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Welcome to your next lesson on common expressions. We've got a lot to talk about. This one will be well worth your time. Good luck!

Click on the examples to hear the words actually being used!

1.すみません

Excuse Me
  • 'Sumimasen' is primarily used as a polite way to say 'excuse me' or 'I'm sorry.'
  • It's a way to acknowledge an inconvenience you might have caused someone or to politely get someone's attention.
  • This expression is a versatile and essential part of the Japanese language, often used in various contexts.

As an Apology: すみません is a light, polite apology—for example, if you bump into someone. Alternatively, ごめんなさい is a direct "I’m sorry," while すみません is closer to "Excuse my rudeness." すみません is more commonly used, so we recommend starting with it until you're more comfortable with the language.

Getting Attention: It’s also used to politely call someone, like a waiter or when asking directions. Starting with あのう、すみません ("Umm, excuse me…") is common in public spaces.

Expressing Gratitude: すみません can mean both "thank you" and "sorry," especially when someone helps you. It carries gratitude along with a light apology, showing awareness of the other person’s trouble.

Indirectness & Frequency: Japanese culture values humility and indirect communication. すみません softens requests, apologies, and thanks all at once, which is why you’ll hear it constantly in daily life.

Think of すみません as the Swiss Army knife of Japanese: it’s "sorry," "excuse me," and "thanks" rolled together. When unsure what to say, this phrase is the duct tape of conversation—keeping things smooth, polite, and friendly!

2.いいえ

No
  • It's like saying 'No, thank you,' or 'Don't mention it' without making the other party feel obligated.
  • It's the kind of 'No' that comes with a bow and a smile.
  • Picture yourself at a sushi bar: if the chef asks if you want more wasabi and you're already breathing fire, a gentle 'いいえ' is your go-to.
  • In Japanese, where the art of being polite is pretty much a national sport, 'いいえ' is your essential tool for saying 'No' without any of the harshness.

3.おやすみ

Goodnight
  • 'Oyasumi' is for your buddies, and 'Oyasuminasai' is for when you want to impress your cat with your politeness.

4.おやすみなさい

Goodnight (polite)
  • The extra polite version of おやすみ

5.いってきます

I'll go and come back, I'm off
  • What you say when leaving the house, meaning 'I'll go and come back.'
  • It's like a boomerang promise to your family.

6.いってらっしゃい

Go and come back, Have a nice day
  • The response to 'いってきます,' meaning 'Go and come back.'
  • It's like saying, 'You better come back, or the cat gets your dinner,' but in a polite way.

7.ただいま

I'm home
  • What you say when you return home, meaning 'I'm home.'
  • It's like announcing your grand entrance to an audience of houseplants.

8.おかえり

Welcome home
  • The response to 'ただいま,' meaning 'Welcome home.'
  • It's the warm fuzzy feeling of being back, in word form.

9.おかえりなさい

Welcome home (polite)
  • The extra polite version of おかえり

10.いただきます

Thanks for the food, said before eating
  • Said before eating, it's like a mini-gratitude speech to the food gods.
  • 'Thanks for this feast that I'm about to demolish.'

11.ごちそうさまでした

Thank you for the meal (after eating)
  • Said after eating, it's the classy way to say 'That was delicious.'
  • It's like a mic drop at the end of a meal.

12.はじめまして

Nice to meet you
  • The cool, casual 'Nice to meet you.'
  • Use it when you meet someone new or your friend's pet tarantula.
  • Translated literally, it means "first time."

13.よろしくお願(ねが)いします

Please be kind to me, Please take care of me
  • This one's tricky to translate, but it's a mix of 'Please be kind to me,' 'Let's get along,' and 'I'm counting on you.'
  • It's the ultimate ice-breaker and friend-maker.

Practice

You're leaving for school and say goodbye to your family. What do you say?

a) いただきます

b) いってきます

c) ただいま

d) おやすみなさい

You just got back home from work. You open the door and say, '__________.'

a) いってきます

b) いただきます

c) ただいま

d) すみません

It's late at night and you're about to go to bed. How do you wish your roommate a good night?

a) おやすみなさい

b) いってらっしゃい

c) ごちそうさまでした

d) よろしく おねがいします

You say 'ごちそうさまでした' after finishing a meal to express gratitude.

a) True

b) False

You meet someone for the first time and say 'はじめまして'. Is this correct?

a) Yes

b) No

Your friend is leaving for a trip. You say:

a) ただいま

b) いってらっしゃい

c) いただきます

d) おかえりなさい

You accidentally step on someone's foot in a crowded train. You quickly say:

a) いいえ

b) すみません

c) おやすみなさい

d) いただきます

You're at a Japanese pet cafe, and a mischievous cat decides to jump onto your table. The cafe staff rushes over and asks if the cat is yours. You laugh and respond:

a) おかえりなさい

b) すみません

c) いいえ

d) いただきます

Explanation: In this situation, いいえ ("no") is the correct and polite way to clarify that the cat is not yours. The other options would create amusingly absurd responses, like welcoming the cat home with おかえりなさい, or even thanking the cat for delivering itself as food (いただきます)! 😾

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