Greetings & Basics

Introduction

Every Japanese journey starts with greetings. These fundamental expressions — from おはようございます to すみません — are the first words you'll use and hear in Japan.

Master these and you'll be able to navigate basic social interactions with confidence.

Themes

All JLPT N5 Vocabulary in This Chapter (10)

1. おはよう おはよう Good morning. A standard greeting used in the first half of the day.
2. こんにちは こんにちは Hello; good day; good afternoon. The most common general greeting.
3. こんばんは こんばんは Good evening. A greeting used after sunset or in the evening hours.
4. さようなら さようなら Goodbye; farewell. A formal parting greeting with a sense of finality.
5. おやすみ おやすみ Good night; also means holiday, day off, or absence.
6. ごめんなさい ごめんなさい I'm sorry; my apologies; excuse me. A standard expression for apologizing.
7. はい はい Yes; that is correct. Also used to acknowledge or show attentiveness.
8. いいえ いいえ No. Used to negate, deny, or politely decline.
9. お願いします おねがいします Please; I ask of you. A polite expression used when making requests.
10. どうぞ どうぞ Please; go ahead; by all means; help yourself.