Learning Basic Japanese Phrases for Travellers
Travelling to Japan is an incredible experience, immersing yourself in a unique culture and stunning landscapes. While many Japanese people in tourist areas speak some English, knowing even a few basic Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your trip, allowing you to connect with locals on a deeper level and navigate daily situations with greater ease. This guide provides essential phrases to get you started, making your journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Before you go, you might want to learn more about Japantour and our services.
1. Greetings and Introductions
Knowing how to greet people is fundamental in any language. In Japan, greetings are often accompanied by a bow, the depth of which can vary depending on the situation and the relationship between the individuals. However, as a tourist, a slight nod will generally suffice.
Essential Greetings
Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Good afternoon / Hello. This is a versatile greeting used during the daytime.
Ohayō gozaimasu (おはようございます): Good morning. Use this greeting until around midday.
Konbanwa (こんばんは): Good evening. Use this greeting from evening onwards.
Hajimemashite (はじめまして): Nice to meet you. This is used when meeting someone for the first time.
Watashi wa [your name] desu (私は[your name]です): I am [your name]. Use this to introduce yourself. For example, "Watashi wa Taro desu."
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします): Pleased to meet you / I look forward to getting to know you. This is often said after introducing yourself and can be difficult to translate directly, but it conveys a sense of goodwill and anticipation for a positive relationship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using "Konnichiwa" at any time of day. Remember to use "Ohayō gozaimasu" in the morning and "Konbanwa" in the evening.
Forgetting to bow slightly when greeting someone. Even a small nod shows respect.
Using overly casual language with strangers. Stick to polite forms like "desu" and "masu" until you become more familiar with the person.
Real-World Scenario
Imagine you're checking into your hotel. You can say: "Konnichiwa. Watashi wa [your name] desu. Check-in onegaishimasu (こんにちは。私は[your name]です。チェックインお願いします。)" (Hello. I am [your name]. Check-in please.)
2. Asking for Directions and Assistance
Getting lost is a common occurrence when travelling, especially in a country with a different language and writing system. Knowing how to ask for directions or assistance can be incredibly helpful.
Useful Phrases
Sumimasen (すみません): Excuse me. This is a versatile phrase used to get someone's attention or to apologise.
[Place] wa doko desu ka? ([Place]はどこですか？): Where is [place]? For example, "Tōkyō eki wa doko desu ka?" (Where is Tokyo Station?).
Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？): Where is the toilet?
Eigo ga wakarimasu ka? (英語が分かりますか？): Do you understand English?
Sukoshi dake nihongo o hanasemasu (少しだけ日本語を話せます): I only speak a little Japanese.
Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください): Please help me.
Michi ni mayoi mashita (道に迷いました): I am lost.
Tips for Asking Directions
Be polite and start with "Sumimasen" to get someone's attention.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Use gestures and point to a map if possible.
If someone doesn't understand you, try writing down the name of the place you're looking for.
Real-World Scenario
You're trying to find a specific temple. You can approach someone and say: "Sumimasen. [Temple name] wa doko desu ka? (すみません。[Temple name]はどこですか？)" (Excuse me. Where is [Temple name]?).
3. Ordering Food and Drinks
Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, and enjoying local food is a significant part of the travel experience. Knowing how to order food and drinks will make your dining experiences much smoother.
Essential Phrases
Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか？): What is this?
[Item] o kudasai ([Item]をください): [Item], please. For example, "Rāmen o kudasai" (Ramen, please).
Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？): What do you recommend?
Okanjō o onegaishimasu (お勘定をお願いします): The bill, please.
Gochisōsama deshita (ごちそうさまでした): Thank you for the meal (said after finishing eating).
Itadakimasu (いただきます): Let's eat (said before starting to eat).
[Number] nin desu ([Number]人です): [Number] people. Use this when entering a restaurant to indicate the size of your party.
Ordering Tips
Many restaurants have picture menus, which can be very helpful.
Point to the item you want if you're unsure how to pronounce it.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Don't leave a tip, as it may be considered rude.
Water is usually served free of charge.
Real-World Scenario
You're in a restaurant and want to order sushi. You can say: "Sumimasen. Maguro no sushi o kudasai (すみません。マグロの寿司をください)" (Excuse me. Tuna sushi, please.). After your meal, you would say "Gochisōsama deshita" to show your appreciation.
4. Expressing Gratitude and Apology
Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. Expressing gratitude and apologising appropriately will go a long way in building positive interactions.
Key Phrases
Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): Thank you. This is the standard way to say thank you.
Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます): Thank you very much. This is a more formal and emphatic way to express gratitude.
Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして): You're welcome.
Sumimasen (すみません): I'm sorry / Excuse me. This is a versatile phrase used for apologies and to get someone's attention.
Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい): I'm sorry (more direct apology).
Cultural Notes
It's common to apologise even for minor inconveniences.
A slight bow often accompanies expressions of gratitude and apology.
Real-World Scenario
Someone helps you find your way. You can say: "Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)" (Thank you very much).
5. Counting and Basic Numbers
Knowing basic numbers is essential for shopping, understanding prices, and making reservations.
Numbers 1-10
Ichi (一): 1
Ni (二): 2
San (三): 3
Shi/Yon (四): 4
Go (五): 5
Roku (六): 6
Shichi/Nana (七): 7
Hachi (八): 8
Kyū/Ku (九): 9
Jū (十): 10
Useful Phrases
Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？): How much is it?
[Number] en desu ([Number]円です): [Number] yen.
Tips for Using Numbers
Be aware that there are different ways to pronounce some numbers (e.g., 4 can be "shi" or "yon").
Listen carefully to how the shopkeeper or waiter pronounces the numbers.
Real-World Scenario
You're buying a souvenir and want to know the price. You can say: "Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)" (How much is it?). The shopkeeper might respond with "Sen en desu (千円です)" (1000 yen).
Learning these basic Japanese phrases will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience in Japan. While it may seem daunting at first, even a small effort to communicate in the local language will be greatly appreciated by the Japanese people and will allow you to connect with their culture on a deeper level. Remember to be polite, practice your pronunciation, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Enjoy your trip! If you have more frequently asked questions, please see our FAQ page.