Yaa, minna-san! Yukiko desu! Ready to peek behind the curtain of Japanese words? Daijoubu... I'll guide you through them, step by step. Ganbatte, let's go!
First up… baka (ばか). This one's easy: it means fool, silly, or idiot. You can also hear aho (アホ), which is basically the same thing but comes from Kansai dialect. Both are used as nouns or playful insults.
Next, tonikaku (とにかく) means "anyway" or "in any case." It's an adverb, perfect when you want to switch topics or keep moving.
Oi (おい) is simple... you just shout it to get someone's attention. Think of it like saying "Hey!" in English.
Then we have the tough ones: kisama (貴様) and temee (てめえ). Both mean "you," but with a very aggressive, challenging tone. Definitely not polite! Don't be a kisama!
Nani (何) is straightforward: "What?"... used when you're asking a question.
Yamero (やめろ) is a command: "Stop it!" Short, sharp, and serious.
Daijoubu (大丈夫) is super useful. It can mean "I'm okay" or "It's fine." Ask a friend if they're alright, and you can say it as "Are you daijoubu?"
Māttaku (まったく) is a little exasperated: "Honestly!" or "Really!" depending on the context.
Gomen (ごめん) is your friendly "Sorry!"
Hontōni (本当に) is "truly" or "really." Add it for emphasis when you want to sound sincere.
Yokatta (良かった) expresses relief or happiness: "I'm glad" or "That was good." Hontōni yokatta!
Ne (ね) is versatile. Sometimes it's "isn't it?" or just a soft way to get someone to agree with you.
Dame (だめ) means "No good" or "Not allowed." Simple and essential.
Arigato (ありがとう)... everyone knows this one! It means "Thank you."
Before a meal, you'll hear itadakimasu (いただきます). It's polite and means "I humbly receive" your food.
Tashika ni (確かに) is "Indeed" or "That's true." Perfect when you agree with someone.
So desu (そうです) means "That's right." Easy to remember! While so desu yo ne (そうですよね) means "Isn't it?" A gentle way to agree.
Sugoi (すごい) is your enthusiastic "Amazing!" or "Awesome!"
Omedetō (おめでとう)... celebration time! "Congratulations!"
Urusai (うるさい) and damare (黙れ) are the louder, angrier versions of "Shut up!" or "Be quiet." Use carefully with someone baka!
Chotto matte (ちょっと待って) is "Wait a moment." Handy in a pinch.
Douzo (どうぞ) is "Here you go" or "Please." Great when offering something politely.
Demo (でも) means "But" or "However," and yappari (やっぱり) is "As expected" or "After all."
Sonna (そんな) is "Such" or "Like that." Can also express disbelief: "No way!"
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) is a polite request: "Please treat me well" or "Nice to meet you."
Naruhodo (なるほど) means "I see!" or "That makes sense."
Abunai (危ない)... danger alert! "Watch out!"
Ganbare (頑張れ) is the cheerleader's favorite: "Do your best!"
Ano (あの) and etto (えっと) are little hesitations, like "Um…" or "Well…"
Subarashii (素晴らしい) is a sparkling "Wonderful!"
Wakarimashita (分かりました) means "Understood!"
Oka-san (お母さん) is mother, Otō-san (お父さん) is father, Oni-chan (お兄ちゃん) is older brother!
Okaerinasai (おかえりなさい) is "Welcome back!" Perfect for homecomings. If you're married, say it to your husband!
Mochiron (もちろん) is a confident "Of course!"
Sayonara (さよなら)... "Goodbye," simple as that.
Hai (はい) is "Yes," and sou ka (そうか) is "Is that so?"
Koroshite yaru (殺してやる) is intense: "I'll kill you." Don't try that at home!
Misete miro (見せてみろ) is "Show me what you've got!"
Bakana (馬鹿な) means "Impossible!" or "No way!"
Finally, Nani mo nai (何もない) is "There's nothing."
Sate... now for the honorifics!
First up… -san (さん)
This is the most common honorific. It's polite, friendly, and respectful. You can use it for almost anyone... friends, coworkers, or even people you don't know very well. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of Mr., Ms., or Mrs.
Next… -kun (くん)
Used for boys or younger guys, often by someone older or in a higher position. It can also be used for girls in certain contexts, like teachers talking to students. Friendly, but slightly casual. Just like the famous Abodo-kun.
-chan (ちゃん)
Super cute and affectionate! Usually for kids, pets, or very close friends. Also used for cute girls. If someone calls you -chan, they probably like you… or at least think you're adorable! Like my cute Ema-chan!
-sama (さま)
Extreme respect! Think royalty, VIPs, or customers in fancy shops. It's polite to the MAX. If you hear it, it's usually to show someone is super important.
-sensei (先生)
Literally "teacher" or "master." For teachers, doctors, martial arts instructors, or anyone with special skills you respect. Very polite and formal.
-senpai (先輩)
Someone senior to you... at school, work, or a club. You look up to them, and it shows respect and admiration.
-kohai (後輩)
The opposite of senpai! Someone junior to you. Less used as an honorific in speech.
-shi (氏)
Very formal, used mostly in writing or news. It's polite but distant, like saying "Mr./Ms." in a newspaper article.
-dono (殿)
Old-school, very respectful, kind of like "Lord" or "Master." Rare today, mostly in historical dramas, samurai stories, or super fancy letters.
-hime (姫)
"Princess!" Cute, noble, or playful. Usually for girls with elegance or high status. Like how darling said it to me.
-ou (王) or -tennō (天皇)
King or Emperor. Super rare in everyday life, obviously, but epic in historical/fantasy stories.
That's all, minna-san! Daijoubu if you didn't catch everything... I'm happy you're here. Ganbatte, stay curious, and keep your heart open! Sayonara~!