Expression
A1
Thank you very much
This is the standard, polite way to say 'thank you' in Japanese. It is perfect for showing appreciation to anyone who isn't a close friend or family member.
Usage: This is a formal/neutral expression. Use it in any situation where you want to be polite, especially with people you don't know well.
Expression
A1
That is good/nice
A versatile and friendly way to say 'That sounds great' or 'I agree with you.' It is the go-to phrase for showing enthusiasm or confirming a good idea.
Usage: The phrase is neutral-polite. The 'ne' particle is crucial for making it sound friendly rather than just a cold statement of fact.
Expression
A1
Good morning (polite)
This is the standard, polite way to say 'Good morning' in Japanese. It is like saying 'It is early' with a very respectful tone.
Usage: This is a formal/polite expression. Use the full version `おはようございます` in any situation where you want to show respect, especially at work or with elders.
Collocation
A2
receive help
This phrase is used to express that someone is looking after you, helping you, or providing support. It's like saying you are 'in someone's debt' for their kindness or professional services.
Usage: This phrase is incredibly versatile but leans towards formal and neutral situations. In business, it is a mandatory greeting, while in personal life, it is reserved for meaningful support or hospitality.
Expression
A2
Check please
This is the most common and polite way to ask for your bill at a restaurant or cafe in Japan. It literally tells the staff you are ready to settle the account and head home.
Usage: This phrase is polite and suitable for almost any situation. It is considered 'teineigo' (polite Japanese), making it safe for tourists and business travelers alike.
Expression
A1
How are you?
This is the classic way to ask someone if they are doing well. It focuses on their health and overall energy level, showing you care about their well-being.
Usage: This phrase is polite and neutral. Avoid using it as a daily 'hello' to avoid sounding unnatural or distant.
Expression
A2
Good work (greeting)
A versatile phrase used to thank someone for their hard work or as a general greeting in professional settings. It literally acknowledges that the other person is tired from their efforts and shows your appreciation.
Usage: This is a neutral-to-polite expression. Use the full version in the office and the shortened version with friends. Avoid using it with people of much higher social status like teachers or doctors unless you have a very close relationship.
Collocation
A2
save money
This phrase describes the act of setting money aside over time to build up a larger sum. It is like gathering water in a bucket; you are actively accumulating funds for a specific goal or for the future.
Usage: This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any social situation. Just remember to use the 'masu' form (`tameru` -> `tamemasu`) in polite company.
Expression
A1
Please
A polite and versatile way to say 'please' when asking for a favor, a service, or an item. It carries a nuance of 'I'm counting on you' or 'I leave this in your hands.'
Usage: This phrase is neutral-to-polite and safe for almost any situation involving a stranger or superior. Avoid using the full version with very close friends to keep from sounding overly formal.
Collocation
A1
take a bath
This phrase describes the act of getting into a bathtub to soak and relax. In Japan, it is a nightly ritual that is more about warming the body and de-stressing than just getting clean.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for almost all situations. Just remember to use the polite `~masu` form when speaking to people you aren't close with.
Expression
A2
Can I pay by card?
This is the go-to phrase for asking if a shop or restaurant accepts credit or debit cards. It’s a polite, essential question for anyone traveling or living in Japan.
Usage: This phrase uses the potential form of the verb, which is the standard way to ask about possibilities or permissions in a commercial setting. It strikes a perfect balance between being polite and being efficient.
Expression
A1
Hello/Good afternoon
The ultimate 'all-purpose' greeting used during the day. It is your safe, go-to way to say hello to almost anyone from late morning until the sun goes down.
Usage: It is a neutral-polite greeting. While safe for most situations, avoid using it with very close family members or in the very early morning/late night.
Expression
A1
Good evening
This is the standard way to say hello once the sun goes down. Think of it as your nighttime greeting for anyone you meet, from friends to shopkeepers.
Usage: It is a neutral greeting that fits almost any social situation after dark. Be careful to use the 'ha' character when writing it, as using 'wa' is a common spelling mistake even for some native speakers in casual settings.
Expression
A1
Excuse me/Sorry
It is the Swiss Army knife of Japanese. You use it to apologize, grab someone's attention, or even say a humble 'thank you'.
Usage: This is a neutral-polite expression. It is safe for almost all daily interactions with people you don't know well.
Expression
A2
I think so
This is a polite way to agree with someone's opinion or thought. It literally translates to 'I think that way' and is used to show you are on the same page.
Usage: This phrase is neutral-polite (desu/masu form). It is safe for 90% of daily interactions, but remember to drop the 'masu' when talking to very close friends.
Expression
B2
As a result
This phrase is used to link two sentences where the second sentence is the direct outcome of the first. It's like saying 'and because that happened, this was the result.'
Usage: This is a neutral-to-formal transition phrase. It is highly effective in professional writing and structured storytelling but can feel slightly 'heavy' in very casual, rapid-fire texting.
Expression
A1
Menu please
This is the go-to polite way to ask for a menu at a restaurant or cafe. It's like saying 'Menu, please' while showing a nice level of respect to the staff.
Usage: This phrase is perfectly balanced for any customer-server interaction. It is polite enough for a five-star hotel but simple enough for a neighborhood diner.
Collocation
B2
demonstrate leadership
This phrase describes the act of stepping up and putting your leadership skills into visible action to guide a group toward a goal.
Usage: This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings but can be used casually to give high praise to a friend or peer.
Expression
A1
I understood
This is the go-to way to say 'I understood' or 'Got it' when someone explains something to you. It confirms that the information has successfully landed in your brain and you're ready to move forward.
Usage: Use `わかりました` as your default polite response. Switch to `わかった` only when you are 100% sure you are in a casual 'friends-only' zone.
Collocation
A1
preview
This phrase means preparing for a lesson or meeting before it actually happens. It is like giving yourself a head start so you are not confused when the real thing begins.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. In very formal business contexts, you might use '下調べ' (shitashirabe) for research, but '予習' is perfectly fine for internal prep.
Collocation
B2
suspend
It means putting a decision, a phone call, or an action on 'pause' while you think or wait for more information. It's like saying 'let's keep this in the air for a bit' instead of giving a final answer.
Usage: The phrase is very safe to use in almost any context. Just remember that in business, it's better to use `保留にさせていただきます` to sound humble and professional.
Collocation
B1
maintain equilibrium
It describes the act of keeping things steady and stable, especially when dealing with opposing forces or a busy lifestyle.
Usage: The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional writing and serious conversations but can feel slightly 'heavy' for trivial daily chores.
Collocation
A1
sad morning
This phrase describes a morning that feels heavy with sorrow or melancholy, often due to bad news or a personal loss.
Usage: This is a neutral noun phrase. It is grammatically simple (Adjective + Noun) and follows standard 'i-adjective' rules. It is very versatile but carries significant emotional weight.
Collocation
A2
greet
This phrase simply means 'to greet' someone. It covers everything from a quick 'hey' to a formal bow or a polite 'good morning.'
Usage: This is a versatile collocation. Use the particle 'ni' for the person being greeted. In casual settings, the 'o' is frequently omitted.
Collocation
A1
hot night
It describes those heavy, sticky nights where the heat doesn't go away even after the sun sets. It’s the kind of night where you definitely need a fan or air conditioning to get any sleep.
Usage: This is a neutral, everyday phrase. It is highly versatile and can be used in almost any social setting. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you use the correct kanji (暑い) when writing.
Expression
B1
I am very sorry (humble)
This is the ultimate, gold-standard way to say 'I'm sorry' in Japanese. It literally means you have no excuse for your actions and are showing deep respect to the other person.
Usage: This is a 'Keigo' (honorific) expression. It is strictly for formal, professional, or highly respectful situations where you need to acknowledge a lapse in service or behavior.
Collocation
A2
gain experience
This phrase describes the process of gathering skills and wisdom over time. It is like stacking up building blocks or bricks to create a solid foundation for your future self.
Usage: This phrase is neutral but leans slightly toward formal/professional contexts. It is very safe to use in interviews, at school, or when discussing personal growth with friends.
Expression
B2
In short
Think of this as the 'TL;DR' of Japanese. It is what you say when you want to cut through the fluff and get straight to the point.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but leans toward directness. It is highly effective in business for clarity, but use caution with social superiors to avoid appearing impatient.
Collocation
A1
contact
It’s a friendly way to say 'I'll get in touch.' Use it for calls, texts, or any updates to keep someone in the loop.
Usage: You can drop the 'o' in casual settings to say 'renraku suru.' It is extremely versatile and safe for almost any situation from business to dating.
Collocation
A1
wear shoes
This phrase is the standard way to say you are putting on or wearing anything on your feet, most commonly shoes.
Usage: This is a neutral, everyday collocation. Use the dictionary form `haku` with friends and the `masu` form `hakimasu` in more formal or public situations.
