Language Guide
Japanese Phrasebook
Last updated: 2026-01-27
Essential Japanese phrases with pronunciation guide for travelers
While many people in Tokyo speak English (especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants), learning a few basic Japanese phrases shows respect and often leads to warmer interactions with locals. Japanese pronunciation can be challenging, but locals appreciate any effort to speak their language.
Pronunciation Tips
- Vowels: Pronounced clearly and consistently (a=ah, e=eh, i=ee, o=oh, u=oo). Each vowel gets equal time.
- Double consonants: Hold the sound slightly longer (e.g., "tt" in "mattaku")
- Long vowels: Marked with a line (ō, ū) - hold the vowel longer
- R sound: Between English "r" and "l" - tap the tongue lightly on the roof of the mouth
- No stress: Japanese has no word stress - all syllables are equal
- Pitch accent: Some words differ only by pitch (high/low), but don't worry about this as a beginner
Essential Phrases
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Konnichiwa | koh-nee-chee-wah | Hello / Good afternoon |
Ohayō gozaimasu | oh-ha-yo go-zai-mass | Good morning |
Konbanwa | kohn-bahn-wah | Good evening |
Arigatō | ah-ree-gah-toh | Thank you |
Sumimasen | soo-mee-mah-sen | Excuse me / Sorry |
Hai | high | Yes |
Iie | ee-eh | No |
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? | ay-go wah hah-nah-seh-mass kah | Do you speak English? |
Restaurant & Food
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Menyū o kudasai | men-yoo oh koo-dah-sigh | Menu, please |
Okanjō o onegaishimasu | oh-kahn-joh oh oh-neh-guy-shee-mass | Bill, please |
Mizu | mee-zoo | Water |
Biiru | bee-roo | Beer |
Kōhī | koh-hee | Coffee |
Oishii! | oy-shee | Delicious! |
Bejitarian desu | beh-jee-tah-ree-an dess | I'm vegetarian |
Directions & Places
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Doko desu ka? | doh-koh dess kah | Where is it? |
Eki | eh-kee | Train station |
Basutei | bah-sue-tay | Bus stop |
Kūkō | koo-koh | Airport |
Migi | mee-gee | Right |
Hidari | hee-dah-ree | Left |
Massugu | mah-ssoo-goo | Straight |
Shopping
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Ikura desu ka? | ee-koo-rah dess kah | How much is it? |
Takai desu | tah-kai dess | It's expensive |
Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka? | kah-doh wah tsu-kai-eh-mass kah | Can I pay by card? |
Genkin | gen-keen | Cash |
Reshīto | reh-shee-toh | Receipt |
Aiteimasu ka? | eye-tey-mass kah | Are you open? |
Shimatteimasu | shee-mah-tay-mass | It's closed |
Emergency Phrases
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Tasukete! | tah-skoo-teh | Help! |
Keisatsu o yonde kudasai | kay-sah-tsu oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sigh | Call the police |
Isha ga hitsuyō desu | ee-sha gah hits-oo-yo dess | I need a doctor |
Byōin | byoh-een | Hospital |
Kusuriya | koo-soo-ree-yah | Pharmacy |
Mayoimashita | mah-yoi-mah-shee-tah | I'm lost |
Hinan-kōsu wa? | hee-nahn koh-soo wah | Where is the evacuation route? |
Numbers 1-10
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
Ichi | ee-chee | One |
Ni | nee | Two |
San | sahn | Three |
Yon | yohn | Four |
Go | goh | Five |
Roku | roh-koo | Six |
Nana | nah-nah | Seven |
Hachi | hah-chee | Eight |
Kyū | kyoo | Nine |
Jū | joo | Ten |
Cultural Tips
- Politeness levels: Use "desu/masu" forms (polite) with strangers and in public. "Arigatō gozaimasu" is more polite than "Arigatō".
- Bowing: A slight bow (nod) is common when greeting, thanking, or apologizing. Don't overdo it - a small nod is fine.
- No tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude. Service is included in the price.
- Saying "no": Japanese people often avoid direct "no" - they may say "chotto..." (a little...) or "muzukashii" (difficult) instead.
- English in Tokyo: Many signs are in English, and most service workers in tourist areas speak some English. Don't worry if your Japanese isn't perfect!
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