23 Basic Japanese Phrases for Your Next Vacation to Japan

Introduction

• Purpose: Enhance your travel experience in Japan by learning basic Japanese phrases.
• Benefit: Facilitates deeper cultural connections and enriches travel experiences.

Importance of Language in Travel

• Learning basic phrases adds value to your travel experience.
• Not essential to speak Japanese fluently, but helpful.
• Guided tours offer additional language support.

Common Japanese Phrases

Greetings and Politeness

1. Hello - Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

   • Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah
   • Greetings are often accompanied by a bow.

2. Thank you - Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

   • Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs

3. Please - Kudasai (ください)

   • Pronunciation: koo-dah-sigh

4. Excuse me/I'm sorry - Sumimasen (すみません)

   • Used for apologies and getting attention.
   • Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen

5. Yes - Hai (はい)

   • Pronunciation: hi

6. No - Īe (いいえ)

   • Pronunciation: ee-eh

7. Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite (はじめまして)

   • Pronunciation: hah-jee-meh-mah-shee-teh

8. Goodbye - Sayonara (さようなら)

   • Pronunciation: sah-yoh-nah-rah

9. Beautiful - Utsukushii (美しい)

   • Reserved for describing nature or significant beauty.
   • Pronunciation: oo-tsoo-koo-shee

Food and Dining

10. Itadakimasu (いただきます)

    • Spoken before meals to express gratitude.
    • Pronunciation: ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs

11. Delicious - Oishii (おいしい)

    • Pronunciation: oh-ee-shee

12. Wine - Wain (ワイン)

    • Pronunciation: wah-een

13. Beer - Bīru (ビール)

    • Pronunciation: bee-roo

14. Japanese sake - Nihonshu (日本酒)

    • Pronunciation: nee-hohn-shoo

15. Water please - O-mizu o onegai shimasu (お水をお願いします)

    • Pronunciation: oh-mee-zoo oh oh-neh-guy shee-mahs

16. Check, please - Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします)

    • Pronunciation: oh-kai-kay oh-neh-guy shee-mahs

17. I would like ___, please - ___ o Kudasai (___をください)

    • Pronunciation: ___ oh koo-dah-sigh

Shopping

18. How much is this? - Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)

    • Pronunciation: ee-koo-rah deh-soo kah?

19. I'll take it - Sore o moraimasu (それをもらいます)

    • Pronunciation: soh-reh oh moh-rah-ee-mahs

Emergencies

20. Help! - Tasukete! (助けて！)

    • Pronunciation: tah-soo-keh-teh!

21. Hospital - Byōin (病院)

    • Pronunciation: byoh-een

22. It hurts! - Itai desu (痛いです)

    • Pronunciation: ee-tie deh-soo

Expressing Affection

23. I love Japan! - Nihon daisuki (日本大好き)
    • Pronunciation: nee-hohn dahy-soo-kee

Conclusion

• Using these phrases helps build connections and enriches the travel experience.
• Aim is not fluency, but meaningful interactions and experiences.

Additional Resources

• Articles on food, hot springs, and e-biking in Japan are available for further reading.
• Explore related tours such as Japan River Valleys & Heritage, Shrines & Ancient Cities, and Volcanoes & Hot Springs.