Japanese people tend to be very shy. However, they are also incredibly kind.
Therefore, if you greet them or ask a question, they will likely try their best to respond to you.
For this reason, I believe it’s a good idea to learn some basic greetings before traveling to Japan.
Basic Greetings
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry
- はい (Hai) – Yes
- いいえ (Iie) – No
Useful Phrases
- 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – It’s okay. / I’m fine.
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
- どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?) – Where is it?
- 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Can you speak English?
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the restroom?
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll take this, please.
- 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – Please help me.
Transportation
- 行きたいです (Ikitai desu) – I want to go to…
- 駅 (Eki) – Train station
- バス停 (Basu tei) – Bus stop
- 電車 (Densha) – Train
- タクシー (Takushii) – Taxi
At Restaurants
- お会計をお願いします (Okaikei o onegaishimasu) – The check, please.
- メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) – Please give me the menu.
- お水をください (Omizu o kudasai) – Can I have some water, please?
- おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
Shopping
- 試着できますか？ (Shichaku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try it on?
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll take this, please.
Emergency
- 助けて！ (Tasukete!) – Help!
- 警察 (Keisatsu) – Police
- 病院 (Byouin) – Hospital
For Information on Japanese Etiquette, Click Here
Useful Phrases for Everyday Conversations, Click Here
Useful Phrases for Restaurants and Shopping, Click Here
