Greetings and Essentials
These ten phrases will cover 80% of daily interactions. Konnichiwa — Hello (daytime). Sumimasen — Excuse me / I'm sorry (your most-used word). Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you (polite). Hai / Iie — Yes / No. Onegaishimasu — Please (when requesting something). Daijoubu desu — I'm fine / No thank you / It's okay. Wakarimasen — I don't understand. Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? — Do you speak English? Gomen nasai — I'm sorry (apology). Ohayou gozaimasu — Good morning.
Tip: Sumimasen is the most versatile word in Japanese. Use it to get attention, apologize, say excuse me, or even express thanks. When in doubt, say sumimasen.
Restaurant and Food Phrases
Itadakimasu — Said before eating (I humbly receive). Gochisousama deshita — Said after eating (Thank you for the meal). Sumimasen, menyu kudasai — Excuse me, menu please. Osusume wa nan desu ka? — What do you recommend? Kore kudasai — This one please (point at menu/display). Okaikei onegaishimasu — Check please. Oishii! — Delicious! (say it, staff love hearing this). Mou ippai kudasai — One more (drink/serving) please. Biru kudasai — Beer please. Niku nashi de — Without meat.
Shopping and Transportation
Ikura desu ka? — How much is this? Kore wa doko desu ka? — Where is this? (show address/map). [Place] wa doko desu ka? — Where is [place]? Eki wa doko desu ka? — Where is the station? Kippu wo kudasai — One ticket please. Migi / Hidari / Massugu — Right / Left / Straight. Chikai desu ka? — Is it nearby? Kore kudasai — I'll take this. Mite iru dake desu — Just looking (useful in shops). Toire wa doko desu ka? — Where is the toilet?
Hotel and Accommodation Phrases
Chekku-in onegaishimasu — Check-in please. Yoyaku ga arimasu — I have a reservation. [Name] desu — My name is [Name]. Nimotsu wo azukete moraemasu ka? — Can you keep my luggage? WiFi no pasuwaado wa? — What's the WiFi password? Asa-gohan wa nanji kara desu ka? — What time is breakfast from? Takushii wo yonde kudasai — Please call a taxi. Chekku-auto onegaishimasu — Check-out please. Atatamete kudasai — Please heat this up (at konbini).
Emergency and Important Phrases
Tasukete! — Help! Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai — Please call the police. Kyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasai — Please call an ambulance. Byouin wa doko desu ka? — Where is the hospital? Kibun ga warui desu — I feel sick. [Item] wo nakushimashita — I lost my [item]. Pasupoto wo nakushimashita — I lost my passport. Arerugii ga arimasu — I have an allergy. Kusuri wa arimasu ka? — Do you have medicine? Lost items: go to the nearest koban (police box) — Japan has a 70%+ return rate for lost property.
