41 Common Japanese Phrases for Everyday Use

41 Common Japanese Phrases for Everyday Use

Do you want to know a lot of Japanese Phrases?

Then read here! After remembering them, I’m sure your Japanese will turn like native Japanese speakers!

Let’s go!

That’s shameful!：みっともない！(mittomo nai)

When you think that it is so bad that the person ought to be ashamed, you would be able to use “みっともない！(mittomo nai)” which means “That’s shameful!”. This word is pretty strong and which is a kind of blaming word.

Sample 1

友達ともだちがスピード違反いはんで捕つかまったらしいよ・・・　(I’ve heard one of my friends got caught by a police for speeding.) (tomodachi ga supīdo ihan de tsukamatta rashī yo…)

みっともなー！ (That’s shameful!) (mittomona-!)

まあまあ、そう怒おこらないで。 (Come, come, don’t be so upset.) (mā mā, sō okora nai de.)

Sample 2

電車でんしゃの中なかでメイクする女おんなの人ひとどう思おもう？ (What do you think about women putting on makeup while riding the trains.) (densha no naka de meiku suru on’a no hito dō omou?)

みっともない！ (That’s shameful!) (mittomo nai!)

やったことあるかも・・・？草くさ (I think I might’ve did that … hehe) (yatta koto aru kamo? kusa)

What are you up to?：何なにしてるの？(nani shiteru no?)

It’s just an informal way of asking “何なにしてますか？(nani shite masuka?)” is “何なにしてるの？(nani shiteru no?)” and which means “What are you up to?”. Use these words it depends on the people who are your friends or others.

Sample 1

フー！ (Phew!) (fū!)

何なにしてるの？ (What are you up to?) (nani shiteru no?)

荷造にづくりしてるよ！ (I’m packing my stuff.) (nidzukuri shi teru yo!)

Sample 2

あれ？どこやったっけー？ (What… Where did I put last?! ) (are? doko yatta kke-?)

何なにしてるの？ (What are you up to?) (nani shiteru no?)

携帯けいたいなくしたっぽい。 (I might’ve lost my cell phone.) (keitai nakushita ppoi.)

Sorry! I already have plans!：“ごめん！すでに予定よていが入はいってる！(gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru!)

Although your friends ask you out to drink or something, you already have plans. In that case, you would be able to use “ごめん！すでに予定よていが入はいってる！(gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru!)” that is casual and which means “Sorry! I already have plans!”. “すいません！すでに予定よていが入はいっています！(suimasen! sudeni yotei ga haitte masu!)” is formal.

Sample 1

今晩こんばん、飲のみに行いこうよ！ (Let’s go for a drink tonight!) (konban, nomi ni ikou yo!)

ごめん！すでに予定よていが入はいってるの！ (Sorry! I already have plans!) (gomen! sude yotei ga haitteru no!)

えぇー！？・・来週らいしゅうはどう？ (Oh my… What about next week?) (e-!? raishū wa dō?)

Sample 2

明日あした、映画見えいがみに行いこうよ！ (Wanna go to go to the movies tomorrow?) (ashita eiga mi ni ikou yo!)

ごめん！すでに予定よていが入はいってるんだ！ (Sorry! I already have plans!) (gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru nda!)

そうなんだ。逆ぎゃくにいつ空あいてるの？ (I see. When are you free?) (sōna nda. gyaku ni itsu aiteru no?)

Texting while Walking!：“aruki sumaho！” Japanese Phrase #83

When he/she who is texting while walking, you would be able to use “彼かれ/彼女かのじょは歩あるきスマホをしています。(kare/kanojo wa aruki sumaho wo shite imasu)” “Don’t text and walk!” means “歩あるきスマホするな！(aruki sumaho suru na)” for boys/men and “歩あるきスマホしないで！(aruki sumaho shinai de)” for girls/women.

Sample 1

誰だれからだろう？ (I wonder who gave me the textbook?) (dare kara darou?)

歩あるきスマホは危あぶないよ！ (Texting while walking is dangerous!) (aruki sumaho wa abunai yo!)

ちょっとだけ！ (Just a little bit!) (chotto dake!)

Sample 2

ググってみようっと！ (I’ll google it!) (gugu tte miyou tto!)

歩あるきスマホしたらダメだよ！ (Don’t text and walk!) (aruki sumaho shitara dame dayo!)

さっきしてたじゃん！ (You did it a while ago!) (sakki shiteta jan!)

Made it!：やったね/よ！(yatta ne/yo!)

When you succeed in doing something, you would be able to use “やったよ！(yatta yo!)” which means “Made it!”. “やったよ！” sounds so friendly and positive. “I made it!” is “やったよ！”, “You made it!” is “やったね(yatta ne!)”, and “We made it!” is “やったね！”.

Sample 1

テストで９５点きゅうじゅうごてんとったよ！ (I got a 95 on the test!) (tesuto deki kujū goten totta yo!)

やったね！ (You made it!) (yatta ne!)

ありがとう！ (Thanks!) (arigatō!)

Sample 2

嬉うれしそうね！ (You look happy, huh?) (ureshi sō ne!)

やったよ！テストで９５点きゅうじゅうごてんとったよ！ (I made it! I got a 95 on the test!) (yatta yo! tesuto de kujū goten totta yo!)

おめでとう！ (Congrats!) (omedetō!)

That’s silly.：バカだなぁ。 (baka dana)

When a person did something silly but funny, you would be able to use “バカだなぁ。(baka dana)” means “That’s silly.” that does not mean it is too strong, like foolish. “バカだなぁ。” is a light word for native speakers, however, if you don’t laugh at him/her while saying this, they feel bad. The point of using it, saying it while laughing.

Sample 1

昨日きのう、友達ともだちとピザ３０枚食さんじゅうまいたべたんだ！ (We ate 30 pieces of pizza with my friends yesterday!) (kinō, tomodachi to piza san jū mai tabeta nda!)

バカだなぁ。草くさ (That’s silly. hehe) (baka dana. kusa)

今度一緒こんどいっしょに食たべない？笑わら (Let’s eat them together next time! haha) (kondo issho ni tabe nai? wara)

Sample 2

彼氏かれしと会あう前まえの日ひは水みずしか飲のまないの！ (The day before seeing my boyfriend, I only drink water!) (kareshi to au mae no hi wa mizu shika noma nai no!)

バカだなぁ。笑わら (That’s silly. haha) (baka dana. wara)

1いちキロ痩やせるじゃん？草くさ (I’ll lose one kilo. hehe) (ichi kiro yaseru jan? kusa)

I’ll die without an air conditioner!：エアコンなしなんてムリ！ (eakon nashi nante muri!)

When it’s so hot outside, I’d say you would turn on the AC and you would say “エアコンなしなんてムリ！(eakon nashi nante muri)” which is one of the explorations that you want to say it’s so hot outside.

Sample 1

今日暑きょうあついねー。 (It’s hot today, huh?) (kyō atsui ne-.)

エアコンなしなんてムリ！ (I’ll die without an air conditioner!) (eakon’nashi nante muri!)

はははは！分わかる！ (Hahahaha! I agree!) (ha ha ha ha! wakaru!)

Sample 2

マジ暑あついね。 (It’s so hot, huh?) (maji atsui ne.)

エアコンなしなんてムリだわー！ (I’ll die without an air conditioner!) (eakon’nashi nante murida wa-!)

だね！後あと、アイスもね！ (Right! And ice cream as well!) (da ne! ato, aisu mo ne!)

I was moved!：感動かんどうした！(kandō shita)

When your emotions were strongly affected, you would be able to use “感動かんどうした！(kandō shita)” which means “I was moved!”. The polite way to use it is “感動かんどうしました！(kandō shimasita)”.

Sample 1

この本ほんどうだった？ (How was this book?) (kono hon dō datta?)

超ちょう感動かんどうしたよ。読よんでみて！ (I was so moved! Try to read this!) (chō kandō shita yo. yonde mite!)

ありがとう！読よんでみるよ！ (Thanks! I’ll try to read it!) (arigatō! yonde miru yo!)

Sample 2

映画えいがどうだった？ (How was the movie/film?) (eiga dō datta?)

久ひさしぶりに感動かんどうしたよ。 (I was so moved for the first time in a while.) (hisashiburi ni kandō shita yo.)

マジ？泣ないた？草くさ (Really? Did you cry? hehe) (maji? naita? kusa)

avoid ___(people)!：(人ひとを)避さける！(sakeru)

When staying away from someone, you would be able to use “(人ひとを)避さける！(sakeru)” means “Avoid ___(people)”. People who are unpleasant to you.

Sample 1

ミクと遊あそんでる？ (Recently, are you hanging out with Miku?) (Miku to asonderu?)

最近さいきん、ミクが私わたしのこと避さけてる気きがするんだけど・・・ (I feel Miku is recently avoiding me…) (saikin, Miku ga watashino koto saketeru ki ga suru ndakedo…)

多分たぶん、気きのせいだよ。 (Maybe, it’s just your imagination.) (tabun, ki no seida yo.)

Sample 2

はぁー・・・ (sigh…) (ha-…)

ミクに避さけられてるらしいじゃん？ (You are avoided by Miku, huh?) (Miku ni sakerareteru rashī jan?)

何なんかしたかなぁ？ (I wonder if I do something wrong.) (nanka shita kana?)

I’m dying to ___!：___したくてたまらない！(___shitaku te tamaranai)

When you REALLY WANNA DO SOMETHING, like “I’m dying to ___!”, you would be able to use “___したくてたまらない！(___shitaku te tamaranai)”. Try to use it in daily conversations to your friends. This phrase has been usually used as casual.

Sample 1

新あたらしいアイフォンが発売はつばいされたらしいよ！ (I’ve heard the new iPhone just came out!) (atarashī aifon ga hatsubai sareta rashī yo!)

マジ！？ 買かいたくてたまらないよー！ (Are you sure! I’m dying to buy it!) (maji! ? kaitakute tamaranai yo-!)

ほんと好すきだよね！笑わら ( You really like it, don’t you? haha) (honto suki dayone! wara)

Sample 2

この車超くるまちょうかっこいいね！ (This car is so cool!) (kono kuruma chō kakkoī ne!)

いいなー！ 欲ほしくてたまらないよ！ (Wow, I’m jealous! I’m dying to want it!) (ī na-! hoshikute tamaranai yo!)

貯金始ちょきんはじめないとね！ (You gotta start saving up money for it!) (chokin hajime naito ne!

I’m screwed!：やっばー！(yabba-)

When you are in trouble which is not that serious, you would be able to use “やっばー！(yabba-)” which means “I’m screwed!”. Tips for using it are “talking to myself”. After realizing some problems, you would use this. Only for guys, they would use “やっべー！(yabbe-)” and of course “やっばー！(yabba-)” as well, but “やっべー！(yabbe-)” is more boyish. Both of them are not so rude.

Sample 1

もう９時くじだね、そろそろ帰かえろっか！ (It’s already 9 p.m. It’s about time to go home!) (mō kuji dane, sorosoro kaero kka!)

やっばー！お母かあさんに電話でんわするの忘わすれてた！ (I’m screwed! I forgot to call mom!) (yabba-! okāsan ni denwa suru no wasurete ta!)

心配しんぱいしてるんじゃない？ ！ (Your mom’s worried about you, isn’t she?) (shinpai shi teru n ja nai? !)

Sample 2

どうやって帰かえるの？ (How are you getting home?) (dō yatte kaeru no?)

電車でんしゃだよ！あっ、やっべー！終電逃しゅうでんのがした！ (Train! Oh, I’m screwed! I missed the last train!) (densha dayo! a, yabbe-! shūden nogashita!)

タクシーで帰かえったら？ (Why don’t you take a taxi home?) (takushī de kaetta ra?)

Pot Belly!：“pokkori onaka！” Japanese Phrase #112

When you want to explain a person who is “fat and has a round stomach”, you would be able to use “ぽっこりお腹なか！(pokkori onaka)” which means “Pot Belly”. Everyone would be able to use this. It’s more casual than “太ふとってる(fat)(futotteru)”. So, that is not used in a bad way, not in a good way though. Furthermore, “ぽっこり(pokkori)” means “round”.

Sample 1

昨日食きのうたべ過すぎたよー！ (I ate too much yesterday!) (kinō tabe sugita yo-!)

ぽっこりお腹なかだね！草くさ (You have a pot belly!) (pokkori onaka dane! kusa)

ダイエットしないとっ！笑わら (I gotta go on a diet!) (daietto shinai to! wara)

Sample 2

昨日きのう、レイと食たべに (kinō, rei to tabe ni itta yo.)

レイってぽっこりお腹なかだよね。笑わら (He has a pot belly, doesn’t he?) (Rei tte pokkori onaka dayo ne. wara)

かわいいけどね。草くさ (It looks cute though. hehe) (kawaī kedo ne. kusa)

I’ll take a rain check!：またの機会きかいにするね！(mata no kikai ni suru ne)

When you tell someone that you cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later time, you would be able to use “またの機会きかいにするね！(mata no kikai ni suru ne)” which means “I’ll take a rain check!”. If you are a man, you might want to use “またの機会きかいにするよ！(mata no kikai ni suru yo)”. The polite way to use it is “またの機会きかいにします！(mata no kikai ni shimasu)”.

Sample 1

マック行いこうよ！ (Let’s go to McDonald’s!) (makku ikō yo!)

またの機会きかいにするね！ (I’ll take a rain check!) (mata no kikai ni suru ne!)

ダイエット中ちゅう？ (Are you on a diet?) (daietto chū?)

Sample 2

焼肉食やきにくたべに行いかない？ (Do you want to go eat Korean barbeque!) (yakiniku tabe ni ikanai?)

またの機会きかいにするよ！ (I’ll take a rain check!) (mata no kikai ni suru yo!)

何なんか予定よていあるの？ (Do you have any plans for tomorrow?) (nanka yotei aru no?)

Overfamiliar!：なれなれしい！(narenare shī)

When you feel someone who you don’t get along is excessively friendly or showing a lack of proper social, you would be able to use “なれなれしい！(narenare shī)” which means “Overfamiliar!”. The polite way to use it is “なれなれしいです！(narenare shī desu)”, however, this is one of the blaming words though.

Sample 1

ミクって超ちょうフレンドリーだよね？ (Miku is so friendly, huh?) (Miku tte chō furendorī dayo ne?)

うん。でも、私わたしの彼氏かれしにもなれなれしいからねー・・・！ (Yeah. But she’s overfamiliar with my boyfriend as well…) (un. demo, watashi no kareshi nimo narenare shī kara ne-…!)

妬やいてるの？ (Are you getting jealous?) (yaiteru no?)

Sample 2

新入社員しんにゅうしゃいんどう？ (How is the new employee?) (shin’nyū shain dō?)

かなりなれなれしいよ。 (That new hire was quite overfamiliar to me.) (kanari narenare shī yo.)

そうなの？例たとえば？ (Is that so? For example?) (sōna no? tatoeba?)

Oh, that’s too bad.：あー、それは残念ざんねん！(a-sore wa zan’nen)

When you feel sympathy about a problem, you would be able to use “あー、それは残念ざんねん！(a-sore wa zan’nen)” which means “Oh, that’s too bad!”. The polite way to use it is “それは残念ざんねんですね。(a-sore wa zan’nen desu ne)”. By saying it, you could show your concern.

Sample 1

昨日きのう、友達ともだちに会あえなかったんだ。 (I couldn’t see my friend yesterday.) (kinō, tomodachi ni ae nakatta nda.)

あー、それは残念ざんねんだね。でも、なんで？ (Oh, that’s too bad. But why?) (a-, sore wa zan’nen dane. demo, nande?)

遅おそくまで働はたらかなきゃいけなかったみたい。 (It seems like she had to work late.) (osoku made hataraka nakya ikenakatta mitai.)

Sample 2

テストに落おちちゃった。 (I failed the test.) (tesuto ni ochi chatta.)

あー、それは残念ざんねんだね。 (Oh, that’s too bad.) (a-, sore wa zan’nen dane.)

うん、ありがとう。次つぎは頑張がんばる。 (Thank you. I’ll try my best next time!) (un, arigatō. tsugi wa ganbaru.)

I feel dizzy!：頭あたまがクラクラする！(atama ga kurakura suru)

When you feel as if everything is turning around, and that you are not able to balance and may fall down, you would be able to use “頭あたまがクラクラする！(atama ga kurakura suru)” which means “I feel dizzy!”. The polite way to use it is “めまいがします！(memai ga shimasu)”. Everybody could use this.

Sample 1

なんか具合悪ぐあいわるそうだね。大丈夫だいじょうぶ？ (You don’t look so good. Are you okay?) (nanka guai warusō dane. daijōbu?)

頭あたまがクラクラするの。 (I feel dizzy.) (atama ga kurakura suru no.)

病院行びょういんいく？ (Are you going to the doctor?) (byōin iku?)

Sample 2

今日きょう、顔色良かおいろよくないね。大丈夫だいじょうぶ？ (You don’t look well today, are you Ok?) (kyō, kaoiro yokunai ne. daijōbu?)

頭あたまがクラクラするよ。 (I feel dizzy.) (atama ga kurakura suru yo.)

水飲みずのむ？ (Do you want to drink water?) (mizu nomu?)

I’m excited!：テンション上あがる！(tenshon agaru)

When you are very happy and enthusiastic because something good is going to happen, you would be able to use “テンション上あがる！(tenshon agaru)” which means “I’m excited!”. The polite way to use it is “とても嬉うれしいです！(tetemo ureshī desu)”. Everybody could use this.

Sample 1

もうすぐレディーガガ来くるよね？ (Lady Gaga’s coming soon, isn’t he?) (mōsugu Redīgaga kuru yone?)

マジ？超ちょうテンション上あがるんだけどっ！草くさ (Really? I’m so excited! hehe) (maji? chō tenshon agaru nd akedo! kusa)

僕ぼくも！ (Me too!) (boku mo!)

Sample 2

明日あした、雪ゆきで学校休がっこうやすみなんだって！ (We’ll have a day off from school because of the snow!) (ashita, yuki de gakkō yasumi na’n datte!)

テンション上あがるー！ (I’m excited!) (tenshon agaru-!)

だね！ (Yeah!) (da ne!)

What are you watching?：何なに観みてるの？(nani miteru no)

When you want to know what someone is watching, you would be able to use “何なに観みてるの？(nani miteru no?)” which means “What are you watching/ looking at?”. Everybody could use this. And the polite way to use it is “何なにを観みているのですか？(nani wo mite iru no desuka)”. “何なに観みてるの？(What are you watching?)” is used for especially TV or movies and “何なに見みてるの？(What are you looking at?)” is used for everything, it sounds the same though.

Sample 1

何なに観みてるの？ (What are you watching?) (nani mi teru no?)

スター・ウォーズだよ。 (It’s Star Wars!) (sutā ōzu dayo.)

Sample 2

何なに観みてるの？ (What are you watching?) (nani mi teru no?)

ワンピースだよ！ (It’s “One Piece”!) (wanpīsu dayo!)

A terrible singer：音痴おんちです。(onchi desu)

When you think someone can’t sing well rather bad, you would be able to use “音痴おんちです。(onchi desu)” which means “A terrible singer!”. Everybody could use this.

Sample 1

昨日きのう、レイとカラオケ行いったよ。 (I went with Rei to a karaoke bar yesterday.) (kinō, rei to karaoke itta yo.)

レイって音痴おんちだよね？草くさ (Rei’s a terrible singer, isn’t he?) (Rei tte onchi dayo ne? kusa)

僕ぼくもだけど・・・笑わら (Me too… haha) (boku mo dakedo…wara)

Sample 2

日本にほんの曲歌きょくうたってよー！ (Sing a Japanese song!) (Nihon no kyoku utatte yo-!)

音痴おんちだからやだ。笑わら (I don’t want, cuz I’m a terrible singer. haha) (onchi dakara yada. wara)

一回いっかいだけ！ね？ (Just this once! huh?) (ikkai dake! ne?)

Ordinary___：普通ふつうの___(futsū no___)

When something is not different or special or unexpected in any way, you would be able to use “普通ふつうの___(futsū no___)” which means “Ordinary___”. Everybody could use this.

Sample 1

今日きょうどうだった？ (How was your day?) (kyō dō datta?)

特とくに何なにもー。普通ふつうの日ひだったよ。 (Nothing special. Just another ordinary day.) (tokuni nani mo-. futsū no hi datta yo.)

明日あしたはどこか行いくの？ (Are you going somewhere tomorrow?) (ashita wa doko ka iku no?)

Sample 2

このピザおいしいー！ (This pizza is good!) (kono piza oishī-!)

そう？普通ふつうのピザじゃない？ (Is that so? I think this is just the ordinary pizza, isn’t it?) (sō? futsū no piza janai?)

一ヶ月いっかげつぶりなの！ (I ate it for the first time in a month!) (ikka getsu buri nano!)

Regret!：後悔こうかいする！(kōkai suru)

When someone’s feeling of sadness about something sad or wrong or about a mistake that he/she has made, you would be able to use “後悔こうかいする！(kōkai suru)” which means “Regret!”. Everybody could use this. The polite way to use it is “後悔こうかいします。(kōkai shimasu)”.

Sample 1

どの映画えいがにしようか迷まよってるよ。 (I’m still debating which movie to choose.) (dono eiga ni shiyou ka mayotteru yo.)

この映画見えいがみて！絶対ぜったい後悔こうかいしないから！ (Watch this movie! You won’t regret it!) (kono eiga mite! zettai kōkai shinai kara!)

マジ？この映画えいがのジャンル何なに？ (Really? What genre of this movie is it?) (maji? kono eiga no janru nani?)

Sample 2

会社辞かいしゃやめたの？ (Did you quit the company?) (kaisha yameta no?)

うん。ずっと日本にほんに留学りゅうがくしたいって思おもってたから。後悔こうかいしたくないんだ。 (Yeah. Because I’ve wanted to study in Japan for a long time. I don’t want to regret.) (un. zutto nihon ni ryūgaku shitai tte omotte takara. kōkai shitaku nai nda.)

勉強頑張べんきょうがんばってね！ (Good luck with your studies!) (benkyō ganbatte ne!)

Insensitive___：無神経むしんけいな___(mushinkei na___)

When you feel someone is unaware of or unsympathetic to other people’s feelings, you would be able to use “無神経むしんけいな___(mushinkei na___)” which means “insensitive___”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “無神経むしんけいな___です(mushinkeina___desu)” or “無神経むしんけいです。(mushinkei desu)”.

Sample 1

ミクって彼氏かれしと別わかれたみたいだね。 (It seems Miku broke up with her boyfriend.) (Miku tte kareshi to wakareta mitai dane.)

うん。でも、すぐに違ちがう人ひとと付つき合あったらしいよ。 (Yeah. But I’ve heard she’s dating the other guy after that.) (un. demo, sugu ni chigau hito to tsukiatta rashī yo.)

マジで？何なんて無神経むしんけいなやつなんだ・・・ (Really? What an insensitive person she is…) (majide? nante mushinkei na yatsu na’nda…)

Sample 2

どうかしたの？ (What’s wrong?) (dōka shita no?)

レイが嘘うそついたのに一言ひとことも謝あやまらなかったんだ。 (He didn’t say sorry at all even he laid to me.) (Rei ga uso tsuita noni hitokoto mo ayamarana katta nda.)

何なんでそんなに無神経むしんけいなんだろう。 (I wonder why he’s so insensitive.) (nande son’na ni mushinkei na’nda rou.)

as ___ as possible：できるだけ___(dekiru dake___)

When you want to explain that to a feasible extent or to do promptly something, you would be able to use “できるだけ___(dekiru dake___)” which means “as ___ as possible”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “できるだけ___します/するようにします(dekiru dake ___shimasu / ___suru youni shimasu)”.

Sample 1

ごめん。遅おくれて参加さんかするよ。 (Sorry. I’ll be joining late.) (gomen. okurete sanka suru yo.)

できるだけ早はやく来きてくださいね。 (Please come as soon as possible.) (dekiru dake hayaku kite kudasai ne.)

後あとで連絡れんらくするね。 (I’ll call you later.) (atode renraku suru ne.)

Sample 2

ピザ食たべに行いこうよ！ (Let’s go eat pizzas!) (piza tabe ni ikou yo!)

できるだけたくさんピザ食たべたいなー。 (I want to eat as many pizzas as possible.) (dekiru dake takusan piza tabetai na-.)

食たべ過すぎないでね！ (Don’t overeat！) (tabe sugi naide ne!)

Sample 3

できるだけ長ながく勉強べんきょうしたい！ (I want to study for as long as possible!) (dekiru dake nagaku benkyō shitai!)

明日あしたテストなの？ (Is it a test tomorrow?) (ashita tesutona no?)

If you say so…：あなたがそう言いうなら… (anata ga sou iu nara…)

When you tentatively accept what someone says or tell you but you are not completely convinced of the truth of the explanation or situation, you would be able to use “あなたがそう言いうなら…(anata ga sou iu nara…)” which means “If you say so…”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “あなたがそう言いうなら___します(anata ga sou iu nara___shimasu)”. However, basically, native speakers don’t usually say “あなた(anata)”, so you might want to say “his/her name”.

Sample 1

ゆかのかばんちょっとダサくない？笑わら (I think your bag is pretty lame, huh?) (yuka no kaban chotto dasaku nai? wara)

うん。たつやがそう言いうのなら・・・ (Yeah. If you say so…) (un. tatsuya ga sō iu no nara…)

今日きょう、元気げんきなさそうだけど、大丈夫だいじょうぶ？ (You don’t look well today. Are you all right?) (kyō, genki nasasō dakedo, daijōbu?)

Sample 2

たつやっていつも学校がっこうに遅おくれてくるよね？ (I think you’re always late for school, huh?) (tatsu yatte itsumo gakkō ni okurete kuru yone?)

そうだね。ゆかがそう言いうのなら・・・ (Right. If you say so…) (sō dane. yuka ga sō iu no nara…)

えっ？ただ気きになっただけだよ。 (Oh? I’m just curious that’s all.) (e? tada kini natta dake dayo.)

All you can eat/drink!：食たべ/飲のみ放題ほうだい！(tabe hōdai / nomi hōdai)

When you explain that a buffet or restaurant at which you pay a fixed price, no matter how much or how little you eat or drink, you would be able to use “食たべ/飲のみ放題ほうだい！(tabe hōdai / nomi hōdai)” which means “All you can eat/drink!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal.

Sample 1

今日飲きょうのまない？ (Drinks tonight?) (kyō noma nai?)

うん！飲のみ放題ほうだいのお店みせに行いこうよ！ (Yeah! Let’s go to an All you can drink today!) (un! nomi hōdai no omise ni ikou yo!)

いいねー！ (Sounds good!) (ī ne-!)

Sample 2

今晩こんばん、何食なにたべたい？ (What are you in the mood for tonight?) (konban, nani tabetai?)

食たべ放題ほうだいの店みせがいいな！ (I wanna go at an All you can eat restaurant!) tabe hōdai no mise ga ī na!)

たまにはいいね！ (Good every once in a while!) (tamani wa ī ne!)

It’s starting to rain!：雨あめが降ふってきた！(ame ga futte kita)

When you want to explain that “It’s starting to rain”, you would be able to use “雨あめが降ふってきた！(ame ga futte kita)”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “雨あめが降ふってきました！(ame ga futte ki mashita)”.

Sample 1

今日きょうは曇くもってるねー。 (It’s cloudy today.) (kyō wa kumotteru ne-.)

あっ、雨あめが降ふってきた！ (Oh, it’s starting to rain!) (a, ame ga futte kita!)

傘持かさもってる？ (Do you have an umbrella?) (kasa motteru?)

Sample 2

今日きょうのニューヨークの天気てんきはどう？ (How’s the weather like in Manila today?) (kyō no nyūyōku no tenki wa dō?)

んー。あっ、雨あめが降ふってきたよ！ (Well, oh, it’s starting to rain!) (n-. a, ame ga futte kita yo!)

風邪かぜひかないようにね！ (Be careful not to catch a cold!) (kaze hika nai yō ni ne!)

Make a funny face!：変顔へんがおをする！(hengao wo suru)

When a person makes a distorted, silly, or humorous facial expression (at someone), usually for one’s own or someone else’s amusement, you would be able to use “変顔へんがおをする！(hengao wo suru)” which means “Make a funny face!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “変顔へんがおをします。(hengao wo shimasu)”.

Sample 1

ねえ、見みてこの顔かお！ (Hey! Look at this face!) (nē, mi teko no kao!)

ははははは！草くさ　変顔へんがおやめてよー！ (Hahahahaha! Stop making a funny face!) (hahahahaha! kusa hengao yamete yo-!)

この顔かおは？笑わら (What about this face? haha) (kono kao wa? wara)

Sample 2

また変顔へんがおしてるの？ (Are you making a funny face again?) (mata hengao shiteru no?)

変顔へんがお一緒いっしょにしようよ！ (Let’s make a funny face together!) (hengao issho ni shiyou yo!)

やだよー。恥はずかしいじゃん。草くさ (Noooo! cuz I’m so embarrassed. hehe) (yada yo-. hazukashī jan. kusa)

You’re close with ___!：___と仲なかがいいね！(___to naka ga ī ne)

When a person gets along with someone, you would be able to use “(あなたは)___と仲なかがいいね！(___to naka ga ī ne)” which means “You’re close with ___”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “___と仲なかがいいですね！(___to naka ga ī desu ne)”. If you want to say “I’m close with ___!” which would be “(私わたしは)___と仲なかがいいです!(___to naka ga ī desu)”.

Sample 1

今週末何こんしゅうまつなにしてるの？ (What are you doing this weekend?) (kon shūmatsu nani shiteru no?)

ミクと買かい物ものに行いくよ。 (I’m gonna go shopping with Miku.) (Miku to kaimono ni iku yo.)

そうなんだ。ミクと本当ほんとうに仲なかがいいね！ (I see. You’re very close with your brother.) (sōnanda. Miku to hontōni naka ga ī ne!)

Sample 2

昨日何きのうなにしてたの？ (What’d you do yesterday?) (kinō nani shi teta no?)

昨日きのうはー・・・弟おとうととゲームしてたよ。 (Well, yesterday… I was playing video games with my brother.) (昨天是……我和弟弟一起打电玩！) (어제는 … 동생이랑 게임 했어.) (Hôm qua à… … Tôi đã chơi điện tử với em trai.) (kinō wa-…otōto to gēmu shiteta yo.)

弟おとうとと仲なかがいいね！ (You’re very close with your brother.) (otōto to naka ga ī ne!)

Half-baked!：中途半端ちゅうとはんぱ！(chūto hanpa)

When something has not been properly thought out or poorly developed or carried out, you would be able to use “中途半端ちゅうとはんぱ！(chūto hanpa)” which means “Half-baked!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “中途半端ちゅうとはんぱです！(chūto hanpa desu)”. You would be able to use “中途半端ちゅうとはんぱな ___(noun) as well”, such as “中途半端ちゅうとはんぱなアイディア(the half-baked idea)”.

Sample 1

このアイディアどう？ (What do you think this idea?) (kono aidia dō?)

んー・・・ちょっと中途半端ちゅうとはんぱじゃない？ (Well… I think it’s pretty half-baked, isn’t it?) (n-…chotto chūto hanpa janai?)

そう？ (Is that so?) (sō?)

Sample 2

ふー。片付かたづけ終了しゅうりょう！ (Phew! I finished cleaning up my room!) (fu-. katadzuke shūryō!)

中途半端ちゅうとはんぱー・・・まだ散ちらかってるじゃん。 (Half-assed. It’s still messy.) (chūto hanpa-… mada chirakatteru jan.)

夜よるごはん食たべてからー！草くさ (After dinner! hehe) (yoru gohan tabete kara-! kusa)

Give me a hint!：ヒントください！(hinto kudasai)

When you want to get a small piece of information that helps you to guess something from someone, you would be able to use “ヒントください！(hinto kudasai)” which means “Give me a hint!”. Everybody could use this phrase as casual. The polite way to use it is “ヒントをいただけませんか？(hinto wo itadake masenka)”.

Sample 1

この問題分もんだいわかる？ (Can you answer this question?) (kono mon dai wakaru?)

うーん・・・ヒントください！ (Well… Give me a hint!) (u-n…hinto kudasai!)

人ひとに関係かんけいしてるよ。 (It’s realted with people.) (hito ni kankei shiteru yo.)

Sample 2

日本にほんの首都しゅとはどこですか？ (What’s the capital city of Japan?) (nihon no shuto wa doko desu ka?)

首都しゅと？うーん・・・ヒントください！ (Capital city? Well… Give me a hint!) (shuto? u-n hinto kudasai!)

最初さいしょの文字もじは「と」だよ。 (The first letter is “to”.) (saisho no moji wa `to’ dayo.)

Peel ___!：___の皮かわをむく！(___no kawa wo muku)

When you want to explain to remove the skin of fruit and vegetables, you would be able to use “___の皮かわをむく！(___no kawa wo muku)” which means “Peel ___!”. Everybody could use this as both casual and business situations. The polite way to use it is “___の皮かわをむきます。(___no kawa wo muki masu)”.

Sample 1

おいしそー！じゃあ、皮かわむこうか？ (Looks good! Then, do you want me to peel the apples?) (oishi so-! jā, kawa mukou ka?)

うん！ありがと！手洗てあらってくるね。 (Yes! Thanks! I’ll wash my hands.) (un! arigato! te aratte kuru ne.)

Sample 2

にんじんの皮かわをむくね。 (I’ll peel the carrots.) (ninjin no kawa wo muku ne.)

じゃあ、僕ぼくはじゃがいもの皮かわをむくよ。 (Then, I’ll peel the potatoes.) (jā, boku wa jagaimo no kawa wo muku yo.)

うん、ありがとう。 (Yeah, thanks.) (un, arigatō.)

Cuz ___：だって___ / ___から (datte___ / ___kara)

When you want to explain the reason, you would be able to use “だって___ / ___から(datte___ / ___kara)” which means “Cuz___”. It is the word especially girls/women uses as only casual. The polite way to use it is “___ なので(nanode)”, “___ですので(___desu node)”. And everybody could say “___ だから(___dakara)”, “___から(___kara)” as casual.

Sample 1

あれ？ピーマン食たべないの？ (Oh! Don’t you eat the green peppers?) (are? pīman tabe nai no?)

ピーマン嫌きらいなの、だって苦にがいじゃん。 (I don’t like green peppers cuz they are bitter.) (pīman kirai nano, datte nigai jan.)

ったく〜！笑わら (Oh, man! haha) (ttaku~! wara)

Sample 2

なんで休やすみ取とったの？ (Why did you get a day off today?) (nande yasumi totta no?)

風邪引かぜひいたからね。 (Cuz I have a cold.) (kaze hīta kara ne.)

ほんとに〜？草くさ (Are you sure? hehe) (hontoni~? kusa)

It’s not my business!：私わたしには関係かんけいない！(watashi niwa kankei nai)

When you want to say something that does not pertain to you, you would be able to use “私わたしには関係かんけいない！(watashi niwa kankei nai)” which means “It’s not my business!”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “私わたしには関係かんけいありません！(watashi niwa kankei arimasen)” which is also used in business situations as formal.

Sample 1

宿題しゅくだいが全然終ぜんぜんおわらないよ。宿題手伝しゅくだいてつだってくれない？ (I can’t finish my homework on time. Can you please help me with my homework?) (回家功课完全都没有写。你可以帮我吗？) (숙제가 전혀 끝나지 않아. 숙제 좀 도와주면 안돼?) (Tớ chưa làm bài tập về nhà gì cả.Cậu giúp tớ được không?) (shukudai ga zenzen owara nai yo. shukudai tetsudatte kure nai?)

えー！？私わたしには関係かんけいないじゃん。 (What? It’s not my business.) (e-! ? watashi niwa kankei nai jan.)

お願ねがい！ (Please!) (Giúp tớ đi mà.) (onegai!)

Sample 2

プロジェクトの進行しんこうが遅おくれてしまったこと、一緒いっしょに上司じょうしに謝あやまってくれませんか？ (Could you apologize with me to our boss for the delay on this project?) (purojekuto no shinkō ga okurete shimatta koto, issho ni jōshi ni ayamatte kuremasen ka?)

僕ぼくには関係かんけいありません。 (What? It’s not my business.) (boku niwa kankei ari masen.)

ですよね。一人ひとりで謝あやまります。 (You’re right. I’ll apologize to him by myself.) (desu yone. hitori de ayamari masu.)

Make an excuse!：言いい訳わけをする！(iiwake wo suru)

When a person who gives a reason for doing something he/she shouldn’t do, or for not doing something he/she should do, you would be able to use “言いい訳わけをする！(iiwake wo suru)” which means “Make an excuse!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “言いい訳わけをします。(iiwake wo shimasu)” and which is also used in business situations as formal. Furthermore, native speakers often omit “を” of “言いい訳わけをする”, so that would be “言いい訳わけする”. Lastly, “言いい訳わけ” is “excuse” and which is a noun.

Sample 1

渋滞じゅうたいにはまってしまって、学校がっこうに間まに合あわなかったよ。 (I was stuck in traffic, so I wasn’t in time for school.) (jūtai ni hamatte shimatte, gakkō ni maniawanakatta yo.)

言いい訳わけでしょ？たつやだけだよ、学校がっこうに遅おくれたの。 (You’re making an excuse, huh? Only you were late for school.) (iiwake desho?Tatsuya dake dayo, gakkō ni okureta no.)

ごめん・・・ただの寝坊ねぼうです。 (Sorry… I just overslept.) (gomen…tada no nebō desu.)

Sample 2

このお菓子かしはカロリー少すくないから・・・ (This snack is lower-calorie, so …) (kono okashi wa karorī sukunai kara…)

言いい訳わけしてるよね？ダイエット中ちゅうじゃなかったの？ (You’re making an excuse, huh? You’re on a diet, right?) (iiwake shiteru yone? daietto chū ja nakatta no?)

だって、おいしそうだったしー・・・ごめん。 (Cuz this looks good… Sorry.) (datte, oishisō dattashi-…gomen.)

Life goes on!：人生じんせいはまだまだこれからだ！(jinsei wa madamada korekara da)

When you encourage someone who had something sad or disappointing, you would be able to use “人生じんせいはまだまだこれからだ！(jinsei wa madamada korekara da)” which means “Life goes on!”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual and in business situations as formal.

Sample 1

彼女かのじょに振ふられた・・・もう終おわりだよ。 (He broke up with me… It’s all over for me.) (kanojo ni fura reta… mō owari dayo.)

人生じんせいはまだまだこれからだよ！ (Life goes on!) (jinsei wa madamada korekara dayo!)

ありがとう。 (Thanks.) (arigatō.)

Sample 2

テストに合格ごうかくできなかったよ。もう終おわりだよ。 (I didn’t pass the test. It’s all over for me.) (tesuto ni gōkaku deki nakatta yo. mō owari dayo.)

人生じんせいはまだまだこれからだよ！頑張がんばってね！ (Life goes on! You can do it!) (jinsei wa madamada korekara dayo! ganbatte ne!)

うん、頑張がんばる！ありがとう！ (I’ll try my best! Thanks a lot!) (un, ganbaru! arigatō!)

I think so.：そう思おもうよ。(sou omou yo)

When you believe that something is true, that a particular situation exists, that something will happen, etc, you would be able to use “そう思おもうよ。(sou omou yo)” which means “I think so.”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “そう思おもいます。(sou omoi masu)” and which is also used as formal.

Sample 1

答こたえってCだよね？ (The answer is C, isn’t it?) (kotae tte C dayo ne?)

うん、そう思おもうよ。 (Yeah, I think so.) (un, sō omou yo.)

Sample 2

今回こんかいはミク来くるだろうね。 (Miku will come this time.) (konkai wa Miku kuru darou ne.)

うん、そう思おもうよ。 (Yeah, I think so.) (un, sō omō yo.)

If anything___：どちらかというと___ (dochira kato iu to___)

When you want to introduce something which strengthens or changes the meaning of the statement you have just made but only in a small or unimportant way, you would be able to use “どちらかというと___(dochira kato iu to___)” which means “If anything…”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual and in business situations as formal. The polite way to use it is “どちらかというと___です(dochira kato iu to___desu)”.

Sample 1

この夏なつダイエットしてたって聞きいたよ。うまくいった？ (I heard you were on a diet. Did it work well?) (kono natsu daietto shitetatte kiita yo. umaku itta?)

全然ぜんぜん。どちらかというと、この夏なつはちょっと太ふとっちゃった。草くさ (Oh, no. I got a little fatter this summer, if anything. hehe) (zenzen. dochira kato iu to, kono natsu wa chotto futotchatta. kusa)

そう？前まえより痩やせて見みえるけどね！ (Really? You look thiner than beore though.) (sō? mae yori yasete mieru kedo ne!)

Sample 2

この帽子ぼうしとあの帽子ぼうし、どちらがいいですか？ (Which would you like, this cap or that one?) (kono bōshi to ano bōshi, dochira ga ī desu ka?)

どちらかというと、この帽子ぼうしがいいです。 (If anything, I’d like this one, please.) (dochira kato iu to, kono bōshi ga ī desu.)

かしこまりました。３０００円さんぜんえんになります。 (Sure! That’ll be 3000 yen.) (kashikomari mashita. sanzen en ni nari masu.)

Good/Bad posture：姿勢しせいが良いい/悪わるい。(shisei ga ii / warui)

When you want to explain that the good or bad position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting, you would be able to use “姿勢しせいが良いい/悪わるい。(shisei ga ii / warui)” which means “Good/Bad posture”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. And “姿勢しせいが良いいです/悪わるいです。(shisei ga ii desu / warui desu)” is used as polite and formal.

Sample 1

ゆかは姿勢しせいが良いいね。 (You have good posture.) (Yuka wa shisei ga ī ne.)

そう？たつやは姿勢しせいが悪わるいんじゃない？草くさ (Is that so? You have bad posture, huh? hehe) (sō? Tatsuya wa shisei ga warui n janai? kusa)

かもしれないね。笑わら (Could be. haha) (kamoshirenai ne. wara)

Sample 2

どうやったら姿勢しせいが良よくなるかな？ (How can I improve my posture?) (dō yattara shisei ga yokunaru kana?)

姿勢しせい良いいじゃん！ (You have good posture!) (shisei ī jan!)

そう？でも、歩あるいてる時ときは姿勢しせいが悪わるいと思おもうの。 (Really? But I think my posture is bad while walking.) (sō? demo, aruiteru toki wa shisei ga warui to omou no.)

What do you want for dinner?：夕食ゆうしょくは何なにがいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī?)

When you want to ask a person what he/she wants to eat for dinner, you would be able to use “夕食ゆうしょくは何なにがいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī?)” which means “What do you want for dinner?”. Everybody could use this phrase in both daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “夕食ゆうしょくは何なにがいいですか？(What would you like for dinner?) (yūshoku wa nani ga ī desuka?)” used in business situations as well. Native speakers sometimes omit “は” of “夕食ゆうしょくは何なにがいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī)”, so that would be “夕食ゆうしょく何なにがいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī?)”.

Sample 1

お腹空なかすいたー！ (I’m hungry!) (onaka suita-!)

夕食ゆうしょく何なにがいい？ (What do you want for dinner?) (yūshoku nani ga ī?)

うーん・・牛肉ぎゅうにくとサラダ！ (Well, beef and salad!) (u-n…gyūniku to sarada!)

Sample 2

お腹なかペコペコー！ (I’m starving!) (onaka pekopekō!)

夕食ゆうしょくは何なにがいい？ (What do you want for dinner?) (yūshoku wa nani ga ī?)

お寿司すしがいいな！ (I wanna have SUSHI!) (osushi ga ī na!)

I’ll be with you in a moment.：少々しょうしょうお待まちください。(shōshō omachi kudasai)

When you want to tell someone that you will do something very soon, you would be able to use “少々しょうしょうお待まちください。(shōshō omachi kudasai)” which means “I’ll be with you in a moment.”. Everybody could use this phrase in business situations. You would say “ちょっと待まって！(chotto matte)” in daily conversations as casual.

Sample 1

こんにちは。田中たなかさんに繋つないでいただけますか？ (Hi, would you connect me to Mr. Tanaka?) (kon’nichiwa. Tanaka san ni tsunaide itadake masu ka?)

はい、少々しょうしょうお待まちください。 (Yes, I’ll be with you in a moment.) (hai, shōshō omachi kudasai.)

Sample 2

こんにちは。鈴木すずきさんとお話はなしができればと思おもいます。 (Good afternoon. I’d like to speak with Mr. Janczak.) (kon’nichiwa. Suzuki san to ohanashi ga dekireba to omoi masu.)

少々しょうしょうお待まちください。 (I’ll be with you in a moment.) (shōshō omachi kudasai.)

Call me anytime!：いつでも電話でんわして！(itsudemo denwa shite)

When you would welcome someone’s call at any time, you would be able to use “いつでも電話でんわして！(itsudemo denwa shite)” which means “Call me anytime!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “いつでも電話でんわしてください！(itsudemo denwa shite kudasai)”.

Sample 1

また電話でんわしていい？ (Can I call you again?) (mata denwa shite ī?)

いつでも電話でんわしてね！ (Call me anytime!) (itsudemo denwa shite ne!)

ありがとう！じゃあ、また明日あした！ (Thanks! See you tomorrow!) (arigatō! jā, mata ashita!)

Sample 2

また聞きいていいですか？ (Could I ask you it again?) (mata kiite ī desu ka?)

いつでも電話でんわしてください！ (Please call me anytime!) (itsudemo denwa shite kudasai!)

ありがとうございます！また明日あしたかけますね！ (Thank you! I’ll call you tomorrow!) (arigatō gozaimasu! mata ashita kake masu ne!)

Are you in a hurry?：急いそいでますか？(isoide masu ka?)

When you want to ask if a person is in a hurry or not, you would be able to use “急いそいでますか？(isoide masu ka)” which means “Are you in a hurry?”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The more casual way to use it is “急いそいでる？(isoideru)”. The polite way to use it is “お急いそぎですか？(o isogi desu ka)” and which is used as formal.

Sample 1

田中たなかさんにこれ渡わたしといてくれませんか？ (Could you give this to Mr Tanaka?) (Tanaka san ni kore watashi toite kure masen ka?)

いいですよ。あっ、急いそいでますか？ (That’s ok. Well, are you in a hurry?) (ī desu yo. a, isoide masu ka?)

そうですね。今日出来きょうできそうですか？ (Yeah, could you do it today?) (sō desu ne. kyō dekisō desu ka?)

Sample 2

レイにこれ渡わたしといてくれる？ (Can you give this to Rei?) (Rei ni kore watashi toite kureru?)

いいよ。急いそいでる？ (Sure. Are you in a hurry?) (ī yo. isoide ru?)

急いそいでないけど、明日あしたレイと会あうよね？ (I’m not in a hurry but will you see him tomorrwo, right?) (isoide nai kedo, ashita Rei to au yone?)