Set phrases for everyday moments
What to say before eating, leaving, coming home and meeting people.要点The idea
Japanese has fixed phrases for specific moments (eating, leaving, coming home, meeting someone), and using them right sounds instantly natural.| Phrase | When | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| いただきますitadakimasu | before eating | I humbly receive (this food) |
| ごちそうさま でしたgochisousama deshita | after eating | Thank you for the meal |
| いってきますittekimasu | leaving home | I'm off (and will be back) |
| いってらっしゃいitterasshai | to someone leaving | See you later, take care |
| ただいまtadaima | arriving home | I'm home |
| おかえりなさいokaerinasai | to someone arriving home | Welcome back |
| お疲つかれ様さま ですotsukaresama desu | to colleagues and classmates | Thanks for your hard work |
| よろしく お願ねがい しますyoroshiku onegai shimasu | meeting someone, asking a favour | I'm counting on you / please treat me well |
初はじめまして。 スミス です。 よろしく お願ねがい します。hajimemashite. sumisu desu. yoroshiku onegai shimasu.Nice to meet you. I'm Smith. I look forward to getting to know you.The standard self-introduction. よろしくお願ねがいします has no real English equivalent.
いただきます。itadakimasu.Thank you for the food. (before eating)
ごちそうさま でした。gochisousama deshita.Thank you for the meal. (after eating)
Aいってきます。ittekimasu.I'm off.The one leaving.
Bいってらっしゃい。itterasshai.See you later.The one staying.
- Aただいま！tadaima!I'm home!
- Bおかえり！ ご飯はん、 できてる よ。okaeri! gohan, dekiteru yo.Welcome back! Dinner's ready.
- Aいただきます！itadakimasu!Thanks, let's eat!