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Genki Lesson 1: Greetings - Japanese with Video Games
Game Gengo ゲーム言語
Overview
This video introduces basic Japanese greetings and farewells, essential for starting any language learning journey. It covers 'good morning' (ohayou gozaimasu), 'hello' (konnichiwa), 'good evening' (konbanwa), and 'goodbye' (sayounara, jyaane, dewa shitsurei shimasu). The video also touches upon expressing gratitude ('arigatou gozaimasu'), apologies ('sumimasen'), and the phrases used when leaving home ('itte kimasu') and returning ('tadaima'). Finally, it introduces self-introductions with 'hajimemashite' and 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu'. The content is presented through a series of short, conversational exchanges, mimicking real-life interactions.
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Chapters
- The standard polite greeting in the morning is 'Ohayou gozaimasu'.
- A more casual version, 'Ohayou', can be used with friends or people younger than you.
- These greetings establish a polite and friendly tone at the start of the day.
Learning morning greetings is crucial for initiating interactions politely and is a fundamental step in building conversational Japanese skills.
The repeated use of 'Ohayou gozaimasu' and 'Ohayou' between different characters at the beginning of the video.
- 'Konnichiwa' is used as a general 'hello' during the daytime.
- 'Konbanwa' is the appropriate greeting for the evening.
- These greetings help in marking the time of day and showing awareness of social context.
Using the correct greeting for the time of day demonstrates cultural awareness and politeness, which are vital in Japanese communication.
Characters saying 'Konnichiwa' during what appears to be daytime and 'Konbanwa' when it's darker.
- 'Sayounara' is a formal goodbye, often implying a longer separation.
- More casual goodbyes include 'Jyaane' (See ya) and 'Mata ne' (See you later).
- 'Dewa shitsurei shimasu' is a polite phrase used when leaving a place, especially in formal settings.
Understanding different farewells allows you to part ways appropriately depending on the situation and your relationship with the person.
Characters using 'Sayounara', 'Jyaane', and 'Dewa shitsurei shimasu' when ending conversations or leaving.
- 'Arigatou gozaimasu' is the polite way to say 'thank you'.
- 'Sumimasen' can mean both 'excuse me' and 'I'm sorry', used for minor inconveniences or apologies.
- These phrases are fundamental for maintaining smooth social interactions.
Expressing thanks and apologies are essential social lubricants; mastering these phrases is key to respectful communication.
A character saying 'Arigatou gozaimasu' after receiving help, and another using 'Sumimasen' when bumping into someone or asking for attention.
- 'Itte kimasu' is said when leaving home, meaning 'I'm going and I'll come back'.
- The response to 'Itte kimasu' is 'Itte rasshai', meaning 'Go and come back safely'.
- 'Tadaima' is said upon returning home, meaning 'I'm home'.
These specific phrases are part of a daily ritual that reinforces family bonds and shows consideration for those at home.
A character saying 'Itte kimasu' before leaving the house, and another responding with 'Itte rasshai', followed by the returnee saying 'Tadaima'.
- 'Hajimemashite' is used to say 'Nice to meet you' when meeting someone for the first time.
- Following 'Hajimemashite', you state your name.
- 'Yoroshiku onegai shimasu' is a crucial phrase that conveys 'Please treat me well' or 'I look forward to working with you'.
Mastering self-introductions is vital for making a good first impression and establishing new relationships in Japanese culture.
A character introducing themselves by saying 'Hajimemashite. [Name] desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.'
Key takeaways
- Japanese greetings are highly context-dependent, varying by time of day and formality.
- Casual and polite forms of greetings and farewells exist, requiring learners to understand social nuances.
- Phrases for leaving and returning home ('itte kimasu', 'tadaima') are culturally significant daily expressions.
- Expressing gratitude ('arigatou gozaimasu') and apologies ('sumimasen') are fundamental for polite interaction.
- The initial self-introduction ('hajimemashite', name, 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu') sets the tone for future interactions.
- Consistent practice of these basic phrases is essential for building fluency and confidence in Japanese.
Key terms
Ohayou gozaimasuOhayouKonnichiwaKonbanwaSayounaraJyaaneMata neDewa shitsurei shimasuArigatou gozaimasuSumimasenItte kimasuItte rasshaiTadaimaOkaeri nasaiHajimemashiteYoroshiku onegai shimasu
Test your understanding
- What is the difference between 'Ohayou gozaimasu' and 'Ohayou'?
- When would you use 'Konnichiwa' versus 'Konbanwa'?
- What are three different ways to say goodbye in Japanese, and in what situations would you use each?
- How do you express thanks and apologize in Japanese?
- What phrases are exchanged when someone leaves for and returns from home?