JP1000 Introductory Lecture 02


Useful Expressions: ETIQUETTE

ENGLISH JAPANESE
Thank you (very much). (Dòomo) arìgatoo | (gozaimasu/gozaimashita).
Thank you - I am indebted. (Dòomo) sumimasèn.
You are welcome./Not at all. Dòo itashimashite.
Excuse me. Shitsùree shimasu/shimashita.
Excuse me! Chòtto sumimasèn!
I'm sorry. (Dòomo) sumimasèn/sumimasèn deshita.
No, thank you. (Mòo) kèkkoo desu.
Please! Dòozo!
After you. Dòozo osaki ni.
Bon appetit! Itadakimasu.
Cheers! Kanpai!
Thank you for a lovely meal. Gochisoo-sama dèshita.
Thank you for the other day. Senjitsu wa dòomo.
I'm leaving. Itte kimasu.
Hurry back! Itte (i)rasshai.
I'm back. Tada ima.
Welcome back! Okaeri nasai.
Sorry to have kept you waiting. Omatase shimàshita.
I'd appreciate your help. Yoroshiku onegai-shimàsu.
Thank you for everything. (Iroiro) osèwa ni narimàshita.

Hints & Suggestions

Make it your habit to say 'Thank you' and 'Sorry' in Japanese. Do not forget bowing with the above expressions. Sayoonara is not very formal, so use shitsureeshimasu when you leave the classroom or office.
When you see the host or hostess any time after you are invited to their home, please make sure you say senjitsu wa doomo (arigatoo gozaimashita). They expect to hear it from you, so if you don't, they may wonder if you did not enjoy the food or their company.
© Norio Ota 2000