Keigo
A key characteristic of the Japanese Language is keigo (honorific language). Keigo is not exclusively a Japanese language trait, but can be found throughout Asian languages. Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Burmese and Javanese all have their form of keigo.
A particular trait of keigo is using exalted references for others, and more humble terms for oneself. One must watch their usage of keigo, for if it is used in the wrong context it can be insulting to the recipient, and may denote a lack of culture or intelligence in the speaker. One most moderate keigo dependent upon to whom one speaks. One would exalt one's employer, but speak modestly of other heads of companies. For a foreigner, proper use of keigo may be very rewarding and open many doors.
The difference between written language and conversational language in Japanese is much greater than in English. Japanese letters often use classical grammar patterns which are seldom used in conversation. Although there are no particular rules when writing to close friends, there are many set expressions and honorific expressions (keigo) used in formal letters. A conversational style is not usually used when writing formal letters.
Opening and Closing Words
The opening and closing words in letters, which are similar to English's "Dear" and "Sincerely" etc., come in pairs.
Haikei (拝啓) - Keigu (敬具)
The most common pair used in formal letters. Women sometimes use "Kashiko(かしこ)" as a closing word instead of "Keigu."
Zenryaku (前略) - Sousou (草々)
This pair is less formal. It is usually used when you don't have time to write a long letter, so that the preliminary greetings are omitted. "Zenryaku" literally means, "omitting the preliminary remarks."
Preliminary Greetings
Ogenki de irasshaimasu ka. (very formal)
お元気でいらっしゃいますか。
Have you been doing well?
Ogenki desu ka.
お元気ですか。
Have you been doing well?
Ikaga osugoshi de irasshaimasu ka. (very formal)
いかがお過ごしでいらっしゃいますか。
How have you been?
Ikaga osugoshi desu ka.
いかがお過ごしですか。
How have you been?
Okagesama de genki ni shite orimasu. (very formal)
おかげさまで元気にしております。
Fortunately I'm doing well.
Kazoku ichidou genki ni shite orimasu.
家族一同元気にしております。
The whole family is doing well.
Otegami arigatou gozaimashita.
お手紙ありがとうございました。
Thank you for your letter.
Nagai aida gobusata shite orimashite moushiwake gozaimasen. (very formal)
長い間ご無沙汰しておりまして申し訳ございません。
I apologize for neglecting to write for such a long time.
Gobusata shite orimasu.
ご無沙汰しております。
I'm sorry I haven't written for a long time.
These expressions or seasonal greetings can be combined in a variety of ways to form the preliminary greeting. The Japanese have long admired the seasonal changes, therefore it seems too abrupt to start a letter without the proper seasonal greeting. Here are some examples.
Gobusata shite orimasu ga, ogenki de irasshaimasu ka.
ご無沙汰しておりますが、お元気でいらっしゃいますか。
I'm sorry I haven't written for a long time, but have you been doing well?
Sukkari aki rashiku natte mairimashita ga, ikaga osugoshi de irasshaimasu ka.
すっかり秋らしくなってまいりましたが、いかがお過ごしでいらっしゃいますか。
It has become very autumn like; how have you been?
Samui hi ga tsuzuite orimasu ga, ikaga osugoshi desu ka.
寒い日が続いておりますが、いかがお過ごしですか。
Cold days continue; how have you been?
Final Greetings
Douka yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
どうかよろしくお願いします。
Kindly look after this matter for me.
~ ni yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.
~によろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to ~.
Minasama ni douzo yoroshiku.
皆様にどうぞよろしく。
Please give my regards to everyone.
Okarada o taisetsu ni.
お体を大切に。
Please take care of yourself.
Douzo ogenki de.
どうぞお元気で。
Take care of yourself.
Ohenji omachi shite orimasu.
お返事お待ちしております。
I look forward to hearing from you.
Japanese weekday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmbOtalEJls&feature=relmfu
(romaji) In kanji Kanji meaning Planet Planet in Japanese
Monday Getsuyōbi 月曜日 The moon The moon Tsuki (月)
Tuesday Kayōbi 火曜日 Fire Mars Kasei (火星)
Wednesday Suiyōbi 水曜日 Water Mercury Suisei (水星)
Thursday Mokuyōbi 木曜日 Wood; tree Jupiter Mokusei (木星)
Friday Kin'yōbi 金曜日 Metal; gold Venus Kinsei (金星)
Saturday Doyōbi 土曜日 Earth, soil Saturn Dosei (土星)
Sunday Nichiyōbi 日曜日 Sun The sun hi (日); taiyō (太陽)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiragana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katakana
http://www.kanjisite.com/html/start/jlpt/2/all/index.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2050.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2046.html
http://jaccc.culturalnews.net/word.html
http://japanese.about.com/od/basickanji/Basic_Kanji_Kanji_Lesson.htm
sito japones
http://www.rarejob.com/?gclid=CKPIi9mH-KMCFQwIswodnT34Hg
http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6407 japanese translator