200+ Basic Japanese Phrases
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!
You made it!：よく来くれたね！(yoku kite kureta ne)
When you want to describe “your joy with this phrase which a person who came all the way or you think a person won’t be able to visit you but he/she came”, you would be able to use “よく来てくれたね！(yoku kite kureta ne)” which means “You made it!”.
Learn more: yoku kitekureta ne
tatsuyaゆか！よく来てくれたね！日本へようこそ。 (Yuka! You made it! Welcome to Japan.) (Yuka! yoku kite kureta ne! Nihon e yōkoso.)
What a waste of time!：時間がもったいないよ！(jikan ga mottai nai yo)
When you feel the time is waisting, you would be able to use “時間がもったいないよ！(jikan ga mottainai yo)” which means “What a waste of time!”.
Learn more: jikan ga mottainai yo
yuka時間がもったいないよ。 (What a waste of time!) (jikan ga mottai nai yo.)
Awesome!：すごい！(sugoi)
When you are surprised at someone or something who and which is special, you would be able to use “すごい！(sugoi)” which means “Awesome!”.
Learn more: sugoi
tatsuya観てないよ！どうすごいの？ (I haven’t seen it yet. What’s so awesome about it?) (mite nai yo! dō sugoi no?)
Have no class!：下品！(gehin)
When you want to describe “person is crass, rude, or acting outside the boundaries of the lowest socially acceptable behavior”, you would be able to use “下品！(gehin)” which means “Have no class!”.
Learn more: gehin
yuka下品だって！ (You have no class, huh?) (gehin datte!)
Excuse me!：すみません！(sumimasen)
When you want to politely get someone’s attention, especially when you are about to ask them a question, you would be able to use “すみません！(sumimasen)” which means “Excuse me!”.
Learn more: sumimasen
tatsuyaすみません！ (Excuse me!) (sumimasen!)
It means a lot!：とってもうれしい！(tottemo ureshī)
When you say “thank you to the person who helped or gave him/her something”, you would be able to use “とってもうれしい！(tottemo ureshī) ” which means “It means a lot!”.
Learn more: tottemo ureshī
yukaすごく気に入ってる！とってもうれしい。 (I love it! It means a lot to me.) (sugoku kinītteru! tottemo ureshī.)
I’m sick of ___!：___にうんざり！（ni unzari）
When you want to describe “to express that you are tired of something; to express you don’t like something any more”, you would be able to use “___にうんざり！(ni unzari)” which means “I’m sick of ___!”.
Learn more: ni unzari
yuka人ごみにうんざりだよー。 (I was sick of the crowd.) (hitogomi ni unzarida yo-.)
It’s pouring!：どしゃ降り！(doshaburi)
When you want to describe “to rain heavily without stopping”, you would be able to use “どしゃ降り！(doshaburi)” which means “It’s pouring!”.
Learn more: doshaburi
yuka明日はどしゃ降りみたいだよ。 (I’ve heard there will be pouring tomorrow.) (ashita wa doshaburi mitai dayo.)
Better than nothing!：無いよりはマシ！(naiyori wa mashi)
When you want to describe “something is not what is required, but that it is better to have that thing than to have nothing at all”, you would be able to use “無いよりはマシ！(naiyori wa mashi)” which means “Better than nothing!”.
Learn more: naiyori wa mashi
tatsuya無いよりはマシじゃない？ (Better than nothing, right?) (nai yori wa mashi janai?)
It’s not that __.：___というわけではない。(to iuwake dewa nai)
When you want to describe “although you can do something, somewhat you don’t want to do about it.”, you would be able to use “___というわけではない。(to iuwake dewa nai)” which means “It’s not that ___ / It doesn’t mean that ___”.
Learn more: to iuwake dewa nai
yukaお腹いっぱいっていうわけじゃないけど、なんかちょっと体調悪い。 (It’s not that I’m not full, but I’m not feeling very well.) (onaka ippai tte iu wake janai kedo, nanka chotto taichō warui.)
Flaming!：炎上する。(enjou suru)
When you want to describe “the act of posting or sending offensive messages over the Internet”, you would be able to use “炎上する。(enjou suru)” which means “Flaming!”.
Learn more: enjou suru
yuka炎上したブログ！ (The blog got flamed!) (enjō shita burogu!)
Don’t drink and drive!：飲んだら運転しちゃダメだよ！(nondara unten shicha dame dayo)
When you don’t want someone to drive after drinking, you would be able to use “飲んだら運転しちゃダメだよ！(nondara unten shicha dame dayo)” which means “Don’t drink and drive!”.
Learn more: enjou suru
tatsuya飲んだら運転しちゃダメだよ！ (Don’t drink and drive!) (nondara unten shicha dame dayo!)
Rain bringer：雨女・雨男。(ame onna / ame otoko)
When you want to describe “a friend who always brings the rain in events such as travel”, you would be able to use “雨女・雨男(ame onna / ame otoko)” which means “Rain bringer”.
Learn more: ame onna / ame otoko
yuka雨男じゃない？ (You’re a rain bringer, aren’t you?) (ame otoko janai?)
You Rock!：最高！(saikou)
When you want to describe “people or things that are super great”, you would be able to use “最高！(saikou)” which means “You rock!”.
Learn more: saikou
tatsuya最高だよ！ (You rock!) (saikō dayo!)
Just saying!：ちょっと言ってみただけだよ！(chotto itte mita dake dayo)
When you are making a criticism or complaint, to make it less likely to offend someone”, you would be able to use “ちょっと言ってみただけだよ！(chotto itte mita dake dayo)” which means “Just saying!”.
Learn more: chotto itte mita dake dayo
yukaちょっと言ってみただけだよ！草 (Just saying! haha) (chotto itte mita dake dayo! kusa)
Abs!：腹筋！(fukkin)
“腹筋(fukkin)” is “Abs” which both boys and girls like. A guy who has great abs is popular with girls in Japan as well. Do you like the guy who has great abs?
Learn more: fukkin
tatsuya最近腹筋してるんだー。 (I’ve been doing sit-ups lately.) (saikin fukkin shi teru nda-.)
What a pain!：めんどくさい！(mendo kusai)
When you think “What a pain!” about something, you would “めんどくさい！”. Furthermore, “___するのがめんどくさい(mendo kusai)” is “I can’t be bothered to ___.” such as “勉強するのがめんどくさい” is “I can’t be bothered to study.”
Learn more: mendokusai
yukaあー、めんどくさい！ (Ahhh! What a pain!) (a-, mendo kusai!)
Living the life!：リア充！(ria juu)
A person who is living the life such as traveling a lot, getting a new boyfriend or girlfriend, having fun every day, etc who are called “リア充(ria juu)” which is one of the slang used by the younger generation.
Learn more: ria juu
tatsuyaリア充だね！ (It seems like you’re living the life!) (riajū dane!)
You’re exaggerating!：おおげさでしょ！(oogesa desho)
When you feel someone said as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is, you would say “おおげさでしょ！(oogesa desho)” which means “You’re exaggerating!” and “おおげさじゃない？” is often used that is “You’re exaggerating, huh?”.
Learn more: oogesa desho
yukaおおげさでしょ！！草 (You’re exaggerating! haha) (ōgesa desho! ! kusa)
You freak me out!：ああびっくりした！(aa bikkuri shita)
When you are surprised at something, you would say “ああびっくりした!(aa bikkuri shita)” which means “You freak me out!” that native speakers are really surprised at something, they would be saying “ああびっくりした!” than “驚いた”.
Learn more: dayone
tatsuyaああびっくりした! (You freak me out!) (ā bikkuri shita!)
Of course, I will.：もちろん、そうするよ！(mochiron sou suru yo)
When being asked something by someone and you want to do what he/she said, you would use “Of course, I will.”
Learn more: mochiron sou suru yo
yukaもちろん，そうするよ。 (Of course, I will.) (mochiron, sō suru yo.)
IKR：だよねー！(dayone)
“だよねー(dayone)” is one of the “back-channeling(Uh-huh, I see, Right, Really?, Great! etc)” and which the younger generation usually uses. When you agree with what your friends said, you would use this.
Learn more: dayone
tatsuyaだよねー！ (I know, right?) (dayone-!)
Such a dog!：チャラいよ！(charai)
“チャラい(charai)” is used for a guy when he behaves cheeky or says something naughty. Not really bad, just kind of low, kind of cheap, rough or naughty. You can also say it to someone who played a joke on you or made fun of you.
Learn more: charai
yukaチャラいよ！ (You’re such a dog!) (charai yo!)
I love it!：大好き！(dai suki)
When you love something such as food, movies, show-biz, books, design and even your partner(I love you), you would use this. For your information, “好き(suki)” is “I like it!”
Learn more: daisuki
tatsuya大好きだよ！ (I love it!) (daisuki dayo!)
I am irritated!：イライラする！(iraira suru)
When you got irritated by something or someone, you would say this. “Don’t get irritated.” is “イライラしないで！(iraira shinai de)” and which you would say for your friends, teachers, colleagues, etc when you saw them getting irritated.
Learn more: iraira suru
yuka今日はイライラする！ (I’m irritated today!) (kyō wa iraira suru!)
How can I say __ in Japanese?：___wa nihongo de nante ittara ī desu ka？
Discover a new phrase each day to use in your Japanese! What does the expression “___は日本語で何て言ったらいいですか？(___wa nihongo de nante ittara ī desu ka)” mean? Visit daily to learn some popular Japanese phrases on a regular basis!
Learn more: ___wa nihongo de nante ittara ī desu ka？
tatsuya“Water”は日本語で何て言ったらいいですか？ (How can I say “Water” in Japanese?) (“Water” wa nihongo de nante ittara ī desu ka?)
What time it is?：“ima nanji desuka？”
Discover a new phrase each day to use in your Japanese! What does the expression “今何時ですか？(ima nanji desuka)” mean? Visit daily to learn some popular Japanese phrases on a regular basis!
Learn more: ima nanji desuka？
yuka今何時ですか？ (What time it is?) (ima nanji desu ka?)
I skinned my knee!：“hiza surimui chatta！”
Discover a new phrase each day to use in your Japanese! What does the expression “ひざ擦りむいちゃった！(hiza surimui chatta)” mean? Visit daily to learn some popular Japanese phrases on a regular basis!
Learn more: hiza surimui chatta！
yukaいたっ！ヒザ擦りむいちゃった。 (Ouch! I skinned my knee.) (ita! hiza surimui chatta.)
I’ll die without an air conditioner!：“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.
Learn more: eakon nashi nante muri！
tatsuya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-!)
Just suck it up!：“guchagucha iuna！”
When someone complains a lot, you would say “ぐちゃぐちゃ言うな！(guchagucha iuna)” which means “Just suck it up!”, however, this is really boyish, if you are a girl/woman, “ぐちゃぐちゃ言わないでよ！(guchagucha iwa nai de yo)” would sound natural but guys won’t be able to use.
Learn more: guchagucha iuna！
yukaぐちゃぐちゃ言わないでよ！ (Just suck it up!) (guchagucha iwa nai de yo!)
I don’t give a fuck!：”shiru ka boke!“
When you’ve absolutely had it with someone’s bullshit and seriously couldn’t care any less about what they do, you would use “知るかボケ！(shiru ka boke!)”. The phrase is not to be used in a public environment unless you truly “Don’t give a fuck”. This word for boys/men and if you are a girl/woman, you would “勝手にして！(katte ni shite!)” or “どうでもいいよ！(dotchi demo ī yo!)” which means “I don’t care!”
Learn more: shiru ka boke!
tatsuya知るかボケ！ (I don’t give a fuck!) (shiru ka boke!)
Adorable!：”kawaī！“
If you are a girl/woman, you may often use the word “かわいい！(kawaī)” for people or animals or even things that are easy to love because they are very attractive and you feel great affection for them. Japanese girls really love the word “かわいい！” in daily conversation.
Learn more: kawaī！
yukaかわいい！ (Adorable!) (kawaī!)
I have a hangover!：”futsuka yoi dayo！”
When you have a hangover, you would say “二日酔いだよ！(futsuka yoi dayo)” and which means “a feeling of illness the next day after drinking too much alcohol”. When you say to your boss about it, “二日酔いです。(futsuka yoi desu)”.
Learn more: futsuka yoi dayo！
tatsuya二日酔い〜。 (I have a hangover!) (¡Tengo una resaca!) (futsuka yoi–.)
I’m looking forward to it!：”tanoshimi ni shiteru ne！“
When you are excited and pleased about something that is going to happen, you would say “楽しみにしてるね！(tanoshimi ni shiteru ne)” which is for girls or women so if you are boys or men, you would say “楽しみにしてるよ！(tanoshimi ni shiteru yo)” or “楽しみにしてるわ！(tanoshimi ni shiteru wa)”. When putting something before “楽しみにしてる”, you would be able to explain what you are looking forward such as “会えるのを楽しみにしてるね！” means “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
Learn more: tanoshimi ni shiteru ne！
yuka楽しみにしてるね！ (I’m looking forward to it!) (tanoshimi ni shi teru ne!)
This is very light and tasty!：“sappari shiteite oishī！”
After eating something and which taste is light and tasty, you would say “さっぱりしていて美味しい！(sappari shiteite oishī)”. If you want to say only “This is very light!”, you would say “さっぱりしてるね！(sappari shiteru ne!)”.
Learn more: sappari shiteite oishī！
tatsuyaさっぱりしていて美味しい！ (This is very light and tasty!) (sappari shite ite oishī!)
Don’t overdo it!：”muri shinai dene!”
When a person who overdo something such as working and studying so hard, you would say “無理しないでね！(muri shinai dene)” to him/her which is one of the words of consideration.
Learn more: muri shinai dene！
yuka無理しないでね！ (Don’t overdo it.) (muri shinai dene!)
You pervert!：“hentai!”
When your friends, especially boys tell jokes to you girls, you would say “変態(hentai)！” while laughing. However, if you feel bad about what they said, you should say this with a serious look. Boys or men would be able to also use this to girls though.
Learn more: hentai！
tatsuya変態じゃね？笑 (You pervert! haha) (hentai jane? wara)
You crack me up!：“chō ukeru！”
When your friends made you laugh so much, you would say “超ウケる！(chō ukeru)”. “とても面白いです(You are so funny.)(totemo omoshiroi desu)” is not bad, however, among your friends, “超ウケる！” sound more friendly than it.
Learn more: chō ukeru！
yuka超ウケる！草 (You crack me up!) (chō ukeru! kusa)
I was pickpocketed!：“suri ni ai mashita！”
When you were pickpocketed, you would say “スリにあいました！(suri ni ai mashita)”. And “スリ(suri)” is a noun which means “pickpocket”. Be careful about “スリ”.
Learn more: suri ni ai mashita！
tatsuyaスリにあったんだ。 (I was pickpocketed.) (suri ni atta nda.)
That’s stupid!：“kudaranai！”
When you feel something is stupid, you would say “くだらない！(kudaranai)”. Sayin only “くだらない！” is too strong, so you might want to say “くだらないよ！(kudaranai yo)”, “くだらないね！(kudaranai ne)” and “くだらねぇ！(only for men)(kudara ne-)” that is the pretty negative meaning. However, if you laugh at what someone said in saying it, that would be a positive meaning, even if it is stupid.
Learn more: kudaranai！
yukaくだらないよ。 (That’s stupid!) (kudaranai yo.)
Where is the bathroom?：“toire wa doko desuka？”
Although you have to go to the bathroom, you don’ know where the bathroom/toilet is, in that case, you would say “トイレはどこですか？(toire wa doko desuka)” which means “Where is the bathroom/toilet?”. Before asking it, you would say “すいません” means “Excuse me”. So, “すいません、トイレはどこですか？” that you would use to ask where the bathroom/toilet is.
Learn more: toire wa doko desuka？
tatsuyaすいません、トイレはどこですか？ (Excuse me, where is the bathroom/toilet?) (suimasen, toire wa dokodesu ka?)
Popular with girls/boys!：“moteru！”
When he/she is popular with girls/boys, you would say “彼/彼女はモテる！(He/She is popular with girls/boys!)” and “私はモテる！(I am popular with girl/boys!)”, “あなたはモテる！(You are popular with girl/boys!)” which you would be able to say. Furthermore, “モテるでしょ？” means “You are popular with girls/boys, huh?”
Learn more: moteru！
yukaモテるでしょ？ (You’re popular with girls, huh?) (moteru desho?)
Are you free to talk now?：“ima hanasu jikan aru？”
When you want to talk to someone now, you would be able to use this phrase “今、話す時間ある？(ima hanasu jikan aru)” means “Are you free to talk now?”. If you want to him/her tomorrow, that would be “明日、話す時間ある？(ashita hanasu jikan aru)”.
Learn more: ima hanasu jikan aru？
tatsuya今、話す時間ある？ (Are you free to talk now?) (ima, hanasu jikan aru?)
Have a heart!：“ōme ni mite yo！”
When asking someone to be kinder to you, him or her, you would say “大目に見てよ！(ōme ni mite yo)” means “Have a heart!”. If you say that, your friends, your parents, etc might forgive you doing wrong.
Learn more: ōme ni mite yo！
yuka大目に見てあげてよ！ (Have a heart!) (ōme ni mite agete yo!)
Bar/Pub crawl!：“hashigo suru！”
“はしごする！(hashigo suru)” means “A bar/pub crawl is the act of drinking in multiple pubs or bars in a single night” which is “Bar or Pub crawl!”. “はしご(hashigo)” is a noun and “はしごする(hashigo suru)” is a verb.
Learn more: hashigo suru！
tatsuya今夜ははしごだね！笑 (Let’s bar crawl tonight.) (kon’ya wa hashigo dane! wara)
What was that?：“nante？“
When you couldn’t clearly hear what someone said, you would use “何て？(nante)” means “What was that?” which is so casual. So without friends, you might want to use “何と言いましたか？(nanto īmashita ka)” means “Perdon?” that would be better.
Learn more: nante？
yukaえっ、何て？ (What? What was that?) (e, nante?)
Oh well!：“shōganai！“
“しょうがない！(shōganai)” means “Oh well!” and which has been used for accepting a bad situation or disappointment. Even though you or they are not very happy about it, you accept a situation or that someone else should accept it.
Learn more: shōganai！
tatsuyaしょうがないよ！一緒に練習しようよ！ (Oh well. I guess we’ll wait. Let’s practice Japanese together!) (shōganai yo! issho ni renshū shiyou yo!)
I saw a shooting star!：“nagareboshi wo mita yo！”
When you saw a shooting star, you might want to say about it to someone. That phrase is “流れ星を見たよ！(nagareboshi wo mita yo!)”. “流れ星(nagareboshi)” means “a shooting star”. Did you make a wish after seeing it?
Learn more: nagareboshi wo mita yo！
yuka昨日、流れ星を見たの！ (Yesterday, I saw a shooting star!) (kinō, nagare boshi wo mita no!)
Come to think of it___：“sō ieba___“
When you have suddenly remembered about a subject that you are talking about, you would use “そういえば___(sō ieba)” means “Come to think of it”. “そういえば___” is often used with “あっ！(a)” which word sounds you suddenly remembered about something. For instance, “あっ、そういえば___(a, sō ieba)”.
Learn more: sō ieba___
tatsuyaわかんない。あっ、そういえば宿題するの忘れてた！ (I can’t. Come to think of it, I forgot to do my homework!) (wakan’nai. a, sō ieba shukudai suru no wasureteta!)
What are you getting at?：“nani ga ītai no？“
When you feel someone express, suggest, or show something without stating it directly, you would say “何が言いたいの？(nani ga ītai no)” means “What are you getting at?”. When you want to know something from someone, then you would use this!
Learn more: nani ga ītai no？
yuka何が言いたいの？ (What are you getting at? (nani ga ītai no?)
Relax!：“ochitsukina yo！“
When a person got upset or angry at something or someone, you would say “落ち着きなよ！(ochitsukina yo)” means “Relax!”. After you say this, your friends, your parents, etc, might be relaxed. “落ち着きなよ！(ochitsukina yo)” is also “Calm down!”.
Learn more: ochitsukina yo！
tatsuya落ち着けよー！ (Relax, man!) (ochitsuke yo-!)
Take it easy!：“muri shinaide ne！”
When a person who works too hard, you would say “無理しないでね！(muri shinaide ne)” to him/her for being relaxing which means “Take it easy!”. You can also use “無理しないでください！(muri shinaide kudasai)” as formal.
Learn more: muri shinaide ne！
yuka無理しないでね！ （Take it easy!) (muri shinaide ne!)
Cocky!：“nama iki！”
When you see a person who is so confident in a way that is unpleasant and sometimes rude, you would say “生意気！(nama iki)” and the way to use it is “彼は生意気(He’s cocky!) (kare wa nama iki)”, “生意気！(You’re cocky!)” and so on.
Learn more: nama iki！
tatsuya生意気だなー！何才？ (He’s cocky! How old is he?) (nama iki dana-! nan sai?)
Make sure!：“kakunin suru！“
When you want to check something so that you can be sure about something, you would use “確認する(kakunin suru)” or “確かめる(tashikameru)” means “make sure”.
Learn more: kakunin suru！
yuka忘れ物ないか確認して！ (Make sure we haven’t forgotten anything.) (wasure mono nai ka kakunin shite!)
That’s not the point!：“sō iu mondai ja nai！”
When a person who is talking about something which is not relevant to the question you were discussing, you would be able to say “そういう問題じゃない！(sō iu mondai ja nai)” means “That’s not the point!”
Learn more: sō iu mondai ja nai！
tatsuyaそういう問題じゃないんだよ！ (That’s not the point!) (sō iu mondai janai nda yo!)
You’re speaking my language!：“ī koto iu jan！”
When you completely agree with what someone just said, you would be able to use “いいこと言うじゃん！(ī koto iu jan)” means “You’re speaking my language!”. Or you can also say “いいこと言うね！(ī koto iu ne)” which sounds a little bit soft than “いいこと言うじゃん！”.
Learn more: ī koto iu jan！
yukaいいこと言うじゃん！ (Now, You’re speaking my language! (ī koto iu jan!)
You sound very excited!：“sugoku ureshi sō dane！”
What someone said sounds so happy or excited, you would be able to “すごくうれしそうだね！(sugoku ureshi sō dane)” means “You sound very excited!”. The negative form of “すごくうれしそうだね！” would be “あんまりうしそうじゃないね！(anmari ushi sō janai ne)”.
Learn more: sugoku ureshi sō dane！
tatsuyaすごくうれしそうだね！ (You sound very excited!) (sugoku ureshi sō dane!)
No way!：“zettai iya！”
When you will definitely not do something or that something will definitely not happen, you would be able to use “絶対嫌(zettai iya)” or “絶対無理(zettai muri)“. “絶対嫌” sounds a little bit stronger than “絶対無理“.
Learn more: zettai iya！
yuka絶対無理！彼女いるじゃん！ (No way! You do have your girlfriend!) (zettai muri! kanoji iru jan!)
You look mature for your age!：“otona ppoi ne！”
When you feel someone doesn’t look like his/her age, you would be able to use “大人っぽいね！(otona ppoi ne)” means “You look mature for your age!” that is basically a positive meaning.
Learn more: otona ppoi ne！
tatsuya大人っぽいね！いいじゃん！ (You look mature for your age! I like it!) (otona ppoi ne! ī jan!)
It’s been a long time!：“hisashi buri！“
When you met a person who you know and it’s quite a long time, you would be able to say “久しぶり！(hisashi buri)” means “It’s been a long time!”
Learn more: hisashi buri！
yuka久しぶり！ (It’s been a long time!) (hisashi buri!)
I get drunk easily!：“osake ni yowai desu！”
When you easily get drunk, you would be able to say “お酒に弱いです！(osake ni yowai desu)” means “I get drunk easily!”. An interrogative sentence of it is “お酒に弱いですか？(Do you get drunk easily?) (osake ni yowai desu ka?)”.
Learn more: osake ni yowai desu！
tatsuya酒に弱いんだ。笑 (I get drunk easily! haha) (sake ni yowai nda. wara)
__ doesn’t matter!：“__nante kankei nai yo！“
When someone offers you a choice between two or more things and you do not mind which is chosen, you would be able to say “__なんて関係ないよ！(nante kankei nai yo)” means “__ doesn’t matter!”. And you would also use “そんなの関係ないよ(son’nano kankei nai yo)” means “It doesn’t matter!”.
Learn more: __nante kankei nai yo！
yuka学歴なんて関係ないよ！ (Education doesn’t matte!) (gakureki nante kankei nai yo!)
That’s often the case!：“sore wa yoku aru koto dayo！”
When people often do something and you want to say to someone “That’s not special.”, you would be able to say “それは良くあることだよ！(sore wa yoku aru koto dayo)” to comfort.
Learn more: sore wa yoku aru koto dayo！
tatsuya良くあることだよ！がっかりしないで！ (That’s often the case! Don’t let it get you down!) (yoku aru koto dayo! gakkari shinai de!)
What do think about__?：“__dō omou？“
When you want to ask someone about something, you would be able to use “__どう思う？(dō omou)” which means “What do think about__?”. Whatever you are curious about, you could put them into ___. The polite way to use it is “__をどう思いますか？(dō omoi masuka)”.
Learn more: __dō omou？
yukaこのブーツどう思う？ (What do you think about this boots?) (kono būtsu dō omou?)
Cool!：“ī ne / ī yo”
Discover a new phrase each day to use in your Japanese! What does the expression “いいね！or いいよ！(ī ne / ī yo)” mean? Visit daily to learn some popular Japanese phrases on a regular basis!
Learn more: ī ne / ī yo！
yukaうん！いいね！ (Sure,that’s cool!) (un! ī ne!)
You’re laid-back !：“ochitsuiteru ne！”
When you meet a person who is relaxed in character, you would be able to say “落ち着いてるね！(ochitsuiteru ne)” which means “You’re laid-back!”.
Learn more: ochitsuiteru ne！
tatsuya落ち着いてるね！ (You’re laid-back!) (ochitsuiteru ne!)
I wonder if ___：“___kanā?”
When you are talking to yourself and are wondering about something, you would say “___かなぁ？(___kanā?)” which means “I wonder if ___” such as “彼/彼女は来るかなぁ？(I wonder if he/she will come.)”.
Learn more: ___kanā?
tatsuya来るかなぁ？ (I wonder if she will come.) (kuru kanā?)
Sorry for the wait!：“matasete gomen！”
When your friends wait for you, you would say “待たせてごめん！(matasete gomen)” which mean “Sorry for the wait!”. And if you are a girl or a woman, you would “待たせてごめんね！(matasete gomen ne)”. In business situations, you won’t be able to use it, you have to say “お待たせして申し訳ございません。(omatase shite mōshiwake gozaimasen.)”.
Learn more: matasete gomen！
yuka待たせてごめんね！ (Sorry for the wait!) (matasete gomen ne!)
Just wondering!：“kiite mita dake！“
Someone answered the questions which you asked him/her that you are a little bit curious, you would be able to say “聞いてみただけ！(kiite mita dake)” means “Just wondering!” such as a supermarket name, the price of something, etc which is not so important. After he/she says “why?(何で？(nande))”, that would be a chance to use it.
Learn more: kiite mita dake！
tatsuya聞いてみただけ！ (Just wondering!) (我只是问问！) (그냥 물어본거야!) (tôi chỉ hỏi thử thôi!) (kiite mita dake!)
It’s a piece of cake!：“chō kantan！”
When you think of something that is simple to accomplish, you would be able to use “超簡単！(chō kantan)” means “It’s a piece of cake!”. “とても簡単です。(totemo kantan desu)” is pretty formal than it.
Learn more: chō kantan！
yuka超簡単！ (It’s a piece of cake!) (你明白了吗？) (알았어?) (Bạn đã hiểu chưa?) (chō kantan!)
Way to go!：“yatta ne！”
“やったね！(yatta ne)” is used to tell someone that he or she has done something well which means “Way to go!”. When using “やったね！” to your friends, they would be happy.
Learn more: yatta ne！
tatsuyaやったね！ (Way to go!) (太好了！) (해냈구나!) (Bạn đã làm rất tốt!) (yatta ne!)
It’s not your business!：“anata ni kankei nai！”
When someone asks you something but you want it to be a secret, you would be able to use “あなたに関係ない！(anata ni kankei nai)” means “It’s not your business!”. If someone is so persistent about it, that would be the chance to use this. Native speakers tend to say “his/her name” instead of using あなた(anata).
Learn more: anata ni kankei nai！
yukaたつやに関係ないじゃん！ (It’s not your business!) (Tatsuya ni kankei nai jan!)
Indecisive：“yūjū fudan”
When a person finds it very difficult to make decisions, you would be able to use “優柔不断。(yūjū fudan)” means “Indecisive!”. When he/she is indecisive at the restaurants or at the shops, “彼/彼女は優柔不断です！(kare/kanojo wa yūjū fudan desu)” is often used or even “あなたは/私は優柔不断です！(You are/I am indecisive!) (anata/watashi wa yūjū fudan desu)”.
Learn more: yūjū fudan
tatsuya優柔不断なんだ！笑 (I’m indecisive!) (yūjū fudan na’nda! wara)
That’s silly.：“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.
Learn more: baka dana
yukaバカだなぁ。草 (That’s silly. hehe) (baka dana. kusa)
Now you are talking!：“sō kona kutcha！”
When a person showed a good idea or a good plan, especially compared to previous suggestions, you would be able to use “そうこなくっちゃ！(sō kona kutcha)” which means “Now you are talking!”. “そうこなくっちゃ！” sounds so friendly.
Learn more: sō kona kutcha！
tatsuyaそうこなくっちゃ！ (Now you are talking!) (sō kona kutcha!)
Get big-headed!：“unu boreru！”
When a person who becomes arrogant or conceited, you would be able to use “自惚れる(unu boreru)” which means “Get big-headed!”. The basic way to use it is “___は自惚れる(Someone gets big-headed.)(___wa unu boreru)”.
Learn more: unu boreru！
yuka正直、自惚れてるよね？ (Honestly, she got big-headed, didn’t she?) (shōjiki, unu boreru teru yo ne?)
Yum!：“uma！”
When food tastes very good, you would be able to use “うまっ！(uma)” for especially men which means “Yum!”. For girls/women, “おいしー！(oishi-)” sounds better close to “Yummy!”. Even women could use “おいしー!” between their friends and it sounds friendly.
Learn more: uma！
tatsuyaうまっ！ (Yum!) (uma!)
Melty!：“tokeru-！”
When food melts in your mouth, you would be able to use “とけるー！(tokeru-!)” which means “Melty!” such as ice cream, cheese, super tender beef, fatty tuna, etc.
Learn more: tokeru-！
yukaえー、とけるー！ (Wow! Melty!) (e-, tokeru-!)
It was creepy!：“zotto shita！”
When you feel very nervous or frightened, you would be able to use “ぞっとした！(ぞっとした！ (zotto shita!)” which means “It was creepy!”. “そうこなくっちゃ！(sō kona kutcha)” sounds so friendly. Talk to your friends about a story of “ぞっとした！”.
Learn more: zotto shita！
tatsuyaぞっとしたよ！何時頃？どこで？ (It was creepy! About what time? Where?) (zotto shita yo! nanji goro? dokode?)
l don’t give a damn!：“dō demo ī！”
When you feel “It doesn’t matter to me”, you would be able to use “どうでもいい！(dō demo ī)” which means “I don’t give a damn!”. If you want to use “I don’t give a damn about ___, you would use”___はどうでもいい(___wa dō demo ī)”. “どうでもいい！” is a casual and quite strong word.
Learn more: dō demo ī！
yukaどうでもいい！ (I don’t give a damn!) (dō demo ī!)
Made it!：“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！”.
Learn more: yatta ne/yo！
tatsuyaやったよ！テストで９５点とったよ！ (I made it! I got a 95 on the test!) (yatta yo! tesuto de kujū goten totta yo!)
Texting while Walking!：“aruki sumaho！”
When he/she who is texting while walking, you would be able to use “彼/彼女は歩きスマホをしています。(kare/kanojo wa aruki sumaho wo shite imasu)” “Don’t text and walk!” means “歩きスマホするな！(aruki sumaho suru na)” for boys/men and “歩きスマホしないで！(aruki sumaho shinai de)” for girls/women.
yuka歩きスマホは危ないよ！ (Texting while walking is dangerous!) (aruki sumaho wa abunai yo!)
I was put off by ___!：“___ni hiku wa！”
When things make you dislike something or someone, you would be able to use “___に引くわー!(___ni hiku wa)” which means “I was put off by ___!” or just “引くわー!(hiku wa-)” which native speakers prefer. This word is so casual and ordinally has bad meanings, however, “引くわー!” is one of the kidding words which sounds friendly and the Japanese tend to use it in-jokes.
Learn more: ___ni hiku wa！
tatsuya引くわー!笑 (I was put off by your act!) (hiku wa-! wara)
I had a good time!：“tanoshi katta!“
When enjoying yourself, you would be able to use “楽しかった！(tanoshi katta)” which means “I had a good time!”. The expression is so natural and popular word.
Learn more: tanoshi katta!
yuka楽しかったよ！ (I had a good time!) (tanoshi katta yo!)
Sorry! I already have plans!：“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！すでに予定が入ってる！(gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru)” that is casual and which means “Sorry! I already have plans!”. “すいません！すでに予定が入っています！(suimasen! sudeni yotei ga haitte masu!)” is formal.
Learn more: gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru！
tatsuyaごめん！すでに予定が入ってるんだ！ (Sorry! I already have plans!) (gomen! sudeni yotei ga haitteru nda!)
What are you up to?：“nani shiteru no？”
It’s just an informal way of asking “何してますか？(nani shite masuka)” is “何してるの？(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.
Learn more: nani shiteru no？
yuka何してるの？ (What are you up to?) (nani shiteru no?)
Good for you!：“yokatta ne！”
When you show approval for someone’s success, you would be able to use “よかったね！(yokatta ne)” which “Good for you!”. The word “よかったね！” is so friendly word for native speakers. It’s just an informal way of saying “よかったですね！(yokatta desu ne)”.
Learn more: yokatta ne！
tatsuyaよかったね！ (Good for you!) (yokatta ne!)
That’s shameful!：“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.
Learn more: mittomo nai！
yukaみっともなー！ (That’s shameful!) (mittomona-!)
I dislike ___ on a biological level!：“___wa seiri teki ni muri！”
When there is no chemistry between you and someone, you would be able to use “___は生理的に無理！(___wa seiri teki ni muri)” which “I dislike ___(person’s name) on a biological level!”. It is a really strong word to blame, so use this when you really dislike someone.
Learn more: ___wa seiri teki ni muri！
yukaミクは生理的に無理！ (I dislike Miku on a biological level!) (Miku wa seiriteki ni muri!)
I’m a morning/night person!：“asa gata / yoru gata desu！”
If you find it easy to get up in the mornings and it is most awake around this time, you would be able to use “(私は)朝型です！(asa gata / yoru gata desu)”. and If you prefer to stay up late or who functions best during the nighttime hours, you would be able to use “夜型です！(yoru gata desu)”.
Learn more: asa gata / yoru gata desu！
tatsuyaううん、朝型だよ！ (No, I’m a morning person!) (uun, asa gata dayo!)
May I ask who’s calling?：“dochira sama de shō ka？”
When you answer the phone and want the name of someone calling, you would be able to use “どちら様でしょうか？(dochira sama de shō ka?)” which means “May I ask who’s calling?”. You could use this phrase, especially in business situations. For your information, “誰ですか？(dare desuka?)” means “Who’s calling?” in only casual situations.
Learn more: dochira sama de shō ka？
yukaこんにちは。どちら様でしょうか？ (Hello. May I ask who’s calling?) (kon’nichiwa. dochira sama de shō ka?)
To be honest___：“shōjiki ni iuto___“
When telling someone what you really think, especially when it may be something that they do not want to hear, you would be able to use “正直に言うと___(shōjiki ni iuto)” which means “To be honest___”. Native speakers tend to omit “に” of “正直に言うと___” so that would be “正直言うと___(shōjiki iuto)”. This is used in casual and business situations as well. And ordinally, we use “正直に言うと___” at the beginning of a sentence.
Learn more: shōjiki ni iuto___
tatsuya正直言うと行きたくないんだー。 (To be honest, I don’t wanna go there.) (shōjiki iuto ikitaku nai nda-.)
Better late than never!：“osoku temo yaranai yori wa mashi！”
When you think that it is better for someone or something to be late than never to do something or to happen, you would be able to use “遅くてもやらないよりはマシ！(osokutemo yaranai yoriwa mashi)” which means “Better late than never!”.
Learn more: osoku temo yaranai yori wa mashi！
yuka遅くてもやらないよりはマシじゃないの？ (Better late than never, right?) (osokute mo yaranai yori wa mashi janai no?)
This soup is thick!：“kono su-pu wa toromi ga aru！”
When the soup is not flowing easily, you would be able to use “このスープはとろみがある！(kono su-pu wa toromi ga aru)” means “This soup is thick!”. It is not only used for the soup, but it is also used for a liquid such as “___はとろみがある！(___wa toromi ga aru)”.
Learn more: kono su-pu wa toromi ga aru！
tatsuyaこのトマトジュースはとろみがあるね！ (This tomato juice is thick!) (kono tomato jūsu wa toromi ga aru ne!)
avoid ___(people)!：“sakeru！”
When staying away from someone, you would be able to use “(人を)避ける！(sakeru)” means “Avoid ___(people)”. People who are unpleasant to you.
Learn more: sakeru!
yuka最近、ミクが私のこと避けてる気がするんだけど・・・ (I feel Miku is recently avoiding me…) (saikin, Miku ga watashino koto saketeru ki ga suru ndakedo…)
Where are you headed?：“doko iku no？”
When you want to know someone goes somewhere, you would be able to use “どこ行くの？(doko iku no)” which means “Where are you headed?”. The polite way to use it is “どこに行くのですか？(doko ni iku no desuka)”.
Learn more: doko iku no？
tatsuyaあ、ゆかー！どこ行くの？ (Hey, Yuka！ Where are you headed?) (a, Yuka-! doko iku no?)
Are we allowed to take pictures here?：“kokode shashin wo tottemo ī desu ka？”
When you want to take pictures at the library or somewhere, you would ask people about it and be able to use “ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？(kokode shashin wo tottemo ī desu ka)” which means “Are we/Am I allowed to take pictures here?”. Before saying this, you might want to use “すいません(Excuse me/us) (suimasen)”.
Learn more: kokode shashin wo tottemo ī desu ka？
yukaあっすいません、ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Excuse me, are we allowed to take pictures here?) (a suimasen, koko de shashin wo totte mo ī desu ka?)
Nowhere near ___!：“___towa kake hanare teru！”
When you feel someone doesn’t look like his/her age, you would be able to use “大人っぽいね！(otona ppoi ne)” means “You look mature for your age!” that is basically a positive meaning.
Learn more: ___towa kake hanare teru！
tatsuyaありがとう！でも、目標とはかけ離れてるけどねー。 (Thanks! But I’m nowhere near my goal though.) (arigatō! demo, mokuhyō towa kake hanare teru kedo ne-.)
I’m dying to ___!：“___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.
Learn more: ___shitaku te tamaranai！
yukaマジ！？ 買いたくてたまらないよー！ (Are you sure! I’m dying to buy it!) (maji! ? kaitakute tamaranai yo-!)
I was going to ____!：“___suru tsumori datta！”
When you want to talk about an event that started in the past and has already ended, you would be able to use “___するつもりだった！(suru tsumori datta)” which means “I was going to ____!”. The polite way to use it is “___するつもりでした！(suru tsumori deshita)”. “___するつもりだった！(suru tsumori datta)” is casual.
Learn more: ___suru tsumori datta！
tatsuya映画見にいくつもりだったんだけど、風邪引いたからやめたよ。 (I was going to go to the movies but I decided not to go there because I caught a cold yesterday.) (eiga mi ni iku tsumori dattan dakedo, kaze hīta kara yameta yo.)
I forgive ___!：”___wo yurusu！“
When you stop blaming or being angry with someone for something that person has done, you would be able to “___を許す！(wo yurusu)” which means “I forgive ___!” and that is casual. The polite way to use it is “___を許します！(wo yurushi masu)”. And “I don’t forgive ___” is “___を許さない(wo yurusa nai)”.
Learn more: ___wo yurusu！
yukaもう許したよっ！草 (I’ve already forgiven him cheating on me!) (mō yurushita yo! kusa)
How long does it take?：“donokurai jikan ga kakari masu ka？”
When you wonder how long it takes, you would be able to use “どのくらい時間がかかりますか？(donokurai jikan ga kakari masu ka)” which means “How long does it take?”. The casual way to use it is “どのくらい時間かかる？(donokurai jikan ga kakaru)”.
Learn more: donokurai jikan ga kakari masu ka？
tatsuyaここに行きたいのですが、どのくらい時間がかかりますか？ (I’d like to go here (on the map), but how long does it take?) (koko ni ni ikitai no desuga, dono kurai jikan ga kakari masu ka?)
I’m screwed!：“yabba-！”
When you feel someone doesn’t look like his/her age, you would be able to use “大人っぽいね！(otona ppoi ne)” means “You look mature for your age!” that is basically a positive meaning.
Learn more: yabba-！
yukaやっばー！お母さんに電話するの忘れてた！ (I’m screwed! I forgot to call mom!) (yabba-! okāsan ni denwa suru no wasurete ta!)
Hit it off!：“iki tōgō suru！”
When two people like each other and become friends as soon as they meet, you would be able to use “意気投合する！(iki tōgō suru)” which means “Hit it off!”. Everybody would be able to use this.
Learn more: iki tōgō suru！
tatsuyaうん！意気投合したよ！超いい奴だったよ！ (Yeah! We hit it off! He’s so nice!) (un! ikitōgō shita yo! chō ī yatsu datta yo!)
Tease!：“ijiru！”
When a person to laugh at someone or say unkind things about them because he/she is joking, you would be able to use “いじる！(ijiru)” which means “Tease”. This word is pretty light. Nowadays native speakers don’t use “からかう(karakau)” which is pretty old-fashioned.
Learn more: ijiru！
yukaいじらないで！草 (Don’t tease me! hehe) (ijiranai de! kusa)
Make sure___!：“zettai___shite ne！”
When you want someone to take special care to do something, you would be able to use “絶対___してね！(zettai___shite ne)” which means “Make sure ___ !”. The polite way to use it is “絶対___してください！(Please make sure ___) (zettai___shite kudasai)”.
Learn more: zettai___shite ne！
tatsuya帰りに牛乳買ってくるの絶対忘れないでね。 (Make sure to buy some milk on your way home.) (kaeri ni gyūnyū katte kuru no zettai wasure naide ne.)
Can you zap it?：“denshi renji de chin shite kureru?”
When you want someone to cook something in a microwave, you would be able to use “電子レンジでチンしてくれる?(denshi renji de chin shite kureru)” which means “Can you zap it?”. The polite way to use it is “電子レンジで温めてくれませんか？(Can you heat it up, please?)(denshi renji de atatamete kure masen ka)”.
Learn more: denshi renji de chin shite kureru?
yuka電子レンジでチンしてくれる? (Can you zap it?) (denshi renji de chin shite kureru?)
Go for it!：“ganbatte！”
When you encourage someone to increase their efforts to achieve or win something, you would be able to use “頑張って！(ganbatte)” which means “Go for it!”. The polite way to use it is “頑張ってください！(ganbatte kudasai)”.
Learn more: ganbatte！
tatsuya頑張ってね！ (Go for it!) (ganbatte ne!)
Your actions don’t match your words!：“itteru koto to yatteru koto ga chigau！”
When what someone said and what someone did are very different from each other, you would be able to use “言ってることとやってることが違う！(itteru koto to yatteru koto ga chigau)” which means “Your actions don’t match your words!”. The polite way to use it is “言ってることとやってることが違います！(itteru koto to yatteru koto ga chigai masu)”. The other word is “矛盾しています！(mujun shite imasu)”.
Learn more: itteru koto to yatteru koto ga chigau！
yuka言ってることとやってることが違うじゃん！ (Your actions don’t match your words!) (itteru koto to yatteru koto ga chigau jan!)
Stuck in a rut!：“man’neri ka shiteru!”
When you feel job, activity, method, etc are too fixed in one particular type, you would be able to use “マンネリ化してる！(man’neri ka shiteru)” which means “Stuck in a rut!”. The polite way to use it is “マンネリ化しています！(man’neri ka shite masu)”.
Learn more: man’neri ka shiteru!
tatsuya仕事がマンネリ化してるかなーって・・・ (I feel like I’m stuck in a rut at work…) (shigoto ga man’nerika shiteru kana- tte…)
Pot Belly!：“pokkori onaka！”
When you want to explain a person who is “a fat and has the round stomach”, you would be able to use “ぽっこりお腹！(pokkori onaka)” which means “Pot Belly”. Everyone would be able to use this. It’s more casual than “太ってる(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”.
Learn more: pokkori onaka！
yukaぽっこりお腹だね！草 (You have a pot belly!) (pokkori onaka dane! kusa)
See you later!：“itte rasshai！”
When your family or friends go to school, work, supermarket, etc, you would be able to use “いってらっしゃい！(itte rasshai)” which means “See you later!”. This is used for people who you are close to. Basically, it’s used in the morning.
Learn more: itte rasshai！
tatsuyaいってらっしゃい！ (See you later!) (itte rasshai!)
I’ll take a rain check!：“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 “またの機会にするよ！(mata no kikai ni suru yo)”. The polite way to use it is “またの機会にします！(mata no kikai ni shi masu)”.
Learn more: mata no kikai ni suru ne！
yukaまたの機会にするね！ (I’ll take a rain check!) (mata no kikai ni suru ne!)
What a relief!：“hotto shita！”
When you feel happy that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended, you would be able to use “ホッとした！(hotto shita)” which means “What a relief!”. The polite way to use it “ホッとしました！(hotto shima shita)”. The same meaning of “ホッとした！” is “安心あんしんした！” which is a little bit more polite than it, however, there is no difference though.
Learn more: hotto shita！
tatsuyaふー、ホッとした！ (Phew! What a relief!) (fu-, hotto shita!)
It is not your fault!：“anatano sei dewa nai！”
When a mistake, especially something for which you are not to blame, you would be able to use “あなたのせいではない！(anatano sei dewa nai)” which means “It is not your fault!”. The polite way to use it is “あなたのせいではないですよ。(anatano sei dewa nai desu yo)”. In daily conversation, native speakers don’t usually say “あなた”, so you might want to say his/her name.
Learn more: anatano sei dewa nai！
yukaたつやのせいじゃないよ！！ (It is not your fault!) (Tatsuya no sei ja nai yo! !)
Overfamiliar!：“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.
Learn more: narenare shī！
tatsuyaかなりなれなれしいよ。 (That new hire was quite overfamiliar to me.) (kanari narenare shī yo.)
Let me know!：“oshiete！”
When you want someone to inform you, you would be able to use “教えて！(oshiete)” which means “Let me know”. The polite way to use it is “教えてください！(oshiete kudasai)”. Basically, you have to say “what you want to know”.
Learn more: oshiete！
yukaそうなんだ。じゃあ、行けるなら教えてね！ (Oh really? Okay, well let me know if you can go!) (sō nanda. jā, ikeru nara oshiete ne!)
Oh, that’s too bad.：“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！(a-sore wa zan’nen)” which means “Oh, that’s too bad!”. The polite way to use it is “それは残念ですね。(a-sore wa zan’nen desu ne)”. By saying it, you could show your concern.
Learn more: a-sore wa zan’nen.
tatsuyaあー、それは残念だね。 (Oh, that’s too bad.) (a-, sore wa zan’nen dane.)
Are you kidding me?：“uso desho？”
When someone says something surprising or that seems as if it could not be serious or true, you would be able to use “うそでしょ？(uso desho)” which means “Are you kidding me?”. The polite way to use it is “本当ですか？(hontō desuka)”. “マジ？(maji)” is used as the same meaning “うそでしょ？” and basically “マジ” is used among the younger generation. Everybody can use “うそでしょ？”. Native speakers don’t use “冗談でしょ？(jōdan desyo)” lately which also means “うそでしょ？”.
Learn more: uso desho？
yukaうそでしょ？ (What? Are you kidding me, huh?) (uso desho?)
___ is in season now!：“___wa ima ga shun desu！”
When the item is the cheapest and the freshest on the market, you would be able to use “___は今が旬です！(wa ima ga shun desu)” which means “___ is in season now!”. This is the polite way to use it.
Learn more: ___wa ima ga shun desu！
tatsuyaサツマイモは今が旬だよ！ (Sweet potatoes are in season right now!) (satsumaimo wa ima ga shun dayo!)
I was moved!：“kandō shita！”
When your emotions were strongly affected, you would be able to use “感動した！(kandō shita)” which means “I was moved!”. The polite way to use it is “感動しました！(kandō shimasita)”.
Learn more: kandō shita！
yuka超感動したよ。読んでみて！ (I was so moved! Try to read this!) (chō kandō shita yo. yonde mite!)
He/She is gorgeous!：“kakkoī / kirei desu！”
When you feel he is very cool or she is very beautiful and attractive, you would be able to use “かっこいい/きれいです！(kakkoī / kirei desu)” which means “He/She is gorgeous!”. This is the polite way to use it.
Learn more: kakkoī / kirei desu！
tatsuyaミクって超きれいだよね？ (Miku is so gorgeous, isn’t she?) (Miku tte chō kirei dayo ne?)
hang out with ___!：“___to asobu！”
When spending time with someone, you would be able to use “___と遊ぶ！(to asobu)” which means “Hang out with ___!”. The polite way to use it is “___と遊びます！(to asobi masu)”. Everybody could use this and Native speakers tend to use one.
Learn more: ___to asobu！
yuka明日ミクと遊ぶよ！ (I’m gonna hang out with Miku tomorrow!) (ashita Miku to asobu yo!)
Be less likely to ___!：“wa/ga suru kanōsei wa hikui！”
When the possibility of something is less than the possibility of another thing, you would be able to use “は/が___する可能性は低い！(wa/ga suru kanōsei wa hikui)” which means “Be less likely to ___!”. The polite way to use it is “は/が___する可能性は低いです！(wa/ga suru kanōsei wa hikui desu)”. Everybody could use this.
Learn more: wa/ga suru kanōsei wa hikui！
tatsuya雨が降る可能性は低いと思うよ。 (I think it’s less likely to rain.) (ame ga furu kanōsei wa hikui to omou yo.)
I’m excited!：“tenshon agaru！”
When you are very happy and enthusiastic because something good is going to happen, you would be able to use “テンション上がる！(tenshon agaru)” which means “I’m excited!”. The polite way to use it is “とても嬉しいです！(tetemo ureshī desu)”. Everybody could use this.
Learn more: tenshon agaru！
yukaマジ？超テンション上がるんだけどっ！草 (Really? I’m so excited! hehe) (maji? chō tenshon agaru nd akedo! kusa)
I feel dizzy!：“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.
Learn more: atama ga kurakura suru！
tatsuya頭がクラクラするよ。 (I feel dizzy.) (atama ga kurakura suru yo.)
Just in case!：“nen no tame！”
When you want to someone or for yourself to protect against something bad that could happen, you would be able to use “念のため！(nen no tame)”, which means “Just in case!”. Everybody could use this. Native speakers often omit “に” of “念のために！(nen no tame ni)”.
Learn more: nen no tame！
yuka大丈夫と思うけど、念のためにもう１個買おうよ！ (Probably, but let’s buy one more just in case!) (daijōbu to omou kedo, nen no tame ni mō ikko kaou yo!)
What are you watching?：“nani miteru no？”
When you want to know what someone is watching, you would be able to use “何観てるの？(nani miteru no)” which means “What are you watching/ looking at?”. Everybody could use this. And the polite way to use it is “何を観ているのですか？(nani wo mite iru no desuka)”. “何観てるの？(What are you watching?)” is used for especially TV or movies and “何見てるの？(What are you looking at?)” is used for everything, it sounds the same though.
Learn more: nani miteru no？
tatsuya何観てるの？ (What are you watching?) (nani mi teru no?)
Ordinary___：“futsū no___。”
When something is not different or special or unexpected in any way, you would be able to use “普通の___(futsū no)” which means “Ordinary___”. Everybody could use this.
Learn more: futsū no___。
yuka特に何もー。普通の日だったよ。 (Nothing special. Just another ordinary day.) (tokuni nani mo-. futsū no hi datta yo.)
A terrible singer：“onchi desu。”
When you think someone can’t sing well rather bad, you would be able to use “音痴です！(onchi desu)” which means “A terrible singer!”. Everybody could use this.
Learn more: onchi desu。
tatsuya音痴だからやだ。笑 (I don’t want, cuz I’m a terrible singer. haha) (onchi dakara yada. wara)
Hang around：“burabura suru。”
When you wait or spend time somewhere, usually for no particular reason, you would be able to use “ブラブラする。(burabura suru)” which means “Hang around!”. Everybody could use this. The polite way to use it is “ブラブラしてます。(burabura shimasu)”.
Learn more: burabura suru。
yuka原宿あたりをぶらぶらしてるから、暇だったら電話してよ。 (I’ll be hanging around Harajuku, so call me if you’re free.) (harajuku atari wo burabura shiteru kara, hima dattara denwa shite yo.)
No worries!：“shinpai nai yo！”
When there is no reason to worry about something, you would be able to use “心配ないよ！(shinpai nai yo)” which means “No worries!”. Everybody could use this. The polite way to use it is “心配ないですよ。(shinpai nai desu yo) or 心配しないでください。(shinpai shinaide kudasai)”.
Learn more: shinpai nai yo！
tatsuya心配ないよ！ (No worries!) (shinpai nai yo!)
When it comes to ___：“___nara。”
When you identify the specific topic that is being talked about you would be able to use “___なら(nara)”, which means “When it comes to ___”. Everybody could use this. The others are “___のことになると(no koto ni naruto)” or “___に関して(ni kanshite)” as the meaning of “___なら”. Although you could use “___に関して”, it would be pretty formal.
Learn more: ___nara。
yuka日本語の学習なら、アニメが役に立つよ！ (When it comes to study Japanese, Anime is really helpful!) (Nihongo no gakushū nara, anime ga yakunitatsu yo!)
That’s a rip-off!：“bottakuri da！”
When you feel something that is not worth what you pay for it, you would be able to use “ぼったくりだ！(bottakuri da)” which means “That’s a rip-off!”. “ぼったくりだ！” or “ぼったくりだろ！(bottakuri daro)” are basically used for boys/men and “ぼったくりだよ！(bottakuri dayo)” is used for girls/women. In Tokyo, basically everybody would say “ぼったくりじゃん！(bottakuri jan)”. The polite way to use it is “ぼったくりです！(bottakuri desu)”. The other way to use it is “____はぼったくりだ/です！(___ is/are a rip-off)”.
Learn more: bottakuri da！
tatsuyaぼったくりだろ！何だよこの店！ (That’s a rip-off! What the hell is this store!) (bottakuri daro! na’n dayo kono mise!)
She’s pregnant!：“kanojo wa ninshin shite imasu！”
When a woman has a baby or babies developing inside the womb, you would be able to use “彼女は妊娠しています！(kanojo wa ninshin shite imasu)” which means “She’s pregnant!”. Everybody could use this. Basically, native speakers don’t use “彼女は” as the meaning of “She”, so you might want to use “___(someone’s name)さんは” or “specific person”. Furthermore, you would use “妊娠中(a noun)” as the meaning of “妊娠する(a verb)”.
Learn more: kanojo wa ninshin shite imasu！
yukaお姉ちゃんは妊娠してるの。 (My sister’s pregnant.) (onēchan wa ninshin shi teru no.)
Oh! Look at the time!：“e mō kon’na jikan！”
When you don’t realize the time to go home or do something and totally realized, you would be able to use “えっ、もうこんな時間！(e mō kon’na jikan)” which means “Oh! Look at the time!”. Everybody could use this. Basically, this is used for talking to yourself.
Learn more: e mō kon’na jikan！
tatsuyaうわっ、もうこんな時間じゃん！ (Oh! Look at the time!) (uwa, mō kon’na jikan jan!)
I can’t help …ing.：“dōshitemo…shite shimau”
When you are unable to control something or cannot stop yourself from doing something, you would be able to use “どうしても…してしまう。(dōshitemo…shite shimau)” which means “I can’t help …ing.”. Everybody could use this. The polite way to use it is “どうしても…してしまいます。(dōshitemo…shite shimai masu)” or “どうしても…がやめれません。(dōshitemo…ga yamere masen)”.
Learn more: dōshitemo…shite shimau
yukaうん。でも、どうしてもケーキ食べちゃうの。草 (Yeah. But I can’t help eating the cake. hehe) (un. demo, dōshitemo kēki tabe chau no. kusa)
Regret!：“kōkai！”
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 “後悔する！(kōkai suru)” which means “Regret!”. Everybody could use this. The polite way to use it is “後悔します。(kōkai shimasu)”.
Learn more: kōkai！
tatsuyaうん。ずっと日本に留学したいって思ってたから。後悔したくないんだ。 (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.)
Ohh I see!：“a- naruhodo ne！”
When you understand what someone is telling you., you would be able to use “あー、なるほどね！(a-naruhodo ne)” which means “Ohh I see!!”. It is the word everyone uses in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “あー、わかりました！(a-wakari mashita)”, “あー、おっしゃる通りですね！(a-ossharu toori desu ne)”, etc.
Learn more: a- naruhodo ne！
yukaあー、なるほどね！ (Ohh I see!) (a-, naruhodo ne!)
Insensitive___：“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 “無神経な___です(mushinkeina___desu)” or “無神経です。(mushinkei desu)”.
Learn more: mushinkei na___
tatsuyaマジで？何て無神経なやつなんだ・・・ (Really? What an insensitive person she is…) (majide? nante mushinkei na yatsu na’nda…)
Fall down：“korobu”
When you fall to the ground, you would be able to use “転ぶ(korobu)” which means “Fall down”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “転びます(fall down)(korobi masu)” and “転びました(fell down)(korobi mashita)”.
Learn more: korobu
yukaうん。転んだ時に骨折しちゃった。 (Yeah. I broke a bone when I fell down.) (un. koronda toki ni kossetsu shichatta.)
Close!：“oshī！”
When someone was so close to something, you would be able to use “おしい！(oshī)” which means “Close”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “おしかったです！(oshi katta desu)” and “後もう少しでした！(ato mou sukoshi desita)”.
Learn more: oshī！
tatsuyaおしい！東京！ (Close! It’s Tokyo!) (oshī! tōkyō!)
What we call ___：“iwayuru___“
When something is generally referred to by the name that you are about to use, you would be able to use “いわゆる___(iwayuru___)” which means “What we call ___”. Although it is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal, it is a little bit formal.
Learn more: iwayuru___
yukaいわゆるニートだね。 (He is what we call “NEET”.) (iwayuru nīto dane.)
I feel like a new person!：“umare kawatta kibun！”
When you feel completely refreshed and in good health and spirits, you would be able to use “生まれ変わった気分！(umare kawatta kibun)” which means “I feel like a new person!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “生まれ変わった気分です！(umare kawatta kibun desu)”.
Learn more: umare kawatta kibun！
tatsuya生まれ変わった気分！ (I feel like a new person!) (umare kawatta kibun!)
as ___ as possible：“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)”.
Learn more: dekiru dake___
yukaできるだけ早く来てくださいね。 (Please come as soon as possible.) (dekiru dake hayaku kite kudasai ne.)
It’s starting to rain!：“ame ga futte kita！”
When you want to explain that “It’s starting to rain”, you would be able to use “雨が降ってきた！(ame ga futte kita)”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “雨が降ってきました！(ame ga futte ki mashita)”.
Learn more: ame ga futte kita！
tatsuyaんー。あっ、雨が降ってきたよ！ (Well, oh, it’s starting to rain!) (n-. a, ame ga futte kita yo!)
Dirty joke!：“shimo neta！”
When you want to explain that a joke has to do with disgusting acts of sexual innuendo, you would be able to use “下ネタ！(shimo neta)” which means “Dirty joke!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “下品な話(gehin na hanashi)”.
Learn more: shimo neta！
yuka下ネタは好きじゃないのっ。 (I don’t like dirty jokes.) (shimo neta wa suki janai no.)
cancel ___ at the last minute!：“___wo dotakyan suru！”
When someone suddenly cancels something, you would be able to use “___をドタキャンする！(___wo dotakyan suru)” which means “cancel ___ at the last minute”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “___を急にキャンセルします。(___wo kyuu ni kyanseru shimasu)”.
Learn more: ___wo dotakyan suru！
tatsuyaえー？ドタキャンし過ぎだよー！ (Really? You canceled/cancelled too much at the last minute!) (e-? dotakyan shisugi dayo-!)
All you can eat/drink!：“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 “食べ/飲み放題！(tabe hōdai / nomi hōdai)” which means “All you can eat/drink!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal.
Learn more: tabe hōdai / nomi hōdai！
yukaうん！飲み放題のお店に行こうよ！ (Yeah! Let’s go to an All you can drink today!) (un! nomi hōdai no omise ni ikou yo!)
If you say so…：“anata ga sō 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”.
Learn more: anata ga sō iu nara…
tatsuyaそうだね。ゆかがそう言うのなら・・・ (Right. If you say so…) (sō dane. yuka ga sō iu no nara…)
I can’t thank you enough!：“kansha shite mo shikire masen！”
When you want to be very thankful for people, you would be able to use “感謝してもしきれません！(kansha shite mo shikire masen)” which means “I can’t thank you enough！”. It is pretty formal though. It’s more than “ありがとうございます。(Thank you very much.)”.
Learn more: kansha shite mo shikire masen！
yuka感謝してもしきれません！ありがとうございます！ (I can’t thank you enough! Thank you so much!) (kansha shite mo shikire masen! arigatō gozaimasu!)
Forgetful!：“wasure ppoi！”
When a person often forgets things, you would be able to use “忘れっぽい！(wasure ppoi)” which means “Forgetful”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “忘れっぽいです。(wasure ppoi desu)”.
Learn more: wasure ppoi！
tatsuya最近、忘れっぽくて・・笑 (I’m forgetful lately… haha) (saikin, wasure ppokute…wara)
Half-baked!：“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！(chūto hanpa)” which means “Half-baked!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “中途半端です！(chūto hanpa desu)”. You would be able to use “中途半端な ___(noun) as well”, such as “中途半端なアイディア(the half-baked idea)”.
Learn more: chūto hanpa！
yukaんー・・・ちょっと中途半端じゃない？ (Well… I think it’s pretty half-baked, isn’t it?) (n-…chotto chūto hanpa janai?)
Cheers!：“kanpai！”
Just before you drink an alcoholic drink, you would be able to use “乾杯！(kanpai)” which means “Cheers!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. There are no polite ways. Native speakers tend to say “かんぱーい” instead of “かんぱい”. Say it with them! When jsut saying “乾杯“, it sounds pretty cool.
Learn more: kanpai！
tatsuyaかんぱーい！ (Cheers!) (kanpa-i!)
I never thought ___!：“___suru towa omottemo nakatta！”
When you never thought about something and which happened, you would be able to use “___するとは思ってもなかった！(___suru towa omottemo nakatta)” which means “I never thought ___!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “___するとは思ってもなかったです！(___suru towa omottemo nakatta desu)”. “___するなんて思ってもなかった！” is more casual and is often used in daily conversations. And it seems like a person gets more surprised at something than “___するとは思ってもなかった！”.
Learn more: ___suru towa omottemo nakatta！
yukaあー、たつや！こんなところでたつやに会うなんて思ってもなかったよ！ (Hey Tatsuya! I never thought I’d meet you here!) (a-, Tatsuya! kon’na tokoro de Tatsuya ni au nante omotte mo nakatta yo!)
Bullshit!：“uso tsuku na！”
When you think about what someone is telling you is nonsense or completely untrue, you would be able to use “うそつくな！(uso tsuku na)” which means “Bullshit!”. It is the word everyone uses as casual. The polite way to use it is “うそをつかないでください！(uso tsuka naide kudasai)”. And “うそつくな！” is another word for “でたらめだ！” which is a little bit stronger meaning than “うそつくな！”. Furthermore, “That’s bullshit!” is “そんなのうそだよ！(son’na no uso dayo)” or “そんなのでたらめだよ！(son’na no detarame dayo)”.
Learn more: uso tsuku na！
tatsuyaうそつくなよ！ (Bullshit!) (uso tsukuna yo!)
There’s always next time!：“mata tsugi ga aru yo！”
When you want to encourage your friends making mistakes or something, you would be able to use “また次があるよ！(mata tsugi ga aru yo)” which means “There’s always next time!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “また次がありますよ！(mata tsugi ga arimasu yo)”.
Learn more: mata tsugi ga aru yo！
yukaまぁまぁ。また次があるよ！ (Come on. There’s always next time, you know.) (ma a ma a. mata tsugi ga aru yo!)
___ in a hurry!：“isoide___suru！”
When being in a hurry to do something, you would be able to use “急いで___する！(isoide___suru)” which means “___ in a hurry!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “急いで___します！(isoide___shimasu)”.
Learn more: isoide___suru！
tatsuya急いで家を出たからね！ (Cuz I left home in a hurry!) (isoide ie wo deta kara ne!)
You asked for it!：“jigō jitoku dayo！”
When you think someone deserves the punishment he/she is getting the trouble he/she is in, you would be able to use “自業自得だよ！(jigō jitoku dayo)” which means “You asked for it!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “自業自得です！(jigō jitoku desu)”, although it is one of the blaming words.
Learn more: jigō jitoku dayo！
yukaたつやが他の女の子と歩いてるところを見たよ。自業自得だよ！ (I saw you went out with another girl. You asked for it!) (Tsuya ga hoka no on’nanoko to aruiteru tokoro wo mita yo. jigōjitoku dayo!)
Rather___!：“mushiro___！”
When you used to express an opposite opinion or feeling, you would be able to use “むしろ___！(mushiro___)” which means “You asked for it!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal including the polite way to use it. “ていうか___！(teiuka___)” is much casual as the meaning of “Rather___” and is used for only your friends or persons who you get along with.
Learn more: mushiro___！
tatsuyaマジ？むしろ寒いんだけど・・・ (It is rather chilly today.) (maji? mushiro samui ndakedo…)
Cheer up!：“genki dashite！”
When you want someone to feel happier or more cheerful, you would be able to use “元気だして！(genki dashite)” which means “Cheer up!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “元気だしてください！(genki dashite kudasai)”. When someone is down, why don’t you use this phrase?
Learn more: genki dashite！
yuka焼肉食べに行こうよ！元気だして！ (Let’s go eat Korean barbeque! Cheer up!) (yakiniku tabe ni ikou yo! genki dashite!)
If I were you __：“moshi watashi dattara__”
When you want to give someone advice or put yourself in someone’s situation, you would be able to use “(もし)私だったら___(moshi watashi dattara)” which means “If I were you___”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “(もし)私だったら__します(moshi watashi dattara__shimasu)”. Native speakers often omit “もし” in this case.
Learn more: moshi watashi dattara__
tatsuyaそう？もし僕だったら知りたいけどね。 (Are you? If it were me, I’d want to know about it.) (sō? moshi boku dattara shiritai kedo ne.)
You made my day!：“okagede ī ichinichi ni natta yo！”
When you felt happy after talking to someone or who gave a present, you would be able to use “お陰でいい一日になったよ！(okagede ī ichinichi ni natta yo)” which means “You made my day!” as your gratitude. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “お陰でいい一日になりました！(okagede ī ichinichi ni narimashita)”.
Learn more: okagede ī ichinichi ni natta yo！
yukaありがとう！お陰でいい一日になったよ！ (Thank you! You made my day!) (arigatō! okagede ī ichi ni chi ni natta yo!)
You’re close with ___!：“___to naka ga ī ne！”
When a person gets along with someone, you would be able to use “(あなたは)___と仲がいいね！(___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 “(私は)___と仲がいいです!(___to naka ga ī desu)”.
Learn more: ___to naka ga ī ne！
tatsuyaそうなんだ。ミクと本当に仲がいいね！ (I see. You’re very close with your brother.) (sōnanda. Miku to hontōni naka ga ī ne!)
Make a funny face!：“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 “変顔をします。(hengao wo shimasu)”.
Learn more: hengao wo suru！
yukaははははは！草 変顔やめてよー！ (Hahahahaha! Stop making a funny face!) (hahahahaha! kusa hengao yamete yo-!)
___again?：“___dakke？”
When you want to ask someone something which you ask him/her before, you would be able to use “___だっけ？(___dakke)” which means “___again?”. It is the word everyone uses as only casual. The polite way to use it is “___でしたでしょうか？(___deshita de shouka)”.
Learn more: ___dakke？
tatsuyaいくらだっけ？ (How much is it again?) (ikura dakke?)
That was close!：“abuna katta！”
When you almost caused a traffic accident, you would be able to use “危なかった！(abuna katta)” which means “That was close!”. It is the word everyone uses as both casual and formal. The polite way to use it is “危なかったです。(abuna katta desu)”.
Learn more: abuna katta！
yukaふー。危なかったー！ (Phew! That was close!) (fu-. abuna katta-!)
Cuz ___：“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.
Learn more: datte___ / ___kara
tatsuya風邪引いたからね。 (Cuz I have a cold.) (kaze hīta kara ne.)
You have good taste!：“sensu ī ne！”
When you want to praise someone’s sense, you would be able to use “センスいいね！(sensu ī ne)” which means “You have good taste!”. Everybody uses as only casual. You could also say “センスいいね！(sensu ī ne)”, however, native speakers tend to omit “が” of “センスいいね！” when they are pretty excited. So when you say “センスいいね！(sensu ī ne)” may sound a little bit cool. The polite way to use it is “センスがいいですね！(sensu ga ī desu ne)”.
Learn more: sensu ī ne！
yuka超似合ってるよ！センスいいね！ (That really suits you! You have good taste!) (chō niatteru yo! sensu ī ne!)
Peel ___!：“___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 “___の皮をむきます。(___no kawa wo muki masu)”.
Learn more: ___no kawa wo muku！
tatsuyaじゃあ、僕はじゃがいもの皮をむくよ。 (Then, I’ll peel the potatoes.) (jā, boku wa jagaimo no kawa wo muku yo.)
Don’t be silly!：“fuzakeru na！”
When someone is being silly and you want to tell him/her not to be silly, you would be able to use “ふざけるな！(fuzakeru na)” which means “Don’t be silly!”. “ふざけるな！(fuzakeru na)” or “ふざけるなよ！(fuzakeru na yo)” is used for especially boys/men, so if you are a girl or a woman, it would “ふざけないで！(fuzake nai de)” or “ふざけないでよ！(fuzake nai deyo)” sounds girls/women. Furthermore, “ふざけるな！” sounds pretty stronger than “ふざけるなよ！(fuzakeru na yo)”. The polite way to use “ふざけるな！” for boys/men or “ふざけないで！” for girls/women is “ふざけないでください！(fuzake nai de kudasai)” The tip for using them is how you say these.
Learn more: fuzakeru na！
yukaちょっと〜、ふざけないでよ！ (Hey, don’t be silly!) (chotto~, fuzake nai de yo!)
Give me a hint!：“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)”.
Learn more: hinto kudasai！
tatsuya首都？うーん・・・ヒントください！ (Capital city? Well… Give me a hint!) (shuto? u-n hinto kudasai!)
Do you have any tips?：“kotsutte arimasu ka？”
When you want to get a useful piece of information to be successful or achieve something, you would be able to use “コツってありますか？(kotsutte arimasu ka)” which means “Do you have any tips?”. Everybody could use this phrase as casual. The polite way to use it is “コツはありますか？(kotsu wa arimasu ka)” or “コツを教えていただけませんか？(kotsu wo oshiete itadake masen ka)”.
Learn more: kotsutte arimasu ka？
yukaうーん。コツってありますか？ (Well… Do you have any tips?) (u-n. kotsu tte arimasu ka?)
I’ll think about it!：“kangae te oku yo!”
When you didn’t answer right away and want to think what someone said, you would be able to use “考えておくよ！(kangae te oku yo)” and which means “I’ll think about it!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “考えておきます。(kangae te oki masu)” in business situations.
Learn more: kangae te oku yo!
tatsuya金曜日はちょっと忙しいけど、考えておくよ。 (I’m a little busy this Friday but I’ll think about it.) (kin’yōbi wa chotto isogashī kedo, kangaete oku yo.)
You’ll see!：“sono uchi wakaru yo！”
When a person does not agree with you about what you think will happen in the future, and you believe that you will be proved right, you would be able to use “そのうち分かるよ！(sono uchi wakaru yo)” and which means “You’ll see!” Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “そのうち分かりますよ。(sono uchi wakari masu yo)”.
Learn more: sono uchi wakaru yo！
yukaそのうち分かるよ！ (You’ll see!) (sono uchi wakaru yo!)
Have you ever ___?：“___shitakoto wa arimasu ka？”
When you want to ask a person who did something, or went somewhere specifically in the past, you would be able to use “___したことはありますか？(shitakoto wa arimasu ka)” which means “Have you ever ___?”. Everybody could use this phrase in both daily conversations and business situations.
Learn more: ___shitakoto wa arimasu ka？
tatsuyaこの本読んだことある？ (Have you ever read this book?) (kono hon yonda koto aru?)
Wet blanket!：“shikeru / shirakeru！”
When you want to explain that someone who ruins other people’s good times., you would be able to use “しける/しらける！(shikeru / shirakeru)” which means “Wet blanket!”. Everybody could use this phrase in both daily conversations and business situations. Furthermore, “しける” and “しらける” are the same meaning, however, basically “しける” has been used in Osaka and “しらける” has been in Tokyo.
Learn more: shikeru / shirakeru！
yukaレイってしけてるよね？ (Rei’s such a wet blanket, isn’t he?) (Rei tte shiketeru yone?)
I’ll be with you in a moment.：“shōshō omachi kudasai”
When you want to tell someone that you will do something very soon, you would be able to use “少々お待ちください。(shōshō omachi kudasai)” which means “I’ll be with you in a moment.”. Everybody could use this phrase in business situations. You would say “ちょっと待って！(chotto matte)” in daily conversations as casual.
Learn more: shōshō omachi kudasai
tatsuya少々お待ちください。 (I’ll be with you in a moment.) (shōshō omachi kudasai.)
What do you want for dinner?：“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 “夕食は何がいい？(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 “夕食は何がいいですか？(What would you like for dinner?) (yūshoku wa nani ga ī desuka)” used in business situations as well. Native speakers sometimes omit “は” of “夕食は何がいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī)”, so that would be “夕食何がいい？(yūshoku wa nani ga ī)”.
Learn more: yūshoku wa nani ga ī？
yuka夕食何がいい？ (What do you want for dinner?) (yūshoku nani ga ī?)
I’m hungry!：“onaka suita！”
When you are hungry, you would be able to use “お腹すいた！(onaka suita)” which means “I’m hungry!”. Everybody could use this phrase in both daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “お腹がすきました。(onaka ga suki mashita)”. Furthermore, “I’m getting hungry!” is “お腹がすいてきた！(onaka ga suite kita)”.
Learn more: onaka suita！
tatsuyaお腹空いたー！ (I’m hungry!) (onaka suita-!)
It’s not my thing.：“tokui janai。”
When you want to explain what you don’t like to do, what you’re not good at doing, you would be able to use “得意じゃない。(tokui janai)” which means “It’s not my thing.”. Everybody could use this phrase in both daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “得意ではありません。(tokui dewa arima sen)”.
Learn more: tokui janai。
yuka料理は得意じゃないんだー。 (Cooking isn’t my thing.) (ryōri wa tokui janai nda-.)
I feel you.：“wakaru yo。”
When you want to show empathy or agree with the person, you would be able to use “分かるよ！(wakaru yo)” which means “I feel you!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “その気持ち分かります。(sono kimochi wakaru yo)”.
Learn more: wakaru yo。
tatsuya分かるよ。俺も不安だよ。 (I feel you, man. It’s freaking me out too.) (wakaru yo. ore mo fuan dayo.)
New products!：“shin shouhin！”
When you want to explain about a newly released product, you would be able to use “新商品！(shin shouhin)” which means “New products! or A new product!”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations and business situations.
Learn more: shin shouhin！
yuka新商品に弱くて・・・草 (I can’t resist new products… hehe) (shinshōhin ni yowakute…kusa)
Can’t read between the lines!：“kūki ga yome nai！”
When a person doesn’t understand someone’s real feelings or intentions from what they say, you would be able to use “___は空気が読めない！(___kūki ga yome nai)” which means “___ can’t read between the lines!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “___は空気が読めません。(___kūki ga yome masen)” or “___は理解出来ていません。(___wa rikai dekite imasen)” Furthermore, native speakers often omit “が” of “空気が読めない(kūki ga yome nai)”, so that would be “空気読めない”. Lastly, “空気を読む(kūki wo yomu)” means “to read between the lines.”
Learn more: kūki ga yome nai！
tatsuyaミクって空気読めないよね？笑 (Miku can’t read between the lines, right?) (Miku tte kūki yomenai yone? wara)
I should’ve ___!：“___sureba yokatta！”
When you regret something, you would be able to use “___すればよかった！(___sureba yokatta)” which means “I should’ve ___!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations. The polite way to use it is “___すればよかったです。(___sureba yokatta desu)”. Furthermore, “I shouldn’t have ___” means “___しなければよかった！(___shinakereba yokatta)”.
Learn more: ___sureba yokatta！
yuka落ちちゃったー・・・・もっと勉強しておけばよかった！ (I faild…I should have studied harder!) (ochi chatta-…motto benkyō shite okeba yokatta!)
I have the same opinion!：“onaji iken desu！”
When you have the same opinion with someone, you would be able to use “同じ意見です！(onaji iken desu)” means “I have the same opinion!” and which “同じ意見です！” sounds a little bit formal. You would also say “そうだね(Right.)” more casual. However, For your information, “I have the same opinion with ___!” would be “___と同じ意見です！” such as “あなたと同じ意見です！(“I have the same opinion with you!”)”.
Learn more: onaji iken desu！
tatsuya同じ意見です！ (I have the same opinion!) (onaji iken desu!)
Are you in a hurry?：“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 “急いでる？(isoideru)”. The polite way to use it is “お急ぎですか？(o isogi desu ka)” and which is used as formal.
Learn more: isoide masu ka？
yukaいいですよ。あっ、急いでますか？ (That’s ok. Well, are you in a hurry?) (ī desu yo. a, isoide masu ka?)
I’m glad to hear that!：“sore wa yokatta！”
When you want to express pleasure at what the speaker has just said, you would be able to use “それは良かった！(sore wa yokatta)” which means “I’m glad to hear that!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “それは良かったです。(sore wa yokatta desu)” and which is also used in business situations as formal. Furthermore, native speakers often omit “それは” of “それは良かった！” so that would be “良かった！”.
Learn more: sore wa yokatta！
tatsuya良かったー！ (I’m glad to hear that!) (yokatta-!)
Call me anytime!：“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 “いつでも電話してください！(itsudemo denwa shite kudasai)”.
Learn more: itsudemo denwa shite！
yukaいつでも電話してね！ (Call me anytime!) (itsudemo denwa shite ne!)
What a surprise!：“bikkuri shita-！”
When you got surprised, you would be able to use “びっくりしたー！(bikkuri shita-)” which means “What a surprise!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “びっくりしたしました！(bikkuri shimashita)” and which is also used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: bikkuri shita-！
tatsuyaびっくりしたー！ありがとう！ (What a nice surprise! Thank you!) (bikkuri shita-! arigatō!)
I don’t get the point!：“pin to konai！”
When you don’t figure something out if it is great or not, you would be able to use “ピンとこない！(pin to konai)” which means “I don’t get the point!”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “ピンときません！(pin to kimasen)” and “分かりません。(wakari masen)” is used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: pin to konai！
yukaピンとこないんだけど！ (I don’t get the point though!) (pin to konai n dakedo!)
If anything___：“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)”.
Learn more: dochira kato iu to___
tatsuyaどちらかというと、この帽子がいいです。 (If anything, I’d like this one, please.) (dochira kato iu to, kono bōshi ga ī desu.)
It slipped my mind!：“do wasure suru！”
When you completely forget something, you would be able to use “ど忘れする！(do wasure suru)” which means “It slipped my mind!”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual and in business situations as formal. The polite way to use it is “ど忘れしました(します)(do wasure shimashita(shimasu))！(do wasure shimashita)”. Or you could use “完全に忘れてました(てます)！(kanzen ni wasurete mashita(masu))”.
Learn more: do wasure suru！
yukaだね。あっ、名前なんだっけ？ど忘れしちゃった。 (Yeah. Well, what was his name? His name has completely slipped my mind.) (dane. a, namae na’ndakke? do wasure shi chatta.)
It’s not my business!：“watashi niwa kankei nai！”
When you want to say something that does not pertain to you, you would be able to use “私には関係ない！(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 “私には関係ありません！(watashi niwa kankei arimasen)” which is also used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: watashi niwa kankei nai！
tatsuya僕には関係ありません。 (What? It’s not my business.) (boku niwa kankei ari masen.)
With any luck ___：“un ga yokere ba___”
When you want to explain “If you/we are lucky”, you would be able to use “運が良ければ___(un ga yokere ba___)” which means “With any luck ___”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual and in business situations as formal. The polite way to use it is also the same. Furthermore, “運が良かったら___(un ga yokattara___)” sounds a little casual than “運が良ければ___”.
Learn more: un ga yokere ba___
yukaそうだね。運が良かったら、虹が見えるよ。 (Yeah. With any luck, you’ll see a rainbow.) (sōda ne. un ga yokattara, niji ga mieru yo.)
It could happen to anyone.：“dare ni okite mo okashiku nai”
When you heard some uncontrollable event that impacts people, you would be able to use “誰に起きてもおかしくない。(dare ni okite mo okashiku nai)” which means “It could happen to anyone.”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “誰に起きてもおかしくありません。(dare ni okite mo okashiku arimasen)” and which is used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: dare ni okite mo okashiku nai
tatsuyaそうですね。誰に起きてもおかしくないですよね。 (I know. It could happen to anybody.) (sō desu ne. dare ni okite mo okashiku nai desu yone.)
Something is wrong.：“nanka hen da”
When you feel something is not suitable or correct, you would be able to use “何か変だ。(nanka hen da)” which means “Something is wrong.”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “何か変です。(nanka hen desu)”. “何かおかしいです。(nanka okashii desu)” is used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: nanka hen da
yukaうーん。何か変だよ。 (Well, something is wrong.) (u-n. nanka hen dayo.)
Make an excuse!：“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 “言い訳をする！(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 “言い訳をします。(iiwake wo shimasu)” and which is also used in business situations as formal. Furthermore, native speakers often omit “を” of “言い訳をする”, so that would be “言い訳する”. Lastly, “言い訳” is “excuse” and which is a noun.
Learn more: iiwake wo suru！
tatsuya言い訳してるよね？ダイエット中じゃなかったの？ (You’re making an excuse, huh? You’re on a diet, right?) (iiwake shiteru yone? daietto chū ja nakatta no?)
That would be great.：“sō shite moraeru to tasukari masu”
When a person who would help you such as moving something over there, picking you up somewhere, etc, you would be able to use “そうしてもらえると、助かります。(sō shite moraeru to tasukari masu)” which means “That would be great/helpful.”. Everybody could use this phrase both in daily conversations as casual and in business situations as formal. If you want to use it more casual, you would say “そうしてもらえると、助かるよ。(sō shitemoraeru to tasukaru yo)”.
Learn more: sō shite moraeru to tasukari masu
yukaそうしてもらえると、助かります。ありがとうございます！ (That would be great, thank you!) (sō shite moraeru to, tasukari masu. arigatō gozaimasu!)
In the mood for/to ___：“___shitai kibun”
When you feel like doing or having something, you would be able to use “___したい気分。(___shitai kibun)” which means “in the mood for/to ___”. Everybody could use this phrase in daily conversations as casual. The polite way to use it is “___したい気分です。(___shitai kibun desu)” and which is also used in business situations as formal.
Learn more: ___shitai kibun
tatsuya何食べたい気分？ (What are you in the mood for tonight?) (nani tabetai kibun?)
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