Pronouncing Japanese words can be easy with a little bit of help: the syllables a, i, u, e, o (and ka, ku, ke, ko, etc) are pronounced as in "Ah, we soon get old." The last syllable is often silent, e.g. 'desu' (is/are) is pronounced 'des.' Following are the polite forms of useful phrases. And remember: there's no such thing as being too polite in Japan.

English	Japanese translation
No, thank you	Iie, kekko desu
Thank you	Arigato gozaimasu
You're welcome	Do itashi mashite
Hello (good day)	Konnichiwa
Hello (good evening)	Konbanwa
Goodbye	Sayonara
See you later	Ja, mata
OK	Daijobu desu
I don't understand	Wakarimasen
How are you?	O-genki, desu ka?
I'm fine	E, okage samade
Please (offering something)	Dozo
Please (give/do this)	Kudasai
Please (I make a request)	Onegai shimasu
Where is - ?	- wa doku desu ka?
How much is - ?	- wa ikura desu ka?
What's this called?	Kore wa nan-to iimasu ka?
Please bring the bill	O-kanjo onegai shimase
I'm just looking	Ima miru dake desu
Help!	Tasukete!
Watch out!	Ki o tsukete?
Call the police!	Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!
Counting in Japanese