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