Japan rewards even a little effort with the language, and politeness is deeply appreciated. These phrases will carry you through your first trip with warmth and confidence.
Greetings & politeness
- こんにちは (konnichiwa) — Hello
- ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu) — Thank you very much
- すみません (sumimasen) — Excuse me / Sorry (also to get attention)
- お願いします (onegai shimasu) — Please
- 英語が話せますか (eigo ga hanasemasu ka) — Do you speak English?
Getting around & shopping
- ...はどこですか (... wa doko desu ka) — Where is...?
- いくらですか (ikura desu ka) — How much is it?
- これをください (kore o kudasai) — This one, please.
Eating out
- いただきます (itadakimasu) — said before eating
- ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita) — said after a meal
- お会計をお願いします (okaikei o onegai shimasu) — The bill, please.
In Japan, how you say something matters as much as what you say. A polite "sumimasen" works wonders.
Learn Japanese properly
Our Japanese course teaches these phrases with correct pronunciation and the manners behind them. Start free or see pricing.