Phrasebook / Basics
Basic Japanese Phrases for Travellers
You can get through most days in Japan with a handful of polite phrases. Staff rarely expect visitors to speak Japanese, so even a short, clumsy attempt tends to be well received. If you only learn two, make them すみません and ありがとうございます.
8 useful phrases
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Excuse me (to get attention / sorry)
すみません
すみません · sumimasen
Works for calling a waiter, squeezing past, or a light apology.
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Thank you very much
ありがとうございます
ありがとうございます · arigatō gozaimasu
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Do you speak English?
英語は話せますか？
えいごははなせますか？ · eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
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Once more, slowly please
もう一度、ゆっくりお願いします
もういちど、ゆっくりおねがいします · mō ichido, yukkuri onegaishimasu
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Could you write it down?
書いていただけますか？
かいていただけますか？ · kaite itadakemasu ka?
Handy for prices, times and place names.
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I don't understand
わかりません
わかりません · wakarimasen
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No thank you / I'm fine
大丈夫です
だいじょうぶです · daijōbu desu
The polite all-purpose 'no thanks' — bags, refills, offers of help.
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May I take a photo?
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
しゃしんをとってもいいですか？ · shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
Good to know
Saying the romaji
Japanese vowels are short and even: a as in father, i as in see, u as in put, e as in pet, o as in pot. A line over a vowel, as in arigatō, means hold it for twice as long. That length can change the meaning of a word, so it is worth getting right. The u in desu and masu is usually almost silent, so desu sounds close to dess.
Why sumimasen does so much work
Sumimasen means excuse me and sorry, and it can also be a light thank you when someone has gone out of their way for you. Use it to call a server, get past someone on a train, or start a question to a stranger.
Saying no politely
A direct いいえ can sound abrupt when someone is offering you something. 大丈夫です (daijōbu desu) literally means it is fine, and it is the natural way to turn down a bag, a refill or help. A small wave of the hand makes it clear that you mean no.