10 Crucial Japanese Phrases That Will Transform Your Trip

You don’t need to speak Japanese to have a great trip to Japan, but memorizing a handful of phrases before you go will make a sizable difference in how smoothly things go, how people respond to you, and how confident you feel navigating the country on your own.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive guide of all the phrases you should know in Japanese, but rather a quick reference to get you on your feet when you arrive in the country.

These are the everyday words and phrases that actually come up constantly, and hopefully, ones that can help you out on your trip.

1. Ohayou Gozaimasu / Konnichiwa / Konbanwa
おはようございます／こんにちは／こんばんは

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening.

It might feel like a cheat to start a list of 10 phrases with a 3-for-1, but these all serve the same function: they’re your gateway greeting.

Saying this to a hotel staff member, a passerby on a hike, or basically anyone you encounter is a simple gesture that makes a real difference.

No matter which country you visit, basic greetings will be helpful. In Japan, they’re especially appreciated.

2. Hai / Iie
はい／いいえ

Yes and no.

These are extremely common words you need to understand immediately. If someone asks you a question and you can’t follow the rest of the sentence, you at least need to know whether they’re expecting a yes or a no.

And if they’re responding to your question, recognizing “hai” and “iie” will save you from a lot of confused staring.

3. Sumimasen
すみません

This is an extremely versatile catchall phrase that you can use in practically any situation. It means “excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” and “thank you” all at once, depending on context.

Some use cases would include everything from getting someone’s attention to bumping into someone at the train station, to raising your hand at an izakaya to get another round of drinks.

You can hear this phrase practically everywhere in Japan, and regardless of the situation, it will help you out.

4. Onegaishimasu
お願いします／おねがいします

Without getting too deep into the grammar of the situation, this essentially means “please,” and it’s one of the most useful phrases you’ll have.

It’s incredibly versatile, especially when ordering at restaurants. You can point to something on the menu and say “kore onegaishimasu” (this, please) and you’re done. It works with anything: “kohhii onegaishimasu” (coffee, please), “ramen onegaishimasu,” or even just pointing and saying “onegaishimasu” on its own.

It’s not just for food, either. You can use it when asking for a map or a recommendation, or when someone offers to help you with something.

You’ll often hear people recommend the word “kudasai,” which also means “please.” If that one’s easier for you to remember, go for it. Without going too deep into the grammar, “onegaishimasu” can be a little more polite and works in a wider variety of situations.

They’re not exactly interchangeable, but foreigners often use them as such, and you’ll be understood either way. Go with whatever is easier.

5. Daijoubu
大丈夫／だいじょうぶ

This one means “okay” or “I’m fine,” and it’s incredibly useful but a little more confusing than it appears on paper.

If someone asks if you’re hurt, you can say “daijoubu desu,” and it means “I’m okay, I’m fine.” But it also works as a polite decline. If someone asks if you’d like a refill on your drink, “daijoubu desu” means “I’m okay, no thanks.” If a taxi driver asks if it’s okay to drop you off at a specific spot, “daijoubu desu” means “this spot is fine.”

The confusion stems from the fact that “daijoubu” can mean either “yes, it’s okay” or “no, I don’t need it,” depending on context.

There are often situations where people weren’t sure whether the person meant they wanted something or were declining it.

Just be aware that this one can occasionally cause a misunderstanding, but it’s still worth knowing because you’ll hear it constantly and use it just as often.

6. Tetsudatte kudasai
手伝ってください／てつだってください

“Please help me.”

If you need assistance with something, whether you’re lost, confused by a machine, or need someone to point you in the right direction, “tetsudatte kudasai” is a polite and clear way to ask for help.

It carries the right amount of urgency without alarming anyone. You’ll notice “kudasai” showing up again here, which works the same way it does when ordering: you’re making a polite request.

For actual emergencies, there’s a much stronger word: “tasukete.” That one essentially means “save me” and will prompt an immediate reaction. Don’t use it for minor situations because the connotation is serious enough to make people panic. But if you’re ever in genuine danger, it’s the word you need to know.

7. [Something] wa Doko Desu Ka?
〇〇はどこですか？

“Where is [blank]?”

This is going to come up constantly. “Toire wa doko desu ka” (where is the bathroom?), “eki wa doko desu ka” (where is the station?), or just “[place name] wa doko desu ka” will get you pointed in the right direction.

Even if the response comes back in rapid Japanese you can’t fully follow, people will usually point or gesture, and between that and your phone, you’ll figure it out.

8. Itadakimasu / Gochisousama Deshita / Kanpai
いただきます／ごちそうさまでした／かんぱい

Another three-for-one, these are phrases used during mealtime.

“Itadakimasu” is said before a meal (by pressing your hands together) and is a polite way to express gratitude for the food you’re about to receive.

“Gochisousama deshita” is said after the meal, as a way to thank the person who prepared it.

“Kampai” is a cheer, used when clinking glasses.

None of these are essential in the sense that you can’t eat without saying them, but they’re what people say when they eat and drink in Japan, and you’ll hear them constantly.

Using them shows that you’re aware of the customs, and that kind of small effort tends to make people warm up to you quickly.

It also just feels good to participate in the ritual rather than sit quietly while everyone around you does.

9. Eigo o Hanasemasu Ka?
英語を話せますか?／えいごをはなせますか？

“Can you speak English?”

This is a perfect setup for situations where these 10 phrases won’t be enough.

If you’re in trouble and need to know whether someone can communicate with you in English, or if you’re at a shop or restaurant and want to check before launching into English, this phrase is the respectful way to ask.

It shows that you’re not assuming everyone speaks your language. You’re asking first, which people appreciate.

10. Wakarimasen
わかりません

“I don’t understand.”

This is the ultimate foreigner phrase, and it’s the perfect closer for this list because eventually, despite your best efforts with the other nine, you’re going to end up in a situation where you cannot follow what’s being said.

“Wakarimasen” is straightforward, honest, and disarming. It tells the other person that you’ve hit your limit, and they’ll usually respond by simplifying, switching approaches, or pulling out their phone to translate.

It gets you out of situations gracefully and resets the interaction without anyone feeling frustrated.

Just be aware that if someone says “wakarimasen” to you, it means the same thing in reverse. They don’t understand you. At that point, it’s time to try a different approach, slow down, or reach for the translation app.

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Of course, there are countless other phrases and words that could help make your experience even better. With translation apps, even the most complex interactions have become significantly easier than they were even a few years ago.

But memorizing these 10 phrases will cover the vast majority of situations you’ll actually find yourself in, and the effort alone will be noticed and appreciated.

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For everything else, the Culture Shock Japan app has a full phrasebook with flashcard practice for anyone who wants to get some reps in before their trip. Available on iOS.