Basic Japanese Expressions for Travelers
October 18, 2024
Planning a trip to Japan? Learn these essential Japanese expressions to navigate with confidence and connect with locals during your travels.
Greeting Essentials
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello/Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu): Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa): Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara): Goodbye
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you very much
Useful Travel Phrases
Essential expressions for tourists:
- すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me/It'm sorry
- 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasuka?): Do you speak English?
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desuka?): How much is it?
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desuka?): Where is the bathroom?
- 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai): Please help me
Basic Food Vocabulary
- 水 (Mizu): Water
- ご飯 (Gohan): Rice/Meal
- 寿司 (Sushi): Sushi
- ラーメン (Ramen): Ramen noodles
- おいしい (Oishii): Delicious
Practice pronouncing these phrases before your trip, and dont't worry about making mistakes. Japanese people appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language!