Russian-Japanese phrasebook: how to explain yourself in an unfamiliar country. Popular phrases and expressions for travelers.
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Japanese (日本語, Nihongo) is a language spoken by about 125 million people. Thanks to the many isolated islands, the country has more than a dozen dialects. They differ both in vocabulary, morphology, and pronunciation. Common dialects include Kansai-ben (関西弁), Tohoku-ben (東北弁) and Kanto-ben (関東弁), the dialect of Tokyo and the surrounding area. Speakers of different distant dialects often do not understand each other (even though every Japanese knows standard Japanese). Based on the Tokyo dialect, a “common language” (共通語 kyotsugo) was formed.
Foreigners learning Japanese should be aware of the differences between masculine and feminine forms of speech.
The convenient word “domo” in Japanese means a whole scattering of actions or emotions, for example: hello, thank you, good, long time no see, sorry, and so on. The word “i desu,” on the contrary, can lead to a difficult situation. Despite the fact that it is translated as “good,” it means “thank you, no need.” If you agree, you should say “itadakimasu”; the same word is said when sitting down at the table.
Greetings, general expressions
Good morning Ohayo: gozaimas Good evening Kombanwa Good night Oyasumi nasai Hello, how are you? Konnichiwa, o-genki des ka? Thank you, everything is fine Genki des Goodbye! Sae: nara Please excuse me Sumimasen My name is... Watashi wa... des Nice to meet you. My name is Kimura. I ask you to love and favor Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Kimura desu. Do:zo yoroshiku.Thank you Arigato I want to change money O-kane-o ryo:gae shitai de I don’t understand Wakarimasen Do you understand English?Anata wa eigo ga wakarimasu ka?I’m not very comfortable...Totto tsugo: ga waruin desu ga...Are you Mr. Tanaka? Yes. Ya TanakaAnata wa Tanaka-san desu ka? Hi. so: desu. Watashi wa Tanaka desu'Allo, this is Mr. Tanaka's apartment? Moshimoshi. Tanaka-san no o-taku desu ka? No. I'm not Japanese Iie, Watashi wa Nihonjin jya nai. I'm RussianWatashi wa Roshiajin desu DaHaiNet Iie Thank you very much Do: mo arigato: gozaimas Thank you Taihen arigato: gozaimas You're welcome Do: itashimasite No thanks O-rei niwa oyobimasen Nothing, don't worry Nandemo arimasen Thanks for the service Go-ku ro: sama deshita Thanks for the invitation Go-sho : tai arigato: gozaimas What is your name? Nan toyu: o-namae des-ka? Please tell me Totto sumimasen ga Please come in O-hairi kudasai This way, please Do: zō koutirae do: zō What is your first and last name? O-namae to myo: dzi-wa nan -to iimas-ka?Thank you for the warm welcomeGo-shinsetsu arigatoCan you help me?Onegai itashimas?I want to invite you to RussiaRussia ni go-sho: tai shitai to omoimasI want to invite you to the RestaurantResutoran ni go-sho: tai shitai to omoimasThank you for help (for cooperation) Go-kyo: ryoku arigato: gozaimas Thanks for the gift Presento arigato: gozaimas What is this? Kore wa nan des-ka? Why? Naze des-ka? Where? Doko des-ka? Who is it? Kono hito wa Donata des -ka?I'm thirstyNodo ga kawakimashitaI'm hungry (I'm hungry)O-naka ga suiteimasI'm lostMiti ni mayottaYaWatashiYou(you)AnataOnKareSheKanojoWomanJoseiManDanseiBigOokySmallChisaiHotAtsuiColdSamuiHotAtakaiColdTsumetaiGood iiIiBadWarui Let's take a photo together Isshoni shasin-o torimasho Call an interpreter Tsu: yaku-o yonde kudasai Please speak more slowly Mo: sukoshi yukkuri itte kudasaiAdjectives
| Word in Japanese | Writing in Hiragana | Transcription | Translation |
| 良い | いい | th | good, kind |
| 悪い | わるい | cook | bad, evil |
| 若い | わかい | wakai | young |
| 大きい | おおきい | Okie: | big |
| 小さい | ちいさい | ti:sai | small |
| 楽しい | たのしい | tanosi: | funny |
| 寂しい | さびしい | sabishi: | sad |
| 美しい | うつくしい | utsukushi: | Beautiful |
| 可愛い | かわいい | kawaii: | Cute |
| 美味しい | おいしい | oisi: | delicious |
| 面白い | おもしろい | omoshiroi | interesting |
| 怖い | こわい | forge | scary |
| うるさい | うるさい | Urusai | noisy, annoying |
| 新しい | あたらしい | atarashi: | new |
| 古い | ふるい | Fury | old |
| 明るい | あかるい | Akarui | light |
| 暗い | くらい | kurai | dark |
| 高い | たかい | like that | tall, dear |
| 低い | ひくい | hikui | short |
| 早い | はやい | hello | early |
| 遅い | おそい | wasp | late |
| 暑い | あつい | atsui | hot, hot |
| 寒い | さむい | samui | cold |
| 暖かい | あたたかい | attack | warm |
| 涼しい | すずしい | suzushi: | chill |
| おかしい | おかしい | okashi: | strange |
| 赤い | あかい | Akai | red |
| 白い | しろい | orphan | white |
| 黒い | くろい | chicken | black |
| 青い | あおい | aoi | blue; green |
Numbers and numbers
NuldzeroOdiniti hitotsuDwani futatsuTrisan mizzuFour four yotsuFive itsutsuSixroku mutsuSevencity nanatsuEighthati yatsuNine kokonotsuTenju:toFurther in the counting, the tens of “ju” are joined by the corresponding number, showing units...
| eleven | ju:-iti |
| twelve | ju:-ni |
| thirteen | ju:-san |
| fourteen | ju:-si |
| fifteen | ju:-go |
| sixteen | ju:-roku |
…and so on. To designate tens from 20 onwards, you need, on the contrary, to add tens of “ju” to the ones...
| twenty | no-ju |
| thirty | san-ju |
| fourty | c-ju |
| eighty | Hachi-ju |
| ninety | ke-ju |
| one hundred | hyaku |
Next, the numbers are formed according to the same model: that is, units are added to 100 “hyaku”, and then tens and units.
KY or kuki yomenai
The English letters KY are used as an abbreviation for the Japanese phrase kuki yomenai, which means "can't read the room." More literally it means "can't read the air." A person is called KY if he behaves awkwardly or inappropriately.
Japan has a very high-context culture, which means that many social interactions have an implied meaning. Explicit or direct statements are not welcome. If this conflicts with your own cultural perception, you will find Japanese conversation difficult at first.
For the good of the cause
Please show me Misete kudasai Stop for the night Tomaru I can’t believe it! Shinjirarenai Wow! Sugo-oh!! I want to buy...... about kaitai I want to eat...... about tabetai I want to go to...... or ikaitai That’s how! Look! (said very often) A soo! Soo! Sooka!Itchy!Kayuy!Can you see Mount Fuji from here?Fujisan, ga miemasu ka?Sorry. Where is the embassy? Sumimasen, taishikan wa doko desu ka? How should you eat sushi? O-sushi wa do: yatte tabemasu ka? You can’t eat on the lawn in this park Kono ko: en wa Shibafu no naka de o-bento: ga taberaramasen Do you need to take off your shoes ?Kutsu o nugun desu ka?Do you know that there was an earthquake this morning? How, really? Kesa jishin ga atta no o shitte masu ka? Eh, honto: desu ka?Verbs
| Word in Japanese | Writing in Hiragana | Transcription | Translation |
| ある | ある | aru | to be (about inanimate objects) |
| いる | いる | iru | be (about people, animals, etc.) |
| 書く | かく | kaku | write |
| 話す | はなす | hanasu | speak |
| 語る | かたる | Qatar | tell |
| 学ぶ | まなぶ | manabu | study, study |
| 作る | つくる | tsukuru | do, manufacture |
| する | する | sura | do |
| 来る | くる | kuru | come |
| 行く | いく | iku | leave, go |
| 食べる | たべる | taberu | eat, eat |
| 飲む | のむ | nomu | drink |
| 使う | つかう | zukau | use |
| 分かる | わかる | vakaru | understand |
| 考える | かんがえる | Kangaeru | think |
| 見る | みる | to the world | look |
| 聞く | きく | Kiku | listen |
| 立つ | たつ | tatsu | stand |
| 座る | すわる | suwaru | sit |
| 入る | はいる | hairu | come in |
| 出る | でる | deru | go out |
| 寝る | ねる | neru | go to sleep |
| 起きる | おきる | okira | get up |
| 急ぐ | いそぐ | isogu | hurry |
| 帰る | かえる | Kaeru | come back |
| 作る | つくる | tsukuru | do, manufacture |
| 休む | やすむ | Yasumu | rest |
Train station, airport
Where can I check the train schedule? Ressha-no jikokuhyo:-wa doko desho: ka? Excuse me, where is the information desk? Sumimasen ga, annaisho-wa doko des-ka? Is there a train connection with the city from here? Koko-kara - made tetsudo:-ga tsujite imas-ka? How many hours (days) does the train go to the city? Shi-made kisha-de nan-jikan-gurai (nan-niti-gurai) des-ka? Does this train go to the city? Kono kisha-wa Si-e ikimas-ka? What time is the next train to? Yuki-no tsugi-no ressha-wa nan-ji des-ka? Excuse me, how do I get to the train station? Chotto o-tazune-shimas ga, eki-e-wa (teishaba-e-wa) to: ittara ii desho: ka? Tell me, where is the ticket office? Kippu-uriba-wa doko des-ka? How much does a ticket cost? Kippu-wa ikura des-ka? Can I return the ticket and get my money back?Kippu no haraimodoshi-o site itadakemas-ka?Is this seat free?Kono seki-wa aite imas-ka?How much is the plane ticket to?Yuki no hiko: ki no kippu- wa o-ikura des-ka?How many hours is the flight to?...made nanjikan kakarimas-ka?How many kilograms of luggage are you allowed to carry for free?Ju: ryo:-seigen-wa nan-kiro-made des-ka?Will the plane take off exactly on schedule? Hiko: ki-wa yotei-do: ri shuppatsu shimas-ka? Eki Waiting room MatiaishitsuOther collections of words in Japanese with translation
There are many other useful articles about Japanese vocabulary . You may be interested in nouns, adjectives, verbs and other parts of speech in Japanese with translation and pronunciation.
Drinks in Japanese. Japanese language lesson for beginners. We gain vocabulary
Positive words in Japanese. How to admire or be surprised in Japanese?
Parts of the face in Japanese. Japanese words
Japanese words about nature
Japanese words. Learning Japanese words - office
Japanese words. Transport in Japanese
Japanese kitchen utensils
Fruits in Japanese. Japanese lesson for beginners
The 30 most common verbs in Japanese. Part 1
The 30 most common verbs in Japanese. Part 1
Verbs to put on and take off. Japanese words
Japanese adjectives for 5th kyu. Part 1
Japanese adjectives for 5th kyu. Part 2
Japanese adjectives for 5th kyu. Part 3
Passport control
Fill out the entry (exit) form Nyu: koku (shukkoku) ka: do-o kinyu: si-te kudasai Present your passport Pasupo: to-o haiken shimas Please, here is my passport Do: dzo, watashi no pasupo: to de I am a tourist Watakushi-wa Kanko: deI came on trade business Shoyo: de kimashitaCustoms inspection of luggageZeikan tenimotsu kensaPlease show your customs declarationZeikan shinkokusho-o misete kudasaiI have nothing to write down in the declarationZeikan-ni shinkoku surumono-wa arimasenThis is my luggageKore-ga watakushi -no nimotsu desNet Do you have any prohibited items? Kinseihin-wa arimasen n. eh.? This suitcase and this bag are my Watashi-no-wa kono toranku to baggu des Please open (close) your suitcase Kono toranku-o akete (shimate) kudasai These are my personal belongings Sore-wa watashi-ga jibun-de tsukau mono des Which one you currency?Do: yu: gaika-o-mochi des-ka?Here is my luggage receiptKore-ga tenimotsu uketori bango: desKōyō (紅葉)
This Japanese word translates to something like “autumn foliage.” It describes the vibrant colors of leaves in autumn. However, this concept is difficult to translate. Autumn leaves are more important in Japan than in most other countries, as nowhere else has such colorful red foliage at this time of year. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to this country to see the most magnificent leaves on the trees from the best viewing platforms.
If there is little snow, there will be no harvest: December 16 is Ivan the Silent Day
The money tree pleases with lush flowering: my secret is in caring for the leaves
"Dad is offended." Agata Muceniece about her relationship with Priluchny after the divorce
Cafes and shops
How much does it cost? Kore wa o-ikura des ka? Can I pay with a credit card? Kureditto ka:do de haratte mo ii des ka?When will the dry cleaning be ready?Kuri:ningu wa itsu dekimasu ka?Is this watch made in Japan?Sono tokei wa nihonsei desu ka?Where can I buy?Wa doko de kaemaska?Do you have it?Arimaska?Show me this please Sore o misete kudasaiCan I try this on?Kite mite mo ii deska?Women's clothingFujin fukuMen's clothingShinshi fukuProductsSyokuryo: hinPlease tell me , where is the shopping center (neighbourhood)? Sumimasen ga, sho: tengai-wa doko des-ka? I need to buy milk and bread Is there a grocery store nearby? Pan to po: nu: -o kaitai, no des ga, kono hen-ni shokuryo: hinten-ga arimasen-ka How much do I charge for everything? Dzembu-de ikura-ni naru, but des-ka? Please give me a check Tekku-o-negai shimas I want to see the camera (video camera) Camera-o mitai, but des gaTwo coffees please Ko:hi:futatsu o-negai ShimasuNo. I'm already full. Thanks for the treat. Mo: ippai desu. Gothiso: sama deshita Is this cake delicious? No. Not very tasty Sono ke:ki wa oishi desu ka? Eee. amari oishiku nai desuOh, how delicious it was! Aah, oishikatta! Waiter! Chotto, sumimasen Menu, please Menu: kudasai What would you recommend? About susume wa nandeska? How do they eat it? Kore o do: yatte tabemaska? Japanese dishes Washoku Western dishes Yo: cheek Beef Gyu: niku Pork B utanikuChicken TorinikuFishSakanaPotatoesPote : toRiceGohanBreadPanSaladSaradaSoup: puVegetablesYasaiFruitKudamonoDessertKudamonoSaltShchioSugarSatoSoy sauceShyoyuCoffee (hot)Hotto ko: hiCoffee (iced)Aisu ko: hiBlack teaKo: chaGreen teaO: chaWine (red)AkauainWine (white)Sh Irouine Rice vodka Sake Thank you, I don't drink Do: mo arigato, watakushi-wa nomasen Please, please coffee and scrambled eggsKo:hi:to tamago no medamayaki-o-negai shimasMono no aware (物の哀れ)
Mono no aware is an expression that is very similar to wabi-sabi. It refers to understanding the bittersweet impermanence of fleeting beauty. Nothing in this life lasts forever. This is in keeping with the Buddhist idea of enjoying the moment and trusting to fate.
Although both of these words are old-fashioned, the phrase mono no aware appears in one of Marie Kondo's books. This suggests that perhaps it is time to use it in modern life.
Smooth and fresh skin: dermaplaning, or why a woman needs to shave her face
Women's jeans: before you buy them, you need to pay attention to one detail
Lost weight: what Sofia Tarasova sacrificed for the sake of “VIA Gra” (new photos)
In the city, transport
Where is the hotel? Hoteru wa doko ni arimas-ka? Where is the bank? Ginko: wa doko ni arimas-ka? How to get to the hotel? Hoteru made wa do: ittara ii des-ka? Where can I buy a telephone card? Terehon- ka: do-o doko de utteimas-ka?Where is the post office?Yu: binkyoku wa doko des-ka?What time do we meet?Nan-ji ni matiyawasesimas-ka?What kind of building is this?Kore-wa do: yu: tatemono where am I? ?Aruite ikemas-ka?Could you draw a plan for me?Totto, chizu-o kaite kudasa-imasen-ka?Will you take me to the subway station?Chikatetsu-no eki made tsure-te itte kudasaimasen-ka?From where can I call? Denwa-o sitai, no des ga, doko-kara kakerare-mas-ka? Call a taxi Takushi-o yonde kudasai I want to go to Ni ikitai des How much is a bus ticket to the city? Machi-made-no basu-no kip-pu- wa ikura des-ka?Where is the taxi stand?Takushi:-no noriba-wa doko des-ka?I’m in the centerTyu: shingai-made Please take me to this address Kono ju: sho-made, kudasaiHow much from me?Ikura des-kaThis bus can you get to the city center? Kono basu-wa, toshin-o to: rimas-ka? Please notify me when there is a stop Tei-re: zen-ni tsuitara o-shiete kudasai Stop Tomete kudasaiOther parts of speech
| Word in Japanese | Writing in Hiragana | Transcription | Translation |
| ちょっと | ちょっと | totto | A little |
| とても | とても | totemo | Very |
| 大変 | たいへん | taihen | very (stronger than the previous version) |
| 全然 | ぜんぜん | zen | Absolutely not… |
| 々 | ときどき | tokidoki | Sometimes |
| よく | よく | yoku | often |
| どこ？ | どこ？ | doko? | Where? |
| 誰？ | だれ？ | Dare? | Who? |
| 何？ | なに？ | Nani? | What? |
| はい | はい | hi | Yes |
| いいえ | いいえ | and:uh | No |
The presented words will be enough for the first time to compose the simplest sentences. If you are interested in reading other articles about vocabulary, here are a few posted on our website:
Verbs to put on and take off. Japanese words
Counting and counting suffixes in Japanese
Parts of the face in Japanese. Japanese words
Question words in Japanese. How many?
Question words in Japanese. What?
Question words in Japanese. Who?
Japanese words about nature
Of course, the Japanese language also has greeting phrases, words expressing feelings of guilt and gratitude. We recommend reading the following articles on this topic:
How to say thank you in Japanese
How to say "hello" in Japanese or "hello" in Japanese
How to apologize in Japanese? Apologize in Japanese
Sayounara: "bye!" in Japanese
We hope you found our article on basic words in Japanese helpful.
Don't stop there! After all, these Japanese words are the most common, but this does not mean that they are enough for everyday communication. Read textbooks, watch educational videos, visit our website. Success in learning the language!
Japanese words for beginners collected in one place! Visit our website to learn commonly used Japanese words.
In a hotel
What is the name of this hotel? Sore-wa nan toyu: hoteru des-ka? Do you have any rooms available? Aita heya-ga arimas-ka I need a room for one Hitorbeya-ga hoshii, no desga How much does a room cost per night? Kono hoteru no heyadai -wa o-ikura des-ka? Could you give us two single rooms? Singuru hutahei o-negai dekinai desho: ka? How much is a double room? Futaribey-wa ikura des-ka? I need a room with a bathtub Basutsuki no heya -ga hoshii, no des ga On what floor is our room? Watashitachi no heya-wa nangai des-ka? This room suits me Kono heya-de kekko: des Isn’t there a better (cheaper) room? Motto her (yasui) heya-wa arimasyon -ka? I would like to pay for the room tonight Watashi-wa komban-no uchi-ni shiharai-o sumasetai, but des ga Tomorrow early in the morning I will leave Asu-wa hayaku tachimas I handed over the key to the maid Ki: -wa ru: mu-me: do-ni watashimashita Receptionist/administrator Furonto Room/number Heya/kyakushitsu Bill/tip Kanjo/tippu Keys:, kagiAppeals
| Phrase in Russian | Translation | Pronunciation |
| Good morning | o-hayo: gozaimas | |
| Good afternoon | konnitiva | |
| Good evening | konbanwa | |
| Hello how are you doing? | konnichiwa, do: des ka? | |
| How are you doing? | go-kigen ikaga des ka? | |
| How are you? | de anata-wa ikaga des ka? | |
| OK, thank you | arigato, genki des | |
| How are you? | before: des ka? | |
| Still | Aikawarazu des | |
| So-so | ma:ma des | |
| Hello! | I:! | |
| Welcome! | e: askance! | |
| Glad to see you | o-aisite ureshii | |
| See you! | jya:mata | |
| Goodbye | sayo:nara | |
| Good night | o yasmi nasai | |
| Till tomorrow | Mata Ashita | |
| Best wishes. | deva o-daiji-ni | |
| Take care of yourself. | deva o-karada-o taisetsu-ni | |
| I have to go. | Oitoma Simas |
