Useful Words and Phrases That Helped Me in Japan
Wordy Wednesday! Discover a handful of essential Japanese phrases that made my travels in Japan smoother and more enjoyable. From greetings to ordering food, these simple expressions opened doors and connected me with the local culture.
Welcome to Wordy Wednesday, I share Japanese words and phrases that have made a big difference in my journey. This week, I’m highlighting some essential expressions that helped me immensely during my travels in Japan. From ordering food to asking for directions, these simple phrases made navigating everyday situations so much easier—even though I’m not fluent.
Essential Phrases for Everyday Use
Greetings
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
- ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
Using these greetings instantly made interactions feel friendlier. A simple “ありがとう” when leaving a shop or restaurant always brought a smile.
Asking for Help
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry (also used to get someone’s attention)
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the restroom?
I can’t count the number of times “すみません” saved the day—whether I needed help finding a train platform or catching a server’s attention in a busy restaurant.
Ordering Food
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll take this, please.
- メニューをください (Menyū o kudasai) – Could I have the menu, please?
These phrases made ordering food a little less stressful. Pointing to something on the menu and saying “これをください” worked perfectly when I wasn’t sure how to pronounce a dish’s name.
What I Learned
Using even a small range of phrases showed respect and helped me connect with locals. People appreciated the effort, and it made my travel experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Tips for Travellers
- Practice Before Your Trip: Repeating these phrases a few times a day can help you remember them.
- Point and Speak: Don’t be shy about combining these phrases with gestures—it works wonders.
- Be Polite: A smile and a “ありがとう” go a long way.
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