These 100 Japanese phrases cover the situations you will actually face in Japan, from restaurants and train stations to hotels, shops, and emergencies. Every phrase includes romaji so you can read it out loud right away.
I started learning Japanese because of Arashi, and real-life situations taught me faster than textbooks. While putting this guide together, I also came across this 2024 Japanese phrase guide from Rakuten Travel and this 2023 basic Japanese phrases guide from Grasshopper Adventures. Both are rich and useful, but I felt that some phrase guides can start to feel dated over time. Travel habits change, and now we can also practice with AI by role-playing real scenes, like ordering at a restaurant, asking station staff for help, or checking in at a hotel.
A quick note on pronunciation: Japanese vowels are short and consistent. A = “ah,” I = “ee,” U = “oo,” E = “eh,” O = “oh.” Say each syllable evenly and you will be understood.
Key Takeaways
- 100 Japanese phrases organized by situation (restaurants, trains, hotels, shops, and emergencies) so you can find what you need in seconds.
- Every phrase includes romaji and a one-line tip on when and how to use it, plus what staff are likely to say back.
- Download the free phrase card at the end of this guide and keep it on your phone for your trip.
The 5 Japanese Phrases That Work in Almost Any Situation
You could learn all 100 phrases on this list, but if you only have time for five, start here. These cover a surprising amount of daily life in Japan and will get you out of most awkward moments before they escalate.
Sumimasen (すみません) — Excuse me / I’m sorry (💡 Use this for almost everything: getting a waiter’s attention, squeezing past someone, asking a stranger for help. It is polite, flexible, and safe in every situation.)
Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) — Thank you (formal) (💡 Use this with shop staff, hotel receptionists, and anyone you want to show real appreciation to. “Arigatou” alone is casual — save it for friends.)
Daijoubu desu (大丈夫です) — I’m fine / No thank you (💡 Use this to politely decline anything — a plastic bag, an offer of help, a second helping. Much softer than a flat “no,” which can sound harsh in Japanese.)
Hai (はい) — Yes (💡 Also used as “I’m listening” or “I understand” — you will hear Japanese people say it often during a conversation even when they are not agreeing with anything.)
Iie (いいえ) — No (💡 Use sparingly in casual situations — “Daijoubu desu” often sounds more natural. Save “Iie” for clear factual negatives.)
🍜 Japanese Phrases for Restaurants and Cafés
Restaurant Japanese phrases feel easy until the server walks over and asks something you did not expect. You may remember how to point at the menu, but when the reply comes back fast, your mind goes blank.
I learned this the hard way the first time I tried to order alone in Japan. The server asked me something three times and I just stood there. The phrase was “Atatamemasu ka?” — would you like this warmed up? These are the phrases I wish I had practiced out loud before walking in.
Hitori desu (ひとりです) — Table for one (💡 Hold up one finger as you say it — the combination of gesture and word makes it impossible to misunderstand.)
Futari desu (ふたりです) — Table for two (💡 For larger groups, say the number + “nin”: san-nin (3), yo-nin (4), go-nin (5).)
Kore onegaishimasu (これおねがいします) — This one, please (💡 Point at the menu item as you say it. This phrase alone can get you through an entire meal without knowing anything else.)
Osusume wa arimasu ka? (おすすめはありますか？) — What do you recommend? (💡 Staff love this question — it shows respect and often leads to the best thing on the menu.)
Eigo no menyu wa arimasu ka? (えいごのメニューはありますか？) — Do you have an English menu? (💡 Many tourist-facing restaurants in major cities have one, but smaller local spots usually don’t — good to ask before you guess.)
___ arerugi ga arimasu (___アレルギーがあります) — I have a ___ allergy (💡 Fill in the blank with the ingredient: ebi (shrimp), nattsu (nuts), nyuu (dairy). This is important to say clearly, not just point at.)
___ taberaremasen (___たべられません) — I cannot eat ___ (💡 Pair this with the allergy phrase above for extra clarity in restaurants that take dietary restrictions seriously.)
Itadakimasu (いただきます) — Expression of gratitude before eating (💡 Say this before your first bite — it is a cultural ritual, not just a phrase. Staff and local diners will notice and appreciate it.)
Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) — Expression of gratitude after eating (💡 Say this as you leave the restaurant or when your plates are cleared. It is one of the most appreciated things a foreign visitor can do.)
Okaikei onegaishimasu (おかいけいをおねがいします) — Check, please (💡 Alternatively, cross your index fingers into an X shape — this gesture is universally understood in Japanese restaurants.)
Kaado ii desu ka? (カードいいですか？) — Can I pay by card? (💡 Some smaller restaurants and local spots are cash only. Ask before you sit down if you are not carrying cash.)
Betsubetsu de onegaishimasu (べつべつでおねがいします) — Separate bills, please (💡 Say this before the meal ends — asking to split after the bill arrives can cause confusion.)
Omizu onegaishimasu (おみずをおねがいします) — Water, please (💡 Tap water is free and safe in Japan. Staff will bring it without charge if you ask.)
Chuumon onegaishimasu (ちゅうもんおねがいします) — I’m ready to order (💡 Say this to signal the server — in Japan you do not wave or shout, you make eye contact or say this clearly.)
Mou hitotsu onegaishimasu (もうひとつおねがいします) — One more, please (💡 Works for drinks, side dishes, or anything you want a second of.)
Mochikaeri de onegaishimasu (もちかえりでおねがいします) — Takeout, please (💡 Use this at convenience stores and fast food places — most will immediately switch to a takeout container.)
Fooku o moraemasu ka? (フォークをもらえますか？) — Can I have a fork? (💡 Most restaurants have them for foreign visitors — no shame in asking.)
Niku nashi de onegaishimasu (にくなしでおねがいします) — No meat, please (💡 Useful for vegetarians — pair with the allergy phrase if it is a strict dietary requirement, not just a preference.)
What staff will likely say to you:
- Nan mei sama desu ka? — How many people?
- Gochuumon wa? — Ready to order?
- Shoushou omachi kudasai — One moment, please.
- Atatamemasu ka? — Would you like this warmed up?
- Fukuro wa yoroshii desu ka? — Would you like a bag?
🚆 Japanese Phrases for Trains, Stations, and Getting Around
Japanese train stations are impressive and overwhelming in equal measure. Shinjuku Station alone has over 200 exits. Most have English signage, but once you are on a local line or in a smaller city, you will need to ask.
The first time I tried to find a specific exit at a busy Tokyo station, I walked past the right one four times. The Japanese phrase I needed was “deguchi wa doko desu ka?” — where is the exit? I knew it but forgot to use it.
___ wa doko desu ka? (___はどこですか？) — Where is ___? (💡 Fill in the blank with any destination: toire (toilet), deguchi (exit), kippu uriba (ticket office). This one structure handles most navigation questions.)
Kippu uriba wa doko desu ka? (きっぷうりばはどこですか？) — Where is the ticket office? (💡 Most stations have automated machines with English options, but a staffed counter is easier when you need help with a specific route.)
___ made ichi-mai onegaishimasu (___まで1まいおねがいします) — One ticket to ___, please (💡 Say the destination name clearly — most station names are also written in Roman letters on the machines.)
Kono densha wa ___ ni ikimasu ka? (このでんしゃは___にいきますか？) — Does this train go to ___? (💡 Point at the train as you ask — staff and other passengers are usually very willing to help confirm you are on the right one.)
Nanban noriba desu ka? (なんばんのりばですか？) — Which platform is it? (💡 Platform numbers are displayed on boards but can change — useful to confirm before rushing.)
Doko de norikae desu ka? (どこでのりかえですか？) — Where do I transfer? (💡 Ask this at the station before you board if your route involves changing lines.)
Kono densha de atteimasu ka? (このでんしゃであっていますか？) — Is this the right train? (💡 Ask a station staff member or fellow passenger — most people will help you even if their English is limited.)
___ ni ikitai desu (___にいきたいです) — I want to go to ___ (💡 A simple, effective way to get help when you are lost — say the destination and let the other person guide you.)
Densha wa okurete imasu ka? (でんしゃはおくれていますか？) — Is the train delayed? (💡 Delays are rare in Japan, but when they happen, station staff will announce it — this phrase helps you confirm what you heard.)
Koko de orimasu (ここでおります) — I am getting off here (💡 Say this clearly if the train is crowded — people near the door will move aside to let you through.)
Deguchi wa doko desu ka? (でぐちはどこですか？) — Where is the exit? (💡 Most large stations have numbered exits — if someone tells you a number, look for the signs with that number near the stairs.)
Mayotte shimaimashita (まよってしまいました) — I am lost (💡 Say this to any station staff and they will almost always stop to help — Japanese service culture takes this seriously.)
Tetsudatte moraemasu ka? (てつだってもらえますか？) — Can you help me? (💡 Softer and more polite than asking directly — the phrasing gives the other person a comfortable way to offer help.)
What staff will likely say to you:
- Kaisatsu-guchi — Ticket gate
- Noriba — Platform / boarding area
- Tsugi no eki — Next station
- Shuppatsu — Departure
- Touchaku — Arrival
🛍️ Japanese Phrases for Shopping and Convenience Stores
Convenience stores in Japan are a daily ritual. Staff will ask you a set of standard questions at every checkout, and knowing the answers feels great — and saves time for everyone behind you.
The first time I walked into a konbini after midnight looking for something hot to eat, I had no idea what the woman at the register was saying to me. She asked the same question twice, smiled, and moved on. I found out later she was asking if I wanted chopsticks.
Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) — How much is this? (💡 Most items have clear price tags, but markets and smaller shops sometimes don’t — this is the phrase for those situations.)
___ wa arimasu ka? (___はありますか？) — Do you have ___? (💡 Fill in with the item you are looking for. Staff will either point you to it or shake their head.)
Kore o mite mo ii desu ka? (これをみてもいいですか？) — Can I look at this? (💡 Useful for items in display cases or wrapped products — shows respect before you handle something.)
Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? (しちゃくしてもいいですか？) — Can I try this on? (💡 Fitting rooms are common in Japanese shops — staff will usually show you where to go after you ask.)
Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka? (ほかのサイズはありますか？) — Do you have another size? (💡 Hold up the item as you ask — even if your pronunciation is imperfect, the gesture helps.)
Motto chiisai no wa arimasu ka? (もっとちいさいのはありますか？) — Do you have a smaller one? (💡 Useful for clothing, bags, and packaging sizes.)
Motto ookii no wa arimasu ka? (もっとおおきいのはありますか？) — Do you have a larger one? (💡 Same as above — swap chiisai (small) for ookii (large).)
Kore ni shimasu (これにします) — I’ll take this one (💡 A clean, decisive phrase that signals you are ready to buy — staff will move directly to checkout.)
Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードはつかえますか？) — Do you take credit cards? (💡 Most major shops and department stores accept cards, but smaller markets and some konbini are cash only.)
Fukuro wa irimasen (ふくろはいりません) — No bag needed (💡 Japan has reduced single-use plastic bags significantly — declining is considered environmentally conscious and is appreciated.)
Reshiito onegaishimasu (レシートおねがいします) — Receipt, please (💡 Receipts are not always handed over automatically in smaller shops — ask if you need one for expenses or returns.)
Menzei dekimasu ka? (めんぜいできますか？) — Can I get tax-free? (💡 Many shops in Japan offer tax-free purchasing for tourists spending over a certain amount — bring your passport.)
What staff will likely ask you:
- Atatamemasu ka? — Would you like this warmed up?
- Fukuro wa yoroshii desu ka? — Would you like a bag?
- O-hashi wa yoroshii desu ka? — Would you like chopsticks?
- Pointo kaado wa? — Do you have a points card?
🏨 Japanese Phrases for Hotels and Check-in
Hotel check-in in Japan is usually smooth, quiet, and efficient. Staff often speak some English in tourist-facing hotels, but having a few Japanese phrases ready shows effort and tends to get you a warmer response.
Yoyaku shite imasu (よやくしています) — I have a reservation (💡 Say this as you approach the front desk — staff will immediately ask for your name and pull up the booking.)
Chekkuin onegaishimasu (チェックインおねがいします) — I’d like to check in (💡 Straightforward and clear — combine with your reservation phrase for a smooth arrival.)
Hayame ni chekkuin dekimasu ka? (はやめにチェックインできますか？) — Can I check in early? (💡 Early check-in is not guaranteed but worth asking — staff will tell you if the room is ready.)
Nanji made chekkuauto desu ka? (なんじまでチェックアウトですか？) — What time is checkout? (💡 Standard checkout in Japan is usually 11am or noon — confirm on arrival to plan your last morning.)
Reito chekkuauto wa dekimasu ka? (レイトチェックアウトはできますか？) — Can I check out late? (💡 Many hotels offer late checkout for a fee — ask the evening before rather than the morning of.)
Nimotsu o azukete moraemasu ka? (にもつをあずけてもらえますか？) — Can I leave my luggage here? (💡 Almost all hotels offer luggage storage before check-in and after checkout — very useful on your first and last day.)
Wai-fai no passuwaado wa nan desu ka? (Wi-Fiのパスワードはなんですか？) — What is the WiFi password? (💡 Most hotels display it at the front desk or include it on a card in the room — ask if you can’t find it.)
Taoru o mou ichi-mai moraemasuka? (タオルをもう1まいもらえますか？) — Can I have an extra towel? (💡 Housekeeping requests in Japan are handled quickly and without fuss — don’t hesitate to ask.)
Takushii o yonde moraemasu ka? (タクシーをよんでもらえますか？) — Can you call a taxi for me? (💡 Hotel staff can call a taxi directly to the entrance — more reliable than hailing one on the street.)
Sentakushitsu wa arimasu ka? (せんたくしつはありますか？) — Is there a laundry room? (💡 Many mid-range hotels in Japan have coin-operated laundry facilities — useful for longer trips.)
Japanese Phrases for Getting Clarification
The hardest moment in Japan is not saying the first phrase — it is understanding what comes back. These expressions help you slow things down and manage a conversation you cannot fully follow.
You don’t need to understand everything. You just need a few tools to buy yourself a moment and signal that you are trying.
Wakarimasen (わかりません) — I don’t understand (💡 Simple and honest — saying this clearly is far better than nodding along and missing important information.)
Shirimasen (しりません) — I don’t know (💡 Use this when you genuinely have no answer — different from “I don’t understand,” which is about language.)
Mou ichido onegaishimasu (もういちどおねがいします) — Please say that again (💡 More polite than “mou ichido kudasai” — the extra syllable makes a noticeable difference in tone.)
Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai (もっとゆっくりはなしてください) — Please speak more slowly (💡 Most people will immediately adjust their pace — Japanese people are used to speaking with non-native speakers.)
___ wa dou iu imi desu ka? (___はどういういみですか？) — What does ___ mean? (💡 Point at a word on a menu or sign as you ask if you can’t pronounce it.)
Eigo wa wakarimasu ka? (えいごはわかりますか？) — Do you speak English? (💡 “Wakarimasu” (understand) is softer than “hanashimasu” (speak) — it gives the other person more room to say a little rather than nothing.)
Nihongo ga amari hanasemasen (にほんごがあまりはなせません) — I don’t speak much Japanese (💡 Say this early in a conversation — people will immediately simplify their language or find someone who can help.)
Kaite moraemasu ka? (かいてもらえますか？) — Can you write it down? (💡 Surprisingly effective — even if you can’t read the kanji, you can show it to someone else or search it on your phone.)
Naruhodo (なるほど) — I see / I understand (💡 Use this when something has been explained and you have genuinely followed it — it signals the conversation can move forward.)
Sou desu ka? (そうですか？) — Is that so? / Really? (💡 A natural filler response that shows you are listening — Japanese people use it constantly in conversation.)
🆘 Japanese Phrases for Emergencies
Emergency phrases are the ones you hope never to use, but they are the most important to know before you travel. In Japan, the ambulance number is 119 and the police number is 110.
Tasukete! (たすけて！) — Help! (💡 Shout this clearly if you are in immediate danger — it is universally understood.)
Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai (きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください) — Please call an ambulance (💡 119 is the ambulance number in Japan — you can also call this directly and the operator will stay on the line.)
Keisatsu o yonde kudasai (けいさつをよんでください) — Please call the police (💡 110 is the police number. For tourist emergencies, Japan Tourism Agency also has a 24-hour helpline.)
Guai ga warui desu (ぐあいがわるいです) — I am not feeling well (💡 Say this to hotel staff or a bystander if you need help but it is not an emergency — they will know what to do.)
Koko ga itai desu (ここがいたいです) — It hurts here (💡 Point to the location on your body as you say it — useful if you need medical attention and can’t explain in detail.)
Netsu ga arimasu (ねつがあります) — I have a fever (💡 Pharmacies (yakkyoku) in Japan are excellent and staff can recommend products even with minimal language overlap.)
Isha ga hitsuyou desu (いしゃがひつようです) — I need a doctor (💡 Hotel staff can call a doctor or direct you to the nearest clinic — asking at your hotel is often the fastest route.)
Ichiban chikai byouin wa doko desu ka? (いちばんちかいびょういんはどこですか？) — Where is the nearest hospital? (💡 Google Maps works well in Japan — this phrase is useful when you need a local person to confirm the direction.)
___ arerugi ga arimasu (___アレルギーがあります) — I am allergic to ___ (💡 Write this down on paper before your trip with the specific allergen in Japanese — showing it is faster than saying it in an emergency.)
Pasupooto o nakushimashita (パスポートをなくしました) — I have lost my passport (💡 Go to your nearest embassy or consulate immediately — hotel staff can help you locate the nearest one.)
✨ Japanese Slang: Words You Will Hear Everywhere
Japanese slang moves fast, especially anything driven by social media and anime fandoms. These words come up constantly in casual conversation, on TikTok, and in any interaction with younger Japanese people.
Use these Japanese phrases with friends and in casual settings. Avoid them with shop staff, hotel receptionists, or anyone older — the same way you wouldn’t use internet slang in a formal setting anywhere else.
Yabai (やばい) — Amazing / terrible / intense (💡 The most versatile slang word in modern Japanese — tone and context tell you which meaning applies. “Yabai!” at a fireworks show means “incredible.” “Yabai…” after missing a train means something else entirely.)
Maji de (まじで) — Seriously? / For real? (💡 The Japanese equivalent of “are you serious?” — you will hear this constantly in casual conversation and anime.)
Kawaii (かわいい) — Cute / adorable (💡 You already know this one from the internet — use it freely, it is always a compliment.)
Sugoi (すごい) — Wow / amazing / incredible (💡 One of the most common reactions in Japanese — safe to use with almost anyone, even slightly formal settings.)
Nani (なに) — What? (💡 You know this one too. In casual speech it is used exactly like “what?” in English — surprise, confusion, or asking someone to repeat themselves.)
Kanpai (かんぱい) — Cheers (💡 Say this when clinking glasses — make eye contact as you do it. Lowering your glass slightly below the other person’s is a small sign of respect.)
Mendokusai (めんどくさい) — What a hassle / so annoying (💡 A very satisfying word to know — you will hear Japanese people mutter this when something goes wrong.)
Shoganai (しょうがない) — It can’t be helped / oh well (💡 A deeply cultural phrase that reflects a calm acceptance of things outside your control. You will hear it often.)
Otsukare sama desu (おつかれさまです) — Good work / thanks for your effort (💡 Said at the end of a workday or after completing something together — hearing this directed at you is a genuine compliment.)
Itai (いたい) — Ouch / that hurts (💡 Works as both a literal expression of pain and a casual reaction to something awkward or embarrassing — context makes it clear.)
What People May Say Back and How to Respond
Most travel phrase guides stop at what you should say. This section covers what you will hear back — because that is where most people freeze.
These are the phrases you are most likely to hear from staff in restaurants, shops, and hotels, with simple ways to respond.
“Irasshaimase!” A formal welcome call used in shops and restaurants as you walk in. You do not need to respond — a small nod is fine.
“Nan mei sama desu ka?” How many people? Hold up fingers or say the number: hitori (1), futari (2), san-nin (3), yo-nin (4).
“Gochuumon wa okimari desu ka?” Are you ready to order? Reply with “Hai, onegaishimasu” or point at the menu and say “Kore onegaishimasu.”
“Kochira de yoroshii desu ka?” Is this okay? (Seating, a product, a substitution.) Reply with “Hai, daijoubu desu.”
“Genkin no mi to natte orimasu” Cash only, I’m afraid. Good to recognize so you can find an ATM before you sit down.
“O-namae wa?” Your name, please. Say your name followed by “desu”: “___ desu.”
“Pointo kaado wa?” Do you have a points card? “Daijoubu desu” (no thank you) is the easiest reply.
Want to Practice These Phrases Before Your Trip?
Knowing the Japanese phrases is one thing. Saying them out loud under pressure is another. The best way to prepare is to practice a real conversation before you go — not just read a list.
Whether you are at a convenience store or a local izakaya, the real panic hits when staff answer back in full-speed Japanese and your mind goes blank. The fix is not more vocabulary. It is practicing the back-and-forth until it feels normal.
💬 Speak this prompt out loud with an AI assistant:
“I’m preparing for a trip to Japan. Act as a restaurant server and speak only in Japanese, keeping it simple. Start by welcoming me and asking how many people are in my group. After I answer, take my order. Correct my Japanese gently if I make a mistake, and tell me what I said correctly.”
Paste this into ChatGPT or Claude and practice out loud before your flight. Repeat the same scenario a few times until the replies stop surprising you.
Japanese Phrases FAQs
What are the most important Japanese phrases for tourists?
The five most useful Japanese phrases for tourists are Sumimasen (excuse me), Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), Daijoubu desu (I’m fine / no thank you), Kore onegaishimasu (this one, please), and Toire wa doko desu ka? (where is the bathroom?). These cover a wide range of everyday situations and are polite in almost every context.
Is sumimasen enough for most situations?
Sumimasen handles a surprisingly wide range of situations — getting someone’s attention, apologizing for a small mistake, asking for help, or signaling that you need service in a restaurant. It does not replace specific phrases for ordering food or navigating transit, but it is the single best word to know if you are only learning a few.
How do I ask for the bill in Japanese?
Say “Okaikei onegaishimasu” or cross your index fingers into an X shape — both are widely understood in Japanese restaurants. Some restaurants bring the bill automatically; others require you to go to the register to pay.
What should I say if I don’t understand the reply?
Say “Mou ichido onegaishimasu” (please say that again) or “Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai” (please speak more slowly). You can also ask “Eigo wa wakarimasu ka?” to check if the person speaks any English. In most tourist-facing settings in major cities, basic English is common.
Is it rude to say Sayonara in everyday situations?
Using Sayonara when saying goodbye to a shop assistant or someone you have just met can sound overly final, since it implies a long or permanent farewell. For everyday goodbyes, “Ja, mata” (see you later) or simply “Arigatou gozaimasu” as you leave a shop is more natural.
Start with 5 Japanese Phrases First
You do not need to memorize all 100 Japanese phrases before your trip. Start with the five that solve the most awkward moments first: Sumimasen, Arigatou gozaimasu, Daijoubu desu, Kore onegaishimasu, plus the emergency numbers 119 and 110.
Before your flight, spend one evening practicing a few real scenarios out loud. Ask an AI assistant to act like a restaurant server, hotel receptionist, or station staff member, and practice until the replies stop surprising you. If you are thinking about using ChatGPT for trip prep, this ChatGPT Plus subscription guide can help you decide whether a paid plan is worth it.
Even a small effort with the local language makes a visible difference in Japan. It shows respect, and that tends to come back to you. 🚀、
