(Graphic illustration by Stripes Japan)

Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.

“Kon-ya wa kaisha no bonenkai desu.” = Tonight is the company’s end of year party.

“Izakaya wo yoyaku shimashita.” = I made a reservation at a Japanese pub.

“Ichinenkan otsukaresama deshita!” = Thanks for your hard work throughout a year.

“Toriaezu nama!” = I’ll just start off with a draft beer for now.

“Biiru no okawari wo kudasai.” = Will you give me another glass of beer?

“Nomihodai desu.” = it’s all you can drink.

“Enmo takenawa desuga.” = Let’s start winding the party down.

“Rainen mo ganbarimasho!” = Let’s make the coming year a good one.

“Kanpai” = cheers

“Okawari” = have another one

“Okanjyo” = check