Basic Expressions (基本的な表現)

In this chapter, we’re going to learn explore other useful expressions and grammar for various situations. In addition, we are also going to get a lot more reading and writing practice to expand our power of expression.

Source: http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar/basic

Greetings

Greetings like “good morning” or “good afternoon” are incredibly important in Japanese. As the Japanese culture is more formal, going through the ritual of greeting another person is an important way of showing respect. Japanese tend to bow while saying “Ohayō gozaimasu”, “Konnichiwa” or “Konbanwa” depending on the time of the day. Bows can be divided into informal-15 degree angle, formal-30 degree angle, and very formal, deeper angle bows. You are expected to greet every person individually, even if they’re in a group. That means that if you’re walking along the road and pass a group of five people, you’ll have to say, “Konnichiwa,” and bow five times!

Source: https://www.rocketlanguages.com/japanese/salutations/japanese-greetings

• Good Morning

  おはよう　ございます

  お早う御座います

  Ohayō gozaimasu

  
  
• Hello/Good Day

  こんにちは

  今日は

  Konnichiwa

  
  
• Good Evening

  こんばんは

  Konbanwa

  
  
• Good night

  おやすみ　なさい

  Oyasumi nasai

  
  

Useful Expressions

Here are some other basic Japanese expressions that will surely help you for everyday basic conversations!

• See you later.

  では また。

  Dewa mata.

  
  
• How are you>

  元気ですか

  Genki desu ka?

  
  
• What’s up?

  なにか あった

  Nanika atta?