First Time in Japan 🇯🇵🔰
Hello! This is Lily from Préffy‧｡⋆: 🦢·˚
This time, we’ve put together a list of useful Japanese phrases that will make your trip stress-free—whether it’s your first time visiting Japan or your hundredth!
If you ever have the chance to visit Japan, be sure to try using the phrases below and start a conversation in Japanese!
① すみません (Sumimasen)
Meaning: Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you
Usage: Use it when asking for directions or getting the attention of a store clerk. It’s also handy for expressing light apologies or gratitude.
② ありがとう (Arigatou)
Meaning: Thank you
Usage: Use it to express gratitude. For a more polite version, say “ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu).”
③ こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Meaning: Hello
Usage: A daytime greeting, useful when interacting with locals at shops or sightseeing spots.
④ これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)
Meaning: What is this?
Usage: Ask this when you come across something unfamiliar or don’t know what it is.
⑤ 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai)
Meaning: Please help me.
Usage: A very useful phrase for emergencies or when you need assistance.
⑥ 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu)
Meaning: It’s okay / I’m fine
Usage: Use this to let others know there’s no problem or to politely decline something.
⑦ これをください (Kore o kudasai)
Meaning: Please give me this.
Usage: Point to an item at a store and use this phrase to indicate you’d like to buy it.
⑧ おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)
Meaning: What do you recommend?
Usage: Perfect for asking for recommendations at a restaurant or café.
⑨ 写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?)
Meaning: May I take a photo?
Usage: Use this to check if photography is allowed at shrines, temples, or museums.
⑩ カードは使えますか？ (Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?)
Meaning: Can I use a credit card?
Usage: Ask this when you want to confirm if a store or restaurant accepts credit cards.
⑪ 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?)
Meaning: Where is the station?
Usage: Very helpful for asking where the nearest train station is.
⑫ この電車は[駅名]に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa [ekimei] ni ikimasu ka?)
Meaning: Does this train go to [station name]?
Usage: A practical phrase for confirming your destination while traveling by train.
⑬ 領収書をください (Ryoushuusho o kudasai)
Meaning: Please give me a receipt.
Usage: Useful when you need a receipt for business purposes or expense reports.
⑭ もう少しゆっくり話してください (Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai)
Meaning: Please speak a little more slowly.
Usage: Use this when Japanese is spoken too quickly to understand.
⑮ これは何円ですか？ (Kore wa nan en desu ka?)
Meaning: How much does this cost?
Usage: Ask this to inquire about the price of a product.
⑯ トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)
Meaning: Where is the restroom?
Usage: A very practical phrase for locating restrooms.
⑰ 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai)
Meaning: Please call the police.
⑱ 病院に行きたいです (Byouin ni ikitai desu)
Meaning: I want to go to a hospital.
These phrases are short, easy to remember, and highly practical, helping to reduce stress during your travels. Even basic Japanese can smooth communication with locals, who are often willing to help.
However, many Japanese people, myself included, may only know a limited number of English words. When someone speaks to us in English, we might respond with simple phrases like “Yes!” or “No!” Some Japanese people are fluent in English, but most are not used to speaking it daily.
So, when approaching someone, please speak kindly and patiently—it will be greatly appreciated.
That said, most people in Japan are very friendly and will likely do their best to assist you if you ask. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions!
This time, I introduced Japanese phrases you can actually use when visiting Japan, along with English translations. I hope this helps you create wonderful memories during your trip!
We look forward to welcoming you to Japan! ♡
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Let Préffy be a place that brightens your oshi-katsu! 🩷⊹₊ ⋆
Lily 🌷•°`☆