Here are 6 essential phrases used daily by native speakers, along with examples and meanings in English and Vietnamese.
1. わかりましたか？ – Did you understand?
This is a polite way to ask someone if they understood what you just said.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: わたしのいったこと、わかりましたか？
- English: Did you understand what I said?
- Vietnamese: Bạn đã hiểu những gì tôi nói chưa?
2. はい。わかりました。– Yes, I understood.
A polite and clear response when someone asks if you understand.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: はい。わかりました。
- English: Yes, I understand.
- Vietnamese: Vâng. Tôi hiểu rồi.
3. いいえ。わかりません。 – No, I don’t understand.
A polite and straightforward way to say you didn’t understand something.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: いいえ。わかりません。
- English: No, I don’t understand.
- Vietnamese: Không. Tôi không hiểu.
4. いただきます – Let’s eat / I humbly receive this.
Said before eating, this phrase shows gratitude for the meal and the people who prepared it.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: いただきます！
- English: Let’s eat! (Thank you for the food.)
- Vietnamese: Xin mời dùng bữa!
5. ごちそうさまでした – Thank you for the meal.
Said after finishing a meal, it expresses appreciation for the food.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: ごちそうさまでした。
- English: Thank you for the meal.
- Vietnamese: Cảm ơn vì bữa ăn.
6. しつれいします – Excuse me / May I come in?
Used when entering or leaving a room politely, or when interrupting someone.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: しつれいします、はいってもいいですか？
- English: Excuse me, may I come in?
- Vietnamese: Xin lỗi, tôi có thể vào được không?
7. ごめんください – Is anyone home? / Excuse me (before entering someone’s house)
Said when you visit someone’s house to politely call out before entering.
🗣 Example:
- Japanese: ごめんください。たなかさん、いらっしゃいますか？
- English: Excuse me. Is Mr. Tanaka home?
- Vietnamese: Có ai ở nhà không? Anh Tanaka có nhà không?
読んでくれてありがとう！
