Why Learning Even a Little Japanese Goes a Long Way
English is increasingly available in Japan's major cities, but venture beyond the tourist trails and you'll quickly find that Japanese is essential. More importantly, making even a small effort to speak the language is deeply appreciated by locals. A well-placed arigatou gozaimasu or sumimasen can open doors, warm hearts, and completely change the tone of an interaction.
You don't need months of study. This guide gives you the most useful phrases, organised by situation, with simple pronunciation guides.
Pronunciation Basics
Japanese pronunciation is relatively consistent. Keep these points in mind:
- Vowels: a = "ah", i = "ee", u = "oo", e = "eh", o = "oh"
- Every syllable is roughly equal in length — don't stress certain syllables the way English does.
- Double vowels (like oo or aa) are held slightly longer.
- The r sound is between an English "r" and "l" — lightly flick the tongue.
Greetings and Basics
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | おはようございます | O-ha-yoh go-zai-mas |
| Good afternoon | こんにちは | Kon-nee-chee-wa |
| Good evening | こんばんは | Kon-ban-wa |
| Thank you (formal) | ありがとうございます | A-ree-ga-toh go-zai-mas |
| Thank you (casual) | ありがとう | A-ree-ga-toh |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません | Su-mee-ma-sen |
| Yes | はい | Hai |
| No | いいえ | Ee-eh |
| I don't understand | わかりません | Wa-ka-ree-ma-sen |
| Please (requesting) | お願いします | O-ne-gai shi-mas |
At Restaurants
- Itadakimasu (いただきます) — Said before eating, like "let's eat" / "I gratefully receive." Always use this.
- Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) — Said after eating to thank the chef or host.
- Kore wo kudasai (これをください) — "I'll have this, please." Point at the menu item.
- Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします) — "Bill, please."
- Oishii! (おいしい！) — "Delicious!" — one of the most appreciated things you can say.
Getting Around
- 〜wa doko desu ka? (〜はどこですか？) — "Where is 〜?" e.g. Eki wa doko desu ka? = "Where is the station?"
- 〜made onegaishimasu (〜までお願いします) — "To 〜, please." — useful in taxis.
- Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください) — "Please wait a moment."
- Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？) — "Where is the toilet?"
Shopping
- Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) — "How much is it?"
- Kore wo misete kudasai (これを見せてください) — "Please show me this."
- Kore ni shimasu (これにします) — "I'll take this one."
- Fukuro wa iranai desu (袋はいらないです) — "I don't need a bag." — increasingly appreciated as Japan reduces plastic use.
Emergency Phrases
- Tasukete! (助けて！) — "Help!"
- Byouin wa doko desu ka? (病院はどこですか？) — "Where is the hospital?"
- Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai (警察を呼んでください) — "Please call the police."
A Simple Tip for Learning
Don't try to memorise everything at once. Pick five phrases before your trip, practise them until they feel natural, then add more. Locals will always appreciate the effort — even a stumbling attempt is met with warmth and encouragement in Japan.