💬 Useful Japanese Phrases（使える日本語フレーズ）
Essential phrases for travelers to navigate Japan with ease.
👋 Greetings（あいさつ）
Greetings are the heart of Japanese daily communication. Whether you're entering a store, meeting someone, or simply passing by, offering a polite greeting helps you connect and show respect. These short phrases can go a long way in creating positive impressions.
“Hello” or “Good afternoon”
Kon’nichiwa
Used during the day to greet people. Common in shops and casual encounters.
“Good morning”
Ohayou gozaimasu
Used in the morning, especially in workplaces, hotels, or group tours.
“Good evening”
Konbanwa
Polite greeting used after sunset, often at restaurants or night events.
“Thank you”
Arigatou
Simple way to express gratitude. Add “gozaimasu” for more politeness.
“Excuse me” / “Sorry”
Sumimasen
Very useful! Use it to get attention, apologize, or show appreciation.
“Goodbye”
Sayounara
Formal farewell. In casual settings, you may hear “じゃあね (Ja ne)” instead.
🍽️ At Restaurants（レストランで）
Dining in Japan is a wonderful experience, and knowing a few key phrases can help you order smoothly, ask for help, and show good manners. Here are useful expressions organized by situation:
🙇 When Entering / Greeting
“Welcome” (said by staff)
Irasshaimase
“Two people” (when entering)
Futari desu
📝 Ordering
“This one, please.”
Kore o kudasai
“Do you have a recommendation?”
Osusume wa arimasu ka?
💴 Paying
“Check, please.”
Okaikei onegaishimasu
“Thank you for the meal.”
Gochisousama deshita
🙋 Getting Attention
“Excuse me!”
Sumimasen!
Used to call for staff when you need help or are ready to order.
🚉 Getting Around（交通機関で）
Whether you're taking the train, asking directions, or buying tickets, these key phrases will help you move smoothly through Japan’s transportation system.
🗺️ Asking for Directions
- 〜はどこですか？ — “Where is ... ?”
~ wa doko desu ka? - この住所まで行きたいです — “I want to go to this address.”
Kono juusho made ikitai desu
🚉 At Stations
- ○○行きは何番線ですか？ — “Which platform is for [destination]?”
[Destination] yuki wa nanbansen desu ka? - きっぷを かいたいです — “I’d like to buy a ticket.”
Kippu o kaitai desu
🚕 Taking a Taxi
- ここまで おねがいします — “To here, please.”
Koko made onegaishimasu - クレジットカードは つかえますか？ — “Can I use a credit card?”
Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
🛍️ Shopping & Payments（買い物と支払い）
From department stores to small souvenir shops, a few polite phrases will help you ask for prices, sizes, and payment options with ease. Below are useful expressions shown in real-life conversation style.
👤 You: これ、いくらですか？ — “How much is this?”
🛒 Shop Staff: 1000円です — “It’s 1,000 yen.”
👤 You: ほかの色は ありますか？ — “Do you have other colors?”
🛒 Shop Staff: はい、こちらです — “Yes, here they are.”
“Can I use a credit card?”
Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
“I’ll take this.”
Kore o kudasai
“May I have a receipt?”
Reshiito o kudasai
🚨 Emergencies & Help（緊急時の助けを求める）
Emergencies are rare in Japan, but it’s good to be prepared. Here are some essential phrases you can use if you’re lost, not feeling well, or need help fast. People in Japan are generally helpful, even with limited English—so don’t hesitate to ask.
📍 I’m lost / 道に迷ったとき
- 道に まよいました — “I’m lost”
Michi ni mayoimashita - この地図を 見てください — “Please look at this map”
Kono chizu o mite kudasai
💊 I’m sick or injured / 体調が悪いとき
- 気分が わるいです — “I feel sick”
Kibun ga warui desu - けがを しました — “I got injured”
Kega o shimashita - 病院は どこですか？ — “Where is the hospital?”
Byouin wa doko desu ka?
🆘 Asking for help / 助けを求める
- たすけて ください — “Please help me”
Tasukete kudasai - 英語が わかる人は いますか？ — “Is there someone who speaks English?”
Eigo ga wakaru hito wa imasu ka?
🧘♂️ Stay calm and speak slowly — a little effort goes a long way when asking for help.
😊 Making Friends（日常のちょっとした会話）
Japanese people may seem reserved at first, but many are friendly and curious about visitors. A few simple phrases can spark warm interactions — whether in a café, at a festival, or on a train.
🧍♂️ You:
こんにちは！
“Hello!” / Konnichiwa!
🧍♀️ Local:
こんにちは。にほんは たのしいですか？
“Hello. Are you enjoying Japan?”
🧍♂️ You:
はい！たのしいです。ひとが とても しんせつです。
“Yes! It's great. People are very kind.”
🧍♀️ Local:
よかったです。また きてくださいね！
“I'm glad! Please come again!”
“Nice to meet you”
Hajimemashite
“I like Japan”
Nihon ga suki desu
“I can speak a little Japanese”
Sukoshi dake nihongo ga hanasemasu
