Why Learning Even a Little Japanese Makes a Big Difference
Japan is a remarkably welcoming country for non-Japanese speakers, and English signage has improved greatly in major cities. But making even a small effort with the local language opens doors — literally and figuratively. Japanese people deeply appreciate when visitors try to speak the language, no matter how imperfectly. A few key phrases can turn a transactional experience into a warm human exchange.
Pronunciation Basics
Japanese pronunciation is fairly consistent and phonetic. Keep these rules in mind:
- Vowels: a = "ah", i = "ee", u = "oo", e = "eh", o = "oh"
- Double vowels (aa, ii, uu) are held slightly longer
- No silent letters — every syllable is pronounced
- Stress: Japanese is relatively flat; avoid over-stressing syllables
Greetings and Basics
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | おはようございます | O-ha-yo go-za-i-mas |
| Good afternoon | こんにちは | Kon-ni-chi-wa |
| Good evening | こんばんは | Kon-ban-wa |
| Thank you | ありがとうございます | A-ri-ga-to go-za-i-mas |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません | Su-mi-ma-sen |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ | Hai / Iie |
| Please (requesting) | お願いします | O-ne-gai shi-mas |
| I don't understand | わかりません | Wa-ka-ri-ma-sen |
Shopping and Restaurants
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | これはいくらですか？ | Ko-re wa i-ku-ra des-ka? |
| I'll take this one | これをください | Ko-re o ku-da-sai |
| The bill, please | お会計をお願いします | O-kai-ke o o-ne-gai shi-mas |
| Delicious! | おいしい！ | O-i-shi! |
| Do you have an English menu? | 英語のメニューはありますか？ | Ei-go no me-nyu wa a-ri-mas-ka? |
Getting Around
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is [place]? | [場所]はどこですか？ | [basho] wa do-ko des-ka? |
| Train station | 駅 | Eki |
| Toilet / Bathroom | トイレ | Toi-re |
| I want to go to [place] | [場所]に行きたいです | [basho] ni i-ki-tai des |
| Please call a taxi | タクシーを呼んでください | Ta-ku-shi o yon-de ku-da-sai |
Emergency Phrases
- Help! — 助けて！ (Ta-su-ke-te!)
- I need a doctor — 医者が必要です (I-sha ga hi-tsu-yo des)
- Please call the police — 警察を呼んでください (Kei-sa-tsu o yon-de ku-da-sai)
Two Phrases That Will Take You Far
If you only learn two things in Japanese, make them these: Sumimasen (すみません) — a versatile all-purpose "excuse me" used to get attention, apologise, or express gratitude — and Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) — a sincere thank you. Use them freely, and you'll find Japan opens up to you in the most charming ways.