Hey there, fellow Japan lovers! If you’re dreaming of wandering the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, trying takoyaki in Osaka, or hiking the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, you’ve probably realized that knowing even a little Japanese goes a long way. Sure, English is popping up more in tourist spots, but nothing beats dropping a well-timed Japanese phrase to make the locals smile, nod approvingly, or even strike up a conversation. It’s like unlocking a secret level in the game of cultural immersion.
Today, I want to give you 16 essential Japanese phrases that will help you impress the Japanese and convey a level of knowledge and respect for the Japanese culture. More than anywhere else in the world, keeping the social harmony is very important in Japan, and knowing even a small amount of the language will make your travels smoother throughout the country.
1. Arigatou (Thank You) – with Three Different Levels!
Ah, the classic “thank you.” Many people have heard the word “arigatou” (aw-ree-gah-toe) without even knowing much about Japanese culture, There’s a level up version of “arigatou,” however, that is best version to use in Japan and will impress the Japanese: “arigatou gozaimasu” (aw-ree-gah-toe go zai (rhymes with “hi”) moss). This polite version adds a layer of respect and makes it the gold standard for most situations. Think of it as the difference between “thanks” and “thank you.” The latter just feels warmer.
Would you like to go even further? “Domo arigatou gozaimasu” ramps it up even more, like “thank you so very much.” Use this when someone’s gone out of their way, say, holding a door during rush hour. So, once more, “arigatou gozaimasu” is preferred in Japan.
2. Sumimasen (Excuse Me/Sorry/Hey There!)
If I had to crown a phrase as the Swiss Army knife of Japanese, it’s “sumimasen” (sue-me-ma-sen). This phrase covers everything from “excuse me” when bumping into someone on a crowded subway to “sorry” for a minor mishap like spilling tea. Here’s where it gets even more useful: It’s how you grab attention politely and is most often used when calling for a waiter in a restaurant. Just say “sumimasen” with a raised hand, and voilà, the waiter will come on right over. Here’s what you may not know. In Japan, waiters won’t even come to your table if you don’t say “sumimasen.” They will assume you don’t need anything until you call them over. Call them to come and take your order. Call them if you want to add on dessert. Call them to bring the bill. Start practicing this now so you won’t go hungry 🙂
3. Hai (Yes/I’m Listening/Here I Am!)
“Hai” might seem straightforward as “yes,” but this word is also used in a number of situations. In conversations (especially on the phone), it often means “I’m listening” or “I understand,” like nodding along in a meeting. Students use it for attendance and say “hai” when their name is called to mean “I’m here!”
Imagine if you’re chatting with a host family, and they explain how to use the onsen (hot spring). You would want to say “hai” multiple times to show you’re engaged. It’s not always affirmative. Sometimes, it’s just acknowledgment. By the way, you may notice that the word for “No” is not on this list. That’s because the Japanese don’t really use the word “no” (although it is “ie” (eeeee-ehhhh), in case you were wondering). Instead, the Japanese kind of look at the ground or run their hand through their hair and say “chotto……”
4. Ohayo Gozaimasu (Good Morning)
Mornings in Japan start with “ohayo gozaimasu,” (Ohio go-zai-moss) (see #1) the polite “good morning.” However, it’s not always strictly time-bound. People can use it the first time they see someone that day, even if it’s afternoon. At work or school, it’s the go-to greeting when you first cross paths. Make sure to say it to people when you pass by them in the morning for a warm, friendly start to the day and you will likely get a “ohayo gozaimasu” back. You can shorten it to “ohayo” with friends for that casual vibe.
5. Konnichiwa (Hello/Good Afternoon)
“Konnichiwa” (ko-nichi-wa) is your all-purpose “hello” from noon to early evening. It’s neutral, polite, and perfect for shops, streets, or starting chats.
Simply saying “konnichiwa” with a smile shows respect.
6. Komban Wa (Good Evening)
Once the sun goes down, switch to “komban wa” for “good evening.” It’s the evening equivalent of konnichiwa. This is perfect for arriving at a ryokan (inn) in the evening or meeting friends for dinner.
7. Gochisousama Deshita (That Was Delicious!)
This is the go-to at the end of a meal when you are heading out the door. “Gochisousama deshita” (go-chi-so-sama-desh-ta) translates to “it was delicious” or “thank you for the meal.” Say it when leaving a restaurant to compliment the chef and staff. It’s a gracious exit line that shows appreciation.
Pair it with a bow for maximum politeness. Your hosts will love it! Bonus Language Phrase: “o-kaike” (o-kai-ke) (kai rhymes with “hi”) means “check or bill” as in “check, please.”
8. Irasshaimase (Welcome… But Don’t Say It Back!)
Walk into any shop or restaurant, and you’ll hear “irasshaimase” often said in unison by all of the staff. Please remember that you don’t say it back. A smile or nod suffices. It’s their job to say it.
9. Shitsurei Shimasu / Shitsurei Shimashita (Pardon the Intrusion)
These are your polite intrusion phrases. “Shitsurei shimasu” means “excuse me, I’m entering” (like knocking on an office door), while “shitsurei shimashita” is “excuse me, I’m leaving” (farewell at day’s end). Shimashita is the past tense of “shimasu,” indicating that something is done.
In traditional settings, like entering a tatami room, it shows humility. I used “shitsurei shimasu” before joining a tea ceremony, and it earned approving nods. It’s old-school polite and great for impressing the Japanese in professional settings.
10. Genki? / Genki Desu Ka? (How’s It Going?)
“Genki?” or the more polite “genki desu ka?” means “Are you well?” or “How are you?” It’s like our “What’s up?” Expect a quick “genki desu” (I’m fine) in return.
Use it with acquaintances. Reply honestly but briefly just like you would do back home. Usually, “Genki desu” is fine.
11. Douzo (Please, Go Ahead)
“Douzo” is like a green light: “Please,” “go ahead,” or “after you.” Say it when holding a door or inviting someone to eat first.
In elevators or lines, it’s perfect to make a great impression.
12. Hitori / Futari / Sannin / Yonin (Party of One/Two/Three/Four?)
When you enter a restaurant, the Japanese staff ask “nan-mei sama?” (how many?). Instead of replying with regular Japanese numbers like “ichi, ni, san, and shi,” you should instead reply with these counters: “Hitori” (one person), “futari” (two), “sannin” (three), “yonin” (four). The Japanese count in more than ten different ways depending on the type of object they are talking about (check this out if you’re interested). Saying the number of people in the correct way will definitely impress the Japanese.
13. Massugu / Hidari / Migi (Straight/Left/Right)
These directions phrases: “Massugu” (straight ahead), “hidari” (left), “migi” (right) are more for understanding than being able to give directions yourself. Locals might use these phrases when trying to help you find a destination.
14. Eki (Train Station)
“Eki” (eh-key) simply means “train station.” Japan’s rail system is legendary. When lost, head to the eki for maps, help, or a ride home.
Look for signs to the “eki” or ask around. It’s your North Star in the urban jungle.
15. Eki wa Doko Desu Ka? (Where’s the Train Station?)
Pair with the above: “Eki wa doko desu ka?” (eh-key wa doe ko dess ka?) (Where is the train station?). Anytime you want to go anywhere, you say (place) wa doko desu ka? Good luck!
16. Mata Ne (See You Later!)
Casual goodbye: “Mata ne” (Mah Tah Neh) means “see you later.” The Japanese only use “sayonara” when they won’t see that person for a long time or maybe ever again. With friends or acquaintances, “mata ne” keeps it light. Use this when saying goodbye.
Final Language Thoughts
Mastering these phrases won’t make you fluent, but they’ll open doors (literally and figuratively) and earn you a lot of respect from the Japanese. Japan rewards effort, so practice with apps or locals to test and perfect these phrases. On your next trip, you’ll be chatting with ease. Arigatou gozaimasu for reading—mata ne (see you later) or ja ne (see ya)!
Ready to Tour Japan with Your New Japanese Phrases?
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