When you are planning to travel abroad, do you think to yourself, “I’ll be OK – everyone I meet will be able to speak a little bit of English”? Unfortunately for you, that won’t work in Japan!
Yes, Japan is a highly developed country and yes, almost everyone has had the benefit of at least basic education – but as a rule, we’re not very good at English! If you try and talk to Japanese people in English, you’ll meet with one of two reactions: Some people will try to communicate with you by ‘stringing together’ the few English words that they do know, while others will simply smile, bow politely – and then just walk away…. In either case, please be patient!
The Japanese are a rather shy, but they will try their best to help you if you ask them politely! The way you first approach them is particularly important. Instead of an abrupt “Excuse me!” in English, try saying “Chotto īdesu ka? (Do you have a minute?)” In Japanese. You’ll get a far more receptive response!
Here are some useful Japanese words that you can use while traveling.
You may use this word most often. Why don’t you casually express your gratitude when a waiter pours water into your glass or when someone opens the door for you?
ありがとうございます：arigatō gozaimasu
As in English, greetings change depending on the time of day.
Morning – おはようございます：ohayō gozaimasu
Afternoon – こんにちは：konnichiwa
Evening – こんばんわ：konbanwa
Use this term when you want to ask how to get to your destination, or when you want someone to do something.
ちょっといいですか?：chotto īdesu ka?
Being polite is very important in Japan. If you know this word, people’s impression of you will be much better.
しつれいします：shitsurei shimasu
Use this word when you want to get someone’s attention or stop someone.
すみません：sumimasen
“Sumimasen” has several meanings. You can also use this word when you want to apologize.
すみません：sumimasen
Use this term when you place an order at a restaurant or when you want someone to do something
おねがいします：onegai shimasu
はい：hai
いいえ：iie
にほんごが わかりません：nihongo ga wakarimasen
Use this phrase if you don’t understand what the person is saying. I also used this a lot in foreign countries …
もういちど おねがいします：mō ichido onegai shimasu
＿＿＿ は どこですか？：＿＿＿ wa doko desu ka?
Where is …..
① bathroom/toilet = といれ：toire
→ といれは どこですか？：toire wa doko desu ka?
② hotel = ほてる：hoteru
→ ほてるは どこですか？：hoteru wa doko desu ka?
③ station = えき：eki
→ えきは どこですか？：eki wa doko desu ka?
いくらですか？：ikura desu ka?
＿＿＿ は ありますか？：＿＿＿ wa arimasu ka?
Do you have ….
① beer = びーる：bīru
→ びーるは ありますか？：bīru wa arimasu ka?
② Wi-Fi
→ Wi-Fiは ありますか？：Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?
This word is very useful. Use it when you want to say you’re okay, or when you want to politely decline an offer.
だいじょうぶです：daijōbu desu
Nowadays, there are some useful tools like Google Translate available to you, so please use a few words of Japanese plus a little bit of ‘technology’ to communicate effectively as you talk to Japanese people. It’ll make the world of difference!