In Japan, politeness is the most important quality a person can have about them. Between bowing, insanely long phrases, and even more bowing, it all can be very confusing. Whether you're trying to learn the language, plan on visiting Japan, or for whatever reason- here are some important phrases/tips.
お～－"o" A lot of times, words will have this character in front of it to show politeness/formality. Like お茶、(ocha) which is tea.
いただきますー "itadakimasu" (ee-tah-dah-key-mah-sue). This is a very basic phrase used before you eat. It literally translates to "thank you for the food," but everyone at the table says it, almost in a way where it's kind of like a prayer... only you're not specifically thanking a god. You're just showing thanks that you have something to eat.
失礼しますー "shitsureishimasu" (shet-su-rlay-she-mah-sue). This phrase basically means goodbye in Japanese. It's similar to さようなら (sayounara), but is MUCH more polite. When encountering someone who is not a close friend, it's better that you use 失礼します。Not only is it polite, but it's impressive to natives when an outsider uses it instead of the phrase everyone already knows, sayonara.
行ってまいりますー "ittemairimasu" (ee-te-my-lri-mah-sue). This phrase is used when you are leaving your home. It's similar to when you're leaving, and you yell into your house "I'm leaving now." before you actually go. Pretty simple.
いってらしゃいー "itterashai" (ee-te-lra-shy). This is the response to 行ってまいります. It's an acknowledgement to the person who is leaving the house. You're basically saying "Okay, be safe," in a sense.
ただいまー "tadaima" (tah-dah-ee-mah). This phrase is used when you return home.
おかえりなさいー okaerinasai (oh-kah-eh-lri-nah-seye). This is said in response to tadaima. "Welcome home!"
ありがとうございますー "arigatou gozaimasu" (ah-lri-gah-toe go-za-ee-mah-sue). With this one, you should be at least familiar with the first word. "domo arigato Mr. Roboto" right? Then you're probably questioning the gozaimasu part. Gozaimasu is tagged on at the end of some phrases/words to make them more polite. Similar to お。If you want to be REALLY formal, add domo to the beginning of it. That's saying "Thank you very much"
