Basic Japanese Phrases – Must-Know for Travelers & Learners

Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can make traveling in Japan or starting your language journey so much easier.
Whether you're visiting for a short trip or planning a longer stay, these essential phrases will help you communicate respectfully and effectively — and locals always appreciate the effort!

Even knowing simple greetings and common expressions can create a much warmer experience.

Basic Japanese Phrases

1. Essential Greetings & Daily Expressions

Here are some must-know everyday Japanese phrases:

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1. Understanding Japanese Politeness Levels

Japanese uses different politeness levels depending on the situation:

• Casual Speech: Use with close friends or people your age (e.g., ありがとう – "Thanks").
• Polite Speech: Use です/ます forms with strangers, at restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. (e.g., ありがとうございます – "Thank you very much"). 
• Honorific Speech (敬語 Keigo): Used in business or very formal settings (not necessary for tourists). 

Pro Tip: When in doubt, always use polite Japanese. It’s safer and appreciated.

2. More Useful Travel Phrases

When navigating Japan, here are some additional phrases that might help:

🚆 Transportation

• この電車は東京へ行きますか？ (Kono densha wa Tōkyō e ikimasu ka?) – Does this train go to Tokyo?
• 切符をください (Kippu o kudasai) – A ticket, please.
• タクシーを呼んでください (Takushii o yonde kudasai) – Please call a taxi.
• 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the station?

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🛍 Shopping

• これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I'll take this, please.
• 試着できますか？ (Shichaku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try this on?
• いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is this?
• クレジットカードは使えますか？ (Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use a credit card?
• もう少し安いのはありますか？ (Mō sukoshi yasui no wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have something cheaper?

At Restaurants 

• メニューをください (Menyū o kudasai) – Menu, please.
• おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
• お水をください (Omizu o kudasai) – Water, please.
• お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – The bill, please.

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3. Numbers & Counting in Japanese

Numbers are essential for shopping, ordering food, and asking for directions. The basic numbers 1–10 are:

• 1: いち (Ichi)
• 2: に (Ni)
• 3: さん (San) 
• 4: し/よん (Shi/Yon) 
• 5: ご (Go) 
• 6: ろく (Roku) 
• 7: しち/なな (Shichi/Nana) 
• 8: はち (Hachi) 
• 9: きゅう (Kyuu) 
• 10: じゅう (Juu)

For larger numbers:

• 100: 百 (Hyaku) 
• 1,000: 千 (Sen) 
• 10,000: 万 (Man)

Pro tip: Some numbers have multiple readings (e.g., 4 is し or よん), so listen for both variations!

Essential Emergency Phrases

Just in case:

• 助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) – Help me! 
• 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital? 
• 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai) – Please call the police. 
• 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita) – I'm lost.

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4. Cultural Tips for Speaking Japanese

💡 Bowing: Saying "Thank you" or "Sorry" often comes with a small bow, especially in formal situations.
💡 Hand Gestures: Japanese people use fewer hand gestures compared to Western cultures, so it's best to speak clearly and avoid excessive movement.
💡 Avoid Direct "No": Instead of saying いいえ (Iie) outright, a more natural way to decline something is ちょっと… (Chotto…) with hesitation.

5. Expanding Your Japanese Knowledge

If you want to learn beyond phrases, try these techniques:
📖 Use a Phrasebook – Lonely Planet or Berlitz have great travel phrasebooks.
🎧 Listen to Podcasts – Try "Learn Japanese Pod" or "Nihongo Con Teppei."
📱 Use Apps – LingoDeer (for grammar), Anki (for vocabulary), and HelloTalk (for speaking practice).

 FAQs  

1. Can I get by in Japan with just English?

While major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have English signs and some English-speaking staff, many locals have limited English skills. Learning basic Japanese phrases will make communication much smoother, especially in smaller towns.

2. How do I ask someone to speak slowly in Japanese?

If you’re struggling to understand, say:
 「もう一度ゆっくりお願いします。」(Mou ichido yukkuri onegai shimasu.) – “Please say that again slowly.”

3. How do I respond when someone says ‘ありがとう (Arigatou)’?

You can reply with:

• どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) – “You’re welcome” (formal) 
• いえいえ (Ie ie) – “No problem” (casual)

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4. What’s the best way to practice Japanese pronunciation?

Try shadowing – listen to native speakers (via YouTube, anime, or language apps) and repeat immediately after them, mimicking their pronunciation and intonation.

5. Are there any cultural mistakes to avoid when speaking Japanese?

Yes! Here are a few:

• Avoid using casual speech with strangers; stick to polite Japanese (です/ます form). 
• Don’t point directly at people – use an open hand gesture instead. 
• Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone instead of shaking hands.

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Mastering basic Japanese phrases opens doors to richer travel experiences and meaningful conversations.

Start simple, practice often, and enjoy every step of your Japanese journey!

✨ 頑張ってください！(Ganbatte kudasai!) – "Do your best !"