Japanese is one of the most difficult languages to master but is a language filled with beautiful poetry, metaphors and history deep in its roots. The complexity of Japanese may be daunting for everyone, from the novice leaning how to write hiragana and katakana, to the seasoned veteran studying for the JLPT N1 and beyond. While I know that many may not strive for 100% fluency, putting time and effort into studying Japanese can really be a benefit while you’re on the JET Programme.
Basic Phrases for the Teachers' Lounge
The Japanese work place is probably vastly different from your familiar working environment and has a different set of rules and etiquette, both spoken and unspoken. It takes a lot to master; even 5th year ALTs may struggle from time to time. We hope that in this section you will have a little knowledge of the work place and what awaits you before your first introduction, that being said, this section is aimed at giving you some basic phrases and sayings that will make sure you don’t step on someone’s toes colloquially, as well as basic manners and the do’s and don’ts of the work place.
Phrases
Ø You→Subordinate Otsukaresama! OK!
Ø You→Boss, Superior Otsukaresama-deshita! NO!
Helpful Words:
職員室 (shokuinn shitsu ) - staff room
会議 (kaigi) - meeting
はんこ (hanko) - name stamp
給食 (kyuushoku) - school lunch
出張 (shuuchou) - business trip
年休 (nenkyuu ) - annual paid leave
病休 (byoukyuu) - sick leave
授業 (jyugyou) - class
Phrases
- おはようございます (ohayo- gozaimasu) Good morning
- ありがとうございます (arigato gozaimasu) Thank you very much.
- 宜しくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu) 'Please', or 'thank you in advance' are two good ways to translate this phrase
- お世話になります(o seiwaninarimasu) Thank you for taking care of me
- お疲れ様です ( otsukaresamdesu (deshita) “でした” Thanks for the hard work
Ø You→Subordinate Otsukaresama! OK!
Ø You→Boss, Superior Otsukaresama-deshita! NO!
- お先に失礼します (o saki ni shitureshimasu) Excuse me, I'm leaving before you
Helpful Words:
職員室 (shokuinn shitsu ) - staff room
会議 (kaigi) - meeting
はんこ (hanko) - name stamp
給食 (kyuushoku) - school lunch
出張 (shuuchou) - business trip
年休 (nenkyuu ) - annual paid leave
病休 (byoukyuu) - sick leave
授業 (jyugyou) - class