Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Step-by-Step: How to Communicate in Japan

1. Start with a polite opener
Even a simple greeting sets a respectful tone.

• Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

• Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます)

• Good evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは)

👉 You don’t need to be perfect—effort is appreciated.

2. Get someone’s attention politely
Instead of jumping straight into a question:

• Excuse me / Sorry: Sumimasen (すみません)

👉 This is one of the most useful words in Japan—you’ll use it constantly, I use it it if I bump into someone on accident or when getting someone's attention.

3. Ordering food (super simple version)
You don’t need full sentences—keep it easy:

• This one please: Kore onegaishimasu (これお願いします)

• That one please: Sore onegaishimasu (それお願いします)

• Recommended item?: Osusume wa arimasu ka? (おすすめはありますか？)

👉 Pointing + “onegaishimasu” = perfectly acceptable

4. Basic politeness goes a long way
These matter more than perfect grammar:

• Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

• Thank you (casual): Arigatou (ありがとう)

• Please (when requesting): Onegaishimasu (お願いします)

5. Yes / No (keep it simple)

• Yes: Hai (はい)

• No / Not needed: Daijoubu desu (大丈夫です)

👉 “Daijoubu desu” is super useful—it can mean “I’m okay / I’m good.”

6. Asking simple questions

• Do you speak English?: Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? (英語は話せますか？)

• Where is ___?: ___ wa doko desu ka? (___はどこですか？)

7. At restaurants & shops

• How much is this?: Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)

• I’ll take this: Kore kudasai (これください)

👉 “Kudasai” = more direct, “Onegaishimasu” = more polite (both are fine)

8. When leaving / finishing

• Thank you (after service): Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました)

• Thank you (after meal): Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした).

👉 This is a great way to leave a good impression.

Quick Phrase Cheat Sheet

• Sumimasen = Excuse me

• Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you

• Onegaishimasu = Please

• Kore = This

• Hai = Yes

• Daijoubu desu = I’m good / no thanks

Common Tips

• Pointing is normal (menus, items, signs)

• Politeness > pronunciation

• Keep it short—simple phrases are best

• Most people will try to help, even with limited English