::..Licantropo Scuro..::[Version 4.1-Angel]

Here's the next set of words you are going to learn in Japanese. The are involved with introducing yourself, being polite, and leaving as is most of this lesson.

What's your name? - Namae wa nan desu ka?/Anata-no-namae nan desu ka?
Please - Douzo
Thank You - Arigatou Gozimasu
Good Morning - Ohayou Gozimasu
Good Evening - Konban wa

The phrase, "Namae wa nan desu ka" consists of Namae which means "name", nan(which can also be nani) which means "what", desu(which is pronounced as "des" with the "u" hardly heard) which means "is"(or as is said in the last set or keywords, "I am"), and wa which can basically mean, "as for". If you looked at the sentence now it would be like this: "Name as for what is" But that sounds odd, right? So instead, it would be switched around to "As for name what is it?"

"Anata-no-namae nan desu ka" means the same as "Namae wa nan desu ka" but in a different way. Anata means "you" and when no is added to it, it becomes "your". No is like a possessive word. Strictly, it means "of". The sentence means, literally, "Your name what is". Again, you'd have to switch it around(in your head) so that it would say, "What is your name?"

What is the ka? Ka just indicates a question, since in Japan, there is no sign for a question mark("?"). When you want a sentence to become a question, you add the ka.

A common mistake that foreigners make when in Japan is asking for someone elses name. It's more important that you introduce yourself rather than wait for the person to ask you it. It is considered more polite, so avoid asking for names at all costs. Also be aware that you should state your surname(last name) first then your first name.