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TIME For Kids - Around The World
A golden statue of Buddha in front of an ancient temple.

Japan

Native Lingo

You've seen what Japan looks like, but what does it sound like? To find out, click below to hear simple phrases in Japanese. Then let our pronunciation key help you talk like a native, too!

good morning
ohayo gozaimasu (oh-hah-yoh goh-zye-mahs)
     

hello
konnichi wa (kohn-nee-chee wah)
     

excuse me
sumimasen (soo-me-mah-sen)
     

yes
hai (hi)
     

no
iie (ee-ay)
     

thank you
arigato (ah-ree-gah-toh)
     

goodbye
sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah)
     

good night
oyasumi nasai (oh-yah-soo-mee nah-sigh)
     

My name is Mika.
Watashi wa Mika. (wa-ta-shee-wa-mee-ka-des)
     

Do you speak Japanese?
Nihongo o hanashimasu ka? (nee-hon-go-o-ha-na-she-mas-ka?)
     

What time is it?
Nan ji desu ka? (naan-gee-des-ka?)
     


Special thanks to Miko Hatano of the Japanese Embassy for making the sound clips possible.

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