Top 10 Basic Japanese Phrases You Should Know Before Visiting Japan
- Yuwei
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Speaking the local language is one of the most direct ways to show respect for a culture, and it can make your journey in Japan much smoother and more meaningful.
In this blog, I’ll introduce some of the most commonly used Japanese phrases, along with key language rules to help you better understand the culture behind the language when visiting Japan.
Rather than just listing phrases with pronunciation, I’ll give you insight into the simplified structure of Japanese so you can make the most of it and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Top 10 Mostly Used Japanese Phrases To Use When Visiting Japan
Thank you! (Arigato ありがとう)
Excuse me ・Sorry (Sumimasen すみません)
Please. (Onegaishimasu お願いします)
Yes. (Hai はい)
No. (Iie いいえ)
It's fine/No, thank you./I'm okay. (Daijobu Desu 大丈夫です)
By card, please. (Kādo Onegaishimasuカードお願いします)・By cash, please. (Genkin Onegaishimasu現金お願いします)
A plastic bag, please. (Rejibukuro Onegaishimasuレジ袋お願いします)
How much is it? (Oikura desuka?おいくらですか)
I'd like the bill. （Kaikei Onegaishimasu会計お願いします）
Thank you! (Arigato ありがとう)
Arigato! | Source: iStock Arigato is one of the the most frequently used phrases when visiting Japan. It is the less formal version, which equals 'Thank you'. If you want to express your thankfulness in a more formal way, we say Arigato Gozaimasu, which is 'Thank you very much'.
Both of them could be used in most circumstances.
Excuse me ・Sorry (Sumimasen すみません)
Japanese people are famous for their courtesy. | Source: iStock The word "Sumimasen" is widely used in Japanese in Japan, especially when you want to ask someone for something. It is very similar to "Excuse me" in English.
If you want to ask a question to someone you don't know or ask for help, it's polite to begin your sentence with "Sumimasen."
“Sumimasen” is also used to express a light apology. For example, when you accidentally bump into someone or cause a minor inconvenience, you can say “Sumimasen” to show politeness.
Please. (Onegaishimasu お願いします)
Order your first cup of Matcha with 'Onegaishimasu'. | Photo by Peter Mazur “Onegaishimasu” can be used in many different situations. Whenever you want something from someone, such as a service or item, you can say the name of the thing followed by “Onegaishimasu.”
For example: “Coffee onegaishimasu” (コーヒーお願いします) means “Coffee, please.”
Yes. (Hai はい)
Using 'Hai' when expressing 'Yes', | Photo by Rin Shiina Everyone is familiar with “Hai,” as it’s one of the most frequently used words in Japanese. It’s pronounced very similarly to “Hi” in English, but the meaning is “Yes” or an acknowledgment, not a greeting.
No. (Iie いいえ)
You might not hear or use “Iie” (the Japanese word for “No”) very often in Japan, as many people simply say “No” in English, especially when speaking with foreigners. “No” tends to be clearer for both sides, even with language barriers.
However, knowing “Iie” is still useful, as it helps you understand when Japanese people use it in conversation or on signs.
It's fine/No, thank you./I'm okay. (Daijobu Desu 大丈夫です)
If you don't want something, say 'daijobu desu'. | Source: iStock “Daijoubu desu” is a typical Japanese phrase that reflects the cultural tendency toward indirect communication. While it can mean “I’m okay” or “It’s fine,” it’s often used to politely decline something, making it a very soft and indirect way of saying “no.”
It’s one of the most frequently used expressions in daily life, especially in situations like:
At the register: “Reji bukuro wa?” (Would you like a plastic bag?) → “Daijoubu desu.” (No, thank you.)
“Reshīto wa?” (Would you like the receipt?) → “Daijoubu desu.” (I’m good, no need.)
Depending on the tone and situation, “Daijoubu desu” can mean: “I’m fine,” “That’s okay,” or “No, thank you.”
By card, please. (Kādo Onegaishimasuカードお願いします)・By cash, please. (Genkin Onegaishimasu現金お願いします)
Many stores accept contactless payment now in Japan. | Source: iStock When paying at the counter in Japan, the staff will usually ask how you'd like to pay. In most cases, you can simply say your payment method followed by “onegaishimasu” to politely indicate your choice.
Here are two common examples:
By card, please. → “Kādo onegaishimasu” (カードお願いします)
By cash, please. → “Genkin onegaishimasu” (現金お願いします)
This is a polite and easy way to communicate your preferred payment method in Japanese, and it’s commonly understood throughout Japan.
A plastic bag, please. (Rejibukuro Onegaishimasuレジ袋お願いします)
After Japan made plastics bags no longer free a few years ago, you will be basically asked at each counter if you need a plastic bag. If you need a bag, you could answer politely 'Rejibukuro (Plastic bag)' + 'Onegaishimasu (Please)'.
Since Japan introduced a charge for plastic bags a few years ago, you’ll usually be asked at the counter whether you need one.
At the counter, it charges different prices for a plastic bag. | Source: iStock If you do want a plastic bag, you can politely say:
“Rejibukuro onegaishimasu” (レジ袋お願いします)This means: “A plastic bag, please.”
If you don’t need one, you can simply say:“Daijoubu desu” (大丈夫です), meaning “No, thank you” or “I’m okay.”
How much is it? (Oikura desuka?おいくらですか)
Confirm the price with 'Oikura desuka'. | Photo by Peter Mazur “Oikura desuka?” (おいくらですか？) is a polite and useful phrase to ask the price of something, especially at market stalls or small shops where prices might not be displayed.
It means: “How much is this?”
You can also point to the item while asking, or say:“Kore wa oikura desuka?” (これはおいくらですか？): “How much is this one?”
I'd like the bill. （Kaikei Onegaishimasu会計お願いします）
Raise your voice and speak 'Kaikei Onegaishimasu' loud at Izakayas. | Source: iStock Especially in restaurants or noisy izakayas (Japanese pubs), it’s helpful to know how to ask for the bill clearly and politely.
The phrase is:“Okaikei onegaishimasu” (お会計お願いします)This means: “The check, please.”
You can say it while making eye contact with the staff or lightly raising your hand to get their attention.
Still Confused About How to Speak Japanese Phrases Properly When Visiting Japan?
TOMOGO! is here to help. We collaborate with local guides who speak natural Japanese phrases and deeply understand Japanese culture. Whether you're navigating a menu, asking for directions, or joining a festival, our friendly guides will support you every step of the way, making your visiting experience in Japan smoother, more authentic, and more enjoyable.
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