Polite Phrases in Japanese

Part of the Japanese For Dummies Cheat Sheet

The Japanese place a premium on politeness, so it follows that the Japanese language includes key phrases to keep conversation on a polite footing. The following list sets out common courteous phrases and questions:

  • Excuse me. Chotto sumimasen (choht-toh soo-mee-mah-sehn)

  • I’m sorry. Dōmo sumimasen. (dohh-moh soo-mee-mah-sehn)

  • Is it okay? Iidesu ka. (eee deh-soo kah)

  • Thank you very much. Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu. (dohh-moh ah-ree-gah-tohh goh-zah-ee-mah-soo)

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