Heading to Japan soon? While many Japanese people speak some English—especially in big cities—it never hurts to know a few basic Japanese phrases. Not only will it help you get around, but locals will seriously appreciate the effort.
Even just one friendly “arigatou” (thank you) can go a long way!
Here are some useful and simple Japanese phrases every traveler should know.
🙋♀️ Basic Greetings
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
- はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you
- お元気ですか？(Ogenki desu ka?) – How are you?
🙇♂️ Polite Expressions
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you (polite)
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please (requesting something)
- はい (Hai) – Yes
- いいえ (Iie) – No
🍜 At Restaurants
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll have this, please
- おすすめは何ですか？(Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
- お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – Check, please
- 美味しい！(Oishii!) – Delicious!
🚉 Getting Around
- 駅はどこですか？(Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the train station?
- この電車は◯◯に行きますか？(Kono densha wa ___ ni ikimasu ka?) – Does this train go to ___?
- 地図を見せてもらえますか？(Chizu o misete moraemasu ka?) – Can I see a map?
🛍️ Shopping
- いくらですか？(Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
- カード使えますか？(Kaado tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use a credit card?
- これ、試着できますか？(Kore, shichaku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try this on?
💬 Extra Helpful Phrases
- 英語を話せますか？(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?
- わかりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand
- 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – I’m okay / No thank you
- 助けて！(Tasukete!) – Help!
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be fluent to have a great time in Japan. Just learning a few key phrases shows respect, effort, and curiosity—and that’s what Japanese people love most.
So, keep this phrase list handy, and give it a try. You might just make someone’s day with your “ちょっとだけ日本語” (a little bit of Japanese)!
Please check out ‘Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan‘!
