Language (useful phrases)

Name order- the first name follows the family name. Only close relatives and close friends are addressed by first name. People rarely use just names to address each other, but use the appropriate title as well. For example, 'sensei', used as a title for teachers/professors, doctors and others with higher education (such as lawyers).

There are three forms of Japanese written language- Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana. These are written from right to left, vertically down the page. Hiragana is the simplest form of written language, and is the first taught to school children.

Konichiwa	Hello; Good Afternoon	Domo Arigatoo	Thank You
Ohayou gozaimasu	Good Morning	O-negi shimasu	Please (asking for something)
Konbanwa	Good Evening	Dozo	Please (offering something)
Oyasumi nasai	Good Night	Hai	Yes
Sayonara	Goodbye	Iie	No
Dewa mata	See You Later	Sumimasen	Excuse Me
Eigo go de kaite kudasai	Please write in English	Wakarimasen	I don't understand
Kore wa ikura desu ka?	How much does this cost?	Eigo wo hanashimasu ka?	Do you speak English?
Kore o kudasai	I will take this (shopping)	Nihongo wo hanshimasen	I don't speak Japanese
Ima nan zi desuka?	What is the time now?	Toire wa doko desu ka?	Where is the toilet?


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