Polite Japanese for Kids: Simple Phrases to Be Kind and Respectful
Teaching polite expressions helps kids show kindness and respect in any language. In Japanese, simple endings like ～です (desu) and ～ます (masu), plus magic words such as ありがとう (arigatō, thank you), open doors to polite conversation. These friendly phrases fit into daily life—mealtime, greetings, and play—so children learn manners naturally.
Essential Polite Phrases
Introduce one phrase at a time, modeling both the words and a gentle bow or smile:
- こんにちは (konnichiwa, hello) – a polite daytime greeting.
- おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu, good morning) – formal “good morning”
- ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu, thank you very much) – polite thanks
- すみません (sumimasen, excuse me/I’m sorry) – say to get attention or apologize.
- ごめんなさい (gomen nasai, I’m sorry) – heartfelt apology.
- よろしくおねがいします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu, please treat me well) – used when meeting or asking a favor
Each term uses the ～ます and ～です forms of simple polite speech, a respectful choice for talking to everyone from friends to teachers.
Activities & Games
Flashcard Courtesy
Make cards with one phrase each. Shuffle and place face down. Children take turns flipping a card, reading the phrase aloud—「ありがとうございます！」—and doing a bow or hand heart. This turns gratitude into a game.
Role-Play Restaurant
Set up a “cafe” corner with play food. Kids practice すみません to order, ありがとう to thank, and ごちそうさまでした after “eating.” This immersive play builds real-world confidence.
Practice Corner
Keep a “Polite Jar” by the door. Each morning, draw a phrase card. Challenge everyone to use that expression at least three times before bedtime—at breakfast, in goodbye hugs, or when asking for help.
After your polite-speech games, open Dinolingo for quick follow-up lessons on manners. A single family plan unlocks over 50 languages and 40 000+ activities—animated etiquette videos, phrase-matching games, and surprise badges—designed for ages 2–5, 6–10, and 11–14. Parents track progress on a clean, ad-free dashboard while kids earn rewards for each polite phrase mastered.
Final Thoughts
Kindness shines through simple words. By practicing greetings, thanks, and apologies in Japanese—woven into games, role-play, and daily routines—children absorb manners with joy. Pair these friendly exercises with Dinolingo’s interactive follow-ups, and you’ll see their polite Japanese blossom every day.
Sources
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