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Master Japanese Polite Phrases

Polite Phrases 丁寧な言葉 — The Social Lubricant

Thank you, excuse me, sorry, please. The phrases that make every interaction smoother. Use them constantly, even when you're not sure why.

63 words · 5 chapters

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Why This Book?

Ever accidentally sounded rude when you meant to be polite? Japanese politeness runs deep, with multiple levels of formality for the same concept. This book covers the essential polite phrases you'll use constantly - from ありがとうございます (thank you) to すみません (the ultimate multipurpose word). Master these, and every interaction becomes smoother.

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Thank You Variations

ありがとう to お世話になりました - every level of gratitude

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Excuse Me & Sorry

すみません, ごめんなさい, 失礼します - when to use each

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Please & Requests

お願いします, ください, どうぞ - polite asking

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Greetings & Responses

Daily greetings and essential set phrases

What You'll Learn

1

Thank You Variations

12 words

Master every level of gratitude from casual thanks to formal expressions of deep appreciation.

ありがとうございます thank you (polite)
ごちそうさまでした thank you for the meal
お疲れ様おつかれさま thank you for your work
おかげさまで thanks to you
お世話になりましたおせわになりました thank you for everything
...and 7 more
2

Excuse Me & Sorry

12 words

Learn the multipurpose apology phrases and when to use formal vs casual expressions.

すみません excuse me / sorry / thank you
ごめんなさい I am sorry
失礼しますしつれいします excuse me (polite)
お邪魔しますおじゃまします excuse me for intruding
申し訳ありませんもうしわけありません I am very sorry (formal)
...and 7 more
3

Please & Requests

13 words

Make polite requests and understand offering phrases used constantly in Japanese interactions.

お願いしますおねがいします please / I request
ください please give me
どうぞ please / go ahead / here you are
よろしくお願いしますよろしくおねがいします please treat me favorably
教えてくださいおしえてください please tell me
...and 8 more
4

Greetings

13 words

Daily greetings for every time of day plus essential phrases for arriving and leaving.

おはようございます good morning (polite)
こんにちは hello / good afternoon
こんばんは good evening
ただいま I am home
おかえりなさい welcome home
...and 8 more
5

Responses & Set Phrases

13 words

Essential responses and ritual phrases you'll use daily - before meals, leaving home, and more.

どういたしまして you are welcome
大丈夫だいじょうぶ it is okay / I am fine
いただきます I humbly receive (before eating)
いってきます I am leaving (and will return)
お気をつけておきをつけて please take care
...and 8 more

Pro Tips

Sumimasen is magic すみません works as "excuse me," "sorry," AND "thank you" depending on context. When in doubt, say sumimasen - it's the ultimate Swiss Army knife of Japanese politeness.
Past tense shows completion Adding ました to phrases shows the action is complete. Use ありがとうございました when leaving a store (service is done) vs ありがとうございます while still being served.
Levels of sorry ごめん (casual) < すみません (standard) < 申し訳ありません (formal). Match your apology level to the situation and your relationship with the person.
Double politeness is normal Japanese loves doubling up. どうもありがとうございます is more grateful than just ありがとうございます. It's not redundant - it's showing extra respect.
Set phrases are rituals いただきます before eating and ごちそうさまでした after are non-negotiable rituals. Skipping them is like not saying "please" and "thank you" combined.

Why Learn With Our App?

These 63 words are just the beginning. Here's how our app helps you actually remember them.

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Spaced Repetition

FSRS algorithm schedules reviews right before you forget. Learn more in less time.

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Gamified Learning

Build combos, maintain streaks, earn points. Learning feels like playing, not studying.

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This book is completely free. Other books are one-time purchase, keep forever.

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Cloud Sync

Start on your phone, continue on tablet. Your progress follows you everywhere.

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Works Offline

Download and learn anywhere - on the plane, subway, or in Japan without data.

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Real Vocabulary

No textbook words you'll never use. Every word is practical for real situations.

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