Delays / Mini-Lesson

Sorry, but it appears there may be some delays in getting the first lesson up, as I figure out how exactly I'm going to structure these lessons, and while trying not to seriously violate any copyrights.

In the meantime, here is a simple lesson, without pronunciation keys or examples. Just a list of vocabulary, concerning greetings and a few other useful phrases. Refer to the previously posted pronunciation guide, and you should be able to pronounce these fine.


Ohayoo gozaimasu - Good morning. This is a formal or polite greeting used in the morning. In informal situations simply ohayoo may be used. The Japanese can be somewhat specific on when greetings can or can't be used, and this expression should not be used later than 10 or 11 A.M. Also, with most Japanese words ending with -masu, the final u is silent.

Konnichi wa - Hello, or good afternoon. This expression may be used in the afternoon, roughly from 10 or 11 A.M. to 5 or 6 P.M.

Konban wa, also sometimes Komban wa - Good evening. This expression may be used after it gets dark. This phrase, along with konnichi wa are greetings, and should not be used when leaving.

Sayoonara - Good-bye. It is also sometimes contracted to Sayonara.

Oyasumi nasai - Good night. The literal meaning is "go to sleep." You use this expression when you leave if it is late enough to go to sleep at nightm or if you are going to sleep, or if someone is going to sleep in the daytime. The contracted, informal form is Oyasumi.

Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu - Thank you very much. This is a formal expression of thanks. Depending upon the degree of politeness warranted, some parts of this expression may be omitted. Here are expressions of thanks listed from most formal to least formal:
Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu
Arigatoo gozaimasu
Doomo arigatoo
Arigatoo
Doomo

Sumimasen - Pardon me, excuse me, or sorry. Also, thank you very much. Originally used as a form of apology, it is now common practice to use it as an expression of gratitude. There is also a more formal version, commonly used when the expression is used as a form of thanks, doomo sumimasen.

Doo itashmashite - Don't mention it, or, not at all. A formal reply to expressions of gratitude or apology. The shite in this, and many other Japanese words, is pronounced "shtay," the i is silent.

Hai - Yes.

Iie - No.