Japanese Phrases for Travellers

すみません

Excuse me

すみません · sumimasen

Also used to say sorry, to get someone's attention, or as a light thank-you

An all-purpose word: use it to apologise, to stop someone and ask something, to get people to let you past, and even as a light thank-you.

ありがとうございます

Thank you

ありがとうございます · arigatō gozaimasu

The polite form of 'thank you'

Use this polite form to thank shop and station staff. A slight bow gets the message across even better.

こんにちは

Hello

こんにちは · konnichiwa

The daytime greeting, roughly 'good afternoon'

The daytime greeting. In the morning it's ohayō gozaimasu, and in the evening konbanwa.

おはようございます

Good morning

おはようございます · ohayō gozaimasu

The polite morning greeting

The greeting to use until about 10 a.m.

はい

Yes

はい · hai

Can also simply mean 'I'm listening'

It's also used to show you're listening, so it doesn't necessarily mean 'I agree'.

いいえ

No

いいえ · iie

A plain 'no', often softened in practice

When turning something down, softening it to 'iie, daijōbu desu' (no, I'm fine) sounds more natural.

大丈夫です

I'm fine / No, thank you

だいじょうぶです · daijōbu desu

Literally: 'It is fine'

Also works for declining offers such as 'Would you like a bag?'. A small wave of the open hand avoids any misunderstanding.

お願いします

Please

おねがいします · onegai shimasu

Literally: 'I request it'; used to ask for or accept something

Use it to ask for something, to accept an offer, or while pointing at the menu to order.

日本語がわかりません

I don't understand Japanese

にほんごがわかりません · nihongo ga wakarimasen

Literally: 'Japanese, I don't understand'

For when someone speaks to you and you're stuck. Follow it with 'eigo wa hanasemasu ka' (do you speak English?) to speed things up.

英語は話せますか

Do you speak English?

えいごははなせますか · eigo wa hanasemasu ka

Literally: 'As for English, can you speak it?'

Even if they can't, plenty of people will help with a translation app or by writing things down.

もう一度お願いします

Could you say that again, please?

もういちどおねがいします · mō ichido onegai shimasu

Literally: 'One more time, please'

For when you didn't catch what was said.

ゆっくり話してください

Please speak slowly

ゆっくりはなしてください · yukkuri hanashite kudasai

Literally: 'Slowly, please speak'

ここに書いてください

Please write it here

ここにかいてください · koko ni kaite kudasai

Hand over a notebook or your phone as you say it

Getting place names and numbers written down on paper or your phone is the surest way.

トイレはどこですか

Where is the toilet?

トイレはどこですか · toire wa doko desu ka

Literally: 'As for the toilet, where is it?'

Use the pattern '〇〇 wa doko desu ka' for anything: a station, an exit, a konbini (convenience store) and so on.

写真を撮ってもいいですか

May I take a photo?

しゃしんをとってもいいですか · shashin o totte mo ii desu ka

Literally: 'Is it all right if I take a photo?'

Ask first before taking photos inside a shop or of people.

〇〇駅はどこですか

Where is 〇〇 Station?

〇〇えきはどこですか · 〇〇 eki wa doko desu ka

Swap 〇〇 for the station name

Put the station name in place of 〇〇. Showing your map app as you ask makes it foolproof.

〇〇に行きたいです

I'd like to go to 〇〇

〇〇にいきたいです · 〇〇 ni ikitai desu

Literally: 'I want to go to 〇〇'

Just tell the station staff where you're going and they'll often tell you which train and platform to take.

〇〇行きは何番線ですか

Which platform for 〇〇?

〇〇いきはなんばんせんですか · 〇〇 iki wa nanbansen desu ka

Literally: 'The train bound for 〇〇 is track number what?'

Put your destination station in place of 〇〇. '〇 bansen' is the platform (track) number.

この電車は〇〇に止まりますか

Does this train stop at 〇〇?

このでんしゃは〇〇にとまりますか · kono densha wa 〇〇 ni tomarimasu ka

Asks whether the train calls at 〇〇 Station

Rapid and express trains skip some stations, so it's worth checking before you get on.

どこで乗り換えますか

Where do I change trains?

どこでのりかえますか · doko de norikaemasu ka

Literally: 'Where should I transfer?'

〇〇線はどこですか

Where is the 〇〇 Line?

〇〇せんはどこですか · 〇〇 sen wa doko desu ka

Asks where the platforms for the 〇〇 Line are

Put the line name (such as the Yamanote Line) in place of 〇〇. Useful when changing trains.

〇〇までいくらですか

How much is it to 〇〇?

〇〇までいくらですか · 〇〇 made ikura desu ka

Asks the fare to 〇〇

チャージはどこでできますか

Where can I top up my card?

チャージはどこでできますか · chāji wa doko de dekimasu ka

'Chāji' (charge) means adding money to an IC card

IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be topped up ('charged') at the ticket machines in almost every station.

ICカードが通りません

My IC card isn't working

アイシーカードがとおりません · aishī kādo ga tōrimasen

Literally: 'My IC card won't go through' (the ticket gate)

If the gate stops you, go to the staffed gate. The usual reason is not enough money on the card.

乗り越してしまいました

I've gone past my stop

のりこしてしまいました · norikoshite shimaimashita

Literally: 'I've ridden past (my station)'

You can pay the difference at the fare adjustment machine inside the gates or at the staffed gate.

切符をなくしました

I've lost my ticket

きっぷをなくしました · kippu o nakushimashita

Kippu means a paper ticket

Tell the staff at the staffed gate before you go out through the barrier.

次は〇〇ですか

Is the next stop 〇〇?

つぎは〇〇ですか · tsugi wa 〇〇 desu ka

Asks whether the next station is 〇〇

For quietly asking someone nearby on the train. Talking on the phone on trains is considered bad manners.

〇〇口はどちらですか

Which way is the 〇〇 exit?

〇〇ぐちはどちらですか · 〇〇 guchi wa dochira desu ka

Guchi (kuchi) means an exit or entrance; dochira is a polite 'which way'

Big stations have many exits, such as Higashi-guchi (East Exit) and Nishi-guchi (West Exit), so ask for the one nearest where you're going and you won't get lost.

コインロッカーはどこですか

Where are the coin lockers?

コインロッカーはどこですか · koin rokkā wa doko desu ka

Koin rokkā comes from the English 'coin locker'

Some station lockers can be paid for with an IC card.

忘れ物をしました

I left something on the train

わすれものをしました · wasuremono o shimashita

Literally: 'I've left something behind'

Tell them the time of the train, which carriage you were in and what you left, and it'll be easier for them to find.

ここまでお願いします

Here, please

ここまでおねがいします · koko made onegai shimasu

Said while pointing at a map or an address

Say it while showing a map app or an address written in Japanese. Unless you're going to a famous sight or hotel, have your destination ready in Japanese to be safe.

〇〇までお願いします

To 〇〇, please

〇〇までおねがいします · 〇〇 made onegai shimasu

Literally: 'As far as 〇〇, please'

Put a hotel, station or venue name in place of 〇〇.

この住所までお願いします

To this address, please

このじゅうしょまでおねがいします · kono jūsho made onegai shimasu

Show the address as you say it

Show the Japanese address from something like your booking confirmation email.

ここで止めてください

Please stop here

ここでとめてください · koko de tomete kudasai

Literally: 'Please stop (the car) here'

The doors open and close automatically, so don't open or shut them yourself.

次の角で止めてください

Please stop at the next corner

つぎのかどでとめてください · tsugi no kado de tomete kudasai

Kado means corner

だいたいいくらですか

Roughly how much will it be?

だいたいいくらですか · daitai ikura desu ka

Asks for a rough idea of the fare

Fares are metered by distance, with a surcharge from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. No tip is needed.

カードで払えますか

Can I pay by card?

カードではらえますか · kādo de haraemasu ka

Kādo here means a credit card

Many taxis in cities take cards, but in rural areas some are cash only. Asking before you get in saves worry.

領収書をください

A receipt, please

りょうしゅうしょをください · ryōshūsho o kudasai

Ryōshūsho is a formal receipt

If you leave something behind, you can contact the taxi company named on the receipt.

トランクを開けてください

Could you open the boot, please?

トランクをあけてください · toranku o akete kudasai

Toranku (from 'trunk') is the Japanese word for the boot

For when you have big bags.

タクシー乗り場はどこですか

Where is the taxi rank?

タクシーのりばはどこですか · takushī noriba wa doko desu ka

Noriba means a place to get on

To hail one in the street, raise your hand to a taxi showing 空車 (kūsha, 'vacant'), which is often in red.

道に迷いました

I'm lost

みちにまよいました · michi ni mayoimashita

Literally: 'I've lost my way'

Asking the officers at a kōban (police box) is another good option.

〇〇へはどう行けばいいですか

How do I get to 〇〇?

〇〇へはどういけばいいですか · 〇〇 e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka

Literally: 'How should I go to 〇〇?'

Put your destination in place of 〇〇.

今いる場所はこの地図のどこですか

Where am I on this map?

いまいるばしょはこのちずのどこですか · ima iru basho wa kono chizu no doko desu ka

Literally: 'Where on this map is the place I am now?'

Show them your map and ask them to point.

歩いて行けますか

Can I walk there?

あるいていけますか · aruite ikemasu ka

Asks whether it's within walking distance

〇人です

〇 people

〇にんです · 〇 nin desu

Literally: 'It's 〇 people'

One person is hitori, two is futari, and from three it's san-nin, yo-nin, go-nin.

英語のメニューはありますか

Do you have an English menu?

えいごのメニューはありますか · eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka

Literally: 'As for an English menu, is there one?'

Even without one, more and more places have picture menus or QR-code ordering.

おすすめは何ですか

What do you recommend?

おすすめはなんですか · osusume wa nan desu ka

Osusume means 'recommendation'

They'll tell you what the place is proud of, so if you can't decide, this is the best question to ask.

これをください

This one, please

これをください · kore o kudasai

Literally: 'This, please give me'

Saying it while pointing at the menu is all you need.

これを二つください

Two of these, please

これをふたつください · kore o futatsu kudasai

Futatsu means 'two (things)'

Things are counted hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu (one, two, three).

注文をお願いします

I'd like to order, please

ちゅうもんをおねがいします · chūmon o onegai shimasu

Literally: 'Order, please'

To call staff over, raise your hand and say 'sumimasen'. Some tables have a call button.

〇〇アレルギーがあります

I'm allergic to 〇〇

〇〇アレルギーがあります · 〇〇 arerugī ga arimasu

Literally: 'I have a 〇〇 allergy'

Put the food in place of 〇〇 (e.g. egg, milk, wheat, soba (buckwheat), peanuts, prawns, crab). Unlike packaged processed foods, dishes in restaurants don't have to carry allergy labelling, so always check by showing a card written in Japanese.

〇〇が食べられません

I can't eat 〇〇

〇〇がたべられません · 〇〇 ga taberaremasen

Literally: '〇〇 cannot be eaten (by me)'

If you don't eat meat or fish, mention dashi (fish stock) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) as well, as they're often used where you can't see them.

これに〇〇は入っていますか

Does this contain 〇〇?

これに〇〇ははいっていますか · kore ni 〇〇 wa haitte imasu ka

Literally: 'In this, is 〇〇 included?'

〇〇抜きでお願いします

Without 〇〇, please

〇〇ぬきでおねがいします · 〇〇 nuki de onegai shimasu

Nuki means 'left out'

For when you'd like the wasabi or spring onions left out, for example. With a serious allergy, don't just ask for it to be left out: make clear that you can't eat it and why.

お会計をお願いします

The bill, please

おかいけいをおねがいします · okaikei o onegai shimasu

Okaikei means the bill, or settling up

Some places take payment at the table, others at the till. No tip is needed.

別々でお願いします

Separate bills, please

べつべつでおねがいします · betsubetsu de onegai shimasu

Betsubetsu means 'separately'

Some places can't do this when they're busy, so it's considerate to ask before you order.

カードは使えますか

Do you take cards?

カードはつかえますか · kādo wa tsukaemasu ka

Literally: 'Can a card be used?'

Small places are sometimes cash only.

ごちそうさまでした

Thank you for the meal

ごちそうさまでした · gochisōsama deshita

Literally: 'It was a feast'; a way of saying the food was good

Staff are pleased to hear this when you finish eating or leave. Before eating, you say itadakimasu.

これをください

I'll take this, please

これをください · kore o kudasai

Literally: 'This, please give me'

Pointing at the item as you say it is enough.

袋はいりません

I don't need a bag

ふくろはいりません · fukuro wa irimasen

Irimasen means 'don't need'

It's fine to say this before they ask.

カードで払えますか

Can I pay by card?

かーどではらえますか · kādo de haraemasu ka

Kādo here means a credit card

Some shops don't take cards, so it's wise to carry a little cash.

レシートをください

A receipt, please

れしーとをください · reshīto o kudasai

Reshīto is a printed till receipt

If you need a handwritten receipt, say 'ryōshūsho o kudasai' (a receipt, please).

いくらですか

How much is it?

いくらですか · ikura desu ka

Ikura means 'how much'

If you can't catch the numbers, look at the till display or ask them to show you on a calculator.

免税できますか

Can I buy this tax-free?

めんぜいできますか · menzei dekimasu ka

Menzei means tax exemption

Tax-free shopping applies at tax-free shops when you spend ¥5,000 or more (before tax) in the same shop on the same day, and you must show your passport. For purchases from 1 November 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive price in the shop, and the consumption tax is refunded after customs check your purchases at the airport or port when you leave Japan.

試着してもいいですか

May I try this on?

しちゃくしてもいいですか · shichaku shite mo ii desu ka

Shichaku means trying clothes on

It's usual to take your shoes off before stepping into the fitting room.

もっと大きいサイズはありますか

Do you have a larger size?

もっとおおきいさいずはありますか · motto ōkii saizu wa arimasu ka

Literally: 'Is there a bigger size?'

For a smaller size, say 'motto chiisai saizu'.

〇〇はありますか

Do you have 〇〇?

〇〇はありますか · 〇〇 wa arimasu ka

Asks whether they sell 〇〇

Put the name of what you want in place of 〇〇, or show a photo on your phone as you ask.

見ているだけです

I'm just looking

みているだけです · mite iru dake desu

Literally: 'I'm only looking' (not buying right now)

Handy when a shop assistant speaks to you and you don't need anything in particular.

チェックインをお願いします

I'd like to check in, please

ちぇっくいんをおねがいします · chekku in o onegai shimasu

Literally: 'Check-in, please'

予約している〇〇です

I have a reservation under 〇〇

よやくしている〇〇です · yoyaku shite iru 〇〇 desu

Literally: 'I'm 〇〇, who has a reservation'

Put the name the booking is under in place of 〇〇. Showing your booking confirmation makes it even more certain.

荷物を預かってもらえますか

Could you keep my luggage?

にもつをあずかってもらえますか · nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka

Azukaru means to look after something for someone

Handy before check-in or after check-out, when you want to go sightseeing without your bags.

荷物を受け取りに来ました

I've come to collect my luggage

にもつをうけとりにきました · nimotsu o uketori ni kimashita

Literally: 'I've come to receive my luggage'

Show the tag (claim ticket) you were given when you left your bags.

チェックアウトは何時ですか

What time is check-out?

ちぇっくあうとはなんじですか · chekku auto wa nanji desu ka

Literally: 'As for check-out, what time is it?'

朝食は何時からですか

What time does breakfast start?

ちょうしょくはなんじからですか · chōshoku wa nanji kara desu ka

Literally: 'Breakfast is from what time?'

To ask when it ends, say 'nanji made desu ka' (until what time?).

朝食会場はどこですか

Where is breakfast served?

ちょうしょくかいじょうはどこですか · chōshoku kaijō wa doko desu ka

Kaijō means the venue or room

大浴場は何時まで入れますか

Until what time is the large bath open?

だいよくじょうはなんじまではいれますか · daiyokujō wa nanji made hairemasu ka

Daiyokujō is the large shared bath

A daiyokujō is a large bath shared by all the guests. It may close late at night for cleaning, and the men's and women's baths sometimes swap at set times.

Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えてください

What's the Wi-Fi password?

わいふぁいのぱすわーどをおしえてください · waifai no pasuwādo o oshiete kudasai

Literally: 'Please tell me the Wi-Fi password'

In Japan it's pronounced 'waifai'. It's often written in the room information too.

タオルをもう一枚もらえますか

Could I have another towel?

たおるをもういちまいもらえますか · taoru o mō ichimai moraemasu ka

Ichimai means 'one (flat thing)'

エアコンがつきません

The air conditioning isn't working

えあこんがつきません · eakon ga tsukimasen

Literally: 'The air conditioner won't come on'

Use '〇〇 ga kowarete imasu' (〇〇 is broken) to report other faults.

部屋の鍵をなくしました

I've lost my room key

へやのかぎをなくしました · heya no kagi o nakushimashita

Includes a card key

浴衣で館内を歩いてもいいですか

May I walk around the hotel in my yukata?

ゆかたでかんないをあるいてもいいですか · yukata de kannai o aruite mo ii desu ka

Kannai means 'inside the building'

A yukata is a cotton, kimono-style robe provided by ryokan and similar places for relaxing in. Whether you can wear it around the building depends on where you're staying.

タクシーを呼んでもらえますか

Could you call me a taxi?

たくしーをよんでもらえますか · takushī o yonde moraemasu ka

Literally: 'Could I have you call a taxi?'

もう一泊できますか

Can I stay one more night?

もういっぱくできますか · mō ippaku dekimasu ka

Ippaku means 'one night's stay'

入れ墨があるのですが、入れますか

I have tattoos. Can I still bathe here?

いれずみがあるのですが、はいれますか · irezumi ga aru no desu ga, hairemasu ka

Irezumi is the Japanese word for tattoos

Some places turn away guests with tattoos, so it's safest to ask beforehand. 'Tatū' (tattoo) is understood too.

カバーシールで隠せば大丈夫ですか

Is it all right if I cover them with stickers?

かばーしーるでかくせばだいじょうぶですか · kabā shīru de kakuseba daijōbu desu ka

Asks whether cover-up stickers are allowed

For small tattoos, some places will let you in if you cover them with a sticker.

貸切風呂はありますか

Do you have a private bath?

かしきりぶろはありますか · kashikiri buro wa arimasu ka

A bath you can book for yourself or your family

A kashikiri buro (also called a kazoku-buro, 'family bath') is a bath you can have to yourselves for a set time; handy if you have tattoos or are travelling with family.

貸切風呂を予約したいです

I'd like to book the private bath

かしきりぶろをよやくしたいです · kashikiri buro o yoyaku shitai desu

Literally: 'I want to reserve the private bath'

To name a time, add '〇-ji kara onegai shimasu' (from 〇 o'clock, please).

男湯はどちらですか

Which way is the men's bath?

おとこゆはどちらですか · otoko-yu wa dochira desu ka

Otoko-yu is the men's bath

The noren (fabric curtain) at the entrance is often marked 男 (men) or 女 (women), so these kanji are worth remembering.

女湯はどちらですか

Which way is the women's bath?

おんなゆはどちらですか · onna-yu wa dochira desu ka

Onna-yu is the women's bath

At some places the men's and women's baths swap at set times, so check the noren before you go in.

タオルは借りられますか

Can I rent a towel?

たおるはかりられますか · taoru wa kariraremasu ka

Literally: 'Can towels be borrowed?'

At sentō and similar places, towels may be rented or sold for a fee.

入浴料はいくらですか

How much is it to bathe?

にゅうよくりょうはいくらですか · nyūyokuryō wa ikura desu ka

Nyūyokuryō is the bathing fee

石けんとシャンプーはありますか

Is there soap and shampoo?

せっけんとしゃんぷーはありますか · sekken to shanpū wa arimasu ka

Asks whether they're provided or you need your own

Before getting into the bath, it's good manners to wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the washing area.

水着で入れますか

Can I wear a swimsuit?

みずぎではいれますか · mizugi de hairemasu ka

Literally: 'Can I go in wearing a swimsuit?'

At ordinary onsen and sentō, you bathe naked. Keep your small towel out of the water: put it on your head or set it to one side.

ロッカーはどこですか

Where are the lockers?

ろっかーはどこですか · rokkā wa doko desu ka

Lockers for your clothes and bags

何時まで入れますか

Until what time can I bathe?

なんじまではいれますか · nanji made hairemasu ka

Literally: 'Until what time can I go in?'

ドライヤーはありますか

Is there a hairdryer?

どらいやーはありますか · doraiyā wa arimasu ka

Doraiyā means a hairdryer

At sentō, hairdryers are sometimes coin-operated.

のぼせてしまいました

I feel dizzy from the hot water

のぼせてしまいました · nobosete shimaimashita

Noboseru: to feel faint from staying in hot water too long

If you feel unwell, don't push yourself: get out of the bath and drink some water. If it's serious, for example someone isn't fully conscious, call 119 for an ambulance.

写真を撮ってもいいですか

May I take your photo?

しゃしんをとってもいいですか · shashin o totte mo ii desu ka

Asking someone if you may photograph them

Always get permission before photographing people. Some places don't allow photos, such as inside temple and shrine buildings.

写真を撮ってもらえますか

Could you take a photo of us?

しゃしんをとってもらえますか · shashin o totte moraemasu ka

Asking someone to take your picture

It helps to hand over your phone with the camera already open.

一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか

Could I take a photo with you?

いっしょにしゃしんをとってもいいですか · issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka

Issho ni means 'together'

入場券はどこで買えますか

Where can I buy a ticket?

にゅうじょうけんはどこでかえますか · nyūjōken wa doko de kaemasu ka

Nyūjōken is an admission ticket

Many places sell tickets from a machine. At temples, the ticket may be called a haikanken (viewing ticket).

大人二枚お願いします

Two adults, please

おとなにまいおねがいします · otona ni-mai onegai shimasu

Ni-mai means 'two (tickets)'

A child is kodomo, and one ticket is ichi-mai.

何時まで開いていますか

What time do you close?

なんじまであいていますか · nanji made aite imasu ka

Literally: 'Until what time are you open?'

今日は開いていますか

Are you open today?

きょうはあいていますか · kyō wa aite imasu ka

Literally: 'Today, are you open?'

入口はどこですか

Where is the entrance?

いりぐちはどこですか · iriguchi wa doko desu ka

Iriguchi means entrance

An exit is deguchi.

英語のパンフレットはありますか

Do you have an English leaflet?

えいごのぱんふれっとはありますか · eigo no panfuretto wa arimasu ka

Literally: 'Is there an English pamphlet?'

For an audio guide, ask for 'eigo no onsei gaido' (an English audio guide).

ここで靴を脱ぎますか

Do I take my shoes off here?

ここでくつをぬぎますか · koko de kutsu o nugimasu ka

Literally: 'Do I take off my shoes here?'

In temple buildings, old houses and similar places, you often take your shoes off at the entrance before stepping up.

コインロッカーはありますか

Are there coin lockers?

こいんろっかーはありますか · koin rokkā wa arimasu ka

Lockers where you can leave your bags

〇〇までどうやって行けばいいですか

How do I get to 〇〇?

〇〇までどうやっていけばいいですか · 〇〇 made dō yatte ikeba ii desu ka

Literally: 'How should I go to 〇〇?'

Put the name of the place you want to go in place of 〇〇. Showing a map as you ask makes it easier to understand.

学生割引はありますか

Is there a student discount?

がくせいわりびきはありますか · gakusei waribiki wa arimasu ka

Waribiki means 'discount'

You may be asked to show a student ID to get the discount.

いくらですか

How much is it?

いくらですか · ikura desu ka

Ikura means 'how much'

Point at the item as you say it and that's all you need.

これはいくらですか

How much is this?

これはいくらですか · kore wa ikura desu ka

Kore means 'this'

For when there's no price tag in sight: pick up the item and ask.

全部でいくらですか

How much is it altogether?

ぜんぶでいくらですか · zenbu de ikura desu ka

Zenbu de means 'in total'

For when you're buying several things, or have ordered a few things at once from a food stall.

一、二、三、四、五

One, two, three, four, five

いち、に、さん、よん、ご · ichi, ni, san, yon, go

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Four can also be read shi, but that sounds the same as the word for death, so yon is the safer choice.

六、七、八、九、十

Six, seven, eight, nine, ten

ろく、なな、はち、きゅう、じゅう · roku, nana, hachi, kyū, jū

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Seven can also be read shichi and nine ku, but nana and kyū are more common to avoid mishearing. 100 is hyaku, 1,000 is sen and 10,000 is ichiman.

これを二つください

Two of these, please

これをふたつください · kore o futatsu kudasai

Futatsu means 'two (things)'

To count things, say hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu; showing the number on your fingers makes it clearer.

大人二枚お願いします

Two adults, please

おとなにまいおねがいします · otona ni-mai onegai shimasu

Literally: 'Adults, two (tickets), please'

Thin, flat things such as tickets are counted with '-mai'. A child is kodomo.

〇〇人です

〇〇 people

〇〇にんです · 〇〇-nin desu

For saying how many are in your group

One person is hitori and two is futari, which are special forms; from three it carries on san-nin, yo-nin.

税込みですか

Does that include tax?

ぜいこみですか · zeikomi desu ka

Zeikomi means 'consumption tax included'

Price tags in Japan must show the tax-inclusive price, but sometimes the pre-tax price is printed large with the tax-inclusive price in small print beside it.

一万円札でも大丈夫ですか

Is a 10,000-yen note all right?

いちまんえんさつでもだいじょうぶですか · ichiman-en satsu demo daijōbu desu ka

Literally: 'Is it all right even with a 10,000-yen note?'

It's considerate to ask before handing over a big note for a small purchase.

数字を書いてもらえますか

Could you write the number down?

すうじをかいてもらえますか · sūji o kaite moraemasu ka

Sūji means 'numbers'

If you can't catch it, hold out a notepad or your phone's calculator and ask; it never fails.

何時に開きますか

What time do you open?

なんじにあきますか · nanji ni akimasu ka

Asks the opening time of a shop or venue

Times are '〇-ji': 4 o'clock is yo-ji, 7 is shichi-ji and 9 is ku-ji.

何時までですか

Until what time are you open?

なんじまでですか · nanji made desu ka

Literally: 'Until what time is it?'

Use it to find out the closing time or the time of last orders.

どのくらいかかりますか

How long does it take?

どのくらいかかりますか · dono kurai kakarimasu ka

Asks how much time something takes

Use it to ask about waiting or travel times. The answer is often in minutes, '〇-fun' or '〇-pun'; ten minutes is juppun.

〇〇時に予約しています

I have a reservation at 〇〇 o'clock

〇〇じによやくしています · 〇〇-ji ni yoyaku shite imasu

Literally: 'I've booked for 〇〇 o'clock'

Say it along with the name the booking is under when you arrive at a restaurant or hotel.

体の調子が悪いです

I don't feel well

からだのちょうしがわるいです · karada no chōshi ga warui desu

Literally: 'My body's condition is bad'

The first thing to get across; it's also on the communication card for emergencies made by the Japan Tourism Agency and JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization).

〇〇が痛いです

My 〇〇 hurts

〇〇がいたいです · 〇〇 ga itai desu

Itai means 'it hurts'

Put the part of the body in place of 〇〇: head (atama), stomach (onaka), throat (nodo), tooth (ha), chest (mune), leg or foot (ashi) and so on. Pointing to where it hurts helps.

頭が痛いです

I have a headache

あたまがいたいです · atama ga itai desu

Literally: 'My head hurts'

According to JNTO's guidance, the department to see is generally internal medicine.

お腹が痛いです

I have a stomach ache

おなかがいたいです · onaka ga itai desu

Literally: 'My stomach hurts'

Diarrhoea is geri, and constipation is benpi.

熱があります

I have a fever

ねつがあります · netsu ga arimasu

Netsu means 'fever'

Body temperature in Japan is measured in Celsius, and a normal temperature is usually in the 36s. Thermometers are sold at pharmacies and drugstores.

咳が出ます

I have a cough

せきがでます · seki ga demasu

Seki means 'cough'

A runny nose is hanamizu, and a sore throat is 'nodo ga itai'.

吐き気がします

I feel sick

はきけがします · hakike ga shimasu

Literally: 'I have nausea'

If you feel dizzy, say 'memai ga shimasu'.

けがをしています

I'm injured

けがをしています · kega o shite imasu

Literally: 'I have an injury'

If it's serious, such as bleeding or a bone that may be broken, don't hesitate to call an ambulance (119).

〇〇のアレルギーがあります

I'm allergic to 〇〇

〇〇のアレルギーがあります · 〇〇 no arerugī ga arimasu

Literally: 'I have an allergy to 〇〇'

Put the cause in place of 〇〇 (e.g. penicillin, egg = tamago, soba (buckwheat)). Always tell them before an examination or before you're given any medicine.

普段この薬を飲んでいます

I usually take this medicine

ふだんこのくすりをのんでいます · fudan kono kusuri o nonde imasu

Fudan means 'usually' or 'normally'

Showing the medicine itself or a note of its name is the surest way. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency also advises telling them about any long-term conditions and the medicine you usually take.

病院はどこですか

Where is the hospital?

びょういんはどこですか · byōin wa doko desu ka

Literally: 'As for a hospital, where is it?'

For mild symptoms, go to a nearby clinic or general hospital during normal consultation hours. JNTO's website lets you search, by language, for medical facilities that can help in foreign languages.

英語が話せる医者はいますか

Is there a doctor who speaks English?

えいごがはなせるいしゃはいますか · eigo ga hanaseru isha wa imasu ka

Isha means 'doctor'

Only a limited number of medical facilities can handle foreign languages, so check at reception first and, if you can, phone to ask before you go.

カードで払えますか

Can I pay by card?

かーどではらえますか · kādo de haraemasu ka

Kādo here means a credit card

According to JNTO, cards are mainly accepted at large hospitals; clinics are generally cash only.

薬局はどこですか

Where is the pharmacy?

やっきょくはどこですか · yakkyoku wa doko desu ka

Yakkyoku means pharmacy

Take the prescription you're given at the hospital to a pharmacy to collect your medicine, and pay there separately from the hospital. Over-the-counter medicines are also sold at drugstores.

この薬はありますか

Do you have this medicine?

このくすりはありますか · kono kusuri wa arimasu ka

Asks whether they stock this medicine

Show the box, a photo or the names of the ingredients as you ask. Some kinds of medicine can't be sold when no pharmacist is on duty.

助けて!

Help!

たすけて · tasukete

The short form, for shouting

What to shout to get help from people around you. The polite way to ask is 'tasukete kudasai'.

救急車を呼んでください

Please call an ambulance

きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください · kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai

Kyūkyūsha means ambulance

The number for an ambulance is 119. JNTO advises showing this sentence to a Japanese person nearby and asking them to call. You can't choose which hospital you're taken to.

警察を呼んでください

Please call the police

けいさつをよんでください · keisatsu o yonde kudasai

Keisatsu means police

The police number is 110. Call it for crimes (theft, assault and so on) and traffic accidents.

代わりに電話してください

Could you make the call for me?

かわりにでんわしてください · kawari ni denwa shite kudasai

Kawari ni means 'in my place'

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises asking someone nearby who speaks Japanese to help you make the 119 call.

日本語が話せません

I can't speak Japanese

にほんごがはなせません · nihongo ga hanasemasen

Literally: 'Japanese, I can't speak'

Say this first when calling for help or reporting something, and the other person will speak slowly and simply.

けが人がいます

Someone is injured

けがにんがいます · keganin ga imasu

Keganin means an injured person

Use this when someone else, not you, is hurt.

ここはどこですか

Where am I?

ここはどこですか · koko wa doko desu ka

Literally: 'As for here, where is it?'

When you need to give your location in an emergency call, ask someone nearby like this and they can tell you the address or a landmark.

財布を盗まれました

My wallet has been stolen

さいふをぬすまれました · saifu o nusumaremashita

Saifu means wallet or purse

Report a theft on 110 or at a nearby kōban (police box) or police station. If cards were stolen, contact your card company straight away too, so they can't be misused.

〇〇をなくしました

I've lost my 〇〇

〇〇をなくしました · 〇〇 o nakushimashita

Nakushimashita means 'I've lost'

Put the lost item in place of 〇〇 (e.g. saifu = wallet, keitai = mobile phone, kaban = bag). If you left it on a train or in a shop, contact that railway company or shop as well.

パスポートをなくしました

I've lost my passport

ぱすぽーとをなくしました · pasupōto o nakushimashita

Literally: 'Passport, I've lost it'

Whether you need a police certificate to get a new one depends on your country, so the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department advises checking with your own embassy or consulate first.

交番はどこですか

Where is the police box?

こうばんはどこですか · kōban wa doko desu ka

Kōban is a small neighbourhood police post

A kōban is a small police post on street corners and outside stations, where you can also ask for directions or report lost property.

遺失届を出したいです

I'd like to report a lost item

いしつとどけをだしたいです · ishitsu todoke o dashitai desu

Ishitsu todoke is a lost-property report

You fill it in at a kōban or police station. Having a Japanese phone number ready (such as your hotel's) is useful so they can contact you if it turns up.

これは地震ですか

Is this an earthquake?

これはじしんですか · kore wa jishin desu ka

Jishin means earthquake

When you feel shaking, protect yourself first. Your phone may sound an Earthquake Early Warning alarm.

避難所はどこですか

Where is the evacuation shelter?

ひなんじょはどこですか · hinanjo wa doko desu ka

Hinanjo is an emergency shelter

An evacuation shelter is where people go to stay safe in a disaster, often a school or community centre. If there's a risk of a tsunami, don't rely on your own judgement: get to high ground.