Note: I don't speak Japanese as a first language, but I speak it pretty well as a second language, and have spent time in Japan studying Japanese. This is probably not going to be helpful if you speak japanese already. I just thought this might be fun for anyone who wanted to learn the basics.
Part 1: The Introduction In this lesson I'm going to show you how to introduce yourself in Japanese and other related things.
Firstly: おはよう（ございます） ohayoo (gozaimasu) Or good morning. The "gozaimasu" is for extra politeness, usually for when it's a superior or someone you don't know very well. Obviously you use this in the morning.
こにちは konichiwa (usually spelt in japanese konichiha, but pronounced konichiwa) Or good day. Pretty standard greeting.
こんばんは konbanwa (usually spelt in japanese konbanha, but pronounced konbanwa) Or good evening. Use it at night.
Next, the introduction. 私の名前は『insert your name』です。 Watashi no namae wa (ha) "your name" desu. This just means my name is, politely. Or, this is slightly less polite 私は『insert your name』です。 watashi wa (ha) "your name" desu. This just means I am "your name".
Next, you might say： はじめまして hajimemashite or how are you, which people often say when you meet them for the first time.
or どうぞよろしく doozo yoroshiku Or nice to meet you. This too is nice and polite.
Next thing you might want to say is: 私は*your age*さいです。 watashi wa(ha) your age sai desu. Or I am your age old. You might have to write the number or something if you don't know how to say it.
Or: 私は米国から来ました watashi wa(ha) America (or wherever you want) kara kimashita. I come from America. You can change America for wherever you want.
Anyways I hope this was helpful, and I'd be happy to write another lesson if people were interested. If anyone has any questions or sees a typo or mistake please let me know!
On August 08 2010 02:55 drag_ wrote: Anyways I hope this was helpful, and I'd be happy to write another lesson if people were interested. If anyone has any questions or sees a typo or mistake please let me know!
On August 08 2010 02:55 drag_ wrote: Or: 私は米国から来ました watashi wa(ha) America (or wherever you want) kara kimashita. I come from America. You can change America for wherever you want.
Isn't it supposed to be "I came from America" since kimashita is written in the past form?
Hope you're doing these frequently D: I need to brush up on my 日本語 yo
Fuck, I can't read traditional. I know the first two words of that though. >_>
Is it "ri ben hua"?
日本語 - Nihongo - Japanese Language. ^
He means in Chinese lol but yeah, you're both right Although I think Zergneedsfood is either just a bit behind in his Chinese studies, or he's NEVER been exposed to traditional.
So we are just going to memorize the expressions? This is so useless. I was hoping for an introduction into Japanese, something we can build on. What's the idea behind learning a couple of phrases without even pronouncing them right?
On August 08 2010 06:25 News wrote: So we are just going to memorize the expressions? This is so useless. I was hoping for an introduction into Japanese, something we can build on. What's the idea behind learning a couple of phrases without even pronouncing them right?
Introduction in what sense? Phonetics and syntax? There is wikipedia you know.
This is pretty nice. I always wanted to learn japanese but I lack time and motivation as I'm pretty sure it's tough to learn ... Why do you put "watashi wa(ha)" ? What does the (ha) means ?
On August 08 2010 10:47 tyr wrote: This is pretty nice. I always wanted to learn japanese but I lack time and motivation as I'm pretty sure it's tough to learn ... Why do you put "watashi wa(ha)" ? What does the (ha) means ?
は(ha) is a subject indicator particle. So watashi (I) would be the subject. E.g - 私(watashi)は(ha)オーストラリア人です I (the subject here) am Australian.
Also is it more natural to say you're American rather to say you come from America? (it's also easier for beginners as well) I should really practice my Japanese more, I feel like I've forgotten so much already, a waste of three years...
On August 08 2010 10:47 tyr wrote: This is pretty nice. I always wanted to learn japanese but I lack time and motivation as I'm pretty sure it's tough to learn ... Why do you put "watashi wa(ha)" ? What does the (ha) means ?
what the guy above said.
but what you mean to ask is probably: はis pronounced 'ha' unless it is used as a 'particle' (to indicate something as a subject, for example, like the guy above me said) or whatever. when it's used as a particle and not as, let's say, to sound out a word that has 'ha' as one of its syllables, then はis pronounced 'wa'. that's why (ha) is in parenthesis.
EPT
If i ever go to Japan, I will now be prepared :O
