Introductions

Anata no o'namae wa nan desu ka. What is your name?
O'namae wa nan desu ka.

waTAKUshi no namae wa nakamura desu. My name is Nakamura.
waTAKUshi wa nakamura to mōshi-masu.

Shinohara-san o watakushi ni shōkaishite itadake masu ka. Would you introduce me to Shinohara-san?

Kochira wa Shinohara-san desu. This is Shinohara.

Dōzo yoroshiku Pleased to meet you
Hajimemashite

Honorifics

Honorifics are very important to Japanese culture. They are similar to titles in English. They translate as Mr., Mrs, and Miss and are used after one's name.
ex. Nakamura-san Miss Nakamura

-sama Very polite
-san Polite; probably used most common
-sensei Lit. Teacher used for teachers or someone who is a professional or master at a trade
-kun Used for classmates or friends; commonly for boys
-chan for affection (one's girlfriend, etc); pets, and small children
-(blank) Very informal; family or very close friends

Also: names are written Family Name-Given Name
ex. Miyako Nakamura in English becomes Nakamura Miyako in Japan
NEVER use honorifics to refer to yourself!!!

Salutations

oHAIyō goZAimasu Good morning
KONnichi wa Good Afternoon
KONban wa Good Evening
oYAsumi nasai Good night

saYŌnara Good bye (Lit. If it must be so)
Dewa mata ichido See you later

o'GENki desu KA. How are you?
GENki desu. I'm fine

aRIgatō Thank you
DŌmo aRIgatō goZAimasu Thank you very much

dōiTAshimashite You're welcome

oNEgai shimasu please (when making a request)

suMImasen sorry or excuse me