Visiting Japan is an adventure filled with rich traditions and modern marvels. To make the most of your trip, learning some basic Japanese phrases can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or simply greeting someone, these phrases will assist you in communicating effectively and making a positive impression.
Greetings and Polite Expressions
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello
- さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry
- はい (Hai) – Yes
- いいえ (Iie) – No
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please
- どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) – You’re welcome
- お元気ですか (Ogenki desu ka) – How are you?
- 元気です (Genki desu) – I’m fine
- はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you
- おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good night
Numbers
- 一 (Ichi) – One
- 二 (Ni) – Two
- 三 (San) – Three
- 四 (Shi/Yon) – Four
- 五 (Go) – Five
- 六 (Roku) – Six
- 七 (Shichi/Nana) – Seven
- 八 (Hachi) – Eight
- 九 (Kyuu) – Nine
- 十 (Juu) – Ten
- 百 (Hyaku) – Hundred
- 千 (Sen) – Thousand
Food and Drink
- 水 (Mizu) – Water
- お茶 (Ocha) – Tea
- ご飯 (Gohan) – Rice
- パン (Pan) – Bread
- 肉 (Niku) – Meat
- 魚 (Sakana) – Fish
- 野菜 (Yasai) – Vegetables
- 果物 (Kudamono) – Fruits
- おいしい (Oishii) – Delicious
- メニュー (Menyuu) – Menu
- ビール (Biiru) – Beer
- ワイン (Wain) – Wine
- すき焼き (Sukiyaki) – Sukiyaki (a type of Japanese hot pot)
- 寿司 (Sushi) – Sushi
- 天ぷら (Tempura) – Tempura
Directions
- 右 (Migi) – Right
- 左 (Hidari) – Left
- まっすぐ (Massugu) – Straight ahead
- ここ (Koko) – Here
- そこ (Soko) – There
- どこ (Doko) – Where?
- 駅 (Eki) – Station
- 出口 (Deguchi) – Exit
- 入口 (Iriguchi) – Entrance
- 近い (Chikai) – Near
- 遠い (Tooi) – Far
Shopping
- いくらですか (Ikura desu ka) – How much is it?
- 高い (Takai) – Expensive
- 安い (Yasui) – Cheap
- 試着してもいいですか (Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka) – Can I try this on?
- 買います (Kaimasu) – I’ll buy it
- 現金 (Genkin) – Cash
- カード (Kaado) – Credit card
- レシート (Reshiito) – Receipt
- お釣り (Otsuri) – Change (money)
- 店 (Mise) – Shop
- 市場 (Ichiba) – Market
Transportation
- タクシー (Takushii) – Taxi
- バス (Basu) – Bus
- 電車 (Densha) – Train
- 地下鉄 (Chikatetsu) – Subway
- 飛行機 (Hikouki) – Airplane
- 自転車 (Jitensha) – Bicycle
- チケット (Chiketto) – Ticket
- 時刻表 (Jikokuhyou) – Timetable
- 行き先 (Ikisaki) – Destination
- 次の駅 (Tsugi no eki) – Next station
- どこへ行きますか (Doko e ikimasu ka) – Where are you going?
Accommodation
- ホテル (Hoteru) – Hotel
- 部屋 (Heya) – Room
- 予約 (Yoyaku) – Reservation
- 受付 (Uketsuke) – Reception
- チェックイン (Chekkuin) – Check-in
- チェックアウト (Chekkuauto) – Check-out
- 鍵 (Kagi) – Key
- 荷物 (Nimotsu) – Luggage
- 朝食 (Choushoku) – Breakfast
- 夕食 (Yuushoku) – Dinner
Emergency and Health
- 助けて (Tasukete) – Help!
- 警察 (Keisatsu) – Police
- 病院 (Byouin) – Hospital
- 医者 (Isha) – Doctor
- 薬 (Kusuri) – Medicine
- 火事 (Kaji) – Fire
- 救急車 (Kyuukyuusha) – Ambulance
- 危険 (Kiken) – Danger
- 安全 (Anzen) – Safe
- 保険 (Hoken) – Insurance
Useful Phrases
- 英語を話せますか (Eigo o hanasemasu ka) – Do you speak English?
- 分かりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand
- ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai) – Please speak slowly
- もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu) – Please say that again
- 何ですか (Nan desu ka) – What is this?
- トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka) – Where is the restroom?
Most frequently asked questions (FAQ)
about Japanese Phrases for Tourists
Why is it important to learn basic Japanese phrases before visiting Japan?
Learning basic Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience by helping you communicate with locals, navigate the country more easily, and show respect for the local culture.What are some essential Japanese phrases every tourist should know?
Some essential phrases include greetings like “こんにちは (Konnichiwa)” for hello, “ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)” for thank you, and practical phrases like “トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka)” for where is the restroom?How can I practice Japanese phrases before my trip?
You can practice Japanese phrases by using language learning apps, watching Japanese videos with subtitles, practicing with native speakers, or taking a basic Japanese language course.Is it difficult to pronounce Japanese phrases correctly?
Japanese pronunciation can be challenging for some, but with practice and listening to native speakers, you can improve your pronunciation. Focus on learning the sounds of the language and practicing regularly.Are English speakers commonly found in Japan?
While English is taught in Japanese schools, not everyone speaks it fluently. In major cities and tourist areas, you are more likely to find English speakers, but learning some basic Japanese phrases can be very helpful.
Conclusion
With these 100 basic Japanese phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your trip to Japan. Whether you’re greeting someone, asking for directions, or shopping, these phrases will help you communicate more effectively and enrich your travel experience. Learning and using these Japanese phrases shows respect for the local culture and can make your interactions with the locals more pleasant and meaningful. Enjoy your journey through Japan!