Conversation phrases

The ready-made lines that keep a casual chat going, starting with getting to know someone, small talk and saying what you think: then reactions, follow-up questions, agreeing and pushing back, telling what happened, sympathy and teasing. Shopping, eating out and other errands wait in the last stage.

765 phrases in 183 chunks, ordered into four stages that run alongside the main list’s stages. Each chunk is a short page; use Next at the bottom of each page. Cuts lists the 29 candidates left out. The data is 25-list-phrases.json.

Stages

Stage 1 · 292 phrases292 phrases in 68 chunks: getting to know you, likes and free time, what do you think, small talk and 8 more.

Stage 2 · 284 phrases284 phrases in 71 chunks: getting to know you, likes and free time, what do you think, small talk and 10 more.

Stage 3 · 84 phrases84 phrases in 21 chunks: what do you think, small talk, reacting, telling what happened and 4 more.

Errands and service · 105 phrases105 phrases for shops, restaurants and service: there for when you need them, not for chatting.

Topics

Getting to know you

1. Where you're fromStage 1doko kara kita no? where are you from?; where did you come from?... shusshin da yo I'm from ...; I grew up in ...shusshin doko? where are you from?; where did you grow up?jimoto doko? where's your hometown?umare mo sodachi mo ... born and raised in ...
2. What you do for workStage 1donna shigoto? what kind of work is it?; what do you do?... de hataraiteru I work at ...; I work in ...doko de hataraiteru no? where do you work?... kankei no shigoto o shiteru I work in ...; I do something to do with ...kaishain da yo I work for a company; I'm an office worker
3. Where you live nowStage 1ima doko ni sunderu no? where do you live now?... ni sunderu I live in ...hitorigurashi? do you live on your own?; living alone?jikka ni sunderu I live with my parents; I live at hometsuukin dono gurai? how long's your commute?
4. Why you came to JapanStage 1nande nihon ni kita no? what made you come to Japan?; why did you come to Japan?kikkake wa? what got you started?; how did that come about?shigoto de kita I came over for workzutto nihon ni kitakatta n da I'd always wanted to come to Japan... ga kikkake de it started with ...; ... is what got me into it
5. How long you're hereStage 1nihon ni kite dono gurai? how long have you been in Japan?...nen gurai ni naru it's been about ... yearskita bakkari I've only just got here; I just arriveditsu made iru no? how long are you here for?; until when are you staying?mada kimetenai I haven't decided yet
6. Speaking in JapaneseStage 1nihongo benkyou shiteru n da I'm learning Japanesenihongo de hanasou let's talk in Japaneseeigo hanaseru? do you speak English?; can you speak English?
7. Compliments on your JapaneseStage 1nihongo jouzu desu ne your Japanese is goodmada mada desu I've still got a long way to gonihongo doko de benkyou shita no? where did you learn your Japanese?dokugaku da yo I taught myself; self-taught
8. Meeting a friend's friendStage 1aete ureshii so glad to meet you; great to see you... no tomodachi na n da I'm a friend of ...'srain koukan shiyou let's swap LINE contactsinsuta yatteru? are you on Instagram?... kara hanashi wa kiiteru I've heard about you from ...; ... has told me about you
9. Describing your hometownStage 1donna tokoro? what's it like there?; what kind of place is it?... no dono hen? whereabouts in ...?nanimo nai tokoro da yo there's not much there; it's the middle of nowheremotomoto wa ... originally ...; at first ...
10. Life in JapanStage 1nihon no seikatsu wa dou? how are you finding life in Japan?; how's life in Japan?nihon no doko ga suki? what do you like about Japan?daibu nareta I've pretty much settled in; I'm much more used to it now
11. Brothers sisters and familyStage 1kyoudai iru? do you have any brothers or sisters?nannin kazoku? how many are there in your family?hitorikko na n da I'm an only childani ga hitori iru I've got one older brotheryonin kazoku da yo there are four of us in my family
12. Studies and job huntingStage 2senkou wa? what's your major?; what are you studying?daigaku de ... o benkyou shiteru I study ... at uniryuugaku shiteru I'm here studying abroad; I'm an exchange studentima wa shigoto sagashichuu I'm job hunting at the moment; I'm between jobs
13. Age and birth yearStage 2toshi ikutsu? how old are you?onaidoshi da! we're the same age!nannen umare? what year were you born?ketsuekigata wa? what's your blood type?
14. Partner kids and petsStage 2kekkon shiteru? are you married?kodomo iru? do you have kids?petto katteru? do you have any pets?
15. Polite first-meeting questionsStage 2onamae wa? what's your name?dochira kara desu ka where are you from?shitsurei desu ga excuse me, but (may I ask)

Likes and free time

1. Hobbies and what you likeStage 1shumi wa? what are your hobbies?; what do you do for fun?... ga shumi na n da ... is my hobby; I'm into ...... tte suki? do you like ...?... no ga suki I like (doing) ...shumi tte iu hodo ja nai kedo it's not really a hobby, but ...
2. Weekends and free timeStage 1shuumatsu wa daitai ... on weekends I usually ...jikan ga aru toki wa ... when I've got time, I ...ie de gorogoro shiteru I just laze around at home
3. Do you do thisStage 1eiga toka miru? do you watch films much?; do you watch movies and stuff?ryouri suru? do you cook?nanika supootsu yatteru? do you play any sport?geemu suru? do you play video games?jimu ni kayotteru I go to the gym (regularly)
4. Food you likeStage 1suki na tabemono wa? what's your favourite food?tabeta koto aru? have you ever tried it?; have you ever eaten ...?nandemo taberu yo I'll eat anything; I'm not fussysuki kirai aru? anything you don't eat?; are you picky?
5. Places you've beenStage 1... itta koto aru? have you been to ...?; have you ever been to ...?mada itta koto nai I haven't been there yet; I've never beenitsuka itte mitai I'd love to go someday; I want to go one daynihon de doko itta? where have you been in Japan?yoku ryokou suru? do you travel much?; do you travel a lot?
6. Shows and favouritesStage 1saikin nanika omoshiroi no mita? seen anything good lately?ima nanika dorama miteru? are you watching any shows at the moment?oshi wa dare? who's your fave? (idol, band member, character)
7. Music and gigsStage 1donna ongaku kiku no? what kind of music do you listen to?suki na aatisuto iru? any artists you like?; got a favourite artist?raibu toka iku? do you go to gigs?; do you go to concerts?karaoke de nani utau? what do you sing at karaoke?
8. How long and how goodStage 1dono gurai yatteru no? how long have you been doing it?saikin hajimeta n da I only took it up recently; I just startedmukashi ... yatteta I used to do ...; I used to play ...zenzen heta da kedo I'm not any good at it, though
9. Getting into their hobbyStage 2watashi mo yatte mitai I'd like to give it a try tookondo oshiete you'll have to show me sometime; tell me sometimezettai hamaru yo you'll love it, trust me; you'll get hooked
10. Eating and drinking outStage 2osake nomu? do you drink?karai no daijoubu? are you okay with spicy food?osake yowai n da I can't hold my drink; I'm a lightweightokiniiri no omise aru? got a favourite place to eat or hang out?nattou taberareru? can you eat natto?
11. Which type are youStage 2inu ha? neko ha? dog person or cat person?indoa ha da yo I'm more of a homebody; I like staying inyougaku to hougaku dotchi kiku? do you listen to Western or Japanese music?

What do you think

1. Asking their viewStage 1dou omou? what do you think?sou omowanai? don't you think?; don't you agree?jissai dou na no? what's it really like?; how is it, honestly?kansou wa? so what did you think?; your thoughts?ano nyuusu mita? did you see that news?; did you hear about that?
2. Saying it's goodStage 1ii n ja nai? sounds good to me; why not?; I think it's fineomoshirokatta that was interesting; that was fun; that was funnyii kanji nice; going well; looks goodari da ne that works; that's an option; I'm into thatmite son wa nai it's worth a watch; you won't regret seeing it
3. Saying it's not greatStage 1imaichi not quite there; a bit lacking; so-soanmari suki ja nai I'm not that keen on it; I don't really like itnanka chigau something's off; not quite itkitai shiteta hodo ja nakatta it wasn't as good as I'd hopedwatashi ni wa awanakatta it wasn't for me; it didn't suit me
4. Liking it your wayStage 1warukunai not bad; pretty goodkirai ja nai I don't mind it; I kind of like it... tokoro ga suki I like how ...; what I like is ...watashi wa suki da kedo well, I like it (even if others don't)
5. Framing your own viewStage 1yoku wakannai kedo I'm not really sure, but ...; I don't know much, but ...watashi dattara ... if it were me, I'd ...; if I were you, ...kojinteki ni wa personally; for mewatashiteki ni wa for me; as far as I'm concernedbutchake honestly; to be blunt; let's be real
6. Comparing here and thereStage 1... to kurabete dou? how does it compare with ...?sonna ni kawaranai it's not that different; about the samenani ga ichiban chigau? what's the biggest difference?yappari ... ga ichiban you can't beat ...; ... is the best after allsumiyasui? is it a nice place to live?; is it easy to live there?
7. It dependsStage 1toki to baai ni yoru it depends on the situation; it dependsnantomo ienai hard to say; I can't really saymuzukashii tokoro da ne that's a tough one; it's a tricky questionichigai ni wa ienai you can't really generalise; it's hard to saykuni ni yotte chigau yo ne it differs from country to country, doesn't it
8. Tastes differStage 2hito sorezore everyone's different; to each their ownsuki na hito wa suki da yo ne it's not for everyone, but fans love itkonomi ga wakareru people either love it or hate it; it divides opinionatari hazure ga aru it's hit and miss; some are good, some aren't
9. Picking a sideStage 2dotchi ga ii to omou? which do you think is better?dotchi ka tte iu to if anything; I'd lean toward; if I had to choosedotchi ha? which side are you on?; which do you go for?watashi wa ... ha kana I'm more of a ... person, I guess
10. Rating wordsStage 2warito fairly; relatively; quiteigai to surprisingly; more than you'd thinkfutsuu ni honestly, genuinely; normally, as usual... no wari ni wa for ...; considering ...
11. Kind of likeStage 2-ppoi -ish; kind of like; seems like... mitai na like, ...; something like ... (trailing hedge)... ni niteru it's like ...; it looks like ...; it's similar to ...
12. Weighing their pointStage 2iitai koto wa wakaru I see what you're getting at (but ...); I get your pointsou iu kangaekata mo aru ne that's one way to look at it; fair pointkangaeta koto nakatta I'd never thought about that; that never occurred to mesore wa sore de ii that's good in its own way; that works too
13. Impressions and stereotypesStage 2... tte imeeji ga aru I picture it as ...; my impression is ...imeeji to chigau it's not what I imagined; not what I expected... tte iu hito mo iru kedo some people say ..., but... wa dou ka to omou I'm not so sure about ...; I have my doubts about ...henken kamo shirenai kedo this might be a stereotype, but ...; maybe I'm biased, but ...
14. Shrugging it offStage 2maa ii ka oh well; never mindtaishita koto nai it's no big deal; nothing serioussou iu mon that's just how it issaa well, who knows; come on, let's go
15. Sounding unimpressedStage 3betsu ni ii kedo I mean, it's fine, but ...; whatever, finedou demo ii whatever; I don't care; it doesn't mattermada mada not there yet; still plentybaka mitai how stupid; I feel so dumb; ridiculous

Small talk

1. How have you beenStage 1saikin dou? how's it going lately?choushi dou? how are you doing?; how's it going?saikin isogashii? been busy lately?genki datta? how have you been?nanika kawatta koto atta? anything new with you?
2. Nothing much newStage 1toku ni nanimo nai yo nothing much, really; nothing in particularaikawarazu da yo same as ever; nothing much newbochibochi so-so; getting by; not badkawari nai no change; all well, same as evernantoka yatteru getting by; hanging in there
3. Busy tired or restedStage 1batabata shiteta things have been hectic; I've been rushed off my feetsaikin chotto tsukaregimi I've been a bit worn out latelychotto nebusoku I haven't been sleeping enough; a bit short on sleepyatto ochitsuita things have finally settled downyoku neta I slept well
4. Last weekendStage 1shuumatsu nani shita? what did you do on the weekend?tanoshikatta that was fun; I had a great timeshuumatsu yukkuri dekita? did you get to relax on the weekend?renkyuu dokoka itta? go anywhere over the long weekend?
5. How work is goingStage 1shigoto dou? how's work?shigoto nani shiteru no? what do you do for work?zangyou ooi? do you do a lot of overtime?
6. Your newsStage 1... ni hamatteru I'm really into ...; I'm hooked on ...mae ni itteta ..., dou natta? how did that ... you mentioned turn out?hikkoshita n da I moved house; I've movedtenshoku shita n da I changed jobshisashiburi ni ... shita I ... for the first time in ages
7. Weather and seasonsStage 1suzushiku natte kita ne it's getting cooler, isn't itame bakkari da ne it's been nothing but rain, huhmushiatsui ne so humid, huh; it's muggykandansa sugoi ne the temperature's all over the place, huhkafunshou aru? do you get hay fever?
8. Days off and plansStage 2toku ni yotei nai no plans, reallykyou wa yasumi? are you off today?; is it your day off?yasumi no hi wa nani shiteru? what do you do on your days off?hayaku shuumatsu ni naranai kana can't wait for the weekend
9. Seeing someone againStage 2genkisou da ne you look well; you seem goodkawatte nai ne you haven't changednannenburi? how many years has it been?
10. Asking about their peopleStage 2kazoku wa genki? how's your family?dou shiteru how are they doing?; what are you up to these days?ii hito iru? seeing anyone?; anyone special?
11. Casual check-in textsStage 2ima nani shiteru? what are you up to?; what are you doing now?gohan tabeta? have you eaten?chanto tabeteru? are you eating properly?
12. Noticing changesStage 2kami kitta? did you get a haircut?fun'iki kawatta ne you look different; you seem differentyaseta? have you lost weight?saikin chotto futotchatta I've put on a bit of weight lately
13. Time fliesStage 2jikan tatsu no hayai ne time flies, huhkotoshi mo ato sukoshi da ne the year's almost over, huhoshougatsu wa kaeru no? going home for New Year?
14. Polite small talkStage 3atsui desu ne hot, isn't it?samui desu ne cold, isn't it?ii tenki desu ne nice weather, isn't it?okagesama de I'm well, thank you; thanks to you

Reacting

1. Uh-huh I'm listeningStage 1un un uh-huh; yeah, yeah (I'm listening)fuun hmm; I see; huhhai hai yeah, yeah; okay, okay
2. Really seriouslyStage 1ee! what?!; no way!sou na no? oh, really?; is that so?maji ka seriously?; oh manuso desho you're kidding, right?; no way
3. Oh I didn't knowStage 1sou datta n da oh, so that's what it was; I had no ideashiranakatta I didn't know (that); I had no ideasou iu koto ka oh, so that's it; now I get ithonto da oh, it's true; you're rightkizukanakatta I didn't notice; I didn't realize
4. So true so relatableStage 1wakaru wakaru I know, I know; I totally get itsore na right?!; so truearu aru so relatable; that always happens
5. Sounds fun looks goodStage 1tanoshisou sounds fun; looks funomoshirosou sounds interesting; looks goodtaihensou sounds rough; that must be hardoishisou looks deliciousyosasou looks good; seems niceoishikatta that was delicious
6. Good for youStage 1ii jan nice!; that's good; why not?yokatta ne good for you; I'm glad for youii naa lucky you; I'm jealous; that's nicenaisu nice!; good one
7. No way unbelievableStage 2arienai no way; that's impossible; that's outrageousiya iya no, no; not at all; oh, come onshinjirarenai unbelievable; I can't believe ituso mitai it's unreal; I can hardly believe it
8. What you're kiddingStage 2nani sore what's that?!; what's that supposed to meanmaji de itteru? are you serious?; you're not joking?uso tsuke yeah, right; liar!nan datte what?!; what did you say?
9. Wow and whoaStage 2waa wow!; whoa!uwa! whoa!; ugh!iyaa man...; wow; well...o! oh!; hey!ara oh!; oh my
10. Well done never mindStage 2yaru jan not bad!; nice goingyatta ne you did it!; way to godonmai never mind; don't sweat ityoku yatta well done; good jobatari! bingo!; you got it
11. Yes I did itStage 2yatta yay; yes, I did ityossha yes!; all right!rakkii lucky!; what luckyoshi right; okay then; all right!dekita done; I did it; it's ready
12. Oh that's allStage 2naanda oh, is that all?; oh, it's only thate, sore dake? wait, that's it?; that's all?haa huh?!; sigh; uh, okay
13. Huh that's oddStage 2nani kore what is this?!sonna koto aru? how is that even possible?okashii na that's strange; something's not right
14. Oops oh noStage 2shimatta oh no; damn (my mistake)arara oh dear; oopsotto oops; whoa thereyarareta got me!; they got us; I've been had
15. Ugh damn ouchStage 3mou! ugh!; come on!kuso damn!; crap!; shit!chikushou damn itite! ouch!
16. Doing things togetherStage 3dore dore let's see; let me have a lookkore kore this is it!; now, nowseeno ready, one, two, three!; on threeyoisho heave-ho; oofshii! shh!

Asking and following up

1. And then whatStage 1sore de? and then?; so?nani ga atta no? what happened?dou natta no? how did it turn out?; so what happened?nani nani what, what?; tell me!hoka ni wa? what else?; anything else?
2. How was itStage 1dou datta? how was it?nani ga ichiban yokatta? what was the best part?dare to itta no? who'd you go with?daijoubu datta? were you okay?; did it go all right?
3. And you your takeStage 1sotchi wa? what about you?; and you?saikin nani ni hamatteru? what are you into lately?dotchi ga suki? which do you prefer?; which do you like better?nande sou omou no? why do you think so?
4. What's it likeStage 1... tte dou? how's ...?; what's ... like?donna kanji? what's it like?; how's it going?nareta? getting used to it?; settled in?
5. Asking about peopleStage 1donna hito? what's he like?; what's she like?dou yatte shiriatta no? how did you two meet?nante itteta? what did they say?
6. What's new with youStage 2nani shiteta no? what were you up to?; what were you doing?are kara dou? how's it been since then?nanika atta? did something happen?; is something wrong?nanka ii koto atta? did something good happen?
7. Since when who toldStage 2itsu kara? since when?nani ga? what is?; what about it?dare kara kiita no? who told you that?nande shitteru no? how do you know that?
8. Asking first asking adviceStage 2kiite mo ii? can I ask you something?dou shitara ii? what should I do?ii no? are you sure?; is it really okay?

Agreeing and disagreeing

1. Yes exactlyStage 1sou sou yes, exactly!; oh rightda yo ne right?!; I know, righthonto sore so true; exactlysorya sou da well, of course; naturallysou itteru jan that's what I'm saying!
2. Me too I agreeStage 1watashi mo me toosou omou I think sodoukan same here; I agreesono toori exactly; that's right
3. OK got itStage 1okkee OK; all rightryoukai got it; rogerhaai okay!; yes!; coming!mondai nai no problem; it's finewakarimashita okay, understood; I see
4. Hmm I'm not sureStage 1uun hmm; well...maa ne well, yeah; I guess sodou darou hmm, I'm not sure; I wonderhito ni yoru depends on the person
5. Not reallyStage 1sou demo nai not really; not so muchsoko made ja nai it's not that bad; not that muchsou to mo kagiranai not necessarily
6. True butStage 1sore wa sou da kedo that's true, but...kimochi wa wakaru kedo I get how you feel, but...sou wa ikanai it's not that simple; not so fast
7. Fair pointStage 2sore wa sou that's true; fair enoughsore wa aru that could be it; that's part of itieteru you said it; good pointsore mo sou da ne that's true too; fair pointiwarete mireba now that you mention it
8. I don't think soStage 2sou wa omowanai I don't think sochigau chigau no, no, that's not itsore wa nai no way; that's not fair; that won't happensore wa chigau to omou I don't think that's right

Telling what happened

1. Moving the story alongStage 1sore de sa and so...; so then...soshitara sa and then, guess what...sore ga sa well, here's the thing... (a twist is coming)ki ga tsuitara before I knew it; next thing I knew
2. Getting to the pointStage 2honto wa actually; the truth isyousuru ni basically; in shortnande ka tte iu to and the reason is...; because...... tte hanashi ...and that's the story; I hear that...
3. Opening a storyStage 2iroiro atte a lot happened, so...; it's a long storymou ittakke? did I already tell you?dou natta to omou? guess what happened?
4. Own little slip-upsStage 2machigaechatta oops, I got it wrong; I made a mistakenebou shita I overslepttsui ... shichatta I couldn't help it; I ended up doing it without meaning towasuremono shita I left something behind; I forgot something
5. Hazy memory and hindsightStage 2tashika if I remember right; I'm pretty sureyoku oboetenai kedo I don't remember exactly, but...isshun ... ka to omotta for a second I thought...ima omoeba looking back now; in hindsight
6. Framing a storyStage 3betsu ni ii n da kedo it's not a big deal, but...naisho da yo keep it a secret; it's a secretittoku kedo just so you know; let me tell youochi nai n da kedo there's no punchline, but... (it's just a story)
7. Things gone wrongStage 3shuuden nogashita I missed the last trainkowareta it's broken; it brokesaifu o nakushita I've lost my walletugokanai it won't work; it won't move; it's stuck

Feelings and empathy

1. Sympathy for a hard timeStage 1taihen datta ne that must have been hard; what an ordealkimochi wakaru I know how you feelsore wa tsurai ne that sounds really hard; that must hurtkawaisou ni poor thing; that's so sad
2. Telling them not to worryStage 1ki ni shinaide don't worry about it; never mindzenzen daijoubu totally fine; no problem at allshinpai shinaide don't worrynantoka naru yo it'll work out; it'll be fine somehow
3. Saying you are worn outStage 1tsukareta I'm tirednemurenakatta I couldn't sleepmou genkai I'm at my limit
4. Hungry and thirstyStage 1onaka suita I'm hungryonaka pekopeko I'm starvingnodo kawaita I'm thirstyhara hetta I'm starving; I'm hungry
5. Had enoughStage 2mou muri I can't anymore; no waymou yada ugh, I've had it; I hate thismou dame I can't go on; it's hopeless; I'm done formou ii enough; forget it; never mindhottoite leave me alone; mind your own business
6. Checking on someoneStage 2daijoubu desu ka are you all right?; are you okay?genki nai ne you seem downmou daijoubu? are you feeling better now?; are you okay now?kega nai? are you hurt?
7. Oh no momentsStage 2dou shiyou what do I do?; oh nokinchou suru I'm nervous; I get nervouskomatta na this is a problem; what do I do now?ma ni awanai I won't make it in time; there's not enough time
8. Feeling relievedStage 2anshin shita what a relief; I feel reassuredhotto shita I'm relieved; phewraku ni natta I feel better; it got easier
9. Low moodsStage 2ochikonderu I'm feeling downyaruki ga denai I can't get motivatednayanderu I'm torn; something's weighing on mesonna kibun ja nai I'm not in the mood
10. Easing someone upStage 2ki ni shisugi da yo you're overthinking itkiraku ni ikou take it easy; don't stressyukkuri de ii yo take your time; no rushochitsuite calm down; take it easyaseranakute ii yo no rush; take your time
11. Too much food or drinkStage 2onaka ippai I'm fulltabesugita I ate too muchnomisugita I drank too muchyopparatta I'm drunk; I got drunkmou taberarenai I can't eat another bite
12. Being movedStage 2nakeru it makes you cry; such a tearjerkeriyasareru so soothing; it melts my stress awaytereru aw, you're making me blush
13. Cheering someone onStage 2yoku ganbatta ne you did really well; great effortmuri shinaide don't overdo it; don't push yourselffaito go for it!; you can do it!
14. Feeling refreshedStage 3sukkiri shita that feels better; I feel refreshed; that cleared things upsappari shita that's refreshing; I feel cleanikikaetta I feel alive again; that hit the spot
15. Get well wishesStage 3odaiji ni get well soon; take carehayaku yoku natte ne get better soonyukkuri yasunde get some good rest
16. Comforting someone upsetStage 3genki dashite cheer upki o otosanaide don't let it get you down; don't lose heartnakanaide don't cryyoshi yoshi there, there; good boy, good girl

Plans and invitations

1. Inviting someone outStage 2gohan ikanai? want to grab a bite?nomi ni ikanai? want to go for a drink?ocha demo dou? how about a tea or something?; want to grab a coffee?issho ni kuru? want to come along?uchi kuru? want to come over?
2. Finding a time and placeStage 2aiteru? are you free (then)?yotei aru? got any plans?itsu ga ii? when works for you?; when's good?nanji ga ii? what time works for you?doko de au? where shall we meet?
3. Saying yes to plansStage 2ikeru ikeru yeah, I can make it; sure, easysono hanashi notta count me in; I'm intsukiau yo I'll come along; I'll keep you companyyorokonde gladly; with pleasure
4. Turning down softlyStage 2kyou wa chotto... today's not good for meikitai kedo... I'd love to, but...kyou wa pasu I'll pass todayenryo shite okimasu I'll pass, thanks
5. Deciding what to doStage 2dou suru? what do you want to do?; what shall we do?dotchi demo ii either is finenani taberu? what shall we eat?; what are you having?awaseru yo I'll fit around you; whatever suits youmakasete leave it to me
6. Settling the planStage 2sou shiyou let's do thatjaa sore de okay, let's go with thatkimari! it's a deal!; settledyakusoku ne it's a promise, okay?
7. On the wayStage 2ima doko? where are you?ima mukatteru I'm on my waymou sugu tsuku I'm almost theretsuita yo I'm here; I've arrivedmatteru ne I'll be waiting; I'll wait for you
8. Maybe next timeStage 3mata kondo next time; another timekondo sasotte invite me next timeki ga muitara if I feel like it
9. Delays and call-backsStage 3chotto okureru I'll be a little lateikenaku natta I can't make it after allato de denwa suru I'll call you laterato de kakenaosu I'll call you back latersaki ni ittete go on ahead; go without me
10. End of the nightStage 3sorosoro ikou ka shall we get going?shuuden daijoubu? are you okay for the last train?okuru yo I'll walk you home; I'll drive youmou ippai one more (drink); another glass

Clarifying

1. Didn't catch thatStage 1mou ichido onegai shimasu once more, please; could you say that again?kikoenakatta I didn't catch that; I couldn't hearyukkuri hanashite kudasai please speak slowlygomen, kiitenakatta sorry, I wasn't listeningwakarimasen I don't understand; I don't know
2. What do you meanStage 1dou iu koto? what do you mean?; what's going on?nan no koto? what do you mean?; what are you talking about?dare no koto? who do you mean?nan no hanashi? what are you talking about?
3. What's the wordStage 1nan dakke what was it again?nante iu n dakke what's the word for it again?hora, are you know, that thingeigo de iu to in English it's...; in English you'd say...
4. No I meanStage 2sou ja nakute no, I mean...; that's not what I meantchotto chigau kana not quite, I thinkima no nashi scratch that; forget what I saidnan demo nai it's nothing; never mind
5. Did I get itStage 2atteru? is that right?; did I get it right?iitai koto wakaru? you know what I mean?kikoeru? can you hear me?

Teasing and banter

1. Joking aroundStage 2joudan da yo just kiddinguso uso just kidding, just kiddingochi wa? and the punchline is...?subetta that joke bombed; it fell flatjaan ta-da!
2. Laughing it offStage 2nai nai no way; not at all; nopeki no sei da yo it's just your imaginationmata mata oh, come on; you're kiddingsore ga nanika so what?; is there a problem?
3. Stop teasing meStage 2yamete stop it!; don't!karakawanaide stop teasing mekanben shite yo give me a break
4. Told you soStage 2hora ne see?; told youdakara itta ja nai I told you somata hajimatta here we go again
5. Calling out braggingStage 2jiman? are you bragging?sore jibun de iu? you're saying that about yourself?yoku iu look who's talking; you've got some nervechoushi ni noru na don't get cocky
6. Spoilers and killjoysStage 3netabare shinaide no spoilers!nori warui you're no funkuuki yonde read the room
7. Hey, cut that outStage 3nani yatten no what are you doing?!oioi hey, hey; come on; whoa, whoaoi hey!kora hey! (scolding); stop that!iikagen ni shiro knock it off!; that's enough!
8. Rough comebacksStage 3uzai so annoying; you're such a painbaka ja nai no are you an idiot?; don't be sillyshiru ka how should I know!; who cares!fuzaken na don't mess with me; you've got to be kidding

Opening and changing the subject

1. Hey guess whatStage 1ano ne you know what; listenano sa hey, so...; listenchotto kiite listen to this; hear me outkiita? did you hear? (about some news)shitteta? did you know?
2. By the wayStage 1hanashi kawaru kedo to change the subject; by the waya, sou da oh, right; oh, I just rememberedsore de omoidashita kedo that reminds mehanashi modoru kedo going back to what we were saying
3. Wrapping upStage 1jaa sorosoro well, I'd better get goingmata renraku suru ne I'll be in touch; I'll get back to youjaa, sou iu koto de okay, so that's settled; right, let's go with thatjuuden kiresou my battery's about to die
4. Managing a long storyStage 2maa, sonna kanji so yeah, that's about ittsuzukete go on; keep goinghanashi kiku yo I'm all ears; tell me about itnagaku naru kedo it's a long story, but...doko made hanashita kke where was I?
5. Got a minuteStage 2ima daijoubu? is now a good time?; got a minute?chotto hanashi ga aru n da kedo there's something I want to talk to you aboutonegai ga aru n da kedo I have a favour to askooi hey!; hello? (calling out)nanka you? what do you want?; what is it?

Greetings, thanks and sorry

1. Bye for nowStage 1mata ne see you; byejaa mata see you then; bye for nowmata ashita see you tomorrowmata ato de see you later (today); talk laterbaibai bye-bye
2. Saying hiStage 1yahhoo hiya!; hey!aitakatta I missed you; I wanted to see youdoumo thanks; hikonbanwa good evening; hi (after dark)odekake desu ka heading out?
3. Thanking a friendStage 1sankyuu thanksdoumo arigatou thanks a lot; thank you very muchtasukatta that really helped; you saved mewarui ne sorry for the trouble; thanks, I owe youarigatou gozaimashita thank you (for what you did)
4. Saying sorryStage 1gomen gomen sorry, sorry (light)gomen nasai I'm sorrywatashi ga warukatta it was my fault; my badsuman sorry; my bad
5. Ending a hangoutStage 1kyou wa arigatou thanks for todaymata asobou ne let's hang out againki o tsukete kaette ne get home safetsuitara rain shite text me when you get homerain shite message me (on LINE); text me
6. Replying to thanksStage 1ie ie no, no; not at allotagaisama da yo we're in the same boat; no need to thank metondemonai not at all (reply to thanks or praise); outrageousdouitashimashite you're welcome
7. What to call each otherStage 1nante yobeba ii? what should I call you?... tte yonde call me...tameguchi de ii yo you can talk casually with me
8. Late or out of touchStage 2okurete gomen sorry I'm lateomatase sorry to keep you waiting; here I ammatta? did you wait long?; have you been waiting?renraku shinakute gomen sorry I haven't been in touchdenwa derarenakute gomen sorry I missed your call
9. At the tableStage 2kanpai cheers!ogoru yo it's on me; my treatgohan da yo food's ready!; dinner time!meshiagare enjoy your meal; dig insamenai uchi ni while it's still hot
10. Asking a favourStage 2warui kedo sorry, but...chotto tetsudatte give me a hand for a sectanomu yo please; I'm counting on youchoudai give me; please (after a -te verb)
11. Take care wishesStage 2genki de ne take care; look after yourselfkarada ni ki o tsukete look after yourself; take care of your healthkaze hikanai you ni ne don't catch a cold; stay warmoki o tsukete take care; safe travels (polite)
12. Offering helpStage 2tetsudaou ka shall I help?; want a hand?nanika attara itte ne let me know if you need anythingki ga kiku ne how thoughtful of you
13. Heading offStage 2osaki ni I'm heading off (before you); after youmata raishuu see you next weekyoroshiku tsutaete say hi to them for mesayounara goodbye
14. CongratulationsStage 2otanjoubi omedetou happy birthdaygoukaku omedetou congrats on passing (an exam)sotsugyou omedetou congrats on graduatingkekkon omedetou congratulations on your wedding
15. Visiting a homeStage 2ojama shimasu sorry to intrude (on entering)irasshai welcome!; come inojama shimashita thanks for having me (on leaving)oagari kudasai please come in (into the house)youkoso welcome
16. Go ahead and help yourselfStage 2douzo douzo go ahead, please; after youyokattara douzo help yourself if you like; please have someenryo shinaide don't be shy; go aheadraku ni shite make yourself comfortable; relaxosaki ni douzo after you; go ahead
17. Replying to kindnessStage 3ki o tsukawanaide don't go to any trouble; you didn't have toenryo naku without holding back; I'll gladly take itokamai naku please don't go to any troublegoshinpai naku don't worry (about me); no need to worry
18. Thanks for everythingStage 3otsukaresama deshita good work today; thanks for your hard workiroiro arigatou thanks for everythingosewa ni narimashita thank you for all your help (at the end)
19. Leaving and coming homeStage 3tadaima I'm home; I'm backokaeri welcome home; welcome backittekimasu I'm off; see you later (when leaving)itterasshai see you later; have a good day (to someone leaving)okaerinasai welcome home; welcome back
20. Begging a favourStage 3onegai dakara please, I'm begging youtanomu kara please, I'm begging youyurushite forgive me
21. Polite apologiesStage 3shitsurei shimashita excuse me; sorry (for that)sumimasen deshita I'm sorry (for what I did)doumo sumimasen I'm so sorry; thank you so muchosoku natte sumimasen sorry I'm late; sorry for the slow replymoushiwake nai I'm sorry; I feel terrible
22. Holiday greetingsStage 3akemashite omedetou happy New Yearmerii kurisumasu Merry Christmasyoi otoshi o have a good New Yearkotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu I look forward to another year with youkotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita thanks for everything this year

Errands and service

1. Asking and declining politelyStage 4ii desu ka is it okay?; may I?kekkou desu no, thank you; that's fineikaga desu ka would you like some?; how about it?; how is it?onegai dekimasu ka could you do that for me?; could I ask for...?yoroshii desu ka would that be all right?; may I?
2. Eating out with friendsStage 4toriaezu biiru beer to startokawari seconds; a refillokaikei onegai shimasu the bill, pleasebetsubetsu de onegai shimasu separate bills, pleasechuumon ii desu ka can we order?
3. Ordering foodStage 4kore kudasai I'll have this, pleasekore ni shimasu I'll take this one; I'll have thisosusume wa nan desu ka what do you recommend?omizu kudasai water, pleaseijou desu that's all
4. Table or takeawayStage 4futari desu two people; a table for twotennai de to eat in, please; for heremochikaeri de to take away, pleaseoomori de a large portion, please
5. Paying at the tillStage 4ikura desu ka how much is it?kaado tsukaemasu ka can I pay by card?kaado de onegai shimasu by card, pleasezeikomi desu ka does that include tax?ryoushuusho onegai shimasu a receipt, please (official one)
6. Finding your wayStage 4toire wa doko desu ka where's the toilet?dou ikeba ii desu ka how do I get there?michi ni mayotta I'm lost; I got lostkoko doko? where am I?; where is this?koko de ii desu here is fineorimasu I'm getting off (on a crowded train or bus)
7. EmergenciesStage 4jishin da it's an earthquake!; earthquake!koko ga itai it hurts heretasukete help!kyuukyuusha o yonde call an ambulance
8. Just browsingStage 4miteru dake desu I'm just lookingchotto kangaemasu I'll think about itato de mata kimasu I'll come back latershichaku shite mo ii desu ka can I try this on?
9. Bags and wrappingStage 4fukuro wa daijoubu desu I don't need a bagfukuro onegai shimasu a bag, pleasereshiito wa daijoubu desu I don't need the receiptkono mama de ii desu it's fine as it ispurezento you desu it's a gift
10. Around the officeStage 4otsukaresama desu hello; thanks for your hard work (between coworkers)osaki ni shitsurei shimasu I'll be leaving now, before youtadaima modorimashita I'm back (at work)gokurousama desu thanks for your trouble (to workers, juniors)gokurousan thanks for your trouble; good job
11. Staff making you waitStage 4kashikomarimashita certainly; understoodshoushou omachi kudasai one moment, pleaseomatase shimashita sorry to keep you waiting; here you aretadaima ukagaimasu I'll be right with you; coming right away
12. Staff greetingsStage 4irasshaimase welcome (in shops)goyukkuri douzo enjoy your meal; enjoy your stay; take your timemata okoshi kudasai please come againomachi shite orimashita we've been expecting you; welcomeokoshi coming; visit (honorific)
13. Getting seatedStage 4nanmeisama desu ka how many people?; how many in your party?kochira e douzo this way, pleaseosuki na seki e douzo sit anywhere you likegoyoyaku wa sarete imasu ka do you have a reservation?
14. Staff taking your orderStage 4gochuumon wa okimari desu ka are you ready to order?onomimono wa ikaga nasaimasu ka what would you like to drink?; would you like a drink?gochuumon wa ijou de yoroshii desu ka will that be all?; is that everything?osage shite mo yoroshii desu ka may I take your plate?; may I clear this?gochuumon your order
15. Convenience store questionsStage 4atatamemasu ka shall I heat it up?fukuro wa otsuke shimasu ka do you need a bag?ohashi wa otsuke shimasu ka do you need chopsticks?pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka do you have a points card?shiiru de ii desu ka is a sticker okay? (instead of a bag)
16. Staff taking paymentStage 4oshiharai wa dou saremasu ka how would you like to pay?oazukari shimasu out of (the amount you hand over); I'll take that for youokaeshi desu here's your changegoissho de yoroshii desu ka all on one bill?; all together?ikkatsu de yoroshii desu ka in one payment? (paying by card)
17. At the counterStage 4tennai de omeshiagari desu ka for here?; are you eating in?omochikaeri desu ka to go?; takeaway?tsugi no kata douzo next, pleasekochira no reji e douzo this register, please; I can help you over here
18. Shop staff approachingStage 4nanika osagashi desu ka are you looking for something?; can I help you find anything?goran kudasai please take a looknanika goyou desu ka can I help you?; what do you need?maido thanks as always; hi there (shopkeeper's greeting)
19. Formal replies at workStage 4shouchi shimashita understood; certainly, will dokakunin shimasu I'll checkkentou shimasu I'll think it over; we'll consider itossharu toori desu you're quite right; exactly as you sayoyaku ni tateru be of help (humble)
20. Asking favours formallyStage 4onegai itashimasu please (very polite)oisogashii tokoro sumimasen sorry to bother you when you're busyotesuu desu ga sorry to trouble you, but...osoreirimasu thank you; excuse me (very polite)
21. Formal apologiesStage 4moushiwake arimasen I'm very sorry (formal)gomeiwaku o okake shimashita sorry for the trouble I causedmoushiwake gozaimasen we're deeply sorry (very formal)
22. Business phone callsStage 4itsumo arigatou gozaimasu thanks as alwaysosewa ni natte orimasu thanks for your continued support (business greeting)odenwa arigatou gozaimasu thank you for callingdochirasama desu ka who is this?; may I ask who's calling?orikaeshi odenwa shimasu I'll call you back; we'll return your call
23. At the clinic deskStage 4kyou wa dou saremashita ka what brings you in today?; what seems to be the problem?onamae o ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka may I have your name?hokenshou o onegai shimasu your health insurance card, pleaseokake kudasai please have a seat

Reading an entry

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