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20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers to Japan

If you’re visiting Japan and a little worried about the language barrier (or you simply love languages), we’ve got you covered with these essential Japanese phrases for travelers.

In our guide to what we believe are the most important Japanese phrases for travel, we’ll introduce you to a selection of key words and phrases — and explain why the Japanese language barrier is not as worrisome as you might think.

The truth is, you do not need to speak any Japanese to have a successful, wonderful trip to Japan (and if you’re looking for travel inspiration, check out our favorite destinations in Japan ). However, learning a few key Japanese phrases can make your trip just that much better. So let’s get into it!

Download our Free Japanese Phrasebook:

Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on November 1, 2019.

The Most Essential Japanese Words & Phrases for Your Trip to Japan

Learning Japanese can seem daunting, but don’t worry. You don’t need to learn any of these words or phrases to have a great time (see why we love Japan ).

However, as any seasoned traveler knows, making a little linguistic effort can go a long way, and it can be helpful to learn even a little of the local language for your travels. We’ve narrowed it down to a small selection of key words and phrases, divided by category:

• The Basics: Key Japanese Words and Phrases
• Food and Drink: Eating Your Way Around Japan
• Now or Later: Time-Related Phrases in Japanese
• Getting Around Japan: Transportation-Related Phrases

Here is a quick look at the words and phrase you’ll find below:

Top 20 Essential Japanese Travel Phrases:

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
• __ o Kudasai (__をください) – I would like __, please
• __ wa Doko Desu ka? (__はどこですか) – Where is __?
• Itadakimasu (いただきます) – An expression of gratitude for the meal you’re about to eat
• Omakase de (お任せで) – Used to order chef’s recommendation (often for sushi)
• O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol
• Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese sake
• Kinen Seki (禁煙席) – Non-smoking seat
• Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?
• Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?
• Asa (朝) – Morning
• Kyou (今日) – Today
• Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow
• __ ni Ikitai (__に行きたい) – I want to go to __
• Tomete Kudasai (止めてください) – Stop, please
• Kippu (切符) – Ticket
• Shinkansen (新幹線) – Bullet train
• Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which train?

If you’re concerned about memorizing all this Japanese, or want to learn even more words and phrases, download Boutique Japan’s Tiny Phrasebook for free.

And for an introduction to how to say these words and phrases, see our bonus video to help you practice your Japanese pronunciation .

Basic Japanese Words and Phrases

Let’s start with a few of the most basic-yet-essential Japanese words and phrases. Even if you only remember how to say hello or thank you , you’ll find that Japanese people will be appreciative of your efforts!

1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello

Let’s start with one you’ve probably heard before: the word for hello is konnichiwa .

Konnichiwa is typically used during the day, and there are other phrases for good morning and good evening ( ohayou gozaimasu , and konbanwa , respectively). But when you’re starting out it’s best to keep things simple, and if you simply learn konnichiwa you can use it throughout the day to say hello !

2. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you

In Japan, etiquette is no joke, and chances are you’ll be saying thank you a lot (learn more in our guide to Japanese etiquette ).

The word for thank you in Japanese is arigatou gozaimasu (in Japanese, the u at the end of some words is barely pronounced to the point of being nearly silent). You can usually simply say arigatou , which is a little more casual but usually perfectly fine. In Japan, where politeness is such a key part of the culture, you’ll be saying arigatou gozaimasu a lot!

3. Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me

Excuse me is an important expression in any language, and Japanese is no exception.

The word for excuse me in Japanese is sumimasen . Chances are you’ll also be using this one quite a bit, so if you can try and memorize it! It’s a doubly useful word, as it can be used both to get a person’s attention, and also to apologize.

For example, use sumimasen at an izakaya (a Japanese-style gastropub) to get a waiter’s attention. At izakaya , it’s often called out as sumimaseeeeee~n ! On the other hand, if you accidentally walk onto a tatami floor with your shoes on (something you’re likely to do at some point) you can use sumimasen to say I’m sorry .

4. __ o Kudasai ( をください) – I would like , please

Now that we’ve covered three basic essentials, we can move onto two key sentences that will hopefully help you a lot.

First is I would like __, please . This is useful in a variety of situations: at restaurants, in stores, and on many other occasions you’ll encounter while traveling. In Japanese, it’s __ o kudasai (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the item of your choice).

To get the most out of this phrase, you may want to learn a few vocabulary words, such as water (mizu), beer (biiru) , sake , and others you think you may need.

5. __ wa Doko Desu ka? ( はどこですか) – Where is __?

Last but not least, we think it’s quite useful to be able to ask Where is the __? This is useful even if you can’t understand the answer, because once you ask, people will be able to point you in the right direction, or even help you get to where you’re going!

In Japanese, it’s __ wa doko desu ka? (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the place you’re trying to reach, such as the Ghibli Museum ). One key vocabulary word that often goes along with this phrase for travelers is eki , which means station (for example, Shinjuku eki is Shinjuku station ).

Eating Your Way Around Japan: Food and Drink Phrases

For many travelers, Japanese food is a top priority! From classic Tokyo sushi restaurants to the legendary food culture of Okinawa , there’s a lot to take in. For alcohol afficionados, Japan also offers sake , Japanese whisky , shochu , and other traditional beverages.

While you don’t need to speak any Japanese to enjoy eating and drinking in Japan, these key words and phrases will help you make the most of your culinary experiences.

6. Itadakimasu (いただきます) – An expression of gratitude for the meal you’re about to eat

Certainly not required, but if you say itadakimasu before you begin eating, whether in a restaurant or at a person’s home, they will surely be impressed with your manners.

Essentially, this phrase expresses humility and thanks for the meal you are about to enjoy. The website Tofugu does a very nice job of explaining the meaning of itadakimasu .

7. Omakase de (お任せで) – Used to order chef’s recommendation (often for sushi)

If you’re a passionate sushi enthusiast, you probably already know the meaning of omakase .

When you tell a chef omakase de , you’re letting them know that you’re placing the meal in their hands. Especially for travelers with adventurous palates, this is the best way to experience a meal at a Tokyo sushi shop , for example.

However, the phrase is not only used at sushi restaurants, and can often be used at other types of establishments as well.

8. O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol

Technically osake , this word has tripped many a non-Japanese speaker up! While in English the word sake means, well, sake , in Japanese the word sake — more politely, osake — refers to alcoholic beverages in general.

( Sake and osake are virtually interchangeable; the “o” is what is known as an honorific prefix, but unless you’re studying Japanese in more depth, you really don’t need to worry about this!)

So if you’re looking for sake (which in Japanese is called nihonshu) , it’s best to ask for nihonshu (see below). If you’re simply looking for an adult beverage (such as nihonshu , shochu , or Japanese whisky ), the catchall term sake will do the trick.

9. Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese sake

See above for the distinction between sake and nihonshu !

10. Kinen Seki (禁煙席) – Non-smoking seat

Encountering cigarette smoke is somewhat of an unavoidable aspect of traveling around Japan. This being said, most of our travelers are quite averse to smoke, and fortunately it’s possible to travel around Japan without smoke becoming too much of a nuisance.

In some places, such as restaurants, you may have a choice between the smoking and non-smoking sections. Kinen means non-smoking, and seki means seat : put them together and you’ve just conveyed that you’d like to be seated in the non-smoking area!

Time-Related Phrases in Japanese

Time-related phrases can be extremely helpful in certain travel situations, and below you’ll find a few of the most practical Japanese words and phrases on this topic.

11. Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?

Chances are you’ll have a watch or cell phone on you, but once in a while you may need to ask a stranger for the time.

The basic phrase is simply nanji desu ka? which means, What time is it? People also commonly say ima nanji desu ka? which simply means, What time is it now? ( Ima means now.)

12. Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?

This is a particularly useful phrase while traveling. It can be helpful when purchasing rail tickets (see more on getting around Japan below), making meal reservations, or arranging tickets to events.

Sure, you could just ask nanji? ( what time? ) and hope your point gets across, but by adding the preposition ni you can be assured of much more clarity!

13. Asa (朝) – Morning

This one is fairly self-explanatory: asa means morning . While it’s no surprise that a food-loving culture like Japan has multiple words for breakfast , one of the most common is asagohan ( gohan literally means rice , but is more generally used to mean food ).

14. Kyou (今日) – Today

Words like today and tomorrow can be particularly useful when buying train tickets, for example. For more on transport, see the transport-related phrases below.

15. Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow

When pronouncing the word for tomorrow, ashita , the i is virtually silent, so it ends up sounding more like ashta . If you need to express the day after tomorrow, the word is asatte .

Getting Around Japan: Transportation-Related Phrases for Travelers to Japan

For some travelers, one of the biggest concerns about not speaking the language is the prospect of getting around the country, navigating the trains, and trying to avoid getting lost.

Fortunately, Japan has an incredibly efficient and easy-to-use rail network, and you can read all about it in our guide to train travel and getting around Japan . And here are some key Japanese words and phrases to help you on your way.

16. __ ni Ikitai ( に行きたい) – I want to go to __

On its own, ikitai means, I want to go .

To express that you’d like to go somewhere, use the phrase __ ni ikitai (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the place you’re trying to reach). For example, Kyoto ni ikitai means, I want to go to Kyoto .

17. Tomete Kudasai (止めてください) – Stop, please

Tomete means stop , and is particularly useful in taxis. The kudasai here means please , and makes the phrase much more polite ( tomete on its own would come off as quite brusque).

18. Kippu (切符) – Ticket

Kippu means ticket (as in train tickets). As you can easily imagine, when purchasing rail tickets it can be very useful to be able to tell the ticket agent that you’d like a ticket to a certain place!

Made means until or to (in this case, to your destination). For example, Osaka made means to Osaka . Thus, Osaka made no kippu means ticket to Osaka . Put it all together with kudasai (for politeness) and you have Osaka made no kippu o kudasai .

19. Shinkansen (新幹線) – Bullet train

Ah, the shinkansen . One of the utter joys of traveling around Japan is the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train).

Whether you have the well-known Japan Rail Pass or not, if you’re doing any domestic travel within Japan, chances are you’ll end up on the incredible (and incredibly pleasant) shinkansen for at least one if not more of your journeys. Enjoy, and grab a bento and some nihonshu (see above) for the ride!

20. Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which train?

Wondering which train you need? Imagine you’re in Kyoto Station, headed for Tokyo. You’re on your shinkansen’s departure platform, but you see two trains.

You show your ticket to a friendly Japanese person, and ask, dono densha? They take a look at your ticket and the two trains, and point you to the right one. And you’re on your way – happy travels!

Download our Free Japanese Phrasebook PDF

For those of you who want to learn even more Japanese for travel, we’ve created the Boutique Japan Tiny Phrasebook.

Our Tiny Phrasebook features carefully selected Japanese words and phrases designed to help you get the most out of your trip to Japan. You’ll find all of the words and phrases featured above, and many more!

The phrasebook is a beautifully designed PDF (it may take a few moments to load depending on your internet speed).

Simply save it to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. We suggest using an app like iBooks (or another PDF reader) so you can search for words and navigate easily.

Bonus Video: Practice your Japanese Pronunciation

One of the best things about Japanese is that it’s surprisingly easy to pronounce. Unlike several other languages throughout Asia, Japanese is not a tonal language.

In the video below, we go over basic pronunciation for some of the most useful Japanese words and phrases for your trip to Japan.

Do you need to speak any Japanese to travel around Japan ?

Absolutely not. You can travel to Japan without learning any of these words and have a great time.

People ask us about the Japanese language barrier all the time, with common questions such as, Do Japanese people speak English? How much (or how little)? The language barrier is a common myth that shouldn’t get in your way. Most of our travelers don’t speak a single word of Japanese, yet come back with testimonials of how much they love Japan .

The truth is that most Japanese people speak at least a little bit of English. These days, all Japanese students study English for a minimum of six years in secondary school, and many students — as well as adults — also take English-language classes after school or on weekends.

English-language fluency is not widespread, so most people you meet probably won’t be fluent in English, but almost everyone you meet will know at least a few English words – and many will know anywhere from hundreds to thousands.

Sometimes you may find that the people you meet are hesitant to try their English on you, but you’ll likely find that you can communicate in basic English in a huge variety of situations while traveling around Japan.

The Japanese Written Language

You may also be worried about the written language. The good news is that you don’t need to be able to read or write Japanese to enjoy Japan.

Japanese people don’t expect you to be able to read the Japanese language, and you’ll find English-language signage throughout the country. This is especially true in places frequented by travelers, such as sightseeing spots, shopping areas, train stations, airports, and often even on the street.

As for at restaurants, though it’s not always the case, in some cases you will find English-language menus. When English-language menus are not available, photos are often included to make pointing and ordering possible.

Despite Japan’s travel-friendliness, every visitor to Japan at some point finds him or herself in a situation in which linguistic communication is simply not possible, and sign language and gesturing are required.

Getting lost in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language is a fear of many would-be travelers, but if you had to pick a country in which to get lost, you couldn’t do much better than Japan! Japan is by far one of the safest countries in the world, with crime rates that are astonishingly low compared to places like the US and most of Europe. And Japanese people will often go to surprising lengths to help tourists.

Back when I first moved to Japan I spoke very little Japanese, and on my first visit to Kyoto I accidentally took the wrong train and ended up wandering around a neighborhood with no idea how to get where I wanted to go. Luckily, an older gentleman with his wife spotted me looking confused and came up to me with perhaps one of the only English phrases he knew: “ Are you lost? ” I said yes and showed him the name of the place I wanted to go.

If he had simply pointed me in the right direction it would have been helpful, but instead he started walking me in the right direction. After a few minutes of walking his wife split off, presumably to go home, and we continued. After 15 minutes of walking he had dropped me off at exactly the spot I needed to be, and – as is typical in Japanese culture – expected nothing in return. I thanked him profusely and we had a good laugh despite our inability to communicate linguistically.

Why Learn Any Japanese if You Won’t Need it?

Almost everyone who has visited Japan has a similar story of a random act of kindness and generosity from a Japanese stranger (or a tale of a camera or passport left on a train being miraculously returned). So you can rest assured that even if you forget all of the words and phrases we’ve shown, you’ll be in good hands with the wonderful people of Japan.

But aside from the fact that it’s a rich and fascinating language, learning even just one or two Japanese words or phrases will help endear you to the Japanese people you meet during your trip, and enhance your overall travel experience.

Japanese people tend to be extremely appreciative of visitors who take the time to learn even just a word or phrase or two, and if you try then chances are you’ll be greeted with oohs and aahs of encouragement.

We hope you’ve found our guide to Japanese words and phrases for travelers helpful. Arigatou gozaimasu!

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Japanese Phrases for Tourists: 116 Essential Phrases for Your Japanese Vacation

Before I traveled to Japan for the first time, everyone assured me that “Everybody speaks English there,” and I wouldn’t need to use Japanese at all.

But in reality, most of the people I encountered in Japan had a fairly elementary level of spoken English .

For a better travel experience, you should learn some basic travel words and phrases in Japanese.

Greetings and Basic Japanese Phrases

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Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

I’ll provide the hiragana, kanji and romaji for each word, and will explain the use of certain Japanese phrases for tourists in context.

1. Hello — konnichiwa

2. good morning — ohayou gozaimasu, 3. nice to meet you — hajimemashite, 4. goodbye — sayounara, 5. please — onegaishimasu, 6. thank yo u — arigatou gozaimasu, 7. you’re welcome — dou itashimashite, 8. excuse me/sorry — sumimasen.

This is definitely one to memorize. I say すみません at least 30 times a day in Japan. It’s a magical word.

It helps you push through a crowd, get attention from a waiter, ask for directions or be excused for basically any touristy blunder.

Simply saying すみません and gesturing is a pretty good way to express that you need help, but don’t speak Japanese.

9. Yes — hai

10. no — iie, 11. let’s eat/ “bon appetit” — itadakimasu .

Similar to the French “ bon appetit” , this is what Japanese people say before they eat. It doesn’t have a literal translation in English, but it’s a way to give thanks for a meal .

You should also remember this phrase’s pair: ごちそうさま (gochisousama) or ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita). These phrases are used at the end of a meal and translate as “What a good meal,” or “Thank you for the meal,” the latter being the more polite form.

12. I don’t understand — wakarimasen 

13. i don’t speak japanese —   nihongo o hanashimasen, 14. do you speak english — eigo o hanashimasu ka , 15. can you please repeat that — mou ichido itte kudasai, 16. can you please speak slowly — yukkuri hanashite kudasai, 17. what is your name — onamae wa nan desu ka, 18. my name is… — watashi no namae wa…, 19. what is this — kore wa nan desu ka.

これ and それ literally just mean “this” and “that.”

20. How much does this cost? — kore wa ikura desu ka? 

If you’re pointing at something that you can’t reach, you say それは いくらですか？

21. Can you please help me? — tasukete moraemasuka ?

Japanese airports aren’t just places to land: they’re an entire cultural showcase on their own. For example, at the Narita Airport , you’ll see pet hotels , gacha machines , the (in)famous smart toilets and even a Pokémon Store !

22. Welcome, please come in — yokoso, o-hairi kudasai

23. please show your ticket — chiketto o misete kudasai, 24. please show your passport — pasupooto o misete kudasai, 25. what is your reservation name — yoyaku-mei wa nan desu ka, 26. the flight is delayed — furaito chien shiteimasu, 27. the flight has been canceled — furaito kyanseru saremashita, 28. baggage claim is this way — baggeji kureimu wa kochira desu, 29. we have arrived at … airport — … kuko ni tochaku shimashita, 30. we will depart for … airport — … kuko e shuppatsu shimasu, 31. there is a delay in the flight — furaito ni okure ga arimasu, 32. there are restrictions on carry-on baggage — kinai mochikomi no nimotsu niwa seigen ga arimasu.

33. Please tell me how to get to the airport — kuko e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai

34. is this a departure flight — korewa shuppatsu-bin desu ka, 35. is this an arrival flight — korewa tochaku-bin desu ka, 36. where is the boarding gate — tojyo-guchi wa doko desu ka, 37. i’ll check my baggage — tenimotsu azukemasu, 38. please call a taxi — takushii o yonde kudasai, 39. i’d like to rent a car — rentakaa o karitai desu, 40. where is the gate for the connecting flight — noritsugi-bin no geeto wa doko desu ka.

Asking for directions is sort of daunting, especially when the person answers in a whole stream of fast-paced Japanese.

But you’ll find that Japan is one of the best places to be a lost and hopeless tourist. There’s always someone nearby who’s more than happy to help. I’ve even had people take time out of their days to walk me where I needed to go!

Simply say wherever it is that you want to go followed by どこですか？ — doko desu ka? (Where is …?).

41. I want to go… (here) — (koko) ni ikitai desu 

Say ここ if you have an address written down or a point marked on a map of where you want to go.

If you know the name or address of the place where you want to go, simply say the place name followed by に行きたいです . For example, if you want to go to Shinjuku station, you simply say 新宿駅に行きたいです   — Shinjuku eki ni ikitai desu . (I want to go to Shinjuku station.)

42. Where is the…? — …wa doko desu ka?

43. can you please show me where we are on the map — watashitachi ga doko ni iru no ka, chizu de oshiete kudasai.

This might seem like an odd question (and a bit of a mouthful), but it can be a lot more helpful than asking for directions from someone who doesn’t know English.

44. Is it near? — chikai desu ka?

45. is it far — tooi desu ka.

46. Go straight ahead — massugu itte kudasai 

47. turn left — hidari ni magatte kudasai, 48. turn right — migi ni magatte kudasai.

In Japan, public transportation is how most people get around. If you’re not used to taking the bus, train or anything similar, better keep the following phrases handy!

49. Take me to this address, please — kono jyusho made tsureteitte kudasai

50. what is the fare — ryoukin wa ikura desu ka, 51. stop here, please — koko de tomatte kudasai, 52. does this bus go to (street name) — kono basu wa … ni ikimasu ka, 53. does that train stop at … — sono denshya wa … de tomarimasu ka, 54. a map, please — chizu o onegai shimasu, 55. this hotel — k ono hoteru, 56. the subway — chikatetsu , 57. the train station — denshya no eki, 58. the bus stop  — basutei, 59. the taxi stand — takushii noriba, 60. the exit — deguchi, 61. the entrance — iriguchi, 62. the bathroom — toire.

Like other service-oriented businesses in the country, Japanese hotels subscribe to the concept of omotenashi , which roughly translates to pouring your whole heart into service. That means you can expect employees at Japanese hotels to go above and beyond when it comes to making you feel welcome.

63. I have a reservation under the name of … — … no yoyaku o shiteimasu

64. i would like to check-in — chekkuin shitai desu, 65. what time is check-in — chekkuin wa nanji desu ka, 66. is breakfast included — choshoku wa fukumareteimasu ka, 67. where is my room — watashi no heya wa doko desu ka, 68. please give me a wake-up call at …  — … ni weikuappu kooru onegaishimasu., 69. where is the nearest convenience store — ichiban chikai konbini wa doko desu ka, 70. can you recommend a good restaurant nearby — chikaku no oishii resutoran o shokaishite moraemasu  ka, 71. what time is check-out — chekkuauto no jikan wa nanji desu ka, 72. where can i store my luggage — nimotsu wa dokoni azukeraremasu ka, 73. is there wi-fi in the hotel — hoteru ni wa wai-fai ga arimasu ka, 74. where is the nearest atm — ichi-ban chikai atm wa doko desu ka, 75. i’d like to have some extra towels, please — yobun no taoru o kudasai., 76. what time is breakfast served — choshoku wa nanji kara desu ka, 77. excuse me, i need an iron and ironing board — sumimasen, airon to iron-dai ga hitsuyo desu..

Like Japanese hotels, Japanese restaurants also practice omotenashi. Here are some of the more common phrases you’ll hear from Japanese restaurant staff.

78. Welcome — Irasshaimase

79. how many people in your party — nan mei sama desu ka, 80. this way, please — kochira e douzo, 81. certainly (in response to your order) — kashikomarimashita, 82. thank you for waiting — omatase itashimashita.

The best restaurants in Japan are the authentic ones that don’t cater to tourists. But these are also the places that have no English menus, and sometimes no English-speaking waitstaff.

Luckily, it’s very common for Japanese menus to feature photos of all the dishes. And many places have models of their dishes on display, so you likely won’t be going in completely blind.

Use these phrases , and you should be in and out of a restaurant without too many hiccups.

83. A table for two, please —  futari you no teeburu o onegai shimasu

You can also replace futari with the number of people who you need to have seated:

• one — hitori ( 一人 )
• three — sannin ( 三人 )
• four — yonin ( 四人 )

If you’re confused about Japanese numbers and counters, don’t despair. You can just do as the locals do and indicate the number of diners by holding up your fingers.

84. The menu, please — menyu o onegai shimasu

85. what are today’s recommendations — kyo no osusume wa.

If everything on the menu looks appetizing and you’re not quite sure what to order, use this phrase.

86. Water, please — mizu o onegai shimasu

87. two beers, please — biiru o nihai onegai shimasu, 88. can i please have (one, two) of this — kore o (hitotsu, futatsu) onegai でdekimasu, 89. do you have a vegetarian dish — bejitarian youno ryouri ga arimasu ka.

I’ve traveled in Japan with vegetarians twice, and this question usually draws quite strange looks. Vegetarianism basically doesn’t exist in Japan, although Japanese cuisine is generally quite vegetarian-friendly.

It might work better to say これは肉ですか？ — kore wa niku desu ka? , to say “is this meat?” Follow up with 私は肉を食べません — watashi wa niku o tabemasen,  which means “I don’t eat meat,” if you want to make yourself understood.

90. Is … in it? — … wa haitte imasu ka?

Alternatively, you can also ask if specific ingredients are included in your food, so you’ll know whether you should order it or not.

91. That’s okay — daijyoubu desu

You can also use this expression to ask someone if they’re okay. Just add the question particle  ka to the end: 大丈夫ですか ？ — daijyoubu desu ka? 

92. The check, please — okanjyou o onegai shimasu 

Say the above, or you can do as the locals do and catch the waiter’s eye (with a smile!) and draw a clockwise circle in the air with your index finger pointing towards the roof.

In some restaurants, you need to bring the check to the cash register which is usually located by the restaurant’s doorway.

93. Cheers! — kanpai!

94. it was delicious — oishikatta desu, 95. water — mizu, 96. wine — wain, 97. beer — biiru , 98. tea — ochya, 99. coffee — coohii, 100. juice — juusu, 101. meat — niku, 102. chicken — toriniku , 103. pork — butaniku, 104. beef  — gyuniku , 105. fish — sakana , 106. rice — gohan, 107. bread — pan , 108. vegetables — yasai  , 109. fruit — kudamono.

When you’re met with cries of いらっしゃいませ！, you’re not really expected to respond to this greeting. As for me, I just smile and say こんにちは which means, of course, “hello.”

Walking into a department store is particularly surreal, with each assistant taking cues from the others, so that every time a customer walks in, いらっしゃいませ bounces around the entire floor.

110. Are you looking for something? — nani ka osagashi desu ka?

111. is that all — ijyou de yoroshii desu ka, 112. here it is / here you go — hai, douzo.

113. I would like this — kore o onegai shimasu

114. i would like one of those — sore o hitotsu onegai shimasu, 115. i would like to pay in cash  — genkin de onegai shimasu, 116. i would like to pay by credit card — kurejitto kaado de onegai shimasu.

The only real challenge with ordering meals in Japanese is the use of counters.

We have counters in English, too (for example “sheets” of paper, “glasses” of water, “blades” of grass), but not as many or as complicated as in Japanese.

Luckily Japanese has a “universal” counter, つ ( tsu ), which you can use for anything, including food.

The numbers one to four as つ counters are pronounced 一つ ( hitotsu )、 二つ ( futatsu )、 三つ ( mittsu ) and 四つ ( yottsu ). You can use this counter for drinks too, and the waiter will understand you.

However, if you want to be a little more impressive, you can use the drinks counter: 杯 ( hai/bai/pai depending on the number used with it). The numbers one to four using this counter are 一杯 ( ippai )、 二杯 ( nihai ) 、 三杯 ( sanbai ) and 四杯 ( yonhai ).

If you want to learn more about counters, this post explains them  in more detail.

All the examples I’ve given are in the polite, neutral form of speech . You basically can’t go wrong speaking this way in Japan, so you don’t need to worry about making any social faux pas!

Some notes on pronunciation:

• Avoid turning vowels into dipthongs (vowel sounds that run into each other, like the oi in “coin”). Pronounce each vowel on its own even when there are two vowels next to each other. Onegai is read as “o-ne-ga-i,” not “o-ne-gai”
• The sound  ou and repeated vowels like ii and  ee are exceptions: they show an elongation of the sound.  Ohayou is read as “o-ha-yoh,” not “o-ha-yo-u.”
• Treat ん (n)  as its own syllable.   Konnichiwa is read “ko-n-ni-chi-wa,” not “ko-ni-chi-wa.” It’s subtle, but it makes a difference!
• Repeated consonants are pronounced. For an example of how to do this, just read the word “bookkeeper” out loud.
• The small kana っ like in いって signify a break between the sounds —”it-te,” not “i-te.”
• Small y- kana like ゃ in おちゃ add the  y sound to the preceding syllable —”o-chya,” not “o-chi-a.”
• は (ha)  as a particle is pronounced wa,  and を (wo)  as a particle is pronounced  o.

The beauty of Japanese is that it’s an extremely phonetic language, so if you say the words exactly as you read them, you can’t really get them wrong.

Having said that, people will probably struggle to understand you if you speak in a strong non-Japanese accent, so it might pay to listen to some spoken Japanese before you start practicing pronunciation.

The most important thing to remember is that, unlike English speakers, Japanese speakers don’t put emphasis on the second or third syllable of a word—there’s some emphasis on the first syllable, but it’s subtle.

Some ways that you can listen to Japanese being spoken is by watching Japanese films , television programs , anime or YouTube clips .

The Japanese language program FluentU has a little bit of everything in the media, with interactive subtitles and customizable flashcards for a well-rounded learning experience.

Maybe this seems like a lot, but learning Japanese travel phrases for tourists will make your trip run more smoothly, and the people you meet will appreciate your effort.

Speaking the local language tends to get people on your side. They’re less likely to try to rip you off, and often will want to become your best friend.

I like to make little phrasebooks for myself when I travel, so I can have these Japanese travel phrases and vocabulary always on hand.

I’ve been treated to tea and dinner in people’s homes, and once was driven around a city with a personal guide/impromptu friend all day, just because I struck up conversations in the local language.

Don’t be scared! Give it a try!

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50 Important Japanese Travel Phrases for Traveling to Japan

Welcome to your essential guide to Japanese phrases for traveling to Japan!

If you are planning a trip to Japan, learning some basic Japanese phrases will not only enhance your experience but will also help you connect with the local culture and people.

In this post, we will introduce you to simple but useful phrases that will make it easier for you to communicate in everyday situations, from asking for directions to shopping. Let’s get started!

Basic Phrases in Japanese

Greetings and basic phrases in japanese.

• Hello : Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
• Goodbye : Sayonara
• Good morning : Ohayou gozaimasu
• Good afternoon/evening: Konbanwa
• See you later : Mata
• See you tomorrow : mata shita
• Thank you politely : Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます). .
• Excuse me/Sorry : すみません (Sumimasen). It is used both to apologize; for example, if you bump into someone while walking, you say sumimasen; it is also used to call the waiter (as excuse me.
• Sorry : Gomenasai (ごめんなさい)
• Please : onegai shimasu (お願いします)
• You are welcome : Doo itashimashite.
• Nice to meet you : Hajimemashite (初めまして)
• I am Veronica : Veronica desu

How to say yes or no

Yes : hai! .

No : iie (you must extend the i and pronounce both).

Common Questions

• Do you understand? : Wakarimasu ka (わかりますか)
• I understand : Wakarimasu (わかります)
• I don’t understand : Wakarimasen (わかりません)
• How much does this cost? : Kore wa ikura desu ka (これはいくらですか)
• Where is the bathroom? : Toire wa doko desu ka (トイレはどこですか)
• Do you speak English? : Eigo o hanasemasu ka (英語を話せますか)
• Yes, I speak English : Hanashimasu (話します)
• No, I don’t speak : Hanashimasen (話しません).
• I don’t understand Japanese : Nihongo ga wakarimasen.

More vocabulary

• How cute : Kawaii
• Yummy : Oishii!
• Cheers : Kanpai!
• Wait a minute : Chotto matte kudasai!

Address and Location Questions

When visiting Japan, needing help with directions and finding locations is natural. Here are some key phrases to ask for directions and locations:

• Where is this? : doko desu ka (どこですか)
• Where is the bathroom? otearai wa doko desu ka, or toire wa doko desu ka (トイレはどこですか)
• Please go straight : massugu itte kudasai (まっすぐ行ってください )
• Please turn left : hidari ni magatte kudasai (左に曲がってください )
• Please turn right : migi ni magatte kudasai (右に曲がっってください )
• Please say it again : mou ichido itte kudasai (もう一度言っってください )

山手 (yamanote) – A major train line in Tokyo, often used as a landmark for directions.

While using these phrases, keep a map handy to understand better the directions the locals give. By learning these essential Japanese phrases, you will be better equipped to ask questions and communicate effectively during your trip to Japan.

Basic Japanese numbers

• One : Ichi: 一
• Two : NI: 二
• Three : San: 三
• Four : Shi/Yon: 四
• Five : Go: 五
• Six : Roku: 六
• Seven : Shichi/Nana: 七
• Eight : Hachi: 八
• Nine : Kyu/Ku: 九
• Ten : Juu: 十
• Twenty : Nijuu: 二十
• Thirty : Sanjū: 三十
• Forty : Yonjū/Shijū: 四十
• Fifty : Gojū: 五十
• Sixty : Rokujū: 六十
• Seventy : Shichijū/Nanajū: 七十
• Ochenta : Hachijū: 八十
• Ninety : Kyūjū/Kujū: 九十
• Hundred : Hyaku: 百

These numbers are fundamental in Japanese and are used to construct other larger numbers. For example, 21 would be “二十一” (nijū ichi), literally “twenty-one”.

In the case of the number of persons, there are exceptions for one person and two persons.

• One person : Hitori
• Two people : Futari

If someone asks you how many people are, for example in a restaurant (何人ですか？ (Nan-nin desu ka?))

• You can answer hitori desu, and it means 1 person.
• If you are two: futari desu
• If three: san nin desu (3 people)
• If there are four: yon nin desu (4 people)

At the restaurant

Restaurant reservations:.

I would like to make a reservation at a restaurant : Resutoran o yoyaku shitai desu (レストランを予約したいです). You can ask the hotel reception to make the reservation for you.

Ask if there is availability: do you have a table for two for tonight: Konya, futari-yō no seki wa arimasu ka (今夜、二人用の席はありますか)

Specify time: I would like to book for 7: Shichi-ji ni yoyaku shitai desu (7時に予約したいです).

Arriving at the Restaurant: Confirm a reservation . I am Yamada, I have a reservation: Yoyaku or shita Yamada desu. (予約をした山田です)

If you don’t have a reservation: Do you have tables available: Seki wa aite imasu ka (席は空いていいますか)

Ordering and Eating

Look at the menu : Please show me the menu: menyū o misete kudasai. (メニューを見せてください)

Ordering food: Once you have decided what to order, you can say “Chuumon wo onegaishimasu” (注文をお願いします) followed by Kore or onegaishimasu.

This, please: Kore o onegaishimasu. (これをお願いします)

Asking for recommendations: What is the recommendation: Osusume wa nan desu ka (おすすめめは何ですか).

Before starting to eat

Itadakimasu : いただきます。 It is said before eating, similar to saying “bon appetit” in French. However, its meaning goes beyond these phrases.

Meaning and Use

Gratitude for Food : “Itadakimasu” expresses gratitude for the food to be consumed. This includes appreciation not only for the food itself but also for the effort and resources needed to prepare it.

Respect for Nature : In Japanese culture, there is a strong sense of respect for nature and all it has to offer. Saying “itadakimasu” acknowledges and thanks all life forms and natural elements that contribute to the creation of food.

Cultural Awareness : It is an expression of the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, a concept deeply rooted in many Japanese practices and traditions.

Everyday Use : Commonly said at home before meals, in restaurants, and at gatherings where food is shared.

During Lunch

• Water, please: Mizu o kudasai. (水をください)
• Tea, please: Ocha o kudasai.(お茶をください)
• Beer, please: Bīru o kudasai.(ビールをください)

Food Preferences and Requests

When ordering food, you may need to express your preferences or make specific requests. Here are some phrases to help you do just that:

To ask if a particular type of alcohol is available, e.g. sake, say, “Osake wa arimasu ka?” (お酒はありますか？).

If you want your dish to be prepared in a specific way, such as making it a little spicier, say, “Mou sukoshi karakushite kudasai” (もう少し辛くしてください).

After Eating

Thank for food : Gochisōsama deshita (ごちそうささまでした). Thank you for the food, it is said after eating.

Ask for the account

Account, please : Okanjō onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします)

To ask if they accept credit cards , you can use: “Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka” (クレジットカードで払えますか).

Useful Vocabulary

• Restaurant : Resutoran (レストラン)
• Reserve : Yoyaku (予約)
• Seat/Table : Seki (席)
• Menu : Menyū (メニュー)
• Please (when you ask for something): Onegaishimasu (お願いします).
• Account (in a restaurant): Okanjō (お会計).
• Mizu : water
• Green tea : Ocha
• Coffee : coohii
• Coffee with milk : kafe ore
• Black coffee : burakku koohii
• Juice : juusu

Common questions in the restaurant

• How much does this cost? : Kore wa ikura desu ka? ( これはいくらですか)
• Where is the bathroom? : Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか)

The Lodging

Check-in : I would like to check-in: Chekku-in or onegaishimasu. (チェックインをお願いします).

Say How Many People Are:

• We are two people: Futari desu (二人です)
• I made a reservation for one person: yoyaku shimashita’s Hitori (一人で予約しました).

Asking for Room: What is my room number: Heya bangō wa nan-ban desu ka (部屋番号は何番ですか).

Request Wifi Information: What is the Wi-Fi password: Wi-Fi no pasuwādo wa nan desu ka (Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか).

Ask for Help or Information: Excuse me, [tu pregunta]: Sumimasen, [tu pregunta] (すみません、[tu pregunta])

Check-Out: I would like to check-out: Chekku-auto or onegaishimasu. (チェックアウトをお願いします)

Ask Check-Out Time: What time is check-out: Chekku-auto no jikan wa nan-ji desu ka? (チェックアウトの時間は何時ですか)

Thank you when leaving: Thank you for everything (said as a token of appreciation for the attention received): Osewa ni narimashita. (お世話になりました)

Getting around the city

Ordering General information

• (Place) wa doko desu ka: general phrase to ask where something is; it can be a destination, a station, or even the toilet.
• (Place) e ikitai no desu ga : I would like to go to …
• Where is the subway station? Chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka. (地下鉄の駅はどこですか)
• Where is the train station? : Densha no eki wa doko desu ka (電車の駅はどこですか)
• Ask Hotel Directions: Where is the hotel [Nombre del Hotel]?: Hoteru [Nombre del Hotel] wa doko desu ka: ホテル [Nombre del Hotel] はどこですか
• Ask How to Get to a Tourist Site: ([Nombre del Sitio Turístico] wa doko desu ka. [Nombre del Sitio Turístico] はどここですか)
• Ask for the Bus Stop: Where is the bus stop? Basu tei wa doko desu ka. (バス停はどここですか)
• Ask if a Train/Bus goes to a Specific Destination: Does this train/bus go to [Destino]? Kono densha/basu wa [Destino] ni ikimasu ka (この電車/バスは[Destino]に行きますか)
• Ask to be advised where to get off: I would like to get off at [Destino], could you please let me know. [Destino] de oritai no desu ga, oshiete itadakemasu ka. ([Destino]で降りたいのですすが、教えていただけますか)
• Confirm Address: Is this going to [Destino]?: Kore wa [Destino] e mukatte imasu ka. (これは[Destino]へ向かっていますか)

Other interesting phrases to learn or print

• Where is this place? : Koko wa doko desu desu ka? (ここはどこですか)
• Please look at this map: Kono chizu wo mite kudasai (この地図を見てください)
• How can I get to this place? : Koko ni iku ni wa dou sureba ii desu ka? (ここに行くにはどうすればいいですか)
• How can I get to this location? : Kono basho ni wa douyatte ikemasu ka? (この場所にはどうやって行けますか)
• How far away is it? : Dono kurai tooi desu ka? (どのくらい遠いですか)
• Where can I look for information about transportation in this area? : Kono chiiki no koutsuujouhou wa doko de shiraberaremasu ka? (この地域の交通情報はどこで調べられますか)

In case you need any clarification or additional information:

• Sorry, can you tell me one more time: Moushiwake arimasen ga, mou ichido oshiete itadakemasu ka? (申し訳ありませんが、もう一度教えていただけますか?)
• Does this bus go to ….? Kono basu wa (destination) yuki desu ka? (このバスは○○行きですか?)
• Where can I take the bus? Doko de basu ni noremasu ka? (どこでバスに乗れますか?)
• Can I get to the station… with this? Kore de …-eki ni ikemasu ka? (これで….駅に行けますか?)
• I plan to get off at the next station. Tsugi no eki de oriru yotei desu (次の駅で降りる予定です) –
• Is the track northbound or southbound? Nanboku-me desu ka? (南北目ですか?)
• Where is the station? Eki wa dochira desu ka? (駅はどちらですか?)
• Which platform is this train on? Kono densha wa nanbansen desu ka? (この電車は何番線ですか?)

Directions by Taxi

Taking a cab in Japan is convenient and comfortable. To ensure clear communication with your driver, learn these phrases:

• I want to take a cab. Takushii wo hirotai no desu ga (タクシーを拾いたいのですが) –
• Please go to “destination”: “destination” ni itte kudasai (…に行ってください).

Useful vocabulary

• Input : iriguchi (入口)
• Exit : deguchi (出口)
• Subway : chikatetsu (地下鉄)
• Subway stop/subway station : chikatetsu no eki (地下鉄の駅)
• Airport : kuukoo (空港)
• Cab : takushii (タクシー)
• Bus : basu (バス)
• Map : chizu (地図)
• Itinerary : Ryotei (旅程)

Shopping in Japan

• Japanese banknotes are 1000 (千円: sen-en), 5000 (五千円: go sen en and 10000 (一万円: ichi man en) yen.
• Yen in Japanese is said en and this is its kanji: 円
• Coins: 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen. They are very useful, especially in villages, temples, markets, etc.
• Ask where there is an ATM: ATM wa doko ni arimasu ka, o
• There is an ATM nearby: Chikaku ni ATM wa arimasuka.
• ATM is pronounced almost like in English but with the u at the end.

Order a Specific Size: Do you have this clothing in size [M Talla]?: Kono fuku no [M Talla] saizu wa arimasu ka? (この服の[M Talla]サイズはありますか)

Ask for a Specific Color: Do you have this in this color: Kono iro no mono wa arimasu ka? (この色のものはありますか)

How much does it cost: Kore wa ikura desu ka (これはいくらですか).

Asking to Try Something on: Can I try this on: Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? (これを試着してもいいですか)

Ask for Local Souvenirs: Do you have local souvenirs: Jimoto no omiyage wa arimasu ka? (地元のお土産はありますか)

Asking for a Bag: Do I need a bag: Fukuro wa irimasu ka? (袋はいりますか)

Methods of Payment: Can I use a credit card: Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか)

If You Need Help: Excuse me, could you help me: Sumimasen, tetsudatte itadakemasu ka? (すみません、手伝っていただけますか)

Vocabulary: Colors in Japanese

• Red : 赤 (Aka)
• Blue : 青 (Ao)
• Yellow : 黄色 (Kiiro)
• Green : 緑 (Midori)
• Black : 黒 (Kuro)
• White : 白 (Shiro)
• Orange : オレンジ (Orenji)
• Pink : ピンク (Pinku)
• Purple : 紫 (Murasaki)
• Brown : 茶色 (Chairo)

Ask for help

• Can you help me, please? Tasukete itadakemasu ka. (助けていただけますか)
• I’m lost : Michi ni mayoimashita (道に迷いました)
• Can you take me or accompany me to … (Place) made onegaishimasu.
• Do you speak English? Eigo o hanasemasu ka (英語を話せますか)
• I need a doctor : Isha ga hitsuyō desu (医者が必要です)
• Could you show me on the map? Chizu de oshiete itadakemasu ka (地図で教えていただけますか)
• How did I get to [destino] ? [Destino] e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka ([Destino]へはどう行けばいいですか)
• I need to call the police : Keisatsu o yobu hitsuyō ga arimasu. (警察を呼ぶ必要があります)
• Can you call me a cab? Takushī o yonde itadakemasu ka. (タクシーを呼んでいただけますか)

Here is a summary of etiquette and customs in Japan, which are fundamental to understanding and respecting Japanese culture:

Greetings : Japanese people usually bow their heads (bowing). Handshakes are less common and are reserved more for international situations.

Removing Shoes : It is customary to remove shoes when entering houses and certain places such as temples and ryokans (traditional inns). Slippers are often available for indoor use.

Punctuality : Punctuality is very important in Japan. Being late is considered disrespectful.

Behavior in Public Places : People are expected to be calm and respectful in public places. Talking loudly, especially on public transportation, is considered impolite.

Do not eat or drink while walking , as you may stain another person. Keep in mind that there are a lot of people.

Do not stand suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk , since there are so many people, it is better to stand on a side where you do not disturb the people walking.

Handling Chopsticks : Never stick chopsticks in your food, especially rice, as it is associated with funeral rituals. Also, do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

Gifts : Gift-giving is an important part of Japanese culture, especially when visiting someone in their home. Gifts are usually carefully wrapped and given and received with both hands.

Money : When paying in stores and restaurants, use the small tray provided to place money. Handing the money directly into the hand is not usual.

Meals : It is customary to say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after eating. This shows respect and appreciation for the food.

Business Cards : In professional environments, the exchange of business cards is a ritual. Receive and hand out business cards with both hands, and take a moment to read the card before putting it away.

Photographs : Ask permission before photographing people, especially geisha or maiko in places like Kyoto.

This etiquette reflects the importance of respect, harmony and consideration for others in Japanese society. Knowing and following these rules can help make your experience in Japan smoother and more respectful.

Language Learning Tips

To begin learning Japanese for travel, start with some basic greetings such as “konnichiwa” (こんにちは; hello) and “ohayou gozaimasu” (おはようございます; good morning).

In addition to greetings, be sure to learn important phrases such as “sayounara” (さようなら; goodbye), “arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとう; thank you), and “sumimasen” (すみません; excuse me).

Keep these tips in mind as you learn:

Practice regularly : Spend a few minutes every day reviewing and practicing your Japanese phrases to retain them in your memory.

Learn phonetically : Write down phrases in a way that helps you remember the pronunciation. Fortunately, for those of us who speak Spanish or Italian, pronunciation is not a problem, you just need to know some basic rules.

Carry a phrasebook or have a language app handy: Use them as a reference during your trip to look up phrases or practice while on the go.

Make flashcards : Write the Japanese phrase on one side and the English translation on the other.

Cultural Immersion : Try to immerse yourself in Japanese culture through movies, music, television programs and books in Japanese. This not only improves your understanding of the language, but also familiarizes you with Japanese culture and customs.

Interactive Learning Applications : Use applications that offer interactive and playful learning, such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone or Babbel. These applications can make learning more engaging and fun.

Use Translation Tools and Dictionaries: Tools such as Google Translate or electronic dictionaries can be useful for quick translations and for helping users better understand new words and phrases.

Plan Your Trip to Japan

• How to plan a trip to Japan
• Itinerary of 11 full days in Japan
• How to use JRPass
• The best airport to get to Tokyo
• What to see in Tokyo
• What to see in Hakone
• What to see in Osaka

Last Updated on 29 January, 2024 by Veronica

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Author: Veronica

Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.

Soy Verónica, una apasionada de los viajes, me gusta compartir mis experiencias viajeras en mi blog. He estudiado Empresas y actividades turísticas y ando metida en el mundo del Marketing Digital. Me gusta aprender algo nuevo cada día, conocer nuevos lugares y culturas diferentes.

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83 Must-Know Japanese Travel Phrases For Your Next Trip To Japan

If you're learning Japanese and considering a trip to Japan, you'll probably want to learn some Japanese travel phrases so you can make the most of your trip.

Getting a feel for which expressions will be most important to you can vary depending upon your specific interests and goals while traveling. But some vocab is particularly useful no matter what.

If you spend time learning any basic Japanese phrases and words, start with these 83 Japanese travel phrases so that you can head into Japan on the right foot!

Regardless of where you are or what you’re doing, two of the most important words you’ll need to know are arigatou gozaimasu and sumimasen .

Arigatou (gozaimasu ) means “thank you,” and it’s very polite; you can use it with anyone. Sumimasen means “excuse me” (when trying to get someone’s attention) or “I’m sorry” (if you’ve inconvenienced someone, such as by misunderstanding or taking up time).

Let's discover the other Japanese travel phrases that will be a must on your next trip to Japan.

By the way, if you want to learn Japanese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is  Japanese Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®. 

With  Japanese Uncovered  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.

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At The Airport

So you have arrived in Japan, and you’re in the airport. Depending on how your travels went and what you’re planning on doing next, you might have multiple places you need to visit.

To start, review your vocab and see if any of these locations apply to you for your next stop:

#1 currency exchange ( ryougaejo 両替所) #2 toilet ( toire トイレ) #3 customs ( zeikan 税関) #4 immigration ( nyuukoku shinsa 入国審査) #5 information ( desksougou annaijo 総合案内所) #6 souvenir shop ( omiyageya お土産屋) #7 Seat ( seki 席) #8 Train ( densha 電車) #9 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

These are the most likely places you’ll need to stop next once you arrive. If you need to locate a certain establishment or find where to go, you can always ask someone:

#10 Where is the ______? (____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿はどこですか。)

After you conclude your business wandering around the airport, you’ll probably be heading out into the city. In order to do that, you’ll most likely need to take a train out of the airport. If you feel confident using the airport’s self-service ticket machines, you can buy your own ticket.

However, if you have a JR Pass or need to use special train services, or if you don’t know how to use the machines, you can approach the manned ticket counter and ask:

#11 Can I have a ticket to _______ please? (____ made no chiketto wo kudasai. ＿＿までのチケットをください。)

If you are concerned that you may have to change trains during the process, you can ask about this too by saying:

#12 Is there a transfer? ( Norikae ha arimasu ka? 乗り換えはありますか。)

Taking A Taxi

Taxis in Japan are much more economical options than people give them credit for, so if you’re overwhelmed about navigating by yourself, a taxi can be a great option. The vocabulary for taking a taxi is simple, and drivers typically go above and beyond to help you.

#13 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

When you have located the taxis, you will see that they typically drive up in a line. Wait your turn, and when one drives up, approach. Remember: do not open or close the taxi doors yourself; the driver has an automated button to do this for you.

#14 I’d like to go to _____, please. (____ made onegaishimasu ＿＿までお願いします) #15 How much does it cost? ( Ikura desu ka? いくらですか。)

One important thing to remember is that Japan is a very cash-centric society . The use of credit cards is much rarer than you may be used to, so you should plan to carry larger than normal amounts of cash with you in general. This also means that you should be prepared to ask your taxi driver if he or she accepts credit cards at all.

#16 Is paying by credit card okay? ( Kurejitto kaado de ii desu ka? クレジットカードでいいですか。)

Checking Into Your Hotel

So you have taken a taxi or train, and you’ve arrived at your hotel. Hotels have a wide array of commodities that you can take advantage of, which means that you’ll also get to use a lot of unique vocabulary.

Check out some of the words you’re most likely to use:

#17 Key ( kagi 鍵) #18 Front desk ( chouba (but furonto desuku is more common) 帳場 (フロントデスク)) #19 Lobby ( robii ロビー) #20 Dining room ( shokudou 食堂) #21 Hall ( rouka 廊下) #22 Towel ( taoru タオル) #23 Soap ( sekken 石鹸) #24 Toothbrush ( ha-burashi 歯ブラシ) #25 Toothpaste ( ha-migaki 歯磨き) #26 Razor ( kamisori かみそり) #27 Television ( terebi テレビ) #28 Housekeeping ( kaji-gakari かじがかり) #29 Laundry ( sentaku 選択)

If you are looking to do laundry at a hotel, be aware that Japanese dryers are not as powerful as most countries’, so you may need to run the dryer multiple times or simply hang your clothes to dry.

When you are ready to check in, you can approach the front desk. Depending on what you need to do next, you can use phrases such as:

#30 I’d like to check in. ( Chekku in wo onegaishimasu .チェックインをお願いします。) #31 My name is _______. ( Namae wa _____desu .名前あ＿＿＿です。) #32 I’d like to make a reservation. ( Yoyaku wo shitai desu .予約をしたいです。) #33 Is there wifi? ( Wi-Fi ga arimasu ka? WIFIがありますか。) #34 What time is checkout? ( Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka? チェックアウトは何時ですか。`) #35 Can you hold my luggage for me? ( Nimotsu wo koko ni oite itte mo ii desu ka? 荷物はここに置いていってもいいですか。)

Japanese Greetings

Now that you have settled into Japan a little bit, you’ll probably enjoy going for a walk to see the sights. As you interact with other people, the phrases you’re most likely to hear them say are:

#36 Ohayou/konnichiwa/konbanwa

These are the “daily” greetings that mean “hello.” Ohayou (good morning) is typically used until about 11:30 or noon, then people switch to konnichiwa (good afternoon). At about 5pm, most people will switch to konbanwa (good evening).

#37 Itterasshai/Okaeri

When you leave and return for the day, you may be greeted with unique phrases. Itterasshai means “have a safe trip” or simply “goodbye for the day,” said as you leave. Your hotel staff may say this to you. They may also greet you with okaeri (welcome back) when you return.

#38 Irasshaimase

Whenever you enter a business, you’ll likely be greeted with irasshaimase , a very formal welcome. You are not expected to say anything in response; it’s sort of like the staff saying hello while also thanking you for shopping or visiting.

Buying Coffee

If you can’t go a day without your morning brew, take heart—Japanese coffee shops are everywhere, and the vocabulary is actually almost identical to what you may be used to ordering.

#39 Coffee shop ( kissaten 喫茶店) #40 Hot coffee ( hotto kohi ホットコーヒー) #41 Iced coffee ( aisu kohi アイスコーヒー) #42 Cafe latte ( kafe rate カフェラテ) #43 Drip coffee ( dorippu kohi ドリップコーヒー) #44 Soy milk ( soi miruku ソイミルク)) #45 Espresso ( Esupuresso エスプレッソ)

When it comes time to order your drink, you can specify what you want via the following format:

#46 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

The [item] can be kohi, mizu (water), or any other item you would like to order. If you don’t know how to say what you want to order, you can point to a menu and simply say “kore” (this) in the [item] place. You can fill the [number] slot with the quantity you would like; the words hitotsu, futatsu , and mitsu mean one, two, and three, respectively.

For example:

• I’d like one hot coffee, please. ( Hotto kohi wo hitotsu onegaishimasu. )

After this, the waitress may ask what size you would like. You can typically choose from small (S), medium (M), and large (L).

Use the letter to indicate which size you would like:

#47 Size ( saizu サイズ) #48 Medium M ( saizuM サイズ)

In A Japanese Restaurant

If you’ve decided to stop by a Japanese restaurant instead of a café, you might need a wider variety of words to make sure you can get by.

The good news is that many restaurants—especially in large cities—have pictures on their menus, and no one will be upset if you point and simply say “this, please.”

To start, the vocabulary you’re most likely to need include:

#49 Fish ( sakana 魚) #50 Meat ( niku 肉) #51 Vegetables ( yasai 野菜) #52 Vegetarian ( begitarian ベジタリアン) #53 Beer ( biiru ビール) #54 Water ( mizu 水) #55 Tea ( ocha お茶)

As you enter a restaurant, you will likely be asked how many people are in your party. Using basic Japanese numbers 1-10, you can create the following sentence:

#56 There are [number] people. ([number] mei desu .___名です)

Once you have been seated, you may need to use some of the following phrases:

#57 Do you have an English menu? ( Eigo no menyu arimasu ka? 英語のメニューありますか。) #58 What is this [while pointing]? ( Kore ha nan desu ka? これは何ですか。)

When you have decided what you would like to order, you can simply state:

#59 [item] please. (____ onegaishimasu .＿＿お願いします。)

If you do not know the name of the item and would like to order just by pointing at the menu, you can use:

#60 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

When your meal is over, your next step is to pay. Important phrases that can get you through this phase of the interaction include:

#61 Could we have the bill, please? ( Okaikei kudasai. お会計ください。) #62 Can I pay with a credit card? ( Kurejitto kaado de daijoubu desu ka? クレジットカードで大丈夫ですか。)

In A Convenience Store

If you don’t feel like stopping by a restaurant, or if you’d just like a quick bite to eat or other item, the thousands of convenience stores (called konbini , short for konbiniensu sutoa , “convenience store”) that appear on nearly every street corner are ready to serve you.

The easiest meals in terms of simplicity will be bento boxes, or small boxes (in the cold section) that serve as a whole meal. If you pick one of those up and stand in line, you will almost always hear the following three phrases (to which you can answer yes or no, which keeps things simple):

#63 Next in line, please! ( Otsugi no kata douzo! お次の方どうぞ。) #64 Do you have a point card [a rewards card for the convenience store]? ( Pointo ka-do ha omochi desu ka? ポイントカードはお持ちですか。) #65 Would you like your bento warmed up? ( Obento atatamemasu ka? お弁当温めますか。)

Getting Directions And Getting Lost

Almost inevitably, you’ll find yourself turned around once you start exploring. That’s not such a bad thing! Japan is full of small, tucked away secrets, and the people are eager to help you get back to a familiar place much more often than not.

If you need to ask directions, the phrases that will serve you best are:

#66 Where is [place]?( ____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿ はどこですか。) #67 Can I ask you for directions? ( Michi wo kiite mo ii desu ka? 道を聞いてもいいですか。) #68 Can you help me? ( Tasukete kudasaimasen ka? 助けてくださいませんか。)

In response, Japanese people are likely to use the following words:

#69 Next ( totonari となり) #70 In front of ( mae 前) #71 Behind ( ushiro 後ろ) #72 Nearby ( chikaku 近く) #73 North ( kita 北) #74 South ( minami 南) #75 East ( higashi 東) #76 West ( nishi 西) #77 Right ( migi 右) #78 Left ( hidari 左) #79 Street/road/path ( michi 道) #80 Bridge ( hashi 橋) #81 Corner ( kado 角)

Thanks to the consistent presence of trains and other forms of public transport, you should feel emboldened to explore as much as you like. There will always be a train station or bus nearby where you can ask directions or head back to a familiar place!

Japanese Travel Phrases

So there you have it – 83 Japanese travel phrases to hit the ground running on your next trip to Japan. From the airport to the convenience store and from the hotel to Japanese restaurants these knowing these Japanese travel phrases will help you feel less like a tourist.

And who knows, maybe getting started with these Japanese travel phrases will be your gateway into learning the language.

By the way, if you'd like to learn some more Japanese phrases before your trip, make sure you check out this post on basic conversational Japanese for your first chat with a native speaker. You might also like this list of Japanese conversation starters.

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Basic Japanese Phrases to Know When Traveling in Japan

Having learned Japanese throughout high school and university, and having frequented Japan an obsessive number of times, I’ve compiled a list of the most helpful basic Japanese phrases that will make your upcoming trip 10x more enjoyable.

No time to read? Pin these easy Japanese words for later!

Table of Contents

Basic Japanese Phrases for Travel

It’s no secret that Japan’s English proficiency ranks rather low compared to other parts of the world. (Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that!)

Because of Japan’s unique geographical location as an island nation, locals aren’t particularly inclined to learn languages other than their native tongue.

Although English is taught in most schools, the country’s education system tends to emphasize more on reading/writing, instead of spoken English. And even if someone has great conversational skills, they might be too shy to speak to foreigners due to their fear of making mistakes.

While you don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to visit, these J apan phrases for travelers will surely make getting around much easier.

Humans are social creatures. Whether you are meeting someone or buying souvenirs at a local shop, it’s basic manners to acknowledge the presence of others.

Learn some basic Japanese words, such as

• 「おはよう」 ohayou – morning  (casual)
• 「おはようございます」 ohayou gozaimasu – good morning

• 「こんにちは」 konnichiwa – hello or good afternoon
• 「こんばんは」 konbanwa – good evening
• This is used when meeting someone for the first time
• Hajimemashite literally translates into “we are meeting for the first time,” whereas yoroshiku is more “take care of me”
• You use the former to open up the conversation, then you end with the latter
• This is also used when asking for a favor to mean “please take care of it”

• I’d use this in a business setting where you are meeting someone senior or prestigious
• 「久しぶり」 hisashiburi – long time no see; it’s been awhile
• This is for answering the phone
• 「バイバイ」 bai bai – bye bye (casual)
• 「じゃあね」 jā ne – see ya! (casual)
• 「またね」 mata ne – another casual way to say see you

• 「また明日」 mata ashita – see you tomorrow
• 「さよなら」 sayonara – goodbye

It’s important to note that you should only ever use casual speech with friends, family, or those whom you are close to. Or, if you are speaking with someone visibly much younger .

Basic Phrases in Japanese

Navigate social interactions with these everyday Japanese words:

• 「はい」 hai – yes
• This sounds a little robotic and textbooky
• You can say daijōbu desu instead (see below)
• 「大丈夫です。」 Daijōbu desu. – I’m okay/it’s okay or no, thanks.

• This is a polite/formal phrase typically for speaking with wait staff
• Don’t use this with friends or family, as you can appear cold and distanced
• You can say this to catch someone’s attention, or before asking for directions or for help

• 「ごめんね」 gomen ne – I’m sorry (casual)
• Sumimasen is more “I’m sorry to bother you,” whereas gomen ne and gomen nasai are used to actually apologize for something you did wrong
• 「ありがとう」 arigatou – thanks (casual)
• 「ありがとうございます」 arigatou gozaimasu – thank you (more formal)
• 「ありがとうございました」 arigatou gozaimashita – thank you very much (super formal)

You’ve probably noticed by now that there are tons of different ways of saying the same thing. (And I haven’t included all the variations!) When speaking with a stranger, it’s always best to use the more formal speech.

Asking for Directions

Google Maps has really transformed the way we travel. But if for whatever reason you still need to ask for directions, these common Japanese phrases for tourists will come in handy.

• 「ここはどこですか？」 Koko wa doko desu ka? – Where is this?/Where am I?
• Example 1:「駅はどこですか？」Eki wa doko desu ka? – Where is the station?
• Example 2:「トイレはどこですか」Toire wa doko desu ka? – Where is the restroom?

• Example:「東京に行きたいです。」Tokyo ni ikitai desu. – I want to go to Tokyo.

• 「右」 migi – right
• 「左」 hidari – left
• 「東」 higashi – east
• 「西」 nishi – west
• 「南」 minami – south
• 「北」 kita – north
• 「真っ直ぐ」 massugu – go straight; straight ahead
• 「隣」 tonari – next to
• 「前」 mae – in front of
• 「後ろ」 ushiro – behind
• 「遠い」 tōi – far
• 「近く」 chikaku – nearby
• 「交差点」 kousaten – intersection
• 「角」 kado – corner
• 「道」 michi – street/road
• 「橋」 hashi – bridge

As long as you can pick up on these keywords, you’ll have a pretty good grasp of the conversation.

Useful Phrases in Japanese for Convenience Stores

No matter how many basic Japan words you learn, I guarantee that you will feel like a deer caught in headlights the moment you step foot in a convenience store for the first time.

Fear not. Here are some conversational Japanese phrases they don’t teach you in textbooks:

• 「コンビニ」 conbini – abbreviated saying for convenience store
• 「お次の方どうぞ！」 Otsugi no kata douzo! – Next in line!
• If you have one, say 「持っています。」Motte imasu – I have it.
• If not, say「持っていません。」Motte imasen – I don’t have it.

• The legal age for drinking/smoking is 20
• If you are purchasing alcohol or tobacco, the staff is required to ask you to confirm your age on their machine
• Press 「はい」hai – yes
• Or 「温めましょうか？」Atatamemashou ka? – Shall I warm it up?
• Example: 「お弁当温めますか？」Obento atatamemasu ka? – Would you like your bento warmed up?
• You can reply with 「はい、お願いします！」Hai, onegaishimasu! – Yes, please!
• Or 「大丈夫です。」Daijōbu desu. – It’s okay.
• If they don’t ask, that means there’s a self-serve microwave on the side

• 「少々お待ちください。」 Shou shou omachi kudasai. – Please wait a moment.
• 「お待たせいたしました。」 Omatase itashimashita. – Thank you for waiting.  
• Another variation is「レジ袋はいりますか？」Reji fukuro wa irimasu ka?
• Or 「袋は如何ですか？」Fukuro wa dou desu ka? – What about the bag?
• There are a couple of ways to ask this. Listen for reji fukuro or fukuro.
• If you need one, say 「はい、お願いします。」Hai, onegaishimasu. – Yes, please!
• If not, say「大丈夫です。」Daijōbu desu.

Additional Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Cutlery is usually provided without asking. However, the cashier may sometimes ask

• Or「箸お付けしましょうか？」O hashi otsuke shimashou ka? – Shall I give you chopsticks?
• 「スプーン」supūn – spoon
• 「フォーク」fōku – fork

Other than that, they may also confirm if you need a receipt or not.

• 「レシートはよろしいですか？」 Reshīto wa yoroshī desu ka? – Would you like your receipt?

Japanese Basic Phrases for Ordering Food

In a restaurant.

When entering a restaurant, you will encounter

• 「いらっしゃいませ」irrashaimase – welcome
• 「一人です。」Hitori desu. – For one.
• 「二人です。」Futari desu. – For two.
• 「三人です。」San nin desu. – For three.
• Starting from three, it’s simply number + nin desu. (See counting section below.)

• I.e. Yoyaku shite imasu.
• You can follow that up right away with「 _____です。 」_____ desu. – The name is _____.
• Or,「 _____ で予約をしています。」 _____ de yoyaku (o) shite imasu. – I have a reservation under _____ .

How to Order

If you have any questions about the menu or if you’re ready to order, memorize these Japanese phrases for beginners:

• I.e. Eigo no menyū arimasu ka?
• I’ve seen a few videos on social media warning against ordering from English menus because the prices are marked up. I’d never asked for one before, so this was news to me. That said, I decided to compare both English and Japanese menus at a couple of restaurants in Tokyo, and, what can I say… The prices for both were exactly identical! I’m not sure where this idea from, and who knows! Maybe I got lucky? Either way, I wouldn’t stress about it. If you want to know what you’re ordering and what you’re putting in your mouth, just ask for the English menu.

• 「おすすめは何ですか？」 Osusume wa nan desu ka? – What do you recommend?
• 「 _____をください。 」 _____ o kudasai. – _____ please.
• I learned _____ o kudasai from my Japanese tutor and from Japanese classes in school.
• In real-life situations, _____ (o) onegaishimasu is more practical.
• The two mean the same thing. You’ll be using onegaishimasu so much already. Stick to this one, and you’ll have one less vocabulary to remember.
• 「これをお願いします。」Kore (o) onegaishimasu. – This one please.

Proper Dining Etiquette

Showing gratitude is a major part of Japanese culture. Knowing these basic Japanese phrases can bring a smile to chefs and waiters.

• The literal translation is “I humbly receive.” This is s used to show appreciation towards those who prepared your meal starting from the farmers to the cooks.
• I’d say this when eating at someone’s house . For restaurant dining, it’s not as big of a deal unless you are enjoying a meal with a local. (I.e. if you are eating by yourself at a ramen shop, don’t sweat it.)

• 「ご馳走様です。」 Gochisousama desu. – Thank you for the meal.

• 「ご馳走様でした。」 Gochisousama deshita. – Thank you for the meal. (More formal.)
• 「美味しかったです。」 Oishi katta desu. – It was delicious.

Paying for Your Meal

When asking for the bill, you can say

• Waiters typically bring your bill along with your food and you pay at the front when you leave. If there’s no bill, you can head straight to the front to pay. When in doubt, ask for the okaike.

• I.e. Betsu betsu onegaishimasu.
• 「レシートをお願いします。」 Reshīto (o) onegaishimasu.  – Receipt, please.

Japanese for Travelers when Shopping

Planning to indulge in a little retail therapy? Keep these basic Japanese words for tourists in your back pocket.

• 「これはなんですか？」 Kore wa nan desu ka? – What is this?
• 「シャツ」 shatsu – shirt
• 「ティーシャツ」tīshatsu – tshirt
• 「パンツ」pantsu – pants
• 「ジーンズ」jīnzu – jeans
• 「ドレス」doresu – dress
• 「スーツ」sūtsu – suit
• 「帽子」boushi – hat
• 「鞄」kaban – bag
• 「靴」kutsu – shoes

• 「大きいサイズはありますか？」 Ōkii saizu (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have a bigger size?
• 「小さいサイズはありますか？」 Chīsai saizu (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have a smaller size?
• Example:「白はありますか？」Shiro (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have white?
• 「黒」kuro – black
• 「赤」aka – red
• 「オレンジ色」orenji iro – orange
• 「黄色」ki iro – yellow
• 「緑」midori – green
• 「青」ao – blue
• 「パープル」pāpuru – purple
• 「試着してもいいですか？」 Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka? – Can I try it on?

• 「いくらですか？」 Ikura desu ka? – How much is it?
• 「これをお願いします。」 Kore (o) onegaishimasu. – This one please.
• Tax-free shopping is available for purchases of 5,000 yen or more at select stores
• And everyone has understood me so far
• Or「カードお願いします。」Kādo (o) onegaishimasu. – Credit card please.

Basic Japanese for Travel Emergencies

It sucks to lose things while traveling, which is why learning basic Japanese phrases for tourists will help better prepare you.

• 「忘れ物をしました。」 Wasuremono o shimashita. – I lost something./I dropped something.

• 「財布を落としました。」 Saifu o otoshimashita. – I dropped my wallet.
• 「鞄を無くしました。」 Kaban o nakushimashita. – I lost my bag.
• 「パスポートを無くしました。」 Pasupōto o nakushimashita. – I lost my passport.
• 「遺失物取扱所はどこですか？」 Ishitsubutsu toriatsukaijyo wa doko desu ka? – Where is the lost and found?
• 「電話を貸してください。」 Denwa o kashite kudasai. – Please lend me a phone.
• 「ホテルに連絡してください。」 Hoteru ni renraku shite kudasai. – Please contact the/my hotel.

Should you fall sick, it’s good to know these Japanese conversational phrases:

• 「 病院 」 byouin – hospital
• 「病院に行きたいです。」 Byouin ni ikitai desu. – I want to go to the hospital.

• 「アレルギーがあります。」 Arerugī ga arimasu. – I have allergies.
• 「けがをした。」 Kega o shita. – I got hurt./I hurt myself.
• Example 1:「頭が痛いです。」Atama ga itai desu. – My head hurts.
• Example 2:「お腹が痛いです。」Onakaga ga itai desu. – My stomach hurts.
• 「風邪をひきました。」 Kaze o hikimashita. – I caught a cold.
• 「熱があります。」 Netsu ga arimasu. – I have a fever.
• In Japan, you are only allowed to purchase prescription drugs if you have a valid prescription (from a doctor)

And if you get in an accident… (*knock on wood*)

• 「助けて！！！」 Tasukete!!! – Help!!!
• 「助けてください。」 Tasukete kudasai. – Please help.

• 「救急車」 kyuukyuusha – ambulance
• 「救急車を呼んでください！」 Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai! – Please call an ambulance!
• 「警察」 keisatsu – police
• 「警察を呼んでください！」 Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! – Please call the police!
• 「緊急です。」 Kinkyū desu. – It’s an emergency.
• 「火事です。」 Kaji desu. – There’s a fire.
• 「事故です。」 Jiko desu. – There’s a traffic accident.

Or natural disaster… O__O

• 「地震」 jishin – earthquake
• 「津波」 tsunami – tsunami
• 「避難」 hinan – evacuation
• 「避難所」 hinanjyo – emergency shelter
• 「避難所はどこですか？」 Hinanjyo wa doko desu ka? – Where is the emergency shelter?

Let’s hope you don’t need to learn basic Japanese words for emergency though!

Other Useful Japanese Phrases for Tourists

• Or「英語ができますか？」Eigo (ga) dekimasu ka?
• To be honest, I don’t ever bother asking this because if someone knows English/wanted to speak English to you, they would already be doing so. Nonetheless, this can still be beneficial to learn because while someone like a train station attendant may not know English, they can potentially give you some sort of English information pamphlet or brochure.

• Or「ゆっくり話してください。」Yukkuri hanashite kudasai. – Can you please speak slower?
• 「もう一度お願いします。」 Mou ichido onegaishimasu. – Pardon me? Again, please.

• 「写真OK？」Shashin OK?
• 「写真いい？」Shashin ī?
• 「写真大丈夫？」Shashin daijōbu?
• It’s polite to request for permission in a restaurant, store, or if you wish to photograph someone

Checking in/out of a Hotel

Unless you are staying at a smaller property somewhere in the country side, there’s isn’t a need to learn specific words for hotel check-ins or check-outs. Regardless, I will leave these basic Japanese phrases here just in case.

• 「チェックインをお願いします。」 Chekku in (o) onegai shimasu. – Checking in, please.

• 「朝ご飯は何時ですか？」 Asa gohan wa nan ji desu ka? – What time is breakfast?
• Dinner is usually included at an onsen ryokan
• The front desk will ask in advance what time you would like dinner to be served
• 「チェックアウトは何時ですか？」 Chekku auto wa nan ji desu ka? – What time is check-out?
• 「Wi-Fiありますか？」 Waifai arimasu ka? – Do you have Wi-Fi?
• 「ATMありますか？」 ATM (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have an ATM?
• 「ランドリーサービスはありますか？」 Randorī sābisu (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have laundry services?
• 「アイロンはありますか？」 Airon (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have an iron?
• 「金庫はありますか？」 Kinko (wa) arimasu ka? – Do you have a safe?
• 「チェックアウトをお願いします。」 Chekku auto (o) onegaishimasu. – Checking out, please.
• 「ここに荷物置をいて行っていいですか？」 Koko ni nimotsu wo oite ittemo ii desu ka? – May I leave my luggage here?
• 「タクシーを呼んでください。」 Takushī o yonde kudasai. – Please call a taxi.

Bonus: Counting Numbers & Quantities

Last but not least, we have a “good to know” section.

If you are solely studying basic Japanese words for travel purposes (and not to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), knowing basic counting for up to two or three numbers (i.e. san, san nin, san ko, san pon) is more than enough. There’s always body language and Google Translate too!

Basic Counting

In general, numbers are

• 「一」 ichi – one
• 「二」 ni – two
• 「三」 san – three
• 「四」 shi or yon – four
• 「五」 go – five
• 「六」 roku – six
• 「七」 shichi or nana – seven
• 「八」 hachi – eight
• 「九」 kyū or ku – nine
• 「十」 jū – ten

How to Tell Time

To tell time, it is number + ji .

• 「一時」 ichi ji – one c’clock
• 「二時」 ni ji – two c’clock
• 「三時」 san ji – three o’clock
• 「四時」 yo ji – four o’clock
• 「五時」 go ji – five c’clock
• 「六時」 roku ji – six c’clock
• 「七時」 shichi ji – seven c’clock
• 「八時」 hachi ji – eight c’clock
• 「九時」 ku ji – nine c’clock
• 「十時」 jū ji – ten c’clock
• 「十一時」 jū ichi ji – eleven c’clock
• 「十二時」 jū ni ji – twelve c’clock

For minutes, it’s number + fun or pun .

• 「一分」 ippun  – one minute
• 「二分」 ni fun  – two minutes
• 「三分」 san pun  – three minutes
• 「四分」 yon fun  – four minutes
• 「五分」 go fun  – five minutes
• 「六分」 roppun  – six minutes
• 「七分」 nana fun – seven minutes
• 「八分」 happun  – eight minutes
• 「九分」 kyū fun  – nine minutes
• 「十分」 juppun  – ten minutes
• 「二十分」 ni juppun – twenty minutes
• Example: 「十二時半」jū ni ji han – half past twelve
• 「四十分」 yon juppun – forty minutes
• 「五十分」 go juppun – fifty minutes

To clarify whether you are talking about morning or evening time, use

• 「午前」 gozen – A.M.
• 「午後」 gogo – P.M.

Counting People

If you are counting how many people are in your group for dining at a restaurant, it’s

• 「一人」 hitori – one person
• 「二人」 futari – two people
• 「三人」 san nin – three people
• 「四人」 yo nin – four people
• 「五人」 go nin – five people
• 「六人」 roku nin – six people
• 「七人」 nana nin – seven people
• 「八人」 hachi nin – eight people
• 「九人」 kyū nin – nine people
• 「十人」 jū nin – ten people

Counting Things

Generally speaking, when you count objects, it is

• 「ひとつ」 hitotsu – one
• 「ふたつ」 futatsu – two
• 「みつ」 mitsu – three
• 「よつ」 yotsu – four
• 「いつつ」 itsutsu – five
• 「むっつ」 muttsu – six
• 「ななつ」 nanatsu – seven
• 「やっつ」 yattsu – eight
• 「ここのつ」 kokonotsu – nine
• 「とう」 tou – ten

But, there are exceptions!!! For smaller (round) items (e.g. apples), use ko

• 「一個」 ikko – one
• 「二個」 ni ko – two
• 「三個」 san ko – three
• 「四個」 yon ko – four
• 「五個」 go ko – five
• 「六個」 rokko – six
• 「七個」 nana ko – seven
• 「八個」 hakko – eight
• 「九個」 kyū ko – nine
• 「十個」 jukko – ten

For long items (e.g. bottles of beer, pens, or umbrellas), it’s

• 「一本」 ippon – one
• 「二本」 ni hon – two
• 「三本」 san bon  – three
• 「四本」 yon hon  – four
• 「五本」 go hon  – five
• 「六本」 roppon  – six
• 「七本」 nana hon  – seven
• 「八本」 happon  – eight
• 「九本」 kyū hon  – nine
• 「十本」 juppon  – ten

There are several counters in Japanese (days, months, occurences, drinks/shots, floors, animals, cars and machines, points, etc. etc.) and it’s hard to go over all of them in one single post. Having said that, I’ve chosen the most common travel phrases in Japanese that you will likely use.

Pin for Later!

Well, there you have it! What a long list, phew!!

As mentioned above, you don’t need to speak perfect Japanese in order to visit. However, knowing these basic Japanese travel phrases will definitely make navigating the country and communicating with its locals more rewarding.

Book Your Japan Trip Today

Other helpful japan guides.

• 30 Things to Know Before Going to Japan
• 50 Incredible Japan Bucket List Activities for First-Time Visitors
• Best Tokyo Tower View Hotel
• 150 Japan Quotes for Instagram
• 50 Tokyo Quotes for Your Next Japan Photo Dump

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Last updated on July 17, 2024.

50+ Basic Travel Phrases in Japanese (with Etiquette)

Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ), or "welcome!" to your guide to Japanese travel phrases.

If you're planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning Japanese , this guide to using and understanding Japanese travel phrases is a must-read.

You don't need to learn the entire language before you make the trip of a lifetime. Still, knowing some key phrases, cultural differences and mannerisms will make Japan more accessible for English speakers.

Related: Saying Hello in Japanese: Pronouncing Japanese Greetings

First, we'll discuss the Japanese language and writing styles. Then, we'll cover some essential Japanese travel phrases, including "please", "thank you", "excuse me" and "I don't understand Japanese". Formality in Japanese will be explained, followed by restaurant vocabulary and etiquette.

Next, we'll cover certain phrases related to transport and travel, followed by pronunciation tips for common phrases used in Japan. Finally, we will answer frequently asked questions about Japanese phrases and travel to Japan.

The Japanese Language

Japanese words can be written in symbols or in Romanized characters, so beginners can still read and write before they learn the Japanese script.

However, when you learn Japanese characters you can better understand the nuances of the language.

Kanji are Chinese characters taken from the Chinese script and used in Japanese writing. This writing system was introduced to Japan in the 4th or 5th century, as Japan had a talking system but no means to write it down. Kanji are complex symbols that represent words or ideas.

However, Kanji characters are used along with the more recently created syllabic scripts of Hiragana and Katakana, which represent sounds.

Some people find these scripts easier to read as the symbols are simpler. Hiragana is generally used to represent Japanese words, while Katakana represents foreign words imported into the Japanese language.

While it is possible to write everything in Hiragana or Katakana, i t w o u l d l o o k l i k e t h i s . So, it is better to replace words with Kanji when possible. Japanese people use the three scripts interchangeably, as they are needed.

10 Essential Japanese Words And Phrases

When starting to learn Japanese, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some essential words and phrases. These basic expressions can help you navigate common social situations, communicate politely, and express yourself in simple ways.

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/ good afternoon
• Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはよう ご ざ い ます) - Good morning
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening
• Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう (ご ざ い ます)) – Thank you (polite way).
• Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます)/ Kudasai (くだ さい) - Please
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
• Hai (はい) - Yes/ I understand
• Iie (いいえ) - No
• Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません) - I don't understand Japanese
• Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) - I'm sorry

From greetings and gratitude to requests and acknowledgments, the following Japanese phrases are fundamental building blocks for beginner learners. Let's explore their meanings and contexts:

Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

A basic greeting used during the day. Suitable for use with strangers or casual acquaintances.

Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはようございます)

A polite way to greet someone in the morning. Useful for more formal situations or when addressing elders/superiors.

Konbanwa (こんばんは)

The evening greeting counterpart to konnichiwa. Appropriate for use from around sunset onwards.

Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう(ございます))

Arigatou is the basic way to express thanks. Adding gozaimasu makes it more polite for formal situations.

Onegaishimasu/Kudasai (お願いします/ください)

Onegaishimasu is more formal, while kudasai is slightly more casual. Both express requests politely.

Sumimasen (すみません)

A versatile phrase used to apologize, get attention politely, or ask for a favor humbly.

The most basic way to express agreement or acknowledge something.

A simple, polite way to express negation or disagreement.

Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません)

Useful for communicating language limitations politely when first learning Japanese.

Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)

An important phrase to apologize sincerely in both formal and informal contexts.

Formality In Japanese

Social hierarchy, or your rank compared to others, determines how you will talk to someone in Japanese.

The generally accepted pecking order puts parents above children, teachers above students, customers above shopkeepers, bosses above employees, and elders above younger people.

Moreover, familiarity plays a part in how formal or informal you are with someone. Families will speak more casual Japanese with one another, while strangers use formal terms. Good friends drop formalities entirely and use slang to communicate.

Japanese words are conjugated based on formality. Formal Japanese can be divided into three categories: polite language, honorific language, and humble language.

There is also an informal way of communicating in Japanese, but when you learn Japanese, you often learn the formal first as the conjugation is easier.

Gozimasu and Arigatou

You do not need to worry too much about this as an absolute beginner. Just remember that you can make simple adjustments such as adding gozimasu (ご ざ い ます) to ohayō (おはよう) when saying "good morning" to make it more formal, or to arigatou (ありがとう) to say "thank you" the formal way.

Domo arigato (共 ありがとう) "thank you so much" is also formal. This is a phrase many westerners are familiar with due to the song Mr Roboto by Styx!

Arigato or domo used in isolation are two ways to say "thanks", informally. Use the latter two with friends and family.

Onegaishimasu and Kudasai

Finally, let's revisit when we use Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます) and Kudasai (くだ さい) for "please".

• Kudasai is the more familiar term, while onegai shimasu is more polite and honorable.
• So, you can ask for water, for instance, by using Kudasai (ください) or onegai shimasu ( を お願い し ます), depending on who you are talking to. For example:
• Mizu o onegai shimasu ( 水を お願い し ます) - I would like water, please (formal)
• Mizu o kudasai (水 お ください) - Give me water, please (informal)

Kudasai is a familiar request word that you use when you know you are entitled to something.

For instance, asking a friend or peer for something, or making a request from someone of a lower rank than you. Take a look at the following phrases:

• Mō yamete kudasai (もう やめて くだ さい ) - Please stop
• Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと 待って くだ さい) - Wait a minute, please
• Kutsu o nuide kudasai (靴を脱いで くだ さい) - Please remove your shoes
• Shio o watashite kudasai ( 塩を渡して くだ さい) - Pass the salt, please

If you are speaking to a teacher, elder, or boss in Japan and don't understand something, you can ask: Mou ichido onegai shimasu (もう一度お願いします) - Could you repeat that, please?

As well as language, gestures also play a part in formality and respect in Japanese culture. One such gesture is the bow, and it matters how deep you bend!

A short bow at 15° is appropriate for a casual greeting. A 30° bow is good for greeting strangers and bosses, while a 45° bow conveys deep respect or an apology.

10 Food & Drink Basic Phrases in Japanese

• Menyū (メニュー) - Menu
• O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol (not to be confused with the below)
• Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese saké (rice wine)
• Bīru (ビール) - Beer
• Mizu (水) - Water
• Gohan (ご飯) - Rice
• Misoshiru (みそ汁) - Miso Soup
• Sushi (すし) - Sushi
• Mochi (餅 ) - Mochi (a traditional Japanese glutinous rice cake)
• ___ o Kudasai ( をください) – I would like __, please ___ o onegai shimasu (を お願い し ます) - I would like ___ please

In addition to food and drink, you might want to know how to ask for other specific services in a Japanese restaurant.

• Kin'en seki (禁煙席) - Non-smoking seat
• Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか) - Do you accept credit cards?

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette

It is not enough simply to know a few polite phrases in Japanese. You will also need to understand a bit about restaurant etiquette.

In many Japanese restaurants, there are low tables with cushions, rather than or in addition to western-style tables and chairs.

Cushions will be placed on tatami floors, which are a traditional kind of mat flooring in Japanese restaurants. You should never wear shoes or slippers on tatami flooring, and avoid stepping on anyone's cushion except your own.

Japanese Restaurant Vocabulary in Context

When the food comes, it is customary to wait for everyone's meals to arrive, then say:

• Itadakimasu (いただきます) - "I gratefully receive (this meal)"

You should say this before starting to eat. This is similar to the French "bon appetit".

However, if a dish is best eaten hot and it arrives before the others, the following phrase can be used:

• Osaki ni douzo (お先 に どうぞ) - "Please go ahead"

Other useful Japanese resturant phrases include:

• Daijyoubu Desu (だいじょうぶです) - "I'm fine now" (this is a polite way to decline something from a waiter offering you more water or food).

You can conclude the meal by saying the phrase:

• Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさま でした) - "Thank you for the feast."

This expresses gratitude to the chef and for the ingredients of the meal.

At the end of your meal, you should use the following:

• Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計 を お願いします) - "The check, please."

Manners in Convenience Stores

The following piece of vocaulary will be useful:

• Konbini (コンビニ) - Convenience store

In Japan, simple things like unfolding your bills before you hand them over to the cashier and not throwing down your coins are considered polite as they make the worker's job easier.

Customer service in Japan is famously excellent, so treat the clerk with respect and kindness, as you should in any other foreign country.

10 Transportation-Related Phrases In Japanese

• ___wa doko desu ka ( は どこ です か) – Where is __?
• Eki (駅) - Train station eg. Eki wa doko desu ka (駅 は どこ です か) - Where is the train station?
• Basu noriba (バスのりば) - Bus stop
• Dono Densha (どの電車)/ Dono basu (どのバス) – Which train?/ Which bus?
• (Tōkyō) ni ikitai ( ([東京) に行きたい) – I want to go to (Tokyo)
• Kippu (切符) – Ticket
• Katamichi kippu (片道切符)/ Kaeri no kippu (帰りの切符) - One-way ticket/ return ticket
• Hoteru (ホテル) - hotel
• Toire ( = トイレ) - Bathroom / toilet
• Ikura desu ka (いくら です 化) - How much is it?

Japanese travel phrases in context

Now, you can start to put some of the words we have learned together to create a proper phrase.

• Hiroshima e no kaeri no kippu o onegai shimasu, ikura desu ka (広島への帰りの切符をお願いします、いくらですか) - "I would like a return ticket to Hiroshima, how much is it?"

These essential Japanese travel phrases will come in handy when visiting Japan, as an estimated 70% of the population does not speak English.

You'll find more people with some level of English in the top destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while you might hit a language barrier in smaller towns.

10 Time-Related Phrases In Japanese

Whether you're inquiring about the current time, referring to specific times of the day, or discussing dates, these Japanese time phrases will prove invaluable. Let's explore 10 essential time-related words and expressions in Japanese:

• Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?
• Asa (朝) – Morning
• Kyou (今日) – Today
• Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow
• Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?
• Gogo (午後) - Afternoon
• Yoru (夜) - Night/Evening
• Kinou (昨日) - Yesterday
• Itsudemo (いつでも) - Anytime/Whenever
• Jikan ga arimasen (時間がありません) - I don't have time

Basic Japanese Phrases and Pronunciation in Japanese

An important phrase you will likely say a lot is desu ka ( です か).

This indicates a question when placed at the end of a sentence. So, let's make sure you can say it correctly, as it may not be pronounced as you'd expect.

You want to pronounce desu like “dess.” Remember, the “u” sound at the end is dropped.

This happens a lot with words that end with “u” sounds, including:

• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとう ご ざ い) - "thank you" (which is pronounced "arigatou gozaimas").

We have already seen desu ka in the phrase ikura desu ka, " how much is it?", and wa doko desu ka , "where is it?".

It is also used in the following key Japanese phrases:

• O genki desu ka (お元気 です 化) - How are you? (Pronounced "o genki dess ka").
• Nani desu ka (何ですか なにですか) - (polite) What?
• Sou desu ka (そうですか) - Is that so?/ Really? The response, Sou desu (そうです), pronounced "so dess", means "that is so" or "yes, really".
• Kore wa na ndesu ka (これ わ なん です か) - What is this?

You can create many more Japanese phrases for asking questions by using desu ka , so try to remember this pronunciation as it will get you a long way.

Basic Greetings Tourists Should Know in Japan

If you only have a short time before your trip to Japan, at the very least learn these simple greetings and make sure you know the dos and don'ts of public affection.

• Kon'nichiwa, watashinonamaeha ___ (こんにちは、私の名前は) - "Good afternoon, my name is ___"
• Konbanwa, hajimemashite (こんばんは、はじめまして) - "Good evening, nice to meet you."
• Namae wa nandesu ka? (名前はなん です か) - "What is your name?"

Making Friends in Japan

Now that you know how to greet Japanese people appropriately, you can start to build a relationship with them.

Generally, when you meet people while traveling abroad, you ask:

• Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (英語を話せますか) - "Can you speak English?"
• Anata wa doko no kuni no shusshindesu ka (あなたはどこの国の出身 です か) - "Which country are you from?"
• Doko no shusshindesu ka? ( どこの出身 です か) - "Where are you from?" (more simple phrase).
• Anata wa doko ni sun deru nodesu ka? (あなたはどこに住んでるの です か) - "Where do you live?"

If you would like to become friends or make a date, you might want to gauge the person's interests:

• Anata wa (eiga ga) sukidesuka? (あなたは (映画が) 好き です か) - "Do you like (the cinema)?"

Travel Tips for Japan

Remember Japanese manners! This includes restaurant etiquette, limiting public displays of affection, using polite language, and respecting the culture.

You cannot expect everyone in the world to speak your language, but by using a simple Japanese phrase here and there you can show that you are willing to try and meet them halfway.

Choose the season wisely. Visit Japan in Winter for the ski season, or in Spring for unforgettable views of cherry blossoms.

Or, choose an Autumn trip to avoid tourist crowds and peak travel seasons. The same applies to Summer, though this is typhoon season, which puts a lot of tourists off.

What is Ryokou?

Ryokou (旅行) is a Japanese noun meaning "travel" or "trip".

Broken down, 旅 is the kanji character meaning "travel", "trip", or "journey", and 行 is the kanji character used to express the act of going or visiting.

Use this next phrase if you want to impress your new Japanese friends by using their local language:

• Watashi wa ryokou ga sukidesu (私は旅行が好きです) - "I love traveling".

If you're studying Japanese so you can take a trip to Japan, this is undoubtedly true!

How to Learn Japanese Naturally

If you are looking for additional resources for learning Japanese, check out Lingopie .

This is an online streaming platform that is designed to get you speaking Japanese and learning Kanji with ease through immersion in Japanese TV and movies.

Lingopie provides an authentic and natural way to learn other languages and makes learning Japanese fun.

This is a great tool for busy people who cannot sit through hours of Japanese classes every week.

Simply relax in the evening and watch half an hour of Japanese TV. Allow your brain to absorb the language naturally and pick up useful phrases and pronunciation.

And if you want to keep binge watching awesome shows check out our other Japanese articles. We listed 9 Japanese Movies on Netflix that can help your studies and we also did a guide to learning Japanese with anime ! We also recommend you to check out our free guide " Best way to learn Japanese ".

Summing up: Basic Travel phrases in Japanese

Now you can travel to Japan armed with some useful Japanese phrases and a basic understanding of the culture and mannerisms of the country.

You will be able to conduct yourself appropriately while dining, make your way around train stations, and if you speak slowly and clearly, begin to build relationships.

Remember, nobody will expect you to speak Japanese fluently, but if you can use these simple phrases, your travels will be simplified.

The average Japanese native speaker is unlikely to speak English fluently. You may hit a language barrier, but if you remember your polite gestures and restaurant etiquette, you can still do very well in Japan and impress the locals.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some travel inspiration. Have a wonderful time on your trip and good luck on your path to learning Japanese!

Lorena Macedo

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101 Basic Japanese Words and Basic Japanese Phrases for Travel in Japan

Elaina Robbins

Travel in Japan is the ultimate goal of many Japanese students. Not only is it a fascinating and eye-opening experience; it’s a great opportunity to practice using basic Japanese words and basic Japanese phrases in a setting other than the classroom.

Having a selection of basic Japanese phrases ready to use as you travel in Japan will help you get around and improve your pronunciation as you interact with native speakers. After all, there is no better way to learn any new language than practical application!

We have assembled a list of practical, basic Japanese phrases that will make your journey through this ancient culture even more educational and memorable. Speechling has many tools to help with comprehension and pronunciation as you prepare for your trip and commit these basic Japanese phrases and words to memory.

These basic Japanese words and phrases allow you to greet people and interact throughout the day. As you use them, remember what you’ve learned about the high premium placed on respect in this culture! When in doubt, err on the side of too much deference.

• Hello: Konnichiwa. こんにちは
• Good morning: Ohayo- gozaimasu. おはようございます
• Good afternoon: Konnichiwa. こんにちは (yes, this is the same as “hello”!)
• Good evening: Konbanwa. こんばんは
• Goodbye: Sayo-nara. さようなら
• Please: Kudasai. ください
• Thank you: Arigato- gozaimasu. ありがとうございます
• How are you?: Ogenki desu ka? お元気ですか?
• Yes: hai. はい
• No: EE-eh. いいえ
• My name is __ : Watashi no namae wa __ desu. 私の名前は __ です
• What’s your name?: Onamae wa nan desu ka? お名前は何ですか？ (おなまえは なんですか？)
• It’s nice to meet you: Hajimemashite. 始めまして (said at the beginning of a conversation, not when parting)
• Sorry: Gomen-nasai. 御免なさい
• Excuse me: Sumimasen. すみません
• Where is the?: __ wa doko desu ka? __ はどこですか？
• I don't understand. Wakarimasen. わかりません
• I do not speak Japanese: Nihongo o hanashimasen. 日本語を話しません (にほんごを はなしません)
• Do you speak English?: Ehgo o hanashimasu ka? 英語を話しますか？(えいごを はなしますか？)
• Please repeat that: Mo- ichido itte kudasai. もう一度言ってください (もういちど いってください)
• Please speak slowly: Yukkuri hanashite kudasai ゆっくり話してください (ゆっくり はなしてください)
• Would you please help me?: Tetsudatte moraemasuka? 手伝ってもらえますか？ (てつだって もらえますか？)
• I want to go: (Koko) ni ikitai no desu. (ここ)に行きたいのです ((ここ) に いきたいのです)

Transportation and Lodging

As in most countries, Japanese transit and hotel staff seem to have a language of their own. Do some reading online before your trip, just to acquaint yourself with some of the quirks you may encounter in Japanese hotels (for example, you’re expected to tidy your own hotel room). Here are some basic words and phrases that will be helpful.

• How much is a ticket to __ ?: ___ madeh ikura desu ka? ___ までいくらですか ?
• A ticket to__, please: ___ madeh ichimai onegaishimasu. __ まで一枚お願いします
• Where does the train/bus go?: Kono densha/basu wa doko yuki desuka? この(電車/バス)はどこ行きですか ?
• Where is the train/bus to (a location)?: ___ yuki no densha/basu wa doko desuka? ___ 行きの(電車/バス)はどこですか?
• Does this train/bus stop in __ ?: Kono densha/basu wa ___ ni tomarimasuka? この(電車/バス)は ___ に止まりますか ?
• When does the train/bus for ___ leave?: ___ yuki no densha/basu wa nanji ni shuppatsu shimasuka? ___ 行きの(電車/バス)は何時に出発しますか?
• When will the train/bus arrive in __ ?: Kono densha/basu wa nanji ni ___ ni tsukimasuka? この(電車/バス)は何時に _____ に着きますか?
• Do you have rooms available?: Aiteru heya arimasuka? 空いてる部屋ありますか?
• How much does lodging for one/two cost?: Hitori/futari-yō no heya wa ikura desuka?一人/二人用の部屋はいくらですか?
• Is the room Japanese/Western style?: Washitsu/yōshitsu desuka? 和室/洋室ですか？
• Does the room come with __ ?: Heya wa ___ tsuki desuka? 部屋は ... 付きですか?
• May I see a room first?: Heya o mitemo ii desuka? 部屋を見てもいいですか?
• I'll take it: Kore de ii desu. これで良いです
• I would like to stay for ___ night(s): ___ haku onegaishimasu. ___ 2泊お願いします
• Do you know another place to stay?: Hoka no yado wa gozonji desuka? 他の宿はご存知ですか?
• What time is breakfast/supper?: Chōshoku/yūshoku wa nanji desuka? 朝食/夕食は何時ですか?
• Please wake me at___: __ ni okoshite kudasai.__ に起こしてください
• I would like to check out: Chekku auto (check out) onegaishimasu. チェックアウトお願いします

As soon as you walk into a retail business or restaurant in Japan, you will be greeted with, “Irrashai maseh” (いっらしゃいませ)！ It is a general welcome by employees to all customers, so all you need to do is nod in acknowledgement, if anything. You’ll probably hear the following phrases from the store clerk as you shop:

• Are you looking for something?: Nani ka osagashi desu ka? 何かお探しですか？
• Is that everything?: Ijyou de yoroshii desu ka? 以上でよろしいですか？(いじょうで よろしいですか？)
• Here you go: Hai, douzo. はい、どうぞ

Your responses may include phrases such as: 45. I would like this item: Kore o onegai shimasu. これを おねがいします 46. I would like one of those: Sore o hitotsu onegai shimasu. それを一つお願いします (それを ひとつ おねがいします) 47. How much does it cost?: kore wa ikura desu ka?これは いくらですか？ 48. Do you accept a credit card?: Kureditto kaado (credit card) o tsukaemasuka? クレジットカードを使えますか?

Dining out provides lots of opportunity to practice your Japanese, but it is also an activity that can be quite different in Japan. Do some research before you go to learn as much as you can, and then enjoy Japan’s world-famous food!

• Space for one person/two people, please: Hitori/futari desu. 一人/二人です.
• Please bring a menu: Menu o kudasai. メニューを下さい。
• Is there a house specialty? O-susume wa arimasuka? お勧めはありますか？
• Fixed-price meal: Teishoku. 定食
• A la carte: Ippinryōri. 一品料理
• Breakfast: Chōshoku. 朝食
• Lunch: Chūshoku. 昼食
• Light meal: Keishoku. 軽食
• Supper: Yūshoku. 夕食
• Beverage: Nomimono. 飲み物
• I want a dish containing __ : __ ga haitteru mono o kudasai. __ が入ってるものを下さい。
• Chopsticks: ohashi. お箸
• It was delicious: Oishikatta desu. おいしかったです
• Excuse me: Sumimasen. 済みません
• May I have the check, please? Okaikeh onegai shimasu. お会計お願いします
• Do you serve alcohol? Osakeh arimasuka? お酒ありますか?
• Sake: Nihonshu. 日本酒
• Japanese liquor: Shōchū.焼酎
• Whiskey: Wiskii. ウイスキー
• Water: Mizu. 水
• Club soda: Sōda: ソーダ
• Coffee: Co-hii. コーヒー (こーひー)

Time and Numbers

You may encounter military time in Japan, or the terms “gozen” 午前 for a.m. and “gogo” 午後 for p.m. Check out this resource for some additional explanation; this topic can get tricky. Also, remember that the Japanese readings “yon” and “nana” are often used for 4 and 7 due to superstition about the translation (“shi,” used in another reading for both those numbers, translates as death).

• Six o'clock a.m.: Asa rokuji. 朝6時
• Noon: Shōgo. 正午
• One o'clock p.m.: Gogo ichiji. 午後1時
• Midnight: Yoru jūniji: 夜12時
• ___ minute(s): ___ foon or poon. 分
• ___ hour(s): ___ jikan. 時間
• ___ day(s): ___ nichi. 日
• ___ week(s): ___ shūkan. 週間
• ___ month(s): ___ kagetsu. ヶ月
• ___ year(s): ___ nen. 年
• 4: Yon or shi. 四
• 7: Nana or shichi. 七
• 8: Hachi. 八
• Now: Ima. 今
• Later: Atodeh. 後で
• Before: Maeh ni. 前に
• Morning: Asa. 朝
• Afternoon: Gogo. 午後
• Evening: Yūgata. 夕方
• Night: Yoru. 夜

Words or Phrases to Avoid

These phrases can convey disrespect. You don’t want to offend anyone, especially people you don’t know, so make sure to avoid these terms, even if you hear them being tossed around in your favorite anime.

• Doing something untimely: Manuke. まぬけ
• Drop dead!: Kutabare. くたばれ
• Move out of the way!: Doke. どけ
• Noisy!: Urusai.うるさい

Enjoy Your Trip!

As you prepare to travel in Japan, use Speechling’s pronunciation tools to master the phrases provided on this list. Review The Top 5 Pronunciation Mistakes English Speakers Make in Japanese Lessons , too, and then the Top 100 Basic Japanese Words for Beginners for additional words that weren’t included in this list. Native speakers will appreciate the effort you took to use Japanese words and phrases, even if they aren’t perfect!

Speechling is a nonprofit app and website that combines human coaching with technology to improve your foreign language speaking.

Japanese Travel Phrases for an Enjoyable Trip to Japan

Are you traveling to Japan and want to learn practical Japanese travel phrases? This article is designed to help you learn the most useful Japanese words for travel.

It’s always good to learn basic words when you travel to a foreign country. Not only does it make getting around easier, but it also allows you to enjoy communicating with the locals.

In general, Japanese people are not so good at speaking English , free wifi services aren’t very prevalent (especially outside of the central cities), and Japan is still more of a cash-based society than you may think. However, Japanese people are very kind; they’ll listen to you patiently and do their best to help. So just use these basic Japanese travel phrases to talk to Japanese people when you want to ask something.

When you speak even a little bit of Japanese, locals will appreciate your effort and will be more friendly. Here’s JapanesePod101’s list of practical Japanese travel phrases for your travels to Japan!

Table of Contents

• Greeting/Communication
• Asking for Directions
• Restaurants
• When You Need Help
• Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

1. Greeting/Communication

To begin our list of essential Japanese travel phrases, we’ll go over greetings and basic travel phrases in Japanese for solid communication. These simple Japanese travel phrases can make a world of difference in your conversations and overall experience in Japan.

• Romanization: Kon’nichiwa
• English Translation: Hello

In terms of must-know Japanese travel phrases, you probably already know that this is the most common Japanese greeting word . You can say this to anybody for any occasion during the daytime.

• Romanization: Hai / Iie
• English Translation: Yes / No

Hai is “Yes” and it’s pronounced like the English word “Hi.” In Japan, saying yes also means that you understand. Iie is “No” and it’s pronounced ‘EE-eh.’

3- ありがとうございます

• Romanization: Arigatō gozaimasu
• English Translation: Thank you

Arigatō gozaimasu is the polite way to say “Thank you” in Japanese, and you can use this for any occasion. In case of a casual situation, you can just say Arigatō , or even more casually, Dōmo (どうも) which means “Thanks.”

4- いいえ、いりません

• Romanization: Iie, irimasen
• English Translation: No, thank you.

It literally means “No, I don’t need it,” in Japanese. At a restaurant, say this phrase when a waiter offers to fill your glass of water and you don’t want more.

• Romanization: Sumimasen
• English Translation: I’m sorry / Excuse me

This word is usually used to say “sorry” or “excuse me” . Say this when you bump into someone in a crowd or when you ask someone for directions. Japanese people also use this to mean “thank you,” in some cases, such as when someone picks up something you dropped.

• Romanization: Onegai shimasu
• English Translation: Please

When you request something, it’s polite to say Onegai shimasu . When someone offers you something and says please, she/he would say Dōzo (どうぞ) in Japanese.

• Romanization: Watashi wa XX desu.
• English Translation: I am XX.

Watashi is “I,” wa is “am/is/are,” and desu is a present-tense word that links subjects and predicates; it’s placed at the end of a sentence. You can put your name, or your nationality, such as: Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu (私はアメリカ人です) which means “I am American.”　　

8- 私は日本語がわかりません

• Romanization: Watashi wa nihongo ga wakarimasen.
• English Translation: I don’t understand Japanese.

Nihongo is stands for the Japanese language, and Wakarimasen means “I don’t understand.” If you don’t know something, you can just say Wakarimasen meaning “I don’t know.”

9- 英語を話せますか

• Romanization: Eigo o hanasemasu ka
• English Translation: Can you speak English?

This is one of the most useful Japanese phrases for travelers. Eigo means “English,” Hanasemasu is a polite way to say “I speak,” and ka is a word that you add to the end of a complete sentence to make a question.

10- 英語でお願いします

• Romanization: Eigo de onegai shimasu
• English Translation: English, please.

This is another important Japanese travel phrase. De is the particle, and in this case it means “by” or “by means of.” The phrase literally translates as “English by please.” You can also say M saizu de onegai shimasu (Mサイズでお願いします) which means “Medium size, please.”

2. Asking for Directions

One of the most important Japanese travel phrases you should know are directions . Here are some useful vocabulary words and two Japanese language travel phrases you need to know!

1- Vocabulary

• 駅 ( Eki ) : Station
• 地下鉄 ( Chikatetsu ) : Subway/Metro
• トイレ ( Toire ) : Toilet
• 銀行 ( Ginkō ) : Bank
• 切符売り場 ( Kippu uriba ) : Ticket machine/Office
• 観光案内所 ( Kankō annaijo ) : Tourist information office
• 入口 ( Iriguchi ) : Entrance
• 出口 ( Deguchi ) : Exit
• 右 ( Migi ) : Right
• 左 ( Hidari ) : Left
• まっすぐ ( Massugu ) : Straight
• 曲がる ( Magaru ) : Turn
• 交差点 ( Kōsaten ) : Intersection
• 角 ( Kado ) : Corner

2- XXはどこですか

• Romanization: XX wa doko desu ka
• English Translation: Where is XX?

Doko means “where” and you replace XX with the name of where you want to go.

For example

• Toire wa doko desu ka (Where is the toilet?)
• Deguchi wa doko desu ka (Where is an exit?)

3- XX e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (XXへはどう行けばいいですか) : How can I go to XX?

• Romanization: XX e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka
• English Translation: How can I go to XX?

Dō is “how,” e is “to,” and ikeba ii can be translated as “good to go.” When you want to know how you can get somewhere, replace XX with where you want to go.

For example:

• Eki e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (How can I go to the station?)
• Ginkō e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (How can I go to the bank?)

4- Other Examples

1. この道をまっすぐ行きます ( Kono michi o massugu ikimasu. )：Go straight on this street.

Kono michi is “this street” and ikimasu is the polite way to say “Go.” O is a Japanese postpositional particle which indicates an object (in this case, kono michi ).

2. 次の角を右へ曲がります ( Tsugi no kado o migi e magarimasu. )：Turn right at the next corner.

Tsugi no kado means “next corner” and magarimasu is the polite way to say “Turn.” E is another postpositional particle that indicates direction; this can be translated as the English word “to.”

3. 交差点を渡って左へ行きます ( Kōsaten o watatte hidari e ikimasu. )：Cross an intersection and go to the left (direction).

Watatte is a conjugated form of wataru which means “cross.”

3. Shopping

You’ll definitely love shopping when traveling in Japan, and some of the best Japanese phrases for travel are those related to this fun past-time. Knowing some useful Japanese words will make your shopping even more enjoyable.

1- XXはありますか

• Romanization: XX wa arimasu ka
• English Translation: Do you have XX?

When you’re at a store and looking for something, you can use this phrase by replacing XX with what you want.

• Romanization: Ikura desu ka
• English Translation: How much is it?

This is probably one of the most useful Japanese words for traveling and shopping. You can say Ikura desu ka in many situations, such as when you’re shopping, buying tickets, paying for a taxi, etc.

• Romanization: Menzei dekimasu ka
• English Translation: Can you do a tax exemption?

Did you know that, as a traveler, you can get a sales tax exemption when you purchase things greater than 5,000 yen? Menzei is “tax exempted” and dekimasu means “can do.” Don’t forget to say this when you buy something big!

• Romanization: Kore wa nan desu ka
• English Translation: What is this?

Kore is “this” and nan is another form of nani which means “what.” There are many unique foods, gadgets, and things which are unique to Japan, so when you wonder what it is, point to it and say this phrase.

• Romanization: Kore o kaimasu
• English Translation: I’ll buy this.

Kaimasu is the conjugation of the verb kau , which means “buy.”

6- カードは使えますか

• Romanization: Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka
• English Translation: Can I use a credit card?

Kādo is “card” and you pronounce it just like the English word “card.” Tsukaemasu is a conjugation of the potential form of the verb tsukau which means “use.” This phrase is useful when you want to use your card at small shops and restaurants.

4. Restaurants

Japan has an array of delicious foods, of which sushi and ramen are just the tip of the iceberg. Amazingly, Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, for several consecutive years. Enjoy yummy food at restaurants with useful Japanese words for restaurants and easy Japanese travel phrases related to food.

• 英語のメニュー ( Eigo no menyū ) : English menu
• ベジタリアンのメニュー ( Bejitarian no menyū ) : Vegetarian menu
• 豚肉を含まないメニュー ( Butaniku o fukumanai menyū ) : Menu without pork
• 水 ( Mizu ) : Water
• 白/赤ワイン ( Shiro / Aka wain ) : White / Red wine

2- XXはありますか

When you want to ask if the restaurant has something you want, say this phrase (replacing XX with what you want).

• Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka (Do you have an English menu?)
• Aka wain wa arimasu ka (Do you have red wine?)
• Romanization: XX o kudasai
• English Translation: Can I have XX?

This is another very useful phrase. Simply replace XX with what you want. You can also use this versatile phrase in various occasions, such as when shopping, choosing something, etc.

• Kore o kudasai (Can I have this?)
• Mizu o kudasai (Can I have water?)

4- お会計お願いします

• Romanization: O-kaikei onegai shimasu
• English Translation: Check, please.

O-kaikei means “check.” In Japan, people often cross their index fingers in front of their face as a gesture to indicate “check, please” at casual restaurants. However, when you’re at a nice restaurant, simply tell a waiter: O-kaikei onegai shimasu .

5. When You Need Help

Sometimes you get faced with unexpected emergencies while you’re traveling. Japan is famous for being one of the safest countries in the world, but you might fall very ill or be caught in a great earthquake.

1- Vocabularies

• 警察 ( Keisatsu ) : Police
• 病院 ( Byōin ) : Hospital
• 救急車 ( Kyūkyūsha ) : Ambulance
• ドラッグストア/薬局 ( Doraggu sutoa / Yakkyoku ) : Drug Store/Pharmacy
• タクシー ( Takushī ) : Taxi

2- XXを呼んでください

• Romanization: XX o yonde kudasai
• English Translation: Can you call XX?

When you’re severely ill or in case of emergency, let people know by using this phrase. Japanese people will kindly help you.

• Yūkyūsha o yonde kudasai (Can you call an ambulance?)
• Keisatsu o yonde kudasai (Can you call the police?)

3- どこでインターネットを使えますか

• Romanization: Doko de intānetto o tsukaemasu ka
• English Translation: Where can I use the internet?

Although large cities in Japan provide free public wifi at major stations, metros, and cafes, you may need to find internet access in smaller cities. Remember that there will be kind Japanese people who will share their personal hotspots, or look things up for you with their own phones, as well.

4- 電話を貸してください

• Romanization: Denwa o kashite kudasai
• English Translation: Can I use your phone?

Denwa is “phone” and kashite is a conjugation word of kasu , which means “lend.” This phrase is literally translated as “Please lend (me) a phone.”

• Romanization: Tasukete kudasai
• English Translation: Please help me.

I believe this phrase is the last thing you would ever use in Japan, but in case something does happen, this is useful survival Japanese for tourists.

6. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

I hope this article of Japanese travel phrases is helpful and that you’ll enjoy your trip to Japan!

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find more useful content on JapanesePod101.com . We provide a variety of free lessons for you to improve your Japanese language skills.

We also have YouTube channel: JapanesePod101 . It’s fun to learn Japanese through watching videos and listening to actual Japanese pronunciation, so we recommend you check it out!

Don’t forget to study with our free Japanese vocabulary lists , read more insightful blog posts like this one, and download our mobile apps to learn anywhere, anytime! Whatever your reason for learning Japanese , know that we’re here to help and you can do it ! Keep in mind that the best way to learn Japanese phrases for travel is repetition and practice.

Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about using these useful travel phrases in Japanese after reading this article. More confident, or still a little confused about something? Feel free to ask questions in the comments!

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100 Essential Japanese Phrases and Words You WILL Use

These 100 Japanese phrases are a great starting point for communicating with people from Japan. Knowing these common phrases can help you while traveling, working, or even making friends in Japan. Even advanced students of Japanese may pick up a thing or two from this list!

Self-Introduction Key Phrases

Common ways to get someone’s attention, common ways to apologize, common phrases for shopping, common phrases for restaurants, common phrases when visiting someone at their home, phrases for traveling in japan, common japanese phrases for the workplace, common phrases for visiting someone who is not feeling well, useful words to agree/disagree , commonly used adjectives, basic japanese greetings .

If you work or go to school in Japan, you will 100% be asked to do a self-introduction of yourself at some point. These phrases are great for covering the basics.

 1. はじめまして。 (Hajimemashite . ): Nice to meet you.

A standard phrase for meeting someone for the first time. Usually, you’ll say phrases #2 and #3 after saying はじめまして ( hajimemashite ).

2. 私の名前は (Name) といいます。 (Watashi no namae wa (name) to iimasu.): My name is …

If you are a woman, a girl, or a mature person, 私 ( watashi ) will sound natural. If you are a boy, 僕 ( boku ) sounds better: 僕の名前は … といいます ( boku no namae wa … to ii masu )

3 . (Name) と申します。 ( (Name) to mōshimasu.): I am (name).

A humble and polite way to introduce yourself.  

4. どうぞよろしく。 (Dōzo yoroshiku . ): Pleased to meet you.

The nuance of this phrase is closer to “Please take care of me.” This is because you are “asking for their favor” (to become friends, for their help, etc.) in the future.  

どうぞよろしく ( dōzo yoroshiku ) is casual; どうぞよろしくお願いします ( dōzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu ) is more polite and formal.

よろしく ( yoroshiku ) is a very commonly used word that means “please” or “please treat me favorably.” A polite version of this, よろしくお願いします ( yoroshiku onegai shimasu ) , is often said when you ask someone for help, work together with someone, or meeting someone for the first time. See #74 on this list for more details. 

5.   (Place) から来ました。   ( (Place) kara kimashita.): I’m from (place).

You can use this to say which country you’re from, your company name, or even an area you previously lived in.  

6.   (Hometown/School) 出身です。( (Hometown/school) shusshin desu.): I’m from …. (hometown/school)

出身 ( shusshin ) describes your place of origin. This can be the country, city, or town you’re from, or it can be a school you graduated from.

7. お会いできて光栄です。(Oai dekite kōei desu.): I’m honored to meet you.

This phrase is formal and usually used in business situations. Children would never use this phrase. When adults use it, it does sound formal, but elegant.

 8. 今後ともどうぞよろしく。(Kongo tomo dōzo yoroshiku.): I look forward to working with you/getting to know you.

At the end of a conversation, Japanese people often say 今後ともどうぞよろしく( Kongo tomo dōzo yoroshiku ) or the more formal 今後ともどうぞよろしくお願いします ( Kongo tomo dōzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu ) in business settings (to business partners or customers).

The nuance of this statement is something like, “Please treat me favorably from now on.” which implies that you plan on getting to know them more in the future. This makes it a natural way to end your introduction.  

Here are some words you can use to gain someone’s attention or to gently break into a conversation with someone.

9. あの。。。 (Ano…): Excuse me…  

When you want to get someone’s attention, you may start with あの ( ano ). It has a nuance of saying “hello” before asking someone for something (as in, “Hello. I was wondering if you could tell me how to get to the station.”)

 10. ちょっと。 (Chotto): Excuse me./Hey.

ちょっと ( chotto ) is also a very common term to start a conversation. However, unlike あの ( ano ) described above, ちょっと is better used when you already have someone’s attention. 

Using ちょっと can also be seen as strong or even rude. Sometimes Japanese people say this word twice: ちょっとちょっと ( chotto chotto ). This can be a frank and slightly suspicious way of saying, “Excuse me?” Or it can be said when you’re frustrated with someone and want to say, “Give me a break already.”

11. ちょっといいですか？ (Chotto ii desu ka?): Can you help me?

This phrase is often used when you want to ask someone for help. ちょっと ( chotto ) “little” or “just a bit.” So the nuance is similar to “Could I have a second of your time?”

12. すみません。(Sumimasen.): Excuse me./I’m Sorry./Thank You.

You may have heard すみません ( sumimasen ) means “I apologize.” However, this term is also used to get someone’s attention (Excuse me.). 

It can even mean “Thank you” in certain situations. If you want to learn all about すみません ( sumimasen ), check out our guide here: What Does Sumimasen Mean?

13. 申し訳ありませんが 。。。 (Mōshi wake arimasen ga…): I’m sorry, but…

If you have a question or request that will take up someone’s time or effort (i.e., bother or cause trouble to someone) 申し訳ありませんが … ( m ō shi wake arimasen ga… ) is a polite way to ease into your request. 

If you happen to make a mistake or want to express that you are sorry , these phrases will help you out.

14. ごめんなさい。 (Gomennasai.): I’m sorry.

Along with すみません ( sumimasen ) listed above, ごめんなさい ( gomennasai ) is a very common way to apologize to someone. You can use it in most situations ranging from accidently bumping into someone while walking or making a mistake a work. A more casual version is ごめん ( gomen ), which also means “I’m sorry” but should only be used in casual situations.

15. 申し訳ありません。 (Mōshi wake arimasen.) : I am sorry.

Along with すみません ( sumimasen ) and ごめんなさい ( gomennasai ), 申し訳ありません ( mōshi wake arimasen ) also means “I’m sorry.” However, 申し訳ありません is much more formal and apologetic.  It has a nuance of “I’m very sorry.  It’s inexcusable.”  You can use phrases #15 and #16 below after saying 申し訳ありません to expresses more sincerity. 

16. 私のせいです。 (Watashi no sei desu.): It’s my fault.

Boys can use 僕 ( boku ) instead of 私 ( watashi ).  This phrase is used to take responsibility for something that you did.  It is often said after saying an apology ( sumimasen , gomennasai , or mōshi wake arimasen listed above).  After saying this phrase, you could also follow it up with 反省してます ( hansei shitemasu ), which means “I regret (realize) my mistake.”

If you make a mistake in Japan, you should do 反省 ( hansei ). 反省する ( hansei suru ) means to contemplate or reflect on what you did wrong so that you won’t make that mistake again.   

Japanese has so many cool, delicious, and interesting things to buy, so be sure to remember all of these phrases for your next shopping spree!

17. これをください。 (Kore o kudasai.): Please give it to me.

これをください is the full, grammatical phrase, but it is very common to drop the particle を ( o ) and just say これください (kore kudasai).  When you’re at a store, you can point to an item you want and say これください ( kore kudasai ) to buy it.  

18. こちらでよろしいですか？ (Kochira de yoroshii desu ka?): Is this item okay?

The sales clerk may ask you this question when paying for an item. This is to confirm that the item you’re buying is the right one or to check if this item is okay with you.  

19. おいくらですか？ (Oikura desu ka?): How much is this?

The casual form of this phrase is いくらですか？ ( Ikura desu ka? ). Adding the “o” in front of いくら ( ikura ) makes it more polite. We recommend using the polite version, as it sounds much nicer when speaking to people you don’t know well.   

20. クレジットカードは使えますか？ (Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?): Can I use my credit card?

If the store only accepts cash, there may be signs that say, “現金のみ ( genkin nomi ), meaning “cash only.” Just to be sure, you can use this phrase to check if they take credit cards.  

If you want to ask the sales clerk about using a credit card from a specific country, you can put use this phrase:  

{Country name} のクレジットカードは使えますか？ {Country name} no kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?

アメリカのクレジットカードは使えますか？ (Amerika no kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka? ) Can I use an American credit card?

21. レシートください。(Reshīto kudasai.): Please give me a receipt.

In Japan, there are two types of receipts you might come across.  The first, and by far the most common, is a receipt that a cash register or credit card machine prints out as proof of your payment.  You’ll get this type of receipt when you buy things from the store, go to restaurants, or stay at modern hotels.  

The second type of receipt in Japan is called 領収書をください ( ryōsyūsho ).  This is also proof of payment, but it is much more formal and is often written by hand.  It also has your name or organization on it and is commonly used for claiming expenses.  

If you are casually shopping, eating at restaurants, or paying for services in Japan, you most likely will need a simple レシート ( reshīto ) and not a 領収書 ( ryōsyūsho ).

Master these phrases so you can use them to try amazing foods in Japan! Check out our “ How to Order Food in Japanese ” guide to learn how to navigate Japanese restaurants in more detail.

22. 空いてますか？ (Aitemasu ka?): Is (this seat) available?

If you’re at a food court or somewhere else with public seating, you can use the phrase, “空いてますか？ ( aitemasu ka? )” to ask someone if the seat next to them is available.  

Even though the word “seat” (席 – seki ) is not in this phrase, its meaning is implied.  

Note: If you want to ask if a restaurant (or store) is open for business, you can use the same phrase (same words and pronunciation). However, the kanji used for this meaning will change to “開いてますか？ ( aitemasu ka? ) = Are you open?”

23. 何名様ですか？ (Nanmei sama desu ka?): How many people in your party?

A standard question that you will be asked when you enter a restaurant. If you are unsure how to answer this question, you can use your fingers to show how many people are in your party. If you want to learn more about numbers and how to count in Japanese, check out our “ How to Count in Japanese ” guide.  

 24. 少々お待ちください。 (Shōshou omachi kudasai.): Please wait a second.

This is a common phrase in any customer service-related business. You may have already heard the expression, “ ちょっと待って ( chotto matte ) ,” which means “hold on a second.” 

少々お待ちください ( Sh ō shou omachi kudasai ) is a much politer way to ask someone to wait. You’ll hear it all the time in stores and restaurants.  

25. お決まりですか？ (Okimari desu ka?): Have you decided (on your order)?

A waiter or waitress may use this phrase to ask you if you are ready to order.  

If you need more time to decide, you can say, まだです ( mada desu ), which means “not yet.”

26. かしこまりました。 (Kashikomarimashita.): Understood.

When you give your order to the server, they often say this. This is a polite way to say, “Understood/Got it.”

27. お待たせしました。 (Omatase shimashita): Thank you for waiting.

お待たせしました ( omatase shimashita ) literally means, “I’ve kept you waiting.” However, it is said using polite language, so the nuance comes off as “sorry to have kept you waiting” or “thank you for waiting.”

28. いただきます。 (Itadakimasu): I’ll humbly receive this meal.

いただきます is the humble verb that means “to receive.” This word is said before starting every meal to show appreciation for all the work and ingredients that went into making it. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating in a 3-star Michelin restaurant or if you are sharing a bag of potato chips with your friend. 

Check out our guide on Itadakimasu to learn more.  

29. ご馳走様でした。 (Gochisō sama deshita): Thank you very much (for the food).

When you finish eating, you should say, ご馳走様でした ( gochis ō sama deshita ) to show your appreciation to the person who cooked and even to the nature that provided the food for you. This is also used when someone buys or gives you food.  

Note: If someone brings you lunch or food, you can also use this phrase in the present tense to show you appreciation: ご馳走様です ( gochis ō sama desu ).

30. おいしかったです。 (Oishikatta desu): It was delicious.

Using the copula です ( desu ) shows your politeness. Children or close friends often just say, おいしかった ( oishikatta ). It’s a very common word to say at the end of a meal.  

31. おかわりしたいです。 (Okawari shitai desu.): I would love seconds/another helping. 

おかわり( okawari ) means “refill” or “another helping.” A casual way to say this phrase would be to say, おかわり！ ( okawari! ): I want more!

32.   ~ は食べられません。 (~wa taberaremasen): I cannot eat ~

If you have any foods you don’t like or can’t eat, you can use this phrase.

If you have any food allergies, you can say アレルギーがあるので ( arerugī ga aru node ) before this phrase:  

アレルギーがあるので~は食べられません。 ( Arerugī ga aru node ~ wa taberaremasen. ) I have allergies, so I can’t eat ~.

33.   ~ は大好物です。 (~ wa daikōbutsu desu.): ~ is my favorite food.

The most common way to use 大好物 ( daikōbutsu ) is with food, but this term is also used to describe your favorite things.

34 . ~ は苦手です。 (~ wa nigate desu.): I’m not good at ~.

When talking about food, “ ~ は苦手です ( ~ wa nigate desu )” is an indirect way to say, “好きじゃありません ( suki ja arimasen ),” I don’t like it.

35. お会計お願いします。 (Okaikei onegai shimasu.): Check, please.

When you’re done with your meal, you say this phrase when you want the check. In most casual restaurants in Japan, the wait staff will leave your check on your table, which you take to the register near the entrance of the restaurant. Some restaurants will not leave the check on the table unless you ask for it.  

You can also use this phrase in stores.  

These phrases can generally be used in most situations where you enter someone’s private space. This could include places like someone’s apartment, room, or office.

36. お邪魔します。 (Ojama shimasu.): Pardon my intrusion.

You’ll say this phrase before entering someone’s house, office, or room. It is even used when you need to interrupt someone’s conversation.

Saying お邪魔します is considered polite and something you should say before entering into someone’s personal space.  

37. 素敵な~ですね。 (Suteki na ~ desu ne.): ~ {thing} looks so nice.

Japanese people often compliment something when entering someone’s house or room.  

38. つまらないものですが。 (Tsumaranai mono desu ga.): This is not much, but…

When Japanese people visit someone’s house, they often bring a gift called お土産 ( omiyage ) .  When they hand their gift to someone, they often say this phrase. つまらない ( tsumaranai ) means “boring” or “insignificant” while もの ( mono ) means “thing.” So this phrase has a nuance of, “This is an insignificant thing, but I hope you’ll like it.”

This is one of the traditional humble ways to show your appreciation in Japan.

39. 楽しかったです。 (Tanoshikatta desu.): It was fun.

This is a very common phrase used at the end of your visit or event (like a date). Just like in English-speaking countries, people sometimes say it even if they were bored, just to be polite.  

40. では、失礼します。 (Dewa shitsurei shimasu.): I’ll be on my way.

This is a polite, business-style way to say goodbye.  

Note: In a business situation, people use 失礼します ( shitsurei shimasu ) to enter the room. In this case, it means “Sorry for the intrusion/ interrupting/bothering/disturbing you.”

These are simple phrases to use when you’re exploring Japan and might need some help with directions.

41. お先にどうぞ。 (Osaki ni dōzo.): Please go ahead.

When you want someone to go ahead of you (when you are waiting in line, boarding the train, etc.), this is the phrase you’ll want to say.  

42.   ~ はどこですか？ (~ wa doko desu ka?): Where is ~?

This phrase can be used when you want to ask someone where a particular building, store, or train station is (or anything really).  

If you’re asking a random stranger on the street, going up to them and asking, “where is the station?” might be too straightforward. To be more polite, you can use this phrase:

すみません。~はどこにあるかご存知でしょうか？ ( Sumimasen. ~ wa doko ni aru ka gozonji deshō ka? ) Excuse me. Would you happen to know where ~ is?

43. ~への行き方を教えてください。 (~ e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai.): Please tell me how to get to ~.

A useful phrase that you can use to ask train station/information booth employees when you’re lost. For example:

USJへの行き方を教えてください。 ( USJ e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai. ) Please tell me how to get to USJ (Universal Studios Japan).

If you work in Japan , these are some of the phrases you’ll be sure to hear (and use).

44. 今日はバタバタしてます。 (Kyō wa batabata shite imasu.): I have many things to do today.

When someone is very busy, Japanese people use the word バタバタ ( bata bata ), which is an onomatopoeia for a flapping (like a bird’s wings) sound. When people are extremely busy, it’s like they are flapping their wings wildly like birds.  

45. 行ってきます。 (Itte kimasu): I’m heading out now (and I’ll be back).

When people leave their office, home, or anywhere, they say 行ってきます ( itte kimasu ) . This literally means “I’m going and coming back.” It’s like saying “see you later” in English. In response to this, you can say 行ってらっしゃい ( itterasshai ), which means “see you” or “have a good day.”  

46. ただいま戻りました。 (Tadaima modorimashita.): I’m back now.

This is a polite way to say, “I’m back.” The more casual (and common) way is to say “ ただいま ( tadaima ) ,” which means “I’m back.”  

47. 残業します。 (Zangyō shimasu.): I’ll work overtime.  

残業 ( zangy ō), or working overtime, is very common in Japan. If you are working off the clock and not being paid, people call this unpaid overtime サービス残業 ( sābisu zangy ō).

48. お先に失礼します。 (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.): I’m going home (excuse me for leaving early).  

When you’re leaving your workplace to go home , you say this phrase to the other people who are still working. This phrase means, “I’m leaving now, so pardon me for leaving before you.”

49. お疲れ様でした。 (Otsukare sama deshita.): Thank you for your (hard) work.

You say this phrase at work when someone leaves. You can say this in response to お先に失礼します ( Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu ). This phrase is supposed to be used by someone of higher status (aka your boss) to people of lower status. However, it is usually said by everyone in the workplace, regardless of status. Just keep in mind that some people care about social status/rules more than others. You could also say, また明日 ( mata ashita ), see you tomorrow.

If someone you know gets sick or has an injury , you may want to visit them at the hospital or at their home. These are common phrases used in this situation.

50. お加減いかがですか？   (Okagen ikaga desu ka?): How are you feeling?

This phrase is typically used to start a conversation with someone who hasn’t been feeling well.  

51. お陰様でなんとか。 (Okage sama de nantoka.): I’m feeling alright, thanks.

One of the common answers to the question above: お加減いかがですか？   ( Okagen ikaga desu ka? ).  

The nuance of this phrase is similar to “I’m getting by, thanks.”  

52. 痛い。 (Itai): It hurts.

Said when you feel physical pain.  

53. 苦しい。 (Kurushii): It’s tough.

苦しい ( kurushii ) can mean that your situation is difficult or that something is physically painful or mentally straining/tough.  

54. 気分がよくなりました。 (Kibun ga yoku narimashita.): I feel much better.

This phrase describes how you feel emotionally (mood) more than your physical condition. However, when you recover from an illness, you feel great, making this a common expression to use when you’re feeling better.  

55. すっかり治りました。 (Sukkari naorimashita): I made a complete recovery.

When talking about your physical body being cured or healing, the kanji above is used 治る ( naoru ): to be cured, to recover. However, the same word is also used to describe fixing things or repairing inanimate objects (like a TV, computer, etc.). To talk about an inanimate object being fixed or repaired, a different kanji is used – 直る ( naoru ): to be repaired, to be fixed.

56. 早く良くなるといいですね。 (Hayaku yoku naru to ii desu ne.): I hope you feel better soon.

A standard phrase to say to someone who doesn’t feel well.  

Another super common expression is お大事に ( odaiji ni ), which means “take care of yourself.”

57. 無理しないでください。 (Muri shinai de kudasai): Don’t push yourself too hard.

This is also a common phrase to tell someone to “take it easy.” It is commonly used when people are not feeling well or are working too hard.  

These are some of the simplest words in Japanese but the most useful. You will hear and use these words multiple times a day, especially if you work or go to school in Japan.

58. はい。 (Hai.): Yes.

The standard and formal way to say “yes.”

59. そうです。 (Sou desu.): That’s right.

A super common phrase to give confirmation to someone. This phrase literally means “It/That is so.”  In conversation, it means “That’s right” or “That’s correct.”

60. ええ。 (Ee.): Yes.

This is another way to say “yes” in Japanese. ええ ( ee ) is neither formal nor extremely casual (but more casual than はい ( hai ) listed above). ええ is often used in business circumstances or between people who don’t know each other well.  

61. わかりました。 (Wakarimashita.): I understand.

This is a must-know word used everywhere: at the workplace, in stores, with strangers, etc. It is said when you want to confirm that you understand a situation or information that someone told you.  

62. 了解しました。 (Ryōkai shimashita.): I got it. / Roger

This is more businesslike than わかりました ( wakarimashita ) listed above.  

63. いいですね。 (Ii desu ne.): Sounds good. / It looks good.

This phrase is typically said when agreeing with someone. For example, if someone comes up with a good idea that you like, you can say いいですね。- Hey, that sounds good!  

64. いいえ。 (Iie.): No.

This is the textbook word for “no” in Japanese. You usually learn this word the first day you start studying Japanese. However, due to its formal and direct nature, saying いいえ ( iie ) is pretty rare . Using いいえ to disagree with someone, or even just to answer a simple yes/no question, sounds too strong. It can even come off as a little rude. いいえ is mainly reserved for very formal settings.

65. 違います。 (Chigaimasu.): That’s not right/incorrect.

違います (c higaimasu ) is a much more natural way to tell someone “no” or that something isn’t correct. For example, if you are sitting on the train and someone approaches you to ask, “Excuse me, are you John’s brother?”  

Since you are not John’s brother, you can simply say 違います to mean, “No, I’m not.”  

66. いや。 (Iya): Oh well. / No.

When people point out that something is wrong or disagree with things, they often start the sentence with いや ( iya ), such as いや、違います ( iya, chigaimasu ). This reinforces the meaning of “no, that is not correct” without sounding too harsh. 

However, いや can also mean “disagreement.” Little kids often say “いやいや！” when they are throwing a temper tantrum. As an adult, you can say いや when you want to say that you don’t like something directly (see #67 below for more details).

67. 嫌です。 (Iya desu.): I don’t want to do it. / I don’t like it.  

Saying 嫌です ( iya desu ) directly tells someone that you don’t like (or hate) something. For example, if your friend wants you to go out on a date with someone you really can’t stand, you can tell them, いやだよ ( iya dayo )！” to mean, “No way! I don’t want to!”

68. やります。 (Yarimasu.): I’ll do it.

This word can be used when you want to say that you’ll do something. For example, imagine you are at work. Your boss asks for volunteers to help with a new project. If you want to step up and help, you can tell your boss, “やります。” The negative form of this word is やりません ( yarimasen ), which means “I won’t do.”

69. できます。 (Dekimasu.): I can do it.

It is used when you want to say that you are able to do something.  

For example:

Boss: “Can you finish this report by 5 pm today?” You: はい、できます。 ( Hai, dekimasu. ) Yes, I can.  

The negative form of this word is できません ( dekimasen ), which means “I can’t do it.” 

70. 大丈夫。 (Daijōbu.): (It’s) okay.

This is another must-know word in Japanese. You can use it to say that you are okay or a situation is under control. If you trip and fall, people might ask you if you are okay. You can tell them “大丈夫 ( daijōbu )” to let them know you are okay.  

It can also be used to decline things. For example, if you’re at the supermarket and the cashier asks you if you need a bag, you can say “いや大丈夫です” ( iya daijōbu desu ) to say that you don’t need one.  

大丈夫 ( daijōbu ) is used to describe both a situation or your physical condition.

71. 平気です。 (Heiki desu.): I’m okay. / It’s all good.  

This usually describes your mental condition or feeling. For example, if you’re at a theme park and someone asks how you feel about roller coasters, you can say 平気です ( heiki desu ) if you have no problem riding them.  

Or, if you’re calm in a stressful situation (like evacuating a building that’s on fire), you can tell someone 平気です to say that you are cool as a cucumber.  

72. 無理です。 (Muri desu.): That’s impossible/unreasonable.  

When someone asks you for something that you don’t want or can’t do, you can tell them 無理です ( muri desu ).  

For example, if a guy goes up to a girl to ask her for her number, she can say “無理です” to reject him. This phrase is not rude if said in a normal, “matter-of-fact” way. Instead, it lets someone know that you cannot accept their request. It would be similar to saying “I can’t” in English.  

Of course, if you said it forcefully, as in “無理です！” this changes the nuance to something like “no way!” in English.  

73. 問題ありません。 (Mondai arimasen.): No problem.

If someone asks you something that you don’t have any problems with, you can tell them 問題ありません ( mondai arimasen ). This phrase is also used when talking about the status of things. For example, if your boss asks you if you can complete the project by next week, you can tell them 問題ありません to say that it’s no problem at all .  

Here are some polite phrases when you need to ask someone to do something.

74. お願いします。 (Onegai shimasu.): Please.

Whenever you ask someone to do something, saying お願いします ( onegai shimasu ) is polite and natural. You’ll also hear this phrase being said between people who will start to work with each other. In this case, お願いします is a shortened version of よろしくお願いします ( yoroshiku onegai shimasu – #4 on this list) .  

75. お願いできますか？   (Onegai dekimasu ka?): Could you do this for me?

This is a gentle and polite way to ask a favor from someone. A more friendly/casual way to ask this is, “やってくれる？ ( yatte kureru? ).”

76. 頼みます。 (Tanomimasu.): I’ll ask you to do it.

頼みます ( tanomimasu ) means “to request” or “to rely on.” When you tell someone 頼みます, you are relying on them to do something for you. It’s like saying “I’ll count on you (to do it)” in English.

77. 急いでください。 (Isoide kudasai.): Please hurry up.

This is a polite way to ask someone to hurry up and do something more quickly.  

78. やめてください。 (Yamete kudasai.):  Please stop it.  

This phrase is useful in many situations.  If someone is bothering you, or doing something that you want them to stop, you can say  やめてください ( yamete kudasai ).  やめて ( yamete ) comes from the verb やめる ( yameru ), which can mean “to stop, to quit, to cancel, or to be sick.”  There are different kanji characters for each meaning of やめる as show below: 

• 止める: To stop, to cancel
• 辞める: To quit, to resign
• 病める: Sick, to be ill

You’ll hear this phrase often  in movies, anime, and in conversations with native speakers.

Here are some useful adjectives for describing things and situations you may encounter.

79. うるさい (Urusai): Noisy, loud

うるさい ( urusai ) describes something that is annoyingly loud or noisy. If you say it forcefully or angrily, it can also mean “shut up!”  

Check out our guide on うるさい to learn more about it:  Urusai: Does It Really Mean Shut Up?

80. 仕方ない。 (Shikata nai.): There is no way. / Can’t be helped.

If something happens that you don’t have control over, you can say this phrase. It has a nuance of, “well, nothing can be done about it, so there’s no sense in crying over spilled milk.”

81. もったいない (Mottainai): Wasteful.

This phrase is similar to the English expression, “what a waste.” It can describe wasting material things like food or money but can also describe abstract things like talent.  

82. 大切 (Taisetsu): Precious

大切 ( taisetsu ) describes something precious and valuable or something that you cherish.  It can be used to describe people or things you love.

83. 無駄 (Muda): Meaningless

無駄 ( muda ) is used when you feel that something is pointless, meaningless, or just a waste of your time.  

A common expression using this adjective is “時間の無駄 ( jikan no muda ).” This translates to “a waste of time” and is used when you spend your time without being productive or taking more time than you should have to do a specific task. 

84. おめでとう (Omedetō): Congratulations

This is a casual way to say congratulations to someone . If you want to be more formal/polite, you can say “おめでとうございます ( omedetō gozaimasu ) instead.  

85. よかったね。 (Yokatta ne.): I’m happy for you.

The formal form of よかったね ( yokatta ne ) is よかったですね ( yokatta desu ne ). These phrases are commonly used when someone tells you good news. 

For example, if someone looks happy and says, “I got accepted to Harvard!” you can tell them, “よかったね ( yokatta ne ).” The nuance of this phrase is like saying, “That’s great!” or “I’m happy for you!” in English.  

86. 嬉しい (Ureshii.): (I’m) happy

嬉しい ( ureshii ) usually means that you are happy/delighted that something good happened. For example, if someone brings doughnuts for everyone in your office, you can say うれしい！ to show how happy you are about it. Since you are talking about emotions, うれしい is only used to describe human feelings.  

Another word for happy in Japanese is 幸せ ( shiawase ). This word usually describes the state of being happy (happiness). For example, you finally save up enough money to take a vacation in Hawaii. When you’re on the beach sipping a Mai Tai, you can say “幸せ” to describe how the situation you are in is the definition of happiness.  

幸せ can also be used to describe inanimate things as well. For example, 幸せなライフスタイル ( shiawase na raifusutairu ): A happy lifestyle (i.e., a lifestyle that makes you happy). 

87. 楽しい (Tanoshii): Fun/enjoyable.  

When you’re having fun, you can say 楽しい ( tanoshii ) to let other people know you are enjoying yourself! It can also be used to describe fun things, like 楽しいゲーム (tanoshii gēmu): fun games.

See #39 on this list, 楽しかったです ( tanoshikatta desu ), to see how this adjective is used in the past tense.  

 88. 大好き。 (Daisuki.): I love (it).

You may have learned that 好き ( suki ) means “like” and that 大 ( dai ) means “large.” Put these two words together, and you have “a large like,” or in other words, “love.”  

You can use 大好き ( daisuki ) to talk about both things or people that you love.  

Last, but not least, here are basic Japanese grettings that you’ll use over and over in Japan.

89. おはよう。 (Ohayō): Good morning.

おはよう ( ohayō ) is the casual way to say good morning in Japanese. If you want to be more formal (like greeting people in a business environment or talking to someone with a higher social status than you), saying おはようございます ( ohayō gozaimasu ) is more appropriate.  

90. こんにちは。 (Konnichiwa.): Good afternoon.

 こんにちは ( konnichiwa ) is used to say “hello” to people from the late morning until the early evening. This word is “socially friendly,” meaning that you can use it with anyone. It doesn’t matter if someone has a lower or higher social status than you.  

91. こんばんは。 (Konbanwa.): Good evening.  

 こんばんは ( konbanwa ) is used as a greeting during the nighttime. This word can also be used with anyone in any social situation (although it is a bit formal to say it to close friends).  

If you want to say “good night,” as in, “I’m going to bed,” you use the word おやすみなさい ( oyasuminasai ) or the more casual おやすみ ( oyasumi ).  

92. 元気？ (Genki?): How are you?

This is the casual version of asking someone how they are doing. This is commonly used with people you are close to or those with an equal or lower social status than you.  

The more polite phrase, お元気ですか？ ( ogenki desu ka? ) should be used when speaking to people with a higher social status than you.  

93. お久しぶりです。 (Ohisashiburi desu.): Long time no see.

 Between close friends, you can omit お ( o ) and say, 久しぶり ( hisashiburi ).

It is a set phrase that everyone uses when they meet someone they have seen in a long time.  

94. お変わりありませんか？ ( Okaw a ri arimasen ka? ): How have you been?

 While お変わりありませんか ( okawari arimasen ka? ) translates to “Have there been any changes (with you),” the nuance when using this phrase is “How have you been. I hope you are still doing well.”

95. ご無沙汰してます。 (Gobusata shite imasu.): It’s been a long time.

This phrase is used when you haven’t been in contact with someone for a long time. It usually refers to a lack of contact by letter, email, or phone.  

96. 元気でね。 (Genki de ne.): Take care.

元気でね ( genki de ne ) is mainly used when people say goodbye to friends or family who they will not see again for a while. So the meaning of “take care” in this case means “take care until we (if) meet again.”

Another phrase, 気を付けて ( ki o tsukete ), can also be translated to “take care.” However, the nuance of this phrase means to “be careful” and take care of yourself. 気を付けて is often used when someone is going on a trip or telling kids to be careful when walking home from school. 

97. またね。 (Mata ne.): See you later.

 This is a very casual way to say goodbye to someone. A similar expression in English would be, “see ya.” Because this phrase is so casual, you would never say it to someone of higher social status (your boss, business partners, etc.)  

98. じゃあね。 (Jā ne.): See ya.

This is another very casual way to say bye to some. It shares the same nuance as またね ( mata ne ) explained above. You would not use this in formal situations or with people who have a higher social status than you.  

99. バイバイ。 (Bai bai.): Bye-bye.

 This is yet another very casual way to say bye in Japanese. Just like with またね ( mata ne ) and じゃあね ( Jā ne ) explained above, you would not use this in formal situations or with people of high social status.  

バイバイ ( bai bai ) does have a cute right to it, which makes it more popular among young people.  

100. さようなら。 (Sayōnara.): Good bye.

さようなら ( sayōnara ) is the textbook word for “goodbye” in Japanese.  Sayōnara can work in many situations, but it can be too formal or strong in casual situations .  

The nuance of saying さようなら is either formal or serious.  

It is formal because you would not use it with close friends or family. It is used at schools in Japan, where students and teachers say さようなら when they part ways.  

さようなら can also be used to say “farewell,” as in “I’m leaving and not sure if I’ll come back.” You might see characters in movies saying さようなら to each other as a final goodbye.  

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20 Basic Japanese Phrases You Should Know When You Travel To Japan

Japanese Phrases – The Japanese language is both crazily addictive to listen to as well as overwhelming. It’s a language that is difficult to understand and differentiate if you are hearing it for the first time. Whilst the people of Japan have definitely made ways with the English language, you will certainly experience barriers in communication one way or another.

If you’re traveling to Japan, it might be helpful to understand some basic Japanese phrases. Why not learn some common expressions before you head there? You’ll never know when it may come in handy. You can even show off to your friends and family back at home!

1. How to say ‘Hello/Hi’ in Japanese – ‘こんにちは’

• Writing : Kon’nichiwa
• Pronunciation : Kon-ni-chi-wa

This is probably the most common phrase you will hear in Japan. Business owners and shop attendants will welcome you with this simple phrase. You can use this to greet people along the streets as well.

Other common ways of greeting include ‘konbanwa’ ( good evening) , and ‘ohayo/ohayo gozaimasu’ ( good morning – more casual greeting )

2. How to say ‘Thank You’ in Japanese – ‘ありがとうございました’

• Writing : Arigato-gozaimasu
• Pronunciation : A-ri-ga-to-go-zai-mas (u is silent)

You will use this phrase pretty much in every conversation. The Japanese language is extremely polite. It is common to say this phrase to anyone and everyone who assists you in any way.

3. How to say ‘You Are Welcome’ in Japanese – ‘どういたしまして’

• Writing : Doita-shimashite
• Pronunciation : Do-ee-ta-shi-muh-shi-teh

It is usually used in reply when you hear someone thank you for something.

Person A: Arigato-gozaimasu!

Person B: Doita-shimashite.

4. How to say ‘How Are You’ in Japanese – ‘どういたしまして’

• Writing : O-genki-desuka
• Pronunciation : O-gen-ki-des-ka (u is silent)

This phrase is usually used in sentences after greeting each other.

Example : Kon’nichiwa! O-genki-desuka?

5. How to say ‘I’m doing great’ in Japanese – ‘元気です’

• Writing : Genki-desu
• Pronunciation : Gen-ki-des ( u is silent)

This phrase is usually used to reply to someone who has just asked ‘How are you?’

Person A: O-genki-desuka?

Person B: Genki-desu!

6. How to say ‘Nice to meet you’ in Japanese – ‘はじめまして’

• Writing : Hamije-mashite
• Pronunciation : Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-teh

This phrase is a polite way to reply when you are meeting someone for the first time.

7. How to say ‘Goodbye’ in Japanese – ‘さようなら’

• Writing : Sayonara
• Pronunciation : Sa-yon-na-ra

When parting ways or ending a conversation with someone, this phrase is commonly used.

You May Also Like : Travel Tips To Visit Japan

8. How to say ‘Good Evening’ in Japanese – こんばんは’

• Writing : Konbanwa
• Pronunciation : Kon-ban-wa

This phrase is used when meeting or parting ways during the evening.

9. How to say ‘Goodnight’ in Japanese – おやすみ

• Writing : Oyasumi
• Pronunciation : O-ya-su-mi ( u is NOT silent )

When bidding goodnight to other people, this is the phrase most commonly used.

10. How to say ‘What’s your name?’ in Japanese – お名前は何ですか

• Writing : Onamaehanandesuka
• Pronunciation : O-nam-ay-wa-nan-des-ka? ( u is silent )

When meeting someone for the first time, you can use this phrase to politely ask what their name is.

Example : Kon’nichiwa! Onamaehanandesuka?

11. How to say ‘My name is’ in Japanese – 私の名前は

• Writing : Watashiwaonamaeha <insert name>
• Pronunciation : Wa-ta-shi-wa-o-nam-ay-wa <insert name>

This is the most formal and thus safest way to reply when someone asks for your name. In Japan, formalities are used when speaking to elders in the family and community. When you reply with this, you will ensure you don’t offend anyone!

Person A: Onamaehanandesuka?

Person B: Watashiwa-onamaeha Tom.

Alternatives : Onamaeha <insert name> ( a more casual approach, usually amongst people of the same age or friends ).

12. How to say ‘Yes’ in Japanese – ‘はい’

Pronunciation : Hai!

A short and simple ‘hai!’ will suffice if you’re replying ‘yes’ to something. Tip: many people slightly dip their head in a slight bow. This generally signifies respect.

13. How to say ‘No Thank You’ in Japanese politely – いいえ、結構です

• Writing : Ie-kekkodesu
• Pronunciation : I-yeh-kekko-des ( u is silent )
• Alternatives : Daijoubu

14. How to say ‘I love you’ in Japanese – 愛してる

• Writing : Aishiteru
• Pronunciation : Ai-shi-te-roo

This phrase is not as commonly used in the Japanese language as ‘I love you’ is in western cultures. Thus, if you say this, you must absolutely mean it!

15. How to say toilets in Japanese – トイレ

• Writing : Toire
• Pronunciation : Toh-reh

The most common phrase for foreigners to know regarding toilets is ‘Toirewa dokodesuka?’. This translates to ‘Where are the toilets?’. Very useful, indeed!

16. How to say ‘Delicious’ in Japanese – おいしい

• Writing : Oishi
• Pronunciation : Oi-shee

If you’re having a delicious meal at a restaurant, lock eyes with the chef and exclaim ‘Oishi!’.

17. How to say ‘Sorry’ in Japanese – ごめんなさい

• Writing : Gomennasai
• Pronunciation : Go-men-na-sa-ee

If you would like to apologise for something such as bumping into someone, this is the phrase to use. This is usually paired with a slight bow from the head for respect and genuineness.

18. How to say ‘I don’t understand’ in Japanese – わかりません

• Writing : Wakarimasen
• Pronunciation : Wa-ka-ri-ma-sen

If a Japanese person says something to you that you do not understand, simply say this phrase. They will hopefully repeat it again for you. They may even switch to English for you!

Person B: Gomennasai! Warakimasen!

19. How to say ‘Wow!’ or ‘Amazing!’ in Japanese – すごい

• Writing : Sugoi
• Pronunciation : Soo-goi

When you’re witnessing something incredible, the only word you need to know to express your feelings is ‘Sugoi!’.

20. How to say ‘Long time no see’ in Japanese – お久しぶりです

• Writing : Ohisashiburidesu
• Pronunciation : O-hi-sa-shi-boo-ri-des ( u is silent )

The more formal way of saying this would be “Gobusatashiteorimasu” (“I’ve let too much time pass since I saw you last”). The less formal way to say this would be “Hisashiburi” – this is generally used amongst close friends.

There you have it! These 20 phrases are amongst the most popular terms to use when visiting Japan. We hope you’ve learnt something and can flex whilst you’re traversing this wonderful country.

If you are into Japanese language, you can also read our article about the 10 most beautiful Japanese words .

For more tips about traveling to Japan, feel to also check out our blog posts about useful websites to know before to come to Japan , our complete guide about Ryokan or our list of the best Japanese festivals (Matsuri) month by month.

This is going to be useful! Please post more articles about learning Japanese language 🙂

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42 Basic Japanese Phrases to Survive in Japan [With Audio]

Japan’s beauty is unique in Asia and attracts millions of people worldwide. Who hasn’t thought to themselves at least once,

I would love to get lost here. 

If you plan to travel to Japan someday, learning some basic Japanese phrases will not onl y help you to survive in Japan, but also increase your chance of communicating with native Japanese that adds amazing flavor to your journey.

In this post, we’ll present you with 42 basic Japanese phrases that can navigate you through your stay in Japan. From introducing yourself, navigating public transportation and asking for directions, shopping, eating out, and coping with an emergency, this article will cover almost all the basic Japanese phrases for tourists .

Read on to prepare for your next trip to Japan!

Table of Contents

Japanese Phrases for Meeting and Greeting

We all know that Japanese people speak and act politely. Here are some greeting phrases that will make your life in Japan a lot smoother. 

First, if you want to talk to someone, you’d better start with a greeting. If you meet somebody in the morning, you can start the conversation by saying:

Note that Japanese people use “すみません” frequently to apologize for things like stepping someone in the bus, or stopping someone to ask for direction. So this could be one of the most useful Japanese phrases you want to memorize.

Japanese Phrases for Navigating Public Transportation and Getting Around

When Using Public Transportation, y ou may have heard that Japanese cities like Tokyo have one of the most complex railway systems in the world. But don’t worry, here are several phrases to help you survive in those underground labyrinth ( Navitime can help to navigate you through Japan’s confusing metro system). First, you need to find the bus stop (バス停, basutei) or the railway station (駅, eki).

You may want to try the Japan Rail Pass to save some money as well as effort to buy tickets every time. Also, a useful app called HyperDia can help you decide which train to take and warn you when a journey isn’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Now try yourself!

To find digital maps or travel brochures, you can consult JNTO-Travel Brochures . For all the help you received, you can express your gratitude with the simple phrase:

Japanese Phrases for Shopping

While traveling in Japan, you may find there are so many things you want to purchase and take home. Then what phrases are used when shopping for souvenirs?

Don’t forget to get your tax refund if you are an international tourist staying in Japan for less than 6 months.

Japanese Phrases for Eating Out

After walking and shopping, you may find yourself hungry and want some authentic Japanese cuisine. With these basic Japanese phrases, you can walk into any restaurant you want with confidence.

If you want to ask for an English menu, you may say: 英語のメニュー、お願いします。(eigo no menyu, onegaishimasu.) When you find something you are interested in, you can just point to the menu and tell the waiter: 

If you want to order the food by its name, you could use the sentence structure “ください (kudasai)”. For example, if it is the tea that you want, you can say:

If you happen to be dining with a Japanese person, say this before you start:

Japanese people say “ いただきます ” before eating (not towards anyone, but to the food), and “ごちそうさまでした” after finishing it. You can say “ごちそうさまでした” to the owner of the restaurant, and he or she will be very much glad. When you are satisfied with the food, you can say this Japanese phrase to compliment the food:

After finishing the delicious meal, you may want to express your gratitude by saying:

As one can imagine, the amount of help you might receive doesn’t only depend on the welcoming nature of your host but also on how respectful you are.

💡Tips: Japanese dining etiquette 101

• Don’t point at someone or something with your chopsticks.
• Use the chopsticks to grab your food, not as a fork.
• Do not leave your chopsticks planted up in your rice.
• Don’t pass on food to other people around you from chopsticks to chopsticks.

To better plan your trip and find local cuisine, you can consult: Japan Travel ; Japan-Guide and Gurunavi. Before going to Japan, you might want to know more about Japanese Manners Do’s and Don’ts . Know their manners so that you can use these Japanese phrases wisely. 

Japanese Phrases for Emergency

I do hope you will not run into any unpleasant situations in Japan. However, as the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”, I hope you can remember the following phrases to prepare for any emergency cases that might occur. First, the situation will be a lot better if you can find anyone who is able to speak English, so you can try to find one by asking:

If it is getting dangerous, just shout out:

If you get lost, try to explain your situation to people around you. Remember you can get help from the embassy and do note down the phone number and address of the embassy of your country. If you cannot use your phone, try to ask others for help:

Except for the last section, I do hope all the basic Japanese phrases you learned in this post will come in handy during your stay in Japan. As a bonus, I will introduce several cute Japanese phrases that can be used to express your emotion when talking to native speakers!

Japanese Phrases to Express Emotion

You may have already known the phrase, Japanese people do use “かわいい” a lot. It seems that “かわいい” can be used to show their likeness for almost anything, from clothes, stationery, to buildings and shops.

Another phrase that you are most likely to hear in Japan is “すごい ”. Try to use “ すごい” to compliment others and you may make some native friends.

If you are interested in learning more Japanese phrases, check out LingoDeer’s travel phrasebook and learn 1000+ common Japanese travel phrases for free . You may also encounter some anime expressions;)

If you already fall in love with Japanese, go on and read our blog articles How long does it take to learn Japanese, or this essential guide to Learn Japanese From Beginner to Advanced. Hope you can find something useful there, too! 

See, learning Japanese is not as hard as you think! If you wish to find more Japanese learning resources, check out this article about the best Japanese learning apps and hopefully you’ll find one suits you!

Wish to learn more Japanese phrases but don’t know where to start? Let me help!

I’m LingoDeer . I’m here to make your Japanese learning journey smart and fun!

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Published by Cindy Fan

Hi, I am Cindy Fan. I majored in Japanese for four years in undergraduate school and spent 7 months in Tokyo as an exchange student. There, I fell in love with Japanese culture. Currently, I am studying for an LLM degree at BFSU. View all posts by Cindy Fan

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Travelling to Japan and want to learn some Japanese phrases? Learn these basic Japanese phrases to help you!

Whether you’re travelling to Japan in the future or if you simply want to start learning some basic Japanese for fun, you’ve come to the right place. Japanese may seem a bit intimidating at first. The writing system, for one, is completely different from English. And let’s not get started on the complicated grammar…

But when travelling, you don’t need to become fluent! During my visits to Japan, I’ve never had any issues and I am nowhere near fluent. Plus, it’s very doable to learn some basic phrases before your trip which can help you massively. Locals will definitely appreciate it.

Make sure to learn the following Japanese phrases for tourists before you go!

To make sure the Japanese sentences below are 100% correct, I paid a professional Japanese translator to double-check them and correct any mistakes.

Useful Basic Japanese Phrases

• Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
• Good morning: Ohayō (おはよう) or ohayō gozaimas (おはようございます)
• Good evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは)
• Goodbye (when going away for a long time or not coming back): Sayōnara (さようなら)
• See you later (when saying bye to friends): Matane (またね)
• Thank you: Arigatō gozaimas (ありがとうございます)

• Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
• Sorry: Gomennasai (ごめんなさい)
• I don’t understand: Wakarimasen (わかりません)
• I don’t speak Japanese: Nihongo ga hanasemasen (にほんごがはなせません)
• Please (when asking for something): Onegaishimas (おねがいします)
• You’re welcome: Dōitashimashte (どういたしまして)

• Yes/No: Hai/iie (はい/いいえ)
• No, thank you (more polite): Kekkō des(けっこうです)
• Do you speak English?: Eigo ga hanasemas ka? (えいごがはなせます か)
• How are you?: O genki des ka (おげんきですか)
• I’m fine: Genki desu (げんきです)
• Nice to meet you: Hajimemashte (はじめまして)

• I am [name]: [name] des ([name]です)
• Enjoy your meal (before eating): Itadakimas (いただきます)
• Thank you for the meal: Gochisōsamadeshta (ごちそうさまでした)

Japanese Phrases For Travelling

• How much does this cost?: Kore wa ikura des ka? (これはいくらですか?)
• What is this?: Kore wa nan des ka? (これはなんですか?)
• I would like…: … o kudasai (…をください)
• I would like… and …: … to … o kudasai (… と …をください)
• Do you have an English menu?: Eigo no menyuu wa arimas ka? (えいごのメニューはありますか?)
• Can I have the bill, please?: O kaikei onegaishimas (お かいけい おねがいします)

• Cheers!: Kanpai! (かんぱい!)
• Can you translate this?: Yakushite kudasai? (やくしてください?)
• Where is the toilet?: Toire wa doko des ka? (トイレはどこですか?)
• Do you accept credit card?: Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemaska？(クレジットカードはつかえますか?)
• Help! : Taskete! (たすけて!)
• This is delicious: Oishi des (おいしいです)

Japanese Writing System Explained

One thing that intimidates most people when they start learning Japanese is the different writing systems . Rather than English (where there is only one writing system), Japanese has three: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. When you are starting to learn the language, it’s best to stick with Hiragana.

Below, you can find the difference for the Japanese writing systems and what they are used for:

• Hiragana: The “round” one. Hiragana is a phonetic alphabet and is mainly used for function words and other native Japanese words that aren’t covered by Kanji. But because Kanji is very tough to learn, Hiragana is also used in children’s books and is perfect for those who are new to the language.
• Katakana: The “pointy” one. Another phonetic alphabet, but this one is used for loan words from other languages (like han-ba-ga for hamburger).
• Kanji: Kanji are Chinese characters and are used for nouns, stems of adjectives and stems of verbs. There are about 2,000 kanji characters, so it takes a long time to master them all. Often, the hiragana pronunciation is written above difficult kanji, making it a bit easier to learn/read.

Japanese Numbers Explained

It’s also useful to know some Japanese numbers when learning Japanese.

• 1: Ichi (一)
• 4: Yon or Shi (四)
• 6: Roku (六)
• 7: Nana or Shichi (七)
• 8: Hachi (八)
• 9: Kyuu (九)
• 10: Juu (十)

Want To Learn More Japanese Phrases?

There are endless ways to learn Japanese, especially with the internet at our fingertips. I would personally recommend choosing a good textbook and sticking to the program. When studying Japanese at university, I used the books below:

You can also check out apps like Duolingo and Memrise, which can help you get started! Check out my articles on how to start learning Japanese for more info.

If you aren’t looking to learn an entire language, you can also get a Japanese phrasebook . This can help you when you are in Japan and need a phrase quickly to ask someone something. Taking one of these with you can be a huge help. I personally recommend the one from Lonely Planet.

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Basic Japanese Phrases For Tourists Printable

Want to keep a physical copy of these common Japanese phrases with you while travelling? You can print the following image:

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

2 thoughts on “30+ Basic Japanese Phrases For Tourists”

Hello! Do you think you could make study sheets for basic/everyday Kanji characters? I know there are millions of them so I was thinking just ones that are used or seen the most. Thank you for reading my comment!

That’s such a great idea! I’ll make sure to add some in the future, learning Kanji can be tough but adding some basic ones to this guide is a great idea 😀

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Home > Articles

23 basic japanese phrases for your next vacation to japan.

By Lirene Cilliers   Posted 15th Aug 2023

Just as the Land of the Rising Sun beckons with mysteries waiting to be unraveled, diving into the Japanese language can feel like entering a maze blindfolded. However, amidst these linguistic twists and turns lies an opportunity to savor the magic that unfolds in every conversation, every shared smile, and every unforgettable encounter.    In this article, we’ll share 23 common Japanese phrases that will help you navigate your journey with confidence, whether you're planning a vacation or going on a cycle tour in Japan . 

“But do I need to speak Japanese to visit Japan?” 

In short, no, you don't. However, learning a few common Japanese phrases is like adding that extra layer of flavor to your adventure sundae—not essential, but oh, what a delightful difference it makes! 

Rest assured, if you book one of our guided cycling tours , our friendly local guides have your back to bridge any language gap. 

Our guests on our Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour of Japan share smiles with welcoming locals.

The Basics: Common Japanese Words and Phrases 

1. Hello - Konnichiwa (こんにちは)  Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah      People in Japan greet one another with a bow. A bow can range from a modest nod of the head to a deep waist bend. A deeper, longer bow shows respect, while a short nod of the head is casual and informal.    2. Thank you - Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)  Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs    3. Please - kudasai (ください)  Pronunciation: koo-dah-sigh    4. Excuse me/ I'm sorry - Sumimasen (すみません)  Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen    This versatile phrase can mean "Excuse me," "I'm sorry," or be used to express your gratitude or start a conversation. Whether you're catching someone's attention in a busy train station or apologizing for a minor inconvenience, "Sumimasen" is your go-to phrase for maintaining the harmony of your interactions.     5. Yes - Hai (はい)  Pronunciation: hi    6. No - Īe (いいえ)  Pronunciation: ee-eh    7. Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite (はじめまして)  Pronunciation: hah-jee-meh-mah-shee-teh    8. Goodbye - Sayōnara (さようなら)  Pronunciation: sah-yoh-nah-rah    9. Beautiful - Utsukushii  (美しい ()   Pronunciation: oo-tsoo-koo-shee    This word carries some weight, is often reserved for describing nature, and is not tossed around lightly. So, save this word for those extra breathtaking moments! 

Embrace the ' utsukushii ' on our Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour of Japan! An island of unimaginable natural beauty, epic coastal rides, verdant river valleys, and remote villages. 

A quick pit stop to savor the flavors of Japan at a traditional Japanese restaurant on a cycling vacation in Japan.

Food and Drinks: How to order and appreciate food in Japanese 

10. An expression of gratitude spoken before the first bite - Itadakimasu (いただきます)  Pronunciation: ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs    Just as the dining experience in Japan extends beyond taste to encompass cultural rituals, "itadakimasu" is more than a mere phrase; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude spoken before the first bite, symbolizing the humility of saying 'I humbly receive’.    11. Delicious - Oishii (美味しい)  Pronunciation: oh-ee-shee    12. Wine - Wain (ワイン)  Pronunciation: wah-een    13. Beer - Bīru (ビール)  Pronunciation: bee-roo    14. Japanese sake - Nihonshu (日本酒)  Pronunciation: nee-hohn-shoo    15. Water please - O-mizu o onegai shimasu (お水をお願いします)  Pronunciation: oh-mee-zoo oh oh-neh-guy shee-mahs    16. Check, please - Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計 お願いします)  Pronunciation: oh-kai-kay oh-neh-guy shee-mahs    17. I would like ___, please - __ o Kudasai (__をください)  Pronunciation: ___ oh koo-dah-sigh  

Treat your palate, bask in tranquil onsens, and delve into Japan's rich culture while practicing these phrases on our Japan Bike, Walk, and Onsen Tour . 

Cyclists pause for a moment of laughter with the heartwarming community in rural Japan.

Useful Japanese Phrases to Use when Shopping 

18. How much is this? - Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)  Pronunciation: ee-koo-rah deh-soo kah?    19. I'll take it - Sore o moraimasu (それをもらいます)   Pronunciation: soh-reh oh moh-rah-ee-mahs 

Encounters with Nara's friendly deer.

Emergencies and Assistance: How to Ask for Help in Japanese 

20. Help! - Tasukete! (助けて！)  Pronunciation: tah-soo-keh-teh!     21. Hospital - Byōin (病院)  Pronunciation: byoh-een    22. It hurts! - Itai desu (痛いです)  Pronunciation: ee-tie deh-soo   

Last, But Certainly Not Least: 

23. I love Japan! - Nihon daisuki (にほんだいすき)  Pronunciation: nee-hohn dahy-soo-kee    You're guaranteed to warm the heart of your newfound connection with this phrase. Make sure to memorize it as you'll probably be using it a lot! 

Local interactions like these on a Grasshopper Adventures Bike Tour bring you the real spirit of Japan.

Overcoming Language Hurdles to Unveil Unforgettable Adventures

By diving into these simple phrases, you're connecting with the country and its people on a deeper level and unlocking doors to experiences that will etch their way into your heart.  

Every "konnichiwa" you utter is a bridge that spans the cultural divide, a key that opens the treasure trove of human interaction.  

Sure, you might not become a fluent speaker overnight, but that's not the goal. The goal is to weave threads of understanding and to remember that it's not the words alone that matter; it's the intentions they carry, the stories they unveil, and the connections they forge.  

Go forth with courage, for Japan is waiting to embrace you .    

If you enjoyed learning about the Japanese language, here are some other articles that you will love:  Top 7 Foods You Must Try in Japan  Navigating Hot Springs in Japan   9 Reasons to Explore Japan by E-Bike  

Related Tours

Stunning shikoku bike tour of japan, cycle kyoto to the coast - self-guided, japan bike, walk & onsen.

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Home » Articles » 150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Caitlin Sacasas

Language: Japanese

Reading time: 11 minutes

Published: Jan 15, 2021

Updated: Jun 6, 2024

150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now

Are you ready to start speaking Japanese, right now?

Even if you just thought about learning Japanese today, you can start speaking from Day 1 !

Whether you are learning Japanese to prepare for travel to Japan, or for a language exchange, it’s a good idea to learn Japanese essential words and phrases to get the ball rolling. I’ve got your back with this list to help you get started!

Japanese Words for Beginners: An Essential List

Japanese greetings:.

• Yes: はい ( hai )
• No: いいえ ( iie )
• Hello: こんにちは ( konnichiwa )
• Goodbye: じゃね ( ja ne )
• Thank you: ありがとう ( arigatou )
• I’m Sorry: ごめんなさい ( gomen nasai )
• Excuse me: すみません ( sumimasen )

Learn more: Japanese Greetings: 17 Ways to Say “Hello” in Japanese

Japanese Pronouns:

• I: 私 ( watashi )
• You: あなた ( anata )
• This: これ ( kore )
• That: それ ( sore )
• He: 彼 ( kare )
• She: 彼女 ( kanojo )
• They: 彼ら ( karera )

Learn more: Japanese Honorifics: How to Show Respect in Japanese

Japanese Numbers:

• One: いち ( ichi )
• Two: に ( ni )
• Three: さん ( san )
• Four: し ( shi ) or よん ( yon )
• Five: ご ( go )
• Six: ろく ( roku )
• Seven: なな ( nana ) or しち ( shichi )
• Eight: はち ( hachi )
• Nine: く ( ku ) or きゅう ( kyuu )
• Ten: じゅう ( juu )

Learn more: Japanese Numbers: Counting in Japanese from 1 – 100+

Time in Japanese:

• Today: 今日 ( kyou )
• Tomorrow: 明日 ( ashita )
• Yesterday: 昨日 ( kinou )
• Now: 今 ( ima )
• Before: 前に ( mae ni )
• Later: 後で ( ato de )

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Particles (with Examples)

Japanese Nouns:

• Home: 家 ( ie or uchi )
• Shop: 店 ( mise )
• Movie: 映画 ( eiga )
• School: 学校 ( gakkou )
• Car: 車 ( kuruma )
• Town: 町 ( machi )
• Music: 音楽 ( ongaku )
• Family: 家族 ( kazoku )
• Hometown: 出身 ( shusshin )
• Bathroom: トイレ ( toire )

*Learn more: 101 Core Japanese Words: The Most Commonly Used Words in Japanese

Japanese Verbs:

• To do: する ( suru )
• To be: です ( desu )
• To become: なる ( naru )
• There is (inanimate): ある ( aru )
• There is (living): いる ( iru )
• To go: 行く ( iku )
• To say: 言う ( iu )
• To see: 見る ( miru )
• To come: 来る ( kuru )
• To eat: 食べる ( taberu )

*Learn more: Japanese Grammar Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started Speaking Japanese

Even though I speak often now with Japanese language exchange partners , it wasn’t always that way. I found it hard to speak Japanese at first, too.

It can be a bit intimidating to know where to begin. Any time you learn a new language, especially one where the writing system is very different, it can become difficult to make the connections between grammar, memorized words, and creating sentences .

Don’t get too stressed about it, though. These basic Japanese words and phrases helped me start to get to know others in Japanese.

And that’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Learning some stock phrases and words to fall back on to keep the conversation going or ask questions is the key to relaxing a bit when speaking.

So, of course you must know your essential 挨拶 (aisatsu: “greetings”) and basic Japanese words.

By the way, if you’re wondering “How do you say ‘words’ in Japanese,” it’s 単語 ( tango ) or 言葉 ( kotoba ). The only difference is kotoba is used to express the plural form “words” and can also mean “phrases.” Tango is used mainly for the singular form, “word.”

Below, I’ll also go over questions, cool Japanese words, and cute Japanese words and expressions to go far in your speaking.

Once you've learned these Japanese words, you’ll sound めっちゃかっこい (meccha kakkoi: “very cool”).

Editor's note: before we get started, if you’re looking for an online Japanese course, here’s the course I actually recommend: Japanese Uncovered – Learn Japanese Through the Power of Story, a course with a fascinating new method.

Japanese Words and Phrases for Beginners:

Want to hear how these words and phrases sound, plus some bonus tips? Watch this video:

Japanese Greetings for Everyday

おはようございます！ ( Ohayou gozaimasu : “Good morning!”)

A formal way to greet someone in the morning, you’ll use this with co-workers, strangers, or superiors. With friends and family, you can shorten it by saying おはよう！( Ohayou , “‘Morning!”)

こんにちは ( Konnichiwa : “Hello” or “Good afternoon”)

This is a formal greeting, and not usually how you greet friends and family. It’s used for strangers or formal situations. But it’s the most standard greeting for hello.

あー、＿＿＿さん。( Ahh, _-san : “Ah, Mr./Mrs. _”)

Although it may sound strange to speakers in English, greeting someone with “Ah!” like you’re surprised to see someone is most common.

You greet them with this exclamation and their name, followed by the appropriate suffix (“-san” is standard and good to use for most people). You follow it with a question, like asking about the weather.

Speaking of which…

いい天気ですね！( Ii tenki desu ne : “Good weather, huh!”)

いい ( ii ) means “good” and 天気 ( tenki ) means weather. So you can change いい to whatever word fits the day, but this is the common greeting.

元気ですか ( Genki desu ka : “How are you?”)

Although it’s instinct to always greet everyone with “How are you?” in English, it’s not the case in Japanese.

Greeting your friends and family with this phrase every time you see them is a bit strange. And it’s awkward when said to strangers (often strangers barely nod and say nothing, anyway).

This phrase is actually only used when it’s been quite some time since you’ve seen the person.

久しぶり！( Hisashiburi : “Long time, no see!”)

If you haven’t seen someone for about 3 weeks or longer, then you’ll often be greeted with 久しぶり ( hisashiburi )! This is when it’s good to follow up with, 元気ですか ( genki desu ka ).

こんばんは ( Konbanwa : “Good evening”)

This is said in the evening around dinner time. It’s a formal greeting.

おやすみなさい ( Oyasumi nasai : “Goodnight”)

When you say goodnight to someone you’re close to, you can shorten it by saying おやすみ (oyasumi: “‘night!”)

じゃまた ( Ja Mata : “See you later” or “Goodbye”)

Although you probably know さようなら ( sayounara ) is “goodbye,” it has a very strong sense of finality, almost like you may not see that person again.

So it’s often better to say じゃまた ( ja mata ).

Other variations are じゃね ( ja ne : “see you”), バイバイ ( baibai : “bye-bye”), and お元気で ( o-genki de : “take care”).

Other Aisatsu (Greetings) in Daily Life

ただいまー ( tadaima- : “i’m home”).

When someone comes home, or you arrive home, you announce it with this phrase. Then, whoever is home replies…

おかえりなさい ( Okaeri nasai : “Welcome home” or “Welcome back”)

You can also use these two phrases to greet a coworker if they’ve returned back to work from somewhere else, like a business meeting or trip.

失礼します ( Shitsurei shimasu : “Please excuse me (for leaving)”)

When you leave ahead of someone else, you say this as an apology for leaving before them.

Especially at work, you always want to say this before leaving because you’re leaving them to finish the work for the day.

お疲れ様でした ( Otsukaresama deshita : “Thanks for your hard work”)

You say this in reply to 失礼します (“please excuse me for leaving”) as a thank you for their hard work that day, but it can be used in many other situations.

Any time anyone works hard, you can say this to acknowledge their hard work — like a child who did well and finished their homework. You can also use it as a greeting when someone returns from a hard task.

行ってきます ( Ittekimasu : “I’m going”)

Say this to family at home, friends, or co-workers to announce you’re heading out.

行ってらっしゃい ( Itterasshai : “Go and come back”)

In reply to 行ってきます ( ittekimasu , “I’m going”), you say this — it's kind of like saying, “Be careful!” or “Okay, take care” and lets them know you’ll see them when they get back.

Basic Japanese Words and Phrases for All Situations

• ありがとうございます ( arigatou gozaimasu ): “Thank you”
• ごめんなさい ( gomen nasai ): “I’m sorry”
• はい or うん ( Hhai or un ): “Yes” (formal and informal)
• いいえ or ううん ( iie or uun ): “No” (formal and informal)
• 名前は_ ( namae wa _ ): “My name is _ ”
• _ です。( desu ): “I am” (*See note below)
• いいですよ。( ii desu yo ): “It’s good.”
• だめです。( dame desu ): “It’s bad.”
• もう一度お願いします。( mou ichido onegai shimasu ): “Again, please.”
• ゆっくりお願いします ( yukkuri onegai shimasu ): “More slowly, please”
• わかりません ( wakarimasen ): “I don’t understand”
• 良かった ( yokatta ): “Great!” or “I’m glad!”
• すみません ( sumimasen ): “Excuse me”
• どういたしまして ( Dou itashimashite ): “You’re welcome”
• 少し日本語を話します ( Sukoshi nihongo wo hanashimasu ): “I speak a little Japanese”
• また会いましょう ( Mata aimashou ): “Let’s meet again!”

Please in Japanese: どうぞ、お願いします、ください ( Douzo, Onegai Shimasu, Kudasai )

The word for “please” changes with intent.

どうぞ ( douzo ) is the most straight forward. You use this word when you are offering something to someone else. Like, “お先にどうぞ” ( osaki ni douzo : “Please, you first” or “Please, after you”).

お願いします ( onegai shimasu ) and ください ( kudasai ) are almost interchangeable but have different formality.

お願いします is used to ask a request of someone with higher status than you, or for a service (because those offering services are usually considered to have higher status). So if you make a request of your boss, or take a taxi ride, you would use お願いします.

ください is used when you ask a request of someone close to you, like a friend, or when what you ask for is expected, like when ordering at a restaurant.

You also use ください whenever the verb it follows is in て-form, like ちょっと待ってください ( chotto matte kudasa i: “please wait”), no matter the formality.

About Desu in Japanese

If you’ve listened to Japanese at all, you probably have wondered “what means desu?” Because you hear the word “desu” ALL the time.

That’s because です ( desu ) means “is, to be.” It’s often used at the end of sentences, and can complete a sentence by adding a noun.

You can add anything to describe yourself before です.

You could say 二十七歳です ( ni juu nana sai desu : “I am 27 years old”), アメリカ人です ( amerikajin desu : “I am American”), or 作家です ( sakka desu : “I am a writer”).

You could also use it to describe other things, like いいほんです ( ii hon desu : “A good book”).

Japanese Questions to Boost Your Conversation

With any question word, you can use a raised inflection at the last syllable to express that it’s a question. But, more formally, you can add the Japanese equivalent of a question mark: ですか ( desu ka ).

Let’s start with the basics:

• 誰 ( dare ): “Who?”
• 何 ( nani or nan ): “What?”
• いつ ( itsu ): “When?”
• どこ ( doko ): “Where?”
• どうして ( doushite ): “Why?”
• どう ( dou ): “How?”
• どちら? ( dochira ): “Which?”

Learn more: Japanese Question Words: “What”, “Where”, “When”, “Who”, “How” and “Why” in Japanese

And more helpful Japanese questions:

• お名前は何ですか ( o-namae wa nan desu ka ): “What’s your name?”
• いくらですか ( ikura desu ka ): “How much Is It?”
• わかりますか ( wakarimasu ka ): “Do you understand?”
• はどこですか ( __ wa doko desu ka ): “Where is the _ ?”
• これは何ですか ( kore wa nan desu ka ): “What’s this?”
• これは何意味ですか ( kore wa nan imi desu ka ): “What does this mean?”
• 日本語で_は何ですか ( nihongo de _ wa nan desu ka ): “What is _ in Japanese?”
• 英語を話せますか ( eigo wo hanasemasu ka ): “Can you speak English?”
• 何って言ったの ( nani tte itta no ): “What did you say?”
• _ がありますか ( _ ga arimasu ka ): “Do you have __?”
• 大丈夫ですか ( daijoubu desu ka ): “Are you okay?”
• どうしたんだ ( doushitanda ): “What happened?”
• E-メール／電話番号を教えてもらえますか ( e-meru/denwa bango wo oshiete moraemasu ka ): “Could I have your email address/phone number?”
• _ を利用しますか (* wo riyou shimasu ka*): “Do you use _?”
• いつは会えますか ( Itsu wa aemasu ka ): “When can we meet?”

Bonus: Some Cute and Cool Japanese Words to Level Up Your Speech

What are some cool Japanese words? I’m glad you asked! Use these Japanese slang words to sound cool in Japanese.

かわいい ( Kawaii : “Cute”)

You probably know this one, as it’s become a staple of otaku in America, but it’s very common in Japan too. Everything is “kawaii.”

かっこいい ( Kakkoii : “Cool”)

Also, “handsome.” It’s mostly used to describe dreamy guys or cool objects.

すごい！( Sugoi : “Wow!” or “Amazing!”)

I promise you, if you reply すごい ( sugoi ) to most everything that has a positive tone and body language, you'll sound like a native.

This is hands down the most overused word in Japanese, and it’s a reply to everything. In fact, you’ll probably hear “すごい!” in reply to your attempt to speak Japanese!

ヤバい ( Yabai : “Uncool”)

The opposite of すごい, this means something is uncool or terrible.

ちょ、めっちゃ、とっても ( Cho, Meccha, Tottemo : “Very,” “Super”)

Depending on the dialect, you’ll hear one of these three words to say something is “very __.” とっても (tottemo) is most standard, and the small つ ( tsu ) means it has extra emphasis.

マジで ( Maji de : “Seriously,” “Really”)

Like ちょ ( cho ), マジ ( maji ) is used as an intensifier, but this one is more masculine.

うそ! ( Uso! : “No way!”)

It actually means “a lie,” but it’s used as “no way!” in casual conversation when you hear something unbelievable.

ばか！ ( Baka! : “Idiot!”)

Is “baka” a bad word? Well… It certainly isn’t nice. ばか ( baka ) in Japanese means “idiot”, but it’s pretty strong.

Japanese don’t use cuss words as freely as other countries, so calling someone this to their face is a big insult.

Similarly, if you’re wondering how do you say “asshole” in Japanese? Well, you can say あほ ( aho , “stupid”) which is an even stronger form of ばか and has a nuance of meaning a “dumbass” or “asshole.”

But there’s also 下衆野郎 ( gesu yarou ) which means exactly that: “asshole.”

So, in case you felt like offending someone in Japanese today, now you’re prepared. (But please don’t!)

よし ( Yoshi : “OK!”)

A common question is: “What is OK in Japanese?” Because there are a few versions, and it’s a bit confusing!

First, there’s よし ( yoshi ), pronounced more like “yosh” than “Yoshi” the video game character.

It’s used as an exclamation, like “Okay, let’s do this!”

Then there’s オーケー ( o-ke- ). It’s used to respond to someone, just like in English. You’ll often hear “オーケーです” ( o-ke- desu ), which means “OK / Got it / It’s okay.”

Last, there’s まあまあ ( maamaa ). This means “okay” but in the sense that you’re “so-so.”

Learn more: 63 Must-Know Japanese Slang Words (to Sound like a Local)

Japanese Words and Phrases to Speak NOW!

How will you use these phrases to start speaking Japanese now? If you’re looking for a Japanese language exchange partner, learn how you can find one in your area or check out   italki (our review is here ) or Teacher AI .

Caitlin Sacasas

Content Writer, Fluent in 3 Months

Caitlin is a copywriter, content strategist, and language learner. Besides languages, her passions are fitness, books, and Star Wars. Connect with her: Twitter | LinkedIn

Speaks: English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » 20 basic Japanese phrases for travellers

20 basic Japanese phrases for travellers

June 15, 2022

If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, you may be concerned about something known as the “language barrier” – that inexplicable inability to communicate with others due to speaking a different language. Should you stress if you don’t speak any Japanese? Simply put, the answer is no!

If you’ve pictured yourself lost in Japan, wandering around with no way to ask directions to the airport, you can put those fears to rest. Thousands of travelers enter the country each day, many knowing very little Japanese or none at all. While a few key phrases can be useful, you can travel successfully even if you don’t know any Japanese words. English is taught in Japanese schools, so even if they are not fluent, most people you meet will speak some English as well. In areas frequented by tourists, signs may also be written in English.

If you’d like to learn some words for travel, however, you’ve come to the right place. The following words and sentences are common in everyday use and will aid you in getting around, ordering at restaurants, and greeting those you may meet.

The word for “hello” in Japanese is often used in popular culture , so don’t be surprised if you or your children already know it. If you want to say “hi,” simply say kon-nichiwa .

Ogenki desuka?

In order to say “how are you?” you will ask Ogenki desuka? If someone asks this question of you, say Genki desu. Arigato! That means, “I’m fine. Thanks!”.

Watashi wa no namae wa…

If you’d like to introduce yourself, say Watashi no namae wa (insert your name) desu. In this sentence, watashi means “I” and namae means “name.”

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Thank you, please and sorry

The simplest way to say “thank you” in Japanese is Arigatou . If you are in a formal situation, you would elongate the thanks to Arigatou gozaimasu. Most people bow while saying thank you in order to add emphasis to their words of gratitude.

Similar to saying “please” in English , (name of item) wo kudasai is a way of politely asking to look at or purchase an item. If you don’t know the item’s name – such as when ordering food from a display case – feel free to point or gesture.

Whenever you immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture, you are bound to make a few mistakes. If you bump into someone, forget to take off your shoes, or find some other reason to apologize, simply say sumimasen  for “excuse me” . This word can also be used to get someone’s attention, such as when you wish to summon a waiter in a restaurant or to ask someone to repeat something they’ve said.

Getting around and shopping

Doko….

When asking “where is (something)?” in Japanese , you will notice that the “something” comes first in the sentence. For example, if you ask “Where is Tokyo Station?” you will say Tokyo eki wa doko desu ka? In this phrase, eki means “station” and wa doko desu ka means “where is?” You may also want to know how to ask, “Where is the bathroom?” That’s Otearai wa doko desu ka?

Even though you may not understand the spoken answer, you will likely be pointed in the right direction. Don’t be surprised if the person you asked walks with you to show you where to go – even if that means walking several blocks or more!

Ikura desuka?

A good vacation calls for souvenirs, but you’ll likely wish to know what an item costs before you buy. If you don’t know what the item in question is called, hold it up or point to it and ask “ Ikura desuka?”,  Japanese for “How much does it cost?”. If you know the name of the item, insert it before the question.

Wi-fi arimasuka?

Since we live in a technological society, this question can be important, especially if you are traveling for business purposes. To ask for access to wi-fi in a store, restaurant, hotel, train station, or café, say Wi-fi arimasuka? If you’re in need of something besides the internet, replace “wi-fi” with the word for the item you need. Although you won’t need to ask if you have your Pocket Wi-Fi or Japanese Data SIM Card with you!

“Do you speak English?”

Finally, to ask if someone speaks English, say Eigo wo hanashimasu ka? In this sentence, eigo is the word for “English.” But really, it is ok (and easier) to simply ask it in English!

Other useful phrases

You’re welcome: Dō itashimashite . Yes: Hai . No: Iie . I’m sorry: Gomen’nasai. Good morning: Ohayō. Good evening: Konbanwa.  Good night: O-yasumi nasai.  I don’t understand: Wakarimasen. I understand you perfectly: Yoku wakarimasu.  That’s all right:  Dai jōbu desu.

“Honorifics” are a common part of Japanese speech. These are words that show respect in social situations. Don’t worry – all the useful phrases listed in this article are in teineigo , or “polite language. ”

Your attempts at speaking Japanese will be appreciated by the local residents that you meet. If all else fails, gesturing – such as pointing to a photograph in a menu – may be of help. And most importantly, have fun using these common Japanese phrases during your upcoming travels!

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20 Essential Travel Japanese Phrases (& FREE PDF sheet)

If you’re worried about going to Japan without speaking Japanese – don’t worry. In most major cities many English signs can be seen and some restaurants offer English menus.

However, there will be some situations where you need to go by pointing, gesturing, nodding etc, and having a few key phrases up your sleeve will certainly be helpful.

No time to ‘study’ Japanese? No problem! This is a mini travel Japanese lesson as well as a phrase list which will help you to build on your previous knowledge without involving any complicated sentence structures. The aim of this list is ‘simple and ready to be used’ rather than ‘complicated and forgotten already’.

I have also divided the list in different levels according to the frequency of use (strictly my personal opinion!) so you can choose how much or how little you want to learn.

Level 1 Sushi level (It’s not Suzie, it’s Sushi.)

ありがとうございます Arigato-gozaimas

You will find yourself saying this one often. I think this is one of the most important Japanese words also for the Japanese and you will probably hear local people saying this to one another a lot. So, don’t be shy with your ‘ arigato-gozaimas ‘, say it as often as you want – we love it! If you find it too much of a mouthful, the short and informal ‘ arigato ‘ should do.

2. Excuse me/Sorry

すみません Sumimasen

When you want to get someone’s attention; in a restaurant, a shop, train station, asking a stranger on a street for direction etc… The word can also mean ‘sorry’ and listeners will usually know which one you mean in the context.

おねがいします O’negai shimas

Use this in conjunction with finger-pointing and/or gestures to make requests in restaurants, shops and such. Ie: saying ‘ o’negai shimas ‘ whilst pointing at writing (or a photo of) ‘tall caramel latte macchiato’ means you’re saying ‘tall caramel latte macchiato please.’

If you’re up for a challenge, use 〜 o o’negai shimas （〜を　おねがいします) format,

ie: Ko-hi- o o’negai shimas , ( coffee please).

Check-in o o’negai shimas , ( check-in please).

いいえ Iie (it’s an [i:] sound as in ‘feel’, then ‘e’ as in ‘end’)

6. Where is〜?

〜はどこですか 　 〜wa doko des ka

Insert the destination of your choice and you’re good to go, ie: toire wa doko des ka , (where is the toilet ?)

Other useful words:

• Police box 交番 Ko-ban
• Bank 銀行 Ginko
• Convenience store コンビニ Kon’bini (Japanese convenience store is a legend. You can pay your bills, buy bus tickets or concert tickets, and so much more. It goes without saying that most of your daily essentials can be purchased here. Trust me, you will want to take one home.)
• Train station 駅 Eki
• Bus stop バス停 Basu-tei

7. How much?

いくらですか Ikura des ka

Just in case. Sometimes ¥100 store giant Daiso has things that are ¥300, ¥500… (although they are always clearly labeled!!)

8. Do you have〜?/Is there〜?

〜は　ありますか 〜wa arimas ka

When you are looking for that super-rare Nintendo game in Akihabara ( Virtual Bowling wa arimas ka ), or if you are that person who asks for cappuccino in a Japanese tea specialist cafe ( cappuccino wa arimas ka ). Can also be used when you want to know if a place has certain facilities like toilet, ( toire wa arimas ka ).

In English please? 英語でおねがいします Eigo de o’negai shimas .

If you’re desperate, just omit the ‘de’ and say ‘ eigo o’negai shimas !’ Not grammatically correct, but people will understand. I can not guarantee their ability to speak in English though.

Do you have an English menu? 英語のメニューはありますか Eigo no menu wa arimas ka (here comes that ‘ 〜wa arimas ka ‘ structure again).

10. Good-bye

さようなら Sayo-nara

There is this beautiful old Japanese song called ‘Sayonara (1979)’ by a band called Off Course, but I digress…

11. Numbers

Here is the super easy way to learn Japanese numbers 0 – 99. Worried that you might forget? Don’t worry, wear them on a T-shirt!

I hope you’re enjoying learning Japanese with this list so far. If you would like a free PDF version you can download from here , AND it comes with 5 extra phrases!

The next level is Onigiri rica ball level…

Level 2 Onigiri rice ball level

(you know onigiri is not sushi and can name at least 3 different classic onigiri fillings.).

〜 まで 　 〜made (NOT as in ‘made in Japan’, it’s ma’de.)

Will be handy when you want to express where you’re heading. For example at the train station: ‘ Kyoto ma’de ( des )’ which is ‘To Kyoto’ (with des = polite, without des = casual).

In case you want to learn to say ‘A ticket to Kyoto please’ it’s ‘ Kyoto ma’de no kippu o o’negai shimas ‘.

13. What time

Bring up in pitch at the end just a bit to say ‘what time? ( Nan ji ?)’

If you want to say ‘until what time?’ it’s ‘ Nan ji ma’de ?’ This can mean ‘what time do you close?’ and is useful when you need to know the closing time of shops or restaurants.

You learnt ‘ ma’de ‘, now you need to know ‘ kara ‘ as well. How do we say ‘from what time?’ You guessed it, it’s ‘ Nan ji kara ?’

And I can hear your clever brain clicking and thinking: ‘wait, does that mean I can say Kyoto kara – from Kyoto, too?’ That is right!

15. (Does this) go to〜?

〜に行きますか 〜ni iki mas ka

Useful when you want to check if a train or a bus really goes to your destination. ‘ Shibuya ni iki mas ka ? (Go to Shibuya?)’

You can also make a statement out of it simply by taking off the question marker か ka .

渋谷に行きます Shibuya ni iki mas = Go to Shibuya .

16. (I’m/it’s) Ok

だいじょうぶです Daijo-bu des

You’re standing outside the shop waiting for your friend, a keen Japanese person decides that you’re lost and tries to help you, you say ‘ daijo-bu des (I’m ok)’. A waiter accidentally knocks down your bag, nothing is broken, you say ‘ daijo-bu des (it’s ok)’.

Would you like to know how to say ‘are you ok/is it ok?’ Easy! Simply add ‘ ka か’ which is a question marker at the end and say ‘ daijo-bu des ka ?’

17. Is card ok?

カード だいじょうぶですか ka-do daijo-bu des ka

In high-tech Japan, cash is still king. Although cashless options are increasing especially since COVID19, it is always a good idea to bring cash and/or ask the staff if they take card payments. If you want to say ‘can I pay by card?’ it will be ‘ ka-do de hara’e mas ka ?’ but this simple ‘ ka-do daijo-bu des ka ? (is card ok?)’ sentence will do just fine specially when you ask at the cashier.

18. Good afternoon (and kind of ‘hello’)

こんにちは Kon’ni chiwa

You all know this one. Since Japanese does not have ‘hello’, I guess this is the closest as ‘good afternoon’ can be used during the waking hours of most average people.

• Good morning おはようございます ohayo-gozaimas
• Good evening こんばんは konbanwa

19. I don’t understand

わかりません Wakarimasen

Please feel free to say this when you don’t understand our ‘Japangrish’.

20. (It’s) different/wrong

ちがいます Chigaimas

Wrong price? Incorrect change? Wrong dish arrived? The room is different to the one you have booked? Say ‘ chigaimas ‘!

Congratulations for coming this far and I hope you found this list useful. Click here to download the PDF version for free (+ 5 extra phrases!) or you can use the form below.

I really hope we can travel to Japan again soon (August 2021). For up to date information, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

25 Essential Travel Japanese Phrases FREE download

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A very cranky language blogger dishing out brutal language tips.

25+ Easy Japanese Travel Phrases for Beginners to Say

Looking to learn some Japanese travel phrases?

Well, if you’re traveling to Japan, then you’ll likely need some of these phrases about toilets, money, English and much more.

By the way, if you want to hear REAL Japanese, check out this audio lesson by JapanesePod101. Press play below. Why? It’s one thing to read about Japanese and another to hear native speakers — you learn faster!

• “Survival Phrases S2 #1 – Thank You!”
• Lesson by  by JapanesePod101.com  (click here for more fun audio lessons)

So, here are the most useful Japanese travel phrases.

1. Konnichiwa こんにちは Hello/Good Day

You’re probably somewhat aware of this word “Konnichiwa.” A very common Japanese greeting . You can use it to greet people during the day. This means, you wouldn’t use it during the morning or evening.

2. Ohayou Gozaimasu おはようございます Good Morning

This is a good Japanese greeting to know. So, if you’re entering a hotel, a shop or some other place in the morning, you can say this first. Use this before 11AM.

Now, what about evening?

3. Konbanwa こんばんは Good evening

Feel free to use this Japanese greeting after 6PM or so.

4. Hai  はい Yes, いいえ iie No

These are just basic words you and every one should know.

If you’re curious, you can learn more ways to say yes in Japanese here , and more ways to say no in Japanese here . But, as a traveler, “hai” and “iie” are good enough.

5. Arigatou Gozaimasu.  ありがとうございます Thank you very much

You’ll likely want to say thank you to shop staff, airline staff or a water at a restaurant.

So, just say “Arigatou Gozaimasu.” This is pronounced “a-ree-ga-to go-zay-mas”.

You can also check out this JapanesePod101 (they’re a Japanese learning program) audio lesson here to hear the pronunciation.

• Lesson by  by JapanesePod101.com  (click here for more fun lessons at JapanesePod101.com)

There are several ways to say thank you depending on the politeness level. Obviously, the longer, the more polite. Use “Arigatou gozaimasu” to be on the safe side.

• Thanks (super casual – only with friends)
• Thank you (casual, okay to use with most people)
• Thank you very much (polite, standard, most common way to say it – the SAFEST phrase to use)
• Thank you very much (MORE polite, because it’s in past tense).

So, these were some really basic phrases.

Now, we’re going to go from 0 to 100 and cover more complex ones.

6. Toire wa doko desu ka? トイレはどこですか? ) Where is the bathroom?

This is probably one of the most useful Japanese travel phrases.

You’ll always need the toilet, right? That’s why it’s good to know

Since Japan uses very different characters from English, it’s possible that you may not recognize the sign for the bathroom. Also, keep a look out for the high-tech toilets when visiting Japan!

• Pronounced: Toy-re
• Doko – where

7. Ikura desu ka? いくらですか? – How much is it?

If you’re out shopping or on the street buying food, this is the perfect phrase to use. Keep in mind that Japan is a country that doesn’t haggle so there is usually a set price. If you’re lucky, some local shops might give you some extra products or food for free.

• Pronounced: ee-koo-ra

8. Betsu betsu de onegai shimasu. 別々でお願いします。) – We would like to pay separately.

When travelling as a group, it’s nice to be able to split the cost when you’re about to pay for your meal at a restaurant.This is a great phrase to use before they bring the bill.

• Betsu betsu – separately

9. Sumimasen! すみません！ – Excuse me! (or thank you!)

This phrase can be used for multiple purposes. It’s possible to use it to say “excuse me”, if someone is in your way or to ask a stranger a question. It also works as a “thank you”. In some cases, it’s more common to say “Sumimasen!” than to say “Arigato!”. “Sumimasen!” acknowledges someone going out of their way for you.

• pronounced (soo-mee-ma-sen)

10. _____wa doko desu ka? _____はどこですか？ – Where is _____?

If you’re on the street trying to find a place or you get lost, simply ask this question. You can put any location in the blank part of the phrase. It could be a restaurant, landmark, or a train station.

11. _____wo kudasai.  _____をください。 – I would like to have _____. 

Use this phrase when asking for something. In the blank, you can add things like what you want on the menu, train tickets, or anything you might be looking to buy. Keep in mind that this phrase only works when asking for items or food, and it doesn’t work with verbs.

• Pronunciation: Koo-da-sai

12. Osusume wa nan desu ka? オススメはなんですか?  What do you recommend?

This is useful for anyone who likes to explore food culture. If you’re confused with what to order on the menu, you can use this phrase to ask the waiter’s recommendation. It’s also useful, if you just need some advice on what is recommended. For example, if there are two trains you can take to get somewhere and you need to decide.

• Pronunciation: oh-soo-soo-me

13. Shashin totte moratte mo ii desu ka? 写真とってもらっても良いですか？ Could you take a picture for me (or us)? 

This probably the second most useful Japanese travel phrases

If you’re at a beautiful landmark, you might want a picture as a keepsake. Use this phrase to ask a stranger to take a picture for you. Taking pictures is a big part of Japanese culture so someone will definitely help you out.

• shashin – picture

14. Yoyaku ga arimasu. 予約があります。I have a reservation.

This phrase can be used if you’ve made a reservation for a restaurant or any other kind of service. They’ll usually need to check your confirmation number or name to verify your reservation.

• Yoyaku – reservation

15. Chizu o kudasai. 地図をください。 Could I have a map?

The train and metro lines in the big cities of Japan can be crazy. Use this phrase if you want to have a train or metro map. It’s also useful if you’re in need of a map at a landmark, museum, or other location.

• Chizu – map

16. Takushii noriba wa dokodesuka? タクシー乗り場はどこですか？ Where can I grab a taxi?

There are often designated locations that taxi’s can be picked up in Japan. They’re usually in front of airports, train stations and in busy city centers. If you see taxis parked one after another and try to approach one of them, they’ll refuse you because you’ve come across a taxi line, and somewhere at the front is a taxi stand. So, you’ll have to find it. Or you can ask someone using this phrase. That being said, you can always wave down a cab.

• Takushii – taxi
• Noriba – Taxi stand

17. Okaikei onegaishimasu  お会計お願いします。 Could I have the bill? 

This phrase is useful if you’re at a restaurant and want to get the bill. In Japan, depending on the restaurant, they have many small dishes that they will need to calculate for you.

• Kaikei  – bill/check

18. Eigo shaberemasuka? 英語喋れますか？ Can you speak English?

Even if you’re trying to practice your Japanese, it might be necessary to speak in English if you get confused. Ask this phrase to see if the other person can speak with you in English. These days, it’s common that many shops or train stations will have English speaking representatives.

• Eigo  – English

19. Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?  試着しても良いですか？ Can I try this on?

This is a useful phrase for clothes shopping. Clothing shop assistants are usually very attentive in Japan. It’s important to keep in mind that it can be considered rude if you end up not buying anything after trying on lots of clothes.

• Shichaku  – try on

20. Wai fai wa arimasu ka? ワイファイはありますか？Do you have Wifi?

Internet connection is important to navigate an unknown city or to stay connected with friends and family. Ask this phrase to check if a place has any Wi-Fi connection. Convenience stores and train stations will usually have free Wifi!

• Wai Fai  – WiFi

21. Kaado uketsuke masuka? カード受け付けますか？ Can I use card payment?

It’s important to check if a restaurant accepts credit cards in Japan. In some restaurants, it is possible that it would be cash only.

• Kaado  – (credit) card

22. _____no arerugii ga arimasu. ______のアレルギーがあります。I have an allergy to ______.

If you have any allergies it’s essential to learn this phrase. It’s also recommended to learn the names of the specific allergens in Japanese. These days, many restaurants in Japan are very sensitive to food allergies. They will have a chart with all of the menu items and the common food allergens in each dish.

• Arerugii  – allergy

23. Menyuu, onegai shimasu. メニュー、お願いします。Menu Please.

Here’s one of the more easier Japanese travel phrases.

Menu in Japanese is… “menyuu.” Yes, it sounds pretty much the same. So if you’re at a restaurant and need a menu, you won’t go wrong.

• Menyuu – menu

24. Kore wo kudasai. これをください。 This please.

This another one of the most useful Japanese travel phrases.

It’s likely you’ll go shopping and want something out of reach. So, you can point to the object and say “kore wo kudasai” and the shop staff will help you out. You can also use this phrase while pointing at a menu – in case you can’t read it and are going by pictures.

• Kore  – this
• Kudasai – please

25. Mizu, onegai shimasu. 水、お願いします。Water, please.

What if you’re at a restaurant and need water?

Or, what if you’re feeling dehydrated? Remember the word “mee-zoo” meaning water. You can tell this to a waiter, a bartender, or whoever can provide you with water.

• Mizu – Water

Now you know a whole bunch of Japanese travel words and phrases.

Also, if you want to learn some  beautiful Japanese words, then check my other post  here .

Do you know any other Japanese travel phrases?

Leave a comment below.

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