Quick answer: You do not need fluent Japanese to travel around Japan. A handful of polite expressions, a friendly tone, and a translation app can make everyday interactions much easier.
12 Japanese phrases worth learning
| Japanese | Say it like | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello (during the day) |
| ありがとうございます | Arigatō gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me; to get attention or apologize lightly |
| お願いします | Onegai shimasu | Please; when making a request |
| これをください | Kore o kudasai | This one, please (point to an item) |
| いくらですか | Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? |
| 英語のメニューはありますか | Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? | Do you have an English menu? |
| おすすめは何ですか | Osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? |
| お手洗いはどこですか | Otearai wa doko desu ka? | Where is the restroom? |
| 駅はどこですか | Eki wa doko desu ka? | Where is the station? |
| 大丈夫です | Daijōbu desu | I’m okay / no thank you (context-dependent) |
| わかりません | Wakarimasen | I don’t understand |
Pronunciation note: Romanization is approximate. Long vowels, such as the “ō” in arigatō, are held a little longer.
At a restaurant: a simple exchange
Point to a dish and say “Kore o kudasai” (This one, please). If you want a recommendation, try “Osusume wa nan desu ka?” (What do you recommend?). Finish with “Arigatō gozaimasu.”
At a station or shop
Begin with “Sumimasen” before asking a question. If you cannot follow the answer, say “Wakarimasen” and show the destination or question on your phone. Staff may not speak English, and translation apps can help bridge the gap.
Three small language tips
- Politeness matters more than perfection. Short, courteous phrases are useful even when your pronunciation is imperfect.
- Show written Japanese. Keep the Japanese characters for your destination, hotel, and dietary requirements available offline.
- Don’t assume “daijōbu” always means yes. Depending on context, it can mean “I’m fine,” “that’s okay,” or a polite refusal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes. Many travelers do. Transport signs and tourist information often include English, but support varies by location.
Is “arigatō” rude?
No, but arigatō gozaimasu is a safer, more polite default when speaking to staff or people you do not know.
Should I say “sayōnara” when leaving a shop?
You generally do not need to. A smile and arigatō gozaimasu are often enough.
Try it here: Japanese at real Aichi experiences
Suggested phrases for common situations, not quotes from staff or promises of specific services. Follow each venue’s rules.
At a Nagoya hitsumabushi restaurant
おすすめの食べ方は何ですか？
Osusume no tabekata wa nan desu ka?
What’s the recommended way to eat this?
だしはいつ入れますか？
Dashi wa itsu iremasu ka?
When should I add the broth?
At a Tokoname pottery shop
この急須は手作りですか？
Kono kyūsu wa tezukuri desu ka?
Is this teapot handmade?
触ってもいいですか？
Sawatte mo ii desu ka?
May I touch it?
At Inuyama Castle or a museum
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
May I take photos here?
英語の案内はありますか？
Eigo no annai wa arimasu ka?
Is information available in English?
At a shrine or traditional garden
ここに入ってもいいですか？
Koko ni haitte mo ii desu ka?
May I enter here?
靴を脱ぎますか？
Kutsu o nugimasu ka?
Should I take off my shoes?
See our Tokoname teapot guide and Inuyama day-trip guide to plan where to practice.
A taste of Nagoya dialect
Regional expressions vary by generation, neighborhood and setting. Some forms are more traditional or stylized than everyday speech.
- でら (dera) — “very” or “really,” casual emphasis.
- うみゃー (umyā) — a dialectal form of “delicious,” often associated with Nagoya.
- 〜だがね (dagane) — a characteristic sentence ending, whose nuance depends on context.
- 〜しとる (shitoru) — “is doing,” a regional colloquial form not unique to Nagoya.
Try asking: 名古屋弁で「おいしい」は何と言いますか？
Nagoya-ben de “oishii” wa nan to iimasu ka?
“How do you say ‘delicious’ in Nagoya dialect?”
With shop staff and strangers, polite standard Japanese is the best default. Enjoy dialect as something to recognize, not something you must perform.
Explore Aichi next
Put these tips into practice with our local travel guides.
Important for food allergies: These everyday phrases are not sufficient to confirm whether food is safe for someone with an allergy. Ingredients, sauces, shared cooking surfaces and cross-contact require direct, reliable confirmation from the establishment. If staff cannot confirm safety, do not assume the dish is safe.
For more practical help, see our Nagoya food guide, subway and IC-card guide, and Japan travel etiquette tips.
Putting these phrases to use? Our Nagoya food guide shows local dishes you may encounter, and our etiquette guide covers common dining customs.
Related guide: Want to use these phrases in a real restaurant? Our ordering guide explains ticket machines, tablets, and common menu signs.
コメントを残す