Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Most Japanese people appreciate any attempt at their language, and a few words go a long way. Pronunciation is fairly regular: vowels are a (ah), i (ee), u (oo), e (eh), o (oh). A line over a vowel (ō) means it's held longer.
Basics
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Good morning | おはようございます | Ohayō gozaimasu |
| Good evening | こんばんは | Konbanwa |
| Thank you | ありがとうございます | Arigatō gozaimasu |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません | Sumimasen |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ | Hai / Iie |
| Please (offering) | どうぞ | Dōzo |
| Please (requesting) | お願いします | Onegaishimasu |
| I don't understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? |
At restaurants
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Table for two, please | 二人です | Futari desu |
| This one, please | これをお願いします | Kore o onegaishimasu |
| Do you have an English menu? | 英語のメニューはありますか？ | Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? |
| Water, please | お水をください | Omizu o kudasai |
| The bill, please | お会計お願いします | Okaikei onegaishimasu |
| Delicious! | おいしい！ | Oishii! |
| I can't eat meat/fish | 肉/魚が食べられません | Niku/sakana ga taberaremasen |
| I'm allergic to ... | ...アレルギーがあります | ... arerugī ga arimasu |
Shopping & money
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | これはいくらですか？ | Kore wa ikura desu ka? |
| Can I pay by card? | カードで払えますか？ | Kādo de haraemasu ka? |
| Tax-free, please | 免税でお願いします | Menzei de onegaishimasu |
| No bag needed | 袋はいりません | Fukuro wa irimasen |
Getting around
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Where is ...? | ...はどこですか？ | ... wa doko desu ka? |
| Station | 駅 | Eki |
| Toilet | トイレ | Toire |
| Does this train go to ...? | この電車は...に行きますか？ | Kono densha wa ... ni ikimasu ka? |
| Please take me to ... | ...までお願いします | ... made onegaishimasu |
Emergencies
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| Please call an ambulance | 救急車を呼んでください | Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai |
| Please call the police | 警察を呼んでください | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai |
| I'm lost | 道に迷いました | Michi ni mayoimashita |
| I feel sick | 気分が悪いです | Kibun ga warui desu |
Useful signs to recognise
- 入口 (iriguchi) — entrance; 出口 (deguchi) — exit
- 男 — men; 女 — women
- 禁煙 (kin'en) — no smoking
- 営業中 (eigyōchū) — open; 準備中 (junbichū) — preparing/closed
- 改札 (kaisatsu) — ticket gates
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide to Essential Japanese Phrases for Travellers cover?
Practical Japanese travel phrases with romaji pronunciation: sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu, ordering at restaurants, asking for the bill (okaikei), train station directions, tax-free shopping, and allergy cards.
Who is this Culture & etiquette guide for?
First-time and returning visitors planning a trip to Japan who want practical, source-linked advice on essential japanese phrases for travellers.
How can I estimate costs for this in yen?
Use our free Budget Calculator, JR Pass Calculator and 30-currency Yen Converter on the Japan Starter tools page to price culture & etiquette in yen and your home currency.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: