Japanese for Dummies

JapaneseFOR

DUMMIES‰

Audio Set

by Eriko Sato, PhD

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Japanese For Dummies® Audio SetPublished byJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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ISBN: 978-0-555-03813-0

Manufactured in the United States of America

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About the AuthorEriko Sato earned her PhD in linguistics from the StateUniversity of New York at Stony Brook and also teachesJapanese in the Department of Asian and Asian AmericanStudies there. She has authored multiple books on theJapanese language.

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Publisher’s AcknowledgmentsWe’re proud of this book; please send us your commentsthrough our Dummies online registration form located atwww.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to marketinclude the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, andMedia Development

Project Editor: Chad R. Sievers

Acquisitions Editor: Lindsay Lefevere

Copy Editor: Vicki Adang

Editorial ProgramCoordinator: Erin Calligan Mooney

Technical Editor: Atsushi Fukada, PhD

Audio Produced by: Her Voice Unlimited, LLC([email protected])

Media Project Supervisor:Laura Moss-Hollister

Media DevelopmentSpecialist: Kit Malone

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Editorial Assistants: Leeann Harney, DavidLutton, Joe Niesen

Cartoons: Rich Tennant(www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Lynsey Osborn

Layout and Graphics: Stacie Brooks, Melissa K. JesterStephanie D. Jumper

Anniversary Logo Design:Richard Pacifico

Proofreader: Todd Lothery

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

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David Palmer, Associate PublisherKristin Ferguson-Wagstaffe, Product Development

Director

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Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Composition Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................1About This Audio Set.................................................1Conventions Used in This Audio Set .......................2Foolish Assumptions .................................................2How This Audio Set Is Organized .............................3Where to Go from Here..............................................3Romanization..............................................................3Punctuation.................................................................6Pitch Accents ..............................................................6

Lesson 1:1: Welcome and Overview of CD1: The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lesson 1:2: Personal Pronouns and Formalities . . . . . 10Respectful titles........................................................11

Lesson 1:3: Saying “Hello” and “Goodbye”. . . . . . . . . 12

Lesson 1:4: Saying and Replying to “How Are You?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Lesson 1:5: Introducing Yourself and Talking about Where You’re From . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Lesson 1:6: Indispensable Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15People ........................................................................16Places.........................................................................16Emergency.................................................................17Important items........................................................17

Lesson 1:7: Useful Expressions and Phrases . . . . . . . 18

Lesson 1:8: Question Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Lesson 1:9: Useful Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Lesson 1:10: An Overview of Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Lesson 1:11: Talking about Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Asking about time ....................................................24Time-related terms...................................................24

Lesson 1:12: The Calendar and Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The days of the week ...............................................25The months ...............................................................25The days of the month ............................................26Month and date-related questions

and answers..........................................................27

Lesson 1:13: Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Lesson 2:1: Introduction and Overview of CD2: The Nitty-Gritty: Language Structure . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Lesson 2:2: Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Things in your room ................................................30Locations...................................................................30Transportation .........................................................31Animals ......................................................................31Foods and beverages ...............................................31

Lesson 2:3: Plain and Polite Family Terms. . . . . . . . . . 32Older family members .............................................32Younger family members.........................................33Spouse .......................................................................33Extended family members ......................................33

Lesson 2:4: Counters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Lesson 2:5: Demonstratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Lesson 2:6: Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Preference and desire ..............................................39Colors.........................................................................40Nationalities ..............................................................40

Lesson 2:7: Degrees of Adjectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Lesson 2:8: To Be or Not to Be: A Very Important Verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Japanese For Dummies Audio Set vi

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Lesson 2:9: Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Irregular verbs ..........................................................45Ru-verbs ....................................................................45U-verbs.......................................................................45Desu ...........................................................................46

Lesson 2:10: Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Plain ...........................................................................47Polite ..........................................................................48Desu ...........................................................................48Example sentences...................................................48

Lesson 2:11: Negatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Lesson 2:12: Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Particles for subjects and direct objects ..............52Example sentences...................................................52

Lesson 2:13: Conjunctions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Example phrases and sentences

using conjunctions...............................................53

Lesson 2:14: Forming Simple Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Lesson 2:15: Introducing More Complete Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Lesson 3:1: Introduction and Overview of CD3: Real-World Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Lesson 3:2: At the Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58People around the office .........................................58Office activities.........................................................58Example sentences...................................................59

Lesson 3:3: On the Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Occupations..............................................................60Work-related verbs...................................................61Example sentences...................................................61

Table of Contents vii

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Lesson 3:4: Making Small Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Lesson 3:5: Making Appointments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Lesson 3:6: Arranging Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Lesson 3:7: Asking for Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Lesson 3:8: Asking for and Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Lesson 3:9: At the Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Lesson 3:10: At the Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Lesson 3:11: At the Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Lesson 3:12: At the Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Mini-Dictionary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Japanese-English Mini-Dictionary ..........................75English-Japanese Mini-Dictionary ..........................82

Japanese For Dummies Audio Set viii

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Introduction

Our planet has become wonderfully diverse, and ourworld has become smaller than ever. We enjoy a vari-

ety of foods, arts, and fashions, and take advantage of amaz-ing new technologies and products. When you speak thelanguage of people in other countries and understand theirculture, you can appreciate these experiences more fully.When you speak their language, you can connect these won-derful things to your own life to develop new ideas, broadenyour horizons, and widen your career opportunities. Whenyou speak their language, you have unlimited opportunitiesto find life-changing friendships. Are you ready for the real-life adventure?

If you’re ready to start speaking Japanese, Japanese ForDummies Audio Set is the most effective, convenient, andfriendliest tool you can use. The CDs give you a good startto successfully studying a new foreign language.

About This Audio SetJapanese For Dummies Audio Set enables you to quicklyfamiliarize yourself with the Japanese language and begincommunicating on a basic level with other Japanese speak-ers. By listening to the hour-long CDs and following along inthis booklet, you can set your own pace and explore thetopics that interest you. CD1 gives you the very basics ofJapanese; CD2 covers the language’s structure; and CD3 pre-sents the language in real-world situations.

By the way, you can play the CDs in this audio set on any CDplayer, so you can listen in your car, on your home stereo,or on your computer.

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Japanese For Dummies Audio Set2

Conventions Used in This Audio SetSo that you can easily follow along with the CDs and thisbooklet, I stuck to a few conventions:

� The lesson numbers in this booklet correspond tothe track numbers on the CDs. So Lesson 1:3 corre-sponds to the third track of CD1, and Lesson 3:10corresponds to the tenth track of CD3. Track 1 ofeach CD is an introduction, which you can skip ifyou want.

� On the CDs, the narrator presents words andphrases in English. Then a native Japanese speakersays the words and phrases in Japanese. A pausegives you time to say the word or phrase yourself.Then the Japanese speaker repeats the word orphrase and pauses to give you another chance torepeat the word or phrase.

� Japanese terms are set in italics in the booklet tomake them stand out.

The Tip icon indicates helpful information that aidsin your understanding of pronunciation, grammar,and other elements of the language.

Foolish AssumptionsIn producing this audio set, I had to make some assump-tions about who you are and what you know:

� You know no Japanese — or if you took Japanese inschool, you don’t remember very much of it.

� You’re not looking for a product that will make youfluent in Japanese; you just want to know somewords, phrases, and sentence constructions so youcan communicate basic information in Japanese.

� You don’t want to memorize a bunch of boringgrammar rules.

� You want to have fun and learn a little bit ofJapanese at the same time.

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Introduction 3

How This Audio Set Is OrganizedThe booklet is divided into four parts, and the first threeparts each correspond to one of the CDs.

� CD1: The Basics: This CD presents greetings, indis-pensable words and phrases, useful questions, anoverview of numbers and dates, and other basicJapanese information.

� CD2: The Nitty-Gritty Language Structure: ThisCD introduces nouns, verbs, adjectives, counters,and other parts of speech so you can develop anunderstanding of how Japanese sentences are puttogether.

� CD3: Real-World Situations: On this CD, you’reintroduced to vocabulary, phrases, and sentencesthat you’ll find useful while working, traveling,eating out, shopping, banking, and more.

� Mini-Dictionary: The fourth part of this booklet isa handy Japanese/English dictionary for quick ref-erence on the go.

Where to Go from HerePop any of the CDs into your player and start listening andrepeating. CD1 is the place to begin if you know nothingabout Japanese. If you know a little bit (or just feel adven-turous), check out the Table of Contents and jump to anylesson that catches your eye, even if it happens to be onCDs 2 or 3. Listen to the tracks that interest you, and dis-cover Japanese at your own pace.

RomanizationModern Japanese is written horizontally or vertically by com-bining two sets of syllabic alphabets called kana (hiraganaand katakana) and Chinese characters called kanji. Each kanacharacter represents a unique syllable sound, and each kanasystem has 46 characters. By contrast, each kanji character

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represents a unique meaning (or meanings), and an averageJapanese person knows about 2,000 of them. That’s a lot, isn’tit? It takes some people days or weeks to learn kana andsome people months or years to learn kanji. It’s important tolearn kana and kanji, but the main objective of Japanese ForDummies Audio Set is to help you speak some Japanese withauthentic pronunciation today! Accordingly, this booklet usesromanization rather than kana and kanji.

There are a number of different romanization (r∂maji) sys-tems in Japan, and which one is used depends on the situa-tions, purposes, or preferences. Some systems faithfullyreflect the kana system, but they frequently misrepresentthe actual pronunciation. Other systems may not be faithfulto the kana system, but they succeed in representing theactual sounds pretty closely. This booklet employs thelatter type, a version of the popular Hepburn system withsome modifications.

Long vowels are marked with macrons (that cute little line),as in ok≈san (mother), ot∂s≈n (father), and y∆binkyoku (postoffice). Two identical vowels in a row indicate a separationbecause of internal structural reasons. For example, theadjective ureshii (happy) ends with ii rather than with -ibecause the second i changes depending on the form, as inureshiku and ureshikatta.

Another diacritic convention you should know is the apos-trophe right after n. If the consonant n appears between twovowels, it may or may not form a syllable with the followingvowel. If n doesn’t form a syllable with the following vowel,an apostrophe comes right after n to mark the separationbetween them. For example, the Japanese word that means“prohibition of smoking” is spelled as kin’en (pronouncedkeen-ehn), but the word that means “commemoration” isspelled as kinen (pronounced kee-nehn). For Japanese, n’ isa syllable, or a mora, more precisely, and is represented byone kana character.

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Introduction 5

The romanization system adopted in this booklet representswhat you hear on the audio CDs, but you need to be awareof some puzzling cases:

� If you see a set of two identical consonants — forexample, pp, bb, and ss — pronounce the conso-nant a moment longer, just once. Don’t pronouncethe same consonant twice. The letters sound like asingle consonant preceded by a brief pause. Forexample, try saying “school” in Japanese, gakk∂(pronounced gahk-kohh).

� The Japanese r may sound like l, d, or somethingbetween l and r to you. The Japanese r is made bytapping the tip of the tongue behind the upperteeth. It is similar to the brief flap sound in “lettuce”or “letter” in American English. Make sure not topronounce the Japanese r like English r — no curledtongue! What is the number “six” in Japanese? It’sroku (pronounced roh-koo)!

� The Japanese f may sound a bit too soft to you,because it is pronounced without using the upperteeth. Pronounce it by bringing the upper lip andthe lower lip close to each other, and blowing airbetween them gently. Note that the Japanese foccurs only before the vowel u, as in Fujisan(Mount Fuji).

� The sequence ts at the beginning of a word may behard for you to hear or pronounce because thissequence never starts a word in English, but itdoes in Japanese. Try pronouncing the Japaneseword tsukue (desk; pronounced tsoo-koo-eh). If it ishard, say the English word “cats” in your head.When you’re about to finish saying ts in “cats,”start pronouncing tsukue. I hope you succeeded!

� You may not be able to hear the vowels i and uclearly. These vowels tend to be whispered ordevoiced when they are between two voiceless con-sonants such as p, t, k, s, sh, ch, ts, and h, or whenthey are at the end of a word and preceded by a

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voiceless consonant. This happens quite fre-quently, especially in fast or normal-speed speech.For example, ashita (tomorrow; pronounced ah-shee-tah) may sound like ashta to you, and Ii desu(It’s fine; pronounced ee-ee deh-soo) may soundlike Ii des to you.

� The sequence of vowels ei usually sounds like along vowel (√). For example, the word sensei(teacher; pronounced sehn-sehh) usually soundslike sens√.

� The consonant g sometimes sounds nasalized,especially when it occurs between vowels, as inIkaga desu ka (How is it?; pronounced ee-kah-gahdeh-soo kah). It is more common among womenthan among men. Don’t think that the Japaneseperson has a cold when you hear a nasalized g.

� The consonant n may sound like m when followedby p, b, or another m. For example, tenpura (tem-pura; pronounced ten-poo-rah) sounds like tempura.Similarly, the n followed by k or g, as in gink∂ (bank;pronounced geen-kohh), sounds like it’s being artic-ulated back in the mouth.

PunctuationIn this booklet, the question mark (?) and the exclamationmark (!) aren’t used except when they help you understandshort phrases. Other punctuation systems employed in thisbooklet, including capitalization, periods, and commas, arepretty much like in English.

Pitch AccentsJapanese words don’t have a stress accent, and Japanesephrases and sentences may sound pretty plain or monotoneto you because of that. However, Japanese words can have apitch accent. If a word has an accent on one of the syllables(or moras — units that coincide with kana characters), the

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Introduction 7

pitch abruptly falls from high to low right after it. For exam-ple, the word anata (you; pronounced ah-nah-tah) has anaccent on the second syllable na, and the entire pitch patternis low-high-low. By contrast, the word watashi (I; pronouncedwah-tah-shee) doesn’t have an accent, so the entire pitch pat-tern of this word is low-high-high. Because pitch accents varydepending on the dialect, you don’t need to be too consciousabout it. Just listen to the CDs and imitate the general overallintonation of each phrase and sentence.

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Lesson 1:1

Welcome and Overviewof CD1: The Basics

Welcome to Japanese For Dummies Audio Set. Thisset consists of three audio CDs for you to have fun

while learning Japanese. You can listen to this audio-basedprogram while driving, walking, relaxing, or any time thatis convenient for you. You can take your time, repeatwords and phrases, and repeat any track until you feelcomfortable.

On each lesson you’ll hear a word or phrase in English,then the Japanese version, then a pause for you to repeatand practice. Then you’ll hear another repetition of theJapanese version with another pause for you to practiceagain.

On disc one, you start off with essential words and phrasesthat you can’t live without. Master their pronunciationsand use them for getting around your favorite Japanesetowns or for making small talk with your Japanese friendsin your neighborhood. We encourage you to listen, repeat,and have fun.

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Lesson 1:2

Personal Pronounsand Formalities

The personal pronouns in Japanese are

I watashi

you (singular) anata

he kare

she kanojo

we watashi-tachi

you (plural) anata-tachi

they (masculine) karera

they (feminine) kanojora

they (masculine, feminine, or mixed group) karera

In Japanese conversations, pronouns are oftendropped, and the use of anata especially isavoided. If anata can’t be dropped, it’s replaced bythe person’s name. For example, instead of saying,“Hey, Ken. Is this your book?”, the Japanese saysomething like, “Hey, Ken. Is this Ken’s book?” Itmay sound strange to you, but it is perfectly fineand is preferred for Japanese.

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Lesson 1:2 11

Respectful titlespolite/neutral respectful title san

Mr. Smith Sumisu-san

Michael Maikeru-san

Ms. Tanaka Tanaka-san

Sandra Sandora-san

formal respectful title sama

Mr. Smith Sumisu-sama

Ms. Tanaka Tanaka-sama

Place a respectful title after other people’s names,but not after your own name. San is the mostcommonly used respectful title placed after otherpeople’s family names or given names, regardlessof their gender or marital status. Sama is a formalrespectful title that you use after family names ofyour clients, customers, or those to whom respectis due. When addressing your superiors, placetheir job titles, if available, after their family name,instead of using respectful titles.

Some job-related titles can be placed after aperson’s name instead of a generic respectful titlesuch as san. For example, if Mr. Brown is yourteacher, address him as Buraun-sensei. Senseimeans “teacher.”

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Lesson 1:3

Saying “Hello”and “Goodbye”

Good morning. (formal) Ohay∂ gozaimasu.

Good morning. (informal) Ohay∂.

Good afternoon, or Hi. Konnichiwa.

Good evening. Konbanwa.

Say Ohay∂ gozaimasu to your superior instead ofOhay∂. Don’t forget to bow when you greet him.

See you tomorrow. Mata ashita.

Goodbye. Say∂nara.

Good night. Oyasumi nasai.

Say Shitsurei shimasu when you’re parting fromyour superior. Its literal meaning is “I will be rude.”The idea in this context is “Excuse my rudeness ofleaving you.”

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Lesson 1:4

Saying and Replyingto “How Are You?”

The Japanese phrase equivalent to “How are you?” isGenki desu ka, which literally means “Are you well?”

How are you? (formal) O-genki desu ka.

How are you? (informal) Genki?

Yes, I’m fine. Hai, genki desu.

Well, so-so. π, m≈m≈ desu.

How about you, Mike? Maiku-san wa?

Yes, I’m fine, too. Hai, watashi mo genki desu.

The particle mo in Watashi mo genki desu means“also.”

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Lesson 1:5

Introducing Yourself andTalking about Where

You’re FromHow do you do? Hajimemashite.

I am Mr. Smith. Watashi wa Sumisu desu.

It is a pleasure to make Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.your acquaintance.

Nice to meet you. Yoroshiku.

Likewise. Kochira koso.

What is your name? O-namae wa nan desu ka.

Your name? O-namae wa?

My name is John Brown. Watashi no namae wa JonBuraun desu.

Where are you from? Dochira kara desu ka.

I’m from San Francisco. San Furanshisuko kara desu.

Where were you born? Go-shusshin wa?

I was born in Tokyo. Shusshin wa T∂ky∂ desu.

I grew up in Osaka. ≥saka de sodachimashita.

Where do you live? Doko ni sunde imasu ka.

I live in Boston. Bosuton ni sunde imasu.

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Lesson 1:6

Indispensable WordsYes. Hai.

Yes, it is. Hai, s∂ desu.

Yes, I agree with you. Hai, s∂ desu ne.

Of course! Mochiron.

Maybe. Tabun.

No. ≤e.

No, it isn’t. ≤e, s∂ ja arimasen.

Oh, I see. ∑, s∂ desu ka.

Hai shows agreement, and ≤e shows disagreement.They correspond to “yes” and “no” in English if thequestion is affirmative, but they become reversedwhen the question is negative.

Please. D∂zo.

Please come in. D∂zo haitte kudasai.

You can just say D∂zo to encourage someone to dosomething understood in the context.

Thank you very much. D∂mo arigat∂ gozaimasu.

Thanks. (informal) Arigat∂.

Oh, it’s nothing. ≤e.

You’re welcome. D∂ itashimashite.

No, thank you. ≤e, ii desu.

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CD1: The Basics 16

Sorry! Gomennasai.

I’m sorry. Sumimasen.

Excuse me. Chotto sumimasen.

Chotto literally means “a little,” but it’s used tosoften the expression in Chotto sumimasen.

Peoplefriend tomodachi

family kazoku

relative shinseki

adult otona

child kodomo

man otoko no hito

boy otoko no ko

woman onna no hito

girl onna no ko

baby akachan

Placesairport k∆k∂

bank gink∂

bus stop basu-tei

cafe kissaten

consulate ry∂jikan

embassy taishikan

hospital by∂in

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Lesson 1:6 17

hotel hoteru

house ie

library toshokan

pharmacy yakkyoku

police station keisatsusho

post office y∆binkyoku

restaurant resutoran

restroom otearai

school gakk∂

store mise

train station eki

travel agency ryok∂-gaisha

Emergencypolice officer keisatsukan

doctor isha

nurse kangoshi

Please help. Tasukete kudasai.

Thief! Dorob∂.

Important itemspassport pasup∂to

money o-kane

credit card kurejitto k≈do

ID mibun-sh∂meisho

driver’s license unten-menkyosh∂

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Lesson 1:7

Useful Expressionsand Phrases

I don’t understand Nihongo ga wakarimasen.Japanese.

I don’t speak Japanese Nihongo ga amari hanasemasen.well.

Can you say it again? M∂ ichido itte kudasai.

One more time, please. M∂ ichido onegai shimasu.

Slowly, please. Yukkuri onegai shimasu.

Help me, please. Chotto tasukete kudasai.

Do you understand Eigo ga wakarimasu ka.English?

How do you say “train” “Train” wa Nihongo de nan desu ka.in Japanese?

I don’t know. Chotto wakarimasen.

Wakarimasen can mean either “I don’t know” or “Idon’t understand.” When you mean I don’t know,add chotto to soften it.

Are you all right? Daij∂bu desu ka.

Yes, I’m all right. Hai, daij∂bu desu.

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Lesson 1:8

Question WordsWho? Dare?

What? Nani?

Where? Doko?

Why? D∂shite?

When? Itsu?

How? D∂?

How much? Ikura?

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Lesson 1:9

Useful Questions

All the Japanese questions end in the particle ka regard-less of whether it is a content question or a yes-no

question.

Who is that person Ano hito wa dare desu ka.over there?

What is this? Kore wa nan desu ka.

What is that over there? Are wa nan desu ka.

Is that Mount Fuji? Are wa Fujisan desu ka.

What is your name? O-namae wa nan desu ka.

Where is the restroom? Otearai wa doko desu ka.

Where are you from? Dochira kara kimashita ka.

When is your birthday? Tanj∂bi wa itsu desu ka.

When will you go (there)? Itsu ikimasu ka.

What time do you close? Nan-ji ni shimarimasu ka.

At what time does Densha wa nan-ji nithe train leave? demasu ka.

When is checkout time? Chekkuauto wa nan-ji desu ka.

How much is this? Kore wa ikura desu ka.

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Lesson 1:10

An Overview of Numbers1 ichi

2 ni

3 san

4 shi

5 go

6 roku

7 shichi

8 hachi

9 ky∆

10 j∆

11 j∆ichi

12 j∆ni

13 j∆san

14 j∆shi

15 j∆go

16 j∆roku

17 j∆shichi

18 j∆hachi

19 j∆ky∆

20 nij∆

21 nij∆ichi

22 nij∆ni

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CD1: The Basics 22

23 nij∆san

30 sanj∆

31 sanj∆ichi

32 sanj∆ni

40 yonj∆

50 goj∆

60 rokuj∆

70 nanaj∆

80 hachij∆

90 ky∆j∆

99 ky∆j∆ky∆

100 hyaku

999 ky∆hyakuky∆j∆ky∆

1,000 sen

When you read the numbers one after another inorder, you commonly use this pronunciation ofnumbers. However, the number 4 can be read asshi or yon, and the number 7 can be read as shichior nana. Likewise, the number 14 can be read asj∆shi or j∆yon, the number 17 can be read asj∆shichi or j∆nana, and the number 19 can be readj∆ky∆ or j∆ku. Furthermore, when the numbers arefollowed by suffixes (counters) such as ji (o’clock)and mai (sheets of), many numbers are often readdifferently, as shown in Lesson 1:11 and Lesson 2:4.

The Japanese number system is quite logical. Forexample, 11 is j∆-ichi, which is 10 (j∆) plus 1 (ichi).21 is ni-j∆-ichi, which is 2 (ni) times 10 (j∆) plus 1(ichi). 999 is ky∆-hyaku-ky∆-j∆-ky∆, which is 9 (ky∆)times 100 (hyaku), plus 9 (ky∆) times 10 (j∆), plus 9(ky∆).

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Lesson 1:11

Talking about Timeo’clock ji

hour jikan

minute fun

Fun (minute) alternates with pun when followingcertain numbers including 1 and 3.

second by∂

half past (of time) han

a.m. gozen

p.m. gogo

1 o’clock ichi-ji

2 o’clock ni-ji

3 o’clock san-ji

4 o’clock yo-ji

5 o’clock go-ji

6 o’clock roku-ji

7 o’clock shichi-ji

8 o’clock hachi-ji

9 o’clock ku-ji

10 o’clock j∆-ji

11 o’clock j∆ichi-ji

12 o’clock j∆ni-ji

7:15 shichi-ji j∆go-fun

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CD1: The Basics 24

10:55 (5 minutes to 11) j∆ichi-ji go-fun mae

11 a.m. gozen j∆ichi-jiThe 24-hour clock is used in timetables for trainsin Japan. For example, 2:15 p.m. is 14:15 (j∆yo-jij∆go-fun).

Asking about timeWhat time is it now? Ima nan-ji desu ka.

It’s 11:15. J∆ichi-ji j∆go-fun desu.

From what time? Nan-ji kara desu ka.

Until what time? Nan-ji made desu ka.

It’s from 2 to 5. Ni-ji kara go-ji made desu.

At what time are you leaving? Nan-ji ni demasu ka.

I’ll leave at 3. San-ji ni demasu.

How many hours does it take? Nan-jikan kakarimasu ka.

It takes two hours. Ni-jikan kakarimasu.

Time-related termsmorning asa

noon hiru

evening ban

night yoru

afternoon gogo

today ky∂

tomorrow ashita

yesterday kin∂

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Lesson 1:12

The Calendar and DatesThe days of the weekAll of the days of the week in Japanese end in y∂bi.

Monday getsuy∂bi

Tuesday kay∂bi

Wednesday suiy∂bi

Thursday mokuy∂bi

Friday kiny∂bi

Saturday doy∂bi

Sunday nichiy∂bi

The monthsAll of the months in Japanese end in gatsu, which followsnumbers from 1 to 12.

January ichi-gatsu

February ni-gatsu

March san-gatsu

April shi-gatsu

May go-gatsu

June roku-gatsu

July shichi-gatsu

August hachi-gatsu

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CD1: The Basics 26

September ku-gatsu

October j∆-gatsu

November j∆ichi-gatsu

December j∆ni-gatsu

The days of the monthThe days of the month in Japanese are full of irregularities.

the first tsuitachi

the second futsuka

the third mikka

the fourth yokka

the fifth itsuka

the sixth muika

the seventh nanoka

the eighth y∂ka

the ninth kokonoka

the tenth t∂ka

the 11th j∆ichi-nichi

the 12th j∆ni-nichi

the 13th j∆san-nichi

the 14th j∆yokka

the 15th j∆go-nichi

the 16th j∆roku-nichi

the 17th j∆shichi-nichi

the 18th j∆hachi-nichi

the 19th j∆ku-nichi

the 20th hatsuka

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Lesson 1:12 27

the 21st nij∆ichi-nichi

the 22nd nij∆ni-nichi

the 23rd nij∆san-nichi

the 24th nij∆yokka

the 25th nij∆go-nichi

the 26th nij∆roku-nichi

the 27th nij∆shichi-nichi

the 28th nij∆hachi-nichi

the 29th nij∆ku-nichi

the 30th sanj∆-nichi

the 31st sanj∆ichi-nichi

Month and date-relatedquestions and answersWhat is today’s date? Ky∂ wa nan-nichi desu ka.

Today is the 16th. Ky∂ wa j∆roku-nichi desu.

What day is it today? Ky∂ wa nany∂bi desu ka.

It’s Monday. Getsuy∂bi desu.

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Lesson 1:13

Directionsfar t∂i

close chikai

next to tonari

in front of mae

behind ushiro

nearby chikaku

east higashi

west nishi

south minami

north kita

right migi

left hidari

intersection k∂saten

street, road michi

corner kado

bridge hashi

to go straight massugu iku

to turn right migi ni magaru

to turn left at the intersection k∂saten o hidari ni magaru

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Lesson 2:1

Introduction and Overviewof CD2: The Nitty-Gritty:

Language Structure

Welcome to Japanese For Dummies Audio Set, disctwo. On this CD, you’ll hear Japanese nouns, verbs,

adjectives, and other important words, and learn how toput them together to make a sentence.

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Lesson 2:2

Nouns

Japanese nouns are very simple. They don’t have asingular/plural distinction or a masculine/feminine

distinction. In addition, they don’t have to be precededby articles like a or the.

You may wonder how the Japanese would knowwhether there is a dog or there are multiple dogswhen they hear Inu (dog). Actually, they just haveto guess from the context, or they just have toask how many.

Things in your roombed beddo

book hon

TV terebi

clock tokei

sofa sof≈

table t√buru

newspaper shinbun

Locationstown machi

country kuni

village mura

neighborhood kinjo

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Lesson 2:2 31

Transportationairplane hik∂ki

boat fune

bus basu

car kuruma

subway chikatetsu

taxi takush∫

train densha

Animalsbird tori

cat neko

cow ushi

dog inu

fish sakana

pig buta

Foods and beveragesapple ringo

black tea k∂cha

bread pan

coffee k∂h∫

cooked rice gohan

egg tamago

pizza piza

soup s∆pu

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Lesson 2:3

Plain and PoliteFamily Terms

Family terms have a plain form and a polite form. Use theplain form to refer to your own family members in front

of others. Use the polite form to refer to someone else’sfamily members. For example, “my father” would be watashino chichi and “Ms. Yamada’s father” would be Yamada-sanno ot∂san. Chichi is the plain form and ot∂san is the politeform. “My father met Ms. Yamada’s father” would be Watashino chichi wa Yamada-san no ot∂san ni aimashita. Plain formsand polite forms are also called humble forms and respectfulforms.

Older family membersfather (plain) chichi

father (polite) ot∂san

mother (plain) haha

mother (polite) ok≈san

older brother (plain) ani

older brother (polite) on∫san

older sister (plain) ane

older sister (polite) on√san

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Lesson 2:3 33

Younger family membersyounger brother (plain) ot∂to

younger brother (polite) ot∂tosan

younger sister (plain) im∂to

younger sister (polite) im∂tosan

son (plain) musuko

son (polite) musukosan

daughter (plain) musume

daughter (polite) musumesan

child (plain) kodomo

child (polite) okosan

Spousehusband (plain) otto

husband (polite) goshujin

wife (plain) tsuma

wife (polite) okusan

In conversations, shujin is often used instead ofotto to refer to one’s own husband, and kanai isoften used instead of tsuma to refer to one’s ownwife.

Extended family membersgrandfather (plain) sofu

grandfather (polite) oj∫san

grandmother (plain) sobo

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CD2: The Nitty-Gritty: Language Structure 34

grandmother (polite) ob≈san

uncle (plain) oji

uncle (polite) ojisan

aunt (plain) oba

aunt (polite) obasan

When addressing your older family members(other than your spouse), use the polite form.When addressing your younger family members oryour spouse, use their first name or nickname.Wives often address their husbands with anata,which literally means “you,” but actually meanssomething like “honey” or “dear” in English. Youreally have to understand the difference between“addressing” and “referring;” otherwise, what’sdiscussed here becomes contradictory to whatwas stated earlier in this section. “Addressing” iswhen you’re talking to the person and calling himor her, mostly to get attention. “Referring” is whenyou aren’t talking to the person, but talking abouthim or her to someone else.

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Lesson 2:4

Counters

The quantity of an item is expressed by a numeral anda short suffix, called a counter. A counter in Japanese

is equivalent to a word like “sheet,” as in “a sheet of paper”in English. Interestingly, you need a counter even for count-ing books, pens, people, and animals. For example, “thereare two books and two pens” means Hon ga ni-satsu topen ga ni-hon arimasu. Ni-satsu means “two” for bounditems like books, and ni-hon means “two” for long cylin-drical items like pens. Of course, ni means “two.” Thefollowing are some common counters with the numeralsone, two, and three. Watch out for some irregular soundchanges.

one, two, three . . . ichi-mai, ni-mai, san-mai . . .for flat items like paper

one, two, three . . . ichi-dai, ni-dai, san-dai . . .for mechanical items like cars

one, two, three . . . is-satsu, ni-satsu, san-satsu . . .for bound items like books

one, two, three . . . ip-pon, ni-hon, san-bon . . .for long cylindrical items like pens

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one, two, three . . . ip-piki, ni-hiki, san-biki . . .for animals like dogs

one, two, three . . . hito-ri, futa-ri, san-nin . . .for people

one, two, three . . . hito-tsu, futa-tsu, mit-tsu . . .for a variety of itemslike apples and erasers

Most counters follow numerals with Chinese originas in ichi-mai and ichi-dai, but some follow nativeJapanese numerals as in hito-tsu and hito-ri.

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Lesson 2:5

Demonstratives

For referring to visible items, you can use the demon-strative adjectives kono, sono, and ano along with the

common noun. Kono is for an item near the speaker, sono isfor an item near the listener, and ano is for an item far fromboth the speaker and the listener.

this book kono hon

that book (near you) sono hon

that book (over there) ano hon

this dog kono inu

that person (over there) ano hito

that wallet (near you) sono saifu

this building kono tatemono

For referring to things and animals without using a specificcommon noun, use the following demonstrative pronouns.

this one kore

that one near you sore

that one over there are

When referring to people, don’t use the demonstra-tive pronouns kore, sore, and are, but use thedemonstrative adjective along with a commonnoun, as in ano gakusei (that student) and konohito (this person).

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Lesson 2:6

Adjectives

Japanese has two types of adjectives: i-type and na-type.When they’re placed right before a noun, i-type adjec-

tives end in i, and na-type adjectives end in na. For example,yasashii hito means “a kind person” and kireina hito means“a pretty person.” In both cases, an adjective is followed bya noun hito (person), and you can easily tell that yasashii isan i-type adjective and kireina is a na-type adjective. Whenthey aren’t followed by a noun, but by desu to form a sen-tence predicate, i remains, but na must be removed. Forexample, Ano hito wa yasashii desu means “That person iskind,” and Ano hito wa kirei desu means “That person ispretty.” In this example, it’s not as easy to see whether theadjective is i-type or na-type. The following are adjectiveslisted in the latter form, which is more frequently used insimple conversations. For your convenience, na-type adjec-tives are marked in the parentheses.

big ∂kii desu

small ch∫sai desu

expensive takai desu

inexpensive/cheap yasui desu

easy kantan desu (na-type)

difficult muzukashii desu

fast hayai desu

slow osoi desu

good ii desu

bad warui desu

happy ureshii desu

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Lesson 2:6 39

sad kanashii desu

hot atsui desu

cold (weather) samui desu

delicious oishii desu

awful (taste) mazui desu

interesting omoshiroi desu

boring tsumaranai desu

long nagai desu

short mijikai desu

pretty kirei desu (na-type)

ugly minikui desu

quiet shizuka desu (na-type)

loud urusai desu

short (for a person) se ga hikui desu

tall (for a person) se ga takai desu

young wakai desu

Japanese has an adjective that means “old,” whichis furui, but it only applies to objects as in furui ie(old house) and furui kutsu (old shoes), but doesn’tapply to people or animals. If you want to saysomeone is old, use the verb phrase, toshi ga itteimasu (old/aged).

Preference and desireA person’s preferences and desires are most commonlyexpressed by adjectives rather than verbs in Japanese.

to like suki desu (na-type)

to dislike kirai desu (na-type)

to want hoshii desu

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ColorsSome colors are expressed by adjectives, although othersare expressed by nouns.

black kuroi desu

blue aoi desu

red akai desu

white shiroi desu

yellow kiiroi desu

NationalitiesJapanese Nihonjin

American Amerikajin

British Igirisujin

Chinese Ch∆gokujin

French Furansujin

Spanish Supeinjin

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Lesson 2:7

Degrees of Adjectives

Japanese adjectives don’t have comparative or superla-tive forms, like smaller and smallest in English. To show a

comparative idea, just add the adverb motto (more) or addthe item being compared along with the particle yori (than).To show a superlative idea, just add the adverb ichiban (themost).

cheaper motto yasui

cheaper than pizza piza yori yasui

cheapest ichiban yasui

more expensive motto takai

more expensive than sushi sushi yori takai

most expensive ichiban takai

more difficult than French Furansugo yori muzukashii

most difficult ichiban muzukashii

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Lesson 2:8

To Be or Not to Be: A Very Important Verb

The English verb to be expresses either identification(John is a student) or existence (There is a book).

“To be” in the sense of identification in English cor-responds to desu in Japanese. To say “A is B,” say Awa B desu, in which wa is the topic particle.

I’m American. Watashi wa Amerikajin desu.

My mom is Japanese. Haha wa Nihonjin desu.

I’m a student. Watashi wa gakusei desu.

My dad is a lawyer. Chichi wa bengoshi desu.

They are busy. Karera wa isogashii desu.

Japanese is easy. Nihongo wa kantan desu.

English is hard. Eigo wa muzukashii desu.

This is a dictionary. Kore wa jisho desu.

“To be” in the sense of existence in English corre-sponds to arimasu or imasu in Japanese. Arimasu isfor an inanimate item, and imasu is for an animateitem.

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Lesson 2:8 43

There is a pen. Pen ga arimasu.

There is a cat. Neko ga imasu.

There are many students. Gakusei ga takusan imasu.

“Ga” in the previous three sentences is the subjectmarking particle. See Lesson 2:12 for more details.

Mount Fuji is in Japan. Fujisan wa Nihon ni arimasu.

John is at the restaurant. Jon wa resutoran ni imasu.

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Lesson 2:9

Verbs

Japanese sentence predicates take either a plain form or apolite form depending on the formality of the context.

The plain form is short and is used in an informal context.The polite form is slightly longer and is used in a polite orneutral speech-style context. Accordingly, verbs have plainforms and polite forms among other forms. But don’t thinkthat you don’t need to know the plain form if you’re speak-ing only in polite-neutral speech style. The verbs in theplain form must be used even in polite contexts if certainelements such as modals follow them. So, it’s important toknow both the plain form and the polite form for each verb.

The plain form (present affirmative) or the dictionary formends in a syllable: ru, ku, gu, su, tsu, u, mu, nu, or bu, as intaberu (eat). The polite form (present affirmative) ends inthe polite suffix masu, as in tabemasu (eat).

Verbs are classified into irregular verbs, which are suru (do)and kuru (come), and regular verbs, which are either ru-verbs or u-verbs. If the verb’s dictionary form ends in ru, tryremoving ru from the plain form and masu from its politecounterpart. If the remaining portions are identical, it is aru-verb. Otherwise, it’s a u-verb. If the verb’s dictionaryform doesn’t end in ru, it’s a u-verb without any question.

Now, you’ll hear both the plain form and the polite form ofeach verb. Listen and pronounce two forms one after theother.

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Lesson 2:9 45

Irregular verbsdo suru (plain), shimasu (polite)

come kuru (plain), kimasu (polite)

Ru-verbseat taberu (plain), tabemasu (polite)

exist/be (animate) iru (plain), imasu (polite)

look miru (plain), mimasu (polite)

sleep neru (plain), nemasu (polite)

U-verbsbuy kau (plain), kaimasu (polite)

carry hakobu (plain), hakobimasu (polite)

drink nomu (plain), nomimasu (polite)

exist/be (inanimate) aru (plain), arimasu (polite)

go iku (plain), ikimasu (polite)

listen kiku (plain), kikimasu (polite)

read yomu (plain), yomimasu (polite)

run hashiru (plain), hashirimasu (polite)

speak hanasu (plain), hanashimasu (polite)

swim oyogu (plain), oyogimasu (polite)

understand wakaru (plain), wakarimasu (polite)

wait matsu (plain), machimasu (polite)

work hataraku (plain), hatarakimasu (polite)

write kaku (plain), kakimasu (polite)

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Many verbs are created by adding the verb suru (do) after aword of Chinese origin.

study benky∂ suru (plain), benky∂ shimasu (polite)

invite sh∂tai suru (plain), sh∂tai shimasu (polite)

graduate sotsugy∂ suru (plain), sotsugy∂shimasu (polite)

get married kekkon suru (plain), kekkon shimasu (polite)

DesuDesu (to be), introduced in Lesson 2:8, is very different fromother verbs. For example, unlike other verbs, desu can neverbe pronounced independently without being preceded byanother word. Just know that desu is the polite form, and itsplain counterpart is da.

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Lesson 2:10

Verb Tenses

Verbs in the present form express habitual or futureactions, and verbs in the past form express past actions.

PlainVerbs in the plain affirmative present form all end in thevowel u, but their past counterparts all end in the syllable taor da.

eat or will eat taberu

ate tabeta

drink or will drink nomu

drank nonda

write or will write kaku

wrote kaita

buy or will buy kau

bought katta

do or will do suru

did shita

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PoliteVerbs in the polite affirmative present form end in masu, buttheir past counterparts end in mashita.

eat or will eat tabemasu

ate tabemashita

drink or will drink nomimasu

drank nomimashita

do or will do shimasu

did shimashita

DesuThe past tense of desu (to be) is deshita, and its plain coun-terparts are da and datta.

Example sentencesI will go to the library Watashi wa ashita toshokan ni

tomorrow. ikimasu.

I went to the library Watashi wa kin∂ toshokan ni yesterday. ikimashita.

Emily bought shoes Emir∫-san wa kin∂ kutsu o yesterday. kaimashita.

Ken played tennis Ken-san wa kin∂ tenisu o yesterday. shimashita.

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Lesson 2:11

Negatives

Negative verbs and adjectives have masen in theirpolite form and nai in their plain form. The following

examples are all in the polite form. Note that pronouns arecommonly dropped in Japanese.

(I) don’t know. Wakarimasen.

(I) can’t. Dekimasen.

(I) can’t swim. Oyogemasen.

(I) am not going (there). Ikimasen.

(I) couldn’t go (there). Ikemasendeshita.

(I) will not work tomorrow. Ashita wa hatarakimasen.

(It) is not delicious. Oishiku arimasen.

(I) don’t like (it). Suki ja arimasen.

(I) am not American. Amerikajin ja arimasen.

Ja that appears before arimasen in negative sen-tences can be dewa. For example, the above twosentences can be Suki dewa arimasen orAmerikajin dewa arimasen.

(I) don’t eat meat. Niku wa tabemasen.

(I) don’t have money. Okane ga arimasen.

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Lesson 2:12

Particles

English prepositions are placed before a noun, as in “toTokyo.” Their Japanese counterparts are placed after

the noun, as in T∂ky∂ ni. So, they are actually postpositionsand are generally called particles. Unfortunately, there is noone-to-one correspondence between English prepositionsand Japanese particles. In addition, a simple English prepo-sition may have to be expressed by a combination of a fewelements in Japanese.

from kara

(I’m) from America. Amerika kara desu.

on ni

(I’ll) go (there) on Monday. Getsuy∂bi ni ikimasu.

on; above no ue ni

(It’s) on the table. T√buru no ue ni arimasu.

for no tame ni

(I’ll) study for the exam. Shiken no tame ni benky∂shimasu.

to ni

(I’ll) go to Tokyo. T∂ky∂ ni ikimasu.

in ni

(He) is in Tokyo. T∂ky∂ ni imasu.

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Lesson 2:12 51

in de

(I’ll) study in Tokyo. T∂ky∂ de benky∂-shimasu.

at de

(I’ll) eat at the restaurant. Resutoran de tabemasu.

at ni

(He) arrived at Boston. Bosuton ni tsukimashita.

by de

(I) went there by bus. Basu de ikimashita.

with de

(I) eat with chopsticks. Hashi de tabemasu.

with to

(I’ll) study with Mike. Maiku-san to benky∂-shimasu.

of no

(This) is the key of the car. Kuruma no kagi desu.

As you can see in these examples, one-to-one cor-respondence between English prepositions andJapanese particles is rarely attainable. You mustthink about the relation between the relevant itemand the action. For example, “in Tokyo” can beeither T∂ky∂ ni or T∂ky∂ de depending on whethersomeone is just being there or someone is doingsomething there. If someone is doing somethingat/in some location, the particle de is used. If some-one/something is being somewhere, the particle niis used. If someone is involved in some movingaction such as “going,” “coming,” and “arriving,”the destination of the movement is also marked bythe particle ni, which would be “to” or “at” inEnglish. If someone is using something as a methodor tools for the given action, the item being used ismarked by the particle de in Japanese, whichwould be either by or with in English.

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Particles for subjects and direct objectsThe particle for the subject is ga, and the particle for thedirect object is o. There is no English translation for them.

Emily invited Tom. Emir∫-san ga Tomu-san o sh∂tai shimashita.

Rachelle bought a car. Reicheru-san ga kuruma o kaimashita.

The subject particle ga is often replaced by thetopic particle wa because the subject usually alsofunctions as the topic of the sentence when thereis no other phrase functioning as the topic.

Example sentencesBecause every noun phrase is marked by some particle, theorder among them in a sentence can be free.

Susan broke the camera. Kamera o S∆zan-san ga kowashimashita.

I will go to Boston on Monday. Watashi wa getsuy∂bi ni Bosuton ni ikimasu.

I ate sushi with Mike. Watashi wa Maiku-san to sushi o tabemashita.

John is a student of Japanese. Jon-san wa Nihongo no gakusei desu.

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Lesson 2:13

Conjunctionsand to

or ka

not only/but also dakedewa naku...mo

because kara

but ga

although keredomo

if moshi...tara

unless nai kagiri

Example phrases and sentences using conjunctionsthe boy and the girl otoko no ko to onnano ko

the soup or the salad s∆pu ka sarada

Not only students but Gakusei dakedewa naku also professors ky∂ju mo

Because it’s expensive, Takai desu kara, kaimasen.I won’t buy it.

It’s expensive, Takai desu ga, kaimasu.but I’ll buy it.

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Lesson 2:14

Forming Simple SentencesThe sky is blue. Sora wa aoi desu.

I am going home. Watashi wa uchi ni kaerimasu.

The restroom is Otearai wa migi ni arimasu.on your right.

The coffee is very hot. K∂h∫ wa totemo atsui desu.

This suitcase is heavy. Kono s∆tsuk√su wa omoi desu.

That boy is my cousin. Ano otoko no ko wa watashi no itoko desu.

Sandra is pretty. Sandora-san wa kirei desu.

Tom didn’t come to class. Tomu-san wa kurasu ni kimasendeshita.

I like sushi. Watashi wa sushi ga suki desu.

I want money. Watashi wa okane ga hoshii desu.

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Lesson 2:15

Introducing MoreComplete Sentences

The library is new, pretty, Toshokan wa atarashikute, and spacious. kireide, hiroi desu.

Let’s shop for two hours Ni-jikan kaimono o shite, eiga and then go to a movie. o mimash∂.

We will be eating dinner Bangohan wa shichi-ji ni at 7 o’clock. tabemasu.

This restaurant is the best Kono resutoran wa kono restaurant in this town. machi de ichiban ii

resutoran desu.

I would like to buy this Kono s√t≈ o kudasai.sweater.

I need to clean today. Ky∂ wa s∂ji o shinakute wa ikemasen.

May I go home? Uchi ni kaette mo ii desu ka.

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Lesson 3:1

Introduction and Overviewof CD3: Real-World

Situations

Welcome to Japanese For Dummies Audio Set, discthree. On this disc, you discover authentic Japanese

phrases and expressions commonly used in a variety ofdaily-life contexts, like at the office, on the street, at thebank, and at the restaurant.

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Lesson 3:2

At the Officechair isu

computer pasokon

desk tsukue

notebook n∂to

office jimusho

pen pen

pencil enpitsu

telephone denwa

People around the officepresident shach∂

general manager buch∂

manager kach∂

boss j∂shi

colleague d∂ry∂

subordinate buka

secretary hisho

Office activitiesappointment yakusoku

attachment tenpu

conference kaigi

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Lesson 3:2 59

deadline shimekiri

e-mail m√ru

estimate mitsumori

meeting uchiawase

proposal teian

Web site uebusaito

to discuss hanashi-au

to solve kaiketsu suru

Example sentencesWe’re going to have a Ni-ji ni denwa kaigi

conference call at 2 o’clock. o shimasu.

May I borrow a pen and Pen to n∂to o karitemo ii notebook? desu ka.

Give me a piece of paper, Kami o ichi-mai kudasai.please.

Where is the conference room? Kaigishitsu wa doko desu ka.

Is that person Mr. Yamada? Ano hito wa Yamada-san desu ka.

The printer isn’t working. Purint≈ ga kosh∂ shite imasu.

Please make a copy of this. Kore o kop∫ shite kudasai.

Send me an e-mail. M√ru o okutte kudasai.

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Lesson 3:3

On the JobOccupationsbartender b≈tend≈

carpenter daiku

doctor isha

driver untenshu

electrician denkigishi

firefighter sh∂b∂shi

flight attendant furaitoatendanto

gardener niwashi

journalist j≈narisuto

lawyer bengoshi

nurse kangoshi

police officer keisatsukan

professor ky∂ju

singer kashu

tailor t√r≈

teacher ky∂shi

waiter ueit≈

waitress ueitoresu

writer sakka

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Lesson 3:3 61

Some occupation terms have a plain form and apolite form. The plain form is used for you or yourfamily’s occupation, while the polite form is usedfor other people’s occupation. For example, isha(doctor) is a plain form, but oishasan (doctor) is apolite form.

Work-related verbsto build tateru

to clean s∂ji-suru

to deliver haitatsu-suru

to drive unten-suru

to plant ueru

to repair sh∆ri-suru

Example sentencesPolice officers can help. Keisatsukan ga tasukete

kuremasu.

That nurse was very kind. Ano kangoshi-san wa totemo shinsetsu deshita.

Will you recommend an Denkigishi o sh∂kai-shite electrician? kuremasen ka.

I do not need a gardener. Niwashi wa irimasen.

I want to become a doctor Sh∂rai isha ni nari-tai desu.in the future.

My father is a teacher. Watashi no chichi wa ky∂shi desu.

Do you know a good lawyer? Ii bengoshi o shirimasen ka.

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Lesson 3:4

Making Small TalkWhat is your profession? Oshigoto wa nan desu ka.

How old are you? Nan-sai desu ka.

What do you like to do Shumi wa nan desu ka.for fun?

Do you play sports? Sup∂tsu wa shimasu ka.

I play golf. Gorufu o shimasu.

Really? Hont∂ desu ka.

I play soccer. Sakk≈ o shimasu.

Are you Mr. Brown? Buraun-san desu ka.

Yes, I’m Mr. Brown. Hai, Buraun desu.

My name is Mark. Watashi no namae wa M≈ku desu.

I’m from the United States. Amerika kara desu.

Where in the United States Amerika no dochira kara are you from? desu ka.

I am from Florida. Furorida kara kimashita.

I’m from Montreal, Canada. Kanada no Montori∂ru kara desu.

I am a student. Watashi wa gakusei desu.

When is your wedding Kekkon-kinenbi wa itsu desu ka.anniversary?

It is February 14th. Ni-gatsu j∆yokka desu.

How many children do Okosan wa nan-nin you have? irasshaimasu ka.

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Lesson 3:4 63

I have one child. Watashi wa kodomo ga hito-ri imasu.

What is your child’s Okosan no o-namae wa nan name? desu ka.

How is your mother? Ok≈sama wa o-genki desu ka.(formal)

The O in O-genki desu ka is a polite prefix.

The replies to O-genki desu ka (How are you?) aren’tusually super-positive, but relatively positive,slightly negative, or modest, especially in adults’conversations in Japanese.

Yes, thanks to everyone’s Hai, okagesama de.help.

What kind of food do Donna tabemono ga suki you like? desu ka.

This restaurant is Kono resutoran wa watashi my favorite. no okiniiri desu.

I am very sorry. D∂mo sumimasen.

I will see you later. Dewa, mata.

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Lesson 3:5

Making AppointmentsWill you be free tonight? Konban wa hima desu ka.

Yes, I’ll be free. Hai, hima desu.

Will you be available Ashita no gogo wa aite imasu ka.tomorrow afternoon?

I have a class tomorrow Ashita no gogo wa kurasu ga afternoon. arimasu.

I’m a bit busy tomorrow. Ashita wa chotto isogashii desu.

Can we do it on a Chigau hi ni dekimasen ka.different day?

I am available this Ky∂ no gogo wa aiteimasu.afternoon.

Do you want to go to the Kiny∂bi ni eiga o mini movies on Friday? ikimasen ka.

I am not free on Friday. Kiny∂bi wa tsug∂ ga warui desu.

How about Sunday? Nichiy∂bi wa d∂ desu ka.

Can we schedule the Suiy∂bi no asa j∆-ji ni uchiawase meeting for 10:00 o shitemo ii desu ka.Wednesday morning?

We should all go to the Ashita wa minna de k∂en ni iku park tomorrow. beki desu.

Let’s have dinner Doy∂bi ni isshoni bangohan together on o tabemash∂.Saturday.

Please come to pick me Roku-ji ni mukaeni kite kudasai.up at 6 o’clock.

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Lesson 3:5 65

Why don’t we meet at Rob∫ de machiawase the lobby? shimasen ka.

I would like to make Menkai no o-yakusoku o an appointment to itadakitai n-desu ga.see you.

When expressing your desire, you can end yoursentence with n-desu ga, as in the previous exam-ple. The last syllable ga is actually the conjunctionparticle “but” discussed on CD2. Make sure to pro-nounce it with a prolonged falling intonation.Ending a sentence with n-desu ga is useful for natu-rally eliciting a response from the other person.

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Lesson 3:6

Arranging TravelI would like to reserve a Chiketto o yoyaku shitai

ticket. n-desu ga.

How about a 7 o’clock Shichi-ji no bin wa d∂ desu ka.flight?

I would like to purchase T∂ky∂ made no chiketto o two tickets to Tokyo. ni-mai onegaishimasu.

We have three suitcases S∆tsuk√su ga mit-tsu to and two handbags. handobaggu ga futa-tsu

arimasu.

I do not have any Ch∂ka tenimotsu wa arimasen.excess baggage.

Can this be a carry-on? Kore wa kinai mochikomi tenimotsu ni dekimasu ka.

Do you have any discounts Gakusei waribiki wa for students? arimasu ka.

How early should I arrive? Dore gurai mae ni tsukanakute wa ikemasen ka.

How far is the hotel from Hoteru wa eki kara dore gurai the train station? t∂i desu ka.

Which hotel is cheaper? Dono hoteru ga yasui desu ka.

How much does the Chiketto wa ikura desu ka.ticket cost?

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Lesson 3:7

Asking for DirectionsMay I ask you for directions? Michi o kiite mo ii desu ka.

Where is the hotel? Hoteru wa doko desu ka.

Where is the ATM? ATM wa doko desu ka.

(It’s) over there. Asoko desu.

Do you know the restaurant Benten to iu resutoran o called Benten? shirimasen ka.

What street is the movie Eigakan wa dono t∂ri ni theater on? arimasu ka.

Is the school far from here? Gakk∂ wa koko kara t∂i desu ka.

How many minutes by Takush∫ de nan-pun gurai taxi approximately? desu ka.

Can we go there by subway? Chikatetsu de ikemasu ka.

How do I get to the museum? Hakubutsukan ni wa d∂yatte iku n-desu ka.

Could you repeat that, M∂ ichido onegaishimasu.please?

Could you speak slower, Yukkuri onegaishimasu.please?

The movie theater is on Eigakan wa migi ni arimasu.your right.

Where is Sakura Hotel Sakura Hoteru wa doko located? desu ka.

The hotel is next to the Hoteru wa eki no tonari desu.train station.

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CD3: Real-World Situations68

(It) is north of the Daigaku no kita desu.university.

(It) is south of the university. Daigaku no minami desu.

(It) is between the bank Gink∂ to y∆binkyoku no and the post office. aida desu.

The museum is about one Koko kara hakubutsukan kilometer from here. made yaku ichi-kirom√toru

desu.

The measurement units used in Japan are differentthan those used in the United States. For express-ing the distance between two locations, Japanesecommonly uses kirom√toru (kilometer) instead ofmile. One kilometer is 0.621 miles.

Turn right, and it is the Migi ni magatte, hidari no first street on your left. hito-tsu-me no michi desu.

Go straight and you will Massugu iku to arimasu.find it.

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Lesson 3:8

Asking for andGetting Help

Will you help me? Tasukete kudasasimasen ka.

Help! Tasukete!

Do you have any aspirin? Asupirin wa arimasu ka.

I have a headache. Atama ga itai desu.

I cannot breathe. Iki ga dekimasen.

She fell down the stairs. Kanojo wa kaidan kara ochimashita.

He is feeling sick and has Kare wa kibun ga warukute, a high fever. netsu ga arimasu.

Where is the hospital? By∂in wa doko desu ka.

Which hospital is the Dono by∂in ga ichiban chikai closest? desu ka.

Please call the ambulance. Ky∆ky∆sha o yonde kudasai.

We are lost and can’t find Mayotte shimatte, hoteru ga the hotel. mitsukarimasen.

I am staying at the Jakuson hoteru ni tomatte Jackson Hotel. imasu.

I’ve been robbed. Hittakuri ni aimashita.

Thief! Dorob∂!

Fire! Kaji!

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CD3: Real-World Situations70

Please call the police. Keisatsu o yonde kudasai.

Where is the consulate? Ry∂jikan wa doko desu ka.

What is the embassy’s Taishikan no denwa bang∂phone number? wa nan-ban desu ka?

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Lesson 3:9

At the RestaurantWhat would you like to Go-ch∆mon wa.

order?

I would like to have Sukiyaki o onegaishimasu.sukiyaki, please.

How about a beverage? O-nomimono wa.

Beer, please. B∫ru o onegaishimasu.

Do you serve orange juice? Orenji j∆su wa arimasu ka.

I would like some water, O-mizu o kudasai.please.

What kind of vegetables Donna yasai ry∂ri ga do you have? arimasu ka.

What kind of fish is available? Donna sakana ry∂ri ga arimasu ka.

What is today’s special? Ky∂ no supesharu wa nan desu ka.

I will have ice cream for Dez≈to wa aisukur∫mu o dessert. onegaishimasu.

Please eat. D∂zo meshiagatte kudasai.

May I have some more? M∂ sukoshi onegaishimasu.

I would like milk and sugar K∂h∫ ni wa miruku to sat∂ o for my coffee. onegaishimasu.

Is it okay? Ii desu ka.

Yes, it’s fine. Hai, ii desu.

I would like to make a Yoyaku o shitai n-desu ga.reservation.

Check please. O-kanj∂ onegaishimasu.

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Lesson 3:10

At the HotelWhat rooms do you have Donna taipu no heya ga available? arimasu ka.

I’d like a single room. Shinguru r∆mu o onegaishimasu.

I’d like a full bed. Furu saizu no beddo o onegaishimasu.

Does it have air conditioning? Eakon wa arimasu ka.

You need to check out by Chekku-auto wa j∆ni-ji 12 o’clock. made desu.

We want to cancel our Yoyaku o kyanseru shitai reservation. n-desu ga.

Where is the gym located? Jimu wa doko ni arimasu ka.

What time does the Resutoran wa nan-ji ni restaurant close? shimarimasu ka.

Room service, please. R∆mu s≈bisu o onegaishimasu.

I’d like to order a sandwich. Sandoicchi o onegaishimasu.

The concierge will be Konsheruju ga mamonaku down shortly. mairimasu.

We don’t have any rooms Tadaima k∆shitsu wa available right now. gozaimasen.

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Lesson 3:11

At the BankWhat is the exchange rate Ky∂ no kawase r√to wa

today? ikura desu ka.

Today’s exchange rate is Ky∂ no kawase r√to wa 122 yen for 1 dollar. ichi-doru hyaku-nij∆-ni-en

desu.

How much can I change? Ikura kaeraremasu ka.

I would like to exchange Hyaku-doru ry∂gae shitai $100. n-desu ga.

I would like to open a Futs∆ yokin k∂za o hirakitai savings account. n-desu ga.

Personal checks are rarely used in Japan. So, ifyou’re going to Japan, you’re very likely to open aregular savings account rather than a checkingaccount.

How many branches do Shiten wa ikutsu arimasu ka.you have?

Do you have any branches Amerika ni wa shiten ga in the U.S.? arimasu ka.

I would like to buy Toraber≈zu chekku o kaitai traveler’s checks. n-desu ga.

I’d like to cash this Kono toraber≈zu chekku o traveler’s check. genkin ni shitai n-desu ga.

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Lesson 3:12

At the StoreWelcome! Irasshaimase!

What are you looking for? Nani o o-sagashi desu ka.

I am looking for a black Kuroi doresu o sagashite dress. imasu.

How about this one? Kore wa ikaga desu ka.

Ikaga is the polite version of the question word d∂(how).

I like that one over there. Are ga ii desu.

May I try it on? Kite mite mo ii desu ka.

Where is the fitting room? Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka.

This one is too small. Kore wa ch∫sasugimasu.

This one is too big. Kore wa ∂kisugimasu.

Do you have this in Kore no eru-saizu wa size large? arimasu ka.

I’ll take this one. Kore o kudasai.

This one, please. Kore o onegai shimasu.

How much is this shirt? Kono shatsu wa ikura desu ka.

I would like to purchase Kono suk≈to o kudasai.this skirt.

This watch is expensive. Kono tokei wa takai desu.

May I pay by credit card? Kurejitto k≈do de haratte mo ii desu ka.

May I return this item? Kore o henpin shite mo ii desu ka.

When will the sale start? S√ru wa itsu kara desu ka.

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Mini-DictionaryJapanese-English Mini-Dictionaryaida (ah-ee-dah): betweenaisu kur∫mu (ah-ee-soo koo-

reee-moo): ice creamaka (ah-kah): redakeru (ah-keh-roo): to opename (ah-meh): rainAmerika (ah-meh-ree-kah):

AmericaAmerikajin (ah-meh-ree-

kah-jeen): Americanperson

anata (ah-nah-tah): youao (ah-oh): blueap≈to (ah-pahh-toh): apart-

mentare (ah-reh): that one over

therearigat∂ (ah-ree-gah-tohh):

thanksaruku (ah-roo-koo): to walkasa (ah-sah): morningashi (ah-shee): footashita (ah-shee-tah): tomor-

rowasoko (ah-soh-koh): over

thereatama (ah-tah-mah): headatarashii (ah-tah-rah-sheee):

new

basu (bah-soo): busbeddo (behd-doh): bedbengoshi (behn-goh-shee):

lawyerbenky∂ suru (behn-kyohh

soo-roo): to studyb∫ru (beee-roo): beerb∂shi (bohh-shee): hatburausu (boo-rah-oo-soo):

blousebutaniku (boo-tah-nee-koo):

porkby∂in (byohh-een): hospitalby∂ki (byohh-kee): illnesschairo (chah-ee-roh): brownchikaku (chee-kah-koo):

nearchikatetsu (chee-kah-teh-

tsoo): subwaychiketto (chee-keht-toh):

ticketchippu (cheep-poo): tipch∫sai (cheee-sah-ee): smallchizu (chee-zoo): mapch∫zu (cheee-zoo): cheesech∂shoku (chohh-shoh-

koo): breakfastch∆shoku (chooo-shoh-

koo): lunch

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Mini-Dictionary76

daidokoro (dah-ee-doh-koh-roh): kitchen

daigaku (dah-ee-gah-koo):university

dare (dah-reh): whodareka (dah-reh-kah):

somebodydeguchi (deh-goo-chee): exitdemo (deh-moh): butdensha (dehn-shah): traindenwa (dehn-wah):

telephonedenwa-bang∂ (dehn-wah-

bahn-gohh): telephonenumber

dep≈to (deh-pahh-toh):department store

dez≈to (deh-zahh-toh):dessert

d∂ (dohh): howdoko (doh-koh): wheredore (doh-reh): which oned∂ry∂ (dohh-ryohh):

co-workerdoy∂bi (doh-yohh-bee):

Saturdayeiga (ehh-gah): movieeigo (ehh-goh): EnglishFuransu (foo-rahn-soo):

Francefurui (foo-roo-ee): oldgakk∂ (gahk-kohh): schoolgekij∂ (geh-kee-johh):

theatergenkin (gehn-keen): cash

getsuy∂bi (geh-tsoo-yohh-bee): Monday

gink∂ (geen-kohh): bankgo (goh): fivego-gatsu (goh-gah-tsoo):

Maygohan (goh-hahn): cooked

ricegorufu (goh-roo-foo): golfgy∆niku (gyooo-nee-koo):

beefgy∆ny∆ (gyooo-nyooo): milkhachi (hah-chee): eighthachi-gatsu (hah-chee-gah-

tsoo): Augusthairu (hah-ee-roo): to enterhaisha (hah-ee-shah):

dentisthakubutsukan (hah-koo-

boo-tsoo-kahn): museumhana (1) (hah-nah): flowerhana (2) (hah-nah): nosehanasu (hah-nah-soo):

to speakharau (hah-rah-oo): to payhataraku (hah-tah-rah-koo):

to workheya (heh-yah): roomhi (hee): dayhidari (hee-dah-ree): lefthigashi (hee-gah-shee): easthik∂ki (hee-kohh-kee):

airplanehisho (hee-shoh): secretaryhiza (hee-zah): knee

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Japanese-English Mini-Dictionary 77

hon (hohn): bookhoshii (hoh-sheee): to wanthoteru (hoh-teh-roo): hotelhyaku (hyah-koo): hundredichi (ee-chee): oneichi-gatsu (ee-chee-gah-

tsoo): Januaryie (ee-eh): houseii (eee): goodiku (ee-koo): to goikura (ee-koo-rah):

how muchima (ee-mah): nowim∂to (ee-mohh-toh):

younger sisterinaka (ee-nah-kah):

countrysideinu (ee-noo): dogiriguchi (ee-ree-goo-chee):

entranceiro (ee-roh): colorisha (ee-shah): physicianitoko (ee-toh-koh): cousinitsu (ee-tsoo): whenitsumo (ee-tsoo-moh):

alwaysjaketto (jah-keht-toh): jacketjiko (jee-koh): accidentj∫nzu (jeeen-zoo): jeansjitensha (jee-tehn-shah):

bicyclej∆ (jooo): tenj∆-gatsu (jooo-gah-tsoo):

October

j∆go (jooo-goh): fifteenj∆gy∂in (jooo-gyohh-een):

employeej∆hachi (jooo-hah-chee):

eighteenj∆ichi (jooo-ee-chee): elevenj∆ichi-gatsu (jooo-ee-chee-

gah-tsoo): Novemberj∆ky∆ (jooo-kyooo):

nineteenj∆ni (jooo-nee): twelvej∆ni-gatsu (jooo-nee-gah-

tsoo): Decemberj∆roku (jooo-roh-koo):

sixteenj∆san (jooo-sahn): thirteenj∆shi (jooo-shee): fourteenj∆shichi (jooo-shee-chee):

seventeenj∆sho (jooo-shoh): addressj∆su (jooo-soo): juicekaban (kah-bahn): bagkaeru (kah-eh-roo): to returnkagi (kah-gee): keykaisha (kah-ee-shah):

companykaishain (kah-ee-shah-een):

company employeekaku (kah-koo): to writekami (1) (kah-mee): hairkami (2) (kah-mee): paperkangoshi (kahn-goh-shee):

nursekanojo (kah-noh-joh): she

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Mini-Dictionary78

kantan (kahn-tahn): easykao (kah-oh): facekare (kah-reh): hekarend≈ (kah-rehn-dahh):

calendarkasa (kah-sah): umbrellakau (kah-oo): buykay∂bi (kah-yohh-bee):

Tuesdaykeisatsu (kehh-sah-tsoo):

policekin∂ (kee-nohh): yesterdaykiny∂bi (keen-yohh-bee):

Fridaykirei (kee-rehh): beautifulkiiro (keee-roh): yellowkita (kee-tah): northkitte (keet-teh): stampkodomo (koh-doh-moh):

childk∂en (kohh-ehn): parkk∂h∫ (kohh-heee): coffeek∂k∂ (kohh-kohh): high

schoolkoko (koh-koh): herekonban (kohn-bahn):

tonightkongetsu (kohn-geh-tsoo):

this monthkonnichiwa (kohn-nee-chee-

wah): hello/goodafternoon

konsh∆ (kohn-shooo):this week

kore (koh-reh): this one

k∂saten (kohh-sah-tehn):intersection

kotoshi (koh-toh-shee):this year

kubi (koo-bee): neckkuchi (koo-chee): mouthkudamono (koo-dah-moh-

noh): fruitku-gatsu (koo-gah-tsoo):

Septemberk∆k∂ (kooo-kohh): airportkuni (koo-nee): countrykurai (koo-rah-ee): darkkurejitto k≈do (koo-reh-jeet-

toh kahh-doh): credit cardkuro (koo-roh): blackkuru (koo-roo): to comekuruma (koo-roo-mah): carkusuri (koo-soo-ree):

medicinekutsu (koo-tsoo): shoeky∂ (kyohh): todayky∂kai (kyohh-kah-ee):

churchkyonen (kyoh-nehn):

last yearky∆ (kyooo): nineky∆ky∆sha (kyooo-kyooo-

shah): ambulancemae (mah-eh): frontmatsu (mah-tsoo): to waitme (meh): eyemidori (mee-doh-ree): greenmigi (mee-gee): right

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mikan (mee-kahn):mandarin orange

mimi (mee-mee): earminami (mee-nah-mee):

southmise (mee-seh): storemizu (mee-zoo): watermizuumi (mee-zoo-oo-mee):

lakemokuy∂bi (moh-koo-yohh-

bee): Thursdaymoshimoshi (moh-shee-moh-

shee): hello (telephone)mune (moo-neh): chestmura (moo-rah): villagemuzukashii (moo-zoo-kah-

sheee): difficultnamae (nah-mah-eh): namenana (nah-nah): sevennani (nah-nee): whatnanika (nah-nee-kah):

somethingneko (neh-koh): catneru (neh-roo): to sleepnetsu (neh-tsoo): feverni (nee): twonichiy∂bi (nee-chee-yohh-

bee): Sundayni-gatsu (nee-gah-tsoo):

FebruaryNihon (nee-hohn): JapanNihongo (nee-hohn-goh):

Japanese languageNihonjin (nee-hohn-jeen):

Japanese person

niku (nee-koo): meatnimotsu (nee-moh-tsoo):

luggagenishi (nee-shee): westnomu (noh-moo): to drinkoboeru (oh-boh-eh-roo):

to remembero-cha (oh-chah): teaodoru (oh-doh-roo): to

danceohay∂ (oh-hah-yohh):

good morningo-kane (oh-kah-neh): moneyok≈san (oh-kahh-sahn):

mother∂kii (ohh-keee): bigo-kome (oh-koh-meh):

uncooked riceoku (oh-koo): to putomoshiroi (oh-moh-shee-

roh-ee): interestingon√san (oh-nehh-sahn):

older sisteron∫san (oh-neee-sahn):

older brotheronna (ohn-nah): femaleonna no hito (ohn-nah noh

hee-toh): womanosoi (oh-soh-ee): late≥sutoraria (ohh-soo-toh-

rah-ree-ah): Australiaotoko (oh-toh-koh): maleotoko no hito (oh-toh-koh

noh hee-toh): manot∂san (oh-tohh-sahn):

father

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ot∂to (oh-tohh-toh):younger brother

owaru (oh-wah-roo): to endoyasuminasai (oh-yah-soo-

mee-nah-sah-ee): goodnight

pan (pahn): breadpasup∂to (pah-soo-pohh-

toh): passportraigetsu (rah-ee-geh-tsoo):

next monthrainen (rah-ee-nehn):

next yearraish∆ (rah-ee-shooo):

next weekresutoran (reh-soo-toh-

rahn): restaurantringo (reen-goh): appleroku (roh-koo): sixroku-gatsu (roh-koo-gah-

tsoo): Junery∂jikan (ryohh-jee-kahn):

consulateryok∂ (ryoh-kohh): tripry∂ri (ryohh-ree): cookingry∂sh∆sho (ryohh-shooo-

shoh): receiptsaifu (sah-ee-foo): walletsakana (sah-kah-nah): fishsakk≈ (sahk-kahh): soccersan (sahn): threesan-gatsu (sahn-gah-tsoo):

Marchsarada (sah-rah-dah): saladsat∂ (sah-tohh): sugar

say∂nara (sah-yohh-nah-rah): goodbye

sengetsu (sehn-geh-tsoo):last month

sensei (sehn-sehh): teachersensh∆ (sehn-shooo):

last weeks√t≈ (sehh-tahh): sweatershach∂ (shah-chohh):

company presidentshashin (shah-sheen):

photographshatsu (shah-tsoo): shirtshi (shee): fourshichi (shee-chee): sevenshichi-gatsu (shee-chee-gah-

tsoo): Julyshi-gatsu (shee-gah-tsoo):

Aprilshinbun (sheen-boon):

newspapershiro (shee-roh): whiteshitsumon (shee-tsoo-

mohn): questionshizuka (shee-zoo-kah): quietshokuji (shoh-koo-jee): mealshomei (shoh-mehh):

signaturesh∆ (shooo): weekshumi (shoo-mee): hobbyshuppatsu (shoop-pah-

tsoo): departuresoko (soh-koh): there near

yousore (soh-reh): that one

near you

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soto (soh-toh): outsidesuiy∂bi (soo-ee-yohh-bee):

Wednesdaysuk≈to (soo-kahh-toh): skirtsuki (soo-kee): to likes∆p≈m≈ketto (sooo-pahh-

mahh-keht-toh):supermarket

suru (soo-roo): to dos∆tsu (sooo-tsoo): suits∆tsuk√su (sooo-tsoo-kehh-

soo): suitcasesuwaru (soo-wah-roo): to sit

downtaberu (tah-beh-roo): to eattaishikan (tah-ee-shee-

kahn): embassytaiy∂ (tah-ee-yohh): suntakai (tah-kah-ee):

expensivetakush∫ (tah-koo-sheee): taxite (teh): handtegami (teh-gah-mee): letterterebi (teh-reh-bee): TVt∂i (tohh-ee): fartomodachi (toh-moh-dah-

chee): friendtonari (toh-nah-ree):

next doortoriniku (toh-ree-nee-koo):

chickentoru (toh-roo): to taketotemo (toh-teh-moh): verytsukau (tsoo-kah-oo): to usetsuku (tsoo-koo): to arrive

tsukuru (tsoo-koo-roo): tomake

ude (oo-deh): armuma (oo-mah): horseumi (oo-mee): oceanunten suru (oon-tehn soo-

roo): to driveuru (oo-roo): to sellurusai (oo-roo-sah-ee): noisyushiro (oo-shee-roh): behindutau (oo-tah-oo): to singwain (wah-een): winewanp∫su (wahn-peee-soo):

dresswarui (wah-roo-ee): badwatashi (wah-tah-shee): Iyama (yah-mah): mountainyasai (yah-sah-ee): vegetableyasui (yah-soo-ee): cheapyasumi (yah-soo-mee):

vacationyomu (yoh-moo): to readyoyaku (yoh-yah-koo):

reservationyubi (yoo-bee): fingery∆binkyoku (yooo-been-

kyoh-koo): post officeyuki (yoo-kee): snowy∆shoku (yooo-shoh-koo):

dinnerzenzen (zehn-zehn): not at

allzubon (zoo-bohn): pants

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accident: jiko (jee-koh)address: j∆sho (jooo-shoh)airplane: hik∂ki (hee-kohh-

kee)airport: k∆k∂ (kooo-kohh)always: itsumo (ee-tsoo-

moh)ambulance: ky∆ky∆sha

(kyooo-kyooo-shah)America: Amerika (ah-meh-

ree-kah)American person:

Amerikajin (ah-meh-ree-kah-jeen)

apartment: ap≈to (ah-pahh-toh)

apple: ringo (reen-goh)April: shi-gatsu (shee-gah-

tsoo)arm: ude (oo-deh)arrive: tsuku (tsoo-koo)August: hachi-gatsu (hah-

chee-gah-tsoo)Australia: ≥sutoraria (ohh-

soo-toh-rah-ree-ah)bad: warui (wah-roo-ee)bag: kaban (kah-bahn)bank: gink∂ (geen-kohh)beautiful: kirei (kee-rehh)bed: beddo (behd-doh)beef: gy∆niku (gyooo-nee-

koo)beer: b∫ru (beee-roo)

behind: ushiro (oo-shee-roh)between: aida (ah-ee-dah)bicycle: jitensha (jee-tehn-

shah)big: ∂kii (ohh-keee)black: kuro (koo-roh)blouse: burausu (boo-rah-

oo-soo)blue: ao (ah-oh)book: hon (hohn)bread: pan (pahn)breakfast: ch∂shoku

(chohh-shoh-koo)brother, younger: ot∂to (oh-

tohh-toh)brother, older: on∫san (oh-

neee-sahn)brown: chairo (chah-ee-roh)bus: basu (bah-soo)but: demo (deh-moh)buy: kau (kah-oo)calendar: karend≈ (kah-

rehn-dahh)car: kuruma (koo-roo-mah)cash: genkin (gehn-keen)cat: neko (neh-koh)cheap: yasui (yah-soo-ee)cheese: ch∫zu (cheee-zoo)chest: mune (moo-neh)chicken: toriniku (toh-ree-

nee-koo)child: kodomo (koh-doh-

moh)

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English-Japanese Mini-Dictionary 83

church: ky∂kai (kyohh-kah-ee)

coffee: k∂h∫ (kohh-heee)color: iro (ee-roh)come: kuru (koo-roo)company: kaisha (kah-ee-

shah)company employee: kaishain

(kah-ee-shah-een)company president: shach∂

(shah-chohh)consulate: ry∂jikan (ryohh-

jee-kahn)cooking: ry∂ri (ryohh-ree)country: kuni (koo-nee)countryside: inaka (ee-nah-

kah)cousin: itoko (ee-toh-koh)co-worker: d∂ry∂ (dohh-

ryohh)credit card: kurejitto k≈do

(koo-reh-jeet-toh kahh-doh)

dance (v.): odoru (oh-doh-roo)

dark: kurai (koo-rah-ee)day: hi (hee)December: j∆ni-gatsu (jooo-

nee-gah-tsoo)dentist: haisha (hah-ee-shah)department store: dep≈to

(deh-pahh-toh)departure: shuppatsu

(shoop-pah-tsoo)

dessert: dez≈to (deh-zahh-toh)

dinner: y∆shoku (yooo-shoh-koo)

difficult: muzukashii (moo-zoo-kah-sheee)

do: suru (soo-roo)dog: inu (ee-noo)dress: wanp∫su (wahn-peee-

soo)drink (v.): nomu (noh-moo)drive (v.): unten suru (oon-

tehn soo-roo)ear: mimi (mee-mee)east: higashi (hee-gah-shee)easy: kantan (kahn-tahn)eat: taberu (tah-beh-roo)eight: hachi (hah-chee)eighteen: j∆hachi (jooo-hah-

chee)eleven: j∆ichi (jooo-ee-chee)embassy: taishikan (tah-ee-

shee-kahn)employee: j∆gy∂in (jooo-

gyohh-een)end (v.): owaru (oh-wah-roo)English: eigo (ehh-goh)enter: hairu (hah-ee-roo)entrance: iriguchi (ee-ree-

goo-chee)exit: deguchi (deh-goo-

chee)expensive: takai (tah-kah-ee)eye: me (meh)

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face: kao (kah-oh)far: t∂i (tohh-ee)father: ot∂san (oh-tohh-

sahn)February: ni-gatsu (nee-gah-

tsoo)female: onna (ohn-nah)fever: netsu (neh-tsoo)fifteen: j∆go (jooo-goh)finger: yubi (yoo-bee)fish: sakana (sah-kah-nah)five: go (goh)flower: hana (hah-nah)foot: ashi (ah-shee)four: shi (shee)fourteen: j∆shi (jooo-shee)France: Furansu (foo-rahn-

soo)Friday: kiny∂bi (keen-yohh-

bee)friend: tomodachi (toh-moh-

dah-chee)front: mae (mah-eh)fruit: kudamono (koo-dah-

moh-noh)go: iku (ee-koo)golf: gorufu (goh-roo-foo)good: ii (eee)good afternoon: konnichiwa

(kohn-nee-chee-wah)goodbye: say∂nara (sah-

yohh-nah-rah)good morning: ohay∂ (oh-

hah-yohh)

good night: oyasuminasai(oh-yah-soo-mee-nah-sah-ee)

green: midori (mee-doh-ree)hair: kami (kah-mee)hand: te (teh)hat: b∂shi (bohh-shee)he: kare (kah-reh)head: atama (ah-tah-mah)hello: konnichiwa (kohn-

nee-chee-wah)hello (telephone): moshi-

moshi (moh-shee-moh-shee)

here: koko (koh-koh)high school: k∂k∂ (kohh-

kohh)hobby: shumi (shoo-mee)horse: uma (oo-mah)hospital: by∂in (byohh-een)hotel: hoteru (hoh-teh-roo)house: ie (ee-eh)how: d∂ (dohh)how much: ikura (ee-koo-

rah)hundred: hyaku (hyah-koo)I: watashi (wah-tah-shee)ice cream: aisu kur∫mu (ah-

ee-soo koo-reee-moo)illness: by∂ki (byohh-kee)interesting: omoshiroi (oh-

moh-shee-roh-ee)intersection: k∂saten (kohh-

sah-tehn)

Mini-Dictionary84

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jacket: jaketto (jah-keht-toh)January: ichi-gatsu (ee-chee-

gah-tsoo)Japan: Nihon (nee-hohn)Japanese language: Nihongo

(nee-hohn-goh)Japanese person: Nihonjin

(nee-hohn-jeen)jeans: j∫nzu (jeeen-zoo)juice: j∆su (jooo-soo)July: shichi-gatsu (shee-

chee-gah-tsoo)June: roku-gatsu (roh-koo-

gah-tsoo)key: kagi (kah-gee)kitchen: daidokoro (dah-ee-

doh-koh-roh)knee: hiza (hee-zah)lake: mizuumi (mee-zoo-oo-

mee)last month: sengetsu (sehn-

geh-tsoo)last week: sensh∆ (sehn-

shooo)last year: kyonen (kyoh-

nehn)late: osoi (oh-soh-ee)lawyer: bengoshi (behn-goh-

shee)left: hidari (hee-dah-ree)letter: tegami (teh-gah-mee)like: suki (soo-kee)luggage: nimotsu (nee-moh-

tsoo)

lunch: ch∆shoku (chooo-shoh-koo)

make: tsukuru (tsoo-koo-roo)

male: otoko (oh-toh-koh)man: otoko no hito (oh-toh-

koh noh hee-toh)map: chizu (chee-zoo)March: san-gatsu (sahn-gah-

tsoo)May: go-gatsu (goh-gah-

tsoo)meal: shokuji (shoh-koo-jee)meat: niku (nee-koo)medicine: kusuri (koo-soo-

ree)milk: gy∆ny∆ (gyooo-nyooo)Monday: getsuy∂bi (geh-

tsoo-yohh-bee)money: o-kane (oh-kah-neh)morning: asa (ah-sah)mother: ok≈san (oh-kahh-

sahn)mountain: yama (yah-mah)mouth: kuchi (koo-chee)movie: eiga (ehh-gah)museum: hakubutsukan

(hah-koo-boo-tsoo-kahn)name: namae (nah-mah-eh)near: chikaku (chee-kah-

koo)neck: kubi (koo-bee)new: atarashii (ah-tah-rah-

sheee)

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newspaper: shinbun (sheen-boon)

next door: tonari (toh-nah-ree)

next month: raigetsu (rah-ee-geh-tsoo)

next week: raish∆ (rah-ee-shooo)

next year: rainen (rah-ee-nehn)

nine: ky∆ (kyooo)nineteen: j∆ky∆ (jooo-

kyooo)noisy: urusai (oo-roo-sah-ee)north: kita (kee-tah)nose: hana (hah-nah)not at all: zenzen (zehn-

zehn)November: j∆ichi-gatsu

(jooo-ee-chee-gah-tsoo)now: ima (ee-mah)nurse: kangoshi (kahn-goh-

shee)ocean: umi (oo-mee)October: j∆-gatsu (jooo-gah-

tsoo)old: furui (foo-roo-ee)one: ichi (ee-chee)open: akeru (ah-keh-roo)orange (mandarin orange):

mikan (mee-kahn)outside: soto (soh-toh)over there: asoko (ah-soh-

koh)pants: zubon (zoo-bohn)

paper: kami (kah-mee)park: k∂en (kohh-ehn)passport: pasup∂to (pah-

soo-pohh-toh)pay: harau (hah-rah-oo)photograph: shashin (shah-

sheen)physician: isha (ee-shah)police: keisatsu (kehh-sah-

tsoo)pork: butaniku (boo-tah-

nee-koo)post office: y∆binkyoku

(yooo-been-kyoh-koo)put: oku (oh-koo)question: shitsumon (shee-

tsoo-mohn)quiet: shizuka (shee-zoo-

kah)rain: ame (ah-meh)read: yomu (yoh-moo)receipt: ry∂sh∆sho (ryohh-

shooo-shoh)red: aka (ah-kah)remember: oboeru (oh-boh-

eh-roo)reservation: yoyaku (yoh-

yah-koo)restaurant: resutoran (reh-

soo-toh-rahn)return: kaeru (kah-eh-roo)rice, cooked: gohan (goh-

hahn)rice, uncooked: o-kome (oh-

koh-meh)

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right: migi (mee-gee)room: heya (heh-yah)salad: sarada (sah-rah-dah)Saturday: doy∂bi (doh-

yohh-bee)school: gakk∂ (gahk-kohh)secretary: hisho (hee-shoh)sell: uru (oo-roo)September: ku-gatsu (koo-

gah-tsoo)seven: shichi (shee-chee)seventeen: j∆shichi (jooo-

shee-chee)she: kanojo (kah-noh-joh)shirt: shatsu (shah-tsoo)shoe: kutsu (koo-tsoo)signature: shomei (shoh-

mehh)sing: utau (oo-tah-oo)sister, older: on√san (oh-

nehh-sahn)sister, younger: im∂to (ee-

mohh-toh )sit down: suwaru (soo-wah-

roo)six: roku (roh-koo)sixteen: j∆roku (jooo-roh-

koo)skirt: suk≈to (soo-kahh-toh)sleep: neru (neh-roo)small: ch∫sai (cheee-sah-ee)snow: yuki (yoo-kee)soccer: sakk≈ (sahk-kahh)

somebody: dareka (dah-reh-kah)

something: nanika (nah-nee-kah)

south: minami (mee-nah-mee)

speak: hanasu (hah-nah-soo)stamp: kitte (keet-teh)store: mise (mee-seh)study: benky∂ suru (behn-

kyohh soo-roo)subway: chikatetsu (chee-

kah-teh-tsoo)sugar: sat∂ (sah-tohh)suit: s∆tsu (sooo-tsoo)suitcase: s∆tsuk√su (sooo-

tsoo-kehh-soo)sun: taiy∂ (tah-ee-yohh)Sunday: nichiy∂bi (nee-

chee-yohh-bee)supermarket: s∂p≈m≈ketto

(sooo-pahh-mahh-keht-toh)

sweater: s√t≈ (sehh-tahh)take: toru (toh-roo)taxi: takush∫ (tah-koo-sheee)tea: o-cha (oh-chah)teacher: sensei (sehn-sehh)telephone: denwa (dehn-

wah)telephone number: denwa-

bang∂ (dehn-wah-bahn-gohh)

ten: j∆ (jooo)

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thanks: arigat∂ (ah-ree-gah-tohh)

that one near you: sore(soh-reh)

that one over there: are (ah-reh)

theater: gekij∂ (geh-kee-johh)

there near you: soko (soh-koh)

thirteen: j∆san (jooo-sahn)this month: kongetsu (kohn-

geh-tsoo)this one: kore (koh-reh)this week: konsh∆ (kohn-

shooo)this year: kotoshi (koh-toh-

shee)three: san (sahn)Thursday: mokuy∂bi (moh-

koo-yohh-bee)ticket: chiketto (chee-keht-

toh)tip: chippu (cheep-poo)today: ky∂ (kyohh)tomorrow: ashita (ah-shee-

tah)tonight: konban (kohn-bahn)train: densha (dehn-shah)trip: ryok∂ (ryoh-kohh)Tuesday: kay∂bi (kah-yohh-

bee)TV: terebi (teh-reh-bee)twelve: j∆ni (jooo-nee)two: ni (nee)

umbrella: kasa (kah-sah)university: daigaku (dah-ee-

gah-koo)use: tsukau (tsoo-kah-oo)vacation: yasumi (yah-soo-

mee)vegetable: yasai (yah-sah-ee)very: totemo (toh-teh-moh)village: mura (moo-rah)wait: matsu (mah-tsoo)walk (v.): aruku (ah-roo-koo)wallet: saifu (sah-ee-foo)want: hoshii (hoh-sheee)water: mizu (mee-zoo)Wednesday: suiy∂bi (soo-ee-

yohh-bee)week: sh∆ (shooo)west: nishi (nee-shee)what: nani (nah-nee)when: itsu (ee-tsoo)where: doko (doh-koh)which one: dore (doh-reh)white: shiro (shee-roh)who: dare (dah-reh)wine: wain (wah-een)woman: onna no hito (ohn-

nah noh hee-toh)work (v.): hataraku (hah-

tah-rah-koo)write: kaku (kah-koo)yellow: kiiro (keee-roh)yesterday: kin∂ (kee-nohh)you: anata (ah-nah-tah)

Mini-Dictionary88

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