Essential Japanese Phrases for Navigating Japan
Crucial Japanese phrases for every traveler!
Here are some essential Japanese phrases for travelers that cover greetings, basic interactions, transportation, dining, and common questions:
Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases
- Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
- Good morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
- Good evening: こんばんは (Konbanwa)
- Goodbye: さようなら (Sayounara) — Formal goodbye
- Thank you: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
- You’re welcome: どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite)
- Excuse me / Sorry: すみません (Sumimasen)
- Please: お願いします (Onegaishimasu)
- Yes: はい (Hai)
- No: いいえ (Iie)
Common Questions and Useful Phrases
- Do you speak English? 英語が話せますか？ (Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?)
- I don’t understand Japanese: 日本語がわかりません (Nihongo ga wakarimasen)
- Where is ? __はどこですか？ ( wa doko desu ka?)
- Where is the bathroom? トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)
- How much is this? これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
- I want to go to : __に行きたい ( ni ikitai)
- Could you help me? 手伝ってくれますか？ (Tetsudatte kuremasu ka?)
Transportation Related
- Train station: 駅 (Eki)
- Bus stop: バスのりば (Basu noriba)
- Ticket: 切符 (Kippu)
- One-way ticket: 片道切符 (Katamichi kippu)
- Return ticket: 帰りの切符 (Kaeri no kippu)
- Stop here, please: ここで止めてください (Koko de tomete kudasai)
Dining and Shopping
- I would like , please: __をください ( o kudasai)
- Thank you for the meal (before eating): いただきます (Itadakimasu)
- Thank you for the meal (after eating): ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita)
- Is card payment okay? カードいいですか？ (Kaado ii desu ka?)
These phrases are very useful for navigating a trip to Japan and showing politeness to locals, which is culturally appreciated. Pronunciation and learning a few of these key phrases can enhance the travel experience significantly.