onegaishimasu (Please)

This is very convenient phrase used when making a request.

Note: Both "onegaishimasu" and "kudasai " are used when making a request for items.

dochira

(Which one)

dochira is used only when the question is about two items eg. kore to are to docira ga ii desu ka (which one is better, this one or that one?)

To ask a question about three or more items, use dare, doko and dore. Use dare for people, doko for places and dore for other items. All three words mean "which one"

kekko desu / ii desu

(That’s fine/

No thank you)

Both kekko desu and ii desu mean either "That’s fine" or "No thank you," depending on the situation. Eg. if a clerk says kekko desu in response to a request, it means "That’s fine." But if someone says kekko desu right after you offer him or her a drink, it means "no thank you."

so-nano?

(Is that so?)

This has to be the most overused phrase in Japanese! Then again, sometimes it just means "I’m listening to you" and sometimes it’s used to ask for clarification etc. Non-verbal cues will tell you!

gambatte!/gambare!

(Go! Go for it! / Good Luck)

gambare is stronger, and is used in any situation (speaking directly to someone who is about to sit a test/play sport, cheering for your favorite team, encouraging runners in a marathon etc).

gambatte is usually only used when speaking directly to someone. When used before the event, these phrases are the normal Japanese equivalent to "good luck."

nani yo / nanda yo

(what do you want?)

These are basic, all round good phrases to use when someone really pisses you off. They usually command respect, or at least let you establish yourself.

uso bakkari

(You’re kidding me!)

The Japanese commonly uses this phrase; so don’t confuse bakka (a short form of bakkari meaning "only" or "just") with baka (‘fool" or "idiot"). For more emphasis, you could lengthen the last syllable or the kk pause of bakkari, or clip the last syllable of bakka.

ma, so ne

(No, not really)

ma, so ne can indicate either (indifferent) agreement or subtle disagreement (subtle being the best disagreement in the situation!) depending on how you say it. Saying it with a lack of enthusiasm will show that you’re not really enjoying yourself. And of course these hints that you’d rather move on or go home!

chotto

(A little)

chotto is one of those wonderful words that has far more uses than a dictionary can suggest. The English translation is usually "a little" but you hear it in situations where no literal translation works. You can use chotto to make a request, complaint, or refusal sound understand, which makes you appear sensitive and modest – a good thing to the Japanese. Check out the many uses of chotto:

I. Asking a favor:

As in "chotto oshietekudasai", this phrase translates literally as "Please teach me a little" but in more natural English, it means something like "I’d like to ask you something if I could."

II. Asking for permission:

When you need to get permission to do something, start with chotto. Think of the phrase "chotto kite mite mo ii desu ka", literally, can I try it on a little? As having a meaning close to "Can I try it on for a minute?" In this context, chotto makes it sound as if you’ll be done quickly.

III. Complaining:

chotto chisai desu (literally, It’s a little small) sounds gracious when everyone knows that you really mean, "It’s too small."

IV. Objecting:

chotto yamete kudasai (literally, please stop that a little) sounds mild, even when you mean, "Please stop that completely."

dekita

(I’ve finished)

dekita only applies to something that has a clear start and finish, such as cooking dinner, a project or homework, but not work, which carries on the next day, and so isn’t "finished" in the same sense.

Shopping

kaimono/shoppingu

Store; Shop

o-mise

Shopping Center

shoppingu sentaa

Supermarket

suupaa

Convenience Store

konbini

(the abbreviation of "konbiniensu sutoa")

Department Stores

depaato/hyakkaten

Welcome.

Irasshaimase.

May I help you?

(Literally means, "Are you looking for something?")

Nanika osagashi desu ka.

How do you like it?

Ikaga desu ka.

Certainly.

Kashikomarimashita.

Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Omatase itashimashita.