Polite requests, formal introductions, and courtesy phrases.
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すみません
Excuse me, sir / miss (Japanese rarely uses sir/miss — すみません alone is enough to flag a stranger.)
お水を取ってくれますか
Can you pass me the water? (取る (toru) = take/grab. くれる = do (for me).)
塩を取ってくれますか
Can you pass me the salt? (塩 (shio) = salt.)
手伝っていただけますか
Would you mind helping me? (〜ていただけますか = humble request form. Very polite ask.)
お水を一杯ください
I'd like a glass of water (一杯 (ippai) = one cup/glass. 杯 is the counter for cup-like servings.)
写真を撮ってくれますか
Could you take a picture for me? (写真 = 写 (copy) + 真 (truth) — 'copied truth'. 撮る (toru) = take (photo).)
初めまして。〜と申します
I don't think we've met. My name is… (申す (mousu) = humble 'to say' — 'I am called X'. More formal than です.)
友達を紹介させてください
I'd like to introduce a friend to you (紹介 (shoukai) = introduction. させてください = causative + please = 'please let me ~'.)
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Scan the QR-Code with your phone camera to unlock this phraseset in the app.
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