What expressions should you use when introducing yourself or explaining something to someone in Japanese? Here are some useful Japanese phrases to remember when talking about yourself or explaining something to someone you're meeting for the first time.
Japanese expressions to describe what you like
A useful Japanese expression to use when expressing your likes is "suki." When you want to say "I really like it," you would say "daisuki." "Suki" is a useful word to use when talking about your favorite food or favorite singer. However, there is one thing to be careful of when using this expression. "suki" also carries the affectionate meaning of "I love you." As a fan, there is no problem using it when referring to a favorite actor or singer, but if you say "suki" to a member of the opposite sex without any romantic feelings, it may be mistaken for a confession of feelings.
Example sentences
I like sushi.
Watashi wa sushi ga suki desu.
I like sushi.
Example sentences
I love meat dishes.
Watashi wa o niku ryōri ga daisuki desu.
I love meat dishes.
So, how do you say you don't like something in Japanese? When expressing "dislike" or "not good at" something in Japanese, don't express your feelings directly, but use gentler expressions like "I don't like it (sukide wa nai)" or "I'm not good at it (nigate)." You can also use the expression "I dislike it (kirai)," but it's best not to use it as it gives the listener a cold impression. Be especially careful if you use "kirai."
Example sentences
I don't like root vegetables.
Watashi wa konsai-rui ga sukide wa arimasen.
I don't like root vegetables.
Example sentences
I don't like raw fish.
Watashi wa namazakana ga nigate desu.
I am not good at raw fish.
Japanese expressions for expressing special skills
When expressing what you are good at, you would use "I'm good at ~ (~ ga tokui desu)" or "My special skill is ~ (tokugi wa ~ desu)". However, some Japanese people are very humble and would describe their special skill as "I'm confident in ~". By using expressions that don't declare what you're good at, you can convey your special skill without coming across as arrogant. However, most people would say "I'm good at ~ (~ ga tokui desu)" or "I can do ~ (~ There are many people who say "My special skill is..." or "My special skill is...", so it's fine to use this expression without worrying too much.
Example sentences
I'm good at swimming.
Boku wa suiei ga tokui desu.
I am good at swimming.
Example sentences
My special skill is making sweets.
Tokugi wa okashi wo tsukuru koto desu.
My specialty is making sweets.
Example sentences
I am confident in my English.
Watashi wa eigo ni jishin ga arimasu.
I am confident in English.
Japanese expressions to use when talking about your hobbies
When talking about your hobbies, the word "hobby" is often used. If you can't call it a hobby yet, but you've recently started enjoying it, you can say "What I've been into lately is..." (saikin hamatte iru koto wa～desu), "I've been interested in... recently (saikin～ni kyōmi wo motte imasu)" or "I've recently started..." (saikin～ Try using expressions like "wo hajimemashita."
Example sentences
My hobby is golf.
boku no shumi wa gorufu desu.
My hobby is playing golf.
Example sentences
My latest obsession is cooking.
Saikin hamatte iru koto wa ryōri desu.
I'm into cooking these days.
Example sentences
I recently started doing yoga.
Saikin yoga wo hajimemashita.
I recently started yoga.
Share your thoughts about life in Japan
When people who have lived abroad get a job or move to Japan, one of the questions they are often asked is, "What do you think about life in Japan?" You might be asked in casual conversation, such as, "Have you gotten used to life in Japan?" or "How is life in Tokyo?" Try practicing so you can explain it well!
Example sentences
I've gotten used to life in Japan.
Nihon de no seikatsu wa naremashita.
I got used to life in Japan.
Example sentences
Life in Hokkaido is difficult because it snows a lot.
Hokkaidō no seikatsu wa, yuki ga takusan furu node taihen desu.
Life in Hokkaido is difficult because it snows a lot.
Example sentences
Life in Osaka Prefecture is lively and very fun.
Ōsakafu no seikatsu wa nigiyakade sugoku tanoshī desu.
Life in Osaka is lively and very enjoyable.
Let's talk about Japanese culture that interests you in Japanese.
How should you respond when your Japanese friends or colleagues ask you, "Why did you come to Japan?" or "What do you like about Japan?" If you can answer well, the conversation will flow and you may even become closer to the Japanese person. If you have the opportunity to talk to a Japanese person, be sure to remember these expressions!
Example sentences
I'm interested in Japanese anime.
Nihon no anime ni kyōmi ga arimasu.
I'm interested in Japanese anime.
Example sentences
I'm interested in the cityscape of Kyoto.
Watashi wa Kyōto no machinami ni kyōmi wo motte imasu.
I am interested in the cityscape of Kyoto.
Example sentences
I like Japanese sushi.
Boku wa Nihon no o sushi ga suki desu.
I like Japanese sushi.
"Kore" is a useful demonstrative word when explaining things.
There are so many words in Japanese that sometimes you don't know the name of something, right? Even if you forget the name of an object, you can still communicate with others by using demonstratives. The demonstrative "kore" is "kore" in Japanese. You can order by saying "I want this" or "Please give me this."
In addition to "kore" there are other demonstratives such as "sore" which means "that" and "are" which means "that". When you say "kore", it means that the object in question is nearby. "Sore" is used to indicate an object that is close to the other person. "Are" is used to point to an object that is far away from you. Be careful not to use this expression if the person you are talking to cannot see the object, as they will not understand.
Example sentences
This is my diary.
Kore wa watashi no nikki desu.
This is my diary.
Example sentences
I'd like two of these, please.
Kore wo futatsu kudasai.
Please give me two of these.
Example sentences
How much is this?
Kore wa nan-en desu ka?
How much is this?
In addition to the expressions introduced this time, there are many other expressions you can use to convey your feelings and thoughts to someone in Japanese! Why not study Japanese more and become able to use a variety of Japanese expressions?
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