Greetings

Below are some of the most useful greetings / phrases which can be used in everyday conversation.

Every day greetings:

 - Good morning おはよう (ohayou)
 - Good afternoon / Hello こんにち (konnichiwa)
 - Good evening こんばんわ (konbanwa)
 - Good bye さようなら (sayounara)
 - Thank you ありがとう (arigatou)

Making apologies:

 - Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you すみません (sumimasen) / すいません (suimasen)

 - I'm sorry ごめんなさい (gomennasai) *** this is less formal / less polite

Showing appreciation:

 - Thank you ありがとう　(arigatou) * used to inferiors
 - Thank you ありがとう　ございます　(arigatou gozaimasu) * used to anyone/neutral
 - Thank you (past) ありがとう　ございました　(arigatou gozaimashita) * used to anyone/neutral
 - Thank you for your time and trouble すみません　(sumimasen) * mostly used to superiors but can be used to anyone.
 - to be more polite, add どうも (doumo) ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu)


Tip:

When talking to a superior or outsider and to sound polite, です (desu) and ます (masu) endings are used. Take a good look at the example below:


*To younger / inferior                                  *To superior / to anyone (outsider)

: おはよう。 (ohayou)                                     : おはよう　ございます。(ohayou gozaimasu)



Tomorrow, we will learn how to introduce ourselves, introduce our friends, and ask about other people's information.
See you!