Phrasebook
Everyday Uchinaaguchi phrases β greetings, courtesy, and a few sayings β you can actually use with family and friends. Search, or browse by situation.
A small, honest start. Every phrase here is awaiting review by a fluent speaker, and real Okinawan audio is coming. This list grows as speakers and the community contribute.
Greetings
Haisai π audio coming
Hello (said by men)
Casual, everyday greeting.
Haitai π audio coming
Hello (said by women)
Casual, everyday greeting.
Chuu uganabira π audio coming
Good day (polite greeting)
More formal than haisai/haitai.
Mensoore π audio coming
Welcome
Often seen welcoming visitors to Okinawa.
Yutasarugutu unigeesabira π audio coming
Nice to meet you / please treat me kindly
Polite self-introduction.
Courtesy & feeling
Nifee deebiru π audio coming
Thank you
Common expression of gratitude.
Ichariba choodee π audio coming
Once we meet, we are family
A cherished saying of Okinawan hospitality.
Ganjuu yami? π audio coming
Are you well? / How are you?
Ganjuu means healthy, strong.
Basics: yes, no, understanding
Uu π audio coming
Yes
Aran π audio coming
No / it is not
Wakaran π audio coming
I don't understand
Useful while learning.
Eating
Kamee! π audio coming
Eat up! / Let's eat
Warm invitation to a meal.
Maasan π audio coming
Delicious
Sayings
Nankuru naisa π audio coming
It will all work out somehow
An iconic Okinawan expression of optimism and resilience.
No matches. Try a different word.