Introduction

Ever thought about learning Japanese but felt it might be too difficult? Don’t worry! Japanese is not as hard as it seems, especially when you start with basic greetings and everyday phrases.

Just like in India, where we respect elders with “Namaste”, Japanese people also value politeness in daily conversations. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, working with Japanese clients, or just learning for fun, these phrases will make you sound natural and confident!

So, let’s dive in and learn the most useful Japanese greetings and phrases that every Indian should know.

Why Greetings Matter in Japan?

Imagine meeting someone in India and not greeting them—it would feel weird, right? Just like we say “Namaste”, “Pranam”, or “Sat Sri Akal”, in Japan, greetings are super important!

Japanese people use different greetings for different times of the day, and knowing them will instantly help you connect with native speakers.

Essential Japanese Greetings

➡ おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good Morning

Meaning: Just like “Suprabhat”, this is the polite way to greet elders, teachers, or colleagues in the morning. With friends, you can simply say おはよう (Ohayou)!

➡ こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Good Afternoon / Hello

Meaning: A universal greeting, just like “Namaste”—can be used in almost any situation!

➡ こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening

Meaning: Like “Shubh Sandhya”, this greeting is used in the evening.

➡ おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good Night

Meaning: Similar to saying “Shubh Ratri”, this is a polite way to say good night before sleeping.

Polite Phrases You’ll Love Using!

Japanese people are known for their politeness, and these words will make you sound just like a local!

➝ ありがとう ございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much

Meaning: Just like “Dhanyavad”, this shows gratitude. To friends, you can say “Arigatou!”

➝ すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me/Sorry

Meaning: Use this when asking for help—like “Maaf kijiye”. Also used to call a waiter in a restaurant!

➝ お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please

Meaning: A humble way to request something, just like “Kripya”.

➝ どういたしまして (Douitashimashite) – You’re welcome

Meaning: If someone says “Arigatou”, this is how you reply! Similar to “Koi baat nahi”.

➝ 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – It’s okay, no problem!

Meaning: If someone apologizes, you can say this to let them know “Sab theek hai!”.

➝ すごい！(Sugoi!) – Amazing!

Meaning: Use this when you’re impressed! Like saying “Wah! Kya baat hai!”.

➝ おめでとうございます (Omedetou gozaimasu) – Congratulations!

Meaning: Perfect for celebrating achievements!

➝ ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – I’m sorry

Meaning: A more serious way to apologize, like “Mujhse galti ho gayi” in Hindi.

➝ がんばって！(Ganbatte!) – Do your best!

Meaning:  Just like “All the best!” in India.

Food Phrases: Survive In Restaurants 

➝ おいしい！ – Oishii!

Meaning: Delicious! Just like saying “Wah! Mazedaar hai!” when you enjoy your favorite dish.

➝ おすすめ は なん ですか？ – Osusume wa nan desu ka?

Meaning: What do you recommend? A perfect phrase for ordering at restaurants when you’re unsure what to eat.

➝ みず を ください – Mizu o kudasai

Meaning: Please give me water. Essential for every Indian who loves free water at restaurants!

Survival Phrases: For Travelers and Newbies

➝ えいご を はなせます か？ – Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

Meaning: Do you speak English? A lifesaver when you’re lost and need help in English.

➝ どこですか？ – Doko desu ka?

Meaning: Where is…? Use this when searching for places like hotels, temples, or vegetarian restaurants in Japan.

➝ いくらですか？ – Ikura desu ka?

Meaning: How much is this? Bargain hunters, this one’s for you! Use it while shopping to check prices.

Everyday Conversations: Learn & Impress!

You: Konnichiwa! (Hello!)  

Friend: Konnichiwa! Genki desu ka? (Hello! How are you?)  

You: Genki desu! Oishii ramen o onegaishimasu! (I’m good! Delicious ramen, please!)  

Friend: Hai, dozo! (Here you go!)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! Itadakimasu! (Thank you! Let’s eat!) 

Japanese Culture & Respect: A Connection with India

In Japan, people bow to show respect, just like we fold our hands for Namaste in India.

Also, in Japan, people use polite speech for elders and strangers, just like we say “Aap” instead of “Tu” or “Tum” in Hindi!

Learning these cultural habits will make your interactions in Japan smoother and more enjoyable.

💡 Curious to know why Japanese people bow instead of shaking hands? Check it out to understand more!

More Fun Japanese Words You’ll Love!

 ➝ 好きです (Suki desu) – I Like it!

➝ おもしろい！(Omoshiroi!) – That’s Interesting / Funny!

➝ がんばります！(Ganbarimasu!) – I will do my best! 

➝ ただいま！(Tadaima!) – I’m home!

➝ いってきます！(Ittekimasu!) – I’m leaving now! 

➝ いってらっしゃい！(Itterasshai!) – Take care!

Ready to Speak Japanese Like a Pro?

Japanese isn’t difficult when you start with simple greetings and everyday phrases.

💡 Practice these words daily, and soon you’ll be speaking Japanese naturally!

Want to learn more? Join our Japanese language course and take your skills to the next level!

📢 Fill out this form to get started today!

いっしょに がんばりましょう!
(Issho ni ganbarimashou! – Let’s do our best together!)