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2022/09/02

Convenient, simple and easy Japanese phrases

These are simple but useful words and phrases to make your trip comfortably in Japan.

Basic Expressions

Yes. > Hai.
No. > Iie.
Good morning. > Ohayō gozaimasu.
Good afternoon. > Konnichiwa.
Good evening. > Konbanwa.
Good night. > Oyasuminasai.
My name is --- > Watashi no namae wa … desu. 
Thank you very much. > Arigatō gozaimasu.
Please, (for a request) > Onegai shimasu.
I am sorry. > Gomennasai.
Excuse me. > Sumimasen.
Right > Migi
Left > Hidari

Counting

When counting the number of objects, use the expression "Hitotsu", "Futatsu". When counting the number of people, use the expression "Hitori", "Futari".

1: hitotsu (hitori)
2: futatsu (futari)
3: mittsu (sannin)
4: yottsu (yonin)
5: itsutsu (gonin)
6: muttsu (rokunin)
7: nanatsu (nananin)
8: yattsu (hachinin)
9: kokonotsu (kyunin/kunin)
10: tō (jūnin)

Ex: Two of those, please. > Kore wo futatsu kudasai.
We are three. > Sannin desu.

Shopping

Excuse me. > Sumimasen.

Where is the section for … > … uriba wa doko desu ka?
 Ex: Where is the section for USB thumb drive? > Yūesubī memori no uriba wa dokodesu ka?

How much is this … > Kono … wa ikura desu ka?
 Ex: How much is this pen? > Kono pen wa ikura desu ka?
How much are these Oranges? => Kono orenji wa ikura desu ka?

I would like this (those) … > Kono …wo kudasai.
 Ex: I would like this bag. > Kono baggu wo kudasai.
       I would like these shoes. => Kono kutsu wo kudasai.

May I try this on? > Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka?

It is too large. > Ōkisugi masu.
It is too small. > Chiisasugi masu.

Can I use a credit card? > Kurejitto kādo de haraemasuka?
Ex:I’m sorry, but we don’t accept credit cards. > Sumimasen. Kādo wa tsukaemasen.
Can I use this card? > Kono kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?

Traveling

Taxi
Go to this address, please. (showing a paper with address written on it) > Kono basho (jūsho) made itte kudasai.
Ex: Go to Suzuka Circuit, please. > Suzuka Sākitto made onegai shimasu.

Taxi driver: untenshu san
Seat belt: shīto beruto
Trunk: toranku

Ask the way
Where is … > … wa doko desu ka?
 Ex: Where is the bank? > Ginkō wa doko desuk ka?
I want to go to a drugstore. > Doraggu sutoa ni ikitaidesu.
I want to go here. (pointing at a place on a map or a smartphone) > Koko ni ikitai desu.
Can I walk there? > Aruite ikemasu ka?

At a restaurant
Irasshaimase. Nammeisama desu ka? > Hello, how many people in your party?
Kochirade Omeshiagari desu ka? Omochi kaeri desu ka? > Will you be eating here or is this to go?

How do I eat this? > Dōyatte taberu no desu ka?
May I see a menu, please? > Menū wo misete kudasai.
I'll have this, please. (pointing to a dish on the menu) > Kore wo kudasai.

Itadakimasu *This is a Japanese expression of gratitude said before meals (I gratefully receive this food).
Gochisōsamadesita *This is also a Japanese expression of gratitude said at the end of a meal.

It's very delicious. > Totemo oishii desu.

Soy sauce: shoyu
Salt: shio
Pepper: koshō
Sugar: satō
Vinegar: su

Sweet: amai
Hot (spicy): karai
Salty: shiokarai
Bitter: nigai
Sour: suppai

Hotto desuka, Aisu desuka? > Which would you like it hot or iced? (You may be asked when you order coffee. Iced coffee is very popular in Japan.)