So, you’re heading to Japan. Sugoi! You’re picturing cherry blossoms, neon Tokyo streets, tranquil temples and probably more sushi than is physically sensible. But before you bow awkwardly at everyone and panic-order something mysterious from a vending machine, let’s get you armed with some language hacks.
Japanese is polite, precise and sometimes puzzling, but even a few simple words will win you smiles, better service and possibly an extra helping of ramen. So grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into ten phrases that will make you sound less like a lost tourist and more like a respectful traveller.
1. Arigatou gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas) – Thank you very much
🙏 The golden phrase. Use it everywhere, from shops to trains. Locals love hearing it.
💡 Hack: Shorten it to “arigatou” with friends, but keep the full version for everyone else.
2. Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen) – Excuse me / Sorry
🙇 Your all-purpose lifesaver. Works for bumping into someone, calling a waiter or politely squeezing through a crowd.
💡 Hack: Say it with a little bow. It softens even the clumsiest tourist moves.
3. Onegaishimasu (oh-neh-gai-shee-mas) – Please
🤲 The magic word. Whether you’re ordering food or asking for directions, this is politeness bottled up in three syllables.
💡 Hack: Pair it with pointing at a menu item. No one minds if you’re not fluent.
4. Hai (hah-ee) – Yes
👍 Short, simple and very common. You’ll hear it constantly. It doesn’t just mean “yes”, sometimes it’s just polite acknowledgement.
💡 Hack: Nod while saying it. Double confirmation never hurts in Japan.
5. Iie (ee-eh) – No
🙅♀️ Trickier to use than “yes” since Japanese culture avoids outright rejection. Still handy when someone offers you sake at 10am and you’re not ready.
💡 Hack: Pair it with a smile and small hand wave. Softer, friendlier, less awkward.
6. Oishii (oh-ee-shee) – Delicious
🍣 Drop this at restaurants and street food stalls. Instant chef happiness guaranteed.
💡 Hack: Say it with enthusiasm after your first bite. It’s basically a five-star review in one word.
7. Ikura desu ka? (ee-koo-rah dess kah) – How much is it?
💴 The shopping essential. From markets to quirky souvenir shops, this phrase will save you from guessing games.
💡 Hack: Smile while asking. Even if you don’t understand the answer, they’ll often show you on a calculator or phone.
8. Doko desu ka? (doh-koh dess kah) – Where is it?
🗺️ Pair it with gestures or the name of your destination. “Toire doko desu ka?” will get you to the loo faster than charades.
💡 Hack: Always carry a map screenshot. Words plus visuals equal success.
9. Wakarimasen (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen) – I don’t understand
🤯 Use it with a smile when you’re utterly lost in translation. It’s polite and shows you tried.
💡 Hack: Don’t panic if you get a flood of Japanese in response. Just repeat this word until help arrives.
10. Daijoubu (dai-joh-boo) – It’s OK / I’m fine
👌 Super versatile. From brushing off an apology to refusing extra plastic bags at a shop, this little word works wonders.
💡 Hack: Use it when you don’t need help, but keep it light-hearted. It’s polite reassurance, not a dramatic “I’m fine” from a soap opera.
✨ Final Bento Thoughts:
Japanese phrases aren’t just words, they’re little keys that unlock friendliness, smoother travels and the occasional free extra smile. With these ten in your back pocket, you’ll order food like a pro, navigate politely and maybe even charm a taxi driver or two.
So, whether you’re temple-hopping in Kyoto, getting gloriously lost in Shinjuku or hunting down sakura-flavoured KitKats, remember to bow lightly, sprinkle in some “arigatou gozaimasu” and keep practising your “oishii”.
