yatta (I did it!)
Say yatta (やった) when you accomplish something big or receive a great opportunity. Passing a difficult test, getting the job you wanted, or winning the lottery all qualify as yatta material.
Honto (Really)
Say honto (ほんとう) to confirm what you just heard. Suppose your colleague tells you that she's marrying your boss. Respond to the news by saying honto. You can use honto in a lot of situations because unbelievable things happen every day.
A, so desu ka (Really)
Say a, so desu ka (あーそうですか) every time your conversational partner provides a new piece of information. Be sure to nod as you say this expression. If you talk casually with a Japanese person, you may use this phrase 200 times in an hour.
Mochiron (Of course!)
Use this adverb when you're 100 percent confident in your opinion. If you were a married man, how would you answer this question from your wife: "Would you marry me if you had a chance to do it all over again?" Don't think about it; just say mochiron (もっちろん).
A, yokatta (Oh, good)
Say a, yokatta (あーよかった) every time you feel like saying "What a relief" or "Oh, good." If you're a worrier, you may say it ten times a day.
Zenzen (Not at all)
Zenzen (ぜんぜん) is the phrase of denial. Suppose someone asks you, "Am I disturbing you?" If she isn't bothering you, say zenzen and shake your head.
Nani (What?)
Say nani (なに) when you don't hear or understand what the other person said. You can also say nani when you can't believe or don't like what you hear.
Doshiyo (What shall I do?)
Say doshiyo (どうしよう) when you're in a panic and have no idea what to do. You can repeat it over and over while you try to think of a solution.
A, bikkurishita (What a surprise!)
Say a, bikkurishita (あーびっくりした) when you're very surprised.
yappari (I knew it Would happen)
Sometimes you have a vague suspicion that something will happen, and then it actually happens. At times like that, say yappari (やっぱり).
