Japanese Expressions

This Japanese audio lesson is full of useful Japanese expressions that will help you blend in with the locals! After this lesson you'll know a range of common Japanese phrases to use when socializing with Japanese people.

Whether you want to wish someone well or apologize for standing on their toes, this Japanese language lesson is the one for you. Listen carefully to the Japanese pronunciation and practice speaking aloud until you feel confident.

Resources for further reading:

Pronouncing Japanese expressions

Practice Your Pronunciation With Rocket Record

Rocket Record lets you perfect your Japanese pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!

御機嫌よう!

ごきげんよう!

Gokigenyō!

All the best!

頑張って!

がんばって!

Ganbatte!

Good luck!

楽しんでね!

たのしんで ね!

Tanoshinde ne!

Have fun!

たくさんの愛をこめて !

たくさんの あい を こめて!

Takusanno ai o komete!

Lots of love!

良い旅を!

よい たび を!

Yoi tabi o!

Have a good trip!

いってらっしゃい!

いってらっしゃい!

Itterasshai!

Bon voyage!

お食事をお楽しみ下さい!

おしょくじ を おたのしみ ください!

Oshokuji o otanoshimi kudasai!

Enjoy your meal!

乾杯!

かんぱい!

Kanpai!

Cheers! / Good health!

君に幸あれ!

きみに さちあれ!

Kimini sachiare!

Be lucky!

よくやった!

よくやった!

Yokuyatta!

Well done!

気をつけて!

き を つけて!

Ki o tsukete!

Take care! (casual)

お大事に!

おだいじに!

Odaijini!

Take care! (formal)

…よりご多幸を祈って

…より ごたこう を いのって

…yori gotakō o inotte

Best wishes from…

…に幸あれ

…に さちあれ

…ni sachiare

Best wishes to…

おめでとう!

おめでとう!

Omedetō!

Congratulations!

ようこそ!

ようこそ!

Yōkoso!

Welcome!

お気の毒です

おきのどく です

Okinodoku desu

With sympathy

お誕生日おめでとう!

おたんじょうび おめでとう!

Otanjōbi omedetō!

Happy Birthday!

お大事に!

おだいじに!

Odaijini!

Bless you!

楽しい休暇を!

たのしい きゅうか を!

Tanoshii kyūka o!

Have a nice vacation!

イースター おめでとう!

イースター おめでとう!

Īsutā omedetō!

Happy Easter!

メリー クリスマス!

メリー クリスマス!

Merī kurisumasu!

Merry Christmas!

明けましておめでとう!

あけまして おめでとう!

Akemashite omedetō!

Happy New Year!

Let’s review how to apologize again. Here are some easy ways to apologize in Japanese:

御免なさい!

ごめん なさい!

Gomen nasai!

Sorry!

すみません!

すみません!

Sumimasen!

Excuse me!

If you are in a more formal setting, try these instead:

申し訳ありません

もうしわけ ありません

Mōshiwake arimasen

My apologies (formal)

失礼しました

しつれい しました

Shitsurei shimashita

I'm sorry (polite)

If someone stepped on your toes and apologized you might want to say…

大丈夫!

だいじょうぶ!

Daijōbu!

It's okay! / No worries!

That's all for today! The next time you need an expression or need to apologize try using the ones you've learned today.

Here are a few recommended Japanese lessons to try next!

Sayōnara!

Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese

Make It Stick With Rocket Reinforcement

Reinforce your learning from this lesson with the Rocket Reinforcement activities!