Traveling to Japan is an exciting adventure filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. However, it can sometimes be challenging, especially when language barriers come into play. Knowing a few key phrases in Japanese can enhance your travel experience, helping you connect with locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.

In this guide, we’ve compiled 24 useful Japanese phrases that will help you communiciate more effectively. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or simply exchanging pleasantries, these phrases will empower you to communicate with confidence and make the most of your adventure in Japan.

Let’s dive in and get you ready for an unforgettable trip!

Basic Greetings & Essential Phrases
(1) Good morning
(2) Hello/Good day/Good afternoon
(3) Good evening
(4) Thank you
(5) Excuse me
(6) Sorry
(7) Please
(8) Yes
(9) No
(10) It’s OK/No problem

Food & Drinks (Dining)
(11) Menu, please
(12) Water
(13) Beer
(14) Green tea
(15) Coffee
(16) Juice
(17) Vegan
(18) Takeaway/Takeout

Shopping
(19) What is this?
(20) How much is this?
(21) I’ll have this please.

Asking for Directions
(22) Where is (name of place)?
(23) I want to go to (name of place).
(24) Can you please show me where we are on the map?

おはようございます。

It can be used anytime before 12pm.

こんにちわ。

It's typically used from late morning until early evening. This is a friendly greeting and can be used in both formal and casual contexts. Use it to start a conversation and show respect for the local culture when you’re in Japan!

こんばんわ。

It’s mainly used from evening to night, before bedtime. This is a friendly greeting and can be used in both formal and casual contexts.

ありがとございます。

This has the same meaning as the informal “arigato” which means “thanks”. This is a polite expression which emphasises your gratitude for the other person’s actions. It can be used when you show appreciation upon receiving a service.

すみません。

This is used mainly to express apology (sorry) and get attention (excuse me).

Scenario 1: Apology — Used when you have caused trouble to someone or when your actions have made the other person uncomfortable. For example, when you are late for your appointment.

Scenario 2: Get the attention of someone and make a request — Used when you want to speak to a waiter in a restaurant.

ごめんなさい。

It means “I’m sorry” and is mainly used in a casual setting, when apologising to your friends or close ones.

おねがいします。

It is used mainly when making requests or asking for assistance. For example, when you order food in a restaurant.

はい。

It is used to express affirmation or consent. For example, answering “yes” to a question to show consent or answering "Yes (I understand)” to show affirmation.

いいえ。

It is used to express negation or refusal. For example, answering “no” to a question to express disagreement.

だいじょうぶ（大丈夫です）。

Scenario 1: Express relief and conveys the meaning “don’t worry” or “it’s okay”. For example, to assure someone who is worried.

Scenario 2: Convey the meaning “no, thank you”. For example, when the cashier asks if you need a shopping bag.

メニューおねがいします。

It can be used when you want to see the menu at a restaurant. “Menyu-” refers to “menu” and “onegai shimasu” means “please”. You can replace “menyu-” with any of the following nouns.

みず（水）

ビール

お茶

コーヒー

ジュース

ヴィーガン

これはなんですか。

It can be used when you want to ask the salesperson about an item at the shopping store.

これはいくらですか。

It can be used when you want to ask the salesperson about the price of an item.

これをおねがいします。

It can be used when you want to confirm your item of purchase with the salesperson.

クレジットカードおねがいします。

It can be used when you want to pay for your purchase via credit card. You can replace “kurejittoka-do” with “genkin” if you wish to pay cash.

(Shibuya station) はどこですか。

(Tokyo Skytree) にいきたいです。

わたしたちがどこにいるのか､ちずでおしえてください。

We hope that you these phrases will not only help you navigate daily interactions, but also to help you connect with locals, make new friends, and experience the richness of Japanese hospitality. So, as you prepare for your next trip, take some time to practise these expressions and embrace the adventure that awaits you. Happy travels!

*Photo source: Canva

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