Japanese: Basic Expressions and Greetings

Module 2: Basic Expressions and Greetings in Japanese

• This module focuses on learning basic Japanese expressions and greetings, emphasizing politeness and humility.
• The module aims to help students become acquainted with common Japanese greetings, use them appropriately, recognize their importance, show respect, and develop polite strategies for interacting with Japanese clients and visitors.
• Greetings are crucial for demonstrating respect and creating a good impression, and Japan has a unique set of greeting customs.

The Essence of Aisatsu

• Aisatsu (挨拶) translates to "greeting" but carries a deeper significance than a simple "hello."
• It is considered very important in Japan and is taught from early childhood.

Significance in the Workplace

• Aisatsu fosters a positive work environment and encourages communication among coworkers.
• Bowing is a more prevalent custom than handshaking.

Key Japanese Greetings and Expressions

Common Greetings

• Ohayou (おはよう) - Good morning (informal).
• Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) - Good morning (polite).
• This greeting is essential in the workplace and can initiate conversations.
• Gozaimasu indicates politeness and formality.
• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) - Hello/Good afternoon
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening.
• These greetings are applicable in both formal and informal settings.

Offering, Accepting and Thanking

• Japanese culture values generosity in giving gifts or food, making these expressions essential.
• Douzo (どうぞ) - Go ahead, please take it.
• Used when offering items or inviting someone to proceed.
• Aa, doumo (ああ、どうも)- Oh, thanks.
• Arigatou (ありがとう) - Thank you (general).
• Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) - Thank you (polite).
• Never use 'Arigatou' without gozaimasu with superiors
• Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) - Thank you for what you have done.
• Doumo expresses both gratitude and apology.
• Gozaimashita indicates that an act is completed.

Addressing Someone

• Using proper titles is a crucial aspect of Japanese courtesy.
• -san (~さん) - Mr./Ms./Mrs. (most common, used with first or last name, regardless of gender/marital status; never use for yourself).
• -sama (~さま) - More formal title used for clients, customers, or those deserving respect.
• -sensei (~せんせい) - Title for teachers, professors, doctors (do not use -san for your teacher).
• -kun (~くん): Suffix often added to a boy's name.
• -chan (〜ちゃん): Suffix often added to a child's name

Apologizing

• Apologizing is a significant part of Japanese culture, often accompanied by bowing.
• A, Sumimasen (あ、すみません) - Oh, sorry!
• Ie, iie (いえ、いいえ) - No, no (formal).
• Iya (いや) - No, no.
• Sumimasen(すみません) - thank you, I'm sorry.
• One of the most useful word, it expresses apology or gratitude when troubling someone
• Sumimasen deshita(すみませんでした) - thank you, I'm sorry for what's done
• Gomen (ごめん), Gomen nasai (ごめなさい) - (casual) Sorry, excuse me
• Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして)- You're welcome, not at all.

Starting and Ending Eating/Drinking

• Japan places value on courtesy and respect in mealtime expressions.
• Douzo (どうぞ) - Please, have some.
• Jaa, itadakimasu (じゃあ、いただきます)- Well then, I'll have some.,
• Itadakimasu (いただきます) - Ritual expression before eating which literally means (I'll humbly accept it), also used before or receiving a gift.
• Gochisousama (deshita) (ごちそうさま(でした)) - Thank you, showing gratitude after eating.
• The Ja is follow up on what has been said, to switch an idea etc
• Even when alone, Japanese people whisper itadakimasu and gochisousama when start and end eating.

Requesting

• Sumimasen (すみません) - Excuse me- is used to get someone's attention or to apologize lightly, for instance.
• Example: when calling out to someone, or in a shopping store before buying .
• Onegaishimasu (おねtiいします) - is used with a more formal manner to make a request
• Example: mizu o onegaishimasu = Water, please.)

Leaving and Coming Back to Home/Office

• Specific phrases are used when leaving and returning home.
• Itte kimasu (いってきます) - "I'm leaving"
• It doubles as 'see you later' or simply 'bye'
• Itte rasshai (いってらっしゃい) - "Go and come back safely" and Itte kimasu's phrase.
• Tadaima (ただいま)- When returning which literally means 'just now" to say "I've just come home,"
• Okaerinasai (おtiえりなさい) - Welcome back, when people come home and usually after say tadaima

Meeting People for the First Time

• Hajimemashite (はじめまして) - How do you do/literally means for the ‘first time" and also a ritual expression when use.
• Hinata desu (ひなたです) - I am Hinata.
• Hinata-san desu ka (ひなたさんですti) - Are you Ms. Hinata?
• Sakura desu (さくらです) - I am Sakura.
• Douzo yoroshiku (どうぞよろしく) or Yoroshiku (よろしく)- Nice to and also a ritual expression when meeting
• Onegaishimasu or yoroshiku onegaishimasu: Thank you/Please treat me favorably
• when use should make sure you bow

Key Takeaways

• Japanese greetings and expressions are heavily influenced by culture and are essential for building relationships and leaving positive impressions which also apply to one self introductions
• Mastering polite Japanese is crucial for effective communication and demonstrating respect.