Konnichi Wa Mina! Welcome to Lesson 2.
These are important phrases to know, as it shows politeness and respect, a big deal in Japan. Let us begin:
Arigatou (gozaimasu): Thank you
Arigatou gozaimasu is the polite version.
Domo Arigatou (Gozaimasu): Thank you very much
Domo: Thanks!
This is used as a quick thanks and usually used with friends.
Do itashimashite: You're welcome.
(Chotto) o-negai shimasu: Please(help me a little)
________ o-negai shimasu: Please give me ___ or Please do ____ for me.
Dozo: Please feel free
This can also mean or be used as "Please accept this" and "Here is what you asked for" It is sometimes used to invite someone into your house or office, meaning "please feel free to come in".
_______ o dozo: Here is some/a __ for you.
This can also mean "Have some_____"
_____ wa?: How about some ___?
Okamai naku: Don't bother/ Dont go to any trouble.
When visiting someones house, it is normal to refuse and foor or beverage offered to you. When offered you would say Okamai Naku. They will ask you again, and then you can accept. If you really dont want what they offer, accept anyways, and try a little bit. If it is because of health reasons that you cannot eat or drink it, accept it and leave it untouched. If you live with the family, you can refuse with the phrase Iie, kekko desu; which translates into something like, No, I am fine.
Sumimasen: I'm sorry
When you are with frends, sumimasen is used as a regular sorry, however when you are using it in a formal situation, it's meant to be used as "Im sorry for making you go through all the trouble." or "thank you for the unexpected favor" There will be alot of situations where you will use what is called a negative to reply. Though you are saying sorry, you are using it in a polite positive way.
Iie: No
This is also used as a polite way of saying "it's nothing". It is used as a response to Sumimasen. So basically you would say "Sumimasen"-Sorry to make you go through the trouble" and they would say " Iie"-"It's nothing".
Hai/ Ee: Yes
Dewa, itadakimasu: Well then, I accept.
Used after the Sumimasen - Iie part. In anime, you will also see that they say Itadakimasu! right before eating a meal. When used in this way, it basically translates into "Thank you for the food/meal!' And is normally said at home or with friends.
Thats all for Lesson 2! Next lesson will be about introductions. I will also be posting conversation practices here and there, to help you see the situations or ways these phrases are used. Until then!
Mata Ne!
Lewna Sensei
