Japanese Phrases to Know

Whether you’ve just landed in Japan for a week-long vacation or decided to come for a month-long adventure, it can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the local language. While places like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto often have signs in other languages and tourist centers where multilingual resources are available, it’s still helpful to know some of the basics for your trip to proceed more smoothly. Below, we’ll go through some key phrases so you can interact with the local residents and have a fun time in Japan.

These phrases are depicted in both basic Japanese characters and transliterated English. If you’re brand-new to the language of Japan, take note of these quick-start pronunciation guidelines.

     1. There are five vowels, and they are generally always pronounced the same way:

• a as in “father”
• i as in “piece”
• u as in “boot”
• e as in “bed”
• o as in “hope”

     2. When the same consonant appears twice in a row, it means to “hold” that syllable a little bit longer than the other syllables. For example, when you say konnichiwa (hello), really listen to yourself enunciate the n before moving on to the rest of the word.

     3. Questions often end in ka. If the vowel u comes just before it, it’s more natural not to pronounce it. For example, when you say ikura desuka (how much?), the last part should sound more like “dess-kah” than “deh-soo-kah".

Properly greeting others is a common courtesy in Japan, and knowing a few phrases can really change the dynamics of your interactions. When introducing yourself, you can also do a small bow, bending slightly downward from the waist as a polite gesture. Do keep in mind not to bow as far as 70 degrees, though, as this may accidentally signal an apology. 

One of the major reasons people come to Japan is the food. Therefore, it’s important to know a few phrases so that you can jump in on eating etiquette. You’ll also be able to ask what’s on the menu if you can’t read the Japanese characters. 

Guides to must-try dishes in Japan

With plenty of shopping areas such as Ginza, Shimokitazawa, and Shibuya, there will be many chances to buy a new piece for your wardrobe or to pick up some great skincare. To make your shopping experience easier, here are some phrases to use with the staff. 

Guides to shopping in Japan

The best way to get around Japan is with public transportation. However, using the train or bus services in Tokyo can be daunting as the maps are quite extensive. In the event you’re trying to find a specific location or want to know when the next train/bus is, here are some phrases to keep in mind. 

While the hope during trips is that no emergencies happen, it is important to be able to express when you might not be feeling well or might need medical attention. As a reminder, call 119 for an ambulance and 110 for the police.