Basic Japanese Phrases: My Top 10 for First-Timers

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, and in my experience they’re patient with anyone who’s clearly trying.

On my first trip to Japan I worried about the language barrier, both the written side, with a completely different alphabet, and the spoken side. I quickly found you don’t need to learn Japanese in any depth to get by. Honestly, it’s easier and less stressful than most first-timers fear.

My approach is simple. Learn a small handful of polite basics, they take minutes and make a real difference, then lean on Google Translate for everything else. That mix, plus a bit of English, was all I needed to get around.

I bought a phrasebook before my first trip and barely touched it. So to save you the bother, the list below is based on the basic Japanese words I actually use when I’m in Japan.

Language is one piece of first-trip prep. My free 13 page Japan first-timer guide covers the rest: money, apps, etiquette, transport, and arrival. Quick ad-free read, useful before you fly.

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.

Not sure when to visit? My guide breaks down the best months for weather, crowds and costs.

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.”

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.

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

The polite basics are quick to learn. Holding a proper conversation, reading a menu, or making sense of a road sign is a different matter, and that’s where Google Translate comes to your rescue.

How much you lean on it really comes down to how much time you have before you go. We learned the basic phrases easily enough, then used Translate multiple times a day for everything else. I’ve used it in every country I’ve travelled to in recent years and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

The best part? It’s completely free. It works on pretty much any mobile device with a data connection and is simple to use even if you’ve never touched it before. The live camera translate, where you point your phone at a menu or sign and it translates on screen, is the feature I use most.

It does more than sort out logistics, too. On our first trip we ended up in conversations about music, sport and films with locals, all in broken Japanese, both in Golden Gai in Tokyo and in a few bars in Osaka. Translate is what turned a bit of friendly waving and cheers-ing into an actual conversation and a real connection. That was the bit I didn’t expect.

My Top Tip! Download the offline Japanese language pack in the Google Translate app before you fly. It means the camera and text translation still work when you’ve got no signal: on the train, underground, or before your eSIM kicks in. It takes two minutes and has saved me more than once.

Here’s a useful in depth guide on how to use it.

If you want to take things further and actually learn the language, Duolingo is a great free tool to start with.

FAQs about the language in Japan

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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: You don’t need a specialist pronunciation app for a holiday. The simplest trick is to tap the speaker icon in Google Translate and copy what you hear, it’s free and it’s the exact sound you need.
• 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.