Travelling to Japan and need to be taught some Japanese phrases? I’ve put collectively this record of fundamental Japanese phrases for vacationers that can assist you!
If you happen to’re planning to go to Japan and need to be taught a couple of fundamental phrases that can assist you in your journey, you’ve come to the precise place. When you positively don’t have to know any Japanese to navigate Japan, it might turn out to be useful. Plus, locals at all times respect you realizing even a couple of sentences.
The problem with Japanese is that it may be a bit intimidating – the totally different writing methods, the grammar, the pronunciation… It’s troublesome!
I’ve been taking Japanese lessons for a couple of years now, and I attempt to follow as a lot at any time when I’m in Japan. However I’ve seen that there are some phrases I exploit on a regular basis, that are additionally those I train family and friends who go to Japan.
On this information, I’ve listed a very powerful phrases beneath so you should utilize them in your subsequent journey.
To verify the Japanese sentences beneath are 100% right, I paid an expert Japanese translator to double-check them and proper any errors.
Fast Notes on Japanese Phrases & Pronunciation
Earlier than I dive into sharing these widespread Japanese phrases, there are some things I’d like to say. If you happen to’re solely going to be taught 4 phrases, I believe it ought to be:
- Sorry/Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
- I’m okay/It’s okay/No, thanks: Daijōbu des (だいじょうぶです)
- Please: Onegaishimas/Kudasai (おねがいします/ください)
- Thanks: Arigatō gozaimas (ありがとうございます).
I’ve damaged this information down into a couple of totally different sections for various conditions, together with some on a regular basis phrases, handy retailer phrases, and restaurant phrases. A number of the sentences are repeated within the varied sections as they’re very helpful in several situations – however that manner, you gained’t need to learn the entire information for one scenario.
It’s additionally necessary to notice that I’ve included a number of the sentences on this information purely for understanding functions. If you happen to ask open questions and also you don’t perceive the response, it’s not very useful. Nevertheless, in eating places or comfort shops, staff could ask you some questions, which I’ve included beneath, together with easy methods to reply.
My largest tip is to simply give them a go and attempt your finest. There are plenty of alternatives to attempt talking Japanese if you’re travelling, and it may be very scary to attempt it for the primary time. However even when it’s not 100% right, most locals can be very supportive and pleased that you simply’re even making an attempt to talk some Japanese. You bought this!
As for pronunciation, I’ve written out the English model of the Hiragana/Katakana easy methods to pronounce it. For instance, the “u” in “desu” is silent, so I’ve written “des”. Hopefully, that can assist you to say the Japanese phrases beneath correctly.
Helpful Fundamental Japanese Phrases For Vacationers
Now we’ve bought the essential data out of the way in which, listed below are a number of the most typical Japanese phrases for vacationers:
- Good day: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
- Good morning: Ohayō (おはよう) or ohayō gozaimas (おはようございます)
- Good night: Konbanwa (こんばんは)
- Bye/So long (informal): Matane (またね) / Djaa-ne (じゃあね )
- Thanks: Arigatō gozaimas (ありがとうございます)
- Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
- Sorry: Gomennasai (ごめんなさい)
You’ll have seen sayōnara (さようなら) as a translation for goodbye. Whereas that is technically right, it’s not usually used in on a regular basis Japanese. You’d solely say sayōnara as a remaining goodbye if you gained’t see the individual once more. Matane (またね) or djaa-ne (じゃあね) could be extra becoming in most conditions.
Sumimasen (すみません) is a vital one to know, as you’ll be utilizing it rather a lot in Japan. It may be used to politely get somebody’s consideration (in a restaurant, for instance), as a method to apologise for a minor mistake (like bumping into somebody accidentally) or as a part of a request.
- I don’t perceive: Wakarimasen (わかりません)
- I don’t converse Japanese: Nihongo ga hanasemasen (にほんごがはなせません)
- My Japanese isn’t superb: Watashi no nihongo wa heta des (わたしのにほんごはへたです)
- Do you converse English?: Eigo ga hanasemas ka? (えいごがはなせますか?)
- Are you able to translate this?: Yakushte kudasai? (やくしてください?)
It might appear counterintuitive to discover ways to say you don’t converse a language in stated language. Nevertheless, I’ve at all times discovered it very useful to elucidate in case the individual I’m talking to doesn’t perceive English. Plus, realizing easy methods to ask in the event that they do converse English will help you open up the dialog in case you don’t converse extra Japanese.
- Please (when asking for one thing): Onegaishimas (おねがいします)
- You’re welcome: Dōitashimashte (どういたしまして)
- Sure / No: Hai/Iie (はい/いいえ)
- No, thanks (extra well mannered): Kekkō des (けっこうです)
- I’m okay / It’s positive: Daijōbu des (だいじょうぶです)
I’ve added iie (いいえ) to this record, but it surely’s not used very a lot in on a regular basis dialog because it sounds a bit too direct. If you happen to’re declining one thing, it’s higher to make use of kekkō des (けっこうです) or daijōbu des (だいじょうぶ です). It’s extra well mannered. I’ve added some examples of this within the comfort retailer and restaurant sections beneath.
- How are you?: O genki des ka? (おげんきですか?)
- I’m positive: Genki des (げんきです)
- Good to satisfy you: Hajimemashte (はじめまして)
- I’m [name]: [name] des ([name]です)
- Assist: Taskete (たすけて)
- What is that this?: Kore wa nan des ka? (これはなんですか?)
- I like [item]: [item] ga ski des ([item] がすきです)
- That’s wonderful: Sugoi des (すごいです)
- That’s lovely: Kirei des (きれいです)
- Is it okay to take a photograph?: Shashin tottemo ii des ka? (しゃしんとってもいいですか?)
When expressing that one thing is wonderful or lovely, you’ll be able to add ne (ね) after des (です) to attach with the listener a bit extra. It’s virtually like including “proper?” to the English model of the sentence. Throughout cherry blossom season, I stated a couple of “kirei des ne” (きれいですね) to some individuals taking footage of them, to which all of them replied.
- The place is the Shinjuku prepare station?: Shinjuku-eki wa doko des ka? (しんじゅくえきはどこですか?)
- The place is the exit?: Deguchi wa doko des ka? (でぐちはどこですか?)
Relying on what station you’re in search of, you’ll be able to change Shinjuku for the title of one other station. Eki means station, so please hold that the identical.
Japanese Phrases for the Comfort Retailer
Once you’re visiting Japan, the conbini (comfort retailer) will undoubtedly develop into a part of your day by day routine. Listed here are a number of the most typical Japanese phrases you should utilize or will hear within the comfort retailer:
- Welcome: Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ)
- Subsequent in line please: Otsugi no kata dōzo (おつぎのかたどうぞ)
- Please / Right here you go: Dōzo (どうぞ)
You’ll hear the conbini staff shout irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ) to just about everyone who enters the shop. It type of means one thing like “welcome to the shop”. You don’t have to answer this.
Dōzo (どうぞ) is a phrase that, like sumimasen (すみません), can be utilized in plenty of totally different situations. It could actually imply please, thanks, excuse me, right here you go, and many others. Within the comfort retailer, it’s usually used when the cashier fingers you something, or you’ll be able to say it if you hand over the cash.
- I would love [item]: [item] o kudasai ([item] をください) / [item] onegaishimas ([item] おねがいします)
- I would love [item 1] and [item 2]: [item 1] to [item 2] o kudasai ([item 1] と [item 2]をください)
- I would love this one: Kore kudasai (これください)
When asking for an merchandise, kudasai (ください) and onegaishimas (おねがいします) can each be used as a part of a well mannered request. They’re each roughly translated to “please” in English. Typically, they can be utilized interchangeably (not in each sentence, although!).
- One [item] please: [item] o hitotsu onegaishimas ([item]をひとつおねがいします)
- Two [items] please: [item] o futatsu onegaishimas ([item]をふたつおねがいします)
- Three [items] please: [item] o mittsu onegaishimas ([item]をみっつおねがいします)
- Small / Medium / Giant measurement: Esu-saizu (エスサイズ) / emu-saizu (エムサイズ) / eru-saizu (エルサイズ)
- Scorching / Iced: Hotto (ホット) / Aisu (アイス)
The counting system in Japanese is a bit obscure. On prime of getting a phrase for normal numbers, the phrases change relying on what’s being counted. There are over 100 totally different counter classes in Japanese, making it very difficult!
Nevertheless, if you’re ordering one thing in a restaurant or conbini, it’s finest to stay to the hitotsu (ひとつ), futatsu (ふたつ), mittsu (みっつ) system. You merely title the product you need, following by o + counter + onegaishimas. For instance: koohii o hitotsu onegaishimas (one espresso please).
Talking of ordering espresso, you might also need to add the measurement of your espresso when ordering. Apparently, you’ll be able to usually simply use the Englishified model of it. For instance: koohii o emu-saizu hitotsu onegaishimas (can I’ve one medium espresso please).
Lastly, you’ll be able to order each scorching or iced coffees at most conbinis You may specify whether or not you’d like them scorching or chilly, once more through the use of the Englishified model. For instance: Hotto onegaishimas (scorching please).
- Would you wish to heat it up?: Atatamemas ka? (あたためますか?)
- Do you want a bag?: Fukuro wa irimas ka? (ふくろはいりますか?)
- Would you want chopsticks?: O hashi otsuke shimas ka? (おはしおつけしますか?)
- Sure, please: Hai, onegaishimas (はい, おねがいします)
- No, thanks (I’m okay/it’s okay): Daijōbu des (だいじょうぶです)
The three questions above are issues the conbini worker will usually ask in case you go to the register to pay. All three may be answered very simply. If you happen to want to say sure, you’ll be able to say onegaishimas (おねがいします) or hai, onegaishimas (はい, おねがいします).
If you happen to don’t need it, you’ll be able to say daijōbu des (だいじょうぶです). This actually interprets to “I’m okay”, which is a well mannered method to decline the supply.
- How would you wish to pay?: O shiharai hōhō wa ikaganasaimas ka? (おしはらいほうほうはいかがなさいますか?)
- I’d wish to pay with money: Genkin de onegaishimas (げんきんでおねがいします)
- I’d wish to pay with (credit score) card: (Kurejitto) Kādo de onegaishimas ((クレジット)カードでおねがいします)
Most conbinis enable for card funds, so in case you’d wish to pay by card, you’ll be able to merely say “kādo de onegaishimas”.
- Do you have got a bathroom?: Toire wa arimas ka? (トイレはありますか?)
- Can you warmth this up, please?: Atatamete kudasai (あたためてください)
- How a lot does this price?: Kore wa ikura des ka? (これはいくらですか?)
Konbinis usually have bogs, however in case you can’t discover it, you should utilize the phrase above to ask. Clearly, it could be difficult to know the reply in case you don’t converse Japanese, however the workers can also level in direction of the toilet.
Japanese Phrases for a Restaurant
Listed here are some useful Japanese phrases for consuming out at a restaurant:
- Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
- Do you have got an English menu?: Eigo no menyuu wa arimas ka? (えいごのメニューはありますか?)
- What would you suggest?: O susume wa nan des ka? (おすすめは なんです か?)
As you’ve already realized on this information, sumimasen means “sorry” or “excuse me”. Once you’re in a restaurant or izakaya, you may also use sumimasen to get the waiter’s consideration. Some eating places could have a server button or iPad to order on, but when this isn’t the case, you’ll be able to name out “sumimasen!”. You’ll need to name it out fairly loudly! It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it surely’s the correct method to do it.
- I would like this one: Kore kudasai (これください)
- Only a second please: Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっとまってください)
- Right here you go: Dōzo (どうぞ)
When ordering, you should utilize the identical phrases as within the conbini part of this information (I would love this one, I would love one among this, and many others). Many menus in Japan have footage of the meals on them, so you’ll be able to level at it and say “kore kudasai”.
- Water / Beer / Wine: Mizu (みず) / Biiru (ビール) / Wain (ワイン)
- Not spicy, please: Karakunai de onegaishimas (からくないでおねがいします)
- I’m allergic to [item]: [item] arerugii ga arimas ([item] アレルギーがあります)
You probably have an allergy and need to let the waiter know, Meals Allergy Card Japan gives a free allergy card in Japanese that you may print and fill out to indicate the waiter.
- Take pleasure in your meal (earlier than consuming): Itadakimas (いただきます)
- Cheers!: Kanpai! (かんぱい!)
- The place is the bathroom?: Toire wa doko des ka? (トイレはどこですか?)
Earlier than beginning your meal, it’s customary to say itadakimas, which roughly interprets to “I humbly obtain”. It’s a method to present appreciation for the meals and the one who ready it.
- Can I’ve the invoice, please?: O kaikei onegaishimas? (お かいけい おねがいします?)
- Do you settle for bank card?: Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemas ka? (クレジットカードはつかえますか?)
- This was scrumptious: Oishii katta des (おいしいかったです)
- Thanks for the meal: Gochisōsamadeshta (ごちそうさまでした)
When leaving the restaurant after paying, it’s well mannered to say gochisōsamadeshta. It roughly interprets to “thanks for the meal”. It’s an effective way to present appreciation on the finish of your restaurant go to and is commonly a lot appreciated by the workers.
Helpful Fundamental Kanji for Vacationers
As briefly defined on the prime of this text, Japanese has three alphabets that are all utilized in the identical sentence. Whereas it’s not essential to be taught any kanji in case you’re travelling to Japan on vacation, listed below are a couple of useful ones that you could be recognise within the wild:
- 出口: Exit
- 入口: Entrance
- 女: Feminine
- 男: Male
- 円: Yen
- 駅: Station
- 水: Water
- 止まれ: Cease
- 押: Push
- 引: Pull
I’d additionally like so as to add “トイレ” right here, which is the katakana writing of “bathroom”. That is the way in which it’s written in Japanese, so if you’re in search of a public restroom, search for this!
If you wish to be taught some extra kanji, I like to recommend signing up for WaniKani. This examine device provides you the primary three ranges without spending a dime, permitting you to be taught round 100 kanji. I’ve been utilizing it alongside my Japanese lessons and I like it. The training fashion gamifies the method, preserving me very motivated to maintain learning.
Japanese Writing System Defined
One factor that intimidates most individuals after they begin studying Japanese is the totally different writing methods. In comparison with English, which has one writing system, Japanese has three: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. If you find yourself beginning to be taught the language, it’s finest to begin with Hiragana. Listed here are the variations:
- Hiragana: The “spherical” one. Hiragana is a phonetic alphabet and is principally used for operate phrases and different native Japanese phrases that aren’t coated by Kanji. As a result of Kanji is difficult to be taught, Hiragana can also be utilized in kids’s books and is ideal for these new to the language.
- Katakana: The “pointy” one. Like Hiragana, Katakana is a phonetic alphabet. The distinction is that Katakana is principally used for mortgage phrases from different languages (like han-ba-ga for hamburger).
- Kanji: Kanji are initially Chinese language characters. They’re used for nouns, ideas, stems of adjectives and stems of verbs. There are about 2,000 “important” kanji characters, so it takes a very long time to grasp all of them. The hiragana pronunciation is usually written above troublesome kanji, making it a bit simpler to be taught/learn.
Conclusion – Do You Have to Know Japanese to Go to Japan?
It’s completely attainable to go to Japan with out realizing any Japanese. Particularly in case you’re staying within the extra touristy areas (the Golden Route, for instance) or greater cities, there can be English indicators and most of the people who work in resorts or vacationer areas will know some English.
Throughout my first few journeys to Japan, I spoke no Japanese and I bought by simply positive. Nevertheless, now I’m actively studying Japanese, I discover how way more enjoyable travelling round Japan is. You get a a lot higher understanding of the tradition, you’ll be able to have some brief conversations with individuals and it’s at all times very a lot appreciated that I do know a little bit of Japanese.
If you happen to’re heading to locations a bit farther from the principle vacationer routes (Shikoku, for instance), English can be a bit tougher to search out, so realizing a couple of Japanese phrases can turn out to be useful. Both manner, so long as you have got Google Maps and Google Translate put in in your cellphone, you’ll be able to come a really great distance with out talking any Japanese.
Nevertheless, I do assume it’s enjoyable to attempt to converse some Japanese in your journey. Hopefully the Japanese phrases above provides you with greater than sufficient to follow with!