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Saying no
The Japanese are famously reluctant to say the word "no", and in fact the language's closest equivalent, いいえ iie, is largely limited to denying compliments you have received. ("Your Japanese is excellent! "Iie, it is very bad!"). But there are numerous other ways of expressing "no", so here are a few to watch out for.
いいです。 結構です。 Ii desu. Kekkō desu.
"It's good/excellent." Used when you don't want more beer, don't want your bentō lunch microwaved, and generally are happy to keep things as they are.
ちょっと難しいです･･･ Chotto muzukashii desu...
Literally "it's a little difficult", but practically "it's completely impossible." Often just abbreviated to sucking in air through teeth, saying "chotto" and looking pained. Take the hint.
申し訳ないですけど･･･ Mōshiwakenai desukedo...
"This is inexcusable but..." But no. Used by sales clerks and such to tell you that you cannot do or have something.
駄目です。 Dame desu.
"It's no good." Used by equals and superiors to tell you that you cannot do or have something.
Hello.
こんにちは。 Konnichiwa. (kon-nee-chee-WAH)
How are you?
お元気ですか。 O-genki desu ka? (oh-GEN-kee dess-KAH?)
Fine, thank you.
元気です。 Genki desu. (GEN-kee dess)
What is your name?
お名前は何ですか。 O-namae wa nan desu ka? (oh-NAH-mah-eh wah NAHN dess-KAH?)
My name is ____ .
私の名前は ____ です。 Watashi no namae wa ____ desu. (wah-TAH-shee no nah-mah-eh wa ____ dess)
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