Traveling Like a Local by Talking to Locals in Their Language. More Useful Japanese Expressions.

While Japan has greatly increased a bilingual presence in most public areas (such as subway and train stations), most of its citizens may not be as fluent in English as you would prefer. Language barriers are inevitable in most international trips. By learning a few useful Japanese expressions, you will run into fewer “lost in translation” moments.

Previous List of Practical Japanese Phrases

Read my previous article of Useful Japanese Expressions While Traveling in Japan to learn greetings, basics, and useful phrases for when dining in restaurants.

Even More Useful Japanese Phrases

Yes, that’s right – Hai, sou desu
No, that’s wrong – Iie, chigaimasu

Is that so? – Sou desu ka?
Are you sure?/Is that true? – Hontou desu ka?

Do you understand? – Wakarimasu ka?
Yes, I understand – Hai, wakarimasu
I don’t understand – Wakarimasen

Umm – Ano
Wait – Chotto/Chotto Matte

How much is this? – Kore wa ikura desu ka?
I will buy this – Kore oh kudasai

Where is…? – … wa doko desu ka?
…subway – chikatetsu
…station – eki
…taxi – takushi
…hotel – hoteru
…toilet – toire
 
 
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