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
Survival
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There Is No Cord to Pull. Your Stop Just Left Without You.
tsugi tomarimasu · stopping at the next stop
Beginner
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Did You Catch That? You Nodded. That Was Not Large.
Nami de onegai shimasu · Regular size, please.
Survival
▶
The Biggest Stall Is Not Extra Room for Your Suitcase.
tamokuteki toire · accessible toilet
Survival
▶
POV: The Ramen Guy Is Holding a Ladle of Garlic. He Is Waiting.
ninniku nashi de · without garlic
Beginner
▶
She Handed You the Thin One. Accounting Will Throw It Out.
ryōshūsho o onegai shimasu · An official receipt, please.
Survival
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Everyone Is Staring Because You Sat Down in the Bath. The Bucket Came First.
kakeyu o shite kudasai · Please rinse off before you get in.
Survival
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She Looked at Both of You and Said Three Syllables. She Is Not Asking If You Are Dating.
go-issho desu ka? · Will that be on one bill?
Survival
▶
You Coughed Once. Six People Just Shifted Seats. Nobody Will Say Why.
masuku · mask
Survival
▶
The Doors Are Open. The Voice Just Said This Car Is Full.
man'in desu · It's full
Survival
▶
That Camera With a Slash Is Not a Suggestion. One Click and Staff Appear.
satsuei kinshi · No photography
Beginner
▶
She Said Three Words and Walked Off. That Was Your Table Leaving.
kochira e dōzo · This way, please
Beginner
▶
They Did Not Ask If You Booked. They Asked Whose Name It Is Under.
go-yoyaku no o-namae wa? · What name is the reservation under?
Survival
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Your App Taught You This Means Yes. The Cashier Just Heard No.
ii desu · I'm good / no thanks
Beginner
▶
The Glass at Immigration Wants One Finger
hitosashiyubi o oite kudasai · Please place your index finger.
Beginner
▶
Stop Waiting for the Check. It's Already on Your Table.
denpyō o motte reji e okoshi kudasai · Please take your slip to the register.
Beginner
▶
Your Textbook Said Never Ask for a Box. Ask Anyway.
pakku ni dekimasu ka? · Can you box this up?
Survival
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You Ordered Iced Tea. They Charged You for a Lipton.
mugicha · barley tea
Survival
▶
That Train Announcement Is Not Asking You to Be Polite. It Is Telling You to Hang Up.
tsūwa wa go-enryo kudasai · please refrain from talking on the phone
Survival
▶
If You Hear This, Do Not Run. The Door Will Win.
kakekomi jōsha wa oyame kudasai · Please do not rush onto the train
Survival
▶
A Hotel Room in Japan Without a Kettle? Just Ask for One.
ketoru arimasu ka? · Is there a kettle?
Survival
▶
The Card Machine Turns to Face You. Four Kanji, a Blinking Box, and a Queue Behind You.
anshou bangou · PIN
Beginner
▶
One Japanese Sentence Gets You Anything a Shop Might Have
~ wa arimasu ka? · Do you have ~?
Survival
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You Wave. You Cough. Nobody Comes. There Is a Button Right Next to Your Hand.
yobidashi botan · call button
Survival
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Your Food Lands on the Counter and the Staff Apologizes to You. Nobody Did Anything Wrong.
omatase shimashita · Sorry to keep you waiting.
Beginner
▶
A Hand Reaches for Your Plate in Japan. You Are Not Finished.
mada tabete imasu · I'm still eating.
Survival
▶
Japan's Politest Way to Say No Literally Means I'm Okay
daijobu desu · I'm okay / no thanks
Survival
▶
Learn to Count to Ten in Japanese Before Your Food Arrives
ichi, ni, san... ju · one to ten
Beginner
▶
Lost the Moment They Started Talking Fast? Ask for This.
yukkuri onegai shimasu · Slowly, please
Survival
▶
The Easy Way to Ask for an English Menu
eigo no menyuu o onegai shimasu · I'd like the menu, please
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