174 Essential Japanese Words and Phrases for Daily Life in Japan

This collection of 174 key Japanese words and phrases will prepare you for various scenarios. While achieving fluency in Japanese can take considerable time, what if you need to hold a conversation immediately? Begin with these everyday terms and build from there.

You can listen to the native pronunciation of any word or phrase by clicking on it.

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Greetings and Starters

1. ohayou gozaimasu ( おはようございます ) — Good morning

The informal version is ohayou ( おはよう ). In an office, a person might greet a coworker for the first time that day with this phrase even if it's later in the evening.

2. konnichiwa ( こんにちは ) — Hello / Good afternoon

Konnichiwa is a general greeting suitable for any time of day, but it is most frequently used between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

3. konbanwa ( こんばんは ) — Good evening

After 5 p.m., konbanwa is used to greet people. Note that the は here is pronounced as “wa” instead of “ha.”

4. hisashiburi ( 久しぶり ) — It’s been a while

This is used when you meet someone you haven't seen in a long time.

5. o genki desu ka? ( お元気ですか？ ) — How are you?

This is a formal way to inquire about someone's well-being.

6. genki desu ( 元気です ) — I’m fine

Similarly, this is the most polite response to o genkidesu ka?

Basic Conversation

7. o namae wa nan desu ka? ( お名前は何ですか？ ) — What’s your name?

This is a courteous way to ask someone for their name. The more casual version is O namae wa? ( おなまえは? ) — Your name is…?

8. … desu ( …です ) — I am … / It is …

Consider desu as somewhat similar to the English verb "to be." However, desu remains unchanged regardless of the subject.

For example:

• Tomu desu ( トムです ) — I’m Tom
• Atsui desu ( 暑い です ) — It’s hot/I’m hot
• Osoi desu ( 遅いです ) — You’re late!

You can add this word to adjectives such as:

• samui ( 寒い ) — cold
• ureshii ( 嬉しい ) — happy
• nemui ( 眠い ) — sleepy

Notice in the native pronunciation that the "su" is very soft. So, desu sounds more like “dess” than “de-soo.”

9. watashi wa … desu ( 私は…です ) — I am …

This is the most polite way to introduce yourself. For example:

Watashi wa Pouru desu. 私はポールです。 I am Paul.

Be cautious not to overuse watashi wa after introductions. Often, just "your name/subject + -desu" is enough when it's clear from context who or what you're talking about.

10. … karakimashita ( … から来ました ) — I’m from …

Use this to state which country you are from. Here are some country names in Japanese:

• Igirisu ( イギリス ) — United Kingdom
• Doitsu ( ドイツ ) — Germany
• Chuugoku ( 中国 ) — China
• Kankoku ( 韓国 ) — Korea

Many other country names are very similar in Japanese, for instance:

• Kanada ( カナダ ) — Canada
• Furansu ( フランス ) — France
• Supein ( スペイン ) — Spain
• Amerika ( アメリカ ) — United States of America
• Ousutoraria ( オーストラリア ) — Australia

If you are unsure how to say your country's name, try saying it in English—people will likely understand.

11. suki desu ( 好きです ) — I like it

You can specify what you like by adding … ga suki desu ( が好きです ). For example:

Okashi ga suki desu. お菓子が好きです。 I like sweets.

12. ii desu yo ( いいですよ ) — It’s good

You will also often hear ii yo ( いいよ ), particularly from women and girls.

13. suki dewa arimasen ( 好きではありません ) — I don’t like it

The less formal version is suki dewa nai ( 好きではない ).

14. dame desu ( ダメです ) — It’s no good

In informal talk, you can also simply say:

• dame ( だめ )
• dame da ( だめだ )

15. takusan ( たくさん ) — A lot

Takusan is comparable to ooi ( 多い ). The key difference is that takusan can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb, while ooi is only an adjective. For example:

Kooen ni hana ga takusan arimasu. 公園に花がたくさんあります。 There are lots of flowers in the park .

16. sukoshi ( 少し ) — A little

Here is an example of its usage:

Koohii ni satou wo sukoshi onegaishimasu. コーヒーに砂糖をすこしお願いします。 A little sugar in my coffee, please.

17. ima nanji desu ka? ( 今何時ですか？ ) — What time is it?

In casual settings, saying ima nanji? ( 今何時？ ) is sufficient. You might be noticing that desu can be altered or omitted in informal contexts.

18. … ji desu ( …時です ) — It’s … o’clock

Use this with a number to tell the time. For example:

Ichiji desu. 一時です。 It’s 1 o’clock.

19. nihongo de hanashimashou ( 日本語で話しましょう ) — Let’s talk in Japanese

Once you start a conversation with this phrase, be prepared to do a lot of speaking!

By the way, when you see or hear a verb ending with -mashou (- ましょう ), it typically suggests an invitation or suggestion to do that action.

20. yoroshiku onegaishimasu ( よろしくお願いします ) — Nice to meet you

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu doesn't have a direct English equivalent, but it often conveys meanings like "Please (do this for me)," "I am counting on you," or "I leave it to you." You'll frequently hear this when people make requests, begin new relationships, or ask for cooperation.

Japanese Pronouns

Japanese offers a wide range of pronouns, allowing you to make your sentences more direct when referring to yourself, a friend, or someone else.

21. watashi ( 私 ) — I (all genders)

Watashi is the standard pronoun in polite contexts. For added formality, it's sometimes pronounced watakushi ( わたくし ), and some female speakers may use atashi ( あたし ) casually. All these forms use the character 私 in writing.

22. boku ( 僕 ) — I (usually male)

Boku is primarily used by men and boys among friends. These days, some girls also use boku, which can sound tomboyish.

23. ore ( 俺 ) — I (male)

While boku is sometimes used by girls, ore is exclusively male. It carries a slightly rough tone and is only used casually among close friends.

24. jibun ( 自分 ) — Myself / Yourself / Themselves

Jibun refers to one's self. It can also take different forms, such as:

• jibun no ( 自分の ) — one’s own (something)
• jibun de ( 自分で ) — by yourself

It can also be a more polite way to refer to someone else.

25. anata ( あなた ) — You

Anata translates to "you," but it isn't used as frequently as in English. Japanese often omits "you," preferring to use a person's name instead. This form can also be a term of endearment between partners.

26. kimi ( 君 ) — You

Kimi is often used when speaking to someone of lower status, like a boss to an employee. It's also used for stylistic effect in writing, as seen in the popular movie “Kimi no na wa” ( 君の名は ) — Your Name.

27. kare ( 彼 ) — He / him

Although Japanese tends to use a person's name rather than third-person pronouns, using kare is perfectly acceptable. Additionally, kare can mean someone's boyfriend.

28. kanojo ( 彼女 ) — She / her

This is the female counterpart of kare. Like kare, kanojo can also refer to a girlfriend.

29. tachi ( …たち ) — “… and company” (pluralizes pronouns)

To make a pronoun plural, simply add -tachi. For example:

• watashi tachi ( 私たち ) — We
• kimi tachi ( 君たち ) — You (plural)
• kanojo tachi ( 彼女たち ) — A group of women
• Sasuke tachi ( サスケたち ) — Sasuke and his friends

30. kore ( これ ) — This

This refers to something near the speaker.

31. sore ( それ ) — That

This refers to something near the listener.

32. are ( あれ ) — That (over there)

This refers to something far from both the speaker and the listener.

Saying “Yes” and “No”

33. hai ( はい ) — Yes

Even with a basic knowledge of Japanese, you've likely encountered this simple affirmation. Besides hai, you can also say "yes" non-verbally by nodding or giving a thumbs up.

34. sou desu ka ( そうですか ) — Is that right?

Saying this while nodding is a polite way to show you're listening when someone shares new information. You can also use:

• sokka ( そっか )
• soudane ( そうだね )
• soune ( そうね )

These are less formal but generally acceptable and not considered rude.

35. sou desu ( そうです ) — That’s right

You can also say hai, sou desu ( はい ,そうです ) — Yes, that’s right. However, the hai is implied and can be omitted. Casually, you can just say sou ( そう ).

36. un ( うん ) / aa ( ああ ) / ee ( ええ )

Japanese people use aizuchi ( 相槌 ), which are brief words or gestures to show they are listening.

They don't have direct translations, but are similar to saying "uh-huh" or "mm-hm" in English.

37. mochiron ( もちろん ) — Of course

This is not the "of course" used for emphasis, but rather the one in "Of course, I'll help you with that!"

38. ii desu yo ( いいですよ ) — Okay

This literally means "That's good!" It can be used to express approval.

39. iie ( いいえ ) — no

This is the straightforward way to say "no." However, Japanese culture often prefers less direct approaches.

There are also several non-verbal ways to say "no," such as rubbing the back of the neck, making an "X" with your arms, or even taking a deep breath.

40. uun ( ううん )

This sound indicates you don't quite agree with what the other person is saying.

41. iya ( いやー )

Whether this interjection means "no" depends on the context. If you suggest dinner and someone responds with iya…, they are likely politely declining with a non-committal "Well, you see…"

42. chotto… ( ちょっと… ) — A little…

When using chotto, remember to let your voice trail off, as you're essentially saying, "It's a little…" For example, if someone asks to meet tomorrow afternoon, responding with "Chotto…" implies that time isn't ideal for you.

In business settings, two simple phrases to convey "no" indirectly are:

• muzukashii desu ( 難しいです ) — It’s difficult
• kangaete okimasu ( 考えておきます ) — I’ll think about it

While not direct refusals, they communicate a negative response politely.

Saying “I Don’t Understand”

43. wakarimasen ( 分かりません ) — I don’t understand

If you're with friends, you can use the casual version, wakaranai ( 分からない ).

44. mou ichido itte kudasai ( もう一度言ってください ) — Please say that again

If someone is speaking Japanese too fast, use this phrase to ask them to repeat themselves politely. You can also say:

• yukkuri onegai shimasu ( ゆっくりお願いします ) — Slowly, please
• kikoemasen deshita ( 聞こえませんでした ) — I didn’t hear that

Saying “Please”

45. kudasai ( ください ) — Please (requesting)

The word kudasai is used when making requests, as in these examples:

Isoide kudasai. 急いでください。 Please hurry.

Koohii o kudasai? コーヒーをください? Can I please have a coffee?

46. douzo ( どうぞ ) — Please (offering)

Using douzo is like saying, "Please go ahead." You can use it when letting someone go through a door before you or offering a snack to a coworker.

Saying “Thank You” and “You’re Welcome”

47. arigatou gozaimasu ( ありがとうございます ) — Thank you

The friendlier, more casual way to say thanks is arigatou ( ありがとう ). You'll also see its abbreviation, ari ( あり ), often on Japanese message boards.

48. doumo ( どうも ) — Thank you

If you're close with the person you're thanking, you could also say doumo. Sometimes you'll see these combinations in very formal contexts:

• doumo arigatou gozaimasu ( どうもありがとうございます )
• doumo arigatou ( どうもありがとう )

Most of the time, however, just arigatou gozaimasu is sufficient.

49. otsukaresama desu ( お疲れ様です ) — Thank you for your efforts

This expression is often said when you or someone else finishes work for the day. Think of it as saying, "That's a wrap for the day."

50. iroiro arigatou gozaimashita ( 色々ありがとうございました ) — Thank you for everything

Iroiro ( 色々 ) literally means "various things." So, use this expression when thanking someone for doing many things for you or when you're unsure exactly what to thank them for.

51. mondai nai desu ( 問題ないです ) — No problem

Mondai ( 問題 ) means "problem," and nai ( ない ) negates it. So, you're saying the favor was no trouble at all.

52. douitashimashite ( どういたしまして ) — You’re welcome

Although this is the technically correct response to "Thank you," it's not commonly used in casual conversation today. However, it's good to know for formal situations.

Saying “Sorry” and “Excuse Me”

53. shitsurei shimasu ( 失礼します ) — Excuse me (for my rudeness)

Another common office expression, shitsurei shimasu is used when leaving a room. It's similar to saying, "Sorry to have bothered you." It can also end a formal phone call.

If you watch Japanese media, you might also hear shitsurei shimasu when someone enters a room.

Speaking of authentic Japanese media, you can find plenty on various language learning platforms.

54. sumimasen ( すみません ) — Excuse me, I’m sorry

Sumimasen is often used for "Excuse me" (like when asking for directions) and "Sorry" (like when bumping into someone). It can also be a "thank you" when you've inconvenienced someone—similar to "Thanks for your help."

55. gomen nasai ( ごめんなさい ) — I’m sorry

In casual situations with family and friends, gomen nasai is used instead of sumimasen for apologizing.

56. gomen: ごめん — I’m sorry

Gomen is even less formal than gomen nasai and is reserved for people you're very close to.

Saying “Goodbye”

57. jaa, mata! ( じゃあ、また！ ) — See you later!

You can replace mata with dewa mata ( ではまた ) for a slightly more formal tone. There's also:

• jaa mata ashita ne (じゃあまた明日ね) — see you tomorrow
• jaa ne ( じゃあね ) — see you
• mata ne ( またね ) — see you

58. o genki de ( お元気で ) — Take care

If "see you" is too casual, you can say o genki de instead. This literally means "be healthy" and can also mean "Good luck!"

59. meado wo oshiete moraemasu ka? ( メアドを教えてもらえますか？ ) — Could I have your e-mail address?

If that's too long to remember, you can ask:

Meado wo oshiete? メアドを教えて？ Can I get your e-mail address? (Literally, “Teach me your email?”)

60. tegami kaku yo ( 手紙書くよ ) — I’ll write you letters

Do you prefer physical letters over emails? If so, keep this phrase handy for your Japanese penpals!

61. tsuitara, … shimasu ( 着いたら、… します ) — I’ll … you when I arrive

You can use this phrase as follows:

• tsuitara, denwa shimasu ( 着いたら、電話します ) — I’ll call you when I arrive
• tsuitara, meeru shimasu ( 着いたら、メールします ) — I’ll email you when I arrive

62. mata sugu ni kimasu yo: またすぐに来ますよ — I’ll be back soon

This is generally a casual phrase, as indicated by the ending yo ( よ ).

63. asobi ni kite kudasai ne ( 遊びに来てくださいね ) — Come visit me

Although asobi ( 遊び ) here means "to visit," it can also mean "to play," adding warmth to the phrase.

64. watashi no ie dewa, itsudemo anata wo kangei shimasu yo! ( わたしの家ではいつでもあなたを歓迎しますよ！ ) — You’re always welcome in my home!

Basic Question Words

Knowing essential Japanese question words will help you get your questions across to Japanese speakers.

65. nani ( 何 ) — What

Nani can be used alone or in a sentence. Before desu, nani becomes nan. For example:

Kore wa nan desu ka? これは何ですか？ What is this? (Remember this phrase—it's useful in many situations!)

66. doko ( どこ ) — Where

Doko is used to ask for a location, like this:

Toire wa doko desu ka? トイレはどこですか ? Where is the toilet?

If you don't know the word for the place you're looking for, you can point to it on a map and ask:

Doko desu ka? どこですか ? Where is it?

67. dare ( 誰 ) — Who

If you're referring to a specific person, add it before dare:

Kanojo wa dare desu ka? 彼女は誰ですか？ Who is she?

68. itsu ( いつ ) — When

Itsu is typically used in this structure: itsu + verb (in -masu form) or event + question marker ka.

Itsu kaerimasu ka? いつ帰りますか？ When are you coming back?

69. doushite ( どうして ) — Why

For a polite ask, say Doushite desu ka? ( どうしてですか？ ). With friends or family, use the casual nande ( 何で ).

70. naze ( なぜ ) — Why

This is similar to doushite but more formal. Naze asks for the reason behind something, while doushite has a nuance of "how."

71. ikura ( いくら ) — How much

Just add the question marker desu ka? ( ですか？ ) to get ikura desu ka? ( いくらですか？ )

A quick note: ikura also means "salmon roe" ( イクラ ). So, ensure the context makes it clear you're asking "How much?" and not "Is this salmon roe?"—the latter being イクラですか？

72. ikutsu ( いくつ ) — How many

This is a general word for asking "how much" or "how many" of a numerical amount. For example:

Okashi wa ikutsu hoshii desu ka? お菓子はいくつ欲しいですか？ How many snacks do you want?

It can also ask someone's age:

Oikutsu desu ka? おいくつですか？ How old are you?

Here, ikutsu has the polite prefix o ( お ), making the question more respectful, especially for older people.

73. nan … ( 何… ) — How many

Nan is a more specific way to ask about quantity. It combines nan with a counter, such as:

• nanhon ( 何本 ) — How many long cylindrical objects?
• nannin ( 何人 ) — How many people?
• nanmai ( 何枚 ) — How many sheets?

74. dochira ( どちら ) — Which one?

Use this when choosing between two options.

75. dore ( どれ ) — Which one?

Use this when choosing between three or more options.

Travel Vocabulary

This list of everyday Japanese vocabulary will help you get around Japan and, if needed, ask for help in an emergency.

Public Transport

76. sumimasen, … wa doko desu ka? ( すみません、… はどこですか？ — Excuse me, where’s the …?

This structure is useful for phrases like these. Just add your destination before wa doko desu ka:

• sumimasen, chikatetsu wa doko desu ka? ( すみません、地下鉄はどこですか？ — Excuse me, where’s the subway?
• sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka ( すみません、駅はどこですか？ ) — Excuse me, where’s the station?
• sumimasen, takushii no noriba wa dokodesu ka? ( すみません、タクシーの乗り場はどこですか？ ) — Where is the taxi platform?

77. kono densha wa … eki ni tomarimasu ka? ( この電車は… 駅に停まりますか？ ) — Does this train stop at … station?

Japan has a complex train system. This simple phrase can help you navigate it!

78. kono basu wa … ni ikimasu ka? ( このバスは…に行きますか？ ) — Does this bus go to … ?

If you're unsure where your transport is going, use this phrase. You can replace basu with densha ( 電車 ) — train, takushi ( タクシー ) — taxi, etc.

79. … made tsureteitte kudasai ( …まで連れて行ってください ) — Please take me to …

Use this to tell a taxi driver your destination.

Hotel Phrases

80. yoyaku wo shitainodesuga ( 予約をしたいのですが ) — I’d like to make a reservation.

As with most hotels worldwide, it's best to book Japanese hotels in advance. However, some hotels may allow bookings at the front desk.

81. yoyaku shiteimasu ( 予約しています ) — I have a reservation.

Use this if you've booked ahead.

82. chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka? ( チェックアウトは何時ですか？ ) — What time is checkout?

This is self-explanatory. You can replace chekkuauto ( チェックアウト ) with anything you want to know the time of.

Emergencies

83. michi ni mayotte shimaimashita ( 道に迷ってしまいました ) — I’ve lost my way.

If that's too long, you can say mayotte shimaimashita ( 迷ってしまいました ).

84. tasukete! ( 助けて！ ) — Help! (for emergencies)

If you forget every other phrase, remember this one. It could literally save your life!

85. tetsudatte kuremasen ka? ( 手伝ってくれませんか？ ) — Can you help me? (for everyday situations)

For non-emergencies, use tetsudatte kuremasen ka.

86. … wo yondekudasai ( …を呼んでください ) — Please call the …

Use this construction to ask someone to contact emergency services:

• keisatsu wo yondekudasai ( 警察を呼んでください ) — Please call the police.
• kyuukyuusha wo yondekudasai ( 救急車を呼んでください — Please call an ambulance.

A useful note: In Japan, the emergency number for an ambulance is 119, and for the police, it's 110.

Phrases for Dining at a Restaurant

Now for the important part: food!

Here are some basic food words:

87. kome ( 米 ) — Rice (raw)

88. yasai ( 野菜 ) — Vegetables

89. kudamono ( 果物 ) — Fruit

90. miruku ( ミルク ) — Milk

91. pan ( パン ) — Bread

92. pasuta ( パスタ ) — Pasta

93. niku ( 肉 ) — Meat

94. jagaimo ( じゃがいも ) — Potatoes

95. tamago ( 卵 ) — Eggs

Saying You’re Hungry

96. onaka ga suite imasu (お腹が空いてます) — I’m hungry

This literally means your stomach is empty. Some variations are:

• onaka ga suita (お腹が空いた) — informal
• onaka ga hetta ( お腹が減った ) — informal, often used interchangeably with onaka ga suita
• hara hetta ( 腹へった ) — masculine
• onaka ga pekopeko ( お腹がペコペコ ) — onomatopoeia for a growling stomach

97. mada tabete imasen ( まだ食べていません ) — I haven’t eaten yet

The more casual version is mada tabeteinai ( まだ食べていない ).

Before the Meal

98. menyuu, onegai shimasu ( メニュー、お願いします ) — Please bring me a menu

You can use the more formal version:

Menyuu, onegai dekimasu ka? メニュー、お願いできますか？ May I have the menu?

You can also replace menyuu ( メニュー ) with:

• dezaato ( デザート ) — dessert
• nomimono ( 飲み物 ) — drinks

99. kore wa nan desu ka? ( これは何ですか？ ) — What’s this?

If the menu is all in Japanese, point to an item and ask the waiter this.

100. kore o tabete mitai desu ( これを食べてみたいです ) — I’d like to try this

If you're feeling adventurous, point to the item and use this phrase!

101. … wo kudasai ( …をください ) — I’d like …

State what you want to order, followed by … wo kudasai. For example:

Koohii wo kudasai. コーヒーをください? I’d like a coffee, please.

102. … ga arimasu ka? ( …がありますか？ ) — Do you have … ?

The reply will usually be arimasu ( あります ).

103. … tsuki desu ka ( …付きですか？ ) — Does it come with … ?

Use this to ask if certain foods are included. For example:

Furaido poteto tsuki desu ka? フライドポテト付きですか？ Does it come with fries?

104. … ga taberaremasen ( …が食べられません ) — I can’t eat …

This is useful for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions. For example, niku ( 肉 ) is "meat" and sakana ( 魚 ) is "fish." So, if you're strictly vegetarian, you can say:

Niku to sakana ga taberaremasen. 肉と魚が食べられません。 I can’t eat meat and fish.

105. … arerugii ga arimasu ( …アレルギーがあります ) — I’m allergic to …

State your allergen and add this phrase. To be safe, you can ask: … ga haitte imasu ka? ( が入っています か？ ) meaning, "Is there any … in it?" For example:

Tamago ga haitte imasu ka? 卵が入っていますか？ Are there any eggs in it?

106. kore wa … desu ka? ( これは…ですか？ ) — Is this … ?

To directly ask if a food meets your dietary needs, insert one of the following between kore wa ( これは ) and desu ka ( ですか ):

• guruten hurii ( グルテンフリー ) — Gluten-free
• bejitarian ( ベジタリアン ) — Vegetarian
• biigan ( ビーガン ) — Vegan
• nyuseihin hushiyou ( 乳製品不使用 ) — Dairy-free

You can also ask about portion sizes using the same structure and these words:

• omori ( 大盛り ) — Large portion
• nakamari ( 中盛り ) — Medium portion
• komori ( 小盛り ) — Small portion

107. kore wa nan karorīdesu ka? ( これは何カロリーですか？ ) — How many calories are in this?

Generally, Japanese food is healthy and low in calories, but it doesn't hurt to check!

During the Meal

108. itadakimasu ( いただきます ) — Let’s dig in

This is said before starting a meal, similar to "Bon appétit."

109. mazui desu ( まずいです ) — It’s terrible

Ideally, you won't need this, but sometimes it's unavoidable!

110. okawari ( おかわり ) — Another serving, please

If you really enjoy the food, say okawari. The more polite version is okawari o kudasai ( おかわりをください ).

You can also say, depending on the context:

• hai, onegaishimasu ( はい、お願いします ) — Yes, please (when offered food)
• iie, kekkoudesu ( いいえ、結構です ) — I’m fine, thank you (when offered food)

111. onaka ga ippai desu ( お腹が一杯です ) — I’m full

112. kanpai! ( 乾杯！ ) — Cheers!

When drinking with others, clink glasses and say kanpai! before drinking, not after.

After the Meal

113. oishii desu! ( 美味しいです！ ) — It’s delicious!

If you're eyeing a slice of cake, oishisou ( 美味しそう ), meaning "It looks delicious," could be useful. A casual, "manly" way to say something is delicious is umai ( 旨い ).

114. gochisousama deshita ( ごちそうさまでした ) — Thanks for the meal

Like itadakimasu, this phrase is a mealtime staple. Say it when the meal is over.

115. okaikei, onegai shimasu ( お会計、お願いします ) — Check, please

This is the most common way to ask for the check. You might also hear okanjou, onegai shimasu ( お勘定 、お願いします ), though less often. Note that "check" is kaikei ( 会計 ).

116. warikan ni shite kudasai ( 割り勘にしてください ) — Split the check, please

This is handy when with multiple people, as is betsubetsu de onegaishimasu ( 別々でお願いします ) — We’ll pay separately, please.

Cooking Phrases

You'll likely cook for yourself sometimes. Here are some useful Japanese words for cooking.

117. zairyo ( 材料 ) — Ingredients

118. ryori ( 料理 ) — Cooking

119. o bento ( お弁当 ) — Readymade meal/TV dinner

120. retoruto gohan ( レトルトご飯 ) — Instant rice (for the microwave)

121. guramu ( グラム ) — Grams

122. kiroguramu ( キログラム ) — Kilograms

Shopping in Japanese

With food stalls, high-end Ginza boutiques, and unique souvenir shops, shopping is inevitable in Japan.

123. kore wa nan desu ka? ( これは何ですか ) — What is this?

To be more specific, you could say kore wa nan to iu mono desu ka? ( これは何というものですか？ ) — What’s this called?

124. kore wa ikura desu ka? ( これはいくらですか？ ) — How much is this?

If the context is clear, you can just say ikura desu ka? いくらですか？

125. chotto takai desu ( ちょっと高いです ) — It’s a bit expensive

If you're new to Japanese adjectives, here's some essential shopping vocabulary:

• yasui ( 安い ) — Cheap, easy
• takai ( 高い ) — Expensive, high
• takakunai ( 高くない ) — Inexpensive

126. … ga ari masu ka ( ＿がありますか？ ) — Do you have…?

127. hoka no iro ga arimasu ka? ( 他の色がありますか？ ) — Do you have another color?

Some colors you might encounter:

• aka ( 赤 ) — Red
• ao ( 青 ) — Blue
• kiiro ( 黄色 ) — Yellow
• midori ( 緑 ) — Green
• kuro ( 黒 ) — Black

128. … wo kudasai ( ＿をください ) — I’d like …, please.

129. sore wo itadakimasu ( それを頂きます ) — I’ll take it

If itadakimasu sounds familiar, it's because it's also said before eating. Similarly, sore o itadakimasu when buying something expresses gratitude for the purchase.

130. kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? ( クレジットカードは使えますか？ ) — Can I use my credit card?

To ask about traveler's checks, replace kurejitto kaado with: toraberaazu chekku ( トラベラーズチェック ) — traveler’s check.

Your Suica and Pasmo cards, rechargeable cards for Japanese trains, can also pay for taxis or groceries at some stores. You can ask:

Suika wa tsukaemasu ka? スイカわつかえますか？ Can I use my Suica?

131. tsutsunde itadakemasu ka? ( 包んでいただけますか？ ) — Can I have it gift-wrapped?

132. hai, onegaishimasu ( はい、お願いします ) — Yes, please

133. īe, kekkō desu ( いいえ、結構です ) — No, thank you

Common Phrases You’ll Hear in Japanese Shops

If you're wondering what shopkeepers are saying, here's what these phrases mean!

134. irasshaimase ( いらっしゃいませ ) — Welcome

You'll hear irasshaimase! when you enter a shop.

135. honjitsu wa (_) ga seru desu ( 本日は (_) がセールです ) — (This product) is on sale today

_ いかがですか？ is often used to invite you to look at products or try a sample. You might also see hangaku ( 半額 ) — half-price.

136. fukuro ni ire masu ka? ( 袋に入れますか？ ) — Would you like a bag?

If a shop offers this and you have many items, you're in luck!

137. ni nari masu (amount) ( になります ) — That’s (amount), please

138. wo okaeshi itashi masu (amount) ( をお返しいたします ) — Here’s your change (+ amount)

Shopping Words in Japanese

139. en ( 円 ) — yen

Japan's currency is the yen. 100 yen is roughly $0.90 to $1.10 USD. Thinking of 100 yen as about a dollar can help with budgeting.

140. suupaa ( スーパー ) — supermarket

141. konbiniensusutoa / konbini ( コンビニエンスストア / コンビニ ) — convenience store

142. yubin kyoku ( 郵便局 ) — post office

143. nichi yōhin ( 日用品 ) — groceries

144. kaimono kago ( 買い物かご ) — basket

145. shoppingu kato ( ショッピングカート ) — shopping cart

146. muryō sanpuru ( 無料サンプル ) — free sample

147. kaikei ( 会計 ) — cash register

Phrases for Home

148. tadaima ( ただいま ) — I’m back

Everyone says this when arriving home. It lets others know you've returned safely. You can even say it after using the bathroom for a lighthearted touch.

149. okaeri nasai ( おかえりなさい ) — Welcome back

This is the response to tadaima. Use it when someone else comes home.

150. ofuro ni haitte mo ii desu ka? ( お風呂に入ってもいいですか？ ) — May I take a bath?

In Japan, many families bathe nightly. If staying with a host family, you can ask to bathe too.

If you prefer a shower, replace ofuru ( お風呂 ) — bath with shawaa ( シャワー ) — shower. Don't drain the bathwater, as families often share the hot water.

151. oyasumi nasai ( おやすみなさい ) — Good night

You can drop -nasai for a less formal tone.

Phrases for Casual Conversations

Want to sound natural with minimal Japanese? Here are some common phrases for casual talks with friends.

152. ikimashou ( 行きましょう ) — Let’s go

After making plans with friends, use this to head out.

153. tabemashou ( 食べましょう ) — Let’s eat

Use this when deciding to have lunch with friends.

154. nomimashou ( 飲みましょう ) — Let’s drink

Suggest getting a drink with this phrase.

155. yattaa! ( やったー！ ) — Yay!

This informal phrase expresses excitement or happiness about an outcome.

156. ureshii desu ( 嬉しいです ) — I’m happy

Use this to clearly state you're happy.

157. daijoubu desu ( 大丈夫です ) — I’m fine

Besides stating you're okay, this can politely mean "no," like when declining more drinks.

158. yoroshiku ne ( よろしくね ) — Nice to meet you

This is the casual version of yoroshiku onegaishimasu, which can also mean "Please take care of me" or "I'll leave it to you."

159. doushita no? ( どうしたの？ ) — What’s wrong?

If a friend seems down, use this to show concern.

160. yabai ( やばい ) — Awful or cool

Depending on context, yabai can mean "Awful" or "Cool."

161. yokatta ( よかった ) — Good, excellent, nice

This expresses relief, like "Oh, thank goodness!"

162. ganbatte ( 頑張って ) — Do your best

This means "Good luck" or "Do your best." The formal version is Ganbatte kudasai ( 頑張ってください ).

163. omedetou! ( おめでとう！ ) — Congrats!

The formal variant is omedetou gozaimasu ( おめでとうございます ) — Congratulations.

164. zenzen ( 全然 ) — Not at all (with neg. verb)

Zenzen is a phrase of denial. It can be used sincerely or not, like when answering "Am I bothering you?" with "Not at all."

165. maji de? ( マジで？ ) — Really?

Express surprise with this casual phrase, or its more assertive variant maji ka yo ? ( マジかよ? )

166. hontou? ( 本当？ ) — Really? / Seriously?

This word literally means "truth," "reality," or "fact." As a question, it's like a surprised, "Are you serious?"

167. usoo! ( うそー！ ) — No way!

This expresses surprise and literally means "Lie!"

168. yappari ( やっぱり ) — As expected

If you're not surprised, use this to say, "I knew it!"

Japanese Slang

When making friends, you'll hear plenty of slang. Many slang terms are in katakana, indicating their casual nature.

169. ukeru ( ウケる ) — Funny, hilarious

If a friend tells a great joke, say ukeru to let them know it was funny.

170. chou ( 超 ) — Super

This adds emphasis, like "really" or "very." For example, something can be chou ukeru ( 超ウケる ) or very funny.

171. dasai ( ダサい ) — Uncool

Young people often say dasai for something boring, unfashionable, etc.

172. kimoi ( キモい ) — Gross

Kimoi is a contraction of kimochi ( 気持ち ) — feeling, and warui ( 悪い ) — bad.

173. gachi ( ガチ ) — Totally, really, seriously

Gachi implies that something actually happened or was as intense as claimed.

174. hanpa nai ( 半端ない ) — Crazy, insane

Hanpa nai means something is awesome or insane in a good way, like an epic roller coaster.

There you have it! These phrases and core vocabulary will help you make small talk with new friends or show genuine interest in learning Japanese.

By using these everyday Japanese terms in conversation, you'll soon hear nihongo ga jouzu desu ne! ( 日本語が上手ですね ) — You’re good at speaking Japanese!

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