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Se souvenir de/Se rappeler (de) = To remember something in French

To express remembering [something/someone] in French, there are  two main phrases  you can use.

Learn how to use "se souvenir de" and "se rappeler (de)" in French

Se souvenir de [quelque chose/quelqu'un].

Je  me souviens de  cet été merveilleux. I remember this wonderful summer.

Tu  te souviens de  ton professeur de maths ? Do you remember your math teacher?

Elle  se souvient  du premier cadeau que tu lui as fait. She remembers the first gift you gave her.

Nous  nous souvenons d'une nuit pluvieuse, il y a quelques années. We remember a rainy night, a few years ago.

Vous  vous souvenez   des frères Jackson ? Do you remember the Jackson Brothers?

Elles  se souviennent d' Alice. They remember Alice.

Remember that de becomes d' in front of a vowel or mute h, and contracts into du or des if followed by le or les .

Se rappeler (de) [quelque chose/quelqu'un]

Je  me rappelle de  cet été merveilleux. I remember this wonderful summer.

Tu  te rappelles ton professeur de maths ? Do you remember your math teacher?

Oui, elle  se rappelle d' Henri. Yes, she remembers Henri.

Nous  nous rappelons  la première fois que nous t'avons rencontré. We remember the first time we met you.

Vous vous rappelez du  petit restaurant italien de Romorantin ? Do you remember the little Italian restaurant in Romorantin?

Ils se rappellent leur voyage à Toulouse. They remember their trip to Toulouse.

Cases with stress pronouns = to remember me, you, him...

Je me souviens  de lui. I remember him.

Tu te souviens de moi ? Do you remember me?

Enzo  se rappelle  d' elle. Enzo remembers her.

See how to conjugate  souvenir   Conjugate venir/tenir and derivatives in the present tense in French (Le Présent) and  rappeler Conjugate -eter and -eler verbs in the present tense in French (Le Présent) - main rule (ll / tt) in the present tense.

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• French Idioms

How to say To Remember in French [+ 9 Examples]

• Sam Denishin
• January 9, 2021

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In this grammar lesson you will learn how to say to remember in French.

In this lesson you will learn about:

• how to say to remember in French
• how the idiom is used in sentences
• how you can quiz yourself on how to say to remember in French
• how to practice with flashcards on how to say to remember in French
• how and why you should use the courses of Language Atlas to learn French

Please refer to the French A2 Curriculum to get a better overview of French grammar, if you are curious about this idiom fits in French A2 grammar.

By the end of the lesson you will know all about how to say to remember in French!

Table of Contents

Se souvenir de.

If you want to say “to remember” in French, then you will use the following idiom:

• se souvenir de [quelque chose] = to remember [something]

Je me souviens de tout . I remember everything .

Tu te souviens de nos vacances en France ? Do you remember our vacation in France ?

Elle ne se souvient de rien . She doesn’t remember anything .

Nous nous souvenons de ce que vous avez fait la dernière fois. We remember what you did last time.

Vous souvenez -vous de mon frère Henry ? Do you remember my brother Henry ?

De quoi vous souvenez -vous ? What do you remember ?

Also, if you want to say remember me/you/him/her/us/them, then you will use stress pronouns :

• se rappeler de [moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles]

Tu te souviens de moi  ? Do you remember me ?

Je crois que je me souviens de lui . I think I remember him .

Il se souvient d’ eux . He remembers them .

If you have some difficulties reflexive verbs, then please go over the lesson on reflexive verbs conjugation .

Sentences Overview of To Remember in French

The final section of this lesson on to remember in French is about seeing the idiom in action.

This is valuable because you can improve your understanding on to remember in French through examples.

Here you can find the sentences of the previous chapters, neatly stored in one place.

Quiz Yourself on To Remember in French

At the end of every lesson you can do a small quiz.

You will see the sentences of the previous chapter.

You will either need to fill in the blanks, choose the correct multiple choice option, or both.

Once you are done the correct answer will be shown.

You can redo the quiz as many times as you want!

How to Practice With Flashcards for This Lesson

Using flashcards is an absolute necessity when it comes to learning a language!

It is the best way to memorize what you learn, you can personalize your progression because it adapts to your actions, and all flashcards have audio to improve your hearing and pronunciation.

Please read our article on how to learn a new language for more information on flashcards and the best way to learn a new language.

There are two ways to practice with Flashcards for this lesson.

• The Flashcards in our Courses

Anki is a free software with which you can create and practice flashcards.

After you have downloaded Anki , you can get our French A2 Anki Deck .

This Anki Deck contains 3,816 flashcards with which you can practice absolutely everything for French A2.

All the flashcards have text, images, explanations, and audio.

You can also use our courses that have flashcards integrated alongside lessons with audio, quizzes and much more!

However, I am sure you are wondering, what are your courses, and why should I take them?

The Courses of Language Atlas

Have you ever wondered what the best way is to learn a new language?

I have been learning languages for over 20+ years and I was always frustrated with books, courses, and classes that I had tried.

It never really seemed to work for me.

I wanted to learn a language in the most effective and efficient way, and there was nothing out there for me.

So I thought, “ why not make something myself? “.

Using my experience and by doing research I created Language Atlas, a platform where people can learn French and Spanish in the most effective and efficient way.

I created free lessons and quizzes so that there would always be a easy and accessible way for people to learn or brush up on their language skills.

However, I also created courses that are much more comprehensive and in-depth.

These courses are easy to follow, clear, and allow you to become fluent in the most effective and efficient way.

The courses of Language Atlas have:

• 800+ Lessons with audio
• 800+ Quizzes
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• A gamified way of learning a new language
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You can register for free and try the French A0/A1 and Spanish A0/A1 Courses for free!

This includes over 60 lessons and quizzes, 500 flashcards that adapt to how you learn, and access to the community (including support from me).

All you have to do is study 30 minutes a day and you will be fluent in no time!

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French translation of 'to remember'

to remember

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Useful Japanese Expressions When Traveling in Japan

Being in a country where you don’t speak the language can be stressful. Unlike many European countries, which use the same alphabet as English and have a lot of cognates, Japanese has a completely different alphabet, so if you’re in a place where there are no English signs, you can get lost quickly. People sometimes say Japanese is the most difficult language in the world to learn . With that in mind, we’ve collected a few key phrases that can help you on your trip. Feel free to bust these out while walking around Tokyo or when meeting friends for dinner to show them you’re putting in some effort. 

One important distinction to keep in mind: unlike with English, getting these phrases partially right usually won’t work. Americans are used to “broken English” and deciphering what people are trying to say, but in Japanese, getting close may not be good enough. Part of the reason for this is that Japanese has a limited number of sounds, and there are many homophones, where a single spoken “word” can represent a few different things; without context, the other person won’t know which of those things you’re trying to say. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring along a piece of paper with some key phrases, or save them into your phone, so you’ll have the entire phrase at the ready when you need it! And if you want, you can always learn some more tips about the Japanese language.

Japanese Greetings

Introducing yourself in japanese, how are you in japanese, apologizing in japanese, please & thank you in japanese, useful japanese phrases at a shop or restaurant, asking for directions in japanese, phrases when you don’t understand, the most important one…, learn japanese at home , japan wonder travel tours, other articles you may like.

Japanese features different greetings for different times of day. Generally, you can wait to hear which one the other person uses, and repeat that. However, when in doubt, stick with the afternoon greeting.

Good Morning Ohayo gozaimasu 　おはようございます

The first word, Ohayo , is actually the one that references morning. Gozaimasu is an expression of politeness that is added onto certain phrases. You will generally never hear Ohayo without gozaimasu at the end of it, unless among close friends and family. Japanese workers say ohayo gozaimasu to many people every day, so they often say it quite fast!

Good afternoon Konnichiwa 　こんにちは 

You’ve probably heard this one before, as konnichiwa is used as a general “hello” in addition to being “good afternoon.” 

Good evening Konbanwa 　こんばんは

This is for when you meet someone in the evening. To say it properly, think of it as a three-part rhythm: kon-ban-wa!

Good-bye Sayonara 　さようなら

This is another one you’ve likely heard before, it is often said in movies and series. However, Japanese people almost never use it because it is like saying farewell or goodbye forever. Instead you will hear japanese say mata, ya ne or just bye bye.

Good night Oyasuminasai　おやすみなさい

This is what you should say when parting at the end of the evening. It’s sort of like “sleep well,” and can be used when saying good-night on the street or to a housemate right before bed.

When you first meet someone, there are a couple polite expressions you can use. If you don’t know a lot of Japanese, you won’t be expected to lead the conversation, but if you hear these said, you’ll know how to respond in kind, and you can show off that you know them!

Nice to meet you Hajimemashite　はじめまして

This first phrase is generally only used the first time you meet someone.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu　よろしく おねがいします

This is another way to say “Nice to meet you.” You can also say douzo yoroshiku , which employs douzo, another polite expression (there are many polite phrases in Japanese!)

The big difference in how these two expressions are used is based on the situation: in casual conversation, such as being introduced to a friend of a friend, hajimemashite works. But if you’re speaking to a room full of business associates, you’ll want to use yoroshiku , which has a more formal flair. But if you’re just a tourist excited about meeting new people , you can use both, and your new acquaintances will be impressed!

My name is ______ Watashi wa ______ desu　わたしは______です

Watashi is “I,” and desu means “am.” In Japanese grammar, this is how sentences are structured. Wa serves a purpose that is rather complex, but basically, it makes you the subject of the sentence while putting the focus on your name. There are other ways to introduce yourself, but “My name is ______” is the simplest.

I am American Amerikajin desu　アメリカじんです

Obviously, this will differ based on where you’re from, but jin signifies you are from that country. Technically, the phrase would be Watashi wa America-jin desu, but you can omit the first part.

How are you? O-genki desu ka?　おげんきですか

Technically, this is “Are you well?” but this casual form of asking how someone is doing is the one you’re most likely to hear. In casual situations you will also hear only the word ‘genki’ with a rising intonation to indicate it’s a question.

I am good Genki desu 　げんきです

This is the simplest, most polite response to give in return. It’s akin to “I’m fine,” and shows appreciation for the question without getting too into things. Friends will just omit the desu part and say genki.

Japanese has two expressions for “sorry,” and they differ in how they are used. While they both technically mean “sorry,” it’s important to understand the difference:

Excuse me Sumimasen　すみません

You will hear this phrase all the time in Japan. Sumimasen is a “sorry” that is more like “excuse me,” and is what you will use if you wish to get an employee’s attention or if you accidentally bump into someone in the aisle of an airplane.

Sorry Gomennasai　ごめんなさい

This is a more serious apology, and is used when you are genuinely sorry for something. It is more likely you will use this with someone you know. However, older Japanese people may use it instead of sumimasen if they bump into you, but they are just being polite.

Politeness is given the utmost respect in Japan, so if you memorize these key phrases, it will be greatly appreciated.

After you Douzo 　 どうぞ

This word is like “please,” but is used in situations where you are offering something to someone. If you hold a door for someone, give them a tissue, or serve them a drink , you’ll say douzo , and you’ll hear it from wait staff an awful lot.

Please Kudasai　ください Onegaishimasu　おねがいします

These words are added onto the end of a request to show politeness. Kudasai is less polite than onegaishimasu , and as a result, you will often hear employees say the latter.

Thank you Arigato gozaimasu　ありがとうございます

Here’s that pesky gozaimasu again. As before, it adds politeness, and in general should always be used. You may have heard Domo arigato before, which is essentially “thanks a lot,” and the phrase domo arigato gozaimasu adds an extra layer of appreciation. With friends, you can simply say domo in casual situations like a group dinner if saying arigato gozaimasu over and over becomes repetitive.

You’re welcome Douitashimashite　どういたしまして

The simplest response to arigato gozaimasu . An easy way to remember this one is that it sounds like “Don’t touch my mustache.” That may seem strange, but trust us, you’ll remember it now.

Welcome Irasshaimase　いらっしゃいませ

This greeting will be shouted at you often when you enter a restaurant or store. You don’t need to return it, as it’s generally said by staff to customers.

How much is it? Ikura desuka? or ikura deshouka?　 いくらですか or いくらでしょうか

This is how you ask for the price of something. If you struggle remembering, a simple ikura will let them know what you’re trying to find out.

Cheers! Kanpai!　かんぱい

As with many cultures, the Japanese have an expression for raising a toast. Hold your glass up and say kanpai, or “finish your drink,” when someone initiates.

Let’s eat! Itadakimasu　いただきます

This is a Japanese way of saying Grace before a meal. It’s polite to repeat this before digging in.

Delicious! Oishii!　おいしい

If you go out to eat at a nice restaurant or sample some of Japan’s delicious street food , you’re bound to hear this expression quite a bit. One little extra: if you add sou , you’re saying what the food looks like. So, oishisou! means “looks delicious!”

Thank you for the meal Doumo gochisou samade shita　どうもごちそうさまでした

This expression means “It was a feast!” If you say this to the chef or proprietor as you leave a restaurant, it will put a smile on their face.

Where is _______ ? _______ wa doko desu ka?　はどこですか

As before, wa signifies the subject. Doko is where, and ka signifies a question. So if you want to know where Shibuya is, say Shibuya wa doko desu ka?

It’s inevitable that you’ll end up in situations where your Japanese runs short and you can’t carry on a conversation. Japanese people are sometimes shy with their English skills and won’t want to try their English unless they know for sure you don’t understand Japanese. In those situations, let them know:

I don’t understand Wakarimasen 　わかりません I don’t understand Japanese Nihongo ga wakarimasen　 にほんごがわかりません

Here, you see ga instead of wa . The differences between these two are subtle, so if you mix them up, don’t worry too much about it.

Do you understand English? Eigo ga wakarimasu ka 　えいごがわかりますか Do you speak English Eigo o hanashimasu ka　えいごをはなしますか

Notice the difference between these two phrases. One is asking if the person understands, and one is asking them if they speak the language. Don’t worry too much about which one you use if you’re struggling to find someone who can help you. When a wide-eyed foreigner says eigo to someone in the service industry, they’ll understand what you’re asking.

Is there an English menu? Eigo no menu (ga arimasu ka)?　えいごのメニュー（がありますか）

Technically, what you’re saying here is just “English menu.” But when you’re hungry, it’s good to get to the point. If you want to be polite add the ‘ga arimasu ka’ part.

Finally, here’s an expression you’ll definitely need while exploring the sites of Kyoto :

Can you please take a picture of us? Shya-shin o totte kudasai　しゃしんをとってください

Just say this while thrusting your camera at someone, and they’ll understand what you’d like them to do!

Go! Go! Nihon offers a 2 week online course where you can take Japanese lessons at any time you want at home. This is a perfect course for beginners who want to start learning basic Japanese. Variety of lessons including written lessons, audio recordings and role-play are included for this course, and you will also get to learn not only the Japanese language but its culture with demonstration videos. If you are planning to study in Japan or work in Japan, or just before traveling to Japan, this online course can be a good option to take as a first step to learn Japanese! You’ll get a certificate after finishing a course. ▶Buy Go! Go! Nihon Japanese Crash Course

If you do not want to worry about the language barrier and are looking for a worry free experience, discover Japan with a local guide! Japan Wonder Travel offers all kinds of tours for you to enjoy, whether you want to learn more about the culture in Kyoto, the food in Osaka or the most popular places to visit in Tokyo; we can help you! Check out our different city tours , all can be customized according to your request.

While this certainly isn’t enough to make you fluent, these phrases should help you with some of the most common situations you’re likely to find in Japan. Have you traveled to Japan or other countries where you didn’t speak the language? What phrases did you wish you’d learned before you went? Let us know so we can help!

Follow us on  Instagram ,  Facebook  and  Twitter  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy travelling!

Gregg Maxwell Parker is an author and screenwriter best known for the book  Troublemakers . Originally from the United States, he moved to Kobe in 2018. Gregg and his wife, Eriko, are the minds behind the blog  As Seen In Japan , where they share pictures and stories from everyday Japanese life. They can be found on  Twitter  and  Instagram .

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra costs to you.

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Ten French words used in Japanese フランス語からの外来語

• Published on : 17/10/2017
• by : I.D.O.
• Add to favorites

Make your debut (デビュー debyû) in Japanese

For the Japanese, France and the French language are often symbols of romance and culture. Here is a list of ten French words frequently used in Japanese.

It is through its culture that France has become known and sometimes greatly appreciated by part of the Japanese population. The arts, first painting, and music then cinema, literature, cooking, and fashion have attracted a large number of Japanese.

Many French words related to these areas have been integrated into the Japanese language and transcribed into katakana , the syllabary used to write foreign names. These words are sometimes diverted from their true meaning, and it is with amusement that the French learn their meaning in Japanese, while some Japanese discover with astonishment that terms they thought belonged to their mother tongue are in fact of French origin.

Japanese borrow from the French...

• Appointment

Many words are mostly used by older people. Thus, Rendez-vous  ランデブー or randebu  was previously often used in the sense of date, and in Japan, you never have an appointment with the dentist!

After the war, singers and singers of French variety (Piaf, Juliette Greco, Montand, Adamo, and other celebrities) became known abroad and especially in Japan where chanson  シャンソン , chanson , designates the French song of that time. The Japanese will be very surprised to hear about "Japanese song". For them, the term chanson only applies to old French songs!

• Competition

During a コンクール konkuru contest , the Japanese public will applaud with great fanfare again  アンコール ankōru (understand bis) the lucky winner of a  グランプリ  guranpuri grand prize .

• Culinary terms

On the other hand, at breakfast, young and old can do like the French by eating croissants  クロワッサン kurowassan , with a cafe au lait  カフェオレ kafeore . There is even a cooking magazine called "Croissant" (in katakana).

At the restaurant, all generations combined will order, without suspecting their Gallic origins, a gratin グラタン guratan or even croquettes  コロッケ  korokke with a salad seasoned with mayonnaise  マヨネーズ mayonezu . The mayonnaise sold in tubes and manufactured by the Japanese brand Kewpie is in every home and is used in many Japanese dishes such as yakisoba (fried noodles) , takoyaki (octopus dumplings), okonomiyaki (a type of large pancake savory), and other popular dishes. So much so that most Japanese are still amazed to discover that this seasoning they have known since childhood is not native to their country. However, the sound of this name is not Japanese!

This small list is just an example, countless other French words punctuate the Japanese language!

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15 things to know before going to Japan

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Be ready for a visit to Japan with these tips on health, safety and etiquette © pat138241 / Getty Images

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors.

The truth is, though, that the traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux pas.

As with just about anything in life, expectation management is key. Put your mind at ease with our top tips for smooth traveling in Japan .

1. Book accommodation in advance (and arrive at the right time)

You can probably get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation in a pinch, but why risk it? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance, so it's best to plan ahead.

Particularly busy travel periods include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April, depending on the destination), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5) and August.

You should also keep in mind that smaller inns or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) often have fixed check-in times outside of which staff won’t be present, and rooms won’t be made up. Coordinate your arrival time in advance.

2. Pack light for a visit to Japan

Since hotel rooms in Japan tend to be small, especially in cities, there is little room for large suitcases – which can also be a pain to wrangle on public transport . Packing on the lighter side is always a good idea, but especially advisable for Japan.

Note that religious sites such as Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t have dress codes. High-end restaurants, bars and clubs sometimes do, but that usually just means no sleeveless shirts or sandals on men.

Keep in mind that you might find yourself sitting on the floor when dining out, which can be uncomfortable in short (or tight) clothing.

3. Buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport

Finding your way around in Japan can be tricky. The address system is notoriously difficult to navigate – even for locals – so smartphones with navigation apps have been a real boon for travelers.

This means you're likely to be using a substantial amount of data getting from place to place, so buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport upon arrival. 

Ready to go to Japan? Here are 24 of the best things to do when you get there

4. Bring shoes you can easily slip on and off

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll also likely have to take your shoes off frequently at religious sites, traditional inns and some restaurants – you’ll thank yourself later if you pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Since you’ll be slipping into a pair of communal slippers when you take your own shoes off, many visitors prefer to wear socks.

5. Learn how to use a bidet toilet

Called “washlets,” Japan’s high-tech, electronic bidet toilets will wash and dry your delicate parts with the touch of a button. (Don’t worry about any language barrier; the pictograms on the buttons are easy to understand).

Other toilet customs in Japan might throw you for a loop. Motion-sensor-activated sound machines are intended to conceal, um, sensitive noises. Also expect dedicated toilet slippers in shoes-off establishments.

Note that there is frequently a lack of towels and hand dryers (locals carry small cloths with them for this reason).

6. Come prepared for the weather

Summers in Japan are hot and humid, which can mean a real risk of heatstroke. Carry water with you, and a folding umbrella with UV blocking is useful – and does double duty in case of a sudden shower.

Late June is the start of the annual rainy season, when it can rain without end for days; this can last a few weeks or through most of July.

Rains, as well as punishing winds, are likely again during typhoon season , which runs from September through October (earlier in Okinawa ).

Typhoons can cause serious travel disruption; monitor the situation with the  Japan Meteorological Agency ’s storm and other weather warnings, which are available in English. Winters can get chilly, and  Tōhoku and Hokkaidō up north can get huge dumps of snow.

Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores are handy for weather-related necessities like umbrellas, hats, cooling wipes and pocket warmers.

7. Make sure to carry cash...

In rural Japan and at older family-run businesses in cities, credit cards may not be accepted. It’s wise to assume you’ll need to pay cash at country ryokan and smaller restaurants and shops; stock up when you’re in a town with an ATM (cashpoint).

To pay as the Japanese do, place your cash or card in the small tray at the register rather than handing either to the cashier.

8. ...But don’t worry about tipping

Though tour guides who regularly take foreign tourists around might expect extra, Japan has no custom of tipping, and an attempt to add to your bill will more often than not fluster or embarrass staff.

In lieu of tipping, some bars and restaurants will charge a flat-rate service fee, usually around ¥300–500 per person; others, typically fancy ones, will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.

9. Learn the art of queueing in Japan

The Japanese are big on queues, forming neat lines everywhere from check-out counters to train platforms. (Regarding the latter: after the train doors open, it’s everyone for themselves when it comes to scoring a seat.)

10. Stand to the left (or to the right)

Always ride on one side of the escalator – but which side depends on where you are. In Kanto and eastwards, it’s to the left; in Kansai and westwards, it’s to the right. (The dividing point is somewhere just west of Nagoya ).

Incidentally, train operators want passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator and refrain from walking altogether, even if commuters have so far shrugged at these guidelines.

11. Note when the last train leaves

City subways run until 1am at the very latest. If you miss the last train for the night, the alternative is to catch a taxi, which can be expensive. 

12. Avoid the morning commute in Tokyo

For Tokyoites , the morning commute is a contact sport. On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am, millions squeeze into trains across the city, sometimes helped along by station staff who make sure everyone’s packed in.

Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, sees an average of over 3.5 million commuters daily; there are more than 200 exits leading in and out of the complex.

13. Eating in public is generally a no-no in Japan

It’s considered bad form to eat in public, especially while walking. Exceptions include the shinkansen (bullet train) and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, where it is customary to eat a bentō (boxed meal) on board; plus at festivals or market streets with food vendors; on a picnic; and of course if you're eating ice cream.

It’s also okay to take sips from a resealable beverage container, like a water bottle.

14. Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami

Japan is one of the most seismically active places on the planet. While strong earthquakes are rare, minor temblors happen all the time. If this occurs during your time here, stay calm and take your cue from those around you.

Head under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking picks up; strict building codes generally keep harm to a minimum.

Rarer but more dangerous tsunami can follow a significant quake. Should this occur, listen for tsunami warnings and get to higher ground fast if you are near the coast. 

15. Learn some Japanese lingo 

English is widely spoken in cities and around major tourist attractions; in rural areas, though, it can be hit or miss. Some Japanese words that will come in handy when dining out: 

• omori (large portion, often free at ramen stalls) • okawari (refill)  • mochikaeri (takeaway)  • tennai de (eat-in)  • onegai shimasu (please). Follow up any of your orders or requests with this; for example, if you want tea, say, “O-cha onegai shimasu.”  • sumimasen (excuse me)  • arigato gozaimasu (thank you). Because it’s a bit of a mouthful, it’s tempting to shorten it to simply arigato . Think of it as the difference between “thank you” and “thanks” and go for the politer “arigato gozaimasu.” • toire (toilet; pronounced “to-ee-rey”)

This article was first published April 2022 and updated March 2024

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The Top 50 Common French Phrases for Travelers and Tourists

Whether you're planning a trip to france or any other french-speaking country, learning a few key phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience., introduction.

French is a widely spoken language that is popular among travelers and tourists. Whether you're planning a trip to France or any other French-speaking country, learning a few key phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. This article presents the top 50 common French phrases that every traveler should know. These phrases will help you navigate various situations, interact with locals, and make the most of your trip.

Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions

• "Bonjour" - Hello
• "Merci" - Thank you
• "S'il vous plaît" - Please
• "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
• "Pardon" - Pardon me
• "Au revoir" - Goodbye
• "Oui" - Yes
• "Je m'appelle [Your Name]" - My name is [Your Name]
• "Comment ça va?" - How are you?

Basic Conversational Phrases

• "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
• "Je ne comprends pas" - I don't understand
• "Pouvez-vous m'aider?" - Can you help me?
• "Je cherche [a hotel]" - I'm looking for [a hotel]
• "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
• "Je voudrais [a coffee]" - I would like [a coffee]
• "Où est [the bathroom]?" - Where is [the bathroom]?
• "Qu'est-ce que c'est?" - What is it?
• "Je suis perdu(e)" - I am lost
• "Est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes de crédit?" - Do you accept credit cards?

Transportation and Directions

• "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
• "Je voudrais un billet pour [Paris]" - I would like a ticket to [Paris]
• "Je voudrais un billet aller-retour - I would like a round-trip ticket
• "À quelle heure part le prochain train?" - What time does the next train depart?
• "Est-ce que ce bus va à [l'aéroport]?" - Does this bus go to [the airport]?
• "Combien de temps cela prend-il pour aller à [la plage]?" - How long does it take to get to [the beach]?
• "Excusez-moi, je cherche [la rue Saint-Michel]" - Excuse me, I'm looking for [Saint-Michel Street]
• "Est-ce que vous pouvez m'indiquer le chemin?" - Can you give me directions?
• "Je suis en retard. Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi?" - I'm running late. Can you call a taxi?
• "Est-ce que je peux utiliser mon téléphone ici?" - Can I use my phone here?
• "À quelle heure ferme le métro?" - What time does the metro close?
• "Pouvez-vous me déposer à l'hôtel?" - Can you drop me off at the hotel?

Food and Dining

• "Une table pour [deux personnes], s'il vous plaît" - A table for [two people], please
• "Je voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît" - I would like to see the menu, please
• "Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez?" - What do you recommend?
• "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am a vegetarian
• "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
• "Je voudrais réserver une table pour ce soir" - I would like to book a table for tonight
• "Est-ce que le service est inclus?" - Is the service charge included?
• "Je voudrais essayer [le plat traditionnel]" - I would like to try [the traditional dish]
• "Avez-vous des plats sans gluten?" - Do you have any gluten-free options?
• "Quelle est la spécialité de la région?" - What is the regional specialty?

Learning a few common French phrases can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience. With these top 50 phrases at your disposal, you'll be able to navigate through various situations, communicate with locals, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Remember to practice these phrases and embrace the opportunity to engage with native speakers during your travels. Bon voyage!

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83 Must-Know Japanese Travel Phrases For Your Next Trip To Japan

If you're learning Japanese and considering a trip to Japan, you'll probably want to learn some Japanese travel phrases so you can make the most of your trip.

Getting a feel for which expressions will be most important to you can vary depending upon your specific interests and goals while traveling. But some vocab is particularly useful no matter what.

If you spend time learning any basic Japanese phrases and words, start with these 83 Japanese travel phrases so that you can head into Japan on the right foot!

Regardless of where you are or what you’re doing, two of the most important words you’ll need to know are arigatou gozaimasu and sumimasen .

Arigatou (gozaimasu ) means “thank you,” and it’s very polite; you can use it with anyone. Sumimasen means “excuse me” (when trying to get someone’s attention) or “I’m sorry” (if you’ve inconvenienced someone, such as by misunderstanding or taking up time).

Let's discover the other Japanese travel phrases that will be a must on your next trip to Japan.

By the way, if you want to learn Japanese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is  Japanese Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®. 

With  Japanese Uncovered  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.

If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial.

At The Airport

So you have arrived in Japan, and you’re in the airport. Depending on how your travels went and what you’re planning on doing next, you might have multiple places you need to visit.

To start, review your vocab and see if any of these locations apply to you for your next stop:

#1 currency exchange ( ryougaejo 両替所) #2 toilet ( toire トイレ) #3 customs ( zeikan 税関) #4 immigration ( nyuukoku shinsa 入国審査) #5 information ( desksougou annaijo 総合案内所) #6 souvenir shop ( omiyageya お土産屋) #7 Seat ( seki 席) #8 Train ( densha 電車) #9 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

These are the most likely places you’ll need to stop next once you arrive. If you need to locate a certain establishment or find where to go, you can always ask someone:

#10 Where is the ______? (____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿はどこですか。)

After you conclude your business wandering around the airport, you’ll probably be heading out into the city. In order to do that, you’ll most likely need to take a train out of the airport. If you feel confident using the airport’s self-service ticket machines, you can buy your own ticket.

However, if you have a JR Pass or need to use special train services, or if you don’t know how to use the machines, you can approach the manned ticket counter and ask:

#11 Can I have a ticket to _______ please? (____ made no chiketto wo kudasai. ＿＿までのチケットをください。)

If you are concerned that you may have to change trains during the process, you can ask about this too by saying:

#12 Is there a transfer? ( Norikae ha arimasu ka? 乗り換えはありますか。)

Taking A Taxi

Taxis in Japan are much more economical options than people give them credit for, so if you’re overwhelmed about navigating by yourself, a taxi can be a great option. The vocabulary for taking a taxi is simple, and drivers typically go above and beyond to help you.

#13 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

When you have located the taxis, you will see that they typically drive up in a line. Wait your turn, and when one drives up, approach. Remember: do not open or close the taxi doors yourself; the driver has an automated button to do this for you.

#14 I’d like to go to _____, please. (____ made onegaishimasu ＿＿までお願いします) #15 How much does it cost? ( Ikura desu ka? いくらですか。)

One important thing to remember is that Japan is a very cash-centric society . The use of credit cards is much rarer than you may be used to, so you should plan to carry larger than normal amounts of cash with you in general. This also means that you should be prepared to ask your taxi driver if he or she accepts credit cards at all.

#16 Is paying by credit card okay? ( Kurejitto kaado de ii desu ka? クレジットカードでいいですか。)

Checking Into Your Hotel

So you have taken a taxi or train, and you’ve arrived at your hotel. Hotels have a wide array of commodities that you can take advantage of, which means that you’ll also get to use a lot of unique vocabulary.

Check out some of the words you’re most likely to use:

#17 Key ( kagi 鍵) #18 Front desk ( chouba (but furonto desuku is more common) 帳場 (フロントデスク)) #19 Lobby ( robii ロビー) #20 Dining room ( shokudou 食堂) #21 Hall ( rouka 廊下) #22 Towel ( taoru タオル) #23 Soap ( sekken 石鹸) #24 Toothbrush ( ha-burashi 歯ブラシ) #25 Toothpaste ( ha-migaki 歯磨き) #26 Razor ( kamisori かみそり) #27 Television ( terebi テレビ) #28 Housekeeping ( kaji-gakari かじがかり) #29 Laundry ( sentaku 選択)

If you are looking to do laundry at a hotel, be aware that Japanese dryers are not as powerful as most countries’, so you may need to run the dryer multiple times or simply hang your clothes to dry.

When you are ready to check in, you can approach the front desk. Depending on what you need to do next, you can use phrases such as:

#30 I’d like to check in. ( Chekku in wo onegaishimasu .チェックインをお願いします。) #31 My name is _______. ( Namae wa _____desu .名前あ＿＿＿です。) #32 I’d like to make a reservation. ( Yoyaku wo shitai desu .予約をしたいです。) #33 Is there wifi? ( Wi-Fi ga arimasu ka? WIFIがありますか。) #34 What time is checkout? ( Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka? チェックアウトは何時ですか。`) #35 Can you hold my luggage for me? ( Nimotsu wo koko ni oite itte mo ii desu ka? 荷物はここに置いていってもいいですか。)

Japanese Greetings

Now that you have settled into Japan a little bit, you’ll probably enjoy going for a walk to see the sights. As you interact with other people, the phrases you’re most likely to hear them say are:

#36 Ohayou/konnichiwa/konbanwa

These are the “daily” greetings that mean “hello.” Ohayou (good morning) is typically used until about 11:30 or noon, then people switch to konnichiwa (good afternoon). At about 5pm, most people will switch to konbanwa (good evening).

#37 Itterasshai/Okaeri

When you leave and return for the day, you may be greeted with unique phrases. Itterasshai means “have a safe trip” or simply “goodbye for the day,” said as you leave. Your hotel staff may say this to you. They may also greet you with okaeri (welcome back) when you return.

#38 Irasshaimase

Whenever you enter a business, you’ll likely be greeted with irasshaimase , a very formal welcome. You are not expected to say anything in response; it’s sort of like the staff saying hello while also thanking you for shopping or visiting.

Buying Coffee

If you can’t go a day without your morning brew, take heart—Japanese coffee shops are everywhere, and the vocabulary is actually almost identical to what you may be used to ordering.

#39 Coffee shop ( kissaten 喫茶店) #40 Hot coffee ( hotto kohi ホットコーヒー) #41 Iced coffee ( aisu kohi アイスコーヒー) #42 Cafe latte ( kafe rate カフェラテ) #43 Drip coffee ( dorippu kohi ドリップコーヒー) #44 Soy milk ( soi miruku ソイミルク)) #45 Espresso ( Esupuresso エスプレッソ)

When it comes time to order your drink, you can specify what you want via the following format:

#46 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

The [item] can be kohi, mizu (water), or any other item you would like to order. If you don’t know how to say what you want to order, you can point to a menu and simply say “kore” (this) in the [item] place. You can fill the [number] slot with the quantity you would like; the words hitotsu, futatsu , and mitsu mean one, two, and three, respectively.

For example:

• I’d like one hot coffee, please. ( Hotto kohi wo hitotsu onegaishimasu. )

After this, the waitress may ask what size you would like. You can typically choose from small (S), medium (M), and large (L).

Use the letter to indicate which size you would like:

#47 Size ( saizu サイズ) #48 Medium M ( saizuM サイズ)

In A Japanese Restaurant

If you’ve decided to stop by a Japanese restaurant instead of a café, you might need a wider variety of words to make sure you can get by.

The good news is that many restaurants—especially in large cities—have pictures on their menus, and no one will be upset if you point and simply say “this, please.”

To start, the vocabulary you’re most likely to need include:

#49 Fish ( sakana 魚) #50 Meat ( niku 肉) #51 Vegetables ( yasai 野菜) #52 Vegetarian ( begitarian ベジタリアン) #53 Beer ( biiru ビール) #54 Water ( mizu 水) #55 Tea ( ocha お茶)

As you enter a restaurant, you will likely be asked how many people are in your party. Using basic Japanese numbers 1-10, you can create the following sentence:

#56 There are [number] people. ([number] mei desu .___名です)

Once you have been seated, you may need to use some of the following phrases:

#57 Do you have an English menu? ( Eigo no menyu arimasu ka? 英語のメニューありますか。) #58 What is this [while pointing]? ( Kore ha nan desu ka? これは何ですか。)

When you have decided what you would like to order, you can simply state:

#59 [item] please. (____ onegaishimasu .＿＿お願いします。)

If you do not know the name of the item and would like to order just by pointing at the menu, you can use:

#60 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

When your meal is over, your next step is to pay. Important phrases that can get you through this phase of the interaction include:

#61 Could we have the bill, please? ( Okaikei kudasai. お会計ください。) #62 Can I pay with a credit card? ( Kurejitto kaado de daijoubu desu ka? クレジットカードで大丈夫ですか。)

In A Convenience Store

If you don’t feel like stopping by a restaurant, or if you’d just like a quick bite to eat or other item, the thousands of convenience stores (called konbini , short for konbiniensu sutoa , “convenience store”) that appear on nearly every street corner are ready to serve you.

The easiest meals in terms of simplicity will be bento boxes, or small boxes (in the cold section) that serve as a whole meal. If you pick one of those up and stand in line, you will almost always hear the following three phrases (to which you can answer yes or no, which keeps things simple):

#63 Next in line, please! ( Otsugi no kata douzo! お次の方どうぞ。) #64 Do you have a point card [a rewards card for the convenience store]? ( Pointo ka-do ha omochi desu ka? ポイントカードはお持ちですか。) #65 Would you like your bento warmed up? ( Obento atatamemasu ka? お弁当温めますか。)

Getting Directions And Getting Lost

Almost inevitably, you’ll find yourself turned around once you start exploring. That’s not such a bad thing! Japan is full of small, tucked away secrets, and the people are eager to help you get back to a familiar place much more often than not.

If you need to ask directions, the phrases that will serve you best are:

#66 Where is [place]?( ____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿ はどこですか。) #67 Can I ask you for directions? ( Michi wo kiite mo ii desu ka? 道を聞いてもいいですか。) #68 Can you help me? ( Tasukete kudasaimasen ka? 助けてくださいませんか。)

In response, Japanese people are likely to use the following words:

#69 Next ( totonari となり) #70 In front of ( mae 前) #71 Behind ( ushiro 後ろ) #72 Nearby ( chikaku 近く) #73 North ( kita 北) #74 South ( minami 南) #75 East ( higashi 東) #76 West ( nishi 西) #77 Right ( migi 右) #78 Left ( hidari 左) #79 Street/road/path ( michi 道) #80 Bridge ( hashi 橋) #81 Corner ( kado 角)

Thanks to the consistent presence of trains and other forms of public transport, you should feel emboldened to explore as much as you like. There will always be a train station or bus nearby where you can ask directions or head back to a familiar place!

Japanese Travel Phrases

So there you have it – 83 Japanese travel phrases to hit the ground running on your next trip to Japan. From the airport to the convenience store and from the hotel to Japanese restaurants these knowing these Japanese travel phrases will help you feel less like a tourist.

And who knows, maybe getting started with these Japanese travel phrases will be your gateway into learning the language.

By the way, if you'd like to learn some more Japanese phrases before your trip, make sure you check out this post on basic conversational Japanese for your first chat with a native speaker. You might also like this list of Japanese conversation starters.

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Basic Travel Phrases in Japanese (with Etiquette)

Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ), or "welcome!" to your guide to Japanese travel phrases.

If you're planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning Japanese , this guide to using and understanding Japanese travel phrases is a must-read.

You don't need to learn the entire language before you make the trip of a lifetime. Still, knowing some key phrases, cultural differences and mannerisms will make Japan more accessible for English speakers.

Related: Saying Hello in Japanese: Pronouncing Japanese Greetings

First, we'll discuss the Japanese language and writing styles. Then, we'll cover some essential Japanese travel phrases, including "please", "thank you", "excuse me" and "I don't understand Japanese". Formality in Japanese will be explained, followed by restaurant vocabulary and etiquette.

Next, we'll cover certain phrases related to transport and travel, followed by pronunciation tips for common phrases used in Japan. Finally, we will answer frequently asked questions about Japanese phrases and travel to Japan.

The Japanese Language

Japanese words can be written in symbols or in Romanized characters, so beginners can still read and write before they learn the Japanese script.

However, when you learn Japanese characters you can better understand the nuances of the language.

Kanji are Chinese characters taken from the Chinese script and used in Japanese writing. This writing system was introduced to Japan in the 4th or 5th century, as Japan had a talking system but no means to write it down. Kanji are complex symbols that represent words or ideas.

However, Kanji characters are used along with the more recently created syllabic scripts of Hiragana and Katakana, which represent sounds.

Some people find these scripts easier to read as the symbols are simpler. Hiragana is generally used to represent Japanese words, while Katakana represents foreign words imported into the Japanese language.

While it is possible to write everything in Hiragana or Katakana, i t w o u l d l o o k l i k e t h i s . So, it is better to replace words with Kanji when possible. Japanese people use the three scripts interchangeably, as they are needed.

10 Essential Japanese Phrases

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/ good afternoon
• Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはよう ご ざ い ます) - Good morning
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening This phrase is made up of Ohayo (おはよう), meaning "early" and Gozaimasu (ご ざ い ます) meaning "is"/"am"/"are". So, its literal translation is "it is early". As you can see below, Gozaimasu can be added to Arigatou, meaning "thank you", to make it more polite.
• Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう (ご ざ い ます)) – Thank you (polite way)
• Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます)/ Kudasai (くだ さい) - Please
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
• Hai (はい) - Yes/ I understand
• Iie (いいえ) - No
• Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません) - I don't understand Japanese
• Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) - I'm sorry

Formality In Japanese

Social hierarchy, or your rank compared to others, determines how you will talk to someone in Japanese.

The generally accepted pecking order puts parents above children, teachers above students, customers above shopkeepers, bosses above employees, and elders above younger people.

Moreover, familiarity plays a part in how formal or informal you are with someone. Families will speak more casual Japanese with one another, while strangers use formal terms. Good friends drop formalities entirely and use slang to communicate.

Japanese words are conjugated based on formality. Formal Japanese can be divided into three categories: polite language, honorific language, and humble language.

There is also an informal way of communicating in Japanese, but when you learn Japanese, you often learn the formal first as the conjugation is easier.

Gozimasu and Arigatou

You do not need to worry too much about this as an absolute beginner. Just remember that you can make simple adjustments such as adding gozimasu (ご ざ い ます) to ohayō (おはよう) when saying "good morning" to make it more formal, or to arigatou (ありがとう) to say "thank you" the formal way.

Domo arigato (共 ありがとう) "thank you so much" is also formal. This is a phrase many westerners are familiar with due to the song Mr Roboto by Styx!

Arigato or domo used in isolation are two ways to say "thanks", informally. Use the latter two with friends and family.

Onegaishimasu and Kudasai

Finally, let's revisit when we use Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます) and Kudasai (くだ さい) for "please".

• Kudasai is the more familiar term, while onegai shimasu is more polite and honorable.
• So, you can ask for water, for instance, by using Kudasai (ください) or onegai shimasu ( を お願い し ます), depending on who you are talking to. For example:
• Mizu o onegai shimasu ( 水を お願い し ます) - I would like water, please (formal)
• Mizu o kudasai (水 お ください) - Give me water, please (informal)

Kudasai is a familiar request word that you use when you know you are entitled to something.

For instance, asking a friend or peer for something, or making a request from someone of a lower rank than you. Take a look at the following phrases:

• Mō yamete kudasai (もう やめて くだ さい ) - Please stop
• Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと 待って くだ さい) - Wait a minute, please
• Kutsu o nuide kudasai (靴を脱いで くだ さい) - Please remove your shoes
• Shio o watashite kudasai ( 塩を渡して くだ さい) - Pass the salt, please

If you are speaking to a teacher, elder, or boss in Japan and don't understand something, you can ask: Mou ichido onegai shimasu (もう一度お願いします) - Could you repeat that, please?

As well as language, gestures also play a part in formality and respect in Japanese culture. One such gesture is the bow, and it matters how deep you bend!

A short bow at 15° is appropriate for a casual greeting. A 30° bow is good for greeting strangers and bosses, while a 45° bow conveys deep respect or an apology.

10 Food & Drink Basic Phrases in Japanese

• Menyū (メニュー) - Menu
• O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol (not to be confused with the below)
• Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese saké (rice wine)
• Bīru (ビール) - Beer
• Mizu (水) - Water
• Gohan (ご飯) - Rice
• Misoshiru (みそ汁) - Miso Soup
• Sushi (すし) - Sushi
• Mochi (餅 ) - Mochi (a traditional Japanese glutinous rice cake)
• ___ o Kudasai ( をください) – I would like __, please ___ o onegai shimasu (を お願い し ます) - I would like ___ please

In addition to food and drink, you might want to know how to ask for other specific services in a Japanese restaurant.

• Kin'en seki (禁煙席) - Non-smoking seat
• Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか) - Do you accept credit cards?

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette

It is not enough simply to know a few polite phrases in Japanese. You will also need to understand a bit about restaurant etiquette.

In many Japanese restaurants, there are low tables with cushions, rather than or in addition to western-style tables and chairs.

Cushions will be placed on tatami floors, which are a traditional kind of mat flooring in Japanese restaurants. You should never wear shoes or slippers on tatami flooring, and avoid stepping on anyone's cushion except your own.

Japanese Restaurant Vocabulary in Context

When the food comes, it is customary to wait for everyone's meals to arrive, then say:

• Itadakimasu (いただきます) - "I gratefully receive (this meal)"

You should say this before starting to eat. This is similar to the French "bon appetit".

However, if a dish is best eaten hot and it arrives before the others, the following phrase can be used:

• Osaki ni douzo (お先 に どうぞ) - "Please go ahead"

Other useful Japanese resturant phrases include:

• Daijyoubu Desu (だいじょうぶです) - "I'm fine now" (this is a polite way to decline something from a waiter offering you more water or food).

You can conclude the meal by saying the phrase:

• Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさま でした) - "Thank you for the feast."

This expresses gratitude to the chef and for the ingredients of the meal.

At the end of your meal, you should use the following:

• Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計 を お願いします) - "The check, please."

Manners in Convenience Stores

The following piece of vocaulary will be useful:

• Konbini (コンビニ) - Convenience store

In Japan, simple things like unfolding your bills before you hand them over to the cashier and not throwing down your coins are considered polite as they make the worker's job easier.

Customer service in Japan is famously excellent, so treat the clerk with respect and kindness, as you should in any other foreign country.

10 Transportation-Related Phrases to Get Around Japan

• ___wa doko desu ka ( は どこ です か) – Where is __?
• Eki (駅) - Train station eg. Eki wa doko desu ka (駅 は どこ です か) - Where is the train station?
• Basu noriba (バスのりば) - Bus stop
• Dono Densha (どの電車)/ Dono basu (どのバス) – Which train?/ Which bus?
• (Tōkyō) ni ikitai ( ([東京) に行きたい) – I want to go to (Tokyo)
• Kippu (切符) – Ticket
• Katamichi kippu (片道切符)/ Kaeri no kippu (帰りの切符) - One-way ticket/ return ticket
• Hoteru (ホテル) - hotel
• Toire ( = トイレ) - Bathroom / toilet
• Ikura desu ka (いくら です 化) - How much is it?

Japanese travel phrases in context

Now, you can start to put some of the words we have learned together to create a proper phrase.

• Hiroshima e no kaeri no kippu o onegai shimasu, ikura desu ka (広島への帰りの切符をお願いします、いくらですか) - "I would like a return ticket to Hiroshima, how much is it?"

These essential Japanese travel phrases will come in handy when visiting Japan, as an estimated 70% of the population does not speak English.

You'll find more people with some level of English in the top destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while you might hit a language barrier in smaller towns.

Basic Japanese Phrases and Pronunciation in Japanese

An important phrase you will likely say a lot is desu ka ( です か).

This indicates a question when placed at the end of a sentence. So, let's make sure you can say it correctly, as it may not be pronounced as you'd expect.

You want to pronounce desu like “dess.” Remember, the “u” sound at the end is dropped.

This happens a lot with words that end with “u” sounds, including:

• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとう ご ざ い) - "thank you" (which is pronounced "arigatou gozaimas").

We have already seen desu ka in the phrase ikura desu ka, " how much is it?", and wa doko desu ka , "where is it?".

It is also used in the following key Japanese phrases:

• O genki desu ka (お元気 です 化) - How are you? (Pronounced "o genki dess ka").
• Nani desu ka (何ですか なにですか) - (polite) What?
• Sou desu ka (そうですか) - Is that so?/ Really? The response, Sou desu (そうです), pronounced "so dess", means "that is so" or "yes, really".
• Kore wa na ndesu ka (これ わ なん です か) - What is this?

You can create many more Japanese phrases for asking questions by using desu ka , so try to remember this pronunciation as it will get you a long way.

Basic Greetings Tourists Should Know in Japan

If you only have a short time before your trip to Japan, at the very least learn these simple greetings and make sure you know the dos and don'ts of public affection.

• Kon'nichiwa, watashinonamaeha ___ (こんにちは、私の名前は) - "Good afternoon, my name is ___"
• Konbanwa, hajimemashite (こんばんは、はじめまして) - "Good evening, nice to meet you."
• Namae wa nandesu ka? (名前はなん です か) - "What is your name?"

Making Friends in Japan

Now that you know how to greet Japanese people appropriately, you can start to build a relationship with them.

Generally, when you meet people while traveling abroad, you ask:

• Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (英語を話せますか) - "Can you speak English?"
• Anata wa doko no kuni no shusshindesu ka (あなたはどこの国の出身 です か) - "Which country are you from?"
• Doko no shusshindesu ka? ( どこの出身 です か) - "Where are you from?" (more simple phrase).
• Anata wa doko ni sun deru nodesu ka? (あなたはどこに住んでるの です か) - "Where do you live?"

If you would like to become friends or make a date, you might want to gauge the person's interests:

• Anata wa (eiga ga) sukidesuka? (あなたは (映画が) 好き です か) - "Do you like (the cinema)?"

Travel Tips for Japan

Remember Japanese manners! This includes restaurant etiquette, limiting public displays of affection, using polite language, and respecting the culture.

You cannot expect everyone in the world to speak your language, but by using a simple Japanese phrase here and there you can show that you are willing to try and meet them halfway.

Choose the season wisely. Visit Japan in Winter for the ski season, or in Spring for unforgettable views of cherry blossoms.

Or, choose an Autumn trip to avoid tourist crowds and peak travel seasons. The same applies to Summer, though this is typhoon season, which puts a lot of tourists off.

What is Ryokou?

Ryokou (旅行) is a Japanese noun meaning "travel" or "trip".

Broken down, 旅 is the kanji character meaning "travel", "trip", or "journey", and 行 is the kanji character used to express the act of going or visiting.

Use this next phrase if you want to impress your new Japanese friends by using their local language:

• Watashi wa ryokou ga sukidesu (私は旅行が好きです) - "I love traveling".

If you're studying Japanese so you can take a trip to Japan, this is undoubtedly true!

How to Learn Japanese Naturally

If you are looking for additional resources for learning Japanese, check out Lingopie .

This is an online streaming platform that is designed to get you speaking Japanese and learning Kanji with ease through immersion in Japanese TV and movies.

Lingopie provides an authentic and natural way to learn other languages and makes learning Japanese fun.

This is a great tool for busy people who cannot sit through hours of Japanese classes every week.

Simply relax in the evening and watch half an hour of Japanese TV. Allow your brain to absorb the language naturally and pick up useful phrases and pronunciation.

And if you want to keep binge watching awesome shows check out our other Japanese articles. We listed 9 Japanese Movies on Netflix that can help your studies and we also did a guide to learning Japanese with anime ! We also recommend you to check out our free guide " Best way to learn Japanese ".

Summing up: Basic Travel phrases in Japanese

Now you can travel to Japan armed with some useful Japanese phrases and a basic understanding of the culture and mannerisms of the country.

You will be able to conduct yourself appropriately while dining, make your way around train stations, and if you speak slowly and clearly, begin to build relationships.

Remember, nobody will expect you to speak Japanese fluently, but if you can use these simple phrases, your travels will be simplified.

The average Japanese native speaker is unlikely to speak English fluently. You may hit a language barrier, but if you remember your polite gestures and restaurant etiquette, you can still do very well in Japan and impress the locals.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some travel inspiration. Have a wonderful time on your trip and good luck on your path to learning Japanese!

Lorena Macedo

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SecretMoona

A Travel and Lifestyle Blog

30+ Useful Japanese Phrases for First-Time Travellers

Last Updated on 18/02/2024 by secretmoona

Planning a trip to Japan for the first time and worried about the “language barrier”? Should you learn Japanese before going to Japan? I did go and you should too. I knew the language and equipped myself with a notebook full of useful Japanese phrases before travelling there for the first time. As a solo traveller,  I didn’t want to see myself lost somewhere and not ask for directions. I also wanted to speak to locals and learn new things. Although my Japanese was lacking during my first trip, it helped me make the journey more enjoyable. 

You are not obliged to learn the language, you can get by with little to no Japanese. Learning a few words or phrases can make your trip so much better. Also, I believe it’s polite to be able to say “Hello” or “Thank you” in the language of the country you’re visiting. Having been there several times, I know how appreciative the locals were every time I said something in Japanese.  

If you are interested in learning some Japanese phrases for travel, then this post is for you. This guide will tackle the basic yet essential words and phrases you will encounter and need during your trip. It will specifically help you greet people you meet during your trip, get around and order food at restaurants.

The chances are that you might not use all the words or phrases mentioned below, especially if you travel in big cities like Tokyo, but I have found the down to be most useful.

• Directions: knowing your left, right, inside, outside, behind, or front will help tremendously, especially when you ask for directions. 
• Numbers: knowing your numbers will help you find out things like which platform your train will depart from or the price of items you’d like to purchase

Important notes: 

• This list of Japanese phrases for travellers is divided by category: greetings, useful words, travelling, shopping and restaurant.
• Japanese is mostly pronounced as it reads in Romanised form. Every syllable is pronounced; for example, sake is pronounced as “sah-kay.” 
• “U” is often not at all pronounced. Therefore, when you hear words like “desu” or “masu”, they will be pronounced “dess” or “mass”. For example, onegaishimasu is not pronounced as o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su but o-ne-ga-i-shi-mass. 
• Depending on the textbook used, the sound “o” will either be spelt “ou”, “o” or “ō”. An example is どうも（doumo). 
• It’s straightforward to form a question sentence in Japanese. Simply adding does the trick. The particle か is the Japanese version of a question mark. Simply add か to the end of a sentence to form a question.  For example, もうたべましたか? (Have you eaten yet?)

Let’s get started!

Japanese greetings words

Greetings are important in Japanese. They are a way of showing respect and acknowledging the other person’s presence. The Japanese language has a rich variety of greetings that are used depending on the time of day, the person you are greeting, and the situation.

Good morning – Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます)

If you are interested in learning some Japanese greetings, it’s a good idea to start with “good morning”. This greeting is typically used before 10:00 am and can be expressed in different ways, depending on the level of formality and familiarity between the speakers. By learning and using appropriate Japanese greetings, you can show your respect and build positive relationships with the people you interact with.

Hello / Good afternoon – Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

One word you will often hear in Japan is “Konnichiwa”. Although it is written as “Konnichiwa” to aid with pronunciation, the correct spelling is actually “Konnichiha”. You can use “Konnichiwa/ こんにちは ” as a greeting throughout the day to say “hi” or “hello”, but it actually means “good afternoon”.

Good evening – Konbanwa (こんばんは)

Japanese greetings for “good evening”, should be used after sunset. Similarly to “Konnichiwa”, the correct spelling of “Konbanwa” is “Konbanha”.

Good bye – Sayounara (さようなら)

Sayonara is a Japanese word used to say goodbye when you are uncertain if you will see the person again. For instance, you can use “sayonara” to bid farewell to the hotel staff when checking out.

Useful Japanese phrases for travellers

Thank you – arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます).

In Japan, politeness is highly valued, and as a result, you will often hear and say the word “arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとう)” or the more informal “arigatou” to express gratitude for something done for you. It is advisable to use the polite version while addressing people you have met for the first time.

Thanks – Doumo (どうも)

“Doumo” is a versatile word that can be used for various purposes. It can be translated as “very,” but it can also be used to greet someone like “hello” or to express gratitude for a small favour.

You are welcome – Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして)

When you help someone or generally do something nice, and they say “Thank you” then it’s polite to reply with “ Dou itashimashite ” which means “you’re welcome” in English. You can also use “ iie .”

Sorry/Excuse me – Sumimasen (すみません)

“Sumimasen” is an important word to know as it serves all sorts of situations. It helps in various situations such as getting someone’s attention, expressing gratitude, apologising (for any touristy faux-pas you may cause!), and pushing through a crowd.

Sorry – Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)

When you accidentally bump into someone or hit someone’s foot with your suitcase, it’s appropriate to apologise by saying “ gomen nasai ” while bowing.

Please – Kudasai (ください)

When asking someone to do something, it’s polite to use “ kudasai  (ください)” or “ onegai shimasu  (おねがいします)” to be more formal.

I don’t understand – Wakarimasen (わかりません)

If you don’t understand what someone is saying, use this word. For example, you can say “I don’t understand Japanese” as 日本語がわかりません (nihongo ga wakarimasen) or simply say ごめんなさい。わかりません。(Gomen nasai. Wakarimasen).

Yes – Hai (はい)

“Hai” and “un” both mean “yes” in Japanese, but hai can also mean “I understand”.

No – Iie (いいえ)

The Japanese word for “NO” is いいえ (iie), pronounced as “ee-ye.” However, Japanese people don’t prefer saying “no” directly, as it may be considered rude. Instead, it’s best to use phrases like “ daijoubu ” (meaning “it’s okay”) or “kekkou desu” (meaning “I’m fine”). Another phrase used to express disagreement is “ chotto ” (ちょっと), which means “a little” or “a bit.”

Is it okay?/Are you okay? – Daijoubu desuka? ( だいじょうぶですか)

When asking if something is okay, use “ daijyoubu desu ka? ” You can also use it to show concern for someone. To respond that you are fine, say “ daijoubu desu ” (大丈夫です).

May I? – Ii desu ka? (いいですか)

If you are in Japan and wish to take photos of the local scenery, it is recommended to focus on capturing images of Japanese culture and traditions. However, it is important to respect certain rules and etiquette when taking photographs. Some locations may not permit photography, and even in places where it is allowed, it is polite to request permission before taking pictures of individuals. “ Iidesu ka” , is then best used.

How are you? – O genki desu ka? (お元気ですか)

In Japan, instead of saying “how are you?”, locals say “how have you been?” when asking how someone is doing. To inquire about someone’s well-being, they use the phrase “お元気ですか” (Ogenki desu ka).

Do you speak English? Eigo wo hanashimasu ka? (えいごを はなしますか)

You can ask if someone speaks English by saying “ Eigo wo hanasemasu ka .” Remember not to ask locals this question first.

Useful phrases for travelling/getting around 

Where is ~ ~ wa doko desu ka (～はどこですか) .

As a tourist, it is common to lose your way. To ask for directions, you can use the phrase “ doko desu ka ?” while mentioning your destination or by showing the location on a map. “ Doko ” means “where”. For example, you can say “ Tokyo eki doko desu ka ?” (eki means “station”). Even if the person you are asking doesn’t speak English, they will be able to point you in the right direction. Here are some useful words that you can use along with this phrase.

• Convenience store – コンビニ – konbini 
• Hotel – ホテル – hoteru 
• Train station – えき – eki 
• Toilet –  トイレ – toire 
• Museum – はくぶつかん – hakubutsu kan
• Shopping centre – しょうてんがい – shotengai 
• community police box – こうばん – kōban
• Park – こうえん – Kōen
• Tourist information centre – かんこうあんないじょ – kankou annaijo

Tip: Whenever you need help, head for a kōban or shout たすけて (help). 

I want to go to ~ –  ~ ni Ikitai desu (～heいきたいです)

When you want to go somewhere, you can use the phrase “ ikitai desu “. If you have an address written down but don’t know the name of the place, you can say “koko” which means “here”. For example, “ Watashi wa kuukou ni ikitai desu ” means “I want to go to the airport”.

Please take me to ~ – ~ made onegai shimasu ( ～までおねがいします)

When asking a taxi driver to take you to a specific location, you can use this phrase as an example: “ Onegai shimasu, Asakusa made .”

Please, can I have a map – Chizu wo kudasai (地図をください) 

Maps are usually available to tourists at various attractions, but you might need to ask for one. 

Does this train/bus go to ~ – Kono densha/bus wa ~ ni ikimasuka? (この電車／バスは~に行きますか)

During your trip to Japan, you will most likely need to use public transportation. At some point, you may need to confirm that you are going in the correct direction. You can use the phrase “ kore wa ~ ni ikimasu ka ” (これは~に行きますか – does this go to ~?) to check if you are getting on the right train or bus.

Shopping and restaurant

Please, can i have the menu – menyu wo onegai shimasu – メニューを おねがいします.

In restaurants, waiters will not automatically come to you. If you are ready to place an order, there is usually a bell placed on the table. If not, get their attention by saying “ sumimasen “.

Let’s eat – Itadakimasu (いただきます)

In Japan, it is customary to say “ itadakimasu ” before starting a meal, which is similar to the French phrase “Bon appetit!”. This tradition is often accompanied by clapping hands together. On the other hand, “ gochisousama deshita ” is used to express gratitude after finishing a meal, especially when dining in a restaurant where dishes are returned.

What is this? – Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか )

Japan is home to many unique things. If you come across something unfamiliar, this phrase will be helpful.

I can’t eat – ~wa tabemasen (は食べられません)

If you have a food intolerance, it’s important to know how to express that. For example, if you can’t eat gluten, you can say “ Guruten wa taberaremasen  – グルテンは食べられません.” Here’s some useful vocabulary:

• Meat – niku – にく
• Pork – botaniku – ぶたにく
• Peanuts – pinattsu – ピーナッツ
• Egg – tamago – たまご
• Fish – sakana – さかな
• Seafood -shiifūdo – シーフード
• Dairy products – nyu useihin – にゅうせいひん

I would like to pay by credit card- kurejitto kaado de onegai shimasu – クレジットカードで おねがいします. 

It is important to note that credit cards are not always accepted in Japan and people generally pay in cash. If you want to pay by credit card, make sure to inquire beforehand if it is accepted.

The bill / check please? O kaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計をおねがいします)

After finishing your meal, you may use this phrase to pay.

How much is this? – Kore kura desu ka? (これは いくらですか) 

Kore ha ikuradesu ka. “ Ikura ” means how much. You can point to the item by saying “ kore wa ikura desu ka ?” To understand the answer, you have to know how to count in Japanese. Luckily, the seller will either show you the price on the tag or a calculator. 

I would like this – kore wo onegai shimasu (これを おねがいします)

When placing an order, say “ Kore ” to point to the dish or menu you want.

Little note about Japanese characters and pronunciation

Japanese is a phonetic language, which means that if you pronounce the words as you read, you should be able to communicate effectively. It’s a good idea to listen to some spoken Japanese to become familiar with the pronunciation. Here is a basic guide to help you get started – Japanese pronunciation .

Japanese writing uses a combination of three different scripts: Hiragana (ひらがな – with rounded shapes), Katakana (カタカナ – with spiky shapes), and Kanji (漢字 – derived from Chinese characters). Hiragana and Katakana are more straightforward and phonetic scripts, with each having 46 characters representing one syllable each. Kanji, on the other hand, is more complicated, and means “Chinese characters”.

Hiragana and Katakana represent the same syllables, but Katakana is used mainly for foreign-sounding words that are not typically Japanese. Kanji is the hardest to learn and requires more time and effort as it is derived from Chinese characters.

Japanese for travellers – more language learning tools

If you want to enhance your Japanese language skills, there are several resources available to assist you. You can learn Japanese through various means, some of which don’t require any monetary investment. YouTube, Japanese dramas, and TV shows are excellent resources to get acquainted with the pronunciation.

• JapanesePod101 – tons of audio lessons to choose from beginner to advanced 
• Tae Kim’s Japanese Grammar Guide – a comprehensive grammar guide
• Japanese language books on Amazon – you will find lots of textbooks and study guides on Amazon. 
• NHK World Japanese Lessons – The Japanese public broadcaster offers useful phrases for everyday use, travel and more.
• Japanse-lesson.com – one of my go-to sites for quick grammar and vocabulary check
• Tofugu – great Japanese learning resource
• Japan Foundation has an excellent online platform with tools to help with everything from grammar to listening. More importantly, it’s free to use.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide to Japanese for travellers. Are you currently learning Japanese or planning to learn some key phrases before your big trip? If you know of any other resources to learn Japanese, please share them with us in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to download the PDF booklet .

20 thoughts on “ 30+ Useful Japanese Phrases for First-Time Travellers ”

Thanks for sharing 🙂 happy new year and cheers from Lisbon, PedroL

Thank you so much! Happy New Year too and hope you are keeping safe!

You’re welcome 🙂 best, PedroL

So much needed information. I can’t wait to visit Japan . Saving this post to practice .

I always love the idea of learning some language for where you are visiting. Not only is it good manners, but it’s fun! My husband has been to Japan and said that everyone was so nice and helpful!

Agree, Japanese are very hospitable.

This guide is amazing! I always try to learn some key phrases when I travel to another country! Japanese looks like such a complicated language! I’m sure I’d butcher the pronunciation with my Yorkshire accent but at least I could give it a go! Thanks for sharing these great phrases!

Thank you. I’m sure you will do fine as long as you give it a try. It was hard for me too and especially with my thick French accent, some words were hard to understand. They usually repeat so you get the right pronunciation then 🙂

Great post with all the necessary basic phrases! Sumimasen was probably the word I used the most while living in Japan!

I don’t know a single word of Japanese, but I like to know some phrases before I travel to a new country. Lots of helpful ones here you’ve listed!

I haven’t been to Japan yet, but would love to go. Wherever I go I always at least try to learn a few words or phrases, I think it’s just polite to try. This is a really helpful, well laid out guide

These are such useful tips and I love all the “visual flashcards,” so helpful!

This language is so intimidating to me since I’m used to the romance languages. Will definitely bookmark this.

This is so helpful! I haven’t been to Japan yet, so I’ll definitely save this for when I get to go!

It’s so complicated, especially the kanji. And why is it there are words that are long for a short meaning and short words for a long meaning? Haha.. But like you said, it’s good to learn the basic words.

This is so useful, especially for first timers in Japan! I’m embarrassed to say that after working for 2 years in a Japanese company, I don’t even know this much.

Well, if you decide to try, you will have plenty of people to help with your pronunciation!

I always make a point to learn a little of the language before I visit. Languages with a different alphabet like Japanese, can be very intimidating!

I love this! I’m a huge believer that everyone should learn at least a little bit of a language before visiting a new country, so this is super helpful!

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Traveling to Japan for the First Time: Planning a 1-2 Week Trip Making your first trip to Japan an awesome one

May 8, 2012 • words written by Koichi • Art by Aya Francisco

Traveling to Japan for the first time can be overwhelming. I understand! There's a lot to see and do. That's why I put together a "first-timers" Japan travel itinerary, built on my 20+ years of traveling to and from Japan.

This sample trip is for people heading to Japan for 1 to 2 weeks (which seems like the standard visit time for most people). Of course, there are so many things to see in Japan besides those featured on this trip itinerary. That's why I broke the travel plan into a 2 week stint so you can customize your vacation, removing and adding things as necessary.

That said, I hope this is helpful to those of you visiting Japan for the first time.

Things To Know

There are a few important things to know that have nothing to do with the actual places. They are:

Whether you travel to Japan for one week or one-point-five weeks or two weeks, the general route stays the same. You'll do Tokyo area, then Kyoto, then Nara, then Koya, and then back to Tokyo. Throughout the route, I'll mark things as "optional" as well. If you're only staying a week, I'd recommend cutting out these things (unless you really want to go to them, then cut something else out). If you're staying for two weeks, you should be able to go to all of these places, and maybe even diverge off to other places. In fact, I highly encourage this! Go where you want – this route is merely a suggestion.

Also keep in mind that I'm just going to be providing locations. You'll have to do your own research as to how to get to them. Google and Google Maps helps a lot with this. I believe in you.

Whether you stay a week or two weeks, I'd recommend getting the JR Pass . This is like a magical golden ticket that gives you unlimited JR train rides (bullet train too) to anywhere around Japan. Not all things are free (for example, non JR trains as well as most subways), but if you take three rides on the Shinkansen that will usually make it worthwhile. You can get a JR Pass at jrpass.com (where I got my last one). Just be sure to take into account the time change when you schedule your ticket dates. Going to Japan involves traveling through both space and time.

Finding Places To Stay

I don't really cover places to stay in this article, just the places to go to. Finding someplace to stay is up to you, though there are plenty of resources out there that will help you. I recommend hostels for adventurers / students / people with no money (they're fun, cheap, and way less sketchy than other hostels I've been to). Guest houses are also great if you can find them. They tend to be a little cheaper than hotels, but the food / environments are a lot more interesting. And interesting is what you want when you travel to Japan.

Since this is a pretty standard trip, most of the places are going to be pretty bag friendly. I wouldn't bring a ton (lots of hotels have washing machines too), and would definitely recommend a backpack or something with wheels. Don't make the mistake of bringing something you're not comfortable carrying up and down long flights of stairs. You will run into a lot of these getting on and off trains, so if your biceps are tiny, only pack whatever you can lift (preferably less). Also, bring a lightweight duffel bag (or you can buy one) for the optional shopping you can do at the end of your trip.

That being said, let's get started! You have some traveling to plan.

Day 1: Fly Into Tokyo

Flying into Tokyo isn't terrible, but it isn't great either. Depending on where you're coming from, you may also be terribly jet lagged. If that's you and you're on the 2-week schedule, you get an extra day to take it easy in Tokyo. Nice. If that's not you, you better be ready to go. No rest for the weary. After getting to the airport, you'll need to go pick up your JR Pass (should be included with your ticket). If your flight comes in too late (and the ticket place is closed) I'd recommend shelling out the $30 or so to go into Tokyo without the JR Pass and get it the next day in the city.

Optional: You can also pick up a 3g hotspot / internet dongle for your computer if you'd like. Finding free wifi in Japan is a huge pain, and getting one of these will pay for itself if you need to do a lot of work, or something.

Once you've gotten your ticket, hop on the JR Narita Express (NEX) to Tokyo. When you get to Tokyo, check into wherever you're staying and scope things out. It's probably evening by now anyways, so do your best to unjetlag yourself and go to bed so you can wake up early.

Day 2, 3, & 4: Tokyo

*If you're only staying for one week, cut out days 3 and 4 and then skip to Day 7. Alternatively, you could skip Day 2 as well and choose to do Day 5 or Day 6 (then your Tokyo time will be your shopping time on your way back). If you don't really care about big cities like Tokyo, skipping this section won't be too bad! :)

For the first few days, you'll be exploring Tokyo. So many people. So many things. Hopefully by the end of your Tokyo time you'll feel so tired of it you want to go somewhere nice and peaceful (don't worry, you will!). There are various areas of Tokyo worth visiting, and they're all quite easy to get to via the subway system. As long as you're not hitting it during rush hour, you'll probably have a great time scooting around. Since there are so many different tastes out there, I thought I'd list out the main places worth visiting in Tokyo, and then you can pick and choose what you like. I'll even sort them by areas.

Central Tokyo

Akihabara: This area should be on every nerd's Japan itinerary. It's famous for its electronic shops and otaku culture. So, if you're into either of these, this is a fun place to be. Make sure you look up, too. Lots of multi-story buildings filled with all kinds of weird things. You can spend a while walking around here.

Northern Tokyo:

Asakusa: Asakusa has the feeling of an "old" Tokyo, I think. You can visit the Sensoji (famous Buddhist Temple) and Asakusa Shrine or hit up some of the various shopping lanes.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park is probably one of Japan's most well known parks. Besides being parkish, it's full of museums, shrines, temples, as well as the Ueno Zoo. Definitely the kind of place you fancier folks will enjoy. You can spend a whole day here, if you're into this kind of thing.

Roppongi Hills: Want to see Tokyo from somewhere up high? Come to Roppongi Hills. You can go up into the Mori tower and look down on all those tiny people. Pro Tip: They don't like it when you try to throw pennies off the observation deck. Also worth noting is the Mori Art Museum.

Kappabashi: Do you know how a lot of Japanese food places have fake foods outside showing you what the food looks like? There's a chance they got it at Kappabashi, the kitchen capital of Tokyo. You can buy things for your restaurant, but the best part is the fake food, I think. It's surprisingly expensive, too.

Western Tokyo

Shibuya: Shibuya is just a ward of Tokyo, but it's particularly known for all its fashion and culture. Fashionistas should put it on their Japan itinerary. A lot of shopping can be found here, but there's also the Hachiko Dog Statue as well. Scope it out but come back in the "shopping days" at the end of your trip.

Love Hotel Hill: Technically this is part of Shibuya, but it's worth noting on its own. This is just an area with a lot of love hotels. Pro tip: They won't let three people in at a time, so if you want to check one out as a group, you'll have to break up into pairs or bring a body pillow.

Shinjuku: Shinjuku's kind of the party district, though that may be because of Kabukicho (northeast of Shinjuku Station) which is Tokyo's big red light district. If you're into nightclubs, bars, pachinko, neon, and other ahem things, this will be a place you'll enjoy.

Harajuku: Love crazy outfits? You'll fit in right here. Harajuku is home to Tokyo's teen fashion and cosplay (if you visit on a Sunday). There's also plenty of shopping and crepe stands as well (yum).

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: These two places are pretty close to each other, so I'm putting them together here too. It's also a good place to go from Harajuku, since you'll use the same train station. The Meiji Shrine is just one of many shrines in Japan, but it's particularly interesting if you're into modern Japanese history. Yoyogi Park, on the other hand, is just a really big park. Both are nice, though, if you're looking to get out of the cement jungle known as Tokyo.

Day 5: Monkey Park, Jigokudani

Have you heard of those Japanese monkeys that hang out in the hot springs? This is one of those places, though depending on the time of year, they may not be spending too much time in the hot springs. I like this place in Winter, but other times are good as well. Summer means baby monkeys, after all. To get here, you'll have to go North of Tokyo to Nagano (Shinkansen it!). From Nagano Station, take Nagano Dentetsu to Yudanaka. From there, you can take a bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen, which has the entrance to the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. It'll be a 30+ minute walk (depending on how much you stop) to get to the actual monkey area, though you may start seeing monkeys before then if you're lucky. Check out the livecam , too!

If you're going to Jigokudani, I'd maybe recommend heading up here at the end of Day 4 and staying the night in Nagano. There's some interesting things up there too (that's where they did the Winter Olympics in 1998!), so feel free to head up a bit earlier and check things out. Then, the next morning (Day 5) you can head out bright and early to Jigokudani and take your time with the monkeys and possibly hit the onsen. It's a nice place. Then, you can head on back to Tokyo the same night.

Day 6: Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Nikko is the mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Basically, he and his relatives ruled over Japan as Shogun for 250 years (until the Meiji Restoration). That means he got a pretty sweet shrine. There are over a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings here, and it's in a very beautiful setting. Need some peace from Tokyo? You'll for sure get it here.

This can be a day trip (it's really close to Tokyo) with some extra time left over. I'd recommend coming here, then either checking out other things in this area or heading straight to Tokyo in the afternoon or evening. Just be sure to give yourself 3-4 hours to travel, so don't leave too late from here. Another option would be to leave the morning of Day 7 and get to Kyoto in the late morning or early afternoon. It's totally up to you.

Day 7 & 8: Kyoto

*If you're on the 1-week plan, skip day 8 and go to Nara instead.

Kyoto's going to be your shrine and temple time while visiting Japan. Since it was the place where the emperor lived for over a thousand years, it's full of cool, historical things. Take your pick and enjoy. Also be sure to just walk around at random. You'll run into so many temple, castles, and shrines just by accident. It doesn't hurt to explore, some. Oh, and bring your walking shoes. Things are about to get… walky.

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle: This was where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived (remember his shrine, up above?). Later it switched to an imperial palace (after the Shogunate went down), and then later opened to the public. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is supposedly a big deal.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: When the Shogunate was in power, this is where the imperial family lived. You can even take tours in English, here.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji: Also known as the golden pavilion, this is a building covered in gold .

Western Kyoto

Kokedera: Also known as Saihoji, this is another UNESCO World Heritage Site (way to go, Kyoto). This temple is mainly known for its moss, and apparently has over 120 different varieties.

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine: This shrine is known for its thousand torii gates. They're bright orange and absolutely incredible to walk through. Highly recommended.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera: One of the must sees, I think (and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This temple is high up on a hill and has a balcony that offers an awesome view.

Higashiyama District: You'll run into this on your way up to Kiyomizudera, actually. Think of this area as a "historic shopping district." Kind of touristy, but a lot of fun nonetheless. Grab something to take home!

Sanjusangendo: The building itself it's amazing, but the inside is pretty remarkable. There are 1001 statues of Kannon in here, which is… well… kinda remarkable.

Gion: Like Geisha? this is Kyoto's Geisha District. You will have to try pretty hard to get in to see a geiko, though, but good luck trying (hint: apparently some travel agencies will hook you up if you've got the yen).

Day 9: Nara

You can leave the morning of Day 9 or leave the evening of Day 10 and spend the night in Nara. Either is fine. You can even spend the night in Nara on Day 9 as well then move on early in the morning of Day 10. It all depends on how much you like temples and Deer.

While there's some neat temples, shrines, castles, and other similar things here in Nara, I'd say you're coming for deer. The deer here are pretty tame and will actually attack you if you have food (kinda fun to run from deer). Don't worry, they have their horns cut off, though (it's a religious thing), so you won't be stabbed through, most likely.

Places you'll want to go in Nara:

• Todaiji Temple: Largest wooden structure in the world with Japan's largest Buddha statues inside. Basically, think super sized. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Nara.
• Nara Park: Has a lot of deer. Go buy deer food, the deer will thank you.
• Kofukuji Temple: Basically a big temple. Very pretty, though.
• Nara National Museum: If you're interested in Japanese Buddhist Art, this will be a fun place for you. The building is also surrounded by ferocious, wild deer.

Consider this a day to walk around but not as much as when you were in Kyoto. Nara's a lot like Kyoto in a lot of ways, though, so I'd recommend mainly hitting up the deer and then hitting up Todaiji Temple. Depending on how worn out you are on temples, though, you can stay here longer or shorter, deciding where you stay this night based off of that.

Day 10: Mt. Koya aka Koyasan

You'll want to make sure you leave early this day, whether you're leaving from Kyoto or Nara. You have a ways to go to get to Koya-san, quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in Japan (just my opinion). This might be one of the best places you go in your Japan travels.

There are a hundred temples here, many of which you can stay the night at. When you spend the night, you get the best vegetarian meal you've ever had (guaranteed), a room to stay in, and even the option to wake up (really) early to go watch the monks do their morning rituals. It's so peaceful, a lot of fun, and one of my favorite places on earth. You'll want to go to the Koyasan website for more information on lodging.

I'd recommend getting here as early as you can on Day 10, dropping off your things at the place you're staying, then just walk around. You'll be able to fill a good amount of time just exploring. The best place to walk, though? Probably the giant cemetery, which also happens to be the largest in Japan. Although some may find a graveyard creepy, it really is quite peaceful.

This, I think, will be one of your best days in Japan, so don't skimp out on it if possible! Just be sure to get back to your temple in time for dinner.

Day 11: Travel Day / Osaka / Fuji

*If you're on the 1-week schedule, you'll need to get back to Tokyo. You're running out of days.

Day 11 is mostly travel. You'll want to leave Koya either late morning or early afternoon, depending on where you're going next. If you like shopping a lot, you'll want to get back to Tokyo on this day.

If you don't need the extra time, consider stopping in Osaka (it's on the way from Koyasan). You can visit the Glico Man, Osaka Tower, play some Pachinko, and eat some Takoyaki / Okonomiyaki (both famous in Osaka). It's a bit different than Tokyo, but it's still a big city. I'll leave this one up to you, though. Osaka's a lot of fun to just walk around and check out.

Alternatively, you could stop at Mt. Fuji on the way back too. I recommend the amusement park Fuji-Q Highland over climbing the mountain itself (it looks better from afar, you'll have to trust me on this one) if you do this. Definitely don't miss the horror house there, it's top notch.

Whatever you end up doing, you're reaching the end of your trip. Just make sure you're back in Tokyo in time to do your shopping before you get on the airplane to leave. Of course, if you don't shop, then you have more time to go to more places. If you do shop, get back to Tokyo.

Day 12 & 13: Shopping In Tokyo / Last Minute Visits

Hopefully you scoped out all the places you wanted to shop at, because this is your shopping time. Get the things you want for yourself and for your friends / relatives. Fill up that duffel bag you brought / bought and have fun. This is also a good time to just go around to the places you missed.

Either way, it's good to be back in Tokyo a day or two before your flight leaves, that way you won't miss your flight (unless you want to "accidentally" miss it, wink wink nudge nudge).

Day 14: Go Home

Hope you had traveling to Japan. This is only your first trip, though. Now that you've gotten all the normal / main stuff out of the way, your next trip can be filled with strange, exciting places. Be sure to check out TofuguTV for some of those, and keep reading Tofugu for more in the future. There are certainly many, many "off-the-beaten-track" locations worth visiting, but we'll save that for next time !

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Japanese Phrases for Travelers (A Cheat Sheet)

When traveling through Japan, it is VERY helpful to have some Japanese phrases under your belt. On my visit there, I found that many people I encountered did not speak English, so I’m so glad that I took some time to a (little) bit of Japanese before my visit.

Keep reading for a list of the top Japanese phrases for travelers, as well as some general information on the language and tips on how to start learning on your own! Your trip to Kyoto , Tokyo , and beyond will be better because of it.

Table of Contents

The Top Resources for Learning Japanese

• iTalki : Practice with Live Teachers at a low cost
• LingoPie : Learn the language by watching videos in Japanese
• Writing Practice Book : Learn how to write in Japanese script

START LEARNING TODAY!

Japanese Language Overview

Language history.

The exact origins of Japanese are disputed by top linguists, as there is evidence that it could have originated from either the Polynesian, Chinese, or the Ural-Altaic languages. For a time, many scholars agreed that Japanese is part of the Ural-Altaic language family, which also includes Turkish, Korean, Manchu, and Mongolian. Japanese has been compared with Korean due to similarities in structure, use, and grammar, but the relation is still debated. Today, it the only major language whose origin is still unknown.

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Japanese phrases pdf.

This free download includes all the key Japanese phrases that you will need for your travels to Japan. In addition, get details on the best resources to improve your speaking and listening skills as well.

Japanese language history can be split into five main periods:

• Old Japanese (Prior to 8th Century)
• Late Old Japanese (9th – 11th Century)
• Middle Japanese (12th – 16th Century)
• Early Modern Japanese (17th-18th Century)
• Modern Japanese (19th Century – now)

Japanese has been a recognized language for the past 1200 years, from around the 8th century AD, where the earliest Japanese writings have been found. Some earlier evidence of the Japanese language has appeared in Chinese writings from as early as the 3rd century AD, but it is not known how long the language has existed on the island.

The Language Today

Today, Japanese is spoken by over 125 million people, most of whom reside in Japan. It is not the official language of Japan, but is the de facto national language of Japan. The standard form of the language is called hyojungo “standard Japanese or kyostugo “common language”. This is the variety of the language that is taught in schools and used in TV and official communications.

There are dozens of dialects spoken throughout Japan, as with many old languages. Some differences are more minor (e.g., changes to pronunciation or words used), while other dialects are so distinct from each other that they are mutually unintelligible. This is most often the case for dialects coming from peripheral regions, mountain villages, or isolated islands in the country.

I will also note, there are other languages spoken in Okinawa, as well as the Ryukyu and Amami Islands, known as the Ryukyuan languages. These languages are part of the Japonic language family, and some are considered endangered languages by UNESCO. Their decline is use is due to a shift in greater use of Standard Japanese and other dialects.

RELATED: Kyoto Travel Guide

Japanese Script

An interesting fact about Japanese that did not know until recently, is that Japanese has no genetic relationship to Chinese. Which was surprising to me because the language does use mostly Chinese characters in its written script. There have been two methods of using Chinese script – the first by using them as characters to represent an object or idea. The second method involves using the script to pronounce Japanese words phonetically – which is not widely done today.

Over time, the Japanese script has been modified from the traditional Chinese characters with the overall simplification of some characters. Additionally, there has been the incorporation of hiragana characters, which are also simplified and have a more rounded appearance.

Additional Observations on Japanese

For the true language nerds out here are a few interesting facts about Japanese:

• There are no diphthongs in Japanese, only monophthongs, demonstrating that all Japanese vowels are “pure”
• Word order is classified as subject-object-verb, but the only strict rule there is that the verb must be at the end of the sentence
• The culture in Japan is VERY polite, and that is also represented in the spoken language as there is an extensive grammatical structure to express politeness, formality, and even differing levels of social status

Basic Japanese Words and Pronunciation

Japanese greetings – formal.

Here are some basic formal greetings (hi / goodbye) that you’d use on a regular day.

• Hello/Good day – Konnichiwa (こんにちは今日は)
• Good morning – Ohayō Gozaimasu (おはよう ございます お早う御座います)
• Good evening – Konbanwa (こんばんは)
• Good night – Shitsurei shimasu (しつれい　します 失礼します)
• Goodbye – Sayōnara (さようなら)

Note, when greeting others in Japan be sure to accompany your words with a slight bow. This bow is often done again when saying goodbye as well.

Japanese Greetings – Informal

If you stay in Japan for a time and make friends, it may be appropriate for you to incorporate informal greetings into your vocabulary:

• Hi – Yā (やあ)
• Hey/Yo – Yō (よう)
• What’s Up? – Saikin dō? (さいきんどう最近どう)
• Bye – Jā / Jā ne (じゃあ　/　じゃあ　ね)
• See you soon – Mata ne (また　ね)
• See you again – Jā mata (じゃあ　また)
• See you tomorrow – Mata ashita (また　あした また明日)
• Be well – Genki De (げんき　で 元気で)

Top 30 Japanese Phrases

Outside of Japanese greetings, here are the top 30 phrases that you should learn before visiting Japan:

• Hello – Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは)
• Yes – Hai ( はい)
• No – Iie (いいえ)
• Thank you – Arigatō* (ありがとう)
• Excuse me – Sumimasen* (すみません) – This phrase is important when trying to get the attention of your waiter in restaurants, and when passing people in tight quarters.
• Please – O-negai shimasu (おねがいします)
• You’re welcome – Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして)
• I’m sorry – Gomennasai (ごめんなさい)
• Do you speak English? – Eigo o hanasemasu ka (えいごをはなせますか。)
• I only speak a little Japanese – Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemasen. (わたしは　にほんごがすこししか　はなせません。)
• What is your name? – O-namae wa nan desu ka. (おなまえはなんですか。)
• My name is __ – Watashi no namae wa ___ desu. (わたしのなまえは　かおりです)
• How are you? – O-genki desu ka. (おげんきですか。)
• I’m fine, thanks – Genki desu. (げんきです)
• I’m very glad to meet you – Oaidekite ureshī desu. (おあいできて　うれしいです。)
• I don’t understand – Wakarimasen (わかりません。)
• What did you say? – Nante iimashita ka. (なんていいましたか。)
• Can you speak more slowly? – Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai. (もっと　ゆっくりはなしてください。)
• I understand you perfectly. – Yoku wakarimasu. (よくわかります。)
• How much is it? – Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)
• Do you have ___? – ______ wa arimasu ka? (はありますか)
• Help! – Tasukete (助けて。)
• I don’t need it. – Iranai (いらない)
• Great! / I’m glad! – Yokatta (良かった)
• Are you okay? – Daijoubu desu ka. (大丈夫ですか)
• What happened? – Doushitanda. (どうしたんだ)
• Welcome – Irasshaimase. ( いらっしゃいませ)
• How much does it cost? – Ikura kakarimasu ka? (いくらかかりますか？)
• It costs. .. – Hiyō ga kakarimasu (費用がかかります)

Note: I’ve put an asterisk by the phrases that I used the most while traveling through Japan.

Counting to 10 in Japanese

There are two methods of counting in Japanese: 1) Sino-Japanese and 2) Native Japanese. Sino-Japanese is used most often (by far), so this is what is demonstrated in the tabel below:

RELATED: The Link Between Languages and Travel

Pronouncing Japanese the Right Way

Check out this video from a native speaker that covers pronunciation for many of the phrases listed above. For best results, practice saying the words out loud so that you get used to speaking them.

Japanese Travel Phrases PDF

Keep your learning going by downloading this Japanese Phrases PDF. You will be able to practice as needed before your trip!

FAQs about Learning Japanese for Travel

Before your trip to Japan, some common phrases you should learn are “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you very much), “Sumimasen” (Excuse me/I’m sorry), “Konnichiwa” (Hello), “O-genki desu ka?” (How are you?), and “Eigo o hanashimasu ka?” (Do you speak English?).

Japanese people often say “Ittekimasu” (I’ll go and come back) before leaving their home, which is a polite way of saying they are heading out. Similarly, upon returning, they say “Tadaima” (I’m back) to announce their arrival.

The Japanese word for travel is “tabi” (旅).

Some must-know phrases for Japanese travel include “Doko desu ka?” (Where is it?), “Ikura desu ka?” (How much does it cost?), “Eki wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the train station?), “Kudasai” (Please/give me), and “Osusume no o-sake wa arimasu ka?” (Do you have any recommended sake?).

Some cool Japanese phrases include “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (Please take care of it/Thank you in advance), “Kawaii” (Cute), “Oishii” (Delicious), “Ganbatte” (Good luck/Do your best), and “Natsukashii” (Nostalgic).

Learning Japanese for Travel | Final Recommendations

That wraps my list of essential Japanese phrases for travelers. Now that you know WHAT you need to learn, the next step is to take it into practice. I suggest that you do that by downloading the attached PDF of key Japanese phrases, and practice the phrases daily for at least a month before your trip.

To complement learning these phrases, there are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:

• iTalki – On this site you can practice with a tutor, formal teacher, or others just seeking to do a language exchange (for free!). The paid lessons have very cheap options, with some as low as $5 an hour. Check it out!
• LigoPie – Practice listening and reading Japanese with videos. You can make changes to the speed you are listening to as well. This is the best way to rapidly increase your comprehension skills!
• Japanese Pod – There are so many free resources on the website and through the podcast they offer. There are paid options as well.
• Duolingo – I don’t find this app useful for practicing spoken language, but it will help you remember key phrases through repetition.

Have you studied Japanese before? Let me know if you have any additional tips in the comments below!

Related Posts on Japan:

• 2 Days in Kyoto
• 4 Days in Tokyo
• Hakone Travel Guide
• The Best Samurai Experience in Kyoto
• Ninja Akasaka Review

Additional Travel Language Guides:

• Portuguese for Travel
• Spanish for Travel
• Italian for Travel
• Thai for Travel
• Greek for Travel
• Language and Travel

Don’t forget to pin this for later!

Christen Thomas is the founder of TravelWanderGrow, established in 2018. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively to over 30 countries. In addition, she is a certified Travel Advisor and is an expert in planning trips focused on city history and culture. As a frequent traveler, she also shares tips on how to prepare to travel well and how to save money while doing so.

Pinning this for later as we’re hoping to visit Japan in the next few years. Great breakdown of the common phrases. I had a Japanese roommate in high school so I’ve heard a lot of these phrases, but never knew how to spell them – so interesting!

Glad you have found the guide helpful, Emily! Hope you get to practice the phrases soon :).

I am Korean-American & can speak conversational Korean. I feel I would be able to easily pickup Japanese but they seem to talk so fast! Thanks for sharing this post! My husband & I hope to visit Japan later this fall…it will come handy!

Doesn’t it always seem that others speak so fast when you are learning a language? Hopefully you can put these to good use on your trip to Japan!

Very useful and interesting. Thank you! Keep it coming

Glad you found it helpful, Oliver!

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

10 Key Phrases to Get You Through a Trip to Japan

Learning any language can be tricky, but Japanese has a reputation for being one of the most difficult in the world.

While no one expects you to be fluent when you step off the plane, a few carefully chosen (and practiced) phases can go a long way. Although English is studied in Japan from an early age, a combination of reasons (from an outdated learning system to near-universal shyness) mean it isn’t as widely spoken as you might expect. Luckily, it’s a land with set phrases for every scenario—from sitting down to dinner to leaving work early. This means that with a little studying, you can move through a lot of situations with ease, and displaying good manners, a very important factor in Japanese culture.

If you have the time, learning the two phonetic alphabets, hiragana (for Japanese words) and katakana (for foreign words) can really help. Especially since the former is often found on station signs and menus for children. Check our article on apps for suggestions. When it comes to speaking, however, a few Japanese travel phrases can make a world of difference, as well as showing a good dose of goodwill to your hosts.

1. Sumimasen | Excuse me

One of those phrases that has a dozen different uses, sumimasen is a great word to start with. It is mainly to get someone’s attention or to apologize, much as the English expression in it’s traditional sense (please excuse my behavior). You’ll find you use it a lot. While polite phrases are rarely said at volume, there is one occasion where you’ll have to turn it up.

In an izakaya , the rowdy bar-restaurants of Japan (as well as some normal restaurants and bars), and unless you have a table buzzer, calling “SUMIMASEN!” into the ether is how you call servers. Unlike the US or UK, waiters in busy restaurants won’t come to the table unless asked, so you will have to call out your new-found phrase when you’re ready to order. If you’re uncertain, see if your neighbors are doing it first.

When to use it : To catch someone’s attention, apologize for comething slight, when you’re getting into a busy train, or to call a waiter in an izakaya (and some restaurants or bars). When not to use it : If you do more than slightly knock someone, sumimasen should be upgraded to a proper apology: Gomennasai .

2. Arigato gozaimasu | Thank you

A simple and well-known phrase, thank you is common courtesy and should be in the vocab of any visitor. A casual “ arigato ” is ok in an informal situation, while the full arigato gozaimasu is better for shops and if the person you’re thanking is older than you.

When to use it : Always! When not to use it : Never!

3. Sumimasen, wakarimasen | Sorry, I don’t understand

If you’re struggling with some complex instructions (and there are a lot of those in Japan), this is a good way to be clear that you’re not following. You can specify to “ Nihongo ga wakarimasen ” which means “I don’t understand Japanese” if needed. The two phrases coming up are handy if you think you might understand, but need a second go.

When to use it : When someone is explaining something to you and you can’t follow.

4. Mou ichido/ikkai onegaishimasu | Could you repeat that please?

Great if you think you understood something but aren’t sure, this is a simple way to get a second go. If the person is speaking too fast (also pretty common), then you can say “Yukkuri onegaishimasu”, which means “More slowly, please”. As well as getting an actual repetition, this usually signals you need a little help, so they may well choose simpler words or add some gestures.

When to use it : When you have partially understood something and need another go to get it for sure. When not to use it : If you’ve no hope. Just go straight for Wakarimasen (#3 on the list), so it can explained to you (hopefully) a different way.

5. (Toire) wa, doko desu ka? | Where is the (toilet) ?

Often used to ask for the toilets in restaurants, this easily adapted phrase can be used for almost anything. Compared to the next phrase (Do you have…), this is better for things you know exist, but cannot find—like toilets in a restaurant, or sugar in a convenience store. Often, someone will take you to the destination or give easy instructions, often just pointing.

Remember to use “ Sumimasen, wakarimasen chotto ” if you don’t understand their instructions!

When to use it : When looking for something you are pretty sure exists.

6. (Wifi) ga arimasuka? | Do you have (wifi)?

Great for anything from wifi to towels to chocolate, this is a good question to have stored away. If you’re looking for something in a supermarket, your hostel or in a restaurant, you’ll be able to find out pretty easily as hosts will usually take you over and show you the item (good old omotenashi —the Japanese values of hospitality).

When to use it : If you can’t find something you’re looking for and aren’t completely sure if it’s available (like a toilet, which is a given).

7. Eigo ga, hanasemasu ka? | Do you speak English?

Pretty self-exlanatory. You’ll be hoping for either a yes , or if not, the staff member may go to find a bilingual person instead. If they say no (quite likely), then you have at least signaled that your Japanese level is low, so you can try to figure it out together.

When to use it: If you’re in a situation where you know you need to work in English, and muddling through won’t do. For example, when renting a car , in a medical situation or on the phone (since you’ll not have the help of gestures). When not to use it : If you’re in a casual setting, try out your Japanese. It can be fun and a good way to get some practice in (assuming the other person involved doesn’t mind).

8. Ikura desu ka? | How much is it?

Great when shopping, this is a simple phrase that’s pretty easy to remember. Unfortunately, questions expect answers, so it will help if you know the numbers too. Alternatively, shopkeepers often show numbers on a calculator, or will know the English. And there’s always pen and paper too! Remember, unless you’re at a flea market , haggling isn’t done in Japan, so once a price has been named, stick with it. Also, tax in Japan is usually added seperately, as in America, so don’t worry if someone names a price and you later find a label with a slightly different price listed—it’s just the tax price.

When to use it : When shopping, in a restaurant or bar without prices.

10. Gochisousama deshita! | Thank you for the delicious meal!

When you’ve finished a delicious meal, this is a great phrase for the chefs, who are often visible to diners. More specific than “thank you”, and more formal than “ oishii ” (delicious), it’s a respectful way to thank them for the delicious feast they’ve prepared (a soft translation). Usually said as you leave, you’ll probably here other diners say it as they head out of the door, often with a slight bow.

Before you begin eating, you may hear “ itadakimasu ” which is similar to the French bon appetit . If you’re eating alone, don’t worry about this, but in groups with Japanese people, it’s polite to wait until everyone says this to begin eating.

‘Oishii’ is great during the meal and you can round it off with gochisousama at the end—the perfect polite meal!

When to use it : As you leave a restaurant, directed towards the chef(s) rather than the waiting staff. When not to use it: During the meal. Instead you can say oishii which means “delicious”.

Need more language help? Read our post on grocery shopping in Japan if you don’t know any Japanese .

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10 Japanese Travel Vocabulary Words for First-time Visitors in Japan

Traveling in Japan can be an adventure, but language barriers can sometimes make things more difficult than they need to be. Luckily, learning a related to transportation can go a long way in helping you navigate the country’s bustling streets and efficient transportation systems . In this post, we’ll cover 10 Japanese terms that will come in handy during your travels.

空港 (koukou): Airport

When arriving in Japan, you’ll likely start at one of the country’s many airports. Remembering the word 空港 (koukou) can help you navigate signs and announcements. (You can check out a more complete list of airport-related Japanese vocabulary here ).

空港 で荷物をとったあと、タクシーを探しましょう。 Kuukou de nimotsu o totta ato, takushii o sagashimashou. After retrieving your baggage at the airport, let’s look for a taxi.

駅 (eki): Train station

Japan’s train system is one of the most efficient in the world, and when you’re traveling to Japan on a budget, you’ll be relying on trains more than other methods of transportation like taxi — or even shinkansen .

Unfortunately, you’ll be hearing mostly Japanese announcements inside the train station, which makes navigation even more overwhelming. You can learn about common train announcements in Japan here , but make sure you know the word 駅 (eki) beforehand!

東京 駅 から渋谷駅までどの電車に乗ればいいですか？ Toukyou eki kara shibuya eki made dono densha ni noreba iidesu ka? Which train should I take from Tokyo Station from Shibuya ?

切符 (kippu): Ticket

When traveling by train or shinkansen, you’ll typically need either of two things: a prepaid IC card or one-way ticket to your destination.

We recommend getting IC cards like PASMO or Suica (which you can easily get in the ticket counter) for regular train rides, or even a JR Pass so you can hop from a bullet train to a JR line with ease.

With the announcement of price increase on JR Pass, however, some of us might just opt for one-way tickets. Remember the word word 切符 (kippu) to make sure you purchase the right ticket.

京都までの 切符 をお願いします。 Kyouto made no kippu o onegaishimasu. I want to buy a ticket to Kyoto.

Bonus : See our infographic on how to read Shinkansen tickets in Japan!

ホーム (hoomu): Platform

Once you have your ticket, you’ll need to find the right platform. The word ホーム (ho-mu) means platform in Japanese.

電車は1番 ホーム から発車します。 Densha wa 1-ban hoomu kara hassha shimasu. The train departs from platform 1.

発車 (hassha): departure

If you see the word 発車 (hassha) on a sign, it means the train is departing. Make sure you’re on board before the train leaves!

電車はいつ 発車 するんですか？ Densha wa itsu hassha surundesu ka? When does the train depart?

到着 (touchaku): Arrival

On the flip side, 到着 (touchaku) means arrival. Keep an eye out for this word so you know when you’ve reached your destination. You’ll here this Japanese travel vocabulary word on both airplane and train announcements.

駅に 到着 したら、どこに行けばいいですか？ Eki ni touchaku shitara, doko ni ikeba iidesu ka? Where should I go once I arrive at the station?

Note: You’ll also hear official announcements using the word 参ります (mairimasu), which implies the same thing as 到着 (touchaku). 参ります (mairimasu) is the humble verb form of 入る (hairu), which means “to come”. Don’t be confused when you hear some train conductors or bus drivers in Japan using this word instead of 到着 (touchaku)!

間も無く渋谷駅にまります。 Mamonaku shibuya eki ni mairimasu. We will arrive shortly at Shibuya Station.

You can learn more about Japanese polite form, or keigo, here.

時刻表 (jikokuhyou): Timetable

If you’re not sure when your train is departing, check a 時刻表 (jikokuhyou) for the latest information.

時刻表 を見て、次の電車の時間を調べましょう。 Jigokuhyou o mite, tsugi no densha no jikan o shirabemashou. Let’s check the timetable and find out the time of the next train.)

乗換 (norikae): Transfer

Most Japanese train systems are integrated well, but there will be times when you’ll need to change trains to reach your destination when you are visiting Japan as a tourist.

Transfers happen when you need to use a different train line. In Tokyo, for example, the biggest passenger railway is the JR East, which covers Shibuya, Shinjuku, and most well-known wards in Tokyo — but it doesn’t cover all stations. This means that you can’t go from Shibuya straight to areas like Nakameguro and Roppongi, which are two upscale areas that uses the Tokyo Metro and subway line.

To get there, you’ll need to make a transfer to a train station that has both JR and Tokyo Metro or subway line. If you get confused and ask the train staff, take note if they mentioned the word 乗換 (norikae), means transfer in Japanese.

次の駅で 乗換 が必要です。 Tsugi no eki de norikae ga hitsuyou desu. You need to transfer at the next station.)

バス (basu): Bus

While Japan’s train system is extensive, sometimes taking a bus is the better option. Remember the word バス (basu) to make sure you get on the right bus.

バス に乗る前に、時刻表を確認してください。 Basu ni noru mae ni, jigokuhyou o kakuninshite kudasai. Please check the timetable before getting on the bus.

どこ (doko): Where

Finally, we can’t end our travel to Japan vocabulary article without include one of the most essential Japanese question words for first-time visitors: Where? Navigating popular cities in Japan like Tokyo and Osaka can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding small restaurants and shops. When Google Maps fails to provide accurate directions, you can rely on practicing your Japanese language skills and asking a local for assistance by using the question: “Where is (the name of the place)?”

すみません、地下成増鉄駅は どこ ですか？ Sumimasen, chikatetsu narimasu eki wa doko desu ka? Excuse me, where is the subway station?

地下鉄成増駅はここからまっすぐ行って、右に曲がってください。 Chikatetsu narimasu eki wa koko kara massugu itte, migi ni magatte kudasai. The Narimasu subway station is straight ahead from here, please turn right.

ありがとうございます。 Arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you very much.

While it may seem intimidating at first, learning a few key Japanese words can make traveling in Japan as a tourist much easier. Knowing these transportation-related vocabulary words will allow you to confidently navigate Japan’s extensive train and bus systems and make the most of your time in the country.

Travel and Study in Japan with Coto Academy!

Coto Academy offers short-term courses that are perfect for individuals who want to learn Japanese while on their vacation in Japan. However, whether you are visiting Japan or searching for flexible Japanese classes to fit into your busy work schedule, we have a course that will cater to your level, availability, and preferences!

If you want to study Japanese in Shibuya , Iidabashi, or Yokohama, fill out the form below, and our staff will get in touch!

What Japanese travel vocabulary do you need to know when traveling in Japan?

Most travelers should learn a few greetings and basic phrases , such as こんにちは (konnichiwa) and ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu), which mean “hello” and “thank you”. Other important phrases include asking for directions, how to order food at restaurants , and phrases used while shopping in Japan.

Can you visit Japan if you only speak English?

You can certainly get around in the big cities without using Japanese. However, the further you get outside of the city, the less people speak English. It is generally recommended for most foreign visitors to learn the basics of Japanese to travel within Japan with ease and get a complete Japanese cultural experience !

What is the word for travel in Japan?

旅行 (ryokou) means travel. This term can refer to any type of trip or journey.

What are 4 phrases commonly spoken in Japanese when traveling?

• こんにちは (konnichiwa) – hello
• ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) – thank you
• どういたしまして (douitashimashite) – you’re welcome
• すみません (sumimasen) – I’m sorry/excuse me

Read more about traveling in Japan:

• How to Travel, Work, and Study in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa
• Life in Japan Tip: Deals on Japan Train Travel (Tokyo Rail Pass & Kansai Rail Pass)
• How to Get Around Japan with Public Transportation: Buses, Taxis and Train

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Essential Japanese Phrases That You Can Memorize For Your Trip

• posted on August 15, 2018

Japan is a gorgeous country that is at the top of many people’s lists of must-visit destinations in the world. Even if you do not speak Japanese, your trip to Japan can still be fun and memorable. The language barrier should not stop you from exploring the incredible and amazing attractions and spots this country has to offer.

Do you really need to learn some Japanese before your trip to get around Japan?

While memorizing a few basic Japanese words and phrases won’t hurt, learning the Japanese language before you leave for your Japan trip is not necessary.

At all Japanese airports, there are English signs, English maps and brochures, and other resources available at the tourist information centers, ticket offices, and others. Upon arrival, you can go exchange your rail pass vouchers, purchase transportation passes, book tours, and more with the assistance of English-speaking staff.

At the train and bus stations in tourist cities and towns, there are signages in English all over that should help you find your way to the right platforms and stops. The trains, buses, and trams also play audio announcements and have screens that flash the names of the next stops in English. When using the ticket machines, look for the English language option to be able to buy the right type of ticket for your journey.

At many restaurants in popular tourist areas, there are English menus, and English labels on the food displays and food ticket machines that make ordering food much easier.

At many shrines, temples, museums, castles, and other tourist spots, the ticket machines, displays and exhibits, and facilities come with English translations next to the Japanese texts.

At hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and other lodging options, there is usually at least one English-speaking staff who can give you a rundown of the rules and the facilities and amenities, offer restaurant recommendations, and advise on hidden and off-the-beaten path gems in the area.

Can you just walk up to a random Japanese person on the street and ask for directions in English?

It is not impossible to find a random Japanese person on the street who can speak a little bit of English and help you with directions. Nowadays, secondary school students in all Japanese schools study English for at least six years as part of their curriculum, and many of them also enroll to weekend or after-school English classes to further improve their skills. Even those who have finished schooling and are already working still take English language lessons for career advancement.

A significant percentage of the Japanese population actually knows enough English to communicate with a lost and wandering foreigner. Just make sure to speak slowly and use basic English words and phrases, as Japan’s English education is primarily focused on writing and reading, and speaking might be a bit challenging for some of them. You can also just write your question down on a notebook, and have them write down their answers too.

What are some essential basic Japanese phrases that you can memorize to prepare for your trip?

The Japanese are known for being polite and helpful. When in Japan, it is important that you also show the same courtesy. The following words and phrases should help you with that:

• “Arigatou gozaimasu” – “Arigatou gozaimasu” is Japanese for “thank you”. In Japan, you will make use of this phrase so much — when buying food and drinks at convenience stores, shopping for souvenirs at the malls, checking in or checking out at your hotel, and more.
• “Sumimasen” – “Sumimasen” is Japanese for “excuse me”. It is quite useful in a wide variety of situations — when trying to get someone’s attention, apologizing for accidentally bumping into someone, making your way through a crowd, and others.
• “Konnichiwa” – “Konnichiwa” is Japanese for “hello”. It can be used to greet a person any time of the day. If a Japanese person says “konnichiwa” to you, say “konnichiwa” back to them.
• “___ wa doko desuka?” – “___ wa doku desuka?” is Japanese for “where is ___?” If you are looking for a toilet, you can fill the blank with the Japanese word for toilet, which is “toire”, and ask “toire wa doko desuka?” If you are looking for a station, you can fill the blank with the Japanese word for station, which is “eki”, and ask “eki wa doku desuka?” For a specific station, let’s say Tokyo Station, you can ask “Tokyo eki wa doku desuka?”

Are there apps that can help make communicating in Japanese easier?

Nowadays, there are a plethora of mobile apps that can come in handy when sightseeing in Japan. You can download them to your devices, and be able to easily access them every time the need arises.

• Google Translate – The Google Translate app lets you take photos of Japanese texts and get English translations in real-time. It is very useful when dining at restaurants without English menus, reading labels on your hotel room’s air conditioning/heating unit, and deciphering Japanese signages at lesser known spots and attractions. (Download links: Android | iOS )
• Learn Japanese – The Learn Japanese app contains about one thousand common Japanese words and phrases that are valuable for tourists in Japan. It has a search feature that enables you to look up words according to categories like greetings, directions, numbers, and general conversation. It also comes with audio clips to help you learn how to accurately pronounce these Japanese words and phrases. (Download link: iOS )
• imiwa? – The imiwa? app is a Japanese dictionary app that can be accessed even without internet connection. It is made up of several thousand Japanese words translated to English, German, Russian, and French. It allows input using kana, kanji, and romaji to look up words and their translations. (Download link: iOS )

If your trip to Japan includes a visit to the countryside or rural areas that do not see as many tourists as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major tourist cities, these apps are absolutely a god-send.

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