When traveling to Japan, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can greatly enhance your experience and facilitate communication. Here are some essential Japanese phrases for travelers:
1. Greetings
– Hello: Konnichiwa (koh-nee-chee-wah)
– Good morning: Ohayō gozaimasu (oh-hah-yoh goh-zah-ee-mahs)
– Good evening: Konbanwa (kohn-bahn-wah)
– Goodbye: Sayōnara (sah-yoh-nah-rah)
– Thank you: Arigatō gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs)
– Excuse me: Sumimasen (sue-mee-mah-sen)
2. Basic Expression
– Yes: Hai (high)
– No: Iie (ee-eh)
– Please: Onegaishimasu (oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs)
– Sorry: Gomen nasai (goh-men nah-sigh)
– I don’t understand: Wakarimasen (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)
3. Asking for Help
– Where is…?: …wa doko desu ka? (…wah doh-koh dess kah?)
– Can you help me?: Tasukete kudasai (tahs-kay-teh koo-dah-sigh)
– I need help: Tasukete kudasai (tahs-kay-teh koo-dah-sigh)
– Do you speak English?: Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (eh-go oh hah-nah-shee-mas kah?)
4. Ordering Food
– Menu, please: Menyū o kudasai (men-yoo oh koo-dah-sigh)
– I would like…: …o kudasai (…oh koo-dah-sigh)
– Water: Mizu (mee-zoo)
– Beer: Bīru (bee-roo)
– Check, please: Okaikei o onegaishimasu (oh-ka-ee-kay oh oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs)
5. Getting Around
– Where is the train station?: Eki wa doko desu ka? (eh-kee wah doh-koh dess kah?)
– How much is the ticket?: Kippu wa ikura desu ka? (kee-poo wah ee-koo-rah dess kah?)
– Which way to…?: …wa dochira desu ka? (…wah doh-chee-rah dess kah?)
– Taxi: Takushī (tah-koo-shee)
– Can you take me to…?: …e tsurete itte kudasai (…eh tsuu-reh-teh ee-teh koo-dah-sigh)
6. Shopping
– How much does it cost?: Ikura desu ka? (ee-koo-rah dess kah?)
– I would like to buy this: Kore o kaitai desu (koh-reh oh kai-tah-ee dess)
7. Emergencies
– Help!: Tasukete! (tahs-kay-teh!)
– I need a doctor: Ishi ga hitsuyō desu (ee-shee gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess)
– Police: Kēisatsu (keh-ee-saht-soo)
– Hospital: Byōin (byoh-een)
Remember to be polite and respectful when interacting with locals. Japanese people appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few
basic phrases. Don’t be afraid to use these phrases and practice your pronunciation while traveling in Japan. It can make a positive impression and enhance your overall experience.
