Speakin' Japanese: Bonenkai babble

“Bonenkai,” or end of year parties, are very popular Japan. Bonenkai usually take place between the end of November till the end of December. It could be with your co-workers or with your friends. It’s a great way to get to drink, eat and be merry. Bonenkai at usually held at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) or restaurant.  

“Bonenkai ni ikimasuka?” = Are you going to the bonenkai?
 (“____ ni ikimasuka?” = are you going to ___?)

“Hai, ikimasu” = Yes, I am going.

“Iie, ikimasen” = No, I am not going.

“Kyo wa kaisha no bonenkai desu.” = Today is the company’s end of year party.

“Konshuumatsu wa tomodachi no bonenkai desu.” = This weekend is my friend’s end of year party.
    (“Kyo wa _____” = Today is______  )
    (“Konshumatsu wa ____” = This weekend is _____ )

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

“Ichinenkan otsukaresama deshita.” = Thanks for your hard work throughout a year.
    (“Ichinenkan” = a year)
    (“Otsukaresama deshita” = This phrase is mostly used in work places to show appreciation and to greet your fellow workers.)

“Kotoshi wa isogashi katta desuka?” = Was it busy this year?
    (“issogashi katta desuka?” = Was it busy?)

“Totemo isogashi katta desu.” = It was very busy.

“Rainen mo ganbarimasho!” = Let’s make the coming year a good one.
    (“rainen” = next year)
    (“ganbarimasho” = Let’s make it good one.)

“Kanpai” = cheers

“Yopparai” = drunkard

“Okawari” = have another one

“Okanjyo” = check