Basic Japanese phrases for travel

Excuse me

Rōmaji Sumimasen

soo-mee-mah-sen

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

The most useful word in Japan: excuse me, sorry, and thank-you-for-the-trouble all at once. Works on everyone.

Please

Rōmaji Onegai shimasu

oh-neh-gai shee-mahs

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Thank you

Rōmaji Arigatō gozaimasu

ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

Rōmaji Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu

doh-moh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

You’re welcome

Rōmaji Dō itashimashite

doh ee-tah-shee-mah-shteh

The universal response to thank you.

The textbook reply — in practice locals often wave it off with a modest “ie ie” (no, no).

I’m sorry

Rōmaji Gomen nasai

goh-men-nah-sai

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

For real apologies. Small bumps and inconveniences are covered by “sumimasen”.

Yes

Rōmaji Hai

hai

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

Rōmaji Iie

ee-eh

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

A blunt no is rare in Japan, refusals often arrive as “chotto…” (it’s a bit…) with an apologetic tilt of the head.

Okay

Rōmaji Daijōbu desu

dai-joh-boo dess

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

A wonder-word: it’s fine, I’m fine, no thank you, meaning rides on tone and context.

Perfect

Rōmaji Ii desu ne

ee dess neh

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

Rōmaji Sore de daijōbu desu

soh-reh deh dai-joh-boo dess

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

No problem

Rōmaji Mondai nai desu

mon-dai nai dess

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

Rōmaji Chotto matte kudasai

choh-toh maht-teh koo-dah-sai

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

Rōmaji Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?

teh-tsoo-daht-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahs kah

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

Rōmaji Konnichiwa

kon-nee-chee-wah

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

Hi

Rōmaji Dōmo

doh-moh

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

The casual nod-greeting — also a light thanks. Enormously versatile.

Good morning

Rōmaji Ohayō gozaimasu

oh-hah-yoh goh-zai-mahs

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Used until about 10–11 am. Drop the “gozaimasu” only with people you know well.

Good afternoon

Rōmaji Konnichiwa

kon-nee-chee-wah

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

“Konnichiwa” literally is the daytime greeting — Japanese has no separate word for afternoon.

Good evening

Rōmaji Konbanwa

kon-bahn-wah

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Goodbye

Rōmaji Sayōnara

sah-yoh-nah-rah

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

Carries a whiff of finality — for everyday partings locals say “ja, mata” (well, see you) or just bow.

• Everyday じゃ、また Ja, mata jah mah-tah ▶

See you later

Rōmaji Mata ne

mah-tah-neh

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Have a good day

Rōmaji Yoi ichinichi o

yoy ee-chee-nee-chee oh

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

My name is [name]

Rōmaji [namae] desu

[nah-mah-eh] dess

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

Family name first is the Japanese convention, but visitors introducing themselves however they like is completely fine.

• Formal [名前]と申します [namae] to mōshimasu [nah-mah-eh] toh moh-shee-mahs

How are you?

Rōmaji O-genki desu ka?

oh-gen-kee dess kah

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

Not casual filler in Japan — it’s a real question for people you haven’t seen in a while.

I’m well, thank you

Rōmaji Genki desu, arigatō gozaimasu

gen-kee dess, ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

Rōmaji Hajimemashite

hah-jee-meh-mah-shteh

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

Often followed by “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” — an untranslatable request for good relations. Add it and impress everyone.