If you’re planning to travel to Japan, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with essential greetings, polite expressions, and practical phrases to help you navigate Japan with confidence.
Whether you’re expressing gratitude, asking for directions, ordering food, or understanding local customs, these simple phrases will go a long way in enhancing your travel experience.
Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions
When you’re traveling in Japan, knowing how to say ‘Hello,’ ‘Thank you,’ and ‘Excuse me’ in Japanese can make your experience much smoother and enjoyable.
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) or Hello is your go-to greeting during the day.
- To express gratitude, a heartfelt Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) goes a long way.
- If you need to get someone’s attention or apologize, say Sumimasen (Excuse me – すみません).
Remember, politeness is very important in Japanese culture. You also need to familiarize yourself with phrases like:
- Kudasai (__をください) when you’d like something, and
- __ wa Doko Desu ka? or Where is __? (__はどこですか) when you’re asking for directions.
Just fill in the blanks with what you need or where you want to go. A little language prep will help you navigate Japan with confidence
Expressing Gratitude in Japanese
It’s crucial to master expressing gratitude in Japanese, a culture where etiquette holds immense importance.
Saying Thank you is as simple as Arigatou (ありがとう).
However, to show more respect, you’d say Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます).
You can also express gratitude with respect and affection. For example,Thank you, mother in Japanese is Arigatou, okaasan (お母さんありがとう).
Domo (どうも), is an even shorter version but is less formal.
Keep in mind that the level of formality should match the situation.
For a special favor, you might say Domo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます). This is the highest level of thanks you can express, and it’s not used lightly.
These phrases will serve you well in various settings, from shops to social gatherings. Gratitude is a key element of Japanese communication, and your efforts to express it will be appreciated.
Apologizing and Getting Attention
Sumimasen (すみません) is incredibly useful for both apologizing and getting attention in Japan. This versatile expression is a traveler’s best friend.
Whether you’ve accidentally bumped into someone or need to catch a waiter’s attention, you can Sumimasen.
Here are a few tips to remember:
- Sumimasen is a polite phrase, so don’t hesitate to use it liberally.
- When apologizing, say Sumimasen with a slight bow to show sincerity.
- To get someone’s attention, say Sumimasen while raising your hand slightly.
- There’s no exact English equivalent, but think of it as a mix of excuse me, I’m sorry, and thank you.
Ordering and Requesting Phrases
Now, let’s dive into phrases you’ll need for ordering and requesting in Japan.
- When dining or shopping, the phrase __ o Kudasai (をください) will come in handy. It means I would like __, please. Insert whatever item you want in place of the blank.
For instance, if you’re at a restaurant and want water, you’d say Mizu o Kudasai.
- When you’re shopping and you see something you want, just point and say the item’s name followed by o Kudasai. It’s that simple. So, if you want a shirt, say Shatsu o Kudasai.
The Japanese appreciate politeness, so don’t forget to say Arigatou Gozaimasu (Thank you) afterwards.
Asking for Directions in Japan
When you’re out and about in Japan, knowing how to ask for directions will make your travels much smoother. Mastering some key phrases can save you from getting lost or wasting time.
Here are a few phrases that will come in handy:
- __ wa Doko Desu ka? (はどこですか?) – Where’s __? Fill the blank with the place you’re looking for.
- Massugu (まっすぐ) – Straight ahead. A useful pointer when someone’s guiding you.
- Migi (右) – Right, and Hidari (左) – Left. Essential when navigating twists and turns.
- Eki (駅) – Station. Most commonly sought direction as train stations are the main transport hubs.
Don’t shy away from asking locals. Japanese people are often more than happy to assist.
Time-Related Japanese Words
Here are a few essential phrases and words:
- 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
Navigating Japanese Transportation
Navigating Japan’s complex transportation system might seem daunting at first, but with a few key phrases in your vocabulary, you’ll find it’s easier than you anticipate.
- When you need to get somewhere, just use __ ni Ikitai or I want to go to __ (__に行きたい), filling in the blank with your destination.
- If you’re on a bus or in a taxi and need to stop, Tomete Kudasai or Stop, please (止めてください) will come in handy.
- Knowing Kippu 切符 (Ticket) and Shinkansen 新幹線 (Bullet train) can simplify your train travels.
- To ask which train, you’d say Dono Densha? (どの電車?)
Useful Food and Drink Phrases
Navigating the diverse culinary landscape of Japan is a breeze when you know a few essential food and drink phrases.
- When ordering, just say your desired item, followed by o kudasai, which means please give me. For example, sake o kudasai will get you some rice wine.
- If you’re unsure what to order, omakase de lets the chef choose for you.
- Before eating, it’s polite to say itadakimasu, which expresses gratitude for your meal.
- And if you’re looking for a drink, osake refers to alcohol, while nihonshu is specifically Japanese sake.
Expressions for Meal Times
As you delve into Japan’s food culture, understanding mealtime expressions can enhance your dining experience significantly. These phrases not only show respect but also help you connect with locals on a deeper level.
Here are some useful phrases to use when dining:
- ‘Itadakimasu (いただきます): You say this before eating to express gratitude for the meal as mentioned earlier.
- Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした): Say this after eating to show appreciation for the meal.
- Onegaishimasu (お願いします): Use this when asking for something, like a menu.
- Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか): Ask this to inquire about a dish.
Navigating Smoking and Non-smoking Areas
It’s important to know that many public places in Japan offer designated smoking areas. The phrase to remember is Kinen Seki (禁煙席) which translates to non-smoking seat.
If you prefer a smoke-free environment, when entering a restaurant or cafe, you can ask Kinen Seki wa arimasu ka? meaning Do you have a non-smoking area?
Conversely, if you’re a smoker, look for Kitsuen Seki (喫煙席) signs that indicate smoking areas.
Your polite consideration of others when it comes to smoking will be greatly appreciated in Japan and will add to the overall positive experience of your visit.