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Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Shopping in Japan visualisation

Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Shopping in Japan

Key Japanese phrases for shopping in Japan

When shopping at a local supermarket in Japan, knowing essential Japanese phrases can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some key phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate:


General Shopping Phrases

  • 買い物 (Kaimono): Shopping
  • レジ (Reji): Cash register
  • 買い物カート (Kaimono kāto): Shopping cart
  • 買い物カゴ (Kaimono kago): Shopping basket
  • 値段 (Nedan): Price

Asking for Items

  • ○○はどこにありますか? (○○ wa doko ni arimasu ka?): Where is ○○? 4
  • これを探しています。(Kore o sagashite imasu): I’m looking for this (specific item). 6
  • ○○はありますか? (○○ wa arimasu ka?): Do you have ○○? 4
  • 違う種類はありますか? (Chigau shurui wa arimasu ka?): Is there another type of this item? 7

Inquiring About Prices

  • これはいくらですか? (Kore wa ikura desu ka?): How much is this? 6
  • 全部でいくらですか? (Zenbu de ikura desu ka?): How much is it in total? 6

Payment and Bags

  • カードは使えますか? (Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?): Can I pay by card? 7
  • 小分けの袋、お願いします。(Kowake no fukuro, onegai shimasu): May I have a small bag? 3

Other Useful Phrases

  • 賞味期限はいつまでですか? (Shoumi kigen wa itsu made desu ka?): What is the best-by date for this? 4
  • 飲み物はどこですか? (Nomimono wa doko desu ka?): Where are the beverages? 7
  • 冷凍食品はどこですか? (Reitou shokuhin wa doko desu ka?): Where are the frozen foods? 1

Polite Expressions

  • これ、お願いします。(Kore, onegai shimasu): This one, please. 3
  • ありがとうございます。(Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you. 3

By mastering these phrases, you’ll be able to ask for items, inquire about prices, and interact politely with supermarket staff in Japan!

References

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