With audio pronunciation

Japanese Phrases for Tourists

You don't need to speak Japanese to travel Japan. But knowing 20 phrases will transform your trip.

How to use this guide: Tap the button to hear real pronunciation. Screenshot the section you need for today and show your phone if you get stuck.

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The Absolute Basics

ありがとうございます

Arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you (polite)

💡 Use this constantly. Japanese people appreciate gratitude.

すみません

Sumimasen

Excuse me / Sorry

💡 The most useful word in Japan. Use it to get attention, apologize, and navigate crowds.

はい

Hai

Yes

いいえ

Iie

No (polite)

💡 Japanese people rarely say this directly — 'chotto...' (a little...) often means no.

わかりません

Wakarimasen

I don't understand

💡 Say this and people will switch to simpler language or gestures.

英語を話せますか？

Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?

Do you speak English?

💡 In major cities, many service workers do. In rural areas, this often leads to a phone translation app.

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At Restaurants

ひとり / ふたり

Hitori / Futari

One person / Two people

💡 Hold up fingers to show the number. Much easier.

これをください

Kore wo kudasai

I'll have this, please

💡 Point at the menu photo and say this. Done.

おすすめは何ですか？

Osusume wa nan desu ka?

What do you recommend?

💡 Owners love this question. You'll usually get their best dish.

おいしい！

Oishii!

Delicious!

💡 One of the phrases in our smile guide. Say it with feeling.

お会計をお願いします

Okaikei wo onegaishimasu

Check, please

💡 Or mime signing a bill — universally understood in Japan.

アレルギーがあります

Arerugii ga arimasu

I have an allergy

💡 Carry a written note for specific allergies. Sesame and shellfish are common hidden ingredients.

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At Train Stations

〜はどこですか？

[Place] wa doko desu ka?

Where is [place]?

💡 Replace [Place] with the destination. People will point you in the right direction.

〜に行きたいです

[Place] ni ikitai desu

I want to go to [place]

💡 Show this on your phone and let them help you.

この電車は〜に止まりますか？

Kono densha wa [place] ni tomarimasu ka?

Does this train stop at [place]?

💡 Essential for local trains that don't stop everywhere.

迷子になりました

Maigo ni narimashita

I'm lost

💡 Station staff will immediately help you find your way.

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Shopping & Convenience Stores

いくらですか？

Ikura desu ka?

How much is it?

💡 Or just point and look questioningly — they'll show you on a calculator.

袋はいりません

Fukuro wa irimasen

I don't need a bag

💡 Say this immediately when paying. Japan wraps everything in multiple layers.

温めますか？

Atatamemasuka?

(Convenience store) 'Shall I heat it up for you?'

💡 This is what the konbini staff will ask. Say 'hai' for yes.

カードで払えますか？

Kaado de haraemasu ka?

Can I pay by card?

💡 Many smaller restaurants are still cash-only. Always carry cash.

😊

The Phrases That Make People Smile

日本語が少しわかります

Nihongo ga sukoshi wakarimasu

I understand a little Japanese

💡 Say this and watch their face light up. Even if you only know 5 words.

日本が大好きです

Nihon ga daisuki desu

I love Japan

💡 Sincere. Simple. Transforms the interaction.

ごちそうさまでした

Gochisousama deshita

Thank you for the wonderful meal (said on leaving)

💡 Say this to the chef/owner as you leave ANY restaurant. Non-negotiable.

お世話になりました

Osewa ni narimashita

Thank you for your care / for everything

💡 Say to hotel staff on checkout. They will be genuinely touched.

🆘

Emergencies

助けてください！

Tasukete kudasai!

Help me, please!

警察を呼んでください

Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai

Please call the police

💡 Emergency: 110. Ambulance/fire: 119.

病院はどこですか？

Byouin wa doko desu ka?

Where is the hospital?

具合が悪いです

Guai ga warui desu

I feel ill

💡 Combined with pointing to the specific area of your body.

Emergency Numbers

Save these before you go.

110

Police

Theft, crime

119

Ambulance / Fire

Medical emergency

#7119

Medical consultation

Non-emergency advice