Greetings

Greetings

No lesson is complete without your basic expressions. I have learned from Pimsleur's Method Japanese, a very useful tip in learning how to pronounce certain Japanese words. For example, let's look at the Japanese word for Cherry Blossom - Sakura. I start from the end of the word and work my way to the beginning.

Cherry Blossom

Sakura = ra,

ku-ra,

sa-ku-ra,

Sakura

To me, the word doesn't seem that intimidating. I will keep listing words in this fashion. The Japanese use different levels of speaking for politeness depending on whom they are conversing with. I will let you know which words are for business, and which are for friends and family! Remember, if you have any questions, I'm only an email away ;) . Now for the part you've been waiting for; Greetings!!!

Good Morning (Informal - Friends and Family)

Ohayou = u,

yo-u,

ha-yo-u,

o-ha-yo-u,

Ohayou



Good Morning (Formal - Business, Elders)

Ohayou Gozaimasu = su, (the "u" is very short)

ma-su,

i-ma-su,

za-i-ma-su,

go-za-i-ma-su,

Gozaimasu,

Ohayou Gozaimasu


Good Afternoon

Konnichiwa = wa,

chi-wa,

ni-chi-wa,

Kon-ni-chi-wa (the "n" in "kon" is held out)

Konnichiwa


Good Evening

Konbanwa = wa,

ban-wa (the "n" is held out)

kon-ban-wa (the "n" in "kon" is also held out")

Konbanwa


Good Night (Informal)

Oyasumi = mi,

su-mi,

ya-su-mi,

o-ya-su-mi,

Oyasumi


Good Night (Formal)

Oyasumi Nasai = i ("i" is held out),

sa-i,

na-sa-i,

Nasai,

Oyasumi Nasai



Hello (On the Telephone)

Moshi Moshi = shi,

mo-shi,

Moshi,

Moshi Moshi


Good Bye (Formal)

Sayonara = ra,

na-ra,

yo-na-ra (Hold out the "o" in "yo")

sa-yo-na-ra,

Sayonara


See you (Informal)

Ja Matta = ta,

ma-ta

Matta (I'll explain in latter lessons why I put two letters together),

ja,

Ja Matta


See You Tommorrow (Informal)

Ja Matta Ashita = ta,

shi-ta,

a-shi-ta,

Ashita,

Matta Ashita,

Ja Matta Ashita


That's it for now. More to come soon! Ja Matta!!