24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Saying “I Speak a Little Japanese

Learning a new language can be a little intimidating at first.

Especially Japanese, with its unique scripts and sounds. But don’t worry—starting small is the best way to go.

Knowing how to say “I speak a little Japanese” opens so many doors for conversation and connection.

It’s a humble and friendly way to show you’re trying, and trust me, locals really appreciate the effort.

Plus, mastering this phrase is a perfect confidence boost for beginners and travelers alike.

So, let’s dive into 24 essential ways to say “I speak a little Japanese” that are easy, practical, and fun to learn!

Why Knowing How to Say “I Speak a Little Japanese” Matters

When you’re just starting out, this phrase is your best friend.

It sets the tone for patience and kindness from native speakers, making interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

It also shows your genuine interest, which is often more important than perfect grammar.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s a simple phrase that unlocks conversations and new friendships.

And the best part? It’s easy to personalize and adapt as your skills grow.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 少し日本語を話せます (すこし にほんご を はなせます) – Sukoshi Nihongo o Hanasemasu

This is the classic way to say “I speak a little Japanese.”

“少し (sukoshi)” means “a little,” “日本語 (nihongo)” means “Japanese language,” and “話せます (hanasemasu)” means “can speak.” It’s polite but not too formal, perfect for daily use.

It’s simple and straightforward, easy to remember for beginners.

Use it to introduce yourself in casual conversations.

Related phrase: “ちょっと話せます (chotto hanasemasu),” which also means “I can speak a little.”

Starting with this phrase shows you’re ready to engage, even if your vocabulary is small.

2. 日本語が少しできます (にほんご が すこし できます) – Nihongo ga Sukoshi Dekimasu

This phrase means “I can do a little Japanese.”

“できます (dekimasu)” means “can do,” which is a versatile verb. It’s easy to say and shows your ability without overcommitting.

Perfect for casual chats or when you’re still building confidence.

Be sure not to confuse this with “できますか” which is a question form meaning “can you?”

Example: “すみません、日本語が少しできます。” (Sumimasen, Nihongo ga sukoshi dekimasu.) “Excuse me, I can speak a little Japanese.”

This phrase is a great stepping stone toward more complex expressions.

3. 日本語、少し話せます (にほんご、すこし はなせます) – Nihongo, Sukoshi Hanasemasu

A slightly shorter version of the first phrase, omitting particles for casual speech.

This sounds more natural in relaxed settings and with friends.

Good for learners who want to sound less stiff but still clear.

Remember, dropping particles can sometimes confuse beginners, so use it when you’re comfortable.

It’s often followed by “でも、まだ勉強中です。” (Demo, mada benkyōchū desu.) “But I’m still studying.”

Try this when you want to sound friendly and approachable!

4. 少しだけ日本語を話せます (すこしだけ にほんご を はなせます) – Sukoshi Dake Nihongo o Hanasemasu

This phrase adds “だけ (dake)” meaning “only” or “just.”

It emphasizes that you speak only a small amount, which can invite patience from listeners.

It’s a gentle way to set expectations.

Don’t overuse it if you want to sound more confident though.

Example: “日本語は少しだけ話せます。” (Nihongo wa sukoshi dake hanasemasu.)

It’s great when you want to be humble about your skills.

5. ちょっとだけ日本語が話せます (ちょっとだけ にほんご が はなせます) – Chotto Dake Nihongo ga Hanasemasu

“ちょっと (chotto)” is very casual and means “a little” or “just a bit.”

Pairing it with “だけ (dake)” gives a friendly, humble tone.

It’s great for informal situations with friends or younger people.

Watch out: in some contexts “ちょっと” can also mean “excuse me” or “wait,” so intonation matters.

Example: “ちょっとだけ日本語が話せますけど、まだまだです。” (Chotto dake nihongo ga hanasemasu kedo, mada mada desu.) “I can speak just a little Japanese, but still have a long way to go.”

This phrase shows you’re open and honest about your level.

6. 日本語が少し話せます (にほんご が すこし はなせます) – Nihongo ga Sukoshi Hanasemasu

This is a simple variation using “が (ga)” as the subject particle, which is common in spoken Japanese.

It sounds natural and is easy to remember.

Very useful for everyday conversations.

Be careful not to mix it up with “は (wa),” which changes the nuance slightly.

Example: “日本語が少し話せます。” (Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.)

Start here for a smooth, polite introduction.

7. 少し日本語が話せます (すこし にほんご が はなせます) – Sukoshi Nihongo ga Hanasemasu

A switch in word order that still means “I can speak a little Japanese.”

Japanese word order can be flexible, but sticking to common patterns helps learners.

This one emphasizes “少し (a little)” upfront for clarity.

Perfect for emphasizing your limited skill in a polite way.

Helpful phrase to build your speaking confidence.

Try repeating it to get comfortable with the sounds.

8. 日本語は少しだけ話せます (にほんご は すこしだけ はなせます) – Nihongo wa Sukoshi Dake Hanasemasu

This phrase uses “は (wa)” as the topic particle to highlight “Japanese” first.

It’s a polite and clear way to show you can speak a little.

Great for conversations with new acquaintances or in more formal settings.

Remember, the “だけ (dake)” softens the statement to sound humble.

Example: “日本語は少しだけ話せますが、まだ勉強中です。” (Nihongo wa sukoshi dake hanasemasu ga, mada benkyōchū desu.) “I can speak just a little Japanese, but I’m still studying.”

Use this to express modesty while showing effort.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 日本語が少し話せますが、完璧ではありません (にほんご が すこし はなせます が、かんぺき では ありません) – Nihongo ga Sukoshi Hanasemasu ga, Kanpeki dewa Arimasen

This phrase means “I can speak a little Japanese, but it’s not perfect.”

It’s polite and honest, showing humility and respect.

Great for formal situations like business or official meetings.

Make sure to pronounce “完璧 (kanpeki)” clearly to convey “perfect.”

Example: “日本語が少し話せますが、完璧ではありません。よろしくお願いします。” (Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu ga, kanpeki dewa arimasen. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)

This phrase helps manage expectations politely.

10. 少しだけ日本語を話すことができます (すこしだけ にほんご を はなす こと が できます) – Sukoshi Dake Nihongo o Hanasu Koto ga Dekimasu

This is a very polite and formal way to say “I can speak just a little Japanese.”

Using “ことができます (koto ga dekimasu)” turns the verb into a noun phrase, making it more formal.

Ideal for interviews or formal introductions.

Remember not to shorten this phrase in formal settings for clarity.

Example: “私は少しだけ日本語を話すことができます。” (Watashi wa sukoshi dake nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.)

Use this when you want to sound respectful and clear.

11. 日本語が少し話せるようになりました (にほんご が すこし はなせる ように なりました) – Nihongo ga Sukoshi Hanaseru Yō ni Narimashita

This phrase means “I have come to be able to speak a little Japanese.”

It’s polite and emphasizes progress and improvement.

Great to share when someone asks about your language skills.

Don’t forget the “ようになりました (yō ni narimashita)” structure, which means “have come to be able to.”

Example: “最近、日本語が少し話せるようになりました。” (Saikin, nihongo ga sukoshi hanaseru yō ni narimashita.)

Use this to express your learning journey proudly yet politely.

12. 簡単な日本語が話せます (かんたんな にほんご が はなせます) – Kantan na Nihongo ga Hanasemasu

This means “I can speak simple Japanese.”

“簡単な (kantan na)” means “simple” or “easy,” which is a nice way to set realistic expectations.

Useful for polite conversations or when speaking with teachers.

Avoid using this phrase if you want to emphasize “a little” rather than “simple.”

Example: “簡単な日本語が話せますが、難しい話はまだです。” (Kantan na nihongo ga hanasemasu ga, muzukashii hanashi wa mada desu.)

This phrase is encouraging and honest.

13. 日本語がまだあまり上手ではありません (にほんご が まだ あまり じょうず では ありません) – Nihongo ga Mada Amari Jōzu dewa Arimasen

This means “My Japanese is not very good yet.”

It’s a humble and polite way to explain your level.

Great for polite conversations or formal settings.

“上手 (jōzu)” means “skillful” or “good at,” and “まだ (mada)” means “still.”

Example: “日本語がまだあまり上手ではありませんが、がんばっています。” (Nihongo ga mada amari jōzu dewa arimasen ga, ganbatte imasu.)

Use this to show your dedication and humility.

14. 少しだけ日本語を勉強しています (すこしだけ にほんご を べんきょう しています) – Sukoshi Dake Nihongo o Benkyō Shiteimasu

This means “I am studying a little Japanese.”

It’s a polite way to explain that you’re actively learning.

Good for social or formal introductions.

Make sure the “勉強しています (benkyō shiteimasu)” part is clear to show ongoing action.

Example: “最近、少しだけ日本語を勉強しています。” (Saikin, sukoshi dake nihongo o benkyō shiteimasu.)

This phrase invites encouragement from listeners.

15. 日本語が少し話せる程度です (にほんご が すこし はなせる ていど です) – Nihongo ga Sukoshi Hanaseru Teido desu

This means “My Japanese level is just enough to speak a little.”

“程度 (teido)” means “degree” or “level,” adding nuance to your skill description.

Perfect for polite or professional conversations.

Don’t confuse “程度 (teido)” with “程度のこと” which means “something of the degree.”

Example: “日本語が少し話せる程度です。” (Nihongo ga sukoshi hanaseru teido desu.)

It’s a polite way to set expectations clearly.

16. 日本語がまだ流暢ではありませんが、少し話せます (にほんご が まだ りゅうちょう では ありません が、すこし はなせます) – Nihongo ga Mada Ryūchō dewa Arimasen ga, Sukoshi Hanasemasu

This means “My Japanese is not fluent yet, but I can speak a little.”

“流暢 (ryūchō)” means “fluent,” so this phrase balances honesty with confidence.

Great for polite conversations and interviews.

Be sure to pronounce “流暢” clearly to avoid confusion.

Example: “日本語がまだ流暢ではありませんが、少し話せます。” (Nihongo ga mada ryūchō dewa arimasen ga, sukoshi hanasemasu.)

It’s a respectful way to express ongoing learning.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ちょっとだけ話せるよ (ちょっとだけ はなせる よ) – Chotto Dake Hanaseru yo

This is a very casual way to say “I can speak just a little.”

“よ (yo)” at the end adds a friendly, confident tone.

Perfect for chatting with friends or peers.

Don’t use this in formal situations.

Example: “日本語、ちょっとだけ話せるよ。” (Nihongo, chotto dake hanaseru yo.)

This phrase sounds natural and relaxed.

18. 日本語、ちょっとなら話せる (にほんご、ちょっと なら はなせる) – Nihongo, Chotto nara Hanaseru

This means “If it’s just a little, I can speak Japanese.”

“なら (nara)” means “if,” adding a casual condition.

It’s very native-like and informal.

Be cautious not to use it in formal or professional contexts.

Example: “日本語、ちょっとなら話せるよ。” (Nihongo, chotto nara hanaseru yo.)

Great for casual, friendly chats.

19. ちょっとだけわかる (ちょっとだけ わかる) – Chotto Dake Wakaru

This means “I understand a little.”

“わかる (wakaru)” means “to understand,” which is often easier than speaking when starting out.

Use this when you want to let someone know you get the gist but can’t respond fully.

Don’t confuse it with “わかりません (wakarimasen)” which means “I don’t understand.”

Example: “日本語はちょっとだけわかる。” (Nihongo wa chotto dake wakaru.)

This phrase helps you stay in the conversation even if speaking is tough.

20. 日本語、少しなら話せるかも (にほんご、すこし なら はなせる かも) – Nihongo, Sukoshi nara Hanaseru Kamo

This means “I might be able to speak a little Japanese.”

“かも (kamo)” expresses possibility, adding a humble nuance.

Great for expressing uncertainty politely.

Be careful not to sound too unsure in situations requiring confidence.

Example: “日本語、少しなら話せるかも。” (Nihongo, sukoshi nara hanaseru kamo.)

Use this to sound honest while showing willingness.

21. ちょっとだけ話せるんだ (ちょっとだけ はなせるんだ) – Chotto Dake Hanaserunda

This is a casual way to say “I can speak just a little.”

“んだ (nda)” adds an explanatory tone, making it sound more natural.

Perfect for informal conversations with friends.

Avoid this in formal or polite situations.

Example: “日本語、ちょっとだけ話せるんだ。” (Nihongo, chotto dake hanaserunda.)

Use this to sound friendly and relatable.

22. ちょっと話せるだけ (ちょっと はなせる だけ) – Chotto Hanaseru Dake

This phrase means “I can only speak a little.”

It’s a humble, straightforward way to explain your skill.

Works well in casual settings.

Don’t confuse the word order to avoid misunderstandings.

Example: “日本語はちょっと話せるだけです。” (Nihongo wa chotto hanaseru dake desu.)

It’s a simple phrase that keeps expectations clear.

23. 日本語、まだまだだけど話せるよ (にほんご、まだまだ だけど はなせる よ) – Nihongo, Madamada Dakedo Hanaseru yo

This means “My Japanese is still not great, but I can speak.”

“まだまだ (madamada)” means “still a long way to go,” adding humility.

“だけど (dakedo)” means “but,” balancing honesty with positivity.

Perfect for encouraging conversations with friends.

Example: “日本語、まだまだだけど話せるよ。” (Nihongo, madamada dakedo hanaseru yo.)

This phrase shows your friendly and humble spirit.

24. 少しだけど日本語で話せるよ (すこし だけど にほんご で はなせる よ) – Sukoshi Dakedo Nihongo de Hanaseru yo

This means “Although it’s just a little, I can speak Japanese.”

“だけど (dakedo)” again adds a gentle contrast, and “で (de)” marks the language.

It sounds natural and warm, perfect for casual chats.

Don’t drop particles in formal situations.

Example: “少しだけど日本語で話せるよ。” (Sukoshi dakedo nihongo de hanaseru yo.)

Use this to sound friendly and honest with native speakers.

Concluding Thought

Mastering these phrases is like having a key to open new cultural doors.

Each variation helps you express your language level honestly and warmly, inviting connection and kindness.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember that every little step in Japanese is a step toward a richer experience.