Basic Japanese Phrases

Essential phrases every visitor should know — greetings, directions, dining, and everyday communication.

  • Hello / Good afternoon

  • Good morning

  • Good evening

  • Goodbye

  • Nice to meet you

  • How are you

  • Yes

  • No

  • I don’t understand

  • Please say it again

  • Please speak slowly

  • It’s okay / I’m fine

  • Menu, please

  • What do you recommend

  • I’ll take this

  • Delicious

  • Bad-tasting

  • Can I get a refill

  • Thank you (polite)

  • Excuse me / Sorry

  • Please (polite)

  • You’re welcome

  • Excuse me (formal)

  • Please treat me well / Nice to work with you

  • Where is it

  • How much is it

  • I want to go to ~

  • Where is the toilet

  • Station

  • Please help

  • Cute

  • Amazing

  • Fun

  • You can do it / Good luck

  • Thanks (casual)

  • It’s okay / I’m fine (Polite)