Welcome to Japan! While you can get by in English with slight difficulty, knowing a few of these Japanese expressions will make your experience easier and more enjoyable:
good morning – ohayo gozaimasu; ohayo
good afternoon – konnichiwa
good evening – konbanwa
yes – hai
no – iie
I don’t understand – wakarimasen
Do you speak English? – Eigo o hanashimasu ka?
excuse me – sumimasen
sorry – gomen nasai
please – kudasai
thank you – domo; arigato; domo arigato; arigato gozaimasu; domo arigato gozaimasu; arigato gozaimashita (“thank you for what you’ve done” – best applied upon leaving a restaurant)
Do you have an English menu – Eigo no menyu wa arimasu ka?
water – omizu
draft beer please – nama biiru kudasai
one more please – mohitotsu kudasai
Numbers when ordering food:
one (piece)- hitotsu
two – futatsu
three – mitsu
four – yotsu
five – itsutsu
six – mutsu
seven – nanatsu
eight – yatsu
nine – kokonotsu
ten – to
kanpai – cheers
itadakimasu – said before eating a meal
gochisosama deshita – said after eating a meal
Buy your Official JR Pass and Regional Pass!
Stay connected in Japan with Pocket Wifi!
Arrive in style and convenience with Meet & Greet service!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!
All About the Beloved Egg & Seafood Dish. Oyster omelet is one of Asia’s most…
Legends of the Crisp. Potato chips, or crisps if that’s how you prefer to call…
The History of the Philippines in a Cold, Sweet Bowl. They say you can taste…
Tales & Legends of the Real History of Tortilla Española. Spanish Tortilla, or tortilla española…
Possibly not French or even from France. French Toast has a long history in the…
All About Korea’s Popular Beef Dish. Among Korea’s most known and popular dishes is bulgogi…