Basic Japanese Phrases for Travelers
Updated October 31, 2024
Going to a foreign country is exciting but often poses a set of challenges regarding communication. Not only do you have to worry about the language barrier, but also the cultural expectations of socializing and expectations regarding politeness that goes along with it. Although English is usually taught in the school curiculum, there are still many who don't understand English. Here is a list of basic Japanese phrases that are beneficial to know before you embark on the trip of a lifetime, and it may impress people you meet because you took the time to learn some of their language.
Before we get into the actual phrases, it might be best to start off with basic greetings.
| Ohayougozaimasu | "Good Morning" |
| Konnichiwa | "Hello" |
| Konbanwa | "Good Afternoon" |
| Sayounara | "Goodbye" |
| Oyasuminasai | "Goodnight" |
| Sumimasen | "Pardon" or "Excuse me" This can be used to get someone's attention |
Now here are some useful phrases to know
| Arigatou gozaimasu | "Thank you" |
| Otearai/Otoire wa doko desuka? | "Where is the restroom?" |
| Eigo hanasemasuka? | "Can you speak English?"/"Do you speak English?" |
| Sumimasen. Nihongo shaberemasen | "I'm sorry, I cannot speak Japanese." |
| Mou ichido onegaishimasu | "Can you repeat once more?" |
| Watashi no namaewa...desu | "My name is..." |
| Tasukete kudasai | "Please help me." |
| ...wo kudasai | "Can I have..."/"Please give me..." Tip: This is useful when out dining somewhere |
| ...wa dokodesuka? | "Where is...?" |
| Ikura desuka? | "How much is it?" |
| ...arimasuka? | "Do you have...?" |
| Kuukou e onegaishimasu | "Please take me to the airport." |
Here are some fun, common phrases to know
| Kanpai! | "Cheers!" Used for drinks |
| Itadakimasu! | "Thank you for the meal!" Used before enjoying a meal. It is akin to cheers but for food. |
| Ittekimasu! | "I'm off!" This is used before leaving a household. |
| Itterashai! | "See you!"/"Take care!" This is used right before or after someone says ittekimasu or when someone is going out. |
"Can you speak Japanese?"
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