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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The Tax-Free Counter Is Not at the Shop. It Is Before Bag Drop.
kakunin onegai shimasu. · Confirmation, please.
Survival
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Open That KitKat in Japan and the 10 Percent Is Not Coming Back.
mada akemasen. · I'm not opening it yet.
Survival
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When a Japanese Shop Starts Playing This Song, You Are Being Asked to Leave.
heiten · closing for the day
Survival
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You Won the Plastic Bag Argument. Now the Cashier Is Holding a Strip of Tape and Waiting.
tēpu de yoroshii desu ka? · Is tape okay? (instead of a bag)
Survival
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You Bought Trousers in Tokyo and They're Ten Centimetres Too Long. The Shop Fixes That Before You Leave.
susoage dekimasu ka? · Can you hem these?
Survival
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On November 1st, Japan's Tax Free Discount Stops Happening at the Till.
menzei no tetsuzuki wa doko desu ka? · Where do I do the tax free procedure?
Survival
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You Bought the Wrong Size in Tokyo. Japan Mostly Won't Refund You. Ask for This Instead.
koukan dekimasu ka? · Can I exchange this?
Beginner
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Haggling in Japan Does Not Work. There Are About Four Places Where It Quietly Does.
mō sukoshi yasuku narimasen ka? · Could it be a little cheaper?
Survival
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The Matcha Tin Is Six Thousand Yen and You Still Can't Buy Two. The Shelf Says Why.
o-hitorisama itten made · One item per customer.
Survival
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The Shop Assistant Hands You a Bag Before You Try It On. It Goes Over Your Head.
feisu kabā · face cover (for trying clothes on)
Beginner
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Two Snacks, One Cashier, No Clue. Ask Which One Everyone Buys.
docchi ga ninki desu ka? · Which one is more popular?
Beginner
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How to Ask 'How Much Is It?' at Any Shop in Japan
ikura desu ka? · how much is it?
Survival
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You're Not Ready to Buy. Three Words Get You Out Gracefully.
mata kimasu · i'll come back later
Beginner
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Want to Try On That Jacket in Tokyo? Say This Before You Step In
Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? · May I try this on?
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