~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Before we begin, I think I had better clue you in on some of the pronounciation…
Japanese, being an ideographic language, has quite a few different rules on spelling and speech than the phonetic langauge of English. So here's a quick lesson on Japanese speech patterns, just so you don't go and upset a hard-core otaku by mangling the language in a vain attempt to mingle at a convention. ^_~ Ok…::takes a deep breath:: here we go…
The vowel sounds in Japanese are usually short and clipped in speech. For example, the common o sound is the same as in "short," and a as in "father" and so forth. Pairs of letters also have special sounds. The sound for ai sounds like a long i sound, as in "line" and ae is a long a sound, as in "play" or "anime" Get it? Good! Now we can move on to part B. Some real Japanese words and phrases! Ooh..aah...
Ohayoo--- Good morning Alright! I guess that's it! So...do you feel informed? Enlightened even?.....no? Didn't think you would. -_-;;;
Komban wa--- Good Evening
Konnichi wa--- Good Day / Hello
Moshi Moshi--- Hello (on the phone)
Hajimemashite---How do you do? Nice to meet you
Irrashaimase--- Welcome (in shops etc.)
Tadaima---I'm home!
Okaeri nasai--- Welcome home
Atashi--- An informal and feminine term meaning "I" or "me".
Watashi--- The polite way to say "I" or "me".
Boku--- A masculine and informal way to say "I" or "me".
Anata--- Polite way to say "you".
Kimi--- Informal and masculine way to say "you".
Masaka!--- No way! / I can't believe it!
Kite Kite!--- Guess what!
Nani?--- What?
Nigero!--- Run!
Ohaiyo Gozaimasu--- Good Morning
Onegai / Onegaishimasu--- Please
Oyasumi Nasai--- Good Night
Shi ne!--- Die!
Sonna!--- It can't be! / No way!
Sou ka--- I see...
Sugoi!--- Awesome! / Cool!
Yamete!--- Stop it!
Abunai!--- Watch out! / Duck!
Ai shiteru--- I love you
Arigatou (Gozaimasu)--- Thank you
Baka!--- Stupid / Silly
Chotto mate kudasai---Wait a minute please
Urusai---Shut up!
Daijoubu ka?--- Are you alright?
Doushite?--- Why?
Gomen (Nasai)--- I'm sorry
Hayaku!--- Hurry!
Iie--- No
Itai--- Ouch
Otou-san--- Father
Okaa-san--- Mother
Onee-san--- Big Sister
Ojii-chan--- Grandpa
Sempai--- This is for one's mentor or someone older in school you admire.
Sensei--- A teacher. Also used for Doctor.
-chan--- An intimate form of address used by close families and close friends. It is also used for little children.
-san--- A respectful term meaning Mr. or Ms. It's used for those you don't well and who are more or less in the same social status.
-sama--- A term that conveys great respect. Usually used for Kings, Gods, or anyone in a really high position or status. ex. Quatre-sama
-kun--- A term used by the upper class or those of a higher position to those of lesser status and/or position.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~