Essential Japanese phrases for travelers are short set expressions for greeting people, ordering food, asking directions, riding trains and getting help in Japan. This list sorts them into six sections and gives each one in romaji, Japanese script and English. Sumimasen (excuse me, or I’m sorry) gets someone’s attention or apologizes, and onegaishimasu (please) is the polite word for making requests.
| Hello | Konnichiwa (こんにちは), used from mid-morning until evening |
|---|---|
| Thank you | Arigatou (ありがとう). More formal: Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) |
| Excuse me / I’m sorry | Sumimasen (すみません) |
| Please | Onegaishimasu (お願いします) |
| Where is [place]? | [Place] wa doko desu ka? (〜はどこですか？) |
| How much is it? | Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) |
Japan is a country known for its hospitality and politeness, and learning a few basic Japanese phrases can really improve your travel experience. While many locals will try to communicate in English, knowing key phrases will help you feel more confident and respected during your visit.
Greetings and Basic Politeness
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Hello
- A simple, everyday greeting that can be used from mid-morning until evening.
- Arigatou (ありがとう): Thank you
- Show your appreciation with this commonly used phrase. For more formal situations, you can say “Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます).”
- Sumimasen (すみません): Excuse me / I’m sorry
- This versatile phrase is used to get someone’s attention, like in a restaurant, or to politely apologize if you bump into someone.
Ordering Food and Drinks
- Menyuu o kudasai (メニューをください): Can I have the menu, please?
- When you’re seated at a restaurant, use this phrase to ask for the menu.
- Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？): What do you recommend?
- Unsure what to order? This phrase is perfect for asking the server for their recommendation.
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください): Can I have some water, please?
- Useful for requesting water during your meal.
- O-kaikei onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします): Check, please
- When you’re ready to pay, this polite phrase will help you request the bill.
Asking for Directions
- [Place] wa doko desu ka? (〜はどこですか？): Where is [place]?
- To find a location, just insert the name of the place you’re looking for, such as “Eki (駅)” for “station.”
- Migi ni magatte kudasai (右に曲がってください) / Hidari ni magatte kudasai (左に曲がってください): Please turn right / left
- Handy when you’re getting directions or telling a taxi driver where to go.
- Massugu itte kudasai (まっすぐ行ってください): Please go straight
- Another useful phrase for navigating, especially if you’re walking or in a cab.
Transportation
- Kono densha wa [destination] ni ikimasu ka? (この電車は〜に行きますか？): Does this train go to [destination]?
- Essential for navigating Japan’s extensive train system. Insert your destination to make sure you’re on the right train.
- Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？): How much is it?
- Useful when buying tickets or making any kind of purchase.
Emergencies and Assistance
- Tasukete kudasai (助けてください): Help, please
- In case of an emergency, this phrase is critical for getting assistance.
- Byouin wa doko desu ka? (病院はどこですか？): Where is the hospital?
- An important question if you need medical assistance.
Polite Expressions
- Onegaishimasu (お願いします): Please
- A polite word used when making requests, from ordering food to asking for help.
- Sugoi (すごい): Amazing / Wow
- A fun way to express excitement when you experience something impressive in Japan.
Final Tips
Even if you only remember a few of these phrases, Japanese people will appreciate the effort. Don’t worry about making mistakes, locals will often help you along the way. These phrases will not only make your trip easier but also allow you to connect more with the culture and people.
With these essential Japanese phrases in your toolkit, you’ll be able to navigate through Japan with confidence. So, practice a little, and enjoy the wonderful experiences that Japan has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you politely ask a stranger for help in Japanese?
Asking a stranger for help in Japanese starts with sumimasen (すみません), which means “excuse me”. The Japan National Tourism Organization’s Tourist’s Language Handbook advises saying sumimasen first to get the person’s attention, then arigatou (thank you) once the question has been answered. Adding onegaishimasu (お願いします), meaning “please”, keeps the request itself polite.
How do you say good morning and good evening in Japanese?
Good morning in Japanese is ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) and good evening is konbanwa (こんばんは). Konnichiwa (こんにちは) covers the hours in between, from mid-morning until evening. The Japan National Tourism Organization’s Tourist’s Language Handbook lists all three greetings.
What number do you call in an emergency in Japan?
Emergency calls in Japan go to 110 for the police and 119 for fire or an ambulance. The Japan National Tourism Organization also runs the Japan Visitor Hotline on 050-3816-2787, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with support in English, Chinese and Korean. Face to face, tasukete kudasai (助けてください) means “help, please”.
Do you need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
Travelers can get around Japan without speaking Japanese. The Japan National Tourism Organization says finding your way should not be too difficult, and that public transportation announcements are frequently made in both Japanese and English. A few phrases still help, and Japanese people appreciate the effort. For harder exchanges, JNTO’s Tourist’s Language Handbook prints questions in English and Japanese that travelers can point to.
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