Learning Japanese for the beginner can be a little overwhelming and a bit of a chore. Even when learning to speak Japanese, it should not be a chore or a complicated matter. And it's not a surprise considering that Japanese has three alphabet systems (kanji, hiragana, and katakana) as well as a huge system of grammar in which politeness and formality are the essence of Japanese expression (plain, simple polite, and advanced polite).

To get you started, here are just some of the basic Japanese you will be learning and using throughout your Japanese language learning and practice (as well as beyond):

Hai = Yes

Wakarimasen = I don't understand

Zenzen = Never or it was nothing.

Ii desu ne = That's a good idea.

Gambatte = Good luck! Do your best!

Yookoso = Welcome.

Dame = Wrong; don't do that

Taihen desu ne = That's hard. It's difficult.

Kanashii = I'm sad.

Kanpai! = Cheers! Bottoms up!

Doko desu ka? = Where is it?

Ikura? = How much?

Oishii = Delicious; tasty

Tasukete kudasai = Help; Please help me

Genki desu = I'm fine.

Iie, kekkoudesu. = No, thank you.

Moo ichido itte kudasai = Please say again.

Koko ni kaite kudasai = Please write it here.

Subarashii! = Excellent.

Toire wa doko desu ka? = Where is the restroom/toilet?

Eigo o hanshimasuka? = Do you speak English?

You will be able to find and use some of these phrases every day or with your Japanese friends to form a bond with them. In fact, most expressions that you learn in the classroom, on a website, or just via independent study are used in everyday life and conversations, so it is best to memorize them if you can. If you're still unsure, there are plenty of resources out there to help you out with pronunciation and explanations.

Even if you use broken Japanese or think that you're not worthy enough to even use the language, there's no need to worry. If a Japanese person sees you trying to speak to them and use their language, they will feel close to you and will try to help you as much as possible, even pointing you in the right direction in case you are lost.

Remember: The more you practice these simple Japanese phrases or other more complicated Japanese phrases, the better you will sound, especially if you want to speak like a native speaker.