Learning the Japanese words for things we see and use everyday is a great way to get into learning Japanese. Early Japanese society revolved around nature, agriculture and religion. Naturally many references to these can be found in Japanese words.


Take for example the Japanese names for days of the week. In Japanese, all of these words relate to things that can be found in nature and were considered important in peoples lives in the distant past. The key words are the Japanese words for sun, moon, fire, water, wood, earth, gold and earth.

Days Of The Week

Japanese Phrase English Phrase
Nichi (which means Sun. For Japanese, Sunday is the day of the Sun, similar to English) Sunday
Getsu (which means moon. Similar to English, Monday is the Moon’s day) Monday
Ka (which means fire. Tuesday is fire day for the Japanese) Tuesday
Sui (which means water, Wednesday is water day for the Japanese) Wednesday
Moku (which means wood, Thursday is wood day for the Japanese) Thursday
Kin (which means gold. Friday is the golden day for the Japanese) Friday
Dou (which means earth. Saturday is the earth day for the Japanese) Saturday


Basic Japanese

Japanese Phrase English Phrase
Ohayoo/Ohayoo gozaimasu Good morning
Konnichiwa Good afternoon
Konbanwa Good evening
Oyasumi/Oyasuminasai Good night
Tanaka san Mr, Mrs, Miss
Ja/Ja mata/Dewa mata See you
Mata Ashita See tomorrow
Shitsureeshimasu See you/excuse me
Sayo(o)nara Bye! Farewell!
Doozo Please
Doomo Thank you
Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu
Doomo arigatoo gozaimashita
Gomennasai I’m sorry
Doomo I’m sorry/Thank you
Sumimasen
Doomo Sumimasen
Iie You are welcome
Doo itashimashite
Daijoobu desu-ka? Are you (Is it) all right?
Hai (Ee) daijoobu desu Yes, fine, ok
Anoo… Excuse me, but…
Anoo…sumimasen


Christian Blessings

Japanese Phrase English Phrase
Kami no shukufuku ga arimasuyoo ni God Bless you!
Kami o sanbi shimasu. Praise the Lord!