How to say "Welcome" in Japanese
There are a few ways to welcome someone in Japanese, but the most common or generic phrase you will hear is ようこそ (yōkoso).
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ようこそ
ようこそ
yōkoso
welcome
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Resources for further reading:
If you are a customer walking into a shop, you would hear いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase).
いらっしゃいませ
いらっしゃいませ
irasshaimase
welcome (to customers)
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Informally, you might hear どうぞ (dōzo) as a kind of welcome or invitation. Generally it is used when permission is given.
どうぞ
どうぞ
dōzo
here you are / please / by all means
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どうぞ、召し上がってみてください。
どうぞ、 めしあがって みて ください。
Dōzo, meshiagatte mite kudasai.
Please, try (it).
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はい、どうぞ。
はい、 どうぞ。
Hai, dōzo.
Yes, please. / (You are) welcome to.
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If you want to welcome someone back (normally at home), it's common to use the phrase おかえりなさい (okaerinasai).
お帰りなさい
おかえりなさい
okaerinasai
welcome back / welcome home
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How to say "You're welcome" in Japanese
If you want to say "you're welcome" in reply to thanks, you can use the phrase どういたしまして (dōitashimashite) or just a casual いいえ (īe) will do.
どういたしまして
どういたしまして
dōitashimashite
you are welcome / don't mention it
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いいえ
いいえ
īe
no / don't mention it
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If you want more lessons on Japanese salutations then I recommend that you check out the following:
- How to say Good morning in Japanese.
- Learn Goodbye in Japanese.
- How to pronounce Goodnight in Japanese.
じゃあ また！ (Jā mata!)
Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese
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