Top > A Cultural Primer > Conversing with the JapaneseCONVERSING WITH THE JAPANESE
Many visitors who don't know a word of Japanese have traveled successfully throughout Japan on their own, but travelers armed with a few phrases of the native language and some tips on communicating with the Japanese will find their trip more enjoyable. One of the first rules of thumb is to have destinations like hotels, restaurants, and attractions written in Japanese so that they may be shown to taxi drivers, people on the street, and others who might provide assistance. Barring that, if travelers need to ask directions or make enquiries, they're best off seeking out younger people, especially university-age students, or businessmen, since all Japanese learn English in school. It goes without saying that visitors should speak simply, slowly and articulately, but if they're still having trouble communicating, they should write down their question instead of speaking it, since many Japanese haven't had the opportunity to converse in English but may be able to read it perfectly.
Basic Japanese Phrases |
| Yes |
Hai |
| No |
Iie |
| Thank you |
Arigatou |
| You're welcome |
Dou-itashimashite |
| Excuse me |
Sumimasen |
| Please (when offering something) |
Douzo |
| Please (when requesting something) |
Kudasai or Onegai shimasu |
| Good morning |
Ohayou gozaimasu |
| Good afternoon |
Konnichiwa |
| Good evening |
Konbanwa |
| Good night |
Oyasumi nasai |
| Good-bye |
Sayonara |
| Pleased to meet you |
Hajime mashite |
| I don't understand Japanese |
Nihongo wa wakarimasen |
| Do you speak English? |
Eigo o hanashimasu ka? |
| Where is the……? |
...wa doko desu ka? |
| Where is the train station? |
Eki wa, doko desu ka? |
| Please write it down |
Sore o kaite kudasai |
| Just a moment, please |
Chotto matte kudasai |
| Do you have an English menu? |
Eigo no menyuu wa arimasuka? |
| How much does it cost? |
Ikura desu ka? |
| I would like a reserved seat, please |
Shiteiseki o kudasai |
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