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.
Your Food Lands on the Counter and the Staff Apologizes to You. Nobody Did Anything Wrong.
omatase shimashita · Sorry to keep you waiting.
One Short Line Makes Japanese Staff Slow Down and Walk You Through It. Say It Before You Panic.
koko, hajimete nan desu · It's my first time here.
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?
That Sign Is Not Saying Please Be Careful. Japanese Has a Way of Saying No Without the Word No.
tabearuki wa go-enryo kudasai · Please refrain from eating while walking.
It Is Thirty Five Degrees Outside and the Konbini Shelf Just Turned Into Autumn.
kikan gentei · limited time only
A Hand Reaches for Your Plate in Japan. You Are Not Finished.
mada tabete imasu · I'm still eating.
It Was Cloudless an Hour Ago. Japan Has a Word for the Wall of Water Now Coming Down.
gerira gouu · sudden localized downpour
Your Train Just Died. Everyone Around You Is Walking to a Rival Railway.
furikae yusou, tsukaemasu ka? · Can I use the substitute transport?
Forty People Are Carrying a Gold Shrine and Shaking It as Hard as They Can. That Is the Point.
wasshoi · heave-ho (the mikoshi chant)
On August Seventh Japan's Calendar Says It Is Autumn. Then You Step Outside.
zansho ga kibishii desu ne · The lingering heat is brutal, isn't it.
The Big Number on a Japanese Price Tag Is Not the One You Pay.
zeikomi · tax included
The Karaoke Desk Asks One Thing Before They Hand You a Room.
nijikan de onegai shimasu · Two hours, please.
Someone Thanks You in Japan. The Word You Memorized Is Not the One They Use.
ieie · not at all
They Just Lost. Now They Are on Their Knees Filling Their Bags With Dirt.
isshoukenmei · with everything you have
Twenty Five Thousand Steps a Day in Thirty Six Degrees. Your Feet Give Out Before Your Japanese Does.
bansoukou · adhesive bandage / plaster
Mid August You Walk to That Ramen Shop and It Is Dark. The Whole Street Took the Same Week Off.
obon wa oyasumi desu ka? · Are you closed for Obon?
You Found Platform 14. You Found Seat 12A. You Are Still About to Miss the Shinkansen.
gōsha · car number
You Just Bought 3,000 Yen of Kyoto Sweets. It Is 36 Degrees. Ask for This at the Register.
horeizai o irete moraemasu ka? · Could you put in an ice pack?
It Is Not Raining in Tokyo. So Why Is Everyone Walking Under an Umbrella?
higasa · sun parasol
Survival
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Lights On, Staff Inside, Door Unlocked. This Little Sign Still Means Go Away.
junbi-chū · preparing, not open yet
One Word in the Train Announcement Means Stand Up Now. Everything Else Is Noise.
mamonaku, shibuya desu · We will be arriving at Shibuya shortly.
Don't Knock. The Little Window Already Answered You.
shiyouchuu · in use / occupied
This Sign Means All You Can Eat. The Number Next to It Is a Countdown.
tabehoudai · all you can eat
You Dropped Your Phone in Tokyo. This Tiny Building Gets It Back.
kouban · neighbourhood police box
Every Shop in Japan Shouts This at You. You Are Not Supposed to Answer.
irasshaimase · welcome in (said by shop staff)
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?
It Is 36 Degrees and She Just Threw a Bucket of Water at the Pavement. She Is Not Cleaning.
uchimizu · sprinkling water to cool the street
A Stranger Just Sat Down at Your Table in Tokyo. The Staff Put Them There.
aiseki · sharing a table with a stranger
In Japan the Ramen Shop Is Not Down the Street. It Is on the Seventh Floor.
nangai desu ka · What floor is it on?
The Noodles Are Sliding Down a Bamboo Pipe. Nobody Told You the Rules.
kore, dō yatte tabemasu ka · How do I eat this?
A Stranger in Japan Will Chase You Down the Street to Return a Coin. Here's How to Be That Stranger.
otoshimashita yo · You dropped this.
In Japan, Dinner Gets 50% Cheaper Right Before Closing. You Just Have to Read Two Kanji.
hangaku · half price
The Konbini Screen Just Lit Up With Four Kanji. It's Asking How Old You Are.
nenrei kakunin · age check
Everything at a Japanese Izakaya Lands on One Giant Plate. Nobody Tells You to Ask for This.
torizara o kudasai · A small plate, please.
Japan Runs on Machines That Won't Explain Themselves. This Sentence Makes a Human Appear.
tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai · Please show me how to use this.
In Japan the Cashier Might Not Hand You the Receipt. Here's How to Ask.
reshīto kudasai · A receipt, please
Every Train in Japan Is Packed in Mid-August. The Country Is Going Home to See the Dead.
obon · Obon, the summer season honoring ancestors
Japan's Politest Way to Say No Literally Means I'm Okay
daijobu desu · I'm okay / no thanks
Learn to Count to Ten in Japanese Before Your Food Arrives
ichi, ni, san... ju · one to ten
Booked a Ryokan? Breakfast Is Half the Reason You Came. Ask What Time It Starts.
asagohan wa nanji desu ka · What time is breakfast?
At a Japanese Konbini, the Clerk Asks About a Bag. Saying No Saves You Money.
fukuro wa irimasen · I don't need a bag
Lost the Moment They Started Talking Fast? Ask for This.
yukkuri onegai shimasu · Slowly, please
Japanese People Don't Say a Cold Goodbye. They Send You Off With This.
ki o tsukete · Take care / get home safe
38C in Japan and Now Your Forehead's on Fire. Say This at the Drugstore.
netsu ga arimasu · I have a fever
One Tiny Towel for a Whole Onsen Bath? Here's How to Ask for Another.
taoru o mou ichi-mai kudasai · One more towel, please
You Nailed Check-In. Get Check-Out Time Wrong and You Pay for Another Night.
chekku-auto wa nanji desu ka? · What time is check-out?
Do You Need a Train, or Can You Just Walk? Ask This in Japan.
aruite ikemasu ka? · Can I walk there?
The Konbini Cashier Asks You One Word. Freeze No More.
atatamemasu ka? · Shall I heat it up?
Your Japanese Host Keeps Refilling Your Plate. Say This or It Never Stops.
onaka ippai desu · I'm full, thank you
The One Word That Makes Every Japanese Shopkeeper Smile at You
kawaii! · (so) cute!
A Typhoon's Coming and Your Train Might Stop. Ask the Station This.
densha, ugoitemasu ka? · Are the trains running?
Japanese People Say This 10 Times a Day. English Has No Word for It.
otsukaresama desu · Thanks for your effort, good work
Two Kanji in Japan Mean Absolutely Not. Learn to Spot Them.
kinshi · Prohibited, forbidden
The Two Kanji That Mean You're Not Getting In
manseki · Full, no seats
Handed Natto in Japan? 'I Don't Like It' Is the Wrong Answer.
chotto nigate desu · It's not really my thing
There's a Drum Tower and a Circle of Dancers. You're Allowed to Join.
issho ni odotte mo ii desu ka? · Can I dance with you?
When a Japanese Friend Says 'Next Time', They Often Mean No
mata kondo · Next time (a polite no)
Couldn't Finish Your Ramen in Japan? Ask This Before You Box It Up.
mochikaeri dekimasu ka? · Can I take this to go?
Two Snacks, One Cashier, No Clue. Ask Which One Everyone Buys.
docchi ga ninki desu ka? · Which one is more popular?
The First Thing to Say When You Step Into a Japanese Home
ojama shimasu · Thanks for having me (excuse me for intruding)
Japanese People Don't Say 'Bye' When They Leave. They Say This.
ittekimasu · I'm heading out (and coming back)
Your Phone Screams in Japanese and You Didn't Set an Alarm. Here's Why.
jishin desu · It's an earthquake.
Leaving a Japanese Pharmacy? They Say This. It Isn't Goodbye.
odaiji ni · Take care / get well soon
First 10 Seconds at a Japanese Hotel Desk? Say This.
chekku-in onegai shimasu · Check-in, please
One Day Every July, All of Japan Eats Eel on Purpose. Here's Why.
doyou no ushi no hi · midsummer 'eel day'
You Know 'Wakarimasen'. Here's the One Word That Means the Opposite.
wakarimashita · Got it / understood
Last Train's Gone in Tokyo? Ask the Front Desk This.
takushii o yonde kudasai · Please call a taxi
Beginner
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35C at a Japanese Beer Garden? This Is the Only Phrase You Need.
nama biiru kudasai · A draft beer, please
Survival
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Winding Mountain Roads in Japan? Ask for This Before You Board.
yoidome wa arimasu ka? · Do you have motion-sickness pills?
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
Survival
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38C and Suddenly Dizzy in Japan? Say This Before It Gets Worse.
netchūshō kamo shiremasen · I might have heatstroke
Beginner
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You Learned 1 to 10. Now Hear the Real Price
hyaku, sen, man · hundred, thousand, ten-thousand
Survival
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Which Onsen Door Is Mine? Read These Two Kanji
otoko-yu / onna-yu · men's bath / women's bath
Survival
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How to Tell a Japanese Taxi 'Stop Here'
koko de tomete kudasai · please stop here
Survival
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Don't Wear These Out of the Bathroom in Japan
toire no surippa · the toilet slippers
Beginner
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Summer Killed Your Appetite but Not the Rice Bowl. One Word Fixes It.
gohan sukuname de onegai shimasu · smaller rice portion, please
Beginner
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The Ramen Line Wraps the Block. Ten Minutes or an Hour? Ask This.
dono kurai machimasu ka? · how long is the wait?
Survival
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Train Leaves in 4 Minutes. This Station Has 17 Platforms.
nanbansen desu ka? · which platform is it?
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
▶
Japanese Flew By Too Fast? Ask Them to Write It Down.
kaite moraemasu ka? · Could you write it down?
Beginner
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That Green Paste on Your Sushi Is No Joke. Order It Off Like This.
wasabi nuki de onegai shimasu · Without wasabi, please.
Survival
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Got Directions in Japan but No Idea How Far? Ask This.
tōi desu ka? · Is it far?
Survival
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Japanese Restaurants Still Ask You This Smoky Question
kin'en-seki onegai shimasu · Non-smoking seat, please
Beginner
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Japan's Summer Mosquitoes Are Ruthless. Learn This Drugstore Phrase.
mushiyoke wa arimasu ka? · Do you have bug spray?
Survival
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This Train Looks Right, But It Skips Your Stop
kakueki teisha desu ka? · Is this the local (all-stops) train?
Survival
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Your Iced Coffee in Japan Is 80% Ice. Here's the Fix.
kōri nashi de onegai shimasu · No ice, please
Survival
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Phone Dead in Shibuya? The Two Words That Get You the Time
ima, nanji desu ka? · What time is it now?
Beginner
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Vegetarian in Japan? The Phrase That Keeps Meat Off Your Plate
niku wa taberaremasen · I can't eat meat.
Survival
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Buying Omiyage in Japan? Ask This at the Register.
rappingu dekimasu ka? · Can you gift-wrap it?
Survival
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Want to Make a Japanese Chef's Whole Day? Say This Mid-Bite
oishii desu · It's delicious.
Survival
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Everyone Ordered but You Can't Read the Menu? Just Say 'Same for Me'
onaji de onegai shimasu · The same, please.
Beginner
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Tokyo Taxi Feels Like a Sauna? The Polite Way to Ask for AC.
eakon o tsukete kudasai · Please turn on the AC.
Beginner
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You Can Smell the Festival Food but Can't Find It. Say This.
yatai wa doko desu ka? · Where are the food stalls?
Survival
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Locals Keep Saying This Word to You All July in Japan.
mushiatsui desu ne · It's so humid, isn't it.
Survival
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Why Leaving a Tip in Japan Backfires
otsuri wa ii desu · Keep the change / the change is fine
Survival
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Out Late in Tokyo? Miss This Train and You're Stuck Till Dawn
shūden wa nanji desu ka? · What time is the last train?
Survival
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Three Melting Ice Cubes in Your Drink? Ask for More Like This.
kōri o onegai shimasu · Ice, please.
Beginner
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Sunburned in Kyoto? The One Phrase That Finds You Sunscreen.
hiyakedome wa arimasu ka? · Do you have sunscreen?
Survival
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The Konbini Question That Freezes Every Tourist
iie, kekkō desu · No, I'm fine, thank you
Beginner
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Got a Tattoo? Ask This Before the Onsen Turns You Away
tatū ga atte mo hairemasu ka? · Can I go in even with a tattoo?
Beginner
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Sitting in the Wrong Shinkansen Seat? This One Question Fixes It
jiyūseki desu ka, shiteiseki desu ka? · Is it unreserved or reserved seating?
Beginner
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Can You Read This Izakaya Menu?
yakitori · grilled chicken skewers
Survival
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If a Japanese Staffer Says THIS Word, Freeze
dame desu · No - not allowed.
Survival
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The One Word That Makes You Instantly Polite in Japan
dōzo · Here you go. / Go ahead.
Beginner
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35C at a Japanese Festival? This 3-Word Order Saves You
kakigōri kudasai · Shaved ice, please.
Beginner
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Wrong Dish at Your Table in Japan? Fix It Without Being Rude
chigaimasu · That's not right.
Survival
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911 Won't Work in Japan - the One Phrase That Will
keisatsu o yonde kudasai · Please call the police.
Beginner
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Can't Eat Pork in Japan? Memorize This One Sentence
buta-niku wa haitte imasu ka? · Does it contain pork?
Beginner
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Free Refills in Japan? Only If You Know This Word
okawari kudasai · another serving / a refill, please
Survival
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Hear THIS Word in Japan? Freeze.
abunai! · watch out! / danger!
Survival
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Feeling Sick in the Japan Heat? The One Phrase That Gets You Help Fast
kibun ga warui desu · I feel unwell
Survival
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The Firm Way to Ask Someone to Stop in Japan
yamete kudasai · please stop
Beginner
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The One Emergency Sentence to Know in Japan
kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai · please call an ambulance
Beginner
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Japanese Train Etiquette — The One Rule Tourists Always Forget
denwa wa dame desu ka? · are phone calls not allowed?
Survival
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Where to Park Your Car in Japan — The One Phrase for Tourist Drivers
chuushajou wa doko desu ka? · where is the parking lot?
Survival
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Where to Get a SIM Card in Japan — The Survival Phrase
shimu kaado wa doko desu ka? · where is the SIM card?
Survival
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Where to Exchange Money in Japan — The One Phrase You Need
kaseko wa doko desu ka? · where is the currency exchange?
Beginner
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All Japanese Menu? This Phrase Picks Your Meal for You
osusume wa arimasu ka · Do you have any recommendations?
Survival
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Asked for Directions in Japan? Now Actually Understand the Answer
massugu / migi / hidari · straight / right / left
Beginner
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No Reservation in Tokyo? This Phrase Can Still Get You In.
yoyaku shitai ndesu ga · i'd like to make a reservation
Survival
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Feeling Sick in Japan? Know This Phrase Before You Need It
doraggu sutoa wa doko desu ka · Where is the drugstore?
Beginner
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Caught in Tokyo Rain? Borrow This Phrase and a Raincoat
kasatte kudasai · Please lend it to me
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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The Polite Thank You That Closes Every Interaction in Japan
arigatou gozaimasu · thank you very much
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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Free Water in Japan Is Served HOT. Here's How to Ask for It.
oyu wo kudasai · hot water, please
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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One Fill-in-the-Blank Phrase Gets You Anything in a Japanese Shop
~ wa arimasu ka? · do you have ~?
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?
Survival
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Walking Into a Tiny Tokyo Restaurant? Say THIS First
Menyū o kudasai · Menu, please
Survival
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Still Carrying Yen-less Cash? One Phrase Finds You an Exchange
ryōgae dekimasu ka? · Can I exchange currency here?
Survival
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How to Find the Exit in Japan
deguchi · exit
Survival
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Need a Bathroom in Japan? Say THIS — Not 'Toilet Doko'
Toire, o-kari shite mo ii desu ka? · May I use your restroom?
Beginner
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How to Say 'That's All' at a Japanese Restaurant
i-jō desu · that's all
Survival
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Phone at 3% in Tokyo? The One Phrase That Saves Your Night
jūden dekimasu ka? · Can I charge here?
Beginner
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The Polite Way to Order
~ o onegai shimasu · ~, please
Survival
▶
The Magic Word for Getting Attention
sumimasen · Excuse me
Survival
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One Word, Three Meanings: Sumimasen
sumimasen · Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you
Survival
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The Polite Way to Ask About English
eigo o hanasemasu ka? · Do you speak English?
Beginner
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I'm Studying Japanese
nihongo o benkyō shite imasu · i'm studying japanese
Beginner
▶
What's This Called?
kore wa nihongo de nan to iimasu ka? · what is this called in japanese?
Survival
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Is This Okay?
kore de ii desu ka? · is this okay?
Survival
▶
The Great Trash Can Hunt
gomi-bako wa doko desu ka? · where is the trash can?
Beginner
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Order Anything with One Phrase
kore o hitotsu kudasai · One of this, please
Survival
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Asking for Help Politely
sumimasen, tasukete kudasai · Excuse me, please help me
Intermediate
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The Word You Say Leaving a Japanese Restaurant (Not Arigatō)
gochisōsama deshita · thanks for the meal
Beginner
▶
Locals Eat THIS to Survive Japan's Summer (Not Just Water)
shio-ame · salt candy
![I'm From [Country]](/t/videos/tourist-from-country.jpg)
Beginner
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I'm From [Country]
amerika kara kimashita · I'm from America
Survival
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I'm Lost
michi ni mayoi mashita · I'm lost
Beginner
▶
Where is the Bathroom? (Beginner Version)
otearai wa doko desu ka? · Where is the bathroom?
Survival
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I'm OK → The Most Useful Phrase in Japan
daijōbu desu · I'm okay / no thanks
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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It's Pouring in Japan — and There's a Machine by Every Door You're Walking Past
kasa-bukuro · umbrella sleeve
Beginner
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Ask This Before You Order — Japan Is Still Cash Country
kādo de ii desu ka? · can I pay by card?
Beginner
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Your Reset Button When Japanese Comes Back Too Fast
yukkuri onegai shimasu · slowly, please
Survival
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Why the Number 4 Has Two Names in Japan
ichi, ni, san, yon, go … jū · counting 1 to 10
Survival
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The Phrase That Saves You When the Line Forms Behind You
chotto matte kudasai · one moment, please
Intermediate
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The Color That Tells You Hot or Cold on a Japanese Vending Machine
tsumetai / atatakai · cold / warm
Intermediate
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Getting on a Japanese Bus the Wrong Way Costs You Money
seiriken · numbered fare ticket
Survival
▶
The One Japanese Phrase You'll Be Glad You Learned
toire wa doko desu ka? · where is the toilet?
Survival
▶
Scared of the Language Barrier? Start With This
eigo, daijōbu desu ka? · is English okay? / do you speak English?
Survival
▶
The One Phrase That Tells You the Price in Japan
ikura desu ka? · how much is it?
Survival
▶
The First 2 Japanese Words You Need: Yes & No
hai / iie · yes / no
Intermediate
▶
The Summer Sign That Means 'Order This Now' in Japan
Hiyashi-chūka, kudasai. · Hiyashi-chūka, please. (cold summer noodles)
Intermediate
▶
Never Touch a Taxi Door in Japan
~ made onegai shimasu. · To ~, please.
Intermediate
▶
Japan's Rainy-Season Rule Tourists Always Miss
Kasa, koko de ii desu ka? · Is it okay to leave my umbrella here?
Intermediate
▶
The Word Locals Say to You All Summer in Japan
Atsui desu ne. · It's hot, isn't it.
Intermediate
▶
One Japanese Word Does the Job of Three
sumimasen · excuse me / sorry / thank you
Intermediate
▶
The Summer Outfit Locals Wear to Festivals (and What to Say)
yukata · summer cotton kimono
Intermediate
▶
How to Get Free Water at Any Japanese Restaurant
o-mizu o kudasai · Water, please.
Beginner
▶
Lost in Japanese? This Phrase Saves You
nihongo, wakarimasen · I do not understand Japanese
Beginner
▶
Mystery Food in Japan? Just Ask What It Is
kore wa nan desu ka? · what is this?
Beginner
▶
How to Ask for the Bill in Japan
okaikei, onegai shimasu · check, please
Intermediate
▶
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
▶
Left Something on the Train in Japan? Don't Panic — Say This
wasuremono o shimashita · I left something behind
Beginner
▶
Japan Hands You a Hot Towel — Don't Use It Wrong
oshibori · wet hand towel
Intermediate
▶
Rain Ruining Your Japan Trip? June Is Secretly Its Prettiest Month
ajisai · hydrangea
Intermediate
▶
Ask THIS Before You Take a Photo in Japan
shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? · May I take a photo?
Intermediate
▶
Why You Still Need Cash in Japan (and Where to Get It)
genkin nomi · cash only (a sign you'll need to recognize)
Intermediate
▶
The Japanese Shoe Rule Tourists Break the Most
kutsu o nugimasu · I take my shoes off
Intermediate
▶
How to Actually Pray at a Japanese Shrine
nirei nihakushu ichirei · two bows, two claps, one bow (how to pray at a shrine)
Intermediate
▶
The Ramen Shop Machine That Confuses Every Tourist
shokken · meal ticket (buy it from the machine first)
Intermediate
▶
The Japanese Phrase That Could Save Your Life in a Restaurant
~ arerugī ga arimasu · I have a ~ allergy
Intermediate
▶
The One Phrase That Saves You in Any Japanese Train Station
~ wa doko desu ka? · Where is ~?
Intermediate
▶
You're Probably Saying 'Thank You' Wrong in Japan
dōmo / arigatō gozaimasu · thanks (casual) / thank you very much (polite)
Intermediate
▶
The 3 Japanese Words That Unlock 80% of a Trip
sumimasen / onegaishimasu / arigatō gozaimasu · excuse me / please / thank you very much
Intermediate
▶
Onsen Rules Tourists Always Break
kakeyu · rinsing off before getting in
Intermediate
▶
How to Shop Tax-Free in Japan (and Save 10%)
menzei de onegaishimasu · Tax-free, please
Intermediate
▶
How to Order Gyōza Like You Belong There
gyōza wo onegaishimasu · Gyōza, please
Intermediate
▶
What to Actually Say in a Japanese Convenience Store
fukuro wa irimasen · I don't need a bag
Intermediate
▶
Japan's Secret 6th Season — and the Word That Saves Your June Trip
tsuyu · the rainy season (early-summer wet stretch)
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