Picture this: You've just landed in Tokyo, stepped out of Narita Airport, and you're ready to experience authentic Japan. But then reality hits — how do you ask for directions? Order your first meal? Even say a simple "thank you" properly?
Don't panic. You're not alone in this feeling.
Every successful Japanese speaker started exactly where you are now: knowing absolutely nothing. The difference between those who give up and those who become fluent? They mastered the essential phrases first.
These aren't just random words from a textbook. These are the 10 phrases that will instantly make you sound like someone who actually knows Japanese, boost your confidence, and open doors to real conversations with native speakers.
Table of Contents
- Why These 10 Phrases Will Transform Your Japanese Experience
- The Foundation: Must-Know Greetings
- Essential Politeness Phrases
- Survival Communication
- Getting Help When You Need It
- Food and Dining Essentials
- Beyond Phrases: Cultural Context That Matters
- Practice Tips That Actually Work
Why These 10 Phrases Will Transform Your Japanese Experience
Here's what most beginner guides get wrong: they teach you 50+ phrases you'll rarely use instead of the 10 you'll say every single day.
The phrases in this list are different. They're:
- Immediately practical — You'll use them in your first conversation
- Culturally essential — They show respect for Japanese customs
- Confidence builders — Native speakers will appreciate your effort
- Conversation starters — They invite people to help and engage with you
These phrases are your foundation. Master them, and everything else becomes easier.
The Foundation: Must-Know Greetings
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — Hello
Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah
When to use: Anytime from late morning to late afternoon (roughly 10 AM to 6 PM)
Why it's essential: This is your universal greeting. Unlike English "hello," konnichiwa is time-specific, but it covers most of your daily interactions.
Real-life example:
Walking into a convenience store, meeting a colleague, or greeting your neighbor — konnichiwa works perfectly.
Cultural note: Always pair this with a slight bow. Even a small nod shows respect and will be appreciated.
Common mistake: Using it too early in the morning. Before 10 AM, use "ohayou gozaimasu" (good morning) instead.
2. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — Thank you
Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs
When to use: Any time you want to express gratitude formally
Why it's essential: Gratitude is central to Japanese culture. This phrase opens hearts and doors.
Real-life examples:
- After receiving your change at a store
- When someone gives you directions
- When a server brings your food
Casual version: ありがとう (arigatou) with close friends
Pro tip: The longer the phrase, the more polite it sounds. "Arigatou gozaimasu" is perfect for most situations.
What you'll hear back: どういたしまして (dou itashimashite) — "You're welcome"
Essential Politeness Phrases
3. すみません (Sumimasen) — Excuse me / I'm sorry
Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen
When to use: This magical phrase works for multiple situations
Why it's essential: Sumimasen is like a Swiss Army knife of politeness. It's your go-to phrase for:
- Getting someone's attention politely
- Apologizing for minor inconveniences
- Expressing gratitude (yes, really!)
- Starting a conversation with strangers
Real-life examples:
- "Sumimasen" (to get a server's attention)
- "Sumimasen" (after accidentally bumping into someone)
- "Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka?" (Excuse me, where is the station?)
Cultural insight: Japanese people apologize frequently as a form of social lubricant. Don't overthink it — just use it liberally.
4. お願いします (Onegaishimasu) — Please
Pronunciation: oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs
When to use: When making requests or asking for something
Why it's essential: This shows proper respect when asking for help or service.
Real-life examples:
- "Kore o onegaishimasu" (This one, please) — when pointing at menu items
- "Mizu o onegaishimasu" (Water, please)
- At the end of any request to make it polite
Casual version: お願い (onegai)
Pro tip: You can point at things and say "kore o onegaishimasu" (this one, please) to order almost anything without knowing the specific vocabulary.
Survival Communication
5. 分かりません (Wakarimasen) — I don't understand
Pronunciation: wah-kah-ree-mah-sen
When to use: When you're lost in conversation and need help
Why it's essential: Being honest about not understanding actually helps conversations. Japanese people will slow down, use simpler words, or find another way to communicate.
What often happens next:
- They'll speak more slowly
- Use gestures or show you visually
- Find someone who speaks English
- Write it down for you
Related phrase: 日本語が分かりません (Nihongo ga wakarimasen) — "I don't understand Japanese"
Cultural note: Don't be embarrassed to use this. Japanese people respect honesty and will go out of their way to help.
6. 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) — Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: eh-goh oh hah-nah-seh-mahs kah
When to use: When you need complex help and your Japanese isn't enough
Why it's essential: This polite question acknowledges that you're asking for a favor. Many Japanese people know some English but are shy about using it.
What might happen:
- They'll switch to English
- They'll say "sukoshi" (a little) and try to help
- They'll find someone who speaks English better
- They'll use translation apps
Follow-up: すみません (sumimasen) before asking this question makes it even more polite.
Getting Help When You Need It
7. ～はどこですか？ (～ wa doko desu ka?) — Where is ～?
Pronunciation: [place] wah doh-koh des kah
When to use: When you need directions to somewhere specific
Why it's essential: This template works for any location. Just replace the ～ with where you want to go.
Essential variations:
- 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the station?
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the bathroom?
- ホテルはどこですか？ (Hoteru wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the hotel?
Pro tip: Learn a few key location words (eki = station, toire = bathroom, hoteru = hotel) and you can navigate anywhere.
What you'll hear: Directions in Japanese, but people will often point or even walk you there.
8. これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?) — What is this?
Pronunciation: koh-reh wah nahn des kah
When to use: When you're curious about something or need clarification
Why it's essential: This phrase turns confusion into learning opportunities. Perfect for:
- Unknown menu items
- Unfamiliar objects
- Understanding cultural practices
- Learning new vocabulary
Variations:
- それは何ですか？ (Sore wa nan desu ka?) — What is that? (pointing to something near the other person)
- あれは何ですか？ (Are wa nan desu ka?) — What is that? (pointing to something far from both of you)
Cultural bonus: Japanese people love teaching about their culture. This question often leads to fascinating conversations.
Food and Dining Essentials
9. いただきます (Itadakimasu) — Let's eat / Thank you for the meal
Pronunciation: ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs
When to use: Before eating any meal
Why it's essential: This phrase shows gratitude for the food, the people who prepared it, and even the life that was given for the meal. It's deeply cultural.
What it really means: "I humbly receive this food"
When to say it:
- Before eating at restaurants
- Before meals at someone's home
- Even before snacks or drinks
Cultural impact: Using this phrase correctly will genuinely impress Japanese people. It shows you understand their culture goes beyond just language.
After eating: ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) — Thank you for the meal
10. おいしいです (Oishii desu) — It's delicious
Pronunciation: oh-ee-shee des
When to use: When food tastes good (which it will — Japanese food is amazing!)
Why it's essential: This compliment makes people happy and often leads to recommendations for other dishes or restaurants.
Casual version: おいしい (oishii)
Enhanced version: とてもおいしいです (totemo oishii desu) — It's very delicious
Cultural note: Japanese chefs and restaurant workers take great pride in their food. This simple compliment often results in extra attention, free samples, or special recommendations.
What might happen: They'll ask what you liked about it, recommend similar dishes, or give you extra portions.
Beyond Phrases: Cultural Context That Matters
The Power of Bowing
Every phrase becomes more effective with the right body language:
- Light bow (15°): For casual interactions and "arigatou gozaimasu"
- Medium bow (30°): For "sumimasen" when apologizing or asking favors
- Deep bow (45°): For formal situations or when receiving significant help
Tone and Respect Levels
Japanese has different politeness levels:
- Casual forms: Use with friends your age or younger
- Polite forms (the ones in this list): Safe for 90% of situations
- Ultra-formal forms: For business or elderly people
When in doubt, use the polite forms from this list.
The Magic of Effort Recognition
Japanese people have a concept called "努力" (doryoku) — effort. They notice and appreciate when foreigners try to speak Japanese, even imperfectly. Your pronunciation doesn't need to be perfect; your effort to try is what matters.
Practice Tips That Actually Work
Start with One Phrase Per Day
Don't try to memorize all 10 at once. Pick one phrase, use it throughout the day (even with yourself), and add the next one when it feels natural.
Use the "Restaurant Method"
Go to a Japanese restaurant and use these phrases:
- "Konnichiwa" when entering
- "Kore o onegaishimasu" when ordering
- "Itadakimasu" before eating
- "Oishii desu" while eating
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" when leaving
Record Yourself
Use your phone to record these phrases, then play them back. This helps with pronunciation and builds confidence.
Find a Language Exchange Partner
Apps like HelloTalk or Tandem connect you with Japanese speakers learning English. Practice these phrases with real people.
Use Them in English Conversations
When talking to other Japanese learners, slip these phrases into English conversations. "The food was so oishii!" This builds muscle memory.
Your Next Steps: From Phrases to Conversations
These 10 phrases are just the beginning. Once you're comfortable with them, you're ready for:
- Basic Japanese grammar patterns like the たい form for expressing desires
- Essential JLPT N5 grammar for building complete sentences
- Expanded vocabulary for your specific interests
But for now, focus on these 10. Master them completely. Use them with confidence. Watch how Japanese people's faces light up when you show respect for their language and culture.
Ready to Sound Like You Actually Know Japanese?
Remember: you don't need to be perfect. You just need to be brave enough to try.
These 10 phrases are your foundation for every Japanese conversation you'll ever have. They show respect, build connections, and prove that you're serious about learning Japanese culture, not just tourist-level survival phrases.
Start with "konnichiwa" today. Say it to yourself. Practice the bow. Imagine using it with a real person.
Tomorrow, add "arigatou gozaimasu."
In two weeks, you'll be using all 10 phrases naturally, and Japanese people will be complimenting your Japanese.
頑張って！(Ganbatte! — You've got this!)