Essential Japanese Phrases for Travel (with Pronunciation)
Japan is safe, beautiful and very organised — but outside central Tokyo and Kyoto, English is rare, and signs are often only in Japanese. Here are the phrases you will actually use, written in Japanese characters and in romaji so you can say them.
Updated October 2026
Basics and greetings
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Goodbye | さようなら | Sayōnara |
| Please | お願いします | Onegaishimasu |
| Thank you | ありがとうございます | Arigatō gozaimasu |
| Yes | はい | Hai |
| No | いいえ | Iie |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません | Sumimasen |
| I don't understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? |
At the restaurant
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A table for two, please | 二人です | Futari desu |
| The menu, please | メニューをお願いします | Menyū o onegaishimasu |
| Water, please | お水をお願いします | O-mizu o onegaishimasu |
| The bill, please | お会計をお願いします | O-kaikei o onegaishimasu |
| It's delicious | おいしいです | Oishii desu |
Getting around and shopping
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the toilet? | トイレはどこですか？ | Toire wa doko desu ka? |
| Where is the station? | 駅はどこですか？ | Eki wa doko desu ka? |
| How much is it? | いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? |
| Can you write it down? | 書いてもらえますか？ | Kaite moraemasu ka? |
Emergencies and health
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| I need a doctor | 医者が必要です | Isha ga hitsuyō desu |
| Where is the pharmacy? | 薬局はどこですか？ | Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka? |
| Call the police! | 警察を呼んでください！ | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! |
| I'm lost | 道に迷いました | Michi ni mayoimashita |
Practical tips
- "Sumimasen" is the most useful word in Japan: excuse me, sorry, and calling a waiter.
- Don't tip. In Japan it can feel awkward; good service is simply normal.
- A light bow when greeting or thanking is polite. You don't need to bow deeply.
- If you are stuck, show the written Japanese on your phone — people are very willing to help when they can read it.
Too many phrases to remember?
With OIEM Translator you can simply talk. Choose English and Japanese, tap the microphone once and speak normally: the translation appears in about half a second and is spoken out loud in Japanese. When the other person answers, OIEM detects their language automatically and translates back — no need to tap again.
- Hands-free two-way conversation
- Text translation also works offline
- Photo translation for menus and signs
Free to download with free voice translations to try. The weekly plan includes a 3-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to get by in Japan with only English?
In big stations and hotels, yes. In restaurants, small shops, taxis and outside big cities, often not. Simple Japanese phrases — or a voice translator — help a lot.
Can my phone speak Japanese for me?
Yes. With a voice translator like OIEM Translator you speak in English and your iPhone says it out loud in Japanese, then translates the answer back. It is useful when a phrase list is not enough.
Do these phrases work offline?
This page works offline if you save it or take screenshots before your trip. In OIEM Translator, text translation works offline; voice translation needs an internet connection.