In Japan, “rock paper scissors” is referred to as “じゃんけん”(Janken). Although it is called different names in different places, the rules of the game are generally the same in every country. The full countdown phrase is じゃんけんぽん (Janken pon!), equivalent to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!” In Japan, janken is used to settle disagreements, select participants, and determine the order in which people will do something. It is an important part of making friends with Japanese people, so you should really learn the nuances of how the Japanese play. In this handy illustrated guide, you will learn how to play janken with illustrations.
The Basics of Janken
Similar to regular Rock Paper Scissors, janken is a simple hand game in which two players (or more) simultaneously reveal one of three hand gestures: a closed fist for rock, an open hand for paper, or two fingers for scissors. Each gesture beats one other and loses to the third: rock crushes scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. If both players show the same gesture, it’s a tie, and you replay the round. It’s often used to make quick decisions or played as a best-of-three match.
In Japan, however, rock, paper, and scissors go by different names.
English
Romaji
Japanese
Rock
Guu
グー
Paper
Paa
パー
Scissors
Choki
チョキ
Similarly, when you play janken, “グー” (Guu) beats “チョキ”(Choki), “チョキ” beats “パー” (Paa)and “パー” beats “グー”. “グー”, “チョキ” and “パー” refer to rock, scissors paper respectively. When it is a draw, it is called a あいこ(aiko).
Why Are Rock, Paper, Scissors Called Guu, Paa, and Choki?
If you know some bit of Japanese, you would know that traditionally, rock, paper, scissors are respectively いし (ishi), かみ (kami), and はさみ (hasami). So why are they called different names in the game of janken?
The janken names are different because they’re not meant to be literal translations: they’re stylized game words, similar to how English says “shoot” instead of “reveal.”
The janken terms likely evolved from older hand games and became standardized as playful, easy-to-shout syllables. グー, チョキ, パー are short, punchy, and rhythmically satisfying to say in sequence, which matters a lot in a fast-paced game. They’re essentially their own vocabulary that exists only within the context of the game.
Rules of Janken (Japanese Rock, Paper, Scissors)
Janken uses rules similar to “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Face your opponent, make a fist for “rock” (guu), and say “saisho wa guu” to begin. Chant jankenpon with your opponent and flash your hand sign on “pon.” Rock (guu) beats scissors (choki), scissors beats paper (paa), and paper beats rock.
Step 1: 最初はグー (Saisho wa guu)
The way to start the game. At the start of the game, players will say” 最初はグー”(Saisho wa guu) and show their fists at the same time. The literal meaning of 最初はグー is “Fists first”. This is to ensure that all players perform their gestures at the same time, preventing any unfair play.
“最初はグー” was invented by the famous comedian, Ken Shimura, in the variety show, who said:
8時だョ! 全員集合。 Hachijidayo! Zeninshuugou.
It then spread across Japan and finally became a common practice.
Step 2: じゃんけんぽん (Janken pon!)
“じゃんけんぽん” (Jankenpon) is a phrase to be chanted by the players together right after “最初はグー “. It acts as a signal for the players to display their gestures. Players are to show their hands at the moment when they say “ぽん”(pon).
Step 3: あいこでしょ (Aiko desho)
A draw in Japanese is called an あいこ(aiko). If there are only 2 players, it will be a draw when both players display the same gesture. If there are 3 or more players, it will be a draw when all 3 gestures are displayed. When this happens, the players then chant “あいこでしょ”(aikodesho) and display their hands again on “しょ”(sho). This continues until someone wins the game.
Is There a Difference Between Regular Rock, Paper, Scissors and Janken?
They are essentially the same! The main differences are mostly cultural. In Japan, janken is often used to settle decisions and conundrums that are hard to reach a consensus on, similar to drawing the short straw! For example, say you and your friends are going on a trip, and there are not enough beds. One of you has to sleep on the sofa. To settle things quickly and fairly, you play janken — the loser is the one who ends up on the sofa. Janken is used to settle decisions in schools, workplaces, and game shows far more routinely than its Western counterpart. There are also Japanese group variations and tournament formats built around it. But as a game, the rules are the same.
Does Japan’s Janken Originate from The West?
Actually, it’s the other way around. The first known mention of Rock, Paper, Scissors is actually from China, where a writer referenced a game dating all the way back to the Han Dynasty called shoushiling.
Japan, whose writing system was itself influenced by China, also adopted this game. Throughout Japanese history there are frequent references to sansukumi-ken, meaning ken (fist) games “of the three who are afraid of one another.”
Only, instead of the usual rock, paper, scissors, they are frog (kawazu), snake (hebi), and slug (namekuji). In one early version called mushi-ken, the frog (represented by the thumb) triumphs over the slug (represented by the little finger), which in turn prevails over the snake (represented by the index finger), which triumphs over the frog. Over time, this evolved into janken sometime around the 17th to 19th century. It then spread to Europe and the West in the late 19th and early 20th century, likely through increased contact with Japan. So Rock, Paper, Scissors is essentially the Western adoption of janken!
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FAQ
What is janken?
Janken is the Japanese version of rock-paper-scissors, a hand game where players simultaneously form one of three shapes with their hand: rock (グー, “gū”), paper (パー, “pā”), or scissors (チョキ, “choki”). The outcome is determined by the rules: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock.
How is janken used in Japanese culture?
Beyond being a children’s game, janken is deeply ingrained in Japanese society as a decision-making tool. It’s commonly employed to settle disputes, choose participants, or determine the order of actions in a fair and impartial manner.
What is the typical procedure for playing janken?
Participants usually chant “最初はグー” (“Saisho wa gū,” meaning “Starting with rock”), followed by “じゃんけんぽん” (“janken pon”), upon which they reveal their chosen hand shape. If there’s a tie, players continue by saying “あいこでしょ” (“aiko desho,” meaning “it’s a tie, isn’t it?”) and throw their shapes again until a winner emerges.
Are there variations of janken in Japan?
Yes, there are several variations. One notable example is “あっち向いてホイ” (“Acchi Muite Hoi”), where the winner of janken attempts to make the loser look in a specific direction by pointing, while the loser tries to look in a different direction to avoid losing the round.
What is the origin of janken?
Janken is believed to have originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the 17th century. It evolved from earlier hand games and became the version known today during the late 19th century.
Is janken used in formal settings?
While primarily a casual decision-making tool, janken can occasionally be used in formal or professional contexts in Japan to make impartial decisions quickly. However, its appropriateness depends on the situation and the individuals involved.
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The most common way to say “you’re welcome” in Japanese is dou itashimashite (どういたしまして), but you would be surprised to see that this is often not the default response when someone says thank you. Why? Native Japanese speakers frequently use other expressions depending on the situation, their relationship with the other person, and the level of formality required. In fact, some Japanese speakers find dou itashimashite a little formal or stiff in everyday conversations, especially among friends, family members, or coworkers they know well.
In this guide, you’ll learn the most natural ways to say “you’re welcome” in Japanese, from polite phrases to casual responses used among friends and family. We’ll also explain when each expression is appropriate and how Japanese speakers typically respond to thanks in real conversations.
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Meaning of Dou Itashimashite: You’re Welcome in Japanese
Let’s start with the most common way people learn to say “you’re welcome!” in Japanese, どういたしまして (dou itashimashite). More often than not, this is the first word that pops up when you look up “you’re welcome” in a Japanese dictionary.
Douitashimashite is a form of Japanese keigo, or the respectful language used for formal occasions or business settings. The phrase literally translates to “how did I do,” which acts as a humble way of saying I don’t deserve your gratitude. Breaking down the word:
Dou (どう) means how
Itashimashite (いたしまして) is the keigo form of suru (する) meaning to do
Originally, it was used to express humility and to deflect praise. In modern Japanese, however, it functions simply as a polite response to thanks, acknowledging the other person’s gratitude.
Pro tip: If you are having a hard time remembering, douitashimashite sounds similar to “Don’t touch my mustache” when said very quickly. Just try it! Even if they don’t sound too similar to you, this tip might still help you remember anyway!
Is “Dou itashimashite” Used Often?
Douitashimashite is not used too often. In fact, the phrase is rarely used in casual conversations. Just like saying “you’re welcome”, it comes off rather formal and a bit rigid. It might sound out of place even in the workplace.
Depending on tone, it may feel like you’re “formally accepting” thanks, which can come across as distancing yourself from the other person. Because Japanese communication values modesty, people often avoid phrases that might sound like they’re putting themselves in the spotlight. So for these reasons, the Japanese tend to use other alternatives to dou itashimashite.
Formal Ways to Say You’re Welcome in Japanese
Japanese
Romaji
English
どういたしまして
Dou itashimashite
You’re welcome (formal, most common)
いいえ
Iie
No no / Not at all
いえいえ
Ie ie
Not at all (casual, dismissive)
とんでもない
Tondemo nai
Not at all / Don’t mention it
とんでもございません
Tondemo gozaimasen
Absolutely not / Not at all (formal)
こちらこそ
Kochira koso
It’s I who should be thanking you
お役に立てて嬉しいです
Oyaku ni tatete ureshii desu
I’m glad I could help
気にしないで
Ki ni shinaide
Don’t worry about it (casual)
気にしないでください
Ki ni shinaide kudasai
Please don’t worry about it (polite)
大丈夫です
Daijoubu desu
It’s fine / No problem
もちろん
Mochiron
Of course
喜んで
Yorokonde
With pleasure / Gladly
1. 恐縮でございます (Kyoushuku de gozaimasu)
The first of which would be “恐縮でございます (Kyoushuku de gozaimasu)“. It is one of the most formal ways to say “you’re welcome.” The word “恐縮 (kyoushuku)” refers to feeling obliged. The word “でございます (de gozaimasu),” on the other hand, is the keigo form of です or “to be.”
When put together, the phrase would refer to “I am obliged,” or so you would say in a formal situation when somebody thanks you.
2. お役にたってよかった (Oyaku ni tatte yokatta)
Moving on, we take a look at the phrase: お役に立ってよかった (oyaku ni tatte yokatta). “お役に立って (yaku ni tatte)” refers to being helpful or useful. By adding the honorific prefix “お (O)” to the front of the word, we can, in turn, make it sound more polite towards the other party.
“よかった (Yokatta)” can be translated to “I’m glad,” and can even be used alone as a casual way of saying “you’re welcome,” which we will discuss further below. So, combining the two, the phrase or expression means, “I am glad that I was of use to you.” This expression works well for work settings and can even be used casually when dropping the お (o) from 役にたって(yaku ni tatte).
Last but not least, another phrase you can use is こちらこそ (kochira koso). “こちら (kochira)” refers to over here, but can also refer to me or myself. “こそ (koso),” in this context, can be used to emphasize the preceding word.
This term is widely used as a response to someone saying “thank you,” even though it does not really mean you’re welcome. The phrase is a polite way of saying “I should be thankful instead”. “
So combined, they mean, “Surely it should be me who should thank you.” This expression can often be used when someone thanks you for something, but you would also like to thank them back.
For example, you could be working together on a challenging project with your partner or your boss, and when they tell you, “Thank you for your hard work”, you can respond, こちらこそありがとうございます(it is I who should be thankful).
So, keep in mind, this phrase sits on the line between formal and casual. You can say it formally by adding arigatou gozaimasu or casually by just saying arigatou.
Casual Ways to Say “You’re Welcome!” in Japanese
The most casual and easiest way to say you’re welcome in Japanese is by saying いえいえ (ie ie), which means, “no, no.” It is the equivalent of saying, “Don’t worry about it.”
Being a bit formal can be out of place in certain situations or even a little stiff. There are more casual expressions for when you should ease up a little and just respond naturally and casually.
4. いえいえ (Ie ie)
First up, let’s take a look at “いえいえ (ie ie).” When taken literally, the phrase itself means “no, no” in Japanese. This is typically used when someone is expressing their innermost gratitude towards you. However, all you wanted to tell them was something along the lines of “Nah, don’t mention it.”
This is a very popular and casual way to say “you’re welcome” in Japanese. It is still considered polite even among your colleagues and is a nice way of saying, “No, need to thank me”. You can also use this expression in combination with other phrases.
For example, you can say いえいえ、こちらこそありがとう (ieie kochirakoso arigatou), to say something like “no, no, I should thank you”.
5.とんでもない (Tondemo nai)
Next, we take a look at “とんでもない (tondemonai).” It is a phrase used to indicate that “it’s nothing” in a casual conversation. Usually, some Japanese people use this as an informal way of saying “you’re welcome” as well.
The literal translation of tondemo nai is “there is no way” or “there is no possibility”. But the implied meaning in conversation is “there is no need to thank me”.
You could even use it in conjunction with いえいえ(ie ie).
いえいえ、とんでもないです Ie ie tondemo nai desu. No no, it’s nothing.
6. よかった (Yokatta)
Next up, we have “よかった (yokatta)“. This phrase would usually be “I’m glad.” The term literally translates as “was good,” but when the phrase is used alone, it usually means “I’m glad.” So, when you want to use it as an alternative to “you’re welcome”, you can use it to say expressions such as “I’m glad I could help” or “I’m glad you liked it”. By using yokatta to follow up phrases such as 好きで (sukide) or 助けになれて(tasukeni narete), you can say the following: 好きで、よかった Sukide yokatta I’m glad you liked it.
助けになれて、よかった Tasuke ni narete, yokatta I’m glad I was able to help.
So, this is another great phrase that’s both casual and natural while not sounding too stiff. You can use yokkata in a variety of circumstances to express your happiness that the person you’re speaking to appreciates or is grateful for what you did or what you gave them.
7. 気にしないで (Ki ni shinaide)
Another word that’s occasionally used is “気にしないで (Kinishinaide).” The phrase means “no worries,” but can also be used in certain contexts to say “you’re welcome.”
For example, someone may go on to say something like “Oh my, thank you so much, is there anything I can do to repay you a favour?” in Japanese. In this case, you can simply use the word “気にしないで (Kinishinaide)” to tell them, “It’s okay, no worries.”
8. いえいえ、いつでも声かけて (Ie ie itsudemo koe kakete)
Lastly, we look at a phrase known as “いえいえ、いつでも声かけて (ie ie, itsu demo koe kakete)“. The phrase itself is composed of “いえいえ” and “いつでも声かけて”. Of which, the former we had covered in an earlier part of this section.
This uses the phrase we covered earlier, “いえいえ” plus “いつでも声かけて”.
Let’s take a look at the latter part, “いつでも声かけて.”
いつでも translates to anytime, and 声だけてmeans “please let me know”. So, the whole phrase means “I’m here for you if you need help” or “Let me know if you need help again.”
Adding the two together would make the phrase mean, “It’s fine. Let me know if you ever need help again!”
9. 大丈夫だよ (Daijoubu dayo)
You may have heard the term daijoubu as a way to say “it’s alright” or “it’s okay”. It can be used as a very casual way of saying you’re welcome. Saying “daijoubu dayo” in response to someone thanking you would be similar to saying “it’s okay, don’t worry about it”. It’s a very casual, friendly way to tell someone they don’t need to thank you, but it’s best used among friends and family.
10. 遠慮しないで (Enryo shinaide)
The word 遠慮 (enryo) means “restraint” or “holding back,” and しないで is the negative form of the verb suru (“to do”), meaning “don’t do.” Together, 遠慮しないで literally means “don’t hold back” or “don’t restrain yourself.”
Normally, the imperative form in Japanese can sound rude, especially in its negative form. However, in the case of 遠慮しないで (enryo shinaide), it works well as a way to say “you’re welcome.” Here, you’re essentially telling the other person, “Don’t hesitate to ask for help next time.” It’s commonly used to encourage someone to feel at ease, go ahead, or act freely without holding back. If you want to use 遠慮しないで (enryo shinaide) in the context of responding to thanks, it can work as a casual way of saying “You’re welcome” with the nuance of “Don’t mention it” or “No need to be shy about it.”
助けてくれてありがとう！ Tasukete kurete arigatou! Thank you for helping me!
遠慮しないで。 Enryo shinaide! Don’t mention it!
11. もちろん (Mochiron)
The word mochiron (もちろん) does not usually mean “you’re welcome” in Japanese, even though English speakers sometimes hear it used that way. After someone says ありがとう (arigatou), a Japanese speaker might reply:
もちろんです。 Mochiron desu! Of course.
In that situation, English speakers may interpret it as “you’re welcome,” but the literal meaning remains “of course.”
When Should You Avoid “Dou Itashimashite”?
As a beginner, you should definitely learn dou itashimashite (どういたしまして) because it is the standard translation of “you’re welcome” and is understood by all Japanese speakers. In fact, it is one of the first phrases we teach at Coto Academy when you first join our Japanese Crash Course!
However, as your Japanese improves, you’ll notice that native speakers do not always use dou itashimashite in everyday situations. Depending on the context, it can sound a little formal, distant, or textbook-like compared to other responses. And if your goal is to sound as natural as possible when speaking, you would want to use the alternatives.
When Talking with Friends and Family
Among friends and family members, dou itashimashite can sound more formal than necessary.
Example:
A: ありがとう！ Arigatou! Thanks!
B: いえいえ。 Ie ie. No problem.
In this situation, most native speakers would choose a casual response such as ie ie rather than dou itashimashite.
When the Favor Was Small
Japanese speakers often downplay their effort when someone thanks them. Instead of saying “you’re welcome,” they may respond with phrases that mean “it was nothing” or “don’t worry about it.”
Example:
A: 手伝ってくれてありがとう。 Tetsudatte kurete arigatou. Thanks for helping me.
B: 大丈夫ですよ。 Daijoubu desu yo. No problem.
B: 気にしないでください。 Ki ni shinaide kudasai. Don’t worry about it.
These responses often sound more natural than dou itashimashite when the favor was relatively minor.
In Customer Service Situations
Interestingly, store staff and customer service representatives in Japan do not usually respond to a customer’s thanks with dōitashimashite.
Instead, they may say phrases such as:
Japanese Expression
Pronunciation
Meaning
Common Usage
ありがとうございます
Arigatō gozaimasu
Thank you very much
Often used by customer service staff to express appreciation when a customer thanks them.
恐れ入ります
Osore irimasu
I am grateful / You are very kind
A humble and polite response commonly used in business and customer service settings.
とんでもございません
Tondemo gozaimasen
Not at all
Used to modestly dismiss praise or thanks, similar to saying “It’s nothing” or “Don’t mention it.”
How Anime Characters Say “You’re Welcome”
If you watch anime, you may notice that characters rarely respond to thanks with dōitashimashite (どういたしまして). Instead, they often use more casual, expressive, or personality-driven responses.
One expression that surprises many learners is betsu ni (別に).
A typical anime exchange might look like this:
A: ありがとう！ Arigatou! Thanks!
B: 別に。 Betsu ni. It’s nothing.
In anime, this response is often associated with tsundere characters who want to hide their feelings. While Japanese people do use betsu ni in real life, anime tends to exaggerate it for comedic or dramatic effect.
A quick tip: Anime can be a fun way to learn Japanese, but don’t copy everything you hear word for word! For example, a phrase like ki ni suru na (気にするな), which means “don’t worry about it,” might sound cool when a tough anime character says it. In real life, though, it can come across as a bit blunt or overly casual, especially if you’re talking to someone you don’t know well.
Go beyond saying you’re welcome and speak Japanese confidently!
Just like in English, saying “you’re welcome” all the time sounds rather formal and stiff, so naturally, you will use other words that express something similar. In Japanese, it’s no different! Try remembering some of the expressions above and using them next time someone says “Thank you”.
If you’re just starting to learn Japanese, don’t be afraid to use dōitashimashite. It is correct, polite, and easy to remember.
At the same time, it’s useful to know that native speakers often choose other expressions in casual conversations. Learning alternatives such as ie ie (いえいえ) and ki ni shinaide (気にしないで) will help your Japanese sound more natural as you become more comfortable with the language.
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FAQ
How do you say "you're welcome" in Japanese?
The most common and polite way is どういたしまして (dō itashimashite). For informal situations, いえいえ (iie iie) or とんでもない (tondemo nai) are often used.
What is the polite way to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?
Use どういたしまして.
What are some casual ways to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?
There are many casual ways of saying you’re welcome in Japanese. The most common include いえいえ (ie ie), とんでもない (tondemonai), or even 大丈夫だよ(daijoubudayo).
Are there regional variations in how to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?
You could use いえいえ or とんでもない.
Are there regional variations in how to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?
While these are the most common ways, regional variations or nuances may exist.
Do Japanese people often say どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) to say you’re welcome?
Similar to saying “you’re welcome in English, it can come off a bit stiff or as if you deserve to be thanked. So, generally people will use other phrases to acknowledge someone’s gratitude without sounding so distant.
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If you’ve ever cheered on a friend in Japan, you’ve probably shouted “ganbare!” or “ganbatte!” at least once. But what do they actually mean? Ganbare (頑張れ) or ganbatte (頑張って) is a Japanese phrase that means “Come on!” “Let’s go!” or “Go for it!” in English. It literally translates to “Do your best” and can be used to motivate your friends or peers during a sporting event, a big exam, or any moment that needs an extra boost of encouragement.
But did you know that this uniquely Japanese word carries more nuance than just a simple “good luck” or “do your best”? In this guide, we’ll explore the verb ganbaru, its various conjugations, its cultural significance, and how to use each form appropriately. Make sure to watch the YouTube video below, and read our full guide!
Meaning of Ganbaru and Ganbarimasu
The Japanese words ganbare, ganbatte, and ganbarimasu are based on the same Japanese verb: ganbaru. On its own, this verb means to persevere, do one’s best, or work hard.
The meaning becomes clearer when you look at the individual kanji:
張 means “stretch” or “extend,” suggesting effort and pushing oneself.
頑 means “stubborn” or “firm,” conveying determination and resolve.
So in a literal sense, 頑張る conveys the idea of stretching yourself to your limit or pushing through something with effort and determination.
There are two main theories about the origin of 頑張る (ganbaru). One suggests it comes from 我を張る (ga o haru), meaning “to insist on one’s own ideas.” The other traces it to 眼張る (ganharu), meaning “to keep watch” or “stretch one’s eyes.” Both origins highlight the kanji 張 (haru), which means “to stretch” or “strain,” reflecting the idea of sticking to something and never giving up.
Reflects effort already made; praise or self-reflection.
Volitional / Let’s Do Our Best
頑張ろう (ganbarou)
Let’s do our best
Casual, motivational way to invite others to join in effort.
If you’re just starting out with Japanese, you probably know 頑張る (ganbaru) in its basic form. But you’ll also encounter many variations: 頑張ります (ganbarimasu), 頑張って (ganbatte), 頑張れ (ganbare), 頑張ろう (ganbarou). Why so many?
It all comes down to verb conjugation.
Each form keeps the core meaning of “to do your best”, but adds a different nuance: polite, casual, encouraging, or collective. Let’s break them down so you can use each one.
Note: Ganbaru is considered a う-verb (u-verb), a Japanese verbs that end in an “-u” sound in its dictionary form, such as う, つ, む, ぬ, る, く, ぐ, す, ぶ, ぷ. They are also called 五段活用動詞 (godan katsuyou doushi). These verbs change their ending depending on tense, mood, or politeness, which is why conjugation rules differ from those of other verbs. This affects how it’s conjugated into forms like ganbarimasu, ganbatte, ganbarou, and ganbatta. Knowing its verb type helps you apply the right endings naturally.
1. Ganbaru (頑張る)
The verb 頑張る (ganbaru) in its plain form is the base form you’ll find in a Japanese dictionary. On its own, ganbaru can mean “to persevere,” “I persevere.”
Since Japanese does not technically have a distinct future tense like English, ganbaru can also mean “I will persevere.” This form also combines easily with grammar structures, such as ことにしました, which expresses a decision:
だから頑張ることにしました。 Dakara ganbaru koto ni shimashita. That’s why I decided to do my best.
In the plain present tense, ganbaru can describe ongoing effort, though actual present-moment usage is rare because the present is fleeting. For example, when asking why someone is trying hard:
なぜ、そんなに頑張るんですか。 Naze, sonna ni ganbarun desu ka. Why do you try so hard?
You can also use it when talking about your own plans in a neutral way:
明日テストを頑張る。 Ashita tesuto o ganbaru. I’ll do my best on the test tomorrow
2. Ganbarimasu (頑張ります)
Japanese distinguishes between formal and informal speech, and that’s where the -ます form comes in. The only difference between 頑張る (ganbaru) and 頑張ります (ganbarimasu) is the polite ~ます ending, which replaces the plain る ending.
Use ganbarimasu when you are speaking to strangers, colleagues, or superiors—anyone where politeness is expected. Interestingly, your superiors might still respond to you in plain form; in Japanese, this is not rude. Instead, it reflects the social hierarchy: the language you use signals your relative position in the conversation.
Example:
明日も頑張ります。 Ashita mo ganbarimasu. I’ll do my best tomorrow too.
By switching to -masu, you keep the same meaning as ganbaru, but with the polite tone appropriate for formal or professional settings.
3. Ganbatte (頑張って)
Now we move to a slightly more complex conjugation: the te-form. In general, the -て form is used to connect verbs or indicate ongoing actions, acting as a bridge that lets you create more complex or compound expressions.
In the case of 頑張って (ganbatte), it’s often short for 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai). The te kudasai (～てください) grammar point is used to make polite requests, so here it translates roughly as “Please do your best.” Think of it as a soft command—similar to saying “Go for it!” in English. It’s direct, but friendly and encouraging.
試験、頑張って！ Shiken, ganbatte! Good luck with your exam!
明日も頑張ってください。 Ashita mo ganbatte kudasai. Please do your best tomorrow, too.
While ganbatte is technically a command, it’s used in a positive, supportive way. Adding ください makes it polite, which is perfect for teachers, colleagues, or anyone you want to encourage respectfully.
Ganbare is another form of encouragement, but it’s a stronger, more intense command than ganbatte. While ganbatte is like saying “Go for it!” in a friendly way, ganbare is closer to “Fight!!!” or “Give it everything you’ve got!” It carries a sense of urgency and intensity, which is why you often hear it shouted during sports matches or competitive situations.
Because of its forceful tone, ganbare should be used carefully, especially in polite or formal situations. Using it too casually can come across as rude, since you’re giving a strong command rather than a gentle encouragement.
頑張れ、チーム！ Ganbare, chiimu! Go for it, team!
For learners, it’s best to stick with ganbatte in everyday situations. Over time, as you get a feel for social context in Japanese, you’ll know when it’s appropriate to use the heavier-hitting ganbare.
5. Ganbarou (頑張ろう)
Ganbarou is the volitional form of 頑張る (ganbaru), which in Japanese expresses “let’s …”. Unlike ganbatte or ganbare, where you position yourself as a commander or instructor to someone else, ganbarou is more collective.
It has a friendly, rallying energy, like a verbal high-five that says, “We’ve got this!” It is similar to “let’s…” in English:
さぁ、今日も一日頑張ろう。
Saa, kyou mo ichinichi ganbarou. Alright, let’s give it our all today, too!
The volitional form isn’t just for inviting others to take action with you. You can also use it to show personal determination or commitment:
期待に応えられるように、頑張ろう。
Kitai ni kotaerareru you ni, ganbarou. I’ll work hard to meet everyone’s expectations.
Here, you could use 頑張る (ganbaru) instead, but the volitional form conveys a stronger intent, almost like making a promise to yourself or others. To make this polite, simply swap 頑張ろう for 頑張りましょう (ganbarimashou). This keeps the friendly, motivational tone but adds a layer of politeness for workplace or formal settings.
6. Ganbarimashou (頑張りましょう)
頑張りましょう (ganbarimashou) is the polite way of saying “Let’s do our best” or “Let’s work hard.” It’s used when you want to encourage a group—including yourself—to give it your all. The word comes from 頑張り (ganbari), the stem of 頑張る, plus ましょう (mashou), which adds the “let’s do” meaning.
Compared to the casual 頑張ろう (ganbarou), which feels more friendly and upbeat, 頑張りましょう is polite but still motivating, perfect for encouraging others in a respectful way.
The Spirit of Ganbare or Ganbatte in Japanese Culture
Although a seemingly simple term, ganbare, ganbatte, or their other modifications have roots in Japanese culture and a view on perseverance and determination, you’ll hear it chanted in sports competitions and anime series, mostly to encourage the other party to do their best and never give up, no matter how hard the challenge.
Saying those wordsisn’t just reserved for special occasions, though. From a young age, Japanese people are exposed to ganbatte through various mundane activities: doing homework, studying for a test, or fighting with friends.
The word ganbare is ingrained in almost every stage of life in the Japanese community. As you grow old, you’ll face even more significant problems, like finding a job, overcoming a hard breakup, or confronting a problem at work. In the end, the spirit of ganbatte reminds individuals in Japan that even in times of great hardship, you need to trust your ability.
Japanese Kanji and Writing for Ganbare or Ganbatte
The Japanese word for ganbatte originated from the verb 頑張る (read as ganbaru), which means “to do your best” or “to work hard.” However, people tend to follow the first definition more in many social contexts. The Japanese kanji 頑 (gan) means “tough” or “stubborn”, while the last character 張る (haru) means “to be prominent”.
Ganbare vs Ganbatte
How did it turn into ganbare or ganbatte? The term ganbatte (頑張って) is the conjunctive form of 頑張る. Ganbatte is the shortened form of てください, which is to turn a plain Japanese verb into a polite command or request: “I would ask you to (verb).”
The longer version of ganbatte is ganbatte kudasai (頑張ってください), but this might sound a bit too formal if you’re speaking to your friends or close family members. This is why sometimes people just opt to say “ganbatte”. It can be written in kanji as 頑張って, in hiragana as がんばって, or in katakana as ガンバッテ.
You might wonder: ganbatte is not a loanword that the Japanese language takes, so why can we use katakana? This is because katakana emphasizes things, especially on signs, advertisements, or texts. Examples are gomi (ゴミ) and megane (メガネ), each meaning trash and glasses, respectively. When you type ガンバッテ, it shows you want the reader to pay attention to your words of encouragement.
It may also be said as “ganbatte ne”( 頑張ってね) or “ganbatte yo” (頑張ってよ) for more emphasis on overcoming the task at hand.
You can also add ね or よ for more emphasis.
頑張ってね! Ganbatte ne!
頑張ってよ! Ganbatte yo!
Ganbare (がんばれ), on the other hand, stems from the same verb, but it’s in a command form. The verb conjugation changes action in solid commands, and it’s less polite than saying ganbatte kudasai (がんばってください).
The Best Time to Use Ganbare or Ganbatte
Ganbare has a positive connotation; you need to use it with empathy and without being flippant or joking, which could be seen as insensitive.
A coworker or friend is taking an exam or a test
A friend is playing in a sporting match or running a marathon
A friend will do something difficult, like asking someone to marry them.
A friend has expressed a worry about a big event or challenge that they have coming up.
Inappropriate Situations to Use Gabare or Ganbatte
Despite the versatility of ganbare and ganbatte, there are some situations where it’s far from appropriate. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to face your vulnerability. When someone is facing genuine trouble, read the room and show empathy. Saying, “Let’s do our best!” to someone having a hard time can make us sound tone-deaf and insensitive instead.
Here are a couple of situations where saying ganbare or ganbatte is not advisable.
A friend has had something tragic happen to them or their family
A friend is expressing a deep level of sadness or worry
Video Transcript
頑張れ！頑張れ！ Ganbare! Ganbare! Ganbare! Ganbare!
皆さん、「頑張れ」この言葉聞いたのことがあすか？ Minasan, “ganbare” koto kotoba kiita no koto ga arimasuka? Hi everyone, have you heard the word “ganbare” before?
「頑張れ」は試合毛ていると応援する時に使う言葉です。 “ganbare” wa shiai geteiru to ouensuru toki ni tsukau kotoba desu When people are at a sporting match and they are supporting their team, they will use this word!
例えば、野球の試合を呼びに行きます好きな選手が出ています。 Tatoeba, yakyuu no shiai o yobini ikimasu suki na senshu ga deteimasu For example, next time you go to a baseball game and your favorite player appears,
「頑張れ！頑張れ！」 “ganbare! ganbare!” You can scream “Ganbare! Ganbare!”
ラグビーやサッカーのワールドカップオリンピックでも「頑張れ頑張れ」と応援することができます。 Ragubi ya sakka no Warudokapu orinpikku demo “ganbare ganbare” to ouensuru koto ga dekimasu. You can use the word to support your team at the Rugby and Soccer World Cup, and the Olympics.
「頑張れ」この言葉は「頑張って」や「頑張ってください」よりも “ganbare” kono kotoba wa “ganbatte” ya “ganbatte kudasai” yori mo The word “ganbare” is similar to “ganbatte” or “ganbatte kudasai.”
強いの言葉です。 tsuyoi no kotoba desu. But it has a stronger meaning.
すこし、男っぽくて強い言葉なので試合を応援する時に使います。 Sukoshi, otokoppokute tsuyoi kotoba nano de shiai o ouensuru toki ni tsukaimasu. It’s a very manly word that you can use to support your team during a sporting match.
試合はワクワクドキドキしますね、ですから女の人も試合の時は「頑張れ」と言ってもいです。 Shiai wa waku waku doki doki shimasune, desukara onna no hito mo shiai no toki wa “ganbare” to itte mo idesu. When you get excited during a football match or a baseball game, and you want to support your team, women can also use “ganbare”.
「頑張って」この言葉は色々なシチュエーションでいろことができます。 “Ganbatte” kono kotoba wa iro iro na tsuchinoeshion de iro koto ga dekimasu. “Ganbatte” is a word that can be used in many different types of situations.
例えば、友達がこーいます「あ、明日試験があるんだ」 Tatoeba, tomodachi ga koiimasu: “a, ashita shiken ga arunda.” For example, when your friend tells you: “Ugh, I have an exam tomorrow.”
「頑張って！」 “Ganbatte!” “Do your best!”
「あ、明日彼女にプロポーズするんだ」 “a ashita kanojo ni puopozu surunda” “I’m going to propose to my girlfriend tomorrow.”
「頑張って！」 “Ganbatte!” “Do your best!”
「頑張って」はカジュアルの表現なので家族や恋人友達に使ってください。 “Ganbatte” wa casuaru no hyougen nanode kazoku ya koibito tomodachi ni tsukatte kudasai. “Ganbatte” is a casual expression that you can use when talking to family and friends.
最後に、もう一つ「頑張ります」を紹介します。 Saigo ni, mou hitotsu “ganbarimasu” o shoukai shimasu. Finally, we have one more word to introduce: “ganbarimasu.”
「頑張ります」はいつ使うのでしょうか？ “ganbarimasu” wa itsu tsukau no deshouka? When should we use “ganbarimasu”?
そうれでは説明します。 Sourede wa setsumenshimasu. Let’s break it down.
実は私来年の3月に東京マラソンに出ます。 Jitsu wa atashi rainen no sangatsu ni toukyou maranson ni temasu. I will really be running the Tokyo marathon next year in March.
そのことを先輩や他の先生に言うと先輩や他の先生はこう言いました「え～すごいね。頑張ってね！」 Sono koto wo senpai ya hoka no sensei ni iyuto senpai ya hoka no sensei wa kouiimashita: “e~ sugoi ne. Ganbatte ne!” So my coworkers, and other more senior teachers, told me: “Oh wow, do your best (good luck)!”
その時私はこう言います「ありがとうございます、頑張ります！」 Sono toki watashi wa kouiimasu: “arigaritou gozaimasu, ganbarimasu!” At that time, I replied by saying: “Thank you so much, I will try my best!”
「頑張ります」は自分より上の人 “Ganbarimasu” wa jibun yori ue no hito “Ganbarimasu” is used when people who are above me,
例えば、上司や先輩の人が頑張ってねと tatoeba joushi ya senpaino hito ga ganbattene to like my boss or my senior coworkers, tell me to do my best.
応援してな時に ouen shitenatoki ni When they show their support
「はい、頑張ります」と答えます。 “hai, ganbarimasu” to kotae masu. I can answer them by saying: Yes, I will try my best!
はい、皆さん、今日のビデオはここまです。 Hai, minasan, kyou no bideo wa koko made desu. Okay, everyone! That is all for today’s video.
皆さんは日本語の勉強頑張っていますね！ Minasan wa nihongo no benkyou ganbatte imasune! Everyone, you’re all doing your best to learn Japanese!
皆さん、頑張って！ Minasan, ganbatte! Everyone, do your best!
もし質問があったたら、是非このコメントに残してください。私たちが答えられるかもしれません。 moshi shitsumon ga atta tara, zehi kono komento ni nokoshite kudasai. Watashitachi ga kotae rareru kamoshiremasen. If you have any questions, please share them in the comment section. We might answer them!
それでは皆さん、頑張ってね！ Sorede wa minasan, ganbatte ne! So then, everyone, go for it/do your best!
Start taking Japanese lessons and learn beyond ganbare!
Ganbarimasu in learning Japanese! While this is one of the most useful Japanese phrases you can use, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of other things you need to know to speak Japanese confidently.
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FAQ
What is the difference between ganbatte and ganbaru?
頑張れ (ganbare) is the command form of 頑張る, so it has a stronger, more direct imperative tone—like saying “Do your best!” or “Hang in there!” with urgency.
頑張って (ganbatte), on the other hand, is a shortened version of 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai), which is more of a polite request and therefore sounds less demanding.
What is the original word for ganbare and ganbatte?
Ganbare and ganbatte come from the word ganbaru (頑張る) or ganbarimasu (頑張ります), which means “do your best”
How do you respond to “Ganbare”?
When someone says 頑張れ (ganbare) or 頑張って (ganbatte) to you, common responses include:
Un, ganbaru: “Yeah, I’ll do my best!” (casual)
Hai!: “Yes!” or “Okay!”
Ganbarimasu: “I’ll do my best!” (polite)
Is “Ganbatte kudasai” polite?
Yes. 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai) is the polite request form of “do your best.” Adding ください (kudasai) makes it respectful,
What does “Ganbare ganbare” mean?
Repeating it (頑張れ頑張れ) is a way to cheer someone on even more enthusiastically—like shouting “Go, go, you can do it!” in a sports game or during a performance.
There are four basic Japanese greetings, or aisatsu (挨拶), that can be used at different times of the day. If you’re starting to learn Japanese, this will be the first thing you’re introduced to. After all, you don’t want to accidentally claim “Good morning” in the middle of the night or say “Have a good rest!” when you wake your friend to start the day.
But beyond that, there are many other ways to say hello in Japanese. Want to know other Japanese greetings besides saying “ohayou gozaimasu” and “konbanwa”? In this article, you’ll learn not only the basic Japanese greetings, but also more intermediate and advanced ways to say “hi” in Japanese different contexts.
1. Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます): Good Morning in Japanese
おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) is the polite way to say “good morning” in Japanese and is commonly used until around noon. Having a good command of Japanese greetings is the first step toward building smooth relationships in Japan. Whether you are coming for a short trip or a few years, learning to greet people confidently in Japanese is the key to leaving a good impression.
Of course, knowing how to say good morning is important if you are working with Japanese. The impression you give is largely determined by the morning greetings.
In Japanese, we have a phrase that encourages initiative.
相手より先に! Aite yori saki ni! Be earlier than others (to say it)!
Of course, you might not always be the first to notice a colleague or someone you know in the hallways or the elevators. But if you were to be the first, you should greet the person as soon as you notice her presence. You should care to say ohayou gozaimasu regardless of the person’s rank: whether you encounter your chief or the new intern. Actually, even if you meet someone who never cares to answer back, you should care to say hello anyway.
Greeting a colleague: ○○さん、おはよう。 ○○ san, ohayou.
Greeting your chief: ○○課長、おはようございます。 ○○ kachou, ohayou gozaimasu.
Ohayou gozaimasu is not only a way to say good morning but also to create a certain intimacy and the art of starting a conversation. The most common topic is the weather of the day and the season in general.
Japanese also like to discuss sports, news, and cultural events. These small talks are very useful for creating a nice atmosphere between people, and more than the topic, the conversation itself is the key to getting along with others.
おはようございます。今日も朝から暑いですね。 Ohayou gozaimasu. Kyou mo asa kara atsui desu ne. Good morning. Today too, it is hot from the morning.
おはようございます。昨日のサッカー見ました？すごかったですね。 Ohayou gozaimasu. Kinou no sakkaa- mimashita? Sugokatta desune. Good morning. Did you watch the football last night? It was really great.
おはようございます。昨日はどうもご馳走様でした。 Ohayou gozaimasu. Kinou ha doumo gochisousamadeshita. Good morning. Thank you for yesterday’s feast.
In Japan, especially in the working environment, the importance of greetings is serious. Outside your workplace, if you miss the chance to say ohayou gozaimasu to clients or people who know your company, here’s the Japanese thinking: “the employee of this company did not greet us decently”. Their opinion of the entire company will take a hit!
Another point you might have noticed or heard is that Japanese people bow even when they are on the phone and their interlocutors cannot see them. Bowing is not only a habit but also a way to be respectful at all times and to give a good impression to people around.
How is this greeting used at work?
A: おはようございます。 A: Ohayou gozaimasu. A: Good morning.
B: おはようございます。 B: Ohayou gozaimasu. B: Good morning.
A: 今日はいい天気ですね. A: Kyou wa ii tenki desune. A: The weather is fine today.
B: そうですね。いい天気ですね。 B: Sou desune. Ii tenki desune. B: Yes, the weather is nice.
The unique thing about おはようございます is that it can be used at any hour of the day. You will notice this in a lot of work environments, like your part-time job.
The first thing you need to say as a greeting when you clock into your shift is おはようございます, even if you are doing a late-night shift.
The reason? It’s because, instead of the exclusively “good morning”, you use おはようございます to greet someone new for the first time that day.
2. Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Good Afternoon in Japanese
What does こんにちは (Konnichiwa) mean? こんにちは (konnichiwa) is a standard greeting that means “hello” or “good afternoon,” typically used from late morning to early evening. Usually, it can be used as the Japanese word for saying “hi” or “hello”.
こんにちは（Konnichiwa) is usually written in hiragana, but if you write it in kanji, it’s 今日は, which can also be read as きょうは (kyo wa). This directly translates to “today is”.
Originally, people often greeted each other with:
今日は天気が良いですね Kyou wa tenki ga ii desune. Today, the weather is nice.
今日は暑いですね. Kyou wa atsui desune. Today, it is hot.
Over time, people began to shorten their greetings by cutting off the latter portions, eventually resulting in こんにちは (konnichiwa).
At times, people ask, “What part of speech is こんにちは?”
Is it a noun? Greetings, including おはよう (ohayou), こんにちは (konnichiw) and こんばんは (konbanwa)are not nouns, but interjections. Interjections are words that we use when our hearts are stirred.
For example, look at what someone said when given a flower bouquet. You would say:
わぁー。きれいだなぁ。 Waa! Kirei da naa! Waa, it’s so beautiful!
Another example is someone forgetting their homework.
あっ。宿題を忘れた。 Aa, shukudai o wasureta. Aa, I forgot my homework!
In both cases, the phrase phrases “わぁー” and “あっ” are interjections. Therefore, greetings encompass the stirring of our hearts when we meet someone and the feeling of wanting to communicate with the people we meet.
3. Konbanwa (こんばんは): Good Evening in Japanese
Sounding similar to こんにちは (Konnichiwa), こんばんは (Konbanwa) is the Japanese greeting for “good evening”. According to NHK, the national public broadcasting organization in Japan, こんばんは should be used when the sun has already set and it has gotten dark usually at around 7 pm in summer and in winter time it will be around 5.30 pm.
How to use this Japanese greeting
How you can use “Konbanwa ” is actually similar to how you can use “ohayougozaimasu” in the morning. Besides saying it as a simple greeting, It is a good phrase to start friendly small talk with your friends
For example:
こんばんは！今日のテストどうだった？ Konbanwa! Kyounotestodoudatta? Good evening! How was the test today?
こんばんは！今日は一日中雨降っていましたね。 Ｋonbanwa! Kyouwa ichinichijuu amefutteimashitane Good evening! It was raining all day today, wasn’t it?
こんばんは！飲みにいきましょう！ konbanwa! Nomini ikimashou! Good evening! Let’s go and have a drink!
4. Oyasumi (おやすみ): Goodnight in Japanese
Generally, the Japanese expression for saying” good night is “おやすみ“(Oyasumi). However, it may be inappropriate to use it sometimes, depending on the situation.
Situation 1: When Someone Is Going to Bed
Similar to you saying “goodnight” when your friend (or someone who is close to you) is going to bed, you can use “Oyasumi” to wish goodnight to your friend. You can also say “oyasumi” to your friend when you are about to sleep. For Example: When you are on the phone with your friend.
そろそろ寝(ね)るね、おやすみ。 Sorosoro nerune, oyasumi I’m about to sleep, goodnight.
おやすみ。 Oyasumi Goodnight.
When your friend says ”oyasumi” to you, you should also reply to your friend with “oyasumi”.
When wishing goodnight to someone superior to you, instead of saying “oyasumi”, you should use the more formal form “おやすみなさい“.
For example, when you are on a business trip with your supervisor, he is going to sleep.
今日はちょっと疲れたから、先に寝るよ, おやすみ。 Kyouwa chotto tsukaretakara, sakini neruyo, oyasumi I will sleep first because I’m a little tired today, goodnight.
はい, おやすみなさい！ Hai, oyasuminasai. Sure, goodnight!
Situation 2: When Leaving to Go Home Late at Night
Oyasumi can also be used when it is late at night and someone is leaving to go home. For example, when you and your colleagues are on the last train, your friend is alighting before you.
You can say:
今日は一日お疲れ様でした、おやすみなさい。” Kyowa ichinichi otsukaresamadeshita, oyasuminasai Thanks for your work today, good night.
However, unless you are very close with him/her, do not use “おやすみ (oyasumi)” to someone superior to you as it may be considered impolite. Use the more formal form: “おやすみなさい” instead.
It is rarely the case that some people may find”おやすみなさい” inappropriate to be said to a superior person. This is because, in the strict sense, “おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai)” does not belong to any type of Japanese Keigo.
To avoid trouble, alternatives you can use one of the two:
お疲れ様でした Otsukaresamadeshita. Thank you for your hard work.
今日はありがとうございました Kyouwa arigatougozaimashita. Thank you for today.
5. もしもし (Moshi moshi): Hello (on the phone)
Moshi moshi is a phone-specific greeting in Japanese. It’s used when you answer the phone or when you’re trying to get someone’s attention over the line. It’s casual and never used in face-to-face conversation. You can also use it to check if the other person is still on the line if the connection seems quiet.
Example: もしもし、田中ですが、佐藤さんはいらっしゃいますか？ Mosho moshi, Tanaka-san desu ga, Satou-san wa irasshaimasuka? Hello, this is Tanaka. Is Sato-san there?
6. いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase): Welcome (to a store)
Irasshaimase is a very polite phrase used by shop and restaurant staff to welcome customers. It’s not typically used in everyday conversation, but you’ll hear it constantly in Japanese stores. It doesn’t expect a response. It’s purely a greeting to acknowledge your presence.
Example: いらっしゃいませ！本日はこちらがセール中です。 Irasshaimase! Honjitsu wa kochira ga seeruchuu desu. Welcome! These items are on sale today.
7. いってきます (Ittekimasu): I’m off / I’ll be back
Ittekimasu is said when leaving home or a familiar place, with the nuance that you’ll be back soon.
Example: いってきます！今日も頑張ります。 Ittekimasu! Kyou mo ganbarimasu. I’m off! I’ll do my best today.8. いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai): Take care / See you later
Itterasshai is the typical reply to ittekimasu, said by the person staying behind. It means “Go and come back safely” and expresses care and encouragement for the person leaving. It’s a warm and common phrase used between family members and close colleagues.
Example: いってらっしゃい！気をつけてね。 Itterasshai! Ki o tsukete ne. Take care! Be safe.
9. ただいま (Tadaima): I’m home
Tadaima is said when returning home or back to a familiar place. It literally means “just now” but functions as “I’m back.” It’s a phrase that signals your return and lets others know you have arrived safely.
Example: ただいま戻りました。 Tadaima modorimashita. I’m back now.
10. おかえり / おかえりなさい (Okaeri / Okaerinasai): Welcome back
Okaeri (casual) and okaerinasai (polite) are used to greet someone who has just returned home. It’s the customary response to tadaima, showing warmth and hospitality. These phrases strengthen bonds within families and communities.
Example: おかえりなさい。今日は早かったですね。 Okaerinasai. Kyou wa hayakatta desu ne. Welcome back. You’re home early today.
11. おひさしぶりです (Ohisashiburi desu): Long time no see
Ohisashiburi desu is used when meeting someone after a long time apart. It’s polite and expresses happiness to see the person again. The casual form hisashiburi can be used among close friends or peers.
Example: おひさしぶりです！お元気でしたか？ Ohisashiburi desu! O-genki deshita ka? Long time no see! How have you been?
12. はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you
Hajimemashite is the greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It shows respect and friendliness. Usually, it’s followed by an introduction of your name and yoroshiku onegaishimasu to express a desire for a good relationship.
Example: はじめまして、ジョンと申します。よろしくお願いします。 Hajimemashite, Jon to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Nice to meet you. My name is John. Please take care of me.
13. おつかれさまです (Otsukaresama desu): Thank you for your hard work
Otsukaresama desuis a polite phrase commonly used in workplaces to acknowledge someone’s effort or hard work. It can be said during or at the end of the workday. It helps create a positive and respectful work environment.
Example:
おつかれさまです。先ほどの会議、よかったですね。 Otsukaresama desu. Sakihodo no kaigi, yokatta desu ne. Thank you for your hard work. That meeting earlier went well, didn’t it?
14. お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu): Thank you for your continued support
Osewa ni natte orimasu is a very formal phrase used mainly in business to express gratitude for someone’s ongoing help or support. It is often used in emails, phone calls, and formal meetings. This phrase helps maintain good professional relationships.
Example: いつもお世話になっております。株式会社〇〇の山田です。 Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu. Kabushikigaisha 〇〇 no Yamada desu. Thank you for your continued support. This is Yamada from 〇〇 Corporation.
15. おじゃまします (Ojama shimasu): Excuse me for intruding
Ojama shimasu is said when entering someone’s home or private space. It expresses humility and acknowledges that you are entering someone else’s territory. It is a polite way to announce your arrival.
Example: おじゃまします。今日はお招きありがとうございます。 Ojama shimasu. Kyō wa omaneki arigatou gozaimasu. Excuse me for intruding. Thank you for inviting me today.
16. ようこそ (Youkoso): Welcome
Youkoso is a warm and formal way to say “welcome.” It is often used in speeches, signage, or to greet guests warmly. This phrase conveys hospitality and friendliness, making guests feel appreciated.
Example: 日本へようこそ！楽しんでくださいね。 Nihon e youkoso! Tanoshinde kudasai ne. Welcome to Japan! Please enjoy your stay.
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FAQ
What are the four basic Japanese greetings?
The four basic Japanese greetings are “Ohayou gozaimasu” (Good morning), “Konnichiwa” (‘Hello’ or ‘Good day’), and “Konbanwa” (‘Good evening’)
How to say thank you for the hard work in Japanese?
お疲れ様, or “otsukare sama”, means “thank you for your hard work.
How to say good morning in Japanese?
Ohayo (おはよう) means “good morning” in Japanese.
What is the difference between Konbanwa and Oyasumi?
Konbanwa is used to greet someone anytime in the evening, but oyasumi is strictly used when you want to go to bed and sleep.
What is the meaning of konnichiwa in Japanese?
In Japanese, konnichiwa means “Hello” or “Good Day” in Japanese. It is used when meeting someone during the day, until the evening.
After mastering hiragana, one of the three Japanese writing systems, the natural next step is to learn katakana, the second Japanese syllabary. Commonly used to write loanwords, katakana represent the same set of sounds as hiragana, but they look completely different.
Katakana characters are typically boxier and more geometric, with sharp corners, in contrast to hiragana’s soft, flowing curves.
Many learners find katakana a bit tricky at first. Some characters look quite similar to each other, and it’s easy to mix them up. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explain what katakana is, when to use it, and provide a free printable katakana chart to help you memorize and practice with ease.
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What is Katakana?
Katakana, written カタカナ, is one of the three main scripts used in the Japanese writing system, alongside hiragana and kanji. It is a phonetic syllabary, meaning that each character represents a specific sound or syllable, not an idea or meaning like kanji.
Katakana consists of 46 basic characters, such as ka (カ), shi (シ), or to (ト), plus their additional modified forms. Both katakana and hiragana — and the Japanese language as a whole — are built around five core vowels: A, I, U, E, and O.
Beyond the basic characters, there are also modified versions that represent long vowels and double consonants. There are also combination sounds like kya, shu, and cho.
The five vowels in katakana and hiragana look something like this:
Katakana
Romanization
Pronunciation
Example
ア
A
ah
“art”
イ
I
ee
“see”
ウ
U
oo
“food”
エ
E
eh
“met”
オ
O
oh
“go”
This system might feel very different if you’re coming from English, which only has 5 vowel letters, but nearly 20 vowel sounds — plus many diphthongs (blended vowel sounds like in ride or loud).
To get started, download this chart, which includes all the katakana characters (including the variations) you’ll be learning on this page.
If you have access to a printer, printing it out can be helpful, but you can also follow along digitally if you prefer, or save them as a picture so you can review them on your phone!
Like hiragana, basic katakana consists of 46 core characters that represent the fundamental sounds of the Japanese language.
A
I
U
E
O
ア
イ
ウ
エ
オ
K
カ
キ
ク
ケ
コ
S
サ
シ
ス
セ
ソ
T
タ
チ
ツ
テ
ト
N
ナ
ニ
ヌ
ネ
ノ
H
ハ
ヒ
フ
ヘ
ホ
M
マ
ミ
ム
メ
モ
Y
ヤ
ユ
ヨ
R
ラ
リ
ル
レ
ロ
W
ワ
ヲ
N
ン
Click on the play icon next to each character to hear how it sounds!
ア
イ
ウ
エ
オ
カ
キ
ク
ケ
コ
サ
シ
ス
セ
ソ
タ
チ
ツ
テ
ト
ナ
ニ
ヌ
ネ
ノ
ハ
ヒ
フ
ヘ
ホ
マ
ミ
ム
メ
モ
ヤ
ユ
ヨ
ラ
リ
ル
レ
ロ
ワ
ヲ
ン
Handakuten, Dakuten, and Small Kana in Katakana
However, katakana is especially useful for adapting foreign words, and this is where dakuten, handakuten, and small kana combinations come into play. These diacritical marks allow for more flexible pronunciation in both native and borrowed words.
Dakuten (゛) and handakuten (゜) are small marks that change the pronunciation of certain characters:
Dakuten (゛) adds a voiced sound (e.g. k → g, s → z)
Handakuten (゜) adds a “p” sound (used only with ハ-row sounds)
Here’s how they modify the basic katakana characters through dakuten and handakuten:
K to G
S to Z
T to D
H to B
H to P
カ → ガ (ga)
サ → ザ (za)
タ → ダ (da)
ハ → バ (ba)
ハ → パ (pa)
キ → ギ (gi)
シ → ジ (ji)
チ → ヂ (ji)
ヒ → ビ (bi)
ヒ → ピ (pi)
ク → グ (gu)
ス → ズ (zu)
ツ → ヅ (zu)
フ → ブ (bu)
フ → プ (pu)
ケ → ゲ (ge)
セ → ゼ (ze)
テ → デ (de)
ヘ → ベ (be)
ヘ → ペ (pe)
コ → ゴ (go)
ソ → ゾ (zo)
ト → ド (do)
ホ → ボ (bo)
ホ → ポ (po)
Handakuten and Dakuten in Katakana
G
ガ
ギ
グ
ゲ
ゴ
Z
ザ
ジ
ズ
ゼ
ゾ
D
ダ
ヂ
ヅ
デ
ド
B
バ
ビ
ブ
ベ
ボ
P
パ
ピ
プ
ペ
ポ
Combo Sounds
YA
YU
YO
K
キャ
キュ
キョ
S
シャ
シュ
ショ
T
チャ
チュ
チョ
N
ニャ
ニュ
ニョ
H
ヒャ
ヒュ
ヒョ
M
ミャ
ミュ
ミョ
R
リャ
リュ
リョ
G
ギャ
ギュ
ギョ
J
ジャ
ジュ
ジョ
B
ビャ
ビュ
ビョ
P
ピャ
ピュ
ピョ
How to Use the Katakana Chart Effectively
Using our katakana chart effectively involves understanding its purpose, practicing regularly, and applying it in context. Here’s a guide to help you make the most out of your Katakana learning:
1. Familiarize yourself with the chart layout
The Katakana chart is organized by consonant-vowel pairs (e.g., ka, ki, ku, ke, ko).
2. Practice slowly
Start by memorizing the basic 46 characters before moving on to extended sounds (like ガ, ギ, グ).
A tip is to learn katakana one consonant line per day — such as starting with the “K” katakana, and then moving on to the “T.” Breaking the whole chart into smaller study sessions helps with retaining the characters more effectively and avoiding burnout.
3. Practice writing each character
Use the stroke order indicated in the chart to write each character neatly. Writing helps reinforce memory and improves your ability to recognize the characters
We even recommend starting to practice writing words with katakana, so you can start applying the letters to real examples.
While hiragana is mainly used for native Japanese words and grammar, Katakana is primarily used for foreign loanwords, though its usage extends far beyond that. Because katakana looks visually distinct from Hiragana, you can easily tell them apart in text, and this difference serves an important purpose.
Ever heard of onomatopoeia? It’s a word that phonetically imitates or suggests the sound it describes.
Japanese onomatopoeia is a bit unique because it doesn’t just mimic sounds—it’s also used to describe movements, feelings, and states. These words are often written in katakana to express sounds or conditions.
You’ll commonly find onomatopoeia in manga, anime, and advertisements.
In the Japanese language, katakana isn’t just used for foreign words. Katakana can also add emphasis, even if those words are traditionally written in hiragana and kanji.
Because katakana has a visually striking, angular shape, it naturally draws the reader’s attention, similar to how italics or boldface work in English.
In fact, you’ll often see katakana used this way in advertisements and signage to make key words pop.
For example:
カラダにいい！ Karada ni ii Good for your body!
彼はすごくカッコイイ！ Kare wa sugoku カッコイイ! He’s really cool!
5. Scientific and technical terms
Yes, katakana is also used for technical and scientific terms, including the scientific names of plants and animals. This convention helps distinguish the word from ordinary Japanese words.
Common Katakana Writing Mistakes to Avoid
Katakana can be tricky because many characters look or sound alike. Here are a few common mix-ups of similar-looking katakana.
1. シ (shi) vs. ツ (tsu)
シ (shi) has three short strokes pointing downward, while ツ (tsu) has strokes pointing to the right.
2. ソ (so) vs. ン (n)
ソ (so) strokes slant down to the left, ン (n)strokes slant down to the right.
3. ヌ (nu) vs. ネ (ne)
Both have diagonal strokes, but ヌ is distinguished by a small loop or hook at the bottom right, while ネ has a more angular shape with straight lines and no loop.
4. ヲ (wo) vs. ヨ (yo)
ヲ (wo) and ヨ (yo) are often mixed up because they both feature multiple horizontal strokes. However, ヲ includes a curved hook on the left side, giving it a more flowing shape, whereas ヨ consists of three straight, separate horizontal lines stacked vertically — like an inverted E!
Conclusion
There is no single way to learn Japanese, but we hope the katakana chart becomes a powerful tool to aid your study. Remember to use the chart alongside flashcards and exercises!
Ready to Start Your Japanese Learning Journey?
So what’s next? After mastering hiragana and katakana, it’s time to learn basic phrases and sentence formation.
Kickstart your journey with Coto Academy, where fun, conversation-focused classes are designed for beginners. Choose from intensive, part-time, or online Japanese courses tailored to help you reach your goals faster!
Katakana is one of the Japanese syllabaries mainly used for writing foreign loanwords, foreign names, onomatopoeia, scientific terms, and sometimes for emphasis, similar to italics in English.
How many characters are in katakana?
Katakana has 46 basic characters representing distinct syllables, plus a few additional combinations.
What is the difference between katakana and hiragana?
Both represent the same set of sounds but are used differently. Hiragana is mostly used for native Japanese words and grammar particles, while katakana is used for foreign words, names, and emphasis.
Are there any exceptions or irregularities in katakana pronunciation?
Katakana generally follows consistent phonetic rules, but some loanwords may adapt pronunciation to fit Japanese phonology, which can sound slightly different from the original.
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Japanese honorifics are suffixes or prefixes used to show respect or familiarity when addressing other people. While they can be tricky for beginners, they play a key role in everyday conversations. For example, the same friend might be called Tanaka-san one day and Tanaka-kun the next, depending on who they are talking with. It all depends on context, social status, and even gender. So which one should you use?
If you’ve ever wondered the meaning of -chan, -kun, -san, and –sama and how to use them, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the meanings of the most common Japanese honorifics and help you learn when to use each title.
Using Japanese Honorifics in Japan
Japanese honorifics, or keishou (敬称), are honorific suffixes attached to a person’s name. In Japan, people call each other by their family name rather than their given names. Honorifics are often attached to the person’s last name. For example, if you come across a Japanese person and their name is Satou Kentaro, Satou being their surname, you can commonly address them as Satou-san.
However, some people actually prefer to use their first name, but this should only be used after they tell you to do so.
Regardless of who you are, Japanese people tend to always use honorifics when addressing another person. When unsure, always default to さん, never use honorifics on yourself, and avoid dropping suffixes entirely unless you’re very close with someone.
Sometimes, people can add suffixes to someone’s first name based on personal preference or relationship. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to use the person’s family name with an appropriate honorific. These suffixes are used when addressing someone directly or talking about them. Note that because Japanese society values hierarchy, people of higher status sometimes omit honorifics when referring to others.
San, the most common one, could be translated as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, and “Ms.” and is gender neutral. However, you will find that Japanese honorific titles are more complicated to use than they look and that they cannot be so easily translated.
More of a visual learner? Let’s watch Nami-sensei break down how Japanese suffixes like -san, -sama, -kun, and -chan work!
4 Basic Japanese Honorifics
1. San (さん)
San (さん) is certainly the first honorific title you will learn when studying Japanese. This suffix can be used to refer to almost anyone. It is gender neutral and works like “Mr.”, “Ms.”, “Miss”, or “Mrs.” in English, but it is much more commonly used in everyday Japanese.
The reason this is the most common and safest honorific is that it still signals respect.
The usage of san is also very broad and flexible. While it is most commonly added to people’s names, it can also be attached to occupations, roles, or even companies and shops. For example, a baker could be called by “pan-ya san.”
Usage of “san”
Example
English Equivalent
Added to a person’s name
田中さん (Tanaka-san)
Mr./Ms. Tanaka
Added to a profession or role
パン屋さん (pan-ya san)
The baker (“Mr. Bread Shop”)
Added to a shop or business
本屋さん (honya-san)
The bookstore owner
2. Sama (さま)
Sama (さま) is the a very respectful honorific title in Japanese, and the more formal version of –san. It is used in a business and clientele context.
Using -samaimplies that the guest or customer holds a superior or honored position. When addressing or referring to customers and clients, it shows respect and politeness, similar to “Sir” or “Madam” in English. For example, “okyaku-sama” (お客様) means “honored guest” or “customer,” emphasizing their importance.
The use of –sama doesn’t just stop in spoken Japanese. When you send a letter, the recipient’s name will be followed by the kanji “様”. This practice is important because Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect, especially in formal situations. It’s similar to writing “Dear Mr./Ms.” in English but with a stronger tone of respect.
Similarly, when you want to address a group of people or an audience with respect, sama is attached to “mina” (everyone). This title is also a part of several sets of phrases, such as “ostukaresama.”
Example 神様にお願いをしました。 Kami-sama ni onegai o shimashita. I made a wish to the god.
Japanese deities are often called 神様 (kami-sama) — the 様 (sama) shows great respect and honor, highlighting their divine status.
The title –kun (君) is usually reserved for young men or juniors. If you like to watch anime or read manga, you will probably notice “kun” as they appear frequently as nicknames among the main characters!
Example: 佐藤くん、こちらの資料を見てください。 Satou-kun, kochira no shiryou o mite kudasai. Satou, please take a look at these documents.
So when exactly do Japanese people use –kun?
When addressing boys or young men, especially if you’re older or in a higher position (like teachers to male students, or bosses to male juniors).
Among male friends or classmates who are the same age or younger, to show familiarity and friendliness.
Women can use it to address a man to whom they are very close.
Occasionally, in a business context, young women can be called –kun by their superior. Once again, you should always keep in mind the implied hierarchy of a title. Kun is used by a person of a higher status towards a younger male or a child.
Tip: Nowadays, men sometimes use –kun when addressing women, but it’s very rare for women to call each other -kun. You should never use –kun when addressing your superiors, as it’s considered too casual and disrespectful.
4. Chan (ちゃん)
Chan (ちゃん) is the childish version of san. The honorific -chan originally comes from how children mispronounced -san, but over time, the change from the “s” sound to “ch” is considered cute in Japanese, so it became a common Japanese honorific.
You’ll often hear chan used in:
For young children, especially girls
Among close friends or family members, regardless of age, to show closeness
For pets or cute animals
Sometimes, as a playful or affectionate nickname for adults, often women
Like –kun, friends and lovers can also address each other with this honorific. Surprisingly, there are some strange and wonderful exceptions to –chan, as it can be used to refer to an endearing adult. Among the most famous examples, you will find Arnold Schwarzenegger, called Shuwa-chan!
Fun fact! Chan is also frequently used to refer to cute cats!
Less-common Japanese Honorifics
The four Japanese honorifics we mentioned earlier — san, kun, chan, and sama — are among the most common and widely used in everyday life, with their usage depending on the degree of formality and the relationship between speakers. However, the Japanese language has evolved over hundreds of years, and some older honorifics are now rarely used, while newer or more playful ones have emerged. Let’s take a closer look at these other Japanese honorifics to complete the list!
5. Dono (殿)
Dono (殿) is a highly formal honorific that is rarely used in modern spoken Japanese and is primarily found in formal business writing, such as letters or internal company emails. Historically, samurai and lords were addressed with the title “dono” (殿), pronounced “tono,” which conveyed great respect. Dono denoted a very high level of respect, but over time, -sama (様) has come to be considered more respectful in contemporary usage.
In workplaces, -dono is often used for colleagues within the same company, while -sama is reserved for clients or people outside the organization. One notable nuance of -dono is that it implies a degree of subordination, meaning the speaker may be slightly “above” the addressee in hierarchical terms; for example, a senior employee might address a junior colleague or student as “Tanaka-dono” in a letter.
Nowadays, using -dono feels somewhat old-fashioned, and many people may never encounter it at all. Its usage is slowly phasing out, and while some companies continue to use it traditionally in internal communications, sama has become the safer and more standard choice when addressing someone respectfully.
6. Shi (氏)
Shi (氏) is a formal and neutral honorific used almost exclusively in written Japanese, such as newspapers, academic papers, official documents, or news reporting. Unlike sama or dono, it is not used in spoken conversation, and its purpose is to show respect in a polite but detached way.
For example, in a news article, one might write “Suzuki-shi stated that…” to refer to Mr. or Ms. Suzuki respectfully but neutrally. Because it conveys formality without intimacy, shi is considered appropriate in official or professional contexts, but it is generally avoided in everyday speech.
7. Tan (たん)
Tan (たん) is a cute evolution of -chan (ちゃん), created as a more playful and endearing term of affection. Much like how in English baby talk, a word like “milk” might become “mimi,” tan is a childish mispronunciation of chan. Over time, it became popular in otaku culture, fandoms, and among close friends. Like chan, tan is gender-neutral in principle, though it is most often used for girls or characters considered particularly cute. You’ll typically encounter tan in nicknames, fan communities, and playful informal speech.
Bou (坊) is a historical and affectionate Japanese honorific that was originally used to refer to apprentices, monks, or sons of a family, depending on the context. Over time, it became a diminutive for boys, similar to calling someone “buddy” or “sport” in English. Unlike chan, which is a more common and gender-neutral affectionate suffix used for children, close friends, or even partners, bou specifically emphasizes youth and masculinity. In modern Japanese, its use is quite rare and mostly appears in literature, historical contexts, or playful nicknames.
Using Social Status as Japanese Titles
By now, you must have guessed there is quite a long list of honorific titles. But did you know that another Japanese honorific system goes beyond simple suffixes and instead reflects hierarchy and social roles? In Japanese culture, relationships are often defined by seniority, and this is reflected in language that signals experience, guidance, and social ranking. The most famous ones are definitely senpai, kouhai, and sensei.
9. Senpai
Senpai (先輩) means “senior” or “upperclassman.” It refers to someone who has more experience or is in a higher grade or position than you, such as an older student, a senior colleague, or a mentor. Senpai often guides or supports kouhai.
In Japanese, senpai (先輩) can work like an honorific title. You attach it to someone’s name, like “Tanaka-senpai,” to show respect for their experience or seniority at school, work, or any group. Unlike -san or -chan, which are just polite ways to address someone, senpai shows your relationship: it tells people that you are the junior (kouhai) and they are the more experienced or senior person. I
10. Kouhai (後輩)
Kouhai (後輩) means “junior” or “underclassman.” It refers to someone who is younger, less experienced, or in a lower grade or position. Kouhai typically show respect to their senpai.
Note: Unlike senpai, kouhai is usually not used as an honorific attached to a name in the same way; it’s more about your relationship to the person!
11. Sensei (先生)
Sensei (先生) literally means “teacher” or “master.” If you’ve just started learning basic Japanese, you might recognize that sensei means teacher—the kind you have in school. But did you know that in Japanese, sensei can also refer to master or someone who is really skilled at their craft? Nowadays, this can mean doctors, politicians, or lawyers. It can also be used to show respect to artists, writers, or skilled practitioners. In the past (and still today), in Japanese martial arts, sensei usually refers to the head of a dojo.
We use sensei as an honorific because it’s a way of showing respect for someone’s knowledge, skill, or experience. Unlike casual suffixes like -san or -chan, which just make a name polite or friendly, sensei acknowledges authority and expertise.
田中先生に質問があります。 Tanaka-sensei ni shitsumon ga arimasu. I have a question for Mr./Ms. Tanaka (my teacher).
If you enjoy learning about Japanese history, you might also have heard “chichi ue” or “haha ue” to speak about one’s father (chichi) or mother (haha) with a high level of respect: 上 (ue) meaning above.
Japanese Honorifics in the Workplace and Occupations
San, kun, chan, and sama honorifics are often considered the basic Japanese titles, but there are other occupational honorific titles. Beware of the Japanese working environment! In traditional Japanese companies, workers are often addressed by their job titles rather than honorifics. For example, instead of saying “Tanaka-san,” you would say “Tanaka-shachou” when referring to your company president.
12. Buchou (部長)
The buchou is the head of a department within a company. They are responsible for managing the department’s operations, supervising staff, and making sure their team meets its goals.
田中部長は今、会議室で重要な打ち合わせをしています。 Tanaka-buchou wa ima, kaigishitsu de juuyou na uchiawase o shiteimasu. Manager Tanaka is currently having an important meeting in the conference room.
13. Shachou (社長)
The shachou is the company president or CEO. This is the highest executive position in the company, responsible for making major decisions, setting company policies, and representing the company both internally and externally. The shachou usually reports to the board of directors.
Example: 社長の山本さんは、新しいプロジェクトの発表をしました。 Shachou no Yamamoto-san wa, atarashii purojekuto no happyou o shimashita. President Yamamoto announced a new project.
14. Kachou (課長)
The kachou is a section manager or chief. They manage a smaller group or section within a department and report to the buchou.
Example: 鈴木課長はチームの進捗を毎週チェックしています。 Suzuki-kachou wa chiimu no shinchoku o maishuu chekku shiteimasu. Section Chief Suzuki checks the team’s progress every week.
Common Mistakes When Using Honorifics
One common mistake Japanese learners make is referring to themselves with an honorific title. Remember to never use san or any other title to refer to yourself unless you want to sound arrogant! The only exception to the rule is chan: in a casual context, some people, in particular, women, will refer to themselves in a childish third person.
Other times you should not use Japanese honorifics include:
Close family members (sometimes): Within families, honorifics are often dropped, especially when speaking about or to immediate family like siblings or parents.
Very close friends or lovers: Among close friends or romantic partners, people often use just the name or nicknames without honorifics.
In very casual or informal settings: Among children or in casual groups, honorifics might be omitted.
When using job titles or roles in formal contexts: As mentioned, sometimes , especially in business, people use titles like “buchou” (manager) or “tenchou” (store manager) without honorifics.
When to Drop Japanese Titles: 呼び捨て (Yobisute)
Yobisute (呼び捨て) is the act of dropping the suffix when you refer to someone else. As it shows a degree intimacy, it is important to take a peek into the Japanese concept of “in-out” (uchi / soto) ruling the whole Japanese speech.
In Japanese, “uchi” means home. As a concept, “uchi” refers to all the people you know inside a specific social circle: your family, your company, your club. For example, inside the “uchi”, family members may drop the title.
In Japanese, “soto” means outside. As a concept, “soto” refers to all the people who are not inside your specific social circle. For example, another company’s employee.
Japanese speech differs depending on the social context of your interlocutor. Foreigners most often struggle to grasp the honorific speech and the profoundly complex politeness of Japanese language. An important and simple rule is that you will not speak the same way with someone from “uchi” to someone from “soto”. Regarding the honorific title, the tricky conversation context would be when your interlocutor is from soto and you are referring to someone from “uchi”:
When talking with a client about your manager, Mr. Kaneki, you usually call him Kaneki-san in the office. However, in this formal context, you drop the honorific and use his work title instead: buchou no Kaneki (部長の金木), meaning “Manager Kaneki.”
Similarly, when referring to a colleague like Takezawa-san, you would say douryou no Takezawa (同僚の竹沢), which means “colleague Takezawa.”
Using Japanese Honorifics with a Western Name
In Japanese, honorifics are typically attached to a person’s last name, because Japanese society traditionally prioritizes the family or group over the individual. But what happens if you have a Western or foreign name that doesn’t follow that convention? Luckily, Japanese honorifics like -san, -chan, -sama, -sensei, and -senpai can also be used with Western names. For example, if your friend John is close to you, you could call him John-chan to show affection or playfulness. If you’re addressing a teacher or expert named Sarah, you could say Sarah-sensei to show respect for her knowledge or skill.
Of course, it’s also up to you and how the other person prefers to be addressed. You can use a surname, like Smith, if that feels more natural, but it’s all about mutual agreement and comfort in conversation.
Very often, you can feel confused and surprised to hear people addressing others with their family name. Japanese are not always at ease when addressing a foreigner, but they know the connection implied by the use of the first name abroad. Do not be surprised if -san is added to your first name instead of your family name. And do not feel offended if they omit the -san as some Japanese might attempt to respect Western manners.
On the contrary, the use of the first name is considered too familiar for the Japanese, and they would feel rather uncomfortable. That being said, the more you spend time in Japan or close to Japanese, the more you will understand that exceptions exist, in particular with Japanese who have experience with foreigners.
Using Names and Honorifics as a Way to Say You in Japanese
Japanese people have a tendency to avoid saying “you” in Japanese, such as anata or kimi, as they might sound overly confrontational. Tis actually one of the most interesting quirks of Japanese communication! In Japanese, using someone’s name with an honorific instead of “you” is considered more respectful and natural. Saying あなた (anata) directly to someone can actually feel blunt, cold, or even rude in many situations, similar to pointing at someone rather than addressing them properly.
So instead of saying “are you hungry?” a Japanese person would say;
田中さんはお腹すいていますか? Tanaka-san wa onaka suite imasu ka? Is Tanaka-san hungry?
This applies in everyday conversations, formal settings, and even in customer service, where staff refer to customers as お客様 (okyaku-sama) rather than ever saying “you.” This reflects a deeper cultural value in Japan, addressing someone by name with the right honorific shows that you acknowledge who they are and their place in the social context, which is far more meaningful than a generic pronoun. It also explains why knowing someone’s name early in a conversation is so important in Japanese culture.
What’s Next After Learning Japanese Suffixes?
Want to master Japanese honorifics like -san, -kun, -chan, and -sama with confidence? Continue learning Japanese at Coto Academy, where you will learn not just the grammar, but the cultural nuances behind the language!
Our beginner course covers the essentials, from hiragana and katakana to grammar, so you can start speaking Japanese in just four weeks.
We currently offer classes in Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as online classes, with a maximum of eight students per class. You’ll learn from native, professional instructors who make lessons both effective and enjoyable.
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What are Japanese honorifics?
Japanese honorifics are suffixes or titles added to names or job titles to express respect, familiarity, or social hierarchy. Common honorifics include -san, -kun, -chan, and -sama.
When should I use -san in Japanese?
Use -san when addressing someone politely, especially in formal situations or when speaking to people you don’t know well. It’s the most commonly used honorific and works like “Mr.” or “Ms.” in English, but is more universal.
What’s the difference between -kun and -chan?
Kun is typically used for boys or younger men and may also be used in workplace settings by superiors addressing junior staff. Chan is a more affectionate honorific used for children, close friends, or loved ones.
What does -sama mean in Japanese?
Sama is a very respectful honorific, often used for customers, clients, or people of higher social status. It is also used in formal letters and customer service settings.
Should I use Japanese honorifics when speaking English?
If you’re discussing Japanese people or culture in English, it’s acceptable to use honorifics like –san, especially for clarity or respect.
Where should I study Japanese?
If you want to learn Japanese effectively, considerCoto Academy. Coto offers tailored courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, with native teachers who focus on practical conversation and cultural understanding. Whether you prefer in-person classes in Tokyo and Yokohama or online lessons from anywhere, Coto provides flexible options to suit your schedule.
Want to read more about the Japanese language and culture? You might enjoy these posts:
When you’re just starting to learn Japanese, which kanji should you learn first? We would argue that, besides the easiest kanji, you should learn the ones that appear most often in real life, too. This series of logographic Chinese characters is used in the Japanese writing system, which even advanced Japanese learners often struggle with. The Japanese language is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn, and for many, kanji is the biggest reason.
Still, learning and knowing kanji is important. To be considered “fluent” in Japanese, learners are expected to know the Joyo kanji, a list of over 2,000 commonly used characters officially designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Even native speakers spend years in school mastering them.
In this guide, we will introduce the most basic kanji that beginners typically encounter. By the end, however, you might realize that the first hundred are just the beginning.
What is Kanji?
Kanji (漢字) are the logographic characters used in the Japanese writing system, originally borrowed from Chinese. Kanji were imported from China over a thousand years ago and gradually adapted to Japanese. While some characters kept their original Chinese meaning, others evolved unique Japanese interpretations.
Unlike hiragana or katakana, which are phonetic scripts representing sounds, each kanji represents a meaning or concept.
Phonetically, there are two types of kanji readings:
Onyomi. This is the “Chinese-style” reading, often used in compound words.
Kunyomi. This is the “Japanese-style” reading, often used when the kanji stands alone.
A Better Way to Learn Kanji: Radicals
Kanji radicals, or bushu (部首・ぶしゅ), are the building blocks of kanji characters. Think of them like small LEGO pieces that come together to form a larger figure.
Some radicals are kanji on their own and can be combined to create other kanji. For example, the radical 木 represents “tree,” and when you stack three of them together to form 森 (mori), it means “forest.”
Radicals can also provide clues about a kanji’s meaning, so you might be able to guess the meaning even if you’ve never seen the character before. For example, the radical 氵, a variant of 水 (water), often indicates that a kanji is related to water or liquids. If you encounter kanji like:
洗う
海
Even if you don’t know their meanings yet, you can infer they are connected to water. 洗う (arau) means “to wash,” and 海 (umi) means “ocean.”
Learning radicals makes reading and writing kanji much easier. This is why many learning tools, such as WaniKani, rely on kanji radicals to help learners memorize characters more effectively.
Download Basic Kanji Chart
Before you continue scrolling, you can master the essential kanji characters with free basic kanji charts! These charts organize all kanji by theme and include both readings and meanings. For easy access, you can download them as images to your phone or laptop and use them for review anytime.
Don’t forget, if you want to truly learn Japanese, study at Coto Academy! Coto offers immersive Japanese language courses with experienced teachers, small class sizes, and practical learning that helps you speak, read, and write confidently.
Below, we have compiled tables listing all the basic kanji. Since these are fundamental characters, they are mostly at the JLPT N5 level, with some reaching JLPT N4. The table shows 100 essential kanji for JLPT N5 learners, including each kanji’s readings in both kun’yomi and on’yomi.
1. Basic Kanji Related to Numbers
Typically, kanji numbers are used in real life, mostly in formal, legal, or financial contexts like contracts, checks, or traditional events. For everyday purposes such as shopping, texting, or clocks, Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…) are far more common.
One thing about kanji is that they often do not stand alone. When you combine two or more kanji characters, you create a kanji compound, or 熟語 (jukugo). These compounds form words with new, nuanced meanings and are usually read using on’yomi (Chinese readings). They often define nouns, actions, or concepts, such as 読書 (どくしょ, dokusho, “reading books”) or 缶詰 (かんづめ, kanzume, “canned goods”).
Kanji compounds frequently combine characters that are similar, opposite, or descriptive. For example, when the kanji 今 (now) is combined with 週 (week), it forms 今週 (こんしゅう, konshuu), meaning “this week.” Even if you don’t know the exact meaning, recognizing parts of the kanji can give you helpful hints.
Tips to Learn Kanji
1. Practice writing and its stroke orders
Nowadays, most people learn kanji through Japanese learning apps or on their phones. As you go to work in Japan or enter university, the need to write kanji by hand has become less common. However, we still recommend learning kanji the traditional way: by practicing writing.
Following the correct stroke order is an effective method that not only helps you memorize the characters more easily but also ensures your handwriting is correct.
2. Spaced repetition
Of course, it is always beneficial to combine the traditional “old-school” method with modern learning systems. Spaced repetition is one of the most effective techniques for memorization. For example, apps like Anki offer multiple Japanese kanji decks. As a learner, you can review characters at intervals, which apparently encourages long-term retention.
3. Prioritize consistency over bulk memorization
Speaking of long-term retention, it is far more effective to study kanji consistently every day rather than trying to memorize a large number of characters in a single session. By this, we mean cramming all your kanji the night before a big test day, like the JLPT (in fact, this is one of the worst ways to study Japanese).
Short, daily practice, whether writing by hand or reviewing with spaced repetition apps, helps reinforce memory and prevents burnout. Over time, this steady approach leads to deeper understanding and recall, making your kanji learning more sustainable and enjoyable.
Although kanji is one of the biggest hurdles in learning Japanese, at Coto Academy, you can join Japanese classes designed to help you master kanji and apply it in real-life situations.
Our classes are available in Tokyo, Yokohama, and online, so you can learn from anywhere. Beyond just memorizing kanji, our courses focus on practical application, helping you use kanji in daily life, conversations, emails, and professional settings. With experienced teachers and a supportive learning environment, Coto Academy makes learning kanji both effective and enjoyable!
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below for a free Japanese level check.
FAQ
How can I practice writing kanji effectively?
Writing kanji by hand while following the correct stroke order helps with memorization and improves handwriting. Short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than occasional bulk study.
Can I learn kanji without writing them by hand?
While apps and online tools are useful, practicing writing kanji by hand reinforces memory and understanding. Combining traditional writing with modern tools like Anki for spaced repetition is ideal.
How long does it take to learn basic kanji?
Learning depends on your schedule and consistency. With daily practice, most beginners can master the basic 100 kanji in 1-2 months. Intensive courses or immersive study can accelerate this process.
Can I learn kanji online?
Yes! Many platforms, including Coto Academy, offer online classes that teach kanji along with practical application in speaking, reading, and writing.
