The Language of Japan

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 The language of Japan is quite different than that of the United States - not only in exact translations, but also in the phrasing and meaning of the same words. While there is technically no official language of Japan, Japanese serves as the dominant language and de facto official language of the country. Japanese is a complex language that has deep historical traditions and social contexts. 


Japanese is socially embedded into the culture as a language

  • Honorific language (keigo) plays an important role in everyday interactions in Japan
    • Sonkiego (respectful)
    • Teineigo (polite)
    • Kenjougo (humble)

Phrases you should know

  • Hello! — こんにちは (koh-nee-chee-wah)

  • Yes — はい (hai)

  • No — いいえ (ee-eh)

  • Please — お願いします (oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss)

  • Thank you — ありがとうございます (ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mahss)

  • Can you help me? — 手伝ってくれますか (teh-tsu-dat-teh koo-reh-mahss-kah?)

  • I don't understand — わかりません (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)

  • I don't speak Japanese — 日本語を話せません (nee-hon-go oh hah-nah-seh-mah-sen)

  • My name is — 私の名前は___です (wah-tah-shee no nah-mah-eh wah your name dess)

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