If you are travelling to Japan it is likely you will be there for some special occasion. Whether it is for a birthday, Christmas, New Year or for a special event, knowing what to say in Japanese will have you well prepared. Read this article to learn some of the top phrases to learn to be prepared in any situation.
by EmilyKato


If you are travelling to Japan it is likely you will be there for some special occasion. Whether it is for a birthday, Christmas, New Year or for a special event, knowing what to say in Japanese will have you well prepared. Read this article to learn some of the top phrases to learn to be prepared in any situation.

Learning how to say "Merry Christmas" is easy as it is taken from the English directly. In Japanese it is "Merii Kurisu-masu!". Christmas hasn't been celebrated in Japan until recently, and even now it is more for the younger crowd who give presents between friends.

New Years is one of the most important and celebrated events for the Japanese people. To wish someone a "Happy New Year", the Japanese is "Ake-ma-shite Ome-detou Go-zai-masu" which literally means "Congratulations for the New Year". Another phrase used at New Years is "Yoi otoshi o" which translates as "Have a great new year". You may also hear people saying "Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu" which means "Please help me again this year".

"Omedetou Gozaimasu" is a very useful phrase to wish anyone congratulations. The most important occasion in any one's life is his or her birthday and everyone expects to be greeted on their big day. You can greet your Japanese friends by saying "Tanjoubi Omedetou Gozaimasu" which means "Congratulations on your Birthday". For other occasions such as weddings or special events, you can say "Honjitsu wa omedeto gozaimasu" which means "Congratulations for this special day".

If you are giving a gift, it is usual practice to downplay it and say "Tsumaranai mono desu ga" which means "Its not much but" or if you are giving food "Okuchi ni aimasu ka do ka" which means "I'm not sure if you will like it or not but".

Wishing someone "Good Luck" is easy, just say "Gan-batte Ne". If you are leaving and may not see the person in the near future, it is customary to say "Genki-de-ne" which means "Best of Luck for the future".

If you will be visiting Japan knowing some of these phrases for special occasions will certainly make your stay more interesting. Even if you are not travelling to Japan, imagine the delight of your Japanese friends when you are able to wish them 'Happy Birthday' or one of the other phrases we have covered in this article in their own language.

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