Basic Japanese Questions for Beginners | Learn Essential Japanese

PhrasesLearning Japanese can be a fun and rewarding experience! Whether you’re traveling to Japan, studying for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), or just interested in the language, mastering basic Japanese questions is essential for daily conversations. In this blog, we’ll explore common Japanese phrases and simple questions that will help you introduce yourself and engage in basic interactions. From greetings to everyday inquiries, these Japanese beginner questions will make your language-learning journey easier.

1. What is your name?

• Japanese あなたのなまえはなんですか (Anata no namae wa nan desu ka?)
• English What is your name?

This is the most basic question you’ll use to get to know someone. It’s always polite to ask for someone’s name in any language, and Japanese is no exception!

2. How old are you?

• Japanese あなたはなんさいですか (Anata wa nansai desu ka?)
• English How old are you?

Another common question when meeting new people. Age is an important aspect of Japanese culture, so it’s a typical inquiry when getting to know someone.

3. What is your occupation?

• Japanese あなたのしょぎょうはなんですか (Anata no shogyou wa nan desu ka?)
• English What is your occupation?

When making friends or acquaintances, asking about someone’s job or profession is very common in Japan, as it helps form a sense of social connection.

4. What is your nationality (country)?

• Japanese あなたのこくせき(くに)は何ですか (Anata no kokuseki (kuni) wa nan desu ka?)
• English What is your nationality (country)?

This question is essential when you’re trying to understand someone’s background or cultural identity. It can be an important part of conversations, especially when meeting people from different countries.

5. How many people are in your family?

• Japanese かぞくはなんにんですか (Kazoku wa nannin desu ka?)
• English How many people are in your family?

In Japan, family is highly valued, and asking about family members is a common way to form connections with others.

6. Do you have any siblings?

• Japanese あなたのきょうだいはいますか？ (Anata no kyoudai wa imasu ka?)
• English Do you have any siblings?

Siblings are often a topic of conversation in Japan, and this is a great question to ask when learning more about someone’s family.

7. What do you like about Japan?

• Japanese にほんのなにがすきですか？ (Nihon no nani ga suki desu ka?)
• English What do you like about Japan?

This is a question that you may ask a traveler or someone who has visited Japan to learn what aspects of the country they enjoy the most.

8. What do you not like about Japan?

• Japanese にほんになにがすきじゃないですか？ (Nihon ni nani ga suki janai desu ka?)
• English What do you not like about Japan?

Just as it’s important to know what someone likes, it’s also interesting to learn what they may not like, as it adds depth to their experience.

9. What would you like to do after Japanese language school?

• Japanese にほんごがっこうのあとなにをしたいですか？ (Nihongo gakkou no ato nani o shitai desu ka?)
• English What would you like to do after Japanese language school?

This question could be useful for students or individuals who are learning Japanese to understand what their future goals might be after completing their studies.

10. What time is it in India? Can you teach me some Japanese words?

• Japanese インドはなんじですか？にほんごのことばをいっつおしえてください？ (Indo wa nanji desu ka? Nihongo no kotoba o ittsu oshiete kudasai?)
• English What time is it in India? Can you teach me some Japanese words?

This question is a bit unique, as it combines asking for the time in India and requesting to learn some Japanese words. It’s a great way to bridge cultural gaps and share language knowledge.

11. How long have you studied Japanese?

• Japanese にほんごをどのぐらいべきょうしましたか？ (Nihongo o dono gurai benkyou shimashita ka?)
• English How long have you studied Japanese?

This is a good question to ask someone who is also learning Japanese to get an idea of their experience.

12. What is today’s date?

• Japanese きょうはなんにちですか？ (Kyou wa nannichi desu ka?)
• English What is today’s date?

When you’re learning Japanese, it’s important to know the days and dates. This is a simple and essential question.

13. What day of the week is it today?

• Japanese きょうはなんようびですか (Kyou wa nan youbi desu ka?)
• English What day of the week is it today?

Knowing the days of the week is fundamental in daily conversations. This question is perfect for understanding how the Japanese language uses days.

14. Why did you choose Japan?

• Japanese なんでにほんをえらびましたか (Nande Nihon o erabimashita ka?)
• English Why did you choose Japan?

This is an excellent question to ask someone who has come to Japan for a specific purpose or event, helping to understand their motivations.

15. Where is your home?

• Japanese あなたのうちはどこですか (Anata no uchi wa doko desu ka?)
• English Where is your home?

Learning where someone is from can give you insights into their background and life story.

16. What time did you wake up?

• Japanese なんじにおきましたか？ (Nanji ni okimashita ka?)
• English What time did you wake up?

This is a practical question, especially when learning about someone’s routine or schedule.

17. What did you eat?

• Japanese なにをたべましたか (Nani o tabemashita ka?)
• English What did you eat?

Food is an important part of any culture, and asking this question can be a way to bond over shared experiences or explore new dishes.

18. How is the weather right now?

• Japanese いまてんきはどうですか (Ima tenki wa dou desu ka?)
• English How is the weather right now?

A common topic for casual conversation in Japan, the weather can be a good icebreaker.

19. What is the name of your sponsor?

• Japanese あなたのスポンサ−のなまえはなんですか (Anata no suponsaa no namae wa nan desu ka?)
• English What is the name of your sponsor?

In certain situations, you may need to ask about someone’s sponsor, especially if they are coming to Japan under a specific visa or program.

20. What is the job of your sponsor?

• Japanese スポンサ−のしごとはなんですか (Suponsaa no shigoto wa nan desu ka?)
• English What is the job of your sponsor?

This question is helpful in understanding the role and occupation of someone supporting another person in Japan.

Conclusion

These are some of the most useful questions when you’re beginning to learn Japanese. Understanding and practicing them can help you feel more confident in daily conversations, whether you’re traveling, studying, or interacting with Japanese speakers. As you continue your studies, try using these questions with others to improve your communication skills and build connections in the Japanese-speaking community. Happy learning!