Japanese You’ll Actually Use: 10 Small Phrases for Everyday Japan

You don’t need to speak fluent Japanese to make everyday moments in Japan a little easier.

A few small phrases can go a surprisingly long way.

These aren’t complicated textbook sentences. They’re short expressions you can listen for — and actually use — while shopping, eating or moving around Japan.

1. Sumimasen — すみません

すみません — sumimasen

One of the most useful words to know. It can be used to get someone’s attention, to say “excuse me,” or in situations where you want to politely acknowledge an inconvenience.

2. Arigatō gozaimasu — ありがとうございます

ありがとうございます — arigatō gozaimasu

A polite “thank you.” You’ll have plenty of opportunities to use this one in shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels.

3. Onegaishimasu — お願いします

お願いします — onegaishimasu

A useful polite expression when requesting something. Depending on the situation, it can feel like “please” or “this, please.”

You don’t need long sentences — a few small phrases can make everyday interactions in Japan much easier.

4. Daijōbu desu — 大丈夫です

大丈夫です — daijōbu desu

This expression depends heavily on context. It can mean that something is okay, or it can be a polite way to decline something being offered.

5. Kore — これ

これ — kore

Simply: “this.”

Not a complete phrase on its own, but extremely useful when combined with pointing and a polite expression such as onegaishimasu.

6. Doko desu ka? — どこですか？

どこですか？ — doko desu ka?

“Where is it?” If you know the name of the place or thing you’re looking for, this simple question can be very useful.

7. Ikura desu ka? — いくらですか？

いくらですか？ — ikura desu ka?

“How much is it?” Useful at markets, small shops or anywhere the price isn’t immediately clear.

8. Kudasai — ください

ください — kudasai

Used when asking for something. You’ll often hear it attached to another word or expression.

9. Wakarimasen — わかりません

わかりません — wakarimasen

“I don’t understand.” Simple, but useful when a conversation moves beyond the Japanese you know.

10. Gochisōsama deshita — ごちそうさまでした

ごちそうさまでした — gochisōsama deshita

An expression commonly used after eating. You may hear people say it as they finish a meal or leave a restaurant.

You don’t need to say everything perfectly

Pronunciation may not be perfect. You might forget a word. Sometimes pointing, a smile and one small phrase will do most of the work.

The goal isn’t to sound like a native speaker.

It’s simply to make a small connection with the everyday language happening around you.

ZEN Note

If you remember only three to begin with, start with sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu and onegaishimasu.

Then listen for them while you’re in Japan. Hearing familiar words in real situations is often where they start to stick.

EXPLORE JAPAN is where we share practical Japanese alongside the places, objects and everyday details you’ll encounter here.