Basic Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Are you traveling to Japan for the first time? Then you came to the right place.

Before you go to Japan, it is important that you learn these important Japanese phrases. Japanese people learn English in school, but many people don’t feel comfortable speaking in English.

Learning these essential phrases will really enhance your travel experiences in Japan.

Greeting

Ohayou Gozaimasu: Good Morning

Konnichiwa: Good Afternoon

Konbanwa: Good Evening

Sayounara: Good Bye

Genki desuka: How are you?

Genki desu: I am fine.

Arigatou Gozaimasu: Thank you very much

Hajimemashite: It’s nice to meet you. (use when you are meeting someone for the first time)

Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu: Literal translation is “Please kindly accept me.” You can say this phrase when you meet someone for the first time.

Sumimasen: Excuse me or Pardon me.

Hai: Yes

Iie: No

Useful Phrases

Namae wa nan desuka: What is your name?

Watashi no namae wa Jenny desu: My name is Jenny.

Watashi wa nihon jin desu: I am Japanese

Watashi wa Amerika jin desu: I am American.

Doko kara kimashitaka: Where are you from?

Chuugoku kara kimashita: I’m from China.

Douzo: Please (when you are offering something)

Hajimemashite: Nice to meet you (Use this phrase when you meet someone for the very first time)

Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu: Literal translation “Please kindly accept me.”

Daijyoubu desu: It’s alright.

Eigo ga Wakarimasen: I don’t understand English.

Nihongo ga wakarimasen: I don’t understand Japanese

Nihongo ga hanasemasuka: Can you speak Japanese?

Wakarimasuka: Do you understand?

Nihongo ga sukoshi wakarimasu: I understand Japanese a little.

Eigo o hanashimasuka. : Do you speak English?

Yukkuri Hanashite kudasai: Please speak slowly.

Mou ichido onegaishimasu: Please repeat again.

Hai. Genki desu: Yes I am fine.

Daijyoubu desu: It’s alright.

Ima nanji desuka: What time is it now?

Useful Words

Eki: Station

Densha: Train

Shinkansen: Bullet Train

Basu: Bus

Takushii: Taxi

Hikouki: Airplane

Kuukou: Airport

Chiketto: Ticket

Kaado: Credit card

Hoteru: Hotel

Heya: Room

Useful Phrase: Aiteiru heya wa arimasuka? Do you have any vacancies?

Eki wa doko desuka: Where is the station?

Densha wa nan ji ni demasuka: When does the train leave?

Kuukou made itte kudasai: Please go to the airport. (taxi)

Resutoran: Restaurant

Gohan: Food

Pan: Bread

Dezaato: Dessert

Nomimono: Drink

Osake: Alcohol

Okashi: Snacks

Omizu: Water

Jyuusu: Juice

Soda: Soda

Keeki: Cake

Useful Phrase: Kore o kudasai: Please give me this one.

Ikura desuka: How much?

Mizu o hitotsu kudasai: Please give me one water

Oishii: Delicious

Itadakimasu: you say this before eating a meal in Japan. It is customary and considered polite especially for those who kindly prepared your meal.

Gochisousama: you say this after finishing your meal.