Basic Japanese phrases for your first trip to Japan

Learning a few basic japanese phrases for your first trip goes a long way, as with any foreign country, the locals appreciate you making an effort.

On my first trip to Japan I remember worrying about the language barrier, both written, with the completely different alphabet, and spoken. I quickly found you dont need to learn japanese in depth to survive.

A mixture of some common Japanese phrases, google translate and English was fine for me to get around.

I purchased a phrase book with tips, but didn’t need most of it, to make this easier for you I have collected a list below based of my most used basic japanese words when I am in Japan! 

1. Konnichiwa

Japanese: こんにちは

Pronunciation: /kon-nee-chee-wah/

Meaning: “Hello”

Usage:

• A standard greeting used in the afternoon.
• Polite and neutral, suitable for all situations.

Cultural Note:

• Unlike English, “Konnichiwa” isn’t used in the morning (“Ohayou gozaimasu” is used instead).

2. Arigatou gozaimasu

Japanese: ありがとうございます

Pronunciation: /ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mass/

Meaning: “Thank you very much”

Usage:

• To express gratitude politely in shops, restaurants, and interactions with locals.

Cultural Note:

• Adding “gozaimasu” makes it more formal. “Arigatou” alone is more casual.

3. Sumimasen

Japanese: すみません

Pronunciation: /soo-mee-mah-sehn/

Meaning: “Excuse me” / “I’m sorry”

Usage:

• To get someone’s attention (e.g., calling a waiter).
• To apologise for small mistakes or inconveniences.
• Sometimes used as “thank you” when someone does something for you.

Cultural Note:

• Often used instead of “Gomen nasai,” which is a deeper apology.

4. Hai & Iie

Japanese: はい (Hai) & いいえ (Iie)

Pronunciation:

• /hai/ (Yes)
• /ee-eh/ (No)

Usage:

• “Hai” means yes or acknowledgment.
• “Iie” means no but is used less often—Japanese people tend to avoid direct refusals.

Cultural Note:

• Sometimes, a small nod or “un” (a casual “yes”) is used instead of “Hai.”

5. Onegaishimasu

Japanese: お願いします

Pronunciation: /oh-neh-gai-shee-mass/

Meaning: “Please”

Usage:

• Used when requesting something politely.
• Often used when ordering in restaurants or asking for a favour.

Example:

• “Mizu onegaishimasu” (Water, please).

Cultural Note:

• More polite than “Kudasai,” which is used for tangible objects (“Mizu o kudasai” for water, for example).

6. Ikura desu ka?

Japanese: いくらですか？

Pronunciation: /ee-koo-rah dess kah?/

Meaning: “How much is this?”

Usage:

• When shopping or dining in places without clear pricing. I used this A LOT at markets!

Example:

• “Kore wa ikura desu ka?” (How much is this?)

Cultural Note:

• Most small businesses in Japan still prefer cash, so be ready to pay in yen.

7. Doko desu ka?

Japanese: どこですか？

Pronunciation: /doh-koh dess kah?/

Meaning: “Where is it?”

Usage:

• When asking for directions.

Example:

• “Eki wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the station?)
• “Toire wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the toilet?)

8. Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

Japanese: 英語を話せますか？

Pronunciation: /eh-ee-goh oh ha-na-seh-mass kah?/

Meaning: “Do you speak English?”

Usage:

• When checking if someone can speak English before asking a question.

Cultural Note:

• While younger Japanese people may understand basic English, many are shy about speaking it. I found that google translate can initially help overcome this barrier. Or a few beers in Golden Gai, where we made several friends on our first Tokyo trip!

9. Daijoubu desu

Japanese: 大丈夫です

Pronunciation: /dai-joh-boo deh-soo/

Meaning: “I’m fine” / “No problem” / “It’s okay”

Usage:

• Reassuring someone (e.g., if they ask if you need help).
• Politely refusing something (e.g., when declining a refill or extra service).

Cultural Note:

• A very versatile phrase! Can also be a polite way to say “No, thank you.”

10. Tasukete kudasai

Japanese: 助けてください

Pronunciation: /tah-soo-keh-teh koo-dah-sai/

Meaning: “Please help me”

Usage:

• In emergency situations when you need assistance.

Cultural Note:

• In case of a serious emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance services.

The cheat way to make Japanese simple as a tourist

Learning basic phrases in Japanese is quite simple, but holding more complicated conversations, reading menus or road signs is very much not!

This is where the ultimate travel cheat code comes in, Google translate! I have used this in every country I have travelled to in recent years and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The best part about it? It is TOTALLY FREE! It also works on pretty much any mobile device with a data connection and is simple to use even for beginners. 

The live camera translate of anything you point it at is particularly helpful.

Here is an in depth guide on how to use it

If you want to take yourself to the next level of speaking Japanese language, I also recommend Duolingo as a great free tool to start learning.

FAQs about the language in Japan

What Japanese words should I learn first?

1. Hello: Konnichiwa (kon-nee-chee-wah)
2. Thank you: Arigatou (ah-ree-gah-toh)
3. Yes: Hai (hah-ee)
4. No: Iie (ee-eh)
5. Excuse me / I’m sorry: Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen)

How can i get the hang of pronunciation simple japanese words?

1. Listen and Repeat: Use language learning apps or online resources to listen to native speakers and repeat after them.
2. Phonetic Practice: Japanese pronunciation is quite phonetic. Practice the sounds of each syllable (e.g., “a” as in “car”, “i” as in “machine”).
3. Technology:

• Pronunciation Apps: Apps like Aomi Japanese use pitch-accent recognition and visualisation technology to help you match your pronunciation with that of native speakers.
• Recording Tools: Use recording tools to record yourself and compare your pronunciation with native speakers. This can help you identify areas for improvement.
• Online Resources: Websites and YouTube channels dedicated to Japanese pronunciation can provide valuable tips and examples.

How easy is Japan to get around without speaking Japanese?

Japan is generally quite accessible for non-Japanese speakers, especially in major cities:

1. Public Transport: Signs and announcements in major cities are often in both Japanese and English.
2. Technology: Translation apps, like Google Translate, can help bridge the language gap.
3. Helpful Locals: Many Japanese people are very helpful and will try to assist you even if they don’t speak much English.

When should I bow when speaking to a Japanese local?

Bowing is an important part of Japanese etiquette:

1. Greetings and Farewells: Bow when you greet or say goodbye to someone.
2. Thanking Someone: Bow to show gratitude.
3. Apologising: Bow to express sincerity when apologising.
4. Formal Situations: Bow in formal settings, such as business meetings or ceremonies.

When do you use “san” in Japanese?

In Japanese, the honorific “さん” (san) is used to show respect and politeness. It’s similar to “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.” in English. Here are some common situations where you would use “san”:

1. Addressing someone politely: When speaking to or about someone you don’t know well, or in a formal setting.
2. Professional settings: When addressing colleagues, clients, or superiors at work.
3. Customer service: When speaking to customers or clients.
4. General courtesy: When referring to someone in a respectful manner, regardless of their age or gender.

For example, you might say “Tanaka-san” when referring to Mr. Tanaka or “Yamada-san” for Ms. Yamada.

More useful Japanese phrases for tourists

Greetings & Politeness

• Ohayou gozaimasu /oh-ha-yoh goh-zai-mass/ – Good morning
• Konbanwa /kon-bahn-wah/ – Good evening
• Gomen nasai  /goh-mehn nah-sai/ – Sorry (casual)

Useful words for basic Travel & Directions

• Eki wa doko desu ka?  /eh-kee wah doh-koh dess kah?/ – Where is the station?
• Toire wa doko desu ka? /toy-reh wah doh-koh dess kah?/ – Where is the toilet?
• 〜ni ikitai desu /nee ee-kee-tai dess/ – I want to go to ~
• Migi  /mee-gee/ – Right
• Hidari /hee-dah-ree/ – Left  
• Massugu /mass-soo-goo/ – Straight
• Ikura desu ka? /ee-koo-rah dess kah?/ – How much is it?
• Kore wa nan desu ka? /koh-reh wah nahn dess kah?/ – What is this?

Eating Out & Ordering Food

• Menyuu o kudasai /meh-nyoo oh koo-dah-sai/ – Can I have the menu, please?
• Osusume wa nan desu ka? /oh-soo-soo-meh wah nahn dess kah?/ – What do you recommend?
• 〜o onegai shimasu /oh neh-gai shee-mass/ – I’d like to order ~
• Bejitarian desu /beh-jee-tah-ree-ahn dess/ – I’m vegetarian
• Okaikei o onegai shimasu /oh-kai-kei oh oh-neh-gai shee-mass/ – The bill, please

Shopping & Money

• Kore o kudasai /koh-reh oh koo-dah-sai/ – I’ll take this
• Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? /koo-reh-jit-toh kah-doh wah tsoo-kah-eh-mass kah?/ – Can I use a credit card?
• Mou sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka? /moh-oh soo-koh-shee yah-soo-koo nah-ree-mass kah?/ – Can you lower the price a little?
• Reshiito o kudasai /reh-shee-toh oh koo-dah-sai/ – Can I have a receipt?

Emergency & Health

• Tasukete! /tah-soo-keh-teh/ – Help!
• Byouin wa doko desu ka? /byo-in wah doh-koh dess kah?/ – Where is the hospital?
• Kibun ga warui desu /kee-boon gah wah-roo-ee dess/ – I feel sick
• Keisatsu o yonde kudasai /kei-saht-soo oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sai/ – – Call the police, please
• Kore wa nan no arerugii ga arimasu ka? /koh-reh wah nahn noh ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mass kah?/ – What allergens are in this?

Casual Conversation & Slang

• Sugoi!  /soo-goy/ – Amazing!
• Kawaii! /kah-wah-ee-ee/ – Cute!
• Kakkoii! /kahk-koh-ee-ee/ – Cool!
• Hontou ni? /hohn-toh-nee/ – Really?
• Naruhodo /nah-roo-hoh-doh/ – I see / I understand
• Wakarimashita /wah-kah-ree-mah-shee-tah/ – Got it
• Daijoubu desu  /dai-joh-boo dess/ – I’m fine / No problem