01
すみません、サイズについて教えていただけますか？
Sumimasen, saizu ni tsuite oshiete itadakemasu ka?
"Excuse me, could you help me with sizes?"
Grammar: Ultra-polite request using 'ni tsuite' (about/regarding) + respectful asking form
Shopping & Daily Life
How to buy Clothes in Japan: Essential Japanese Phrases
Shopping for clothes in Japan involves unique sizing systems, specific etiquette for trying on items, and helpful staff interactions. With these phrases and cultural insights, you'll navigate Japanese clothing stores confidently, from asking about sizes to making purchases.
Understanding Japanese Clothing Store Culture and Shopping Customs
You're shopping for clothes at a Japanese clothing store and need to communicate with staff about sizes, try on items, ask for recommendations, and complete your purchase
Essential Japanese Phrases for Clothes Shopping and Fashion Retail
02
もちろんです！どのサイズをお探しですか？
Mochiron desu! Dono saizu o osagashi desu ka?
"Sure! What size are you looking for?"
Grammar: Polite staff response using respectful 'osagashi' form for customer actions
03
Mサイズを探しています。
M saizu o sagashiteimasu.
"I'm looking for a medium."
Grammar: Present progressive using '-te imasu' to express ongoing search
04
そのサイズは在庫がありますか？
Sono saizu wa zaiko ga arimasu ka?
"Do you have that size in stock?"
Grammar: Stock availability inquiry using 'zaiko ga arimasu ka' pattern
05
はい、そのサイズは在庫があります。
Hai, sono saizu wa zaiko ga arimasu.
"Yes, we have that size in stock."
Grammar: Positive confirmation of stock availability using formal business language
06
試着室はどこですか？
Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka?
"Where is the fitting room?"
Grammar: Standard location inquiry using 'doko desu ka' for store facilities
07
これを試着してもいいですか？
Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
"Could I try this on?"
Grammar: Permission request using '-te mo ii desu ka' pattern for trying on clothes
08
こちらはいかがですか？
Kochira wa ikaga desu ka?
"How about this?"
Grammar: Polite suggestion pattern using 'ikaga desu ka' common in retail settings
09
ちょっと短いですね。
Chotto mijikai desu ne.
"It's a little short."
Grammar: Gentle criticism using 'chotto' to soften negative feedback about fit
10
こちらが今人気の商品です。
Kochira ga ima ninki no shōhin desu.
"This is a popular item right now."
Grammar: Sales recommendation using current popularity as selling point
11
この商品に割引はありますか？
Kono shōhin ni waribiki wa arimasu ka?
"Are there any discounts on this item?"
Grammar: Discount inquiry using 'ni waribiki wa arimasu ka' pattern
12
はい、今10％オフになっています。
Hai, ima jū-pāsento ofu ni natteimasu.
"Yes, it's 10% off right now."
Grammar: Percentage discount expression using present progressive 'ni natteimasu'
13
ありがとうございます。これを買います！
Arigatō gozaimasu. Kore o kaimasu!
"Thank you. I'll take it!"
Grammar: Purchase decision using direct object 'kore o' + buying verb 'kaimasu'
Japanese Clothing Store Etiquette and Fashion Shopping Culture
Japanese clothing stores are known for excellent customer service and attention to detail. Staff are friendly and ready to help you find the right fit and style.
Japanese sizes are smaller than Western ones. A Japanese Large often equals a Western Medium. Always try items on or ask staff for size guidance before buying.
In fitting rooms, take off your shoes before entering and use the slippers provided. Many stores also give face covers or tissues to avoid getting makeup on clothes.
Staff often suggest matching items or accessories. This reflects Japanese fashion culture, which values complete, well-coordinated outfits.
Seasonal shopping is well-structured in Japan. Summer and winter collections switch at set times, and big sales usually happen at the end of each season.
Key Japanese Grammar Patterns for Shopping and Size Inquiries
[サイズ]について教えていただけますか？polite
Polite request for information using 'ni tsuite' (about/regarding) + ultra-polite asking form
Essential pattern for asking about sizes, styles, or product information
[item]を探していますpolite
Present progressive form expressing ongoing search using '-te imasu'
Standard way to express what you're looking for in stores
[item]は在庫がありますか？polite
Stock availability inquiry using 'zaiko ga arimasu ka'
Checking if specific sizes or items are available
これを試着してもいいですか？polite
Permission request using '-te mo ii desu ka' pattern for trying on clothes
Standard phrase for requesting to try on items
ちょっと[adjective]ですねpolite
Gentle criticism pattern using 'chotto' to soften negative feedback
Polite way to express that something doesn't fit quite right
Complete Japanese Clothing and Fashion Shopping Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 服 | fuku | clothes | Clothing |
| シャツ | shatsu | shirt | Clothing |
| Tシャツ | tī-shatsu | T-shirt | Clothing |
| ズボン | zubon | pants/trousers | Clothing |
| ジーンズ | jīnzu | jeans | Clothing |
| スカート | sukāto | skirt | Clothing |
| ワンピース | wan pīsu | dress | Clothing |
| ジャケット | jaketto | jacket | Clothing |
| コート | kōto | coat | Clothing |
| セーター | sētā | sweater | Clothing |
| サイズ | saizu | size | Sizes |
| XSサイズ | ekkusu esu saizu | XS size | Sizes |
| Sサイズ | esu saizu | S size (small) | Sizes |
| Mサイズ | emu saizu | M size (medium) | Sizes |
| Lサイズ | eru saizu | L size (large) | Sizes |
| XLサイズ | ekkusu eru saizu | XL size | Sizes |
| フリーサイズ | furī saizu | free size (one size fits all) | Sizes |
| 大きい | ōkii | big/large | Fit |
| 小さい | chiisai | small | Fit |
| 長い | nagai | long | Fit |
| 短い | mijikai | short | Fit |
| きつい | kitsui | tight | Fit |
| ゆるい | yurui | loose | Fit |
| ちょうどいい | chōdo ii | just right | Fit |
| 似合う | niau | to suit/look good on | Fit |
| 色 | iro | color | Colors |
| 黒 | kuro | black | Colors |
| 白 | shiro | white | Colors |
| 赤 | aka | red | Colors |
| 青 | ao | blue | Colors |
| 緑 | midori | green | Colors |
| 黄色 | kiiro | yellow | Colors |
| 試着室 | shichakushitsu | fitting room | Store Facilities |
| レジ | reji | checkout/cash register | Store Facilities |
| 女性用 | josei-yō | for women | Store Sections |
| 男性用 | dansei-yō | for men | Store Sections |
| 子供用 | kodomo-yō | for children | Store Sections |
| 在庫 | zaiko | stock/inventory | Shopping |
| 試着 | shichaku | trying on clothes | Shopping |
| 人気 | ninki | popular | Shopping |
| 商品 | shōhin | product/merchandise | Shopping |
| 割引 | waribiki | discount | Shopping |
| セール | sēru | sale | Shopping |
| オフ | ofu | off (discount) | Shopping |
| コットン | kotton | cotton | Materials |
| ウール | ūru | wool | Materials |
| シルク | shiruku | silk | Materials |
| ポリエステル | poriesuteru | polyester | Materials |
| カジュアル | kajuaru | casual | Styles |
| フォーマル | fōmaru | formal | Styles |
| 買う | kau | to buy | Actions |
| 選ぶ | erabu | to choose | Actions |
| 着る | kiru | to wear | Actions |
| 脱ぐ | nugu | to take off | Actions |
Practical Tips for Successful Japanese Clothes Shopping
Cultural
Japanese Sizing Runs Small
Japanese clothing sizes are typically 1-2 sizes smaller than Western sizing. A Japanese Large often equals a Western Medium. Always check size charts or try items on before purchasing.
Tip
Fitting Room Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering fitting rooms and use provided slippers. Many stores provide face covers to protect clothing from makeup. Be gentle with garments and hang them properly.
Watch Out
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Japanese store staff are trained to be helpful and knowledgeable. They can provide size recommendations, suggest coordinating pieces, and help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Example:Say: サイズについて教えていただけますか？ (Could you help me with sizes?)
Tip
Understand Seasonal Shopping Patterns
Japanese fashion follows strict seasonal patterns. Spring/summer collections arrive in February-March, fall/winter in August-September. End-of-season sales offer the best deals.
Cultural
Coordination and Styling Advice
Staff often suggest complete outfits rather than individual pieces. This reflects Japanese fashion culture that values well-coordinated looks. Accept suggestions graciously even if not interested.
Watch Out
Express Fit Issues Politely
Use 'chotto' (a little) to soften criticism about fit. Instead of saying something is 'bad,' say it's 'a little tight' or 'a little long' to maintain politeness.
Example:ちょっときついです (It's a little tight) rather than直接的な批判
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