こんにちは
Konnichiwa
Hello / Good afternoon
Safe all-purpose greeting during the day. Morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu). Evening: こんばんは (Konbanwa).
ありがとうございます
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you (polite)
Use this constantly. Casual: ありがとう (Arigatou). You'll hear どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) = you're welcome.
すみません
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry / Pardon
Most useful word in Japan. Gets attention, apologizes lightly, lets you squeeze past someone.
はい
Hai
Yes
Also used to acknowledge listening. Very frequent.
いえ
ie
No
大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) is a softer way to decline.
分かりました
Wakarimashita
I understood / Got it
Use after someone explains something. 分かりません (Wakarimasen) = I don't understand.
分かりません
Wakarimasen
I don't understand
Say this confidently rather than nodding along confused.
もう一度、ゆっくりお願いします
Mou ichido, yukkuri onegaishimasu
Once more, slowly please
Absolute lifesaver. Most people will happily comply.
日本語があまり上手じゃないです
Nihongo ga amari jouzu ja nai desu
My Japanese isn't very good
Sets expectations well. People appreciate the honesty and effort.
英語は話せますか？
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Ask before assuming. Common in tourist areas.
よろしくお願いします
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Nice to meet you / Please take care of me
Said when meeting someone, starting a transaction, or asking a favor.