Introduction
Traveling in Japan is easier with a few basic phrases.
Let’s start with greetings and polite expressions.
※If you want to understand the grammar behind these phrases, you can check the linked lessons throughout the article.
※In this guide, each Japanese sentence is followed by its English meaning, and the pronunciation (romaji) is shown below to help you read it easily.
Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions
・すみません（Excuse me / Sorry）
(Sumimasen)
When to use: To get someone’s attention To apologize Before asking a question
Examples:
すみません、トイレはどこですか？ → Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Learn more: (どこですか)
すみません、英語を話せますか？ → Excuse me, can you speak English?
▶︎This is one of the most important words in Japanese. Use it often.
・こんにちは（Hello）
(Konnichiwa)
When to use: During the day (around 10am–5pm)
Not always used in shops (staff may say ‘irasshaimase’ instead), but still useful.
・おはようございます（Good morning）
(Ohayou gozaimasu)
Use in the morning. Adding ございます makes it polite.
・こんばんは（Good evening）
(Konbanwa)
Use in the evening or at night.
・ありがとうございます（Thank you）
(Arigatou gozaimasu)
Example:
ありがとうございます！ → Thank you!
▶︎Always use the polite form when talking to strangers.
・お願いします（Please / I request）
(Onegaishimasu)
Examples:
水をお願いします → Water, please これをお願いします → This one, please
▶︎Very useful in restaurants and shops.
Quick Tip
In Japan, politeness is very important.
Even just adding:
すみません (Excuse me) ありがとうございます (Thank you)
can make your interaction much smoother.
At a Restaurant
Here are some useful phrases when eating out:
• メニューを見せてください。(Please show me the menu.)
(Menū wo misete kudasai)
Learn more: (〜てください)
• これをください。(I’ll take this one.)
(Kore wo kudasai)
Learn more: (〜をください)
• 水をください。(Water, please.)
(Mizu wo kudasai)
• もう一度言ってください。(Please say it again.)
(Mou ichido itte kudasai)
• これは何ですか？(What is this?)
(Kore wa nan desuka)
Learn more: (〜は〜です)
Shopping
Useful phrases when shopping:
• これはいくらですか？(How much is this?)
(Kore wa ikura desu ka)
Learn more: (いくらですか)
• これをください。(I’ll take this.)
(Kore wo kudasai)
Learn more: (〜をください)
• そのかばんは高いですか？(Is that bag expensive?)
(Sono kaban wa takai desu ka)
Learn more: (adjectives)
Asking for Directions
When you need help:
• トイレはどこですか？(Where is the toilet?)
(Toire wa doko desu ka)
Learn more: (どこですか)
• 駅はどこですか？ (Where is the station?)
(Eki wa doko desu ka)
• ここにありますか？(Is it here?)
(Koko ni arimasu ka)
Learn more: (あります / います)
When You Don’t Understand
Very important phrases:
• もう一度言ってください。(Please say it again.)
(Mou ichido itte kudasai)
Learn more: (〜てください)
• ゆっくり話してください。(Please speak slowly.)
(Yukkuri hanashite kudasai)
• 英語を話せますか？(Can you speak English?)
(Eigo wo hanase masuka)
Talking About What You Like
• すしが好きです。(I like sushi.)
(Sushi ga suki desu)
Learn more: (〜が好きです)
• このレストランはおいしいです。(This restaurant is delicious.)
(Kono resutoran wa oishī desu)
Learn more: (adjectives)
Why Learn These Phrases?
These phrases are simple, but they are powerful.
By learning just a few patterns like:
• 〜をください
• 〜てください
• 〜は〜です
You can create many sentences and communicate in real situations.
Summary
• These are essential phrases for traveling in Japan
• You can use them in restaurants, shops, and daily situations
• Many phrases follow simple grammar patterns
• You can learn more by studying each grammar point in detail