http://www.swcp.com/duncan/Inform/JapanLang.html
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Useful Japanese Phrases
Aa Soodesuka - Oh, I see.
Aishiteru - I love you.
Arigatoo - Thank you.
Domo (DOH moh) - Thank you.
Domo arigato (ah ri GAH toh) - Thank you very much.
Doo itashimashite - You are welcome.
Dozo (DOH zoh) - Please.
Gochiso-sama [deshita] - Corresponding to itadakimasu, this phrase traditionally closes a meal.
Gochisoosama - Thank you, it was very tasty.
Gohandesuyo - Dinner is ready.
Hai - Yes. Pronounced 'High' and spoken abruptly with a glottal stop at the end, almost swallowing the last vowel.
Itadakimasu - From a very young age, growing up in a Japanese-American household, we were taught to pause before meals, 'gassho' (put your hands together in prayer) and say 'Itadakimasu' (pronounced EAT-tah-dah-key-mas, with the u on the end half-suppressed and trailing off) in the same fashion that grace would be said before a meal. I don't know if it's of Japanese Buddhist or simply Japanese origin. My understanding is that it translates literally to 'I am ready to eat'. At (buddhist) temple it was explained that it's to insert a pause and moment to reflect upon all of the things that went into the meal you're about to consume(the person(s) preparing the meal, the farmers growing the food, the animals who gave their lives, etc.) and thank them. Since the sect of buddhism I was raised with (jodo shinshu) was pretty adaptive in their practices, it may have been them putting their spin on a general Japanese custom.
Itadakimasu - Let's eat
Itamae - The sushi (or other Japanese) chef. 'Itamae-san' is a polite way to address a sushi chef. May be shortened to 'ita-san'.
Jaa, mata ato de - See you later.
Konbanwa - Good evening.
Konichiwa (koh NEECH ee wah) - Hello; Good afternoon.
Ogenki desu ka? - How are you?
Ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning.
Okonomi - The practice of ordering sushi (usually, of necessity, from the bar) a few pieces at a time.
Omakase - Chef's choice: asking the sushi chef to choose what you'll have next. It is acceptable (i.e., it would not be rude or awkward) to let the sushi chef know your budget in such a situation.
Oyasumi nasai - Good night.
Sayoonara - Good-bye.
General Language Excuse me. Sumimasen
How is work? Oshigoto wa doodesuka?
I don't understand. Wakarimasen
I understand. Hai, wakarimasu
Can you say that again? Mou ichido itte kudasai.
Can you please speak a little slower? Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
Restaurant Related
No wasabi, please. Sabinuki
I would like to drink hot sake. Atsukan o nomitai to omoimasu.
I would like to drink cold sake. Reishuu / Hiyazake o nomitai to omoimasu.
I would like to drink water. Omizu o nomitai to omoimasu.
Please bring me a fork . Fouku o motte kite kudasai.
Please bring me a spoon. Supuun o motte kite kudasai.
Please bring me a napkin. Napukin o motte kite kudasai.
Please bring me chopsticks. Ohashi o motte kite kudasai.
Please bring me the check. Okanjou o onegai shimasu.
What is this? Kore wa nan desu ka?
How much does this cost? Kore wa ikura desu ka?
This tastes (very) good! (Totemo) oishii desu!
Thank you (after meals only) Gochisousama deshita!