Welcome to the final instalment of our series on essential Japanese expressions!
Over the past two articles, you’ve learned six powerful phrases to strengthen your communication and cultural understanding. In this edition, we’ll share the last three expressions to complete your set of nine.
These final phrases are just as impactful and will help you leave a lasting impression in your interactions with Japanese colleagues and clients. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon see the difference they make!
The first expression is “I am sorry.”
– sumimasen means “I am sorry (now)” and sumimasen deshita means “I’m sorry (for something I did in the past)”
Literally, sumimasen is an apology – if ever you feel like you have done wrong be quick to use this expression. It can also express gratitude when someone has done you a favor, substituting for arigatoo gozaimas.
The second essential expressions are “yes” and “no.”
hai means “yes”, and iie means “no”
Japanese often avoids saying “no” directly. Instead, they may use expressions like “It’s a little difficult” or “chotto muzukashii” to soften their responses.
The third essential expressions are what Japanese say before and after a meal.
– itadakimas means “bonn appetit” or “thank you for the meal”
– gochisousama deshita “thank you for the delicious meal”
Itadakimasu is so commonly used in Japan before starting a meal. Translated loosely into “I humbly receive”, it refers to one’s gratitude for a prepared meal. You can use this expression whenever you receive something (a gift for example) as well.
Gochisousama deshita is reserved for the end of a meal, literally meaning, “It was a delicious meal.”
Check our video to learn the correct pronunciation:
https://youtu.be/zjXeOUXycI4
Ganbatte kudasai 😊
Feel free to share this video among your colleagues.
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Please check out the next open workshop dates or contact us to receive more information on how to run it as a in-house program!
