Language Plaza: July 2010

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The list below shows most of the everyday Spanish abbreviations. Most of those listed here are common in both formal and informal Spanish.

Unlike in English, where most abbreviations are capitalized, many Spanish abbreviations are not. Generally, abbreviations that are capitalized are personal titles (such as Sr. and Dr.) and those derived from proper nouns. But there are exceptions.

This list is far from complete; Spanish has hundreds of abbreviations. Among those not listed here are those that are common in only one country, including acronyms for government agencies such as JUJEM for Junta de Jefes del Estado Mayor, the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Note also that, as in English, some abbreviations are used with or without periods varying with the style of writer or publication. The points of the compass usually aren't abbreviated in running text.
This list shows the Spanish abbreviation in boldface, the Spanish meaning and the corresponding English abbreviation or translation.

a.C., a. de J.C., a.J.C., a. de J.C. — antes de Cristo, antes de Jesucristo — B.C. (before Christ), BCE (before Common Era)
a.m. — antes del mediodía — a.m. (before noon)
apdo. — apartado postal — P.O. Box
aprox. — aproximadamente — approximately
Av., Avda. — avenida — Ave. (avenue, in addresses)
Bs. As. — Buenos Aires — Buenos Aires
c.c. — centímetros cúbicos — c.c. (cubic centimeters)
Cía — compañia — Co. (company)
cm — centímetros — cm. (centimeters)
c/u — cada uno — apiece
D. — don — Sir
Da. — doña — Madam
d.C., d. de C., d.J.C., d. de J.C. — después de Cristo, después de Jesucristo — A.D. (anno domini), CE (Common Era)
dna. — docena — dozen
Dr., Dra. — doctor, doctora — Dr.
E — este (punto cardinal) — E (east)
EE. UU. — Estados Unidos — U.S.
esq. — esquina — street corner
etc. — etcétera — etc.
FF. AA. — fuerzas armadas — armed forces
f.c., F.C. — ferrocarril — R.R. (railroad)
Gob. — gobierno — Gov.
Gral. — general — Gen. (military title)
h. — hora — hour
Ing. — ingeniero — engineer
kg — kilogramos — kg (kilograms)
km/h — kilómetros por hora — kilometers per hour
l — litros — liters
Lic. — licenciado — attorney
m — metros — meters
mm — milímetros — millimeters
m.n. — moneda nacional — sometimes used to distinguish the national currency from others
N — norte — N (north)
no., núm. — número — No. (number)
O — oeste — west
OEA — Organización de Estados Americanos — OAS (Organization of American States)
ONU — Organización de Naciones Unidas — UN (United Nations)
OTAN — Organización del Tratado del Norte — NATO (North American Treaty Organization)
pág. — página — page
P.D. — postdata — P.S.
p.ej. — por ejemplo — e.g. (for example)
p.m. — post meridien — p.m. (after noon)
Prof, Profa. — profesor, profesora — Professor
q.e.p.d. — que en paz descanse — R.I.P. (rest in peace)
S — sur — S (south)
S.A. — Sociedad Anónima — Inc.
S.L. — Sociedad Limitada — Ltd.
Sr. — señor — Mr.
Sra. — señora — Mrs., Ms.
Srta. — señorita — Miss, Ms.
s.s.s. — su seguro servidor — your faithful servant (used as salutation in letters)
tel. — teléfono — telephone
Ud., Vd., Uds., Vds. — usted, ustedes — you
v. — véase — go see
vol. — volumen — vol. (volume)
W.C. — water closet — bathroom, toilet

The Spanish Alphabet

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If you know the alphabet in English, you can easily learn it in Spanish.That is because the Spanish alphabet is very similar to the alphabets of most other western European languages, including English. According to the Real Academia Española, which is considered the arbiter of what's official Spanish, the following letters make up the Spanish alphabet:

a, b, c, ch, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, ll, m, n, ñ, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z

The following chart shows the capital letters along with name of each letter.

CH:

LL:

Ñ:

It may interest you to know that not all authorities (or at least not all textbooks) agree on which letters make up the alphabet. Some lists don't include W (sometimes referred to as doble ve) and K, which exist almost exclusively in words of foreign origin, such as kilowatt. And some lists count RR (erre), which isn't pronounced the same as R.

It used to be that dictionaries would place ch after c, so, for example, the word achatar would be listed after acordar. But that is no longer the case. In most modern dictionaries, the words are alphabetized as they would be in English (except that the Ñ comes after the N).

Note also that the letters B and V have exactly the same pronunciation, and their names are pronounced exactly alike. Some colorful expressions are used to indicate which letter is being used, such as B de burro and V de vaca (roughly, "B as in burro" and "V as in vaca"). Sometimes B is referred to as be grande ("big B") and the V as uve or ve chica ("little V").

You will find as you learn Spanish that vowels are often written with accents, as in tablón, and the U is sometimes topped with a dieresis or umlaut, as in vergüenza. However, vowels with such diacritical marks are not considered separate letters as they can be in some other languages.
Note also that the letters of the alphabet are feminine: la a, "the 'a'"; la b, "the 'b.'"

Why Learn Spanish?

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Who's learning Spanish these days? Spanish is becoming of greater importance in Europe, where it often the foreign language of choice after English. And it's no wonder that Spanish is a popular second or third language: with some 400 million speakers, it's the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world (after English, Chinese and Hindustani), and according to some counts it has more native speakers than English does. It is an official language on four continents and is of historical importance elsewhere.'

The numbers alone makes Spanish a good choice for those wanting to learn another tongue. But there are plenty of other reasons to learn Spanish. Here are a few:

Better understanding of English: Much of the vocabulary of English has Latin origins, much of which came to English by way of French. Since Spanish is also a Latin language, you will find as you study Spanish that you have a better understanding of your native vocabulary. Similarly, both Spanish and English share Indo-European roots, so their grammars are similar. There is perhaps no more effective way to learn English grammar than by studying the grammar of another language, for the study forces you to think about how your language is structured. It's not unusual, for example, to gain an understanding of English verbs' tenses and moods by learning how those verbs are used in Spanish.

Knowing your neighbors: Not all that many years ago, the Spanish-speaking population of the United States was confined to the Mexican border states, Florida and New York City. But no more. Now, even less than 100 kilometers from the Canadian border, there are Spanish-speaking people living.

Travel: Yes, it is perfectly possible to visit Mexico, Spain and even Ecuatorial Guinea without speaking a word of Spanish. But it isn't nearly half as much fun.

Cultural understanding: While most of us can't hope to learn the languages of more than one or two cultures other than that of our own, those that we can learn help us to learn how other people learn and think. When u read Latin American or Spanish newspapers, for example, you often will gain a sense of how other people think and feel, a way that is different than your own. Spanish also offers a wealth of literature, both modern and traditional.

Learning other languages: If you can learn Spanish, you'll have a head start in learning the other Latin-based languages such as French and Italian. And it will even help you learn Russian and German, since they too have Indo-European roots and have some characteristics (such as gender and extensive conjugation) that are present in Spanish but not English. And I wouldn't be surprised if learning Spanish might even help you learn Japanese or any other non-Indo-European language, since intensive learning the structure of a language can give you a reference point for learning others.

It's easy: Spanish is one of the easiest foreign languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English's, and written Spanish is almost completely phonetic: Look at almost any Spanish word and you can tell how it is pronounced. And while mastering the grammar of Spanish can be a challenge, basic grammar is straightforward enough that you can have meaningful communication after only a few lessons.

Employment opportunities: If you work in one of the helping professions including medicine and education, you'll find your opportunities expand by knowing Spanish. And wherever you live, if you're in any occupation that involves international trade, communications or tourism, you'll similarly find opportunities to use your new language skills.

It's fun: Whether you enjoy talking, reading, or mastering challenges, you'll find all of them in learning Spanish. For many people, there's something inherently enjoyable about successfully speaking in another tongue. Perhaps that's one reason children sometimes speak in Pig Latin or device secret codes of their own. Although learning a language can be work, the efforts pay off quickly when you finally get to use your skills.

For many people, Spanish offers the most rewards with the least effort of any foreign language. It's never too late to begin learning.

Intro to Spanish Language

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If you've never studied Spanish before — or if you're just brushing up on what you've learned before — you're about to learn a skill and pick up some knowledge that will enrich your life.

This series of lessons is designed to help beginning Spanish students or any one else learning the language with the fundamentals needed for further learning and study. This series of lessons requires no supplementary material other than perhaps a dictionary for reinforcing vocabulary. But any other resources you can provide, especially some tapes or CDs to help you with pronunciation and intonation, as well as other lessons in books or in audio, will help you learn faster and better.

The format of this series is simple: Each lesson is brief, outlining the concept and providing examples. You probably will be able to read each lesson in 5 to 10 minutes. Each of the lessons is designed to stand alone.

Finally, make sure you take advantage of whatever opportunities you have to use what you're learning. If you travel to a Spanish-speaking area or have friends or acquaintances who speak Spanish, practice your conversational skills. Nearly always, you will find that Spanish speakers appreciate your efforts to learn their language.

End of Japanese Lesson

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By now you should be able to speak Japanese and understand Japanese quite well. For the Japanese writing part, try to practice hiragana and katakana several times until u can write and read in Japanese without need to refer to the translation. It is very good if u plan to learn kanji also, but u should know even Japanese find it hard!!!

Katakana Characters

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Like hiragana, the Japanese put two dashes or one circle on the top right hand corner of some Katakana, so that they can represent more sounds. When added to the symbols, the pronunciation changes. There are also combination of katakana which form another new sounds.

Hiragana Characters

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The Japanese put two dashes or one circle on the top right hand corner of some Hiragana, so that they can represent more sounds. When added to the symbols, the pronunciation changes. There are also combination of hiragana which form another new sounds.

Expressions Used in Letters

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The difference between written language and conversational language in Japanese is much greater than in English. Japanese letters often use classical grammar patterns which are seldom used in conversation. Although there are no particular rules when writing to close friends, there are many set expressions and honorific expressions (keigo) used in formal letters. A conversational style is not usually used when writing formal letters.

Opening and Closing Words

The opening and closing words in letters, which are similar to English's "Dear" and "Sincerely" etc., come in pairs.

Haikei （拝啓） - Keigu （敬具）
The most common pair used in formal letters. Women sometimes use "Kashiko（かしこ）" as a closing word instead of "Keigu."
Zenryaku （前略） - Sousou （草々）
This pair is less formal. It is usually used when you don't have time to write a long letter, so that the preliminary greetings are omitted. "Zenryaku" literally means, "omitting the preliminary remarks."

Preliminary Greetings

Ogenki de irasshaimasu ka.　(very formal)
お元気でいらっしゃいますか。
Have you been doing well?

Ogenki desu ka.
お元気ですか。
Have you been doing well?

Ikaga osugoshi de irasshaimasu ka.　(very formal)
いかがお過ごしでいらっしゃいますか。
How have you been?

Ikaga osugoshi desu ka.
いかがお過ごしですか。
How have you been?

Okagesama de genki ni shite orimasu.　(very formal)
おかげさまで元気にしております。
Fortunately I'm doing well.

Kazoku ichidou genki ni shite orimasu.
家族一同元気にしております。
The whole family is doing well.

Otegami arigatou gozaimashita.
お手紙ありがとうございました。
Thank you for your letter.

Nagai aida gobusata shite orimashite　moushiwake gozaimasen.　(very formal)
長い間ご無沙汰しておりまして申し訳ございません。
I apologize for neglecting to write for such a long time.

Gobusata shite orimasu.
ご無沙汰しております。
I'm sorry I haven't written for a long time.

These expressions or seasonal greetings can be combined in a variety of ways to form the preliminary greeting. The Japanese have long admired the seasonal changes, therefore it seems too abrupt to start a letter without the proper seasonal greeting. Here are some examples.

Gobusata shite orimasu ga, ogenki de irasshaimasu ka.
ご無沙汰しておりますが、お元気でいらっしゃいますか。
I'm sorry I haven't written for a long time, but have you been doing well?

Sukkari aki rashiku natte mairimashita ga, ikaga osugoshi de irasshaimasu ka.
すっかり秋らしくなってまいりましたが、いかがお過ごしでいらっしゃいますか。
It has become very autumn like; how have you been?

Samui hi ga tsuzuite orimasu ga,　ikaga osugoshi desu ka.
寒い日が続いておりますが、いかがお過ごしですか。
Cold days continue; how have you been?

Final Greetings

Douka yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
どうかよろしくお願いします。
Kindly look after this matter for me.

~ ni yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.
～によろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to ~.

Minasama ni douzo yoroshiku.
皆様にどうぞよろしく。
Please give my regards to everyone.

Okarada o taisetsu ni.
お体を大切に。
Please take care of yourself.

Douzo ogenki de.
どうぞお元気で。
Take care of yourself.

Ohenji omachi shite orimasu.
お返事お待ちしております。
I look forward to hearing from you.

Health Problem

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How to Describe Pain

Here are some expressions to describe physical conditions. Pain is usually described using the adjective "itai (painful, sore)".

atama ga itai 頭が痛い	to have a headache
ha ga itai 歯が痛い	to have a toothache
nodo ga itai のどが痛い	to have a sore throat
onaka ga itai おなかが痛い	to have a stomachache
seki ga deru せきがでる	to have a cough
hana ga deru 鼻がでる	to have a runny nose
netsu ga aru 熱がある	to have a fever
samuke ga suru 寒気がする	to have a chill
karada ga darui 体がだるい	to feel a lack of energy
shokuyoku ga nai 食欲がない	to have no appetite
memai ga suru めまいがする	to feel dizzy
kaze o hiku 風邪をひく	to catch a cold

When describing your conditions to a doctor, "~n desu" is often added at the end of the sentence. It has an explanatory function. To express "I have a cold," "kaze o hikimashita （風邪をひきました）" or "kaze o hiiteimasu （風邪をひいています）" is used.

Atama ga itai n desu. 頭が痛いんです｡	I have a headache.
Netsu ga aru n desu. 熱があるんです｡	I have a fever.

Here is how to express degrees of pain.

totemo itai とても痛い	very painful
sukoshi itai 少し痛い	a little bit painful

Onomatopoeic expressionsare also used to express degrees of pain. "Gan gan （がんがん）" or "zuki zuki （ずきずき）" is used to describe headaches. "Zuki zuki （ずきずき）" or "shiku shiku （しくしく）" is used for toothaches and "kiri kiri （きりきり）" or "shiku shiku （しくしく）" for stomachaches.

gan gan がんがん	pounding headache
zuki zuki ずきずき	throbbing pain
shiku shiku しくしく	dull pain
kiri kiri きりきり	sharp continuous pain
hiri hiri ひりひり	burning pain
chiku chiku ちくちく	prickly pain

Useful Vocabulary and Expressions

Here are more useful vocabulary and expressions when you have health problems. There are two types of hospitals: "Iin (private hospitals)" and "sougou-byouin (general hospitals)". A doctor is "isha" and a nurse is "kangofu". Doctors are often called "sensei", the title also used for teachers and professors. In case of an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance (kyuukyuu-sha) or the fire department (shoubou-sho), 110 for the police station (keisatsu).

Hospital Departments

naika 内科	internal medicine
geka 外科	surgery
shounika 小児科	pediatrics
sanfujinka 産婦人科	obstetrics and gynecology
seikeigeka 整形外科	orthopedics
hifuka 皮膚科	dermatology
hinyoukika 泌尿器科	urology
ganka 眼科	ophthalmology
jibika 耳鼻科	ear and nose department
shika 歯科	dentistry

Types of Medicine

kusuri 薬	medicine
itamidome 痛み止め	painkillers
kazegusuri 風邪薬	cold cures
bitaminzai ビタミン剤	vitamins
sanzai 散剤	powders
jouzai 錠剤	tablets

Common Phrases Used by a Doctor

Dou shimashita ka. どうしましたか｡	What seems to be the problem?
Ushiro o muite kudasai. 後ろを向いてください｡	Turn around, please.
Soko ni yoko ni natte kudasai. そこに横になってください｡	Lie down there, please.
Aomuke ni natte kudasai. 仰向けになってください｡	Lie on your back, please.
Utsubuse ni natte kudasai. うつ伏せになってください｡	Lie face down, please.
Kuchi o ookiku akete kudasai. 口を大きく開けてください｡	Open your mouth wide, please.
Chuusha o uchimashou. 注射を打ちましょう｡	I will give you an injection.
Odaiji ni お大事に｡	Take good care of yourself.

How to Consult a Doctor

To ask the doctor if you are permitted to do something, the expression "~ mo ii desu ka (May I ~?)" is used. It is combined with the verb "te~form".

Tabako o sutte mo ii desu ka. 煙草を吸ってもいいですか｡	Is it all right to smoke?
Osake o nonde mo ii desu ka. お酒を飲んでもいいですか｡	Is it all right to drink alcohol?

There is no expression in Japanese like "Bless you" when somebody sneezes. In Japan, it is said that if you sneeze, someone is gossiping about you.

When the Japanese measure body temperature (taion), they put the thermometer in their armpit (waki), unlike some countries where people put it in their mouths.

Japanese for Travelers: Getting Around

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Do you plan to go for a trip to Japan? Learn some useful expressions before you go. Speaking the language of the country you are visiting makes the trip more fun!

Train

Tokyo eki wa doko desu ka. 東京駅はどこですか｡	Where is the Tokyo Station?
Kono densha wa ~ ni tomarimasu ka. この電車は～に止まりますか｡	Does this train stop at ~?
Tsugi wa nani eki desu ka. 次は何駅ですか｡	What is the next station?
Nanji ni demasu ka. 何時に出ますか｡	What time does it leave?
Nanji ni tsukimasu ka. 何時に着きますか｡	What time does it arrive?
Dono gurai kakarimasu ka. どのぐらいかかりますか｡	How long does it take?
Oufuku no kippu o kudasai. 往復の切符をください｡	I would like to buy a return ticket.

Taxi

Osaka hoteru made onegaishimasu. 大阪ホテルまでお願いします。	Please take me to the Hotel Osaka.
Osaka eki made ikura desu ka. 大阪駅までいくらですか｡	How much does it cost to go to the Osaka Station?
Massugu itte kudasai. まっすぐ行ってください｡	Please go straight.
Migi ni magatte kudasai. 右に曲がってください｡	Please turn right.
Hidari ni magatte kudasai. 左に曲がってください｡	Please turn left.

Bus

Basutei wa doko desu ka. バス停はどこですか｡	Where is the bus stop?
Kono basu wa Kyoto ni ikimasu ka. このバスは京都に行きますか｡	Does this bus go to Kyoto?
Tsugi no basu wa nanji desu ka. 次のバスは何時ですか｡	What time is the next bus?

Car

Doko de kuruma o kariru koto ga dekimasu ka. どこで車を借りることができますか｡	Where can I rent a car?
Ichinichi ikura desu ka. 一日いくらですか｡	How much is it daily?
Mantan ni shite kudasai. マンタンにしてください｡	Please fill the tank.
Koko ni kuruma o tomete mo ii desu ka. ここに車をとめてもいいですか｡	Can I park here?

Air

Osaka iki no bin wa arimasu ka. 大阪行きの便はありますか｡	Is there a flight to Osaka?
Nanji ni chekku-in shitara ii desu ka. 何時にチェックインしたらいいですか｡	What time should I check in?
Shinkoku suru mono wa arimasen. 申告するものはありません｡	I have nothing to declare.
Shinkoku suru mono ga arimasu. 申告するものがあります。	I have something to declare.
Shigoto de isshuukan taizai shimasu. 仕事で一週間滞在します｡	I am going to stay here for a week on business.

Others

Toire wa doko desu ka. トイレはどこですか｡	Where is the washroom?
~ ni wa dou ikeba ii desu ka. ～にはどう行けばいいですか｡	How do I get to ~?
Koko kara chikai desu ka. ここから近いですか｡	Is it near here?
Aruite ikemasu ka. 歩いて行けますか｡	Can I walk there?

Shopping at Department Store

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Japanese department stores are much bigger than their North American counterparts. Many of them have five to seven, or even more floors, and you can buy almost anything there. Department stores used to be called "hyakkaten (百貨店）," but the term "depaato （デパート）" is more common today.

At the Sales Counter

Department store clerks use very polite expressions to customers. Here are some expressions you are likely to hear.

Irasshaimase. いらっしゃいませ。	Welcome.
Nanika osagashi desu ka. 何かお探しですか。	May I help you? (Literally means, "Are you looking for something?")
Ikaga desu ka. いかがですか。	How do you like it?
Kashikomarimashita. かしこまりました。	Certainly.
Omatase itashimashita. お待たせいたしました。	Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Here are some useful expressions for shopping.

Kore wa ikura desu ka. これはいくらですか。	How much is this?
Mite mo ii desu ka. 見てもいいですか。	Can I look at it?
~ wa doko ni arimasu ka. ～はどこにありますか。	Where is ~?
~ (ga) arimasu ka. ～ (が) ありますか。	Do you have ~?
~ o misete kudasai. ～を見せてください。	Please show me ~.
Kore ni shimasu. これにします。	I'll take it.
Miteiru dake desu. 見ているだけです。	I'm just looking.

How to Ask for Advice

[Noun] wa watashi ni wa [Adjective] kana/kashira/deshou ka. (I wonder if [Noun] is too [Adjective] for me.)
Kore wa watashi ni wa ookii kana. これは私には大きいかな。	I wonder if this is too big for me.
Kono iro watashi ni wa hade kashira. この色私には派手かしら。	Is this color too loud for me?

"~ kashira （～かしら）" is used only by female speakers.

Dochira ga ii to omoimasu ka. どちらがいいと思いますか。	Which do you think is better?
Kono naka de dore ga ichiban ii kana. この中でどれが一番いいかな。	Which one is the best among these?
Donna no ga ii deshou ka. どんなのがいいでしょうか。	What do you think is suitable?

How to Decline Politely

~ no hou ga ii n desu kedo. ～のほうがいいんですけど。	I prefer ~.
Sumimasen kedo, mata ni shimasu. すみませんけど、またにします。	I'm sorry, but some other time.

How to Exchange or Return of a Purchase

Saizu ga awanai node, torikaete moraemasu ka. サイズが合わないので、取り替えてもらえますか。	The size is not right. Can I exchange it?
Henpin suru koto ga dekimasu ka. 返品することができますか。	Can I return it?

Visiting Someone's Place

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Japanese seem to have many formal phrases for certain actions. When visiting your superior or somebody for the first time, these phrases will be helpful to express your gratitude. Here are some common expressions you are likely to use when visiting Japanese homes.

At the Door

Guest	Konnichiwa. こんにちは｡
Guest	Gomen kudasai. ごめんください｡
Host	Irasshai. いらっしゃい｡
	Irassaimase. いらっしゃいませ｡
	Yoku irasshai mashita. よくいらっしゃいました｡
	Youkoso. ようこそ｡

"Gomen kudasai" literally means, "Please forgive me for bothering you." It is often used when visiting someone's home. "Irassharu" is the honorific form (keigo) of the verb "kuru (to come)." All four expressions for a host mean "Welcome." "Irasshai" is less formal than other expressions. It should not be used when a guest is superior to a host.

When You Enter the Room

Host	Douzo oagari kudasai. どうぞお上がりください｡	Please come in.
	Douzo ohairi kudasai. どうぞお入りください｡
	Douzo kochira e. どうぞこちらへ｡	This way, please.
Guest	Ojama shimasu. おじゃまします｡	Excuse me.
	Shitsurei shimasu. 失礼します｡

"Douzo" is very useful expression and means, "please." The Japanese use it quite often. "Douzo oagari kudasai" literally means, "Please come up." This is because Japanese houses usually have an elevated floor in the entrance (genkan) and step up to go into the house. Then, a well known tradition --- take off your shoes at the genkan. You might want to make sure your socks don't have any holes before visiting Japanese homes! A pair of slippers is often offered to wear in the house. When you enter a tatami (a straw mat) room, you should remove slippers.

"Ojama shimasu" literally means, "I'm going to get in your way" or " I will disturb you." It is used as a polite greeting when entering someone's home. "Shitsurei shimasu" literally means, "I'm going to be rude." This expression is used in various situations. When entering someone's house or room, it means "Excuse my interrupting." When leaving it is used as "Excuse my leaving" or "Good-bye."

When Giving a Gift

Tsumaranai mono desu ga ... つまらないものですが…	Here is something for you.
Kore douzo. これどうぞ｡	This is for you.

The Japanese customary bring a gift when visiting someone's home. The expression "Tsumaranai mono desu ga ..." is very Japanese. It literally means, "This is an trifling thing, but please accept it." It might sound strange to you. Why anyone brings such a thing as a gift? This is a humble expression. The humble form (kenjougo) is used when a speaker wants to lower his/her position. Therefore, this expression is often used to your superior, in spite of the true value of the gift. When giving a gift to your close friend or other informal occasions, "Kore douzo" will do it.

When Your Host Begins to Prepare Drinks or Food for You

Douzo okamainaku.
どうぞお構いなく｡

Please don't go to any trouble.

When Drinking or Eating

Host	Douzo meshiagatte kudasai. どうぞ召し上がってください｡	Please help yourself.
Guest	Itadakimasu. いただきます｡	(Before Eating)
Guest	Gochisousama deshita. ごちそうさまでした｡	(After Eating)

"Meshiagaru" is the honorific form of the verb "taberu (to eat)." "Itadaku" is a humble form of the verb "morau (to receive)." However, "Itadakimasu" is a fixed expression used before eating or drinking. After eating "Gochisousama deshita" is used to express appreciation for the food. "Gochisou" literally means, "a feast." There is no religious significance of these phrases.

When Thinking about Leaving

Sorosoro shitsurei shimasu.
そろそろ失礼します｡

It is about time I should be leaving.

"Sorosoro" is a useful phrase for leaving. In informal situations, you could say "Sorosoro kaerimasu (It's about time for me to go home)," "Sorosoro kaerou ka (Shall we go home soon?)" or just "Ja sorosoro ... (Well, it's about time ...)" etc.

When Leaving Someone's Home

Ojama shimashita.
お邪魔しました｡

Excuse me.

"Ojama shimashita" literally means, "I got in the way." It is often used when leaving someone's home.

Talking on the Phone

frozenprince

Even though you start understanding a language better, it is always difficult to talk on the phone in a that language. You can't use gestures which help a lot most of the time. Also, you can't see the other person's facial expressions or reactions. You have to listen very carefully to what the other person says. Talking on the phone in Japanese might be especially harder, since there are some formal phrases customarily used in phone conversations. (The Japanese normally talk very politely on the phone unless talking with a friend.) Let's learn common expressions used on the phone. Don't be intimidated by phone calls. Practice makes perfect!

Phone Call in Japan

Most public phones (koushuu denwa) take coins (at least a 10 yen coin) and telephone cards. Only designated pay phones allow international calls (kokusai denwa). All calls are charged by the minute. Telephone cards can be purchased in almost all convenience stores, kiosks at train stations and vending machines. The cards are sold in 500 yen and 1000 yen units. Telephone cards can be customized. Some companies even use them as marketing tools. Some cards are very valuable, and cost a fortune. Many people collect telephone cards just like postage stamps are collected.

Telephone Number

A telephone number consists of the three parts, for example, (03) 2815-1311. The first part is the area code (03 is Tokyo's), and the second and last part are the user's number. Each number is usually read separately, linking the parts with the particle "no." In telephone numbers 0 is often pronounced as "zero," 4 as "yon" and 7 as "nana" to reduce confusion (as 0, 4, 7 and 9 each have two different pronunciations). The number for directory enquiries (bangou annai) is 104.

The most essential phrase is "moshi moshi." It is used by the caller when connected. It is also used when one can't hear the other person well, or to confirm if the other person is still on the line. Although some people say "moshi moshi" to answer the phone, "hai" is used more often in business.

If the other person speaks too fast, or you couldn't catch what he/she said, say "Yukkuri onegaishimasu (Please speak slowly)" or "Mou ichido onegaishimasu (Please say it again)." "Onegaishimasu" is a useful phrase when making a request.

At the Office

Business phone conversations are extremely polite. The mark * indicates the caller's phrases.

* Yamada-san (o) onegaishimasu. 山田さんをお願いします｡	Could I speak to Mr. Yamada?
Moushiwake arimasen ga, tadaima gaishutsu shiteorimasu. 申し訳ありませんが､ただいま外出しております｡	I'm sorry, but he's not here at the moment.
Shou shou omachi kudasai. 少々お待ちください｡	Just a moment, please.
Shitsurei desu ga, dochira sama desu ka. 失礼ですが､どちらさまですか｡	Who's calling, please?
* Nanji goro omodori desu ka. 何時ごろお戻りですか｡	Do you know what time he/she will be back?
Chotto wakarimasen. ちょっと分かりません｡	I'm not sure.
Mousugu modoru to omoimasu. もうすぐ戻ると思います｡	He/she should be back soon.
Yuugata made modorimasen. 夕方まで戻りません｡	He/she won't be back till this evening.
* Nanika otsutae shimashou ka. 何かお伝えしましょうか｡	Can I take a message?
Onegaishimasu. お願いします｡	Yes, please.
Iie, kekkou desu. いいえ､結構です｡	No, it's O.K.
O-denwa kudasai to otsutae negaemasu ka. お電話くださいとお伝え願えますか｡	Could you please ask him/her to call me?
Mata denwa shimasu to otsutae kudasai. また電話しますとお伝えください｡	Could you please tell him/her I'll call back later?

To Somebody's Home

* Tanaka-san no otaku desu ka. 田中さんのお宅ですか｡	Is that Mrs. Tanaka's residence?
Hai, sou desu. はい､そうです｡	Yes, it is.
* Ono desu ga, Yuki-san (wa) irasshaimasu ka. 小野ですが､ゆきさんはいらっしゃいますか｡	This is Ono. Is Yuki there?
* Yabun osokuni sumimasen. 夜分遅くにすみません｡	I'm sorry for calling so late.
* Dengon o onegaishimasu. 伝言をお願いします｡	Can I leave a message?
* Mata atode denwa shimasu. まだ後で電話します｡	I'll call back later.

How to Deal with Wrong Number

Iie chigaimasu. いいえ､違います｡	No, you have called the wrong number.
* Sumimasen. Machigaemashita. すみません｡　間違えました｡	I'm sorry. I have misdialed.

Greetings for Special Occasions

frozenprince

Greeting with appropriate words is important for socializing. Here are some useful expressions for special occasions.

Celebration

· Congratulations.
Omedetou gozaimasu.
おめでとうございます。
Omedetou. (casual)
おめでとう。

The form "gozaimasu （ございます）" is more polite. It is added when you are talking with somebody who is not a family members or a close friend. To reply, "Arigatou gozaimasu （ありがとうございます）" or "Arigatou （ありがとう）" is used.

· Happy Birthday.
O-tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu. (formal)
お誕生日おめでとうございます。
Tanjoubi omedetou. (casual)
誕生日おめでとう。

· Congratulations on your wedding.
Go-kekkon omedetou gozaimasu. (formal)
ご結婚おめでとうございます。
Kekkon omedetou. (casual)
結婚おめでとう。

The honorific "o （お）" or "go （ご）" can be attached to the front of some nouns as a formal way of saying "your". It is very polite.

To somebody who is sick

· How are you feeling?
Guai wa ikaga desu ka.
具合はいかがですか。

· How is your cold?
Kaze wa dou desu ka.
風邪はどうですか。

· Thanks to your help, I have gotten better.
Okagesama de yoku narimashita.
おかげさまでよくなりました。

"Okagesama de （おかげさまで）" can be used whenever you announce good news in answer to someone's concerned inquiry.

· Please take care of yourself.
Odaiji ni.
お大事に。

To reply "Odaiji ni （お大事に）", "Arigatou gozaimasu （ありがとうございます）" is used.

Seeing someone after a long absence

Gobusata shite imasu. ご無沙汰しています。 (very formal)	I haven't seen you in a long time.
Ohisashiburi desu. お久しぶりです。 (formal)	Long time no see.
Hisashiburi! 久しぶり！ (casual)	Long time no see.

There is a Japanese song titled "Ohisashiburi ne（お久しぶりね）". "Ne（ね）" is a sentence particle. Ne is used to seek confirmation and is similar to English expressions such as "right?" or "don't you agree?".

To reply to "Gobusata shite imasu," "Kochira koso (Same here)" is used. In casual conversations among friends, simply repeat "Hisashiburi!" or "Hisashiburi ne".

New Year's Celebration

The New Year is the most important time of the year in Japan. (just like Christmas in the west).

At the end of the year:

Yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai. よいお年をお迎えください。 (formal)	I wish you will have a good new year.
Yoi otoshi o! よいお年を！ (casual)

During New Year's days (Jan.1st to 3rd), up to the middle of January:

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. あけましておめでとうございます。 (formal)	Happy New Year.
Akemashite omedetou. あけましておめでとう。 (casual)

"Akemasu" literally means "to open". "Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu (I look forward to our continued relationship over this year)" is often added after "Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu". To reply, "Kochira koso" is used.

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