Common Phrases You’ll Actually Use

Skip the textbook stuff. We’re teaching you the real phrases people say when they meet someone new—not the formal Japanese your grandma uses. These are the conversations that happen at cafés, in classes, and when you’re trying to make friends.

9 min read Beginner February 2026

Two people having a friendly conversation at a café with coffee cups while practicing speaking

Why These Phrases Matter

You’ll never walk into a convenience store and have someone ask you “Do you enjoy the seasonal weather?” But you absolutely will need to say “Sumimasen, kore kudasai” (Excuse me, this please) or “Dō mo arigatō gozaimasu” (Thank you very much). We’re focusing on what actually works in real life—the stuff you’ll use in your first week, not stuff you might use someday.

The difference between textbook Japanese and real Japanese is huge. Real conversations are shorter, friendlier, and way less formal than what you find in most books. You’ll notice people smile more when you get these right. It’s not just about grammar—it’s about sounding like someone who’s actually trying, not someone reading from a script.

Close-up of two people smiling during a casual conversation in a bright café setting, natural lighting

Meeting Someone New

These are the phrases you’ll use in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone.

Hajimemashite

Nice to meet you

This is what you say when you’re introduced to someone. You’ll only use it once per person. After that, it’d be weird. Most people add their name before it: “Watashi wa [name] desu. Hajimemashite.”

Dōzo, yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Please be kind to me

Literally it means “please treat me well,” but it’s more like a polite way to say “I’m looking forward to working with you” or “let’s be friends.” You’ll hear this constantly at the start of new relationships—work, school, anywhere.

Shigoto wa?

What do you do? (for work)

One of the first questions people ask. It’s casual, quick, and everyone uses it. You’ll get asked this in the first 5 minutes of meeting someone new. Just say your job or “gakusei desu” if you’re a student.

Doko kara kimashita ka?

Where are you from?

People genuinely want to know. Just answer with your country or city. If you’re from somewhere people haven’t heard of, they’ll probably ask “Doko desu ka?” (Where is that?) which gives you a chance to explain.

Keeping the Conversation Going

Once you’ve done the introductions, you need ways to keep talking without freezing up. These phrases work because they’re natural stopgaps—they buy you time to think while sounding interested.

Sō desu ne

“That’s true, isn’t it?” — Basically a conversation filler that shows you’re listening. Use it when someone makes a point. It’s incredibly common.

Honto ni?

“Really?” — Shows interest and keeps the other person talking. People love explaining things to interested listeners.

Naze desu ka?

“Why is that?” — Gets people to elaborate. Great for when you don’t understand something and want them to keep talking anyway.

Sugu wakarimasen

“I don’t understand right away” — More honest than pretending you got it. People appreciate honesty and will slow down for you.

Student listening intently during a language lesson with instructor gesturing, classroom setting with natural lighting

Person ordering food at a counter, fully clothed, natural café setting with warm lighting

In Everyday Situations

These phrases work in the places you’ll actually be—cafés, shops, school, train stations. You don’t need perfect pronunciation or grammar here. People are used to tourists and learners making mistakes.

At a Café or Restaurant

“Kore kudasai” (This please) gets you what you want. If you’re sitting and waiting, “Sumimasen!” (Excuse me!) gets the server’s attention. When you’re done, “Gochisō sama deshita” (thank you for the meal) is polite and expected. You’ll hear staff say “Arigatō gozaimasu” back—it’s the rhythm of eating out.

At a Train Station

“[Station name] made onegaishimasu” (to [station] please) is all you need for a ticket. If you’re lost, “Sumimasen, [location] wa doko desu ka?” (Excuse me, where is [location]?) works everywhere. Staff at stations are used to confused foreigners—they won’t judge you.

When Things Get Awkward

You’ll mess up. You’ll say something weird. Here’s what to do about it.

When You Don’t Understand

“Mō ichido onegaishimasu” (One more time please) is your best friend. If that doesn’t help, “Yukkuri hanashite kudasai” (Please speak slowly) is honest and helpful. Most people will appreciate that you’re trying instead of just nodding and pretending.

When You Want to Apologize

Just say “Sumimasen” (sorry/excuse me). It’s overused but it works. If you actually messed up something bigger, “Shitsurei shimashita” (I was rude) is more formal and sincere. People respect when you own mistakes in Japanese.

When Someone Compliments Your Japanese

Don’t say “No, I’m terrible!” even if you think you are. Just say “Arigatō gozaimasu” (thank you very much) with a smile. Compliment their English back—it makes the conversation flow better and shows respect.

“The best part about learning conversation phrases is that people are incredibly forgiving. They’d rather hear you try in their language than speak English perfectly. You’ll mess up. Everyone does. And honestly? That’s when people start treating you like a real person instead of a tourist.”

Three Things That Actually Help

Record Yourself

Use your phone’s voice recorder and listen back. You’ll notice stuff that sounds wrong to you but might be fine. Or you’ll catch a weird pause that’s throwing people off. Takes 2 minutes and you’ll improve faster than studying alone.

Repeat What You Hear

When someone says something, repeat it back in your head. Not out loud (that’s weird). Just internally. Your brain learns rhythm and intonation way better from listening than from reading textbooks. After about 3 weeks of this, people will say you sound more natural.

Accept You’ll Sound Like a Beginner

And that’s completely fine. Everyone sounds like a beginner when they’re beginning. The sooner you accept that, the faster you’ll get comfortable speaking. Perfectionism kills conversation faster than any grammar mistake ever could.

Your First Real Conversation

You’ve got the phrases now. The weird part is actually using them. You’ll feel awkward. You’ll stumble. You’ll probably mix up “wa” and “ga” and confuse yourself completely. That’s literally everyone’s experience. The difference between people who get fluent and people who don’t isn’t talent—it’s that people who get fluent just keep talking anyway, mistakes and all.

Start with “Hajimemashite. Watashi wa [your name] desu.” Then just ask someone about their work or where they’re from. Keep it simple. Listen more than you talk. When you don’t understand something, say so honestly. That’s the entire foundation of real conversation—not perfect grammar, just genuine human connection across a language barrier.

Ready to Practice?

The best way to get comfortable with these phrases is to actually use them. Find a language partner, visit a local Japanese café, or join a conversation group. Most people are genuinely happy to help someone learning their language. You’ve got this.

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Learning Note

This guide covers conversational Japanese as taught in our beginner course. Language is always evolving, and regional variations exist across Japan. These phrases represent standard conversational Japanese suitable for most social situations. Individual speakers may use slightly different expressions based on personal style, age, or region. The best way to learn is through consistent practice with native speakers who can provide real-time feedback on your pronunciation and usage.