There are two types of Japanese: formal Japanese and informal Japanese.
Formal Japanese is used in conversations with superiors or people you are not very close to, in business situations, and in official situations. It is characterized by polite and formal expressions.
Informal Japanese is used in conversations with close friends and in everyday situations. It often uses casual expressions and abbreviations, and has a more relaxed atmosphere than formal Japanese.
Specific examples include the following:
Expressions Formal Japanese Informal Japanese
Greetings; Hello. Nice to meet you. Hi. Nice to meet you.
Thanks: Thank you. Thank you.
Request; Please. Beg.
Question: I don’t know. I don’t know.
Words to refer to oneself: I, boku, watashi
Words to refer to the other person: you, you, you
When foreigners learn Japanese
When foreigners learn Japanese, it is recommended that they start by learning without distinguishing between formal and informal Japanese.
This is because it is important to thoroughly learn the basics, such as grammar and vocabulary.
Once you have acquired a certain level of Japanese proficiency, try to use formal and informal Japanese appropriately depending on the situation.
This is something that native Japanese speakers do on a daily basis.
summary
There are two types of Japanese: formal Japanese and informal Japanese.
When foreigners learn Japanese, it is recommended that they start by learning without distinguishing between formal and informal Japanese.
Once you have acquired a certain level of ability in Japanese, try to use them appropriately according to the situation.