While I would hardly label myself an expert, I've gained some knowledge of basic Japanese, and used a spattering of it here and there in my fanfics. I've tried to list every word I've used, but if you come across one on my pages that you don't see defined, let me know and I'll explain it to you, as well as update my site. Arigato!
Japanese didn't originally use Latin letters, so there are multiple ways of writing Japanese using Latin letters (romanji). Most words can be sounded out to a reasonable degree of accuracy, but if you want more information, try the Pronunciation Guide.
| Japanese | English |
| anou | comparable to English's "ummmmmm..." or "excuse me..." |
| arigato (gozaimasu) | Thank you (more formal) |
| baka |
idiot or fool It's the same as in English. It's often used in teasing or arguments between friends |
| ginzuishou | silver crystal |
| gomen (nasai) | I'm sorry (more formal) |
| hai |
Yes, aknowledgement, here you are |
| (i)ie | No (more emphatic) |
| kami-sama | god, usually a Shinto animistic god |
| konbanwa | Good evening |
| konnichiwa | Good afternoon |
| kurozuishou | black crystal |
| miko | priestess or maiden |
| minna | everyone, everything |
| moshi moshi | telephone greeting |
| nani | what |
| obaa-chan (obaa-san) | grandmother (more polite)* |
| odango (atama) |
dumpling (head) This is used to mock Usagi's hairstyle |
| ohayo | good morning, hello |
| ojii-chan (ojii-san) | grandfather (more polite)* |
| (o)kaa-chan (okaa-san) | mother (more polite)* |
| (o)nee-chan (onee-san) | older sister (more polite)* |
| (o)nii-chan (onii-san) | older brother (more polite)* |
| (o)tou-chan (otou-san) | father (more polite)* |
| oyasumi (nasai) | good night (more polite) |
| sensei | teacher, doctor, lawyer |
| senshi | warrior, soldier |