Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Vlad
Traveling to Japan is always an exciting adventure, but knowing a few key Japanese words and phrases can make your trip much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re navigating the streets, ordering food, or asking for help, these essential expressions will help you communicate better, show respect for the local culture and even make some new friends. The below is a handy list to get you started on your journey, drawn from my own personal experience of visiting Japan over the last 20 years!
Table of Contents
Basic Greetings and Politeness
Konnichiwa – Hello
Ohayō gozaimasu – Good morning (polite)
Arigatō – Thank you (casual)
Arigatō gozaimasu – Thank you (polite)
Sumimasen – Excuse me / I’m sorry
Gomennasai – Excuse me/I am sorry (when bumping into someone – comes in handy on trains!)
Onegaishimasu – Please (when ordering food or drinks, or asking for assistance)
Sayōnara – Goodbye (formal)
Dōzo – Please (offering something, a seat on a train for example)
Dōuitashimashite – You’re welcome (after some tells you thank you)
Directions and Transportation
Eki – Station
Densha – Train
Tsugi no desha – Next train
Basu – Bus
Basutei – Bus stop
Takushii – Taxi
Doko desu ka – Where is…?
Eki wa doko desu ka – Where is the train station?
Toire wa doko desu ka – Where is the toilet?
Migi – Right
Hidari – Left
Massugu – Straight
Deguchi – Exit
Iriguchi – Entrance
Mamonaku – Shortly or soon (you’ll hear this on trains frequently.)
Tsugi wa – Next stop (again, you’ll be hearing this frequently on trains)
Shuten – Last stop or last station (literally terminating station – meaning you need to get off)
Dining and Food
Tabemasu – To eat
Nomimasu – Drink
Menyuu – Menu
Menyuu onegaishimasu – Menu, please
Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka – Do you have an English menu
Mizu – Water
Omizu – Water (polite), omizu onegaishimasu
Ocha – Tea
Biiru – Beer
Nama biiru – Draft (draught) beer
Aka wine – Red wine
Shiro wine – White wine
Nihonshu – Sake
Okanjou – The bill
Okanjou onegaishimasu – The bill, please
Ohashi – Chopsticks
Supuun – Spoon
Fōku – Fork
Naifu – Knife
Oishii – Delicious
Itadakimasu – Let’s eat (said before a meal)
Gochisosama deshita – Thank you for the meal (said after a meal). If in a small restaurant you can say it directly to the chef/owner
Onaka ippai – I am full
Niku – Meat
Sakana – Fish
Kore wa nan desu ka – What is this?
Arerugii ga arimasu – I have an allergy
Shopping and Money
Ikura desu ka – How much is it?
Kureditto kaado – Credit card
Genkin – Cash
Eetiiemu – ATM
En kudasai – Yen please (useful if paying by a card and you get asked if you want to be charged in yen, or your own currency. Tip, being charged in yen is usually cheaper (better exchange rate)
Konbini – Convenience store
Takai – Expensive
Kaimasu – I will buy it
Kore o kudasai – I’ll take this, please
Waribiki – Discount (it never hurts to mention the word at smaller stores or gift shops)
Ryoushuusho – Receipt
Accommodation
Hoteru – Hotel
Heya – Room
Yoyaku – Reservation
Kin’en – Non-smoking
Toire – Toilet
Waifai – WiFi
Pasupooto – Passport
Help / Emergency
Taskete kudasai – Please help
Wauri – not well/feeling bad
Wauri desu – I am not feeling well
Kusuri – Medicine
Byouin – hospital
Byouin wa doko desu ka – Where is the hospital?
Keisatsu – Police
Kyuukyuusha – Ambulance
Talking about yourself / Small chat with others
Watashi wa …. – My name is
Onamae wa – What is your name?
Hajimemashite – Nice to meet you (before or after you introduce yourself to someone)
Igirisu-jin desu – I’m British (casual)
Watashi wa Igirisujin desu – I am British
Amerika-jin desu – I’m American
Ōstraria-jin desu – I’m Australian
Eigo o hanasemasu ka – Do you speak English?
Nihongo ga wakarimasen – I don’t speak/understand Japanese
Wakarimasen – I don’t understand
Have I missed some key phrases and words? I probably have. Once they come to my mind again I shall update the above list.
Feel free to ask any questions please.