With just a few Japanese phrases, you can get a lot of smiles and appreciation from the locals during your trip to Japan. Here’s my super easy rundown of the most useful Japanese expressions
Dharma Hall at Nanzen-ji Temple
I know what you’re thinking: Oh no! Not another list of phrases that I’ll never remember!
Don’t worry: I’m going to make it easy for you. I’m going to give you just five words here. These words will get you pretty far in Japan. So breathe deeply and relax. Here goes:
The Five Most Important Words in Japanese
KONNICHIWA – (hello)
ARIGATO – (thank you)
SUMIMASEN – (excuse me)
IKURA – (how much?)
DOKO – (where?)
- You probably already know “konnichiwa,” along with, of course, “sayonara.”
- “Arigato” is easy. Remember that the “ri” part sounds a bit like “dee.”
- “Sumimasen” sounds a bit like, “Sue me, my son”.
- “Ikura” sounds like the fish eggs you might know from your local sushi restaurant (also pronounced “ikura”).
- “Doko” sounds like Homer Simpson saying “Doh!” and then adding “ko” for some strange reason.
The first three words are used alone. The last two can also be used alone, but they’re usually used in sentences. Below are all five words written in English, with pronunciations and Japanese spellings. HINT: You can copy the Japanese into Google Translate and hit the “say” button (looks like a little speaker) and Google will correctly pronounce the word in Japanese.
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| Hello. (used noon to 6pm) | Konnichiwa. (kon-ee-chee-wa) こんにちは |
| Thank you. | Arigato. (ah-ree-gah-toe) ありがとう |
| Excuse me. | Sumimasen. (sue-me-mah-sen) すみません |
| How much is this? | Kore wa ikura desu ka? (kor-eh-wah-ee-kor-uh-des-ka) これはいくらですか |
| Where is ~? | ~ wa doko desu ka? (~ wah doh-ko-deh-sue-kah) 〜どこですか |
The Most Useful Expressions in Japanese
In case you’re feeling ambitious, I’m going to add a few more useful phrases. Again, copy and paste any of the Japanese sayings into Google Translate and ask Google to say them for you to get the correct pronunciation.
Greetings and Pleasantries
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| Good morning. (used until noon) | Ohayo gozaimasu. (oh-hah-yo-go-zai-ma-sue) おはようございます |
| Hello. (used noon to 6pm) | Konnichiwa. (kon-ee-chee-wa) こんにちは |
| Good evening. (used after 6pm) | Konbanwa. (kon-bahn-wa) こんばんは |
| Goodbye. | Sayonara. (sai-oh-na-ra) さよなら |
| Thank you. (casual) | Arigato. (ah-ree-gah-toe) ありがとう |
| Thank you. (formal) | Arigato gozaimasu. (ah-ree-gah-toe-go-zai-ma-sue) ありがとうございます |
| Excuse me. | Sumimasen. (sue-me-mah-sen) すみません |
| Please. (asking for something) | Kudasai. (koo-duh-sai) ください |
| Water please. | Mizo oh kudasai. (me-zoo-oh-koo-duh-sai) みずをください |
At a Shop
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| How much is this? | Kore wa ikura desu ka? (kor-eh-wah-ee-kor-uh-des-ka) これはいくらですか |
| I will buy this. | Kore oh kudasai. (kor-eh-oh-koo-duh-sai) これをください |
At a Restaurant
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| Do you have an English menu? | Eigo no menu arimasuka? (ei-go-no-meh-niu-ah-ree-ma-sue-ka) えいごのメニューありますか |
| Please recommend something. | Osusume wa nan desu ka? (oh-sue-sue-may-wa-non-deh-sue-ka) おすすめはなんですか |
| I eat anything. | Nan demo tabemasu. (non-deh-moe-tah-bay-ma-sue) なんでもたべます |
| I like Japanese food. | Washoku suki desu. (wah-show-koo-suh-kee-deh-sue) 和食すきです |
| I am a vegetarian. | Begitarian desu. (beh-jih-tah-ree-ann-deh-soo) ベジタリアンです |
Finding Your Way
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| Where is ~? | ~ wa doko desu ka? (~ wah dough-ko-deh-sue-kah) どこですか |
| I want to go to ~. | ~ ni ikitai desu. (~ knee-ee-kee-tie-deh-sue) にいきたいです |
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
