Japanese Phrases for Talking to Neighbors
Greet, apologize, and handle everyday situations — like a good neighbor.
A quick greeting goes a long way in Japan. Neighbors notice who says hello and who doesn't, and it affects how they treat you when something goes wrong. Whether you just moved in or need to sort out a noise issue, knowing a few set phrases makes the whole relationship easier. You don't have to be best friends — just polite and consistent.
Greetings
隣に引っ越してきました。よろしくお願いします。
Tonari ni hikkoshite kimashita. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
I just moved in next door. Nice to meet you.
おはようございます。いい天気ですね。
Ohayou gozaimasu. Ii tenki desu ne.
Good morning. Nice weather, isn't it?
いつもお世話になっています。
Itsumo osewa ni natte imasu.
Thank you for always being so kind.
お出かけですか?
Odekake desu ka?
Heading out?
Common Situations
すみません、昨日の夜うるさくしてしまって。
Sumimasen, kinou no yoru urusakushite shimatte.
Sorry about the noise last night.
ゴミの出し方がわからないのですが、教えてもらえますか?
Gomi no dashikata ga wakaranai no desu ga, oshiete moraemasu ka?
I'm not sure how to sort the garbage — could you show me?
回覧板を回しますね。
Kairanban wo mawashimasu ne.
I'll pass the notice board along.
何かあったらいつでも言ってください。
Nanika attara itsudemo itte kudasai.
Let me know if anything comes up.
少しの間、留守にします。
Sukoshi no aida, rusu ni shimasu.
I'll be away for a little while.
Seasonal & Community
今年もよろしくお願いします。
Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Looking forward to another good year. (New Year greeting)
町内会の集まりは何時からですか?
Chounai kai no atsumari wa nanji kara desu ka?
What time does the neighborhood meeting start?
お裾分けです。よかったらどうぞ。
Osusowake desu. Yokattara douzo.
A little something to share. Please have some.
台風の時はお互い気をつけましょう。
Taifuu no toki wa otagai ki wo tsukemashou.
Let's both be careful when the typhoon comes.
引っ越しの挨拶に来ました。これ、つまらないものですが。
Hikkoshi no aisatsu ni kimashita. Kore, tsumaranai mono desu ga.
I came to introduce myself after moving in. This is just a small gift.
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