Polite Phrases in Japanese
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)
Language Phrases Glossary
accusative case
When noun or pronoun is the direct object of the verb of the sentence, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending.
Language Phrases Glossary
dative case
When noun or pronoun is the indirect object of the verb of the sentence, you are required to switch to the dative case ending.
Language Phrases Glossary
genitive case
When the noun or pronoun indicates possession, you are required switch to the genitive case ending.
Language Phrases Glossary
instrumental case
A Russian grammatical term that indicates that the noun or pronoun assist in the carrying out of an action, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending.
Language Phrases Glossary
interrogative
Words used to ask questions, such as who, what, when, where, and why.
Language Phrases Glossary
macron
A small, horizontal mark above the vowel that indicates a long vowel sound. Make the vowel sound like its name.
Language Phrases Glossary
nominative case
When noun or pronoun is the subject of the sentence, you are required to switch to the nominative case ending.
Language Phrases Glossary
prepositional case
A grammatical case that indicates that the noun or pronoun is the object of a preposition, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending. Used with the Russian prepositions: v (v; in), na (nah; on), o (oh; about), and ob (ohb; about).
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