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 Dumped Unlabeled Grapes on the Belt. The Whole Line Just Died.
keiryō wa doko desu ka? · Where do I weigh this?
Survival
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At Japanese Fireworks, the Whole Crowd Shouts a Long-Gone Shop's Name
tamaya~! · Tamaya! (the fireworks cheer)
Beginner
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The Konbini Cashier Asks You One Word. Freeze No More.
atatamemasu ka? · Shall I heat it up?
Survival
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The One Word That Makes Every Japanese Shopkeeper Smile at You
kawaii! · (so) cute!
Beginner
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A Typhoon's Coming and Your Train Might Stop. Ask the Station This.
densha, ugoitemasu ka? · Are the trains running?
Survival
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Is this spicy?
kore wa karai desu ka? · Is this spicy?
Beginner
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Where is the transfer to...?
〜 e no norikae wa doko desu ka? · Where is the transfer to 〜?
Survival
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Where is the ticket machine?
kenbaiki wa doko desu ka? · Where is the ticket machine?
Survival
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Check, Please
okaikei o onegaishimasu · Check, please
Survival
▶
Is this train going to...?
kono densha wa 〜 ni ikimasu ka? · Is this train going to 〜?
Intermediate
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English Words Japanese People Say Completely Differently
makudonarudo · McDonald's (as Japanese pronounce it)
Survival
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I have a reservation
yoyaku shiteimasu · I have a reservation
Survival
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Is it open?
eigyou-chuu desu ka? · Is it open?
Survival
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I'm looking for...
〜o sagashiteimasu · I'm looking for 〜
Beginner
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Skip the Pricey Fuji Tours — Take This Train
Fuji Kaiyū · the Fuji Excursion (direct limited express to Mt Fuji)
Survival
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Scared of the Language Barrier? Start With This
eigo, daijōbu desu ka? · is English okay? / do you speak English?
Survival
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The One Phrase That Tells You the Price in Japan
ikura desu ka? · how much is it?
Survival
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The First 2 Japanese Words You Need: Yes & No
hai / iie · yes / no
Intermediate
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How to Order Hot Snacks at the Konbini Counter
kore, kudasai · this one, please
Intermediate
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Japan's Luggage Hack: Travel Hands-Free
nimotsu o okuritai desu · I'd like to send my luggage
Intermediate
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One Japanese Word Does the Job of Three
sumimasen · excuse me / sorry / thank you
Intermediate
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Stop Saying Sayōnara — Japanese People Rarely Do
jaa ne · See you / bye (casual)
Intermediate
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The Summer Outfit Locals Wear to Festivals (and What to Say)
yukata · summer cotton kimono
Intermediate
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Why You Can't Just Say 'Two' When Ordering in Japan
futatsu kudasai · Two, please.
Intermediate
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How to Get Free Water at Any Japanese Restaurant
o-mizu o kudasai · Water, please.
Beginner
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Lost in Japanese? This Phrase Saves You
nihongo, wakarimasen · I do not understand Japanese
Beginner
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How to Ask for the Bill in Japan
okaikei, onegai shimasu · check, please
Beginner
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Mystery Food in Japan? Just Ask What It Is
kore wa nan desu ka? · what is this?
Intermediate
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Got a Cold in Japan? The One Phrase to Get Medicine at the Drugstore
kaze-gusuri wa arimasu ka · Do you have cold medicine?
Intermediate
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Left Something on the Train in Japan? Don't Panic — Say This
wasuremono o shimashita · I left something behind
Intermediate
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Why Japanese People Keep Saying This While You Talk
sō desu ka · oh, I see / is that so (the 'I'm listening' sound)
Intermediate
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Ask THIS Before You Take a Photo in Japan
shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? · May I take a photo?
Intermediate
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Why You Still Need Cash in Japan (and Where to Get It)
genkin nomi · cash only (a sign you'll need to recognize)
Intermediate
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The Japanese Shoe Rule Tourists Break the Most
kutsu o nugimasu · I take my shoes off
Intermediate
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How to Actually Pray at a Japanese Shrine
nirei nihakushu ichirei · two bows, two claps, one bow (how to pray at a shrine)
Intermediate
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The Food Paradise Hiding Under Japanese Department Stores
depachika · department-store basement food hall
Intermediate
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The Japanese Phrase That Could Save Your Life in a Restaurant
~ arerugī ga arimasu · I have a ~ allergy
Intermediate
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You're Probably Saying 'Thank You' Wrong in Japan
dōmo / arigatō gozaimasu · thanks (casual) / thank you very much (polite)
Intermediate
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The 3 Japanese Words That Unlock 80% of a Trip
sumimasen / onegaishimasu / arigatō gozaimasu · excuse me / please / thank you very much
Intermediate
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Onsen Rules Tourists Always Break
kakeyu · rinsing off before getting in
Intermediate
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How to Shop Tax-Free in Japan (and Save 10%)
menzei de onegaishimasu · Tax-free, please
Intermediate
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What to Order at a Japanese Summer Festival
takoyaki kudasai · Takoyaki, please
Intermediate
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What to Actually Say in a Japanese Convenience Store
fukuro wa irimasen · I don't need a bag
Intermediate
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Why Japanese People Say This Before Every Meal
itadakimasu · I gratefully receive (said before eating)
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