Japan is an incredibly popular travel destination, and with good reason! There are so many sights to see, so much culture to experience, and so much delicious food to eat. While many items are labeled in English, spoken English is not as prevalent. If you’d like to travel the country with ease and flexibility, it’s helpful to know some basic Japanese words and phrases for interacting and connecting with the people who make Japan so unforgettable! This list of phrases has everything you need to navigate public transportation, enjoy Japan’s incredible cuisine, and find help in an emergency.
Want to practice Japanese at home at your own pace? Rosetta Stone’s bite-sized lessons are made just for you. With an emphasis on listening and speaking practice, each lesson builds your conversation skills so you can be ready for any interaction.
Table of Contents
Pronunciation guide
Compared to many foreign languages, Japanese is relatively easy to pronounce. Still, it’s good to get a general understanding of how pronunciation works. Check out our complete guide on Japanese pronunciation to learn more! A couple items to note:
- Placing emphasis on the correct syllable is important to avoid confusion! In this guide, syllables in all caps are emphasized. If you can’t quite remember pronunciation when you’re putting this vocabulary into practice, emphasizing the first syllable of each word is usually your best bet.
- Repeated letters in this guide indicate extended sounds. That means you’ll hold the sound for a bit longer. For example, the word for “map” is chizu and the word for “cheese” is chiizu.
Greetings and basic phrases
In English we have a catch-all greeting for any time of day, but polite Japanese has no equivalent. However, you’ll probably use the basic greetings less than you’d expect. While in the U.S. it’s normal to greet store staff or strangers you pass by, this is contrary to Japanese customs.
This doesn’t mean Japanese communities won’t be friendly if you ask for help. They take pride in their hospitality! But you should be sensitive when you approach someone. Even though the majority have studied English, few are confident in using it.
This is why sumimasen, meaning “excuse me,” is one of the most important Japanese words. It breaks the ice and gives someone time to mentally prepare. It also comes in handy when you navigate crowds!
Another crucial word is kore, meaning “this.” Even if you can’t say anything else, with a point and the word kore, you can often successfully communicate.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| good morning | ohayou gozaimasu おはようございます |
oh-HAI-yohh goh-ZAI-mahs |
| good afternoon | konnichiwa こんにちは |
KOHN-nee-chee-wah |
| good evening | konbanwa こんばんは |
KOHN-bahn-wah |
| good night | oyasumi nasai おやすみなさい |
OH-yah-soo-mee nah-sai |
| bye | sore ja それじゃ |
soh-ray jah |
| excuse me / sorry | sumimasen すみません |
soo-mee-mah-sehn |
| please | onegai shimasu お願いします |
oh-neh-GAI-shee-mahs |
| thank you | doumo どうも |
dohh-moh |
| Thank you for your help. (for bigger favors) |
Arigatou gozaimashita. ありがとうございました |
ah-ree-gah-tohh goh-zai-mahsh-tah |
| yes (or “here you are” when you give something) | hai はい |
hai |
| no | iie いいえ |
ee-eh |
| I’m from [country] | ___ jin desu ___人です |
___ jeen dehs |
| Is English ok? / Are you ok with English? | Eigo wa daijoubu desu ka? 英語は大丈夫ですか |
AYY-goh wah dai-johh-boo dehs kah |
| I don’t understand | wakarimasen わかりません |
wah-KAH-ree-mah-sehn |
| this | kore これ |
koh-RAY |
>> Get our guide on Japanese greetings for even more phrases to use!
Basic numbers
You’ll want to know basic numbers for some situations. At the very least, you should know how to say the number of people in your party and the numbers below. Note that some of the phrases in the sections below have a # symbol to denote where you can place a number.
| Numeral | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| 1 | ichi 一 |
ee-chee |
| 2 | ni ニ |
nee |
| 3 | san 三 |
sahn |
| 4 | yon 四 |
yohn |
| 5 | go 五 |
goh |
| 6 | roku 六 |
roh-koo |
| 7 | shichi 七 |
shee-chee |
| 8 | hachi 八 |
hah-chee |
| 9 | kyuu 九 |
kyu |
| 10 | juu 十 |
joo |
Note that for the number four, it’s usually more fitting to use yon (yohn) rather than shi.
It should be emphasized that these are strictly the basics. The rules for numbers and counting things are surprisingly complex in Japanese!
Asking for directions
When you’re in an unfamiliar place, one of the main concerns is not getting lost! You’ll always want to know how to say “where is ____?” in the native language. If you can’t say the name of your destination, you can ask “where is this?” while pointing to a written address or picture.
Following directions in another language is challenging, but not impossible. Just watch out for keywords, and don’t be afraid to use gestures! If you get desperate, you can use the super polite phrase at the end of this list. Even without asking though, Japanese people may volunteer to guide you directly. They really are hospitable!
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| Where is [noun]? | ____ wa doko desu ka? ____はどこですか |
____ wah DOH-koh dehs kah |
| How do I get to [place]? | ____ made douyatte ikimasu ka? ____までどうやって行きますか |
___ mah-day DOHH-yah-tay ee-kee-mahs kah |
| map | chizu 地図 |
chee-ZOO |
| on the left/to the left | hidari 左 |
HEE-dah-ree |
| on the right/to the right | migi 右 |
mee-gi |
| straight ahead | massugu 真っ直ぐ |
mah-SOO-goo |
| bathroom | toire トイレ |
toi-ray |
| the exit | deguchi 出口 |
DEH-goo-chee |
| Would you be so kind as to show me the way? | Annai shite kuremasen ka? 案内してくれませんか |
ahn-nai shtay koo-ray-mah-sehn kah |
Navigating transportation
Public transportation in Japan really is exceptional! Extensive train and bus networks give you access to any point in a city, and bullet trains connect the cities to each other. Japan’s transportation also has a reputation for being extremely punctual.
Even the way you pay for transportation is optimized by the use of rechargeable smartcards called IC cards. You can even use these to pay at most stores.
However, there are still areas of Japan with less extensive public transportation. If you want to go somewhere more remote, it’s recommended you get an international driving permit and use a rental car service.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| taxi | takushii タクシー |
TAH-koo-sheee |
| rental car | renta kaa レンタカー |
rehn-tah KAA |
| bus | basu バス |
BAH-soo |
| boat | fune 船 |
foo-nay |
| place to board vehicles (such as taxis, buses, and boats) | noriba 乗り場 |
NOH-ree-bah |
| train | densha 電車 |
dehn-shah |
| bullet train | shinkansen 新幹線 |
SHEEN-kahn-sehn |
| train/subway station | eki 駅 |
eh-kee |
| rechargeable smartcard (can use with most public transportation) |
ai shii kaado ICカード |
ai-SHEEE kahh-doh |
| ticket gate | kaisatsu guchi 改札口 |
kai-sah-tsoo goo-chee |
| train/subway platform | hoomu ホーム |
HOHH-moo |
| to get on a vehicle | norimasu 乗ります |
NOH-ree-mahs |
| transfer (to another train line or another method of transport) | norikae 乗り換え |
NOH-ree-kah-eh |
| to get off a vehicle | orimasu 降ります |
OH-ree-mahs |
Booking accommodations
Your accommodations can set the tone for your trip. Hotels are comfortable and will mostly stick to a familiar script. Hostels are a great way to travel on a budget and meet new people. Both hotels and hostels have many English-friendly options.
If you’d like a more uniquely Japanese experience, try staying at a traditional Japanese inn called a ryokan. It is more difficult to find English-friendly ones, but even with limited verbal interaction, the staff will do their utmost for you to enjoy your stay. If this is on your itinerary, be sure to first familiarize yourself with ryokan etiquette and customs.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| hotel | hoteru ホテル |
HOH-teh-roo |
| hostel | hosuteru ホステル |
HOH-soo-teh-roo |
| traditional Japanese inn | ryokan 旅館 |
ryoh-KAHN |
| front desk | furonto フロント |
foo-ROHN-toh |
| I have a reservation. | Yoyaku shite arimasu. 予約してあります |
yoh-yah-koo shee-tay AH-ree-mahs |
| Do you have a room available? | O heya aiteimasu ka? お部屋空いていますか |
oh-heh-yah ai-tay-mahs kah |
| I would like to check in. | Chekku in shitai desu. チェックインしたいです |
cheh-KOO een shee-tai dehs |
| I would like to check out. | Chekku auto shitai desu. チェックアウトしたいです |
cheh-KOO ah-oo-toh shee-tai dehs |
| 1 night stay | Ippaku 一泊 |
ee-PAH-koo |
| # night stay | # haku* #泊 |
# HAH-koo |
| What is the Wi-fi password? | Waifai no pasuwaado wa nan desu ka? Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか |
wai-fai no pah-soo-WAHH-doh wah nahn dehs ka |
| shower | Shawaa シャワー |
shah-WAHH |
| bathtub | Ofuro お風呂 |
oh-FOO-roh |
| air-conditioner | Eakon エアコン |
eh-ah-KOHN |
| There’s a problem with the __. | ___ ni wa mondai ga arimasu. ___には問題があります |
___ nee wah mohn-dai gah AH-ree-mahs |
*Note: Technically the pronunciation for different numbers of night stay can stray from the pattern. You should still be understood if you use # haku, but you can translate this thread on requesting Japanese accommodation for additional guidance on pronunciation.
Enjoying food and dining options
Who doesn’t love delicious food? Japan has a lot to offer in the culinary department. Many of the options are also quite affordable! If you can’t say an item in Japanese, you can always point and say kore (this) as a replacement for the actual name.
If you’re feeling shy, know that sometimes you don’t even need to speak Japanese! More casual places may have something resembling a vending machine by the entrance. You can actually use this machine to place your orders. Once you’ve received the shokken (tickets) for all your food and drinks, you will give those to the staff.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| (table for) 1 person | hitori desu 一人です |
hee-TOH-ree dehs |
| (table for) 2 people | futari desu 二人です |
foo-TAH-ree dehs |
| (table for) >2 people | # nin desu #人です |
# neen dehs |
| Do you have English menus? | Eigo no menyuu ga arimasu ka? 英語のメニューがありますか |
AYY-goh no men-yuu gah AH-ree-mahs kah |
| one [item] please | [item] hitotsu* onegaishimasu [item]一つお願いします |
[item] hee-TOH-tsoo oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs |
| [number of] [item] please | [item] [tsu counter*] onegaishimasu [item]__つお願いします |
[item] ___tsoo oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs |
| drink | nomimono 飲み物 |
noh-MEE-moh-noh |
| water | mizu 水 |
mee-zoo |
| food order | chuumon 注文 |
chooo-mohn |
| meal ticket (method to place an order at some restaurants) |
shokken 食券 |
shoh-KKEN |
| What is your recommendation? | Osusume wa? おすすめは |
ohh-soo-soo-may wah |
| That’s all.(to finish saying your order) | Ijou desu. 以上です |
ee-johh dehs |
| Thank you for this meal! (phrase said before eating) |
Itadakimasu! いただきます |
ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs |
| It was delicious.(phrase said when finished eating and/or as you leave) | Gochisousama deshita. ごちそうさまでした |
goh-chee-sohh-sah-mah desh-tah |
| Check, please! | O kaikei onegai shimasu! お会計お願いします |
oh-KAI-kay oh-neh-GAI shee-mahs |
| Can we split the check? | Betsu betsu dekimasu ka? 別々できますか |
beh-tsoo beh-tsoo deh-kee-mahs kah |
*Note:Tsu counters are used to specify the number of items in a group. They sound different from the basic numbers. Hitotsu is the most useful counter for most visitors, meaning “one of [that item].”
Communicating dietary restrictions
As a forewarning, it can sometimes be difficult to get food accommodations. They may not be familiar with certain restrictions because of their rarity in Japan (although nowadays you can find vegetarian restaurants in urban areas).
Japanese cooking often includes small amounts of ingredients which may be overlooked if not explicitly communicated. You may have to watch out for soy sauce, dashi (soup stock usually made with fish), and mirin (rice wine for cooking).
If you have any strict diet restrictions, it’s recommended that you prepare a written card that clearly explains your situation. This is the best way to avoid misunderstanding and guarantees your request is phrased politely. You can find cards covering most restrictions here.
If you want to verbally communicate your diet restrictions, here are the Japanese phrases to know:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| I have a ___ allergy. | ___ no arerugii ga arimasu. ___のアレルギーがあります |
___ noh ah-REH-roo-gi gah AH-ree-mahs |
| I can’t eat ___. | ___ ga taberaremasen. ___が食べられません |
___ gah tah-bay-rah-ray-mah-sehn |
| Does this have ___ in it? | kore ni wa __ ga haitteimasu ka? これには___が入っていますか |
koh-ray nee wah ___ gah hai-TAY-ee-mahs kah |
| Without ___ please. | ___ nuki de onegaishimasu. ___抜きでお願いします |
___ noo-kee day oh-neh-GAI-shee-mahs |
Exploring Japan’s shopping centers
Like the dining experience in Japan, the shopping experience often surprises people with the widespread quality and affordability. Convenience stores like Daiso and 100-yen are especially popular!
For larger purchases, Japan offers exemptions from consumer tax for visitors. There are certain rules to follow, but it’s definitely a draw for those who enjoy shopping! If you’d like to take advantage, make sure you’re in a duty-free shop and that you go to the duty-free counter after purchase.
| English Phrase | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| supermarket | suupaa スーパー |
sooo-pahh |
| convenience store | konbini コンビニ |
KOHN-bee-nee |
| shopping mall | shoppingu sentaa ショッピングセンター |
shoh-peen-goo SEHN-tahh |
| 100 yen store | hyaku en shoppu 百円ショップ |
hyah-koo ehn shoh-POO |
| Where can I buy ___? | Doko de ___ o kaemasu ka? どこで___を買えますか |
doh-koh day ___ o kah-eh-mahs kah |
| Welcome to our store!(you don’t need to respond) | Irasshaimase! いらっしゃいませ |
ee-RAH-SHAI-mah-seh |
| Do you have ___? | ___ ga arimasu ka? ___がありますか |
___ gah AH-ree-mahs kah |
| How much is ___? | ___ wa ikura desu ka? ___はいくらですか |
___ wah EE-koo-rah dehs kah |
| cash register | reji レジ |
reh-jee |
| (I’ll pay) by credit card. | Kurejitto kaado de. クレジットカードで |
koo-reh-jee-TOH kahh-doh day |
| (I’ll pay) by cash. | Genkin de. 現金で |
gehn-keen day |
| money back / change | otsuri おつり |
oh-TSOO-ree |
| I don’t need a bag. | Fukuro ga irimasen. 袋が要りません |
FOO-koo-roh gah EE-ree-mah-sehn |
| Is this a duty-free shop? | Koko wa menzei ten desu ka? ここは免税店ですか |
koh-koh wah mehn-zay tehn dehs kah |
| duty-free counter | menzei kauntaa 免税カウンター |
mehn-zayy kah-oon-tahh |
Sightseeing and attractions
Every city in Japan offers something memorable. Osaka and Kobe are renowned for their food. In Kyoto, you can encounter historical Japan, such as by watching traditional performances and visiting the many temples. Nara also has historical buildings–right next to the free-roaming deer in Nara Park! These deer may even bow when you offer them approved deer crackers.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| I want to go to ___. | ___ ni ikitai desu. ___に行きたいです |
___ nee EE-kee-tai dehs |
| Mount Fuji | Fujisan 富士山 |
FOO-jee-sahn |
| mountains | yama 山 |
yah-MAH |
| forest | mori 森 |
MOH-ree |
| park | kouen 公園 |
kohh-en |
| # adult tickets | otona # mai 大人#枚 |
oh-TOH-nah # mai |
| # child tickets | kodomo # mai 子供#枚 |
koh-doh-moh # mai |
| theme park | teema paaku テーマパーク |
TAYY-mah pahh-koo |
| zoo | doubutsuen 動物園 |
dohh-boo-tsoo-EHN |
| aquarium | suizokukan 水族館 |
SWEE-zoh-koo-KAHN |
| temple | otera お寺 |
oh-TEH-rah |
| art museum | bijutsukan 美術館 |
BEE-joo-tsoo-KAHN |
| museum (with the exception of art museums) | hakubutsukan 博物館 |
hah-KOO-BOO-tsoo-KAHN |
| Are we allowed to take pictures? | Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? 写真を撮ってもいいですか |
shah-sheen oh toh-TAY moh eee dehs kah |
Choosing recreational activities
Japan has no lack of unique activities, and to fully experience the country, we recommend a blend of urban and outdoor adventures. Try a round of Japanese karaoke in Tokyo followed by a late-night izakaya excursion. Or, get out in nature for cycling, skiing, and more.
If you’d like advice on good local spots, you can use the relevant “I want to ___” phrase and follow up with osusume wa? (what is your recommendation?).
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| karaoke | karaoke カラオケ |
kah-rah-oh-kay |
| arcade | geemu sentaa ゲームセンター |
GAYY-moo sehn-tahh |
| (live) concert | raibu ライブ |
RAI-boo |
| japanese-style pub | izakaya 居酒屋 |
EE-zah-kah-yah |
| all-you-can-drink | nomi houdai 飲み放題 |
noh-mee HOHH-dai |
| # hours | # jikan #時間 |
# JEE-kahn |
| hot spring bathing spot | onsen 温泉 |
ohn-sehn |
| I want to do [activity]. | ___ shitai desu. ___したいです |
___ shee-tai dehs |
| hiking | haikingu ハイキング |
HAI-keen-goo |
| cycling | saikuringu サイクリング |
SAI-koo-reen-goo |
| skiing | skii スキー |
sk-EEE |
| snowboarding | sunobo スノボ |
soo-NOH-boh |
Taking care of your health and wellness
In Japan, there’s ready access to medicine for common ailments, such as headaches and stomachaches. On the downside, the labels will be in Japanese. Many tourists nowadays rely on Google Lens for translation, but you can quickly narrow down your search by asking the staff.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| My ___ hurts. | ___ ga itai desu. ___が痛いです |
___ gah ee-tai dehs |
| head | atama 頭 |
ah-tah-mah |
| throat | nodo のど |
noh-doh |
| stomach | onaka お腹 |
oh-NAH-kah |
| legs/feet (no distinction in Japanese) |
ashi 足 |
ah-shee |
| body | karada 体 |
KAH-rah-dah |
| I have a fever. | Netsu ga arimasu. 熱があります |
neh-tsoo gah AH-ree-mahs |
| I caught a cold. | Kaze o hikimashita. 風邪をひきました |
kah-ZAY oh hee-kee-mahsh-tah |
| pharmacy | yakkyoku 薬局 |
yah-KKYOH-koo |
| I’m looking for ___ medicine. | ___ no kusuri o sagashiteimasu. ___の薬を探しています |
___ noh koo-SOO-ree oh sah-gah-shtay-mahs |
Preparing for emergencies
Emergencies are rare, but it’s always better to be prepared. As previously mentioned, Japanese people often go out of their way to help as best they can, so you should be able to find someone who will assist you. If your emergency requires more explanation, it’s good to request an English speaker.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| Help me! / Save me! | Tasukete kudasai! 助けてください |
tahs-kay-tay koo-dah-sai |
| Please call ___! | ___ o yonde kudasai! ___を呼んでください |
___ oh yohn-day koo-dah-sai |
| ambulance | kyuukyuusha 救急車 |
kyoo-kyoo-shah |
| police | keisatsu 警察 |
kayy-sah-tsoo |
| the [country] embassy | ___ taishikan ___大使館 |
___ TAI-shee-KAHN |
| hospital | byouin 病院 |
byohh-een |
| I’m lost. | Michi ni mayoimashita. 道に迷いました |
mee-chee nee mah-yoi-mahsh-tah |
| I lost my ___. | ___ o nakushimashita. ___をなくしました |
___ oh nah-KOO-sheemahsh-tah |
| wallet | saifu 財布 |
sai-FOO |
| passport | pasupooto パスポート |
pah-soo-POHH-toh |
| Does anyone here speak English? | Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka? 英語を話せる人はいますか |
AYY-goh oh HAH-nah-seh-roo hee-toh wah ee-mahs kah |
Perfect your Japanese with Rosetta Stone
With just a few useful Japanese words and phrases, you can deeply enrich your travel experience. You’ll be able to receive information directly from locals, try new menu items, and tackle common issues to ensure you get to every spot on your itinerary! But if you’re new to speaking Japanese, or foreign languages in general, it’s easy to get tongue-tied.
This is where Rosetta Stone can play a pivotal role in your preparations. With our fun, bite-sized lessons, you can build your Japanese skills through a variety of listening and speaking exercises—all of which use Dynamic Immersion to fully immerse you in the language. Plus, TruAccent, which is built into every lesson, provides immediate feedback on your pronunciation to help you speak confidently.
Written by Lydia Thron
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