💬 Top 561+ Japanese Phrases For Beginners To Learn Before You Travel

So, you’ve just started learning Japanese, huh? That’s awesome! I remember being in the same spot looking at all those characters and wondering where to even begin.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Learning a new language can feel overwhelming at first, but starting with simple, everyday Japanese phrases makes the journey so much easier.

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most useful Japanese phrases for beginners perfect for travelers, anime fans, or anyone who simply wants to say more than Ready?

Let’s dive in and start speaking like a local, one phrase at a time!

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Why Learning Japanese Phrases for Beginners Matters 🌏

Knowing Japanese phrases for beginners gives you confidence to communicate even if you don’t speak fluently. It shows respect for the local culture and helps you build instant connections with Japanese people.

Imagine landing in Tokyo, walking into a ramen shop, and saying Sumimasen! (Excuse me!) to get the waiter’s attention—instantly, you’ll see a friendly smile. These small interactions make travel richer and more meaningful.

Also, learning phrases helps you understand Japanese culture, which values politeness and humility. By practicing even a few words daily, you’ll notice your listening skills improving and your fear of speaking fading. Let’s dive into the most useful categories every beginner should know!

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Greetings and Introductions 👋

Starting conversations is easier when you know the right greetings. These Japanese phrases for beginners help you make a polite first impression.

Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

Meaning: Hello / Good afternoon
Use When: Greeting someone during the day.
Example: Konnichiwa! Watashi wa Sami desu. (Hello! I’m Sami.)

Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます)

Meaning: Good morning (polite form)
Use When: In the morning before noon, especially with strangers or superiors.
Example: Ohayou gozaimasu! said to your teacher or boss.

Konbanwa (こんばんは)

Meaning: Good evening
Use When: Greeting someone after sunset.
Example: Konbanwa! Ogenki desu ka? (Good evening! How are you?)

Hajimemashite (はじめまして)

Meaning: Nice to meet you
Use When: Introducing yourself for the first time.
Example: Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Emi desu. (Nice to meet you. I’m Emi.)

Sayounara (さようなら)

Meaning: Goodbye
Use When: Saying farewell for a longer time.
Example: Sayounara! Mata aimashou! (Goodbye! Let’s meet again!)

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Polite Essentials 🙇‍♀️

Japanese culture places high value on respect. These polite expressions are must-haves for any beginner.

Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

Meaning: Thank you very much
Use When: Expressing gratitude in polite situations.
Example: Arigatou gozaimasu for helping me find my hotel.

Sumimasen (すみません)

Meaning: Excuse me / I’m sorry
Use When: Getting attention or apologizing.
Example: Sumimasen, doko desu ka? (Excuse me, where is it?)

Onegaishimasu (お願いします)

Meaning: Please
Use When: Making polite requests.
Example: Mizu onegaishimasu. (Water, please.)

Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)

Meaning: I’m sorry
Use When: When you make a mistake or bump into someone.
Example: Gomen nasai! I didn’t see you there.

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Asking for Help or Directions 🗺️

When traveling, these phrases can save your day.

Doko desu ka? (どこですか？)

Meaning: Where is it?
Use When: Asking for a location.
Example: Toire wa doko desu ka? (Where is the restroom?)

Tasukete kudasai (助けてください)

Meaning: Please help me
Use When: In emergencies or confusion.
Example: Tasukete kudasai! I lost my phone.

Wakarimasen (わかりません)

Meaning: I don’t understand
Use When: You can’t follow what someone said.
Example: Sumimasen, wakarimasen. (Sorry, I don’t understand.)

Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (英語を話せますか？)

Meaning: Do you speak English?
Use When: When you need help in English.
Example: Eigo o hanasemasu ka? asked politely to a stranger.

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Ordering Food and Drinks 🍱

Eating out is a big part of the Japanese experience! Use these beginner Japanese phrases to order like a local.

Menu o kudasai (メニューをください)

Meaning: Please give me the menu
Use When: Asking for a menu politely.
Example: Menu o kudasai!

Kore o kudasai (これをください)

Meaning: This one, please
Use When: Pointing to an item on a menu.
Example: Kore o kudasai. (This one, please.)

Oishii desu (おいしいです)

Meaning: It’s delicious
Use When: Complimenting food.
Example: Oishii desu! after your first bite.

Mizu o kudasai (水をください)

Meaning: Water, please
Use When: Ordering water politely.
Example: Mizu o kudasai.

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Shopping and Money 💴

These phrases will help you while shopping in Japan’s famous markets or stores.

Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)

Meaning: How much is it?
Use When: Asking for the price.
Example: Kono baggu wa ikura desu ka? (How much is this bag?)

Takai desu (高いです)

Meaning: It’s expensive
Use When: Expressing surprise at high prices.
Example: Takai desu ne! (That’s expensive, isn’t it?)

Kaimasu (買います)

Meaning: I’ll buy it
Use When: Confirming your purchase.
Example: Kore o kaimasu. (I’ll take this one.)

Kekkou desu (結構です)

Meaning: No, thank you
Use When: Politely refusing something.
Example: Kekkou desu, arigatou. (No, thank you.)

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Travel and Transportation 🚆

Use these Japanese phrases for beginners to move confidently around Japan.

Eki wa doko desu ka? (駅はどこですか？)

Meaning: Where is the station?
Use When: Asking directions to a train station.
Example: Eki wa doko desu ka?

Kippu o kudasai (切符をください)

Meaning: A ticket, please
Use When: Buying a train or bus ticket.
Example: Tokyo made no kippu o kudasai. (A ticket to Tokyo, please.)

Jikan wa nanji desu ka? (時間は何時ですか？)

Meaning: What time is it?
Use When: Asking the current time.
Example: Sumimasen, jikan wa nanji desu ka?

Noriba wa doko desu ka? (乗り場はどこですか？)

Meaning: Where is the boarding area?
Use When: Finding your train or bus stop.
Example: Noriba wa doko desu ka?

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Common Everyday Expressions 💬

These general expressions make daily conversations smooth and friendly.

Hai (はい)

Meaning: Yes
Use When: Agreeing politely.
Example: Hai, wakarimashita. (Yes, I understand.)

Iie (いいえ)

Meaning: No
Use When: Saying no politely.
Example: Iie, daijoubu desu. (No, it’s okay.)

Daijoubu desu (大丈夫です)

Meaning: It’s okay / I’m fine
Use When: Reassuring someone.
Example: Daijoubu desu, arigatou. (I’m fine, thank you.)

Sugoi! (すごい！)

Meaning: Amazing!
Use When: Expressing excitement.
Example: Sugoi! You speak Japanese well!

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Bonus Recap Table 📘

Category	Phrase	Meaning	Example Use
Greetings	Konnichiwa	Hello	Konnichiwa! Watashi wa Sami desu.
Politeness	Arigatou gozaimasu	Thank you	Arigatou gozaimasu for your help.
Directions	Doko desu ka?	Where is it?	Toire wa doko desu ka?
Food	Oishii desu	It’s delicious	Oishii desu!
Shopping	Ikura desu ka?	How much is it?	Kono baggu wa ikura desu ka?
Travel	Kippu o kudasai	Ticket please	Tokyo made no kippu o kudasai.
Everyday	Hai	Yes	Hai, wakarimashita.

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Final Thoughts 🌟

Learning Japanese phrases for beginners is your first step toward understanding one of the world’s most beautiful languages.

You don’t need to memorize everything at once start with greetings and polite expressions. Use them daily while listening to Japanese media or practicing with friends.

The more you speak, the more confident you’ll feel.

Remember, every Arigatou and Sumimasen you say brings you closer to authentic cultural connection.

So keep practicing, have fun, and soon enough, you’ll be speaking Japanese with natural ease.

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