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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One Japanese Sentence Gets You Anything a Shop Might Have
~ wa arimasu ka? · Do you have ~?
Survival
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Four Minutes to the Last Train. Don't Ask Where. Ask This.
mada ma ni aimasu ka? · can I still make it in time?
Survival
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If You Hear This Word Behind You, You're Standing In The Wrong Place.
jama · in the way, a nuisance
Beginner
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The Konbini Sells Fireworks All August. Where You Can Light Them Is the Catch.
koko de hanabi o shite mo ii desu ka? · Is it okay to do fireworks here?
Beginner
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Two Seats on the Same Shinkansen Cost the Same. Only One of Them Sees Mount Fuji.
madogawa de onegai shimasu · A window seat, please.
Beginner
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You Booked Two Shinkansen Tickets. Japan Gave You Two Seats in Different Rows.
sumimasen, seki, kawatte moraemasen ka? · Excuse me, could we swap seats?
Survival
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The Konbini Clerk Asks You Something Before They Scan Anything. It's Not About Money.
pointo kādo wa o-mochi desu ka? · Do you have a point card?
Survival
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Japanese Hotels Ask Every Foreign Guest for the Same Thing. It Is Not Your Booking.
pasupōto o onegai shimasu · Your passport, please
Beginner
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A Stranger in Japan Will Ask You One Question. Most Tourists Just Smile and Nod.
sugoku tanoshii desu · I'm having a great time.
Beginner
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"Sorry, We Are Full." In Japan That Is Not the End of the Conversation.
kyanseru-machi wa dekimasu ka? · Can I go on the cancellation waiting list?
Beginner
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Your Ryokan Is a Two Thousand Yen Taxi From the Station. It Also Runs a Free Van.
sougei basu wa arimasu ka? · Is there a shuttle bus?
Beginner
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The Karaoke Desk Asks One Thing Before They Hand You a Room.
nijikan de onegai shimasu · Two hours, please.
Survival
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Someone Thanks You in Japan. The Word You Memorized Is Not the One They Use.
ieie · not at all
Beginner
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Two ATMs on the Same Street in Japan. Only One Takes Your Foreign Card.
kaigai no kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? · Can I use a foreign card?
Survival
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Everything at a Japanese Izakaya Lands on One Giant Plate. Nobody Tells You to Ask for This.
torizara o kudasai · A small plate, please.
Beginner
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Booked a Ryokan? Breakfast Is Half the Reason You Came. Ask What Time It Starts.
asagohan wa nanji desu ka · What time is breakfast?
Survival
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At a Japanese Konbini, the Clerk Asks About a Bag. Saying No Saves You Money.
fukuro wa irimasen · I don't need a bag
Beginner
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Lost the Moment They Started Talking Fast? Ask for This.
yukkuri onegai shimasu · Slowly, please
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