25 Essential Phrases for Beginners: Use Them Right Away in Your Japanese Language Lessons

JLRC – Content Team
2025/08/21

Starting your Japanese language class online can be exciting but also a little intimidating. Many beginners ask themselves: What if I can’t follow the teacher? How can I express myself in Nihongo?

The truth is, you don’t need perfect grammar to participate actively in class. By mastering a few practical phrases, you can feel confident and communicate smoothly from day one of your Nihongo class.

In this article, we introduce 25 essential phrases you can use from the start to the end of your online Japanese lessons. These phrases will help you greet your teacher, ask questions politely, practice naturally, and finish your lesson with confidence.

1. Why Practical Phrases Matter in a Japanese Language Class

In every Nihongo class, communication comes first. Simple expressions:

Build your confidence – You can interact in Japanese even as a beginner.
Show respect – Using greetings and polite forms is highly valued in Japanese culture.
Accelerate learning – Real conversations help you absorb grammar and vocabulary faster.

At JLRC, our online Japanese language classes emphasize active communication so that students experience Japanese in a real, practical way.

2. Essential Phrases for Beginners

Part 1: Beginning of the Lesson

はじめまして。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
→ “Nice to meet you. Please take care of me.”
おはようございます。
Ohayou gozaimasu.
→ “Good morning.”
こんにちは！
Konnichiwa!
→ “Hello / Good afternoon!”
こんばんは。
Konbanwa.
→ “Good evening.”
先生、きょうもよろしくお願いします。
Kyou mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
→ “Teacher, I look forward to working with you.”

Part 2: During the Lesson – Asking for Clarification

In an online Nihongo class, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

もういちど言ってください。
Mou ichido itte kudasai.
→ “Please say it again.”
ゆっくり話してください。
Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
→ “Please speak slowly.”
どういういみですか。
Dou iu imi desu ka?
→ “What does that mean?”
日本語で何と言いますか。
Nihongo de nan to iimasu ka?
→ “How do you say this in Japanese?”
もう一度説明して下さい。
Mou ichido setsumei shite kudasai.
→ “Please explain again.”

Part 3: Expressing Yourself

Make your Japanese language class interactive with these phrases:

はい、わかりました。
Hai, wakarimashita.
→ “Yes, I understood.”
いいえ、まだわかりません。
Iie, mada wakarimasen.
→ “No, I don’t understand yet.”
はい、終わりました。
Hai, owarimashita.
→ “Yes, done / finished.”
いいえ、まだ終わってません。
Iie, mada owattemasen.
→ “No, not yet done / finished.”
ちょっと待ってください。
Chotto matte kudasai.
→ “Please wait a moment.”
質問があります。
Shitsumon ga arimasu.
→ “I have a question.”
すみません、＿＿＿＿＿＿。
Sumimasen, ___________.
→ “Excuse me, ___________.”

Part 4: Sharing Feelings and Reactions

Show engagement during your Nihongo class with these expressions:

おもしろいです。
Omoshiroi desu.
→ “That’s interesting.”
むずかしいです。
Muzukashii desu.
→ “It’s difficult.”
すごいですね。
Sugoi desu ne.
→ “That’s amazing.”
本当ですか。
Hontou desu ka?
→ “Really?”

Part 5: Ending the Lesson

Close your Japanese language class politely and positively:

ありがとうございました。

Arigatou gozaimashita.
→ “Thank you very much.”
きょうのレッスンはとてもたのしかったです。

Kyou no ressun wa totemo tanoshikatta desu.
→ “Today’s lesson was very enjoyable.”
また来週・明日よろしくお願いします。

Mata raishuu / ashita yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
→ “See you next week / tomorrow, please take care of me again.”
これからもがんばります。

Kore kara mo ganbarimasu.
→ “I’ll keep doing my best.”

3. How JLRC Makes Your Nihongo Class Easier

At JLRC, we make sure even beginners feel comfortable:

Our Japanese language classes use original textbooks and methods proven for fast learning.
Our online Nihongo lessons are flexible, with systems like Leave of Absence and Class Transfer for busy learners.
Every student practices real communication from the very first class.

4. Final Thoughts

Starting your first Japanese language class may feel challenging, but remember—you don’t need perfect grammar to communicate. Even simple expressions like “Mou ichido itte kudasai” or “Arigatou gozaimashita” can build confidence, show respect, and create smoother communication during your Nihongo class.

These 25 practical phrases are small steps that lead to big progress. By using them in every online Japanese lesson, you’ll quickly gain confidence and develop habits that help in real-life situations—whether for study, work, or daily life in Japan.

At JLRC, we encourage all learners to speak from Day 1, because practical application of the language accelerates growth. So don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start using these phrases now, and you’ll discover that you are ready. With JLRC’s structured support and proven methods, learning Nihongo becomes not only possible, but also enjoyable and rewarding.

Begin your journey with JLRC’s online Japanese language classes today, and take your first step toward confident communication in Nihongo.