This Japanese All About lesson will teach you five critical words and phrases you need to know to get around Japan unscathed-and without offending anyone who might be helpful to you. You’ll learn how to say “please,” “yes,” and “thanks,”-and, just in case you do overstep your bounds, you’ll also learn “I’m sorry” in Japanese.

Sumimasen (すみません) “Excuse me” / “I’m sorry” / “Thanks”
Sumimasen is a versatile phrase with a few different meanings depending on the situation, the closest of which is “excuse me.”

Doumo (どうも) “Thanks” / “Hi”
Domo is a simple and easy way to say “thank you” as well as greet someone.

Douzo (どうぞ) “Please go ahead” / “Please”
If you’re offering something to someone or would like someone to go ahead of you or do something before you.

O-negai shimasu (お願いします) “Please”
You can use this phrase when you would like to ask for a favor or make a request of some kind. By using this phrase, you can show your appreciation in advance for the favor or request you have asked.

はい (hai) “Right” / “Yes” / “Here you go”
The most common translation for this word is “yes” or “right,” but depending on the situation, it can also mean “here you go” if someone says it as they hand something to you. Something important to note, though, is that Japanese people often use this phrase as they are listening to show they are following what the speaker is saying – it doesn’t necessarily mean they agree with or are affirming anything the speaker is saying.