What's the Japanese phrase for "where can I find this type of product"
The Japanese phrase for “Where can I find this type of product?” is:
この種類の商品はどこで買えますか？
(Kono shurui no shōhin wa doko de kaemasu ka?)
This is a natural, polite way to ask where a product category is sold. It works well when you are looking for something broad, such as a certain kind of shampoo, snack, battery, notebook, or souvenir. If you are asking in a store, department store, or shopping mall, this phrase clearly communicates that you want to know where that type of item can be purchased.
More natural ways to ask in a store
Alternatively, a simpler way to ask “Where is this?” in a store context is:
これはどこにありますか？
(Kore wa doko ni arimasu ka?)
This is one of the most useful Japanese shopping phrases because it is short, polite, and flexible. You can point to an item on a shelf, show a photo on your phone, or hold up a package and ask where to find it.
If you want to be polite and say you are looking for this product, you can say:
この商品を探しています。
(Kono shōhin o sagashite imasu.)
Or add a polite prefix when asking:
すみません、この商品を探しているのですが…
(Sumimasen, kono shōhin o sagashite iru no desu ga…)
These phrases will help when trying to find a certain type of product in Japanese stores.
Which phrase should you use?
The best phrase depends on how specific you want to be:
- この種類の商品はどこで買えますか？
Use this when you are asking where a product type is sold. - これはどこにありますか？
Use this when you want to know where the item is located inside the store. - この商品を探しています。
Use this when you want to explain that you are searching for a specific item. - すみません、この商品を探しているのですが…
Use this for a softer, more polite request, especially when speaking to staff.
In Japanese, being polite and indirect is often appreciated, especially in stores and service settings. If you are unsure, starting with すみません (“Excuse me”) makes your question sound friendlier and more natural.
Useful variations for shopping
If you want to be even more precise, you can replace この商品 (“this product”) with the item name.
For example:
- このシャンプーはどこにありますか？
“Where is this shampoo?” - このお菓子はどこで買えますか？
“Where can I buy this snack?” - このサイズはありますか？
“Do you have this size?” - 他の種類はありますか？
“Do you have other types?”
These are especially helpful if you already know the category or brand and want to ask for a particular version.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few points can make your Japanese sound more natural:
- Don’t overuse direct English-style wording.
Japanese often prefers a softer, more contextual question. - Use the right level of politeness.
In a store, polite speech is usually safest. - Be careful with “find.”
In Japanese, “where can I find” is often expressed as asking where something is sold or located, not literally “found.”
For example, どこで買えますか？ means “Where can I buy it?” and is often better than a direct translation of “Where can I find it?” when talking about shopping.
Extra tip: if you are showing an item
If you are holding a product or showing a picture, you can keep it simple:
- すみません、これはありますか？
“Excuse me, do you have this?” - これ、どこにありますか？
“Where is this?” - 同じものはありますか？
“Do you have the same thing?”
These are extremely practical in Japanese stores, especially if you are trying to locate a specific product without knowing the exact name.
Quick FAQ
What is the most natural phrase for shopping?
For many situations, これはどこにありますか？ is the most natural and versatile phrase.
How do I ask where I can buy a product?
Use この種類の商品はどこで買えますか？ or, more simply, この商品はどこで買えますか？
How do I sound polite?
Begin with すみません and use ですか？ or 〜のですが… to soften the request.
These phrases will help when trying to find a certain type of product in Japanese stores.