai.
Please say it one more time.

もういちど、おねがいします。
mou ichido, onegaishimasu.
One more time, please.

Phrase breakdown:

mou ichido = Once more; again
onegaishimasu = Please…?

だいじょうぶですか。
Daijoubu desu ka?
Are you alright?

Phrase breakdown:

daijoubu = alright; okay; fine

だいじょうぶじゃない。
Daijoubu ja nai.
I’m not alright/okay.

Phrase breakdown:

daijoubu = alright; okay; fine
ja nai = is not; am not

どこがわるいですか。
Doko ga warui desu ka?
What’s wrong?

Phrase breakdown:

doko (どこ) = Where
warui (わるい)= bad; poor; inferior

けがをしました。
kega wo shimashita.
I’m injured. / I’m hurt.

Phrase breakdown:

kega = injury; hurt

きぶんがわるいです。
Kibun ga warui desu.
I don’t feel well.

Phrase breakdown:

kibun = feeling; mood
warui = bad; poor; inferior
desu = linking verb meaning (is, am, or are)

けいさつをよんでください。
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai.
Please call the police.

Phrase breakdown:

keisatsu = police
yonde = call
kudasai = please

ひどいですか。
Hidoi desu ka?
Is it serious?

Phrase breakdown:

hidoi = severe; very bad; terrible; awful

たいしたことありません。
taishita koto arimasen.
It’s not serious.

Phrase breakdown:

taishita = considerable; great; important; significant; a big deal

けいさつをよんでください。
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai.
Please call the police.

Phrase breakdown:

keisatsu = police
yonde = call
kudasai = please

いたい。
itai!
Ouch! / ow!

Phrase breakdown:

itai = painful; sore

ここがいたい。
koko ga itai.
It hurts here.

Phrase breakdown:

koko = here
itai = painful; sore

I can’t stress enough how important this phrase is if you are visiting Japan. Just point to the body part that hurts while saying this phrase and the person will know what hurts.

あたまがいたいです。
Atama ga itai desu.
My head hurts / I have a headache.

Phrase breakdown:

atama = head
itai = painful; sore ( itai is an i-adjective)

When you want to say that something hurts or aches, you will follow this sentence pattern:

Body Part ga itai desu.
Body Part hurts.

Let’s practice saying that your leg hurts or that you have leg pain.
The word for ‘leg’ is ‘ashi’

Ashi ga itai desu.
My leg hurts
I have leg pain.

せなかがいたいです。
Senaka ga itai desu.
My back hurts.

Phrase breakdown:

senaka = back (of body)

のどがいたいです。
Nodo ga itai desu.
My throat hurts / I have a sore throat.

Phrase breakdown:

nodo = throat
itai = painful; sore ( itai is an i-adjective)

はがいたいです。
Ha ga itai desu.
My tooth hurts / I have a toothache.

Phrase breakdown:

ha = tooth
itai = painful; sore ( itai is an i-adjective)

ねつがあります。
Netsu ga arimasu.
I have a fever.

Phrase breakdown:

netsu = heat; fever
arimasu = to be; to exist; to have

アレルギーがあります。
Alergi ga arimasu.
I have allergies.

Phrase breakdown:

alergi (アレルギー) = Allergy

むねがいたいです。
Mune ga itai desu.
I’m having chest pains.

Phrase breakdown:

mune = chest

めがいたいです。
Me ga itai desu
My eyes hurt.

Phrase breakdown:

me = eye(s)
itai = painful; sore

げりをしています。
geri wo shite imasu.
I have diarrhea.

Phrase breakdown:

geri = diarrhea
shite imasu = am doing ( indicates an ongoing situation at the present time, much like the present progressive in English, ex: eating, drinking)

はきけがします。
hakike ga shimasu.
I feel nauseous.

Phrase breakdown:

hakike = nausea; sickness in the stomach
shimasu = to be sensed (of a smell, noise, etc.)

きをうしないました。
ki wo ushinaimashita.
I fainted. / I lost consciousness.

Phrase breakdown:

ki = spirit; mind; heart
ushinaimashita = lost; parted with (This is the past tense form of the verb ushinau = to lose; to part with)

いしゃをよびましょうか。
Isha wo yobimashou ka ?.
Do you want me to call the doctor?

Phrase breakdown:

isha = doctor
yobimashou = Shall I call…
ka = ? (Question marker)

びょういんにいきたいです。
Byouin ni ikitai desu.
I’d like to go to the hospital.

Phrase breakdown:

byouin = hospital
ni = to (particle)
ikitai = want to go

いしゃにみてもらいたいです。
Isha ni mite moraitai desu.
I’d like to see a doctor.

Phrase breakdown:

isha = doctor
mite = see; look (This is the -te form of the verb miru = to see)
moraitai = Would like you to do X for me

こきゅうがくるしいです。
Kokyuu ga kurushii desu.
I’m having trouble breathing.

Phrase breakdown:

kokyuu = breathing; respiration
kurushii = painful; difficult; agonizing

ちかくにやっきょくわありますか。
Chikaku ni yakkyoku wa arimasuka?
Is there a pharmacy nearby?

Phrase breakdown:

chikaku ni = nearby; close by
yakkyoku = pharmacy
arimasu = to be; to exist; to have

おだいじに。
Odaijini.
Take care.

Phrase breakdown:

daiji = important; valuable; serious matter

せんせいにたのもう。
Sensei ni tanomou.
Let’s ask the teacher.

Phrase breakdown:

sensei = teacher; master; doctor
tanomou = Let’s ask

だいがくせいです。
daigakusei desu.
I am a university student.

Phrase breakdown:

daigakusei = university student

テストはどうでしたか。
tesuto wa dou deshita ka?
I am a university student.

Phrase breakdown:

tesuto = test
dou = how
deshita = was

The informal/casual form of this phrase is:

tesuto wa dou datta?
How was the test?

あしたはテストがあります。
ashita wa tesuto ga arimasu.
We have a test tomorrow.

Phrase breakdown:

ashita = tomorrow
tesuto = test
arimasu = to exist; to have

わたしはそのテストにごうかくできました。
watashi wa sono tesuto ni goukaku dekimashita.
I was able to pass the test.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
sono = the; that
tesuto = test
goukaku = success; passing (e.g. exam); eligibility
dekimashita = did (this is the past tense form of verb ‘dekiru = to be able to do’

わたしはべんきょうしなければなりません。
Watashi wa benkyou shinakereba narimasen.
I have to study.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
benkyou = study
shinakereba = If I don’t do X
narimasen = it will not become

The informal/casual form of this phrase is:

tesuto wa dou datta?
How was the test?

こんやににほんごをべんきょうしなければなりません。
konya ni nihongo wo benkyou shinakereba narimasen.
I have to study Japanese tonight.

Phrase breakdown:

konya = tonight
nihongo = Japanese (Language)
benkyou = study
shinakereba narimasen = have to do; must; should; ought to

The –nakereba narimasen ending is added to a verb in it’s negative form in order to say “must do (Verb)” or “have to do (Verb)”

–nakereba narimasen literally means “It will not do, if you do not VERB.”

In the example phrase, we used the verb ‘benkyou suru = to study’ in it’s negative form: Benkyou shinai (do not study / does not study / will not study)

Then we drop the -nai part, and add the ending -nakereba narimasen.

So we now have: Benkyou Shinakereba narimasen

Which literally means: “It will not do, If you do not study”
(Now of course this sounds odd to us in English so this literal meaning is often translated to “Must Study” or “Have to study“)

Click here to learn more about the ending –nakereba narimasen

わたしはえいごをべんきょうします。
watashi wa eigo wo benkyou shimasu.
I study English.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
eigo = English (Language)
benkyou = study
shimasu = do (this is the formal form of the verb ‘suru = to do’)

The informal/casual form of this phrase is:

tesuto wa dou datta?
How was the test?

もっとべんきょうすればいいのに。
motto benkyou sureba ii noni.
You should study harder.

Phrase breakdown:

motto = more
benkyou = study
sureba = if so; in that case; in that situation
ii = good
noni =although; despite; even though; and yet

The ending –ba ii noni is used when you want to make a suggestion that someone do the opposite action of what they are currently doing or not doing.

Meaning:
-ba ii noni = You should…….

Scenario:
Imagine you know that your friend has a test the next day that he hasn’t studied for and is playing video games instead…..so you’d like to suggest to your friend that he should study instead of playing games.

So, in that case you would say to your friend: “You should X ”

Construction:

verb (in conditional form) + ばいいのに
verb (in conditional form) + ba ii noni
You should verb.
Benkyou sureba ii noni.

わたしはりゅうがくしたい。
watashi wa ryuugaku shitai.
I want to study abroad.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
ryuugaku = studying abroad
shitai = want to

Literal translation:
watashi wa ryuugaku shitai.
I study abroad want to do

にほんごをべんきょうしましょう。
Nihongo wo benkyou shimashou.
Let’s study Japanese.

Phrase breakdown:

nihongo = Japanese (language)
wo = particle that marks the direct object of a sentence
benkyou = study
shimashou = Let’s X.

やまださんはせんせいです。
Yamada san wa sensei desu.
Mr. Yamada is a teacher.

Phrase breakdown:

san = Mr. , Mrs. , Miss , Ms
sensei = teacher; master; doctor
desu = linking verb “to be” which can mean (is, am or are)

せんせいにたのもう。
Sensei ni tanomou.
Let’s ask the teacher.

Phrase breakdown:

sensei = teacher; master; doctor
ni = to (direction, state)
tanomou = Let’s ask….. (derived from the verb ‘tanomu = to (direction, state); toward; into)

わたしはこくごのきょうしです
watashi wa kokugo no kyoushi desu.
I’m a Japanese teacher.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
wa = particle that marks the topic of the sentence
kokugo = Japanese language
kyoushi = teacher
desu = linking verb “to be” which can mean (is, am or are)

せんこうはなにですか。
senkou wa nani desu ka?
What’s your major?

Phrase breakdown:

senkou = major
nani = what
desu = linking verb “to be” which can mean (is, am or are)
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

わたしはにほんごをせんこうしようときめました。
watashi wa nihongo wo senkou shiyou to kimemashita.
I decided to major in Japanese.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
nihongo = Japanese (language)
wo = particle that marks the direct object of a sentence
senkou = major (subject)
shiyou = way; method; means
kimemashita = decided (past tense form of verb ‘kimeru = to decide’)

あなたはなにのかもくをせんこうしているのですか
anata wa nani no kamoku wo senkou shite iru no desu ka?
What subject do you major in?

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
nani no = what kind; what sort
kamoku= (school) subject; curriculum; course
senkou = major subject
shite iru = doing (progressive form of the verb ‘suru = to do’ ex: reading, doing etc…)
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

トムはこうかんりゅうがくせいとしてにっぽんにいたとき、わたしたちのいえにたいざいした。
Tomu wa koukan ryuugakusei to shite nippon ni ita toki, watashitachi no ie ni taizai shita.
Tom stayed with us while he was in Japan as an exchange student.

Phrase breakdown:

Tomu = Tom
koukan = exchange
ryuugakusei = overseas student; exchange student

けしゴムをかりてもいい？
keshigomu wo karite mo ii?
May I borrow your eraser?

Phrase breakdown:

keshigomu = eraser
wo = particle that marks the direct object of a sentence
karite = borrow ( -te form of the verb ‘kariru = to borrow’)
mo ii ? = is it okay?; may I?

なにかしつもんはありますか。
nanika shitsumon wa arimasu ka?
Do you have a question?

Phrase breakdown:

nanika = something
shitsumon = question
wa = particle that marks the topic of the sentence (Roughly means: as for, speaking of)
arimasu = to have; to exist
ka = particle that turns sentence into a question ( ? )

しゅくだいをやりなさい。
Shukudai wo yarinasai.
Do your homework.

Phrase breakdown:

shukudai = homework
yarinasai = Do !

This phrase is most likely to be said by a parent to a child, or by a teacher to a student since the –nasai ending has a strong nuance of talking down to someone due to the speaker being more mature or being an authority figure.

しゅくだいでいそがしい
shukudai de isogashii.
I’m busy with my homework.

Phrase breakdown:

shukudai = homework
de = indicates location of action; at; in
isogashii = busy

しゅくだいがたくさんある。
watashi wa shukudai ga takusan arimasu.
I have a lot of homework.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
shukudai = homework
ga = particle that marks the subject of the sentence
takusan = a lot; many; a great deal
arimasu = to be; to exist; to have

しゅくだいをいっしょにしよう。
shukudai wo issho ni shimashou.
Let’s do homework together.

Phrase breakdown:

shukudai = homework
issho = together
shimashou = let’s do x

せいふくはあるの
seifuku wa aru no?
Do you have a school uniform?

Phrase breakdown:

seifuku = uniform
aru = to be; to exist; to have
no = indicates a question (informal)

あなたのがっこうはどこですか
anata no gakkou wa doko desu ka?
Where is your school?

Phrase breakdown:

anata no = your
gakkou = school
doko = where

スクールバスがありますか。
sukuurubasu ga arimasu ka?
Is there a school bus?

Phrase breakdown:

sukuurubasu = school bus
arimasu = to be; to exist; to have

がっこうはしがつにはじまる
gakkou wa shigatsu ni hajimaru.
School begins in April.

Phrase breakdown:

gakkou = school
shigatsu = April
hajimaru = to begin; to start

わたしはいつもバスつうがくです。
watashi wa itsumo basu tsuugaku desu.
I usually commute to school by bus.

Phrase breakdown:

itsumo = always; usually
basu = bus
tsuugaku = commuting to school; school commute

わたしたちはあしたはじゅぎょうがない。
watashitachi wa ashita wa juugyou ga nai
We have no school tomorrow.

Phrase breakdown:

watashitachi = we
ashita = tomorrow
juugyou = lesson; class work; teaching; instruction
nai = nonexistent; not being (there)

かれはがっこうをけっせきした。
kare wa gakkou wo kesseki shita.
He was absent from school.

Phrase breakdown:

kare = he
gakkou = school
kesseki = absence; non-attendance

たくさんのがくせいがあるばいとをする
Takusan no gakusei ga arubaito wo suru.
Many students have part-time jobs.

Phrase breakdown:

takusan = a lot; many
gakusei = student
arubaito = part-time job

わたしはかいしゃいんです
watashi wa kaishain desu.
I am an office worker.

Phrase breakdown:

kaishain = company employee; office worker

かれはいっしょうけんめいはたらく。
kare wa isshoukenmei hataraku.
He is a hard worker.

Phrase breakdown:

kare = he / him
isshoukenmei = very hard; with utmost effort; with all one’s might; for dear life
hataruku = to work

おおはばにしょうきゅうした。
oohaba ni shoukyuu shita
I got a big pay raise.

Phrase breakdown:

oohaba = big; large; drastic; substantial
shoukyuu = salary raise
shita = did

ごえいてんおめでとうございます。
go-eiten omedetou gozaimasu.
Congratulations on your promotion.

Phrase breakdown:

eiten = promotion
omedetou gozaimasu = congratulations

じきゅうはいくらですか。
jikyuu wa ikura desu ka?
How much is your hourly pay?

Phrase breakdown:

jikyuu = hourly pay; hourly wage
ikura = how much?; how many?

かのじょはかいしゃをやめました。
kanojo wa kaisha wo yamemashita.
She quit the company.

Phrase breakdown:

kanojo = she
kaisha = company
yamemashita = quit

かれはじひょうをだした。
kare wa jihyou wo dashita.
He handed in his resignation.

Phrase breakdown:

kare = he
jihyou = letter of resignation
dashita = 1. to take out; to get out 2. to submit (e.g. thesis); to turn in

そのかいしゃははさんした。
sono kaisha wa hasan shita.
I was late to school.

Phrase breakdown:

sono = 1. the 2. that over there
kaisha = company
hasan = bankruptcy; insolvency
shita = did

あのかいしゃはあかじだ。
ano kaisha wa akaji desu.
That company is losing money.

Phrase breakdown:

ano = that
kaisha = company
akaji = deficit; (being in or going into) the red

そのしもうしでをうけることにしたよ。
sono moushide wo ukeru koto ni shita yo.
That company is losing money.

Phrase breakdown:

sono = 1 the 2. that
moushide = proposal; request; claim; report; notice; offer
ukeru = to receive; to get
koto = thing; matter

らいしゅうめんせつにおいでいただけますか。
raishuu mensetsu ni oide itadakemasu ka?
Would you like to come in for an interview next week?

Phrase breakdown:

mensetsu = interview (e.g. for a job)
oide = coming; going; being (somewhere)
itadakemasu = to be able to receive; to be able to take; to be able to accept

かれはしゅうしょくをていちょうにことわった。
kare wa shuushoku wo teichou ni kotowatta.
He declined the job offer politely.

Phrase breakdown:

kare = he; him
shuushoku = finding employment; getting a job
teichou = polite; courteous; hospitable
kotowatta = refused; rejected; turned down; declined (Past tense form of the verb ‘kotowaru = to refuse; reject; turn down; decline’)

じょうしにざんぎょうさせられたんだよ。
joushi ni zangyou saseraretan da yo.
My boss made me work overtime.

Phrase breakdown:

joushi = boss
ni = by
zangyou= deficit; (being in or going into) the red
sasaretan =

ジョンはざんぎょうでつかれていた。
Jon wa zangyou de tsukarete ita.
John was tired from working overtime.

Phrase breakdown:

Jon = John
zangyou = overtime
de = from
tsukarete ita = was made tired

わたしはじぶんのしごとをにきにっています。
watashi wa jibun no shigoto wo niki nitte imasu.
John was tired from working overtime.

Phrase breakdown:

Jon = John
zangyou = overtime
de = from
tsukarete ita = was made tired

いま、ゆうきゅうきゅうかちゅうです。
ima, yuukyuu kyuuka chuu desu.
I am on paid vacation.

Phrase breakdown:

ima = now; the present time
yuukyuu = John
kyuuka = holiday; day off
chuu = 1. inside; within; 2. during

にっぽんでは、げっきゅうです。
nippon de wa, gekkyuu desu.
In Japan, we are paid by the month.

Phrase breakdown:

nippon = Japan
de = particle that indicates location of action; at; in
gekkyuu = monthly salary

わたしはしゅうたにでしはらわれる。
Watashi wa shuuta ni de shiharawareru.
I am paid by the week.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = Japan
shuuta = particle that indicates location of action; at; in
ni = monthly salary
de = by
shiharawareru = monthly salary

かぞくはなんにんがいますか。
Kazoku wa nan nin ga imasu ka?
How many people are there in your family?

Phrase breakdown:

kazoku = family
nannin = How many? (people)
imasu = to be; to exist; to have

かぞくはごにんがいます。
Kazoku wa go nin ga imasu.
There are five people in my family.

Phrase breakdown:

kazoku = family
go = 5
nin = counter for people
imasu = to be; to exist; to have

わたしはむすめがいます。
watashi wa musume ga imasu.

Phrase breakdown:

musume = 1. daughter 2. girl
imasu = to be; to exist; to have

あにがいます。
watashi wa ani ga imasu.
I have an older brother.

Phrase breakdown:

ani = older brother
imasu = to be; to exist; to have

ちちはいしゃです。
chichi wa isha desu.
My father is a doctor.

Phrase breakdown:

chichi = father (used when speaking about your own father)
isha = doctor

わたなべがみょうじです。
watanabe ga myouji desu.
Watanabe is my family name.

Phrase breakdown:

myouji = surname; family name= John

ごかぞくはおげんきですか。
gokazoku wa ogenki desu ka?
How is your family?

Phrase breakdown:

go =
kazoku = Family
o =
de = from

おんなのきょうだいはいません。
onna no kyoudai wa imasen.
I have no sisters.

Phrase breakdown:

onna = female
kyoudai = siblings; brothers and sisters
imasen = do not have; do not exist

わたしはこどもがいません。
watashi wa kodomo ga imasen.
I don’t have any children.

Phrase breakdown:

Jon = John
zangyou = overtime
de = from
tsukarete ita = was made tired

わたしにはにんきょうだいがいます。
watashi ni wa nin kyoudai ga imasu.
John was tired from working overtime.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = John
ni = overtime
nin = from
kyoudai = was made tired

わたしのはははとてもやさしいひとです。
Watashi no haha wa totemo yasashii hito desu.
My mother is very kind.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
haha = mother
totemo= very
yasashii = kind
hito = person

わたしにはきょうだいがににんとしまいがさんにんいます。
watashi ni wa kyoudai ga ninin to shimai ga san nin imasu.
I have two brothers and three sisters.

Phrase breakdown:

watashi = I
kyoudai = overtime
to = and
shimai = sisters

だれもがわたしはちちおやにであるという。
Daremo ga watashi wa chichi oya ni de aru to iu.
Everyone says I look like my father.

Phrase breakdown:

daremo = everyone
watashi = I
chichi = father

すき。
Suki.
I like you.

Phrase breakdown:

suki = liking; fondness; love

あいしてる。
Aishiteru.
I love you.

Phrase breakdown:

aishiteru = I love you (expression made up of the plain verb “ai suru = to love”)

あなたにキスしたい。
Anata ni kisu shitai.
I’d like to kiss you.

Phrase breakdown:

anata = you
kisu = kiss
shitai = want to do

キスしてほしい。
Kisu shite hoshii.
I want you to kiss me.

Phrase breakdown:

kisu = kiss
hoshii = liking; fondness; love

こんどどこかにいっしょにでーとしない？
Kondo dokoka ni isshoni deeto shinai?
Do you want to go on a date sometime?

Phrase breakdown:

kondo = next time; another time

わたしにはつきあっているひとがいます。
Watashi ni wa tsukiatteiru hito ga imasu.
I am seeing someone.

Phrase breakdown:

tsukiatte iru = seeing; going out with
hito = person

すき。
Suki.
I like you.

Phrase breakdown:

suki = liking; fondness; love

すき。
Suki.
I like you.

Phrase breakdown:

suki = liking; fondness; love

すき。
Suki.
I like you.

Phrase breakdown:

suki = liking; fondness; love

Greetings

おはようございます。 ohayou gozaimasu. Good morning.

こんにちは。 konnichiwa. 1. Hello. | 2. good afternoon.

こんばんは。 konbanwa. Good evening.

さようなら。 sayounara. Good bye. | Farewell.

はじめまして。 hajimemashite. Nice to meet you.

よろしくおねがいします。 yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Please treat me kindly.

こちらこそ kochira koso. Same here. | The pleasure is mine.

おげんきですか。 o-genki desu ka? How are you?

さいきんはどうですか。 saikin wa dou desu ka? How have you been lately?

おひさしぶりです。 o-hisashiburi desu. It’s been a long time.

いってきます。 ittekimasu. I’m going. | I’m off.

いってらっしゃい。 itterasshai. See you later. | Have a good day.

ただいま。 tadaima. I’m home. | I’m back.

おかえりなさい。 okaerinasai. Welcome home. | Welcome back.

おやすみなさい。 oyasuminasai. Good night.

おはいりください。 ohairi kudasai. Please come in.

Introductions

あなたのなまえはなんですか。 anata no namae wa nan desu ka? What is your name?

わたしのなまえは＿＿＿です。 watashi no namae wa _______ desu. My name is “_______”.

あなたはあアメリカ人ですか。 anata wa amerika-jin desu ka? Are you American?

あなたはにほんじんですか。 anata wa nihon-jin desu ka? Are you Japanese?

どこからきましたか。 doko kara kimashita ka? Where are you from?

あなたはなんさいですか。 anata wa nan sai desu ka? How old are you?

Courtesy

ありがとうございます。 arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you.

どういたしまして。 douitashimashite. You’re welcome.

すみません。 sumimasen. I’m sorry.

ごめんなさい。 gomennasai. I’m sorry.

もうしわけありません。 moushiwake arimasen. I’m sorry.

もうしわけございません。 moushiwake gozaimasen. I’m very sorry.

わたしのことをごかいしないでください。 watashi no koto wo gokai shinaide kudasai. Please don’t misunderstand me. / Please don’t get me wrong.

いいですよ。 ii desu yo. That’s okay.

ごしんぱいなく。 goshinpai naku. Don’t worry about it.

おせわになりました。 osewa ni narimashita. Thank you for everything.

いろいろありがとうございました。 iroiro arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you for everything. / Thank you for your kindness.

おくれてすみません。 okurete sumimasen. I’m sorry for being late.

おさきにしつれいします。 osaki ni shitsurei shimasu. I’m leaving now.

おさきにどうぞ。 osaki ni douzo. After you. / Go ahead

おじゃまではありませんか。 ojama dewa arimasen ka? Won’t I be disturbing you?

それではわたしそろそろ。 sore de wa watashi sorosoro. Well, I must be going.

わたしはよろこんでおてつだいします。 watashi wa yorokonde otetsudai shimasu. I am happy to help you.

Asking for help from strangers

すみませんが sumimasen ga… Excuse me, but…..

ちょっとうかがいたいことがあるんですが。 chotto ukagaitai koto ga arun desu ga. Excuse me but may I ask you a question?

あの、すみません。 ano, sumimasen. Excuse me.

たすけてください。 tasukete kudasai. I need help.

たろをさがしています。 taro wo sagashite imasu. I’m looking for Taro.

ぎんこうはどこですか。 ginkou wa doko desu ka? Where is the bank?

ぎんこうはあのびるのとなりです。 ginkou wa ano biru no tonari desu. The bank is next to that building.

あるいてどれぐらいかかりますか。 aruite dore kurai kakarimasu ka? How long does it take to walk there?

＿＿＿＿へはどれぐらいじかんがかかりますか。 _________e wa dore kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka? How long will it take to get to ?

くうこうへはどれくらいかかりますか。 kuukou e wa dore kurai kakarimasu ka? How long does it take to get to the airport?

きょうとへはなんじかんかかりますか。 kyouto e wa nan-jikan kakari masu ka? How many hours does it take to get to Kyoto?

つぎのでんしゃ/ ばすはいつですか。 tsugi no densha wa itsu desu ka? When is the next train?

つぎの バスはいつですか。 tsugi no basu wa itsu desu ka? When is the next bus?

えきはどれぐらいとおいですか。 eki wa dore kurai tooi desu ka? How far is it to the train station?

えきはどこですか。 eki wa doko desu ka? Where is the train station?

としょかんはぎんこうのとなりです。 toshokan wa ginkou no tonari desu. The library is next to the bank.

ちかてつのえきはどこですか。 chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka? Where is the subway station?

でんしゃのえきへはどういくのですか。 densha no eki e wa dou iku no desu ka? How do I get to the train station?

ここはどこ。 koko wa doko desu ka? Where am I? / What place is this?

わたしといっしょにきてください。 watashi to issho ni kite kudasai. Come with me please.

トイレはどこですか。 toire wa doko desu ka? Where is the toilet? | Where is the restroom?

どこへいきたいですか。 doko e ikitai desu ka? Where do you want to go?

にちにまよいました。 michi ni mayoimashita. I’m lost.

いまなんじですか。 ima nan-ji desu ka? What time is it (now)?

ごごいちじです。 gogo ichi ji desu. It’s 1pm.

ごぜんにじです。 gozen ni ji desu. It’s 2am.

hachi ji han desu. It’s 8:30.

すみませんが、もういちどいってくださいますか。 Sumimasen ga, mou ichido itte kudasaimasu ka. I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?

もういちど、おねがいします。 mou ichido, onegaishimasu. One more time, please.

Medical Emergencies

だいじょうぶですか。 Daijoubu desu ka? Are you alright?

だいじょうぶじゃない。 Daijoubu ja nai. I’m not alright/okay.

どこがわるいですか。 Doko ga warui desu ka? What’s wrong?

けがをしました。 kega wo shimashita. I’m injured. / I’m hurt.

きぶんがわるいです。 Kibun ga warui desu. I don’t feel well.

けいさつをよんでください。 Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai. Please call the police.

ひどいですか。 Hidoi desu ka? Is it serious?

おはようございます。
ohayou gozaimasu.
Good morning.

こんにちは。
konnichiwa.
1. Hello. | 2. good afternoon.

こんばんは。
konbanwa.
Good evening.

さようなら。
sayounara.
Good bye. | Farewell.

はじめまして。
hajimemashite.
Nice to meet you.

よろしくおねがいします。
yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Please treat me kindly.

こちらこそ
kochira koso.
Same here. | The pleasure is mine.

おげんきですか。
o-genki desu ka?
How are you?

さいきんはどうですか。
saikin wa dou desu ka?
How have you been lately?

おひさしぶりです。
o-hisashiburi desu.
It’s been a long time.

いってきます。
ittekimasu.
I’m going. | I’m off.

いってらっしゃい。
itterasshai.
See you later. | Have a good day.

ただいま。
tadaima.
I’m home. | I’m back.

おかえりなさい。
okaerinasai.
Welcome home. | Welcome back.

おやすみなさい。
oyasuminasai.
Good night.

おはいりください。
ohairi kudasai.
Please come in.

あなたのなまえはなんですか。
anata no namae wa nan desu ka?
What is your name?

わたしのなまえは＿＿＿です。
watashi no namae wa _ desu.
My name is “_”.

あなたはあアメリカ人ですか。
anata wa amerika-jin desu ka?
Are you American?

あなたはにほんじんですか。
anata wa nihon-jin desu ka?
Are you Japanese?

どこからきましたか。
doko kara kimashita ka?
Where are you from?

あなたはなんさいですか。
anata wa nan sai desu ka?
How old are you?

ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you.

どういたしまして。
douitashimashite.
You’re welcome.

すみません。
sumimasen.
I’m sorry.

ごめんなさい。
gomennasai.
I’m sorry.

もうしわけありません。
moushiwake arimasen.
I’m sorry.

もうしわけございません。
moushiwake gozaimasen.
I’m very sorry.

わたしのことをごかいしないでください。
watashi no koto wo gokai shinaide kudasai.
Please don’t misunderstand me. / Please don’t get me wrong.

いいですよ。
ii desu yo.
That’s okay.

ごしんぱいなく。
goshinpai naku.
Don’t worry about it.

おせわになりました。
osewa ni narimashita.
Thank you for everything.

いろいろありがとうございました。
iroiro arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you for everything. / Thank you for your kindness.

おくれてすみません。
okurete sumimasen.
I’m sorry for being late.

おさきにしつれいします。
osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.
I’m leaving now.

おさきにどうぞ。
osaki ni douzo.
After you. / Go ahead

おじゃまではありませんか。
ojama dewa arimasen ka?
Won’t I be disturbing you?

それではわたしそろそろ。
sore de wa watashi sorosoro.
Well, I must be going.

わたしはよろこんでおてつだいします。
watashi wa yorokonde otetsudai shimasu.
I am happy to help you.

すみませんが
sumimasen ga…
Excuse me, but…..

ちょっとうかがいたいことがあるんですが。
chotto ukagaitai koto ga arun desu ga.
Excuse me but may I ask you a question?

あの、すみません。
ano, sumimasen.
Excuse me.

たすけてください。
tasukete kudasai.
I need help.

たろをさがしています。
taro wo sagashite imasu.
I’m looking for Taro.

ぎんこうはどこですか。
ginkou wa doko desu ka?
Where is the bank?

ぎんこうはあのびるのとなりです。
ginkou wa ano biru no tonari desu.
The bank is next to that building.

あるいてどれぐらいかかりますか。
aruite dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to walk there?

＿＿＿＿へはどれぐらいじかんがかかりますか。
_________e wa dore kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka?
How long will it take to get to ?

くうこうへはどれくらいかかりますか。
kuukou e wa dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to get to the airport?

きょうとへはなんじかんかかりますか。
kyouto e wa nan-jikan kakari masu ka?
How many hours does it take to get to Kyoto?

つぎのでんしゃ/ ばすはいつですか。
tsugi no densha wa itsu desu ka?
When is the next train?

つぎのバスはいつですか。
tsugi no basu wa itsu desu ka?
When is the next bus?

えきはどれぐらいとおいですか。
eki wa dore kurai tooi desu ka?
How far is it to the train station?

えきはどこですか。
eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the train station?

としょかんはぎんこうのとなりです。
toshokan wa ginkou no tonari desu.
The library is next to the bank.

ちかてつのえきはどこですか。
chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the subway station?

でんしゃのえきへはどういくのですか。
densha no eki e wa dou iku no desu ka?
How do I get to the train station?

ここはどこ。
koko wa doko desu ka?
Where am I? / What place is this?

わたしといっしょにきてください。
watashi to issho ni kite kudasai.
Come with me please.

トイレはどこですか。
toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the toilet? | Where is the restroom?

どこへいきたいですか。
doko e ikitai desu ka?
Where do you want to go?

にちにまよいました。
michi ni mayoimashita.
I’m lost.

いまなんじですか。
ima nan-ji desu ka?
What time is it (now)?

ごごいちじです。
gogo ichi ji desu.
It’s 1pm.

ごぜんにじです。
gozen ni ji desu.
It’s 2am.

hachi ji han desu.
It’s 8:30.

すみませんが、もういちどいってくださいますか。
Sumimasen ga, mou ichido itte kudasaimasu ka.
I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?

もういちど、おねがいします。
mou ichido, onegaishimasu.
One more time, please.

だいじょうぶですか。
Daijoubu desu ka?
Are you alright?

だいじょうぶじゃない。
Daijoubu ja nai.
I’m not alright/okay.

どこがわるいですか。
Doko ga warui desu ka?
What’s wrong?

けがをしました。
kega wo shimashita.
I’m injured. / I’m hurt.

きぶんがわるいです。
Kibun ga warui desu.
I don’t feel well.

けいさつをよんでください。
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai.
Please call the police.

ひどいですか。
Hidoi desu ka?
Is it serious?

たいしたことありません。
taishita koto arimasen.
It’s not serious.

けいさつをよんでください。
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai.
Please call the police.

いたい。
itai!
Ouch! / ow!

ここがいたい。
koko ga itai.
It hurts here.

あたまがいたいです。
Atama ga itai desu.
My head hurts / I have a headache.