Visiting Japan for the first time is an exciting journey, filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries and memorable moments. Although English is often used in tourism areas, a few basic Japanese phrases can make your trip interesting and immersive. This guide provides simple and practical Japanese phrases to help guide you through a variety of situations during your trip, from greetings to finding food, shopping and assistance.
Greetings and Basic Communication
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
2. おはよう (Ohayou) – Good morning
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
4. ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
5. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / I’m sorry
6. さようなら(Sayounara) – Goodbye
7. はい (Hai) – Yes
8. いいえ (Iie) – No
9. お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please
10. 日本語でペラペラではないです (Nihongo de perapera de wa nai desu) – I’m not very fluent in Japanese
Getting Around
1. すみません、道に迷いました。 (Sumimasen, michi ni mayoimashita.) – Excuse me, I’m lost.
2. どうやってここに行けますか？ (Dou yatte koko ni ikemasu ka?) – How can I get to this place?
3. どこに行けばいいですか？ (Doko ni ikeba ii desu ka?) – Where should I go?
4. 駅はどこですか？(Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the train station?
5. バス停はどこですか？(Basu-tei wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the bus stop?
6. どうやって切符を買いますか？(douyatte kippu o kai masuka?) – How can I buy a ticket?
7. どのぐらい時間がかかりますか？(do-no gu-ra-i ji-kan ga ka-ka-ri mas ka?) How long will it take?
8. いくらですか？(Ikura desu ka?) – How much does it cost?
9. (場所の名前）に行きたいです (Name of place) ni ikitai des.- I want to go (name of place)
Dining and Food
1. 英語メニューはありますか？(Eigo menyuu wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have an English menu?
2. それは 何(なん) ですか？(Sore wa nan desu ka?) – What is this? (While pointing to something on the menu.)
3. 注文(ちゅうもん)をお願いします (Chuumon o onegai shimasu) – I’d like to order.
4. これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll have this, please.
5. おいしいです (Oishii desu) – It’s delicious.
6. お水をください (O-mizu o kudasai) – Can I have some water, please?
7. お会計お願いします (O-kaikin onegaishimasu) – Can I have the bill, please?
8. カードでお支払いできますか? (Kādo de oshiharai dekimasuka?) – Can I pay with my credit card?
9. お手洗いはありますか? (Otearai wa arimasuka?) – Do you have a restroom here?
10. ごちそうさまでした。(Gochisou sama deshita.) – Thank you for the meal.
Asking for Help
1. 英語を話せますか？(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?
2. 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – Please help me.
3. お願いがあります。 (Onegai ga arimasu.) – I have a favor to ask.
4. どうすればいいですか？ (Dou sureba ii desu ka?) – What should I do?
5. すみません、初めて日本に来ました (Sumimasen, hajimete Nihon ni kimashita) – Excuse me, I’m new to Japan.
Shopping and Bargaining
1. これは何だ？(Korewa nandesuka?) – What is this?
2. これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) – How much is this?
3. カードで払えますか？(Kaado de haraemasu ka?) – Can I pay with a card?
4. レシートをください (Reshiito o kudasai) – Can I have the receipt?
5. 試着できますか？(Shichaku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try it on?
6. これ、持って帰りたいです (Kore, motte kaeritai desu) – I’d like to take this with me.
Emergencies
1. 助けて (Tasukete!) – Help me!
2. 英語が分かる人、いますか？(Eigo ga wakaru hito, imasuka?) – Is there anyone who can speak English?
3. 落し物をしました。(Otoshimono o shimashita) – I lost something
4. パスポートを失くしました (passupoto wo nakushimashita) I lost my passport
5. 何が起こっていますか？(Nani ga okotte imasu ka?) – What is happening?
6. 気分が良くありません (kibun ga amari yokuarimasen) – I’m not feeling well
7. けがをしました (kega wo shimashita) – I’m injured
8. 救急車を呼んでください (Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai) – Please call an ambulance.
9. 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai) – Please call the police.
Dial 119 to call an ambulance and call 110 to call the police. You can certainly do that yourself, but if you’re not sure about your Japanese, saying those numbers out loud – hyaku juku ban for ambulance and hyaku juban for police – should be enough to seek their help to those around you.
Why is this important to know?
These simple and useful Japanese phrases are your gateway to a more enjoyable and immersive travel experience in Japan. By making an effort to converse in the local language, you will not only improve your communication skills but also show your appreciation for the country’s culture and customs. Remember that even using a few simple words can lead to memorable moments and connections with the community. Embrace the opportunity to connect with Japan on a deeper level, and make your first time trip truly unique and memorable.
Learn these Japanese Phrases and visit Japan with confidence!
