Russian-Japanese phrasebook: how to explain yourself in an unfamiliar country. Popular phrases and expressions for travelers.
- New Year tours
around the world - Last minute tours
around the world
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 kudasaiHandshake
Shaking hands is not customary among the Japanese. This gesture is appropriate when communicating with foreigners. Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun use bows, half-bows, and nods among themselves. Sometimes young people shake hands when they meet. Now this gesture is more common than a century ago, but it is still not widespread because it does not fit with traditions and the idea of the appropriateness of touching another person in public.
Handshakes are a European tradition that appeared in Japan in the 19th century.
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.
Imiwa
Based on Jim Breen's JMdict, Imiwa is another decent Japanese dictionary for iOS. It offers many powerful features, including 170,000 articles in Japanese and English, with some available in Russian. Over 13,000 kanji entries with multiple search options. In addition to translation, example sentences, conjugations of verbs and adjectives are shown, and there is a sentence analyzer. It is possible to use the dictionary offline.
The application is available for iPhone.
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?Tagaini Jisho
Despite its slightly dated design, Tagaini Jisho (free for Mac, Windows and Linux) has a number of useful features: powerful search filters for vocabulary, kanji, parts of speech, JLPT level, animated kanji outlines, custom tags and notes for records. There are also convenient printing templates for creating folding pocket booklets necessary for independent language learning.
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 MatiaishitsuTakoboto
Takoboto is another decent and very simple Japanese-Russian dictionary with full offline support. In addition to English, you can translate words into German, French and Russian with usage examples, definitions, etc.
The application works great as a phrasebook, translator and dictionary, and is completely free, without purchases or advertising. I didn't find any errors during testing.
The application is available for Android.
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: desVerbs
| Transcription of the word in English | Translation |
| iku | go |
| kuru | come |
| kaeru | come back |
| hairu | to come in |
| deru | go out |
| asobu | play |
| tsukau | use |
| tsukuru | do, manufacture |
| taberu | There is |
| nomu | drink |
| wakaru | understand |
| omou | think |
| okoru | take place |
| neru | go to sleep |
| okiru | get up |
| tatsu | stand |
| suwaru | sit |
| kaku | write |
| miru | look |
| hanasu | speak |
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 shimasAdjectives
| Transcription of the word in English | Translation |
| shiroi | white |
| akai | red |
| kuroi | black |
| aoi | blue; green |
| ookii | big |
| chiisai | small |
| tanoshii | cheerful, joyful |
| ii | good, kind |
| warui | bad |
| atarashii | new |
| furui | old |
| wakai | young |
| okashii | strange |
| atatakai | warm |
| suzushii | chill |
| atsui | hot |
| samui | cold |
| utsukushii | Beautiful |
| itai | sick (hurt) |
| ichiban | best |
| migi-no | right |
| hidari-no | left |
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 kudasai"Hello" in Japanese
今日は - (kon-ni-chi-wa)
The simplest and most common greeting is konnichiwa. It is universal, suitable for most cases. Literal translation: good afternoon. Most appropriate between noon and 4 p.m.
To make the phrase sound polite, it is accompanied by non-verbal signs - bows, half-bows, hand gestures. Handshakes are a tradition that came to Japan in the mid-19th century and took root in business. In everyday life, Japanese people rarely shake hands as a greeting.
For a foreigner trying to say hello politely, correct pronunciation is not so important (the Japanese are lenient towards foreigners trying to master their language). It is much more important to accompany the remark with a non-verbal symbol - for example, bowing your head, showing respect for the interlocutor.
When meeting in the Land of the Rising Sun, they must bow or nod
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:, kagi"Good morning" in Japanese
おはようございます – (Ohayōgozaimasu)
Any phrasebook begins with greeting phrases that depend on the time of day. Daytime and universal option – konnichiwa; but he's not the only one.
Ohaiyo gozaimas is the most polite version of the morning greeting. When communicating with a loved one, they use only the first part of the replica, omitting the verb gozaimas, symbolizing a respectful attitude. The “Good morning” response is appropriate in the first half of the day.
Ohaiyo - morning greeting in the Land of the Rising Sun
