50 useful Japanese phrases

Here’s a list of 50 useful Japanese phrases that can help you navigate, communicate, and make the most of your travels in Japan:

Greetings & Basics

  1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello
  2. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
  3. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
  4. ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
  5. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you (polite)
  6. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
  7. ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – I’m sorry
  8. はい (Hai) – Yes
  9. いいえ (Iie) – No
  10. さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye

Introductions

  1. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you
  2. わたしは___です (Watashi wa ___ desu) – I am ___
  3. おなまえは？ (Onamae wa?) – What’s your name?
  4. からきました ( kara kimashita) – I’m from ___
  5. どうぞよろしく (Douzo yoroshiku) – Please treat me kindly

Getting Around

  1. はどこですか？ ( wa doko desu ka?) – Where is ___?
  2. このちずをみせてください (Kono chizu wo misete kudasai) – Please show me this map.
  3. えきはどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the train station?
  4. トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the toilet?
  5. このバスは___へいきますか？ (Kono basu wa ___ e ikimasu ka?) – Does this bus go to ___?
  6. いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
  7. までいくらですか？ ( made ikura desu ka?) – How much to ___?
  8. タクシーをよんでください (Takushii wo yonde kudasai) – Please call a taxi.

At Restaurants

  1. メニューをください (Menyu- wo kudasai) – Please give me the menu.
  2. をください ( wo kudasai) – I’d like ___, please.
  3. おすすめはなんですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
  4. ベジタリアンです (Bejitarian desu) – I’m vegetarian.
  5. みずをください (Mizu wo kudasai) – Please give me water.
  6. おかんじょうをください (Okanjou wo kudasai) – Please give me the bill.
  7. おいしい！ (Oishii!) – Delicious!

Shopping

  1. はありますか？ ( wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have ___?
  2. クレジットカードはつかえますか？ (Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use a credit card?
  3. これをください (Kore wo kudasai) – I’ll take this, please.
  4. ちょっとたかいです (Chotto takai desu) – It’s a little expensive.
  5. やすいです (Yasui desu) – It’s cheap.

Emergencies

  1. たすけてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) – Please help!
  2. びょういんはどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
  3. けいさつをよんでください (Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai) – Please call the police.
  4. きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください (Kyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasai) – Please call an ambulance.
  5. わたしはまいごです (Watashi wa maigo desu) – I’m lost.

Travel Essentials

  1. はなんじですか？ ( wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is ___?
  2. じかんをおしえてください (Jikan wo oshiete kudasai) – Please tell me the time.
  3. Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) – Is there Wi-Fi?
  4. パスワードはなんですか？ (Pasuwa-do wa nan desu ka?) – What’s the password?
  5. ちょっとまってください (Chotto matte kudasai) – Please wait a moment.

Cultural Etiquette

  1. いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) – Welcome (common in stores/restaurants)
  2. どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) – You’re welcome
  3. をさがしています ( wo sagashiteimasu) – I’m looking for ___
  4. げんきん (Genkin) – Cash
  5. おねがいします (Onegaishimasu) – Please (polite)

These phrases can cover many common travel scenarios and show respect for local customs. Enjoy your trip to Japan!

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