Learn Japan in 30-second reels
Real phrases for the konbini, the restaurant, the train — each with romaji and English, ready to use the second you land.
All videos
Beginner
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You Walked Thirty Minutes to That Restaurant in Japan. It Needed a Booking.
yoyaku wa hitsuyō desu ka · Do I need a reservation?
Survival
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You're Eight Minutes Late. In Japan That Is Not a Little Late.
okurete sumimasen · Sorry I'm late.
Survival
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The Cashier Scanned Everything, Then Pointed Behind You and Walked Off. You Haven't Paid Yet.
achira de onegai shimasu · Please pay over there.
Beginner
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The Machine Just Ate Your Five Hundred Yen. Do Not Walk Away From It.
kowarete imasu · It's broken. It isn't working.
Beginner
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The Cash Machine in Japan Just Gave You a Note the Bus Will Refuse.
ichiman-en satsu demo ii desu ka? · Is a ten thousand yen note okay?
Survival
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You Wave. You Cough. Nobody Comes. There Is a Button Right Next to Your Hand.
yobidashi botan · call button
Beginner
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You Land at Nine. Check In Is at Three. Here Is the Sentence, and the Answer You Will Actually Get.
hayame ni chekku-in dekimasu ka · Can I check in early?
Beginner
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A Hand Reaches for Your Plate in Japan. You Are Not Finished.
mada tabete imasu · I'm still eating.
Survival
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Twenty Five Thousand Steps a Day in Thirty Six Degrees. Your Feet Give Out Before Your Japanese Does.
bansoukou · adhesive bandage / plaster
Beginner
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Couldn't Finish Your Ramen in Japan? Ask This Before You Box It Up.
mochikaeri dekimasu ka? · Can I take this to go?
Beginner
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Sharing a Konbini Meal in Japan? Don't Forget This One Request.
o-hashi o ni-zen kudasai · Two pairs of chopsticks, please
Beginner
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Two Food Stalls, One Crowd, No Line in Sight. Ask This.
doko ni narabimasu ka? · where do I line up?
Beginner
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Getting in a Tokyo Taxi? Say Where You're Going in Three Words
~ made onegai shimasu · To ~, please.
Beginner
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Walking Into a Japanese Restaurant? The First Thing They Ask You
futari desu · Two of us. / Table for two.
Survival
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The Easy Way to Ask for an English Menu
eigo no menyuu o onegai shimasu · I'd like the menu, please
Survival
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You're Not Ready to Buy. Three Words Get You Out Gracefully.
mata kimasu · i'll come back later
Survival
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The Place Is Packed. Ask This Before You Stand in Line.
koko de matte mo ii desu ka? · may i wait here?
Survival
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Hotel Check-In Is at 3pm. Your Bags Are Here at 9am. Say This.
nimotsu wo azukatte moraemasu ka? · could you hold my luggage?
Beginner
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How to Say 'That's All' at a Japanese Restaurant
i-jō desu · that's all
Beginner
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The Polite Way to Order
~ o onegai shimasu · ~, please
Beginner
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Order Anything with One Phrase
kore o hitotsu kudasai · One of this, please
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