13 Must-Know Japanese Expressions for Travelers

Whether you’re studying the language or planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to know some basic Japanese phrases. Learn these useful Japanese expressions with language teacher Andrew P…

So, you’re planning  a trip to Japan, or Nihon as the locals say. Hopefully you’ll be traveling with someone who is fairly fluent in Japanese (Nihongo) because most Japanese people (Nihonjin) speak very little English.

If you’re traveling alone, however, there’s no need to worry. Here are 13 basic Japanese expressions and some Japanese vocabulary that will help you on your trip.

Japanese people appreciate any attempt by a foreigner to use Japanese words, phrases, and sentences. The locals will speak slowly and go out of their way to help you communicate. They will respect and admire your effort.

You will most likely hear many of the following expressions. Practice these with a flat accent, in other words, with no stress or drop in tone. There are ways to show added sincerity and enthusiasm, but let’s keep things simple for now. Remember, most greetings and salutations are said with a bow.

1. Konnichiwa

(cone) (knee) (chee) wa

This means hello. Say this with a slight pause after the “n” in the first syllable and before the “n” at the beginning of the 2nd syllable.

2. Hajimemashite

ha (gee) (may) (mashte)

Pleased to meet you.

3. Ohayou Gozaimasu

(Ohio) go zai mas 

This means good morning. When an “o” is followed by a “u” in Japanese, it creates a  long vowel sound. The “u” is basically silent. Nihongo has no word for good afternoon, so konnichiwa is used between noon and dark.

 4. Konbanwa

(cone) (bon) wa 

Good evening.

5. Oyasuminasai

(oh) ya  (sue) (me) na (sigh)

Good night.

6. Sayounara

(sigh) (oh) na ra 

Goodbye.

7. Ogenki Desuka

(oh) gen (key) deska

How are you?

8. Wakarimashitaka