Before you set off on your adventure in Japan, you might want to consider learning a few basic Japanese phrases. It may be easy to think you can get around places without speaking Japanese, or you might think Japanese can understand some English. However, taking the time to learn a few Japanese words will definitely uncover a whole new experience.
It is not just about being able to order food or ask for directions—it is about connecting with people and communicate with them with your own words.
The effort you put in will show locals that you respect their culture and your interest in learning their culture, and in return, you might find yourself having more authentic, memorable experience while you are travelling in Japan!
1. Greetings and Basic Courtesies
In Japan, politeness and respect are at the very basic core of people’s daily interactions. When you greet someone or engage in conversation with Japanese people, showing respect through your tone and language is super essential. Here we will show you some basic but important greetings and courtesies to get you started:
1.1 Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good Afternoon
This is one of the most common greetings in Japan. It is used from around late morning until the evening. You can use it as a simple greeting when meeting someone for the first time or when you enter a store or restaurant. Saying KONNICHIWA is also considered as being polite. You would not use it between closest friends but it is used between people with well maintained distance, for example, greeting your neighbour, teacher, and managers from your workplace, but with warmth and friendliness.
1.2 Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good Morning
This is a polite way to greet someone in the morning, until before noon. You’ll hear this from shopkeepers, hotel staff, and others offering services early in the day.
1.3 Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good Evening
Use this greeting in the evening, usually after the sun has set. This is also a polite way to greet people and this would not be used between close friends.
1.4 Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much (polite)
When expressing gratitude, this is the very standard phrase used in Japanese. Japanese culture values politeness, and saying “thank you” in a sincere manner will always be appreciated. You can shorten it to just “Arigatou” in more casual settings.
1.5 Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / Sorry
This phrase serves many purposes. It can be used to grab someone’s attention, apologize, or even to thank someone. It is an essential part of Japanese social etiquette.
1.6 Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) – “I’m sorry”
If you’ve made a mistake or accidentally bumped into someone, this is the phrase to use. It’s polite and sincere, suitable for most situations. In between close friends you can also use casual version of this phrase – “GOMEN” or “GOMEN NE”.
1.7 Onegaishimasu (お願いします) – “Please”
This phrase is used when making a request, like asking for something in a restaurant, store, or office. If you’re ordering food or a drink, or even asking for assistance, this is the polite way to say “please.”
2. Getting Around
Japan’s transportation system is known to be extremely efficient and very well structured, however, it may also be overwhelming as the city is enormous. Indeed, there are over 9000 train stations across Japan with extensive rail networks throughout the large cities to smaller, rational stations. Knowing these Japanese phrases while navigating Japan will make your experience much easier and more enjoyable.
2.1 Eki wa doko desu ka? (駅はどこですか?) – Where is the station?
If you’re in need of directions to a train or subway station, this is an essential phrase. People in Japan are generally very helpful and will be happy to point you in the right direction.
2.2 Kono densha wa [destination] ni ikimasu ka? (この電車は[destination]に行きますか?) – Does this train go to [destination]?
If you’re unsure whether the train you’re boarding goes to your desired destination, ask this question. Fill in the destination name to get clarification.
2.3 [destination] made ikura desu ka? ([destination]までいくらですか?) – How much to [destination]?
This phrase will help you inquire about the fare for a bus, train, or taxi ride. Be sure to know the name of your destination, or show it written in Japanese to avoid confusion.
2.4 Kore wa [destination] no chikaku desu ka? (これは[destination]の近くですか?) – Is this near [destination]?
When asking about proximity to famous landmarks or your hotel, use this phrase. It’s useful when you’re not sure how close you are to your desired location.
3. Eating Out
Eating out in Japan is a unique cultural experience which offers an opportunity to explore Japan’s rich culinary traditions. From high-end Japanese restaurants to local cafes and food stalls, understanding a few essential Japanese phrases can make your dining experience memorable during your Japan trip. In this guide, we’ve gathered useful Japanese phrases for travelers to help navigate Japan’s restaurant menus, order food with confidence, and communicate easily with staff. Whether you’re trying sushi, ramen, or street food, these phrases will make your journey through Japan’s food scene even more enjoyable. Start your adventure and dive into the world-renowned flavors of Japanese cuisine!
3.1 Menyū o kudasai (メニューをください) – Can I have a menu please?
This is a helpful Japanese phrase to ask for the menu when you first sit down at a restaurant in Japan.
3.2 Kore o onegai shimasu (これをください) – I'll have this please.
When pointing to a dish on the menu or display, use this Japanese phrase to indicate your choice.
3.3 Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？) – What do you recommend?
If you’re unsure what to order in a Japanese restaurant, asking for a recommendation is a great way to discover popular dishes.
3.4 Omizu o kudasai (お水をください) – Can I have some water please.
Water is often served on request free in many Japanese restaurants. But you can use this phrase to ask for water. You can also use this phrase with “SU-MI-MA-SE-N” to get attention from restaurant severs.
3.5 Okanjō o onegaishimasu (お勘定をお願いします) – Could I have the bill, please?
When you’re ready to pay in a Japanese restaurant, this is the polite way to ask for the bill.
3.6 Kore wa karai desu ka? (これは辛いですか？) – Is this spicy?
Japanese cuisine can include spicy dishes. This phrase might help you inquire about the heat level of a dish.
3.7 Gochisou sama deshi ta (ご馳走様でした) – Thank you for the meal.
This phrase is used to express gratitude after finishing a meal, showing appreciation for the food and the person who prepared it.
3.8 totemo oishikatta desu (とても美味しかったです) – It was delicious!
Use this phrase to express how much you enjoyed a meal or dish in Japan.
4. Shopping
Communicating local people in their language are always fun when travelling overseas. Indeed, shopping in Japan becomes easier and more enjoyable if you know a few key phrases. Asking for prices, checking availability, or browsing politely can help you navigate markets, boutiques, and department stores with confidence. Simple expressions make interactions smoother and leave a good impression.
4.1 Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか?) – How much is this?
This phrase is essential for asking the price of an item. It’s polite and direct, making it easy to use in any shopping situation, from souvenir shops to department stores.
4.2 Kore o kudasai (これをください) – I’ll take this.
Once you’ve decided on your purchase, this phrase tells the shop staff that you’d like to buy the item. Pointing to the item while saying this can make the transaction smoother.
4.3 ○○ wa arimasu ka? (○○はありますか?) – Do you have ○○?
This phrase is used to inquire about the availability of a specific item. Replace ○○ with the item you’re looking for, such as kaban (bag) or saizu M (size M).
4.4 Shichaku dekimasu ka? (試着できますか?) – Can I try it on?
A must-know phrase when shopping for clothes, this is a polite way to ask if you can use the fitting room to try on an item.
4.4 Ki ni irimashita (気に入りました) – I like it.
4.4 Futatsu kaimasu (２つ買います) –
This phrase is used when you want to purchase two of the same item. It’s a useful phrase when you want to buy more than two. You can just change the number to how many you are going to purchase.
4.5 Genkin wa tsukaemasu ka? (現金は使えますか?) - Can I use a credit card?
This phrase is helpful for checking if a shop accepts credit card, as some smaller stores in Japan may only take cash.
4.6 クレジットカードは使えますか?
A useful phrase if you prefer to avoid using plastic bags and would like to carry your items in your own bag, supporting Japan’s growing focus on sustainability.
