Let’s talk Japanese in Tokyo
It’salways wise to learn some local languages when you travel.It getsyou closer to the local cultureand eases the pain of any language barriers. For example, if you get lost in the street and suddenly start talking to a Japanese person in English or another foreign language, the locals may be frightened. Here you can learn a few handy words and phrases in Japanese to help you through any hassles.
Kanji will come in very handy.
| Kanji (standard) | Reading | Meaning |
| 入口 | Iriguchi | Entrance |
| 出口 | Deguchi | Exit |
| 非常口 | Hijōguchi | Emergency exit |
| 東, 西, 南, 北 | Higashi, Nishi, Minami, Kita | East, west, south, north |
| 右, 左 | Migi, Hidari | Right, left |
| 右折, 左折 | Usetsu, Sasetsu | Right turn, left turn |
| 渋滞 | Jūtai | Traffic jam |
| 危険 | Kiken | Danger |
| 故障 | Kosho | Out of order |
| 禁煙 | Kin’en | No smoking |
| 大, 中, 小 | Dai, Chū, Shō | Large, medium, small |
| 大人, 子供 | Otona, Kodomo | Adult, child |
| 強, 中, 弱 | Kyō, Chū, Jaku | High, medium, low |
| 開, 閉 | Akeru, Shimeru | Open, close |
| 空 | Aki | Vacant |
There are lots of exits at large railway stations.
For example, east exit is “東口” (higashiguchi), west exit is “西口” (nishiguchi), south exit is “南口” (minamiguchi) and north exit is “北口” (kitaguchi).
Other handy phrases.
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| おはようございます | Ohayougozaimasu | Good morning |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening |
| さようなら | Sayōnara | Goodbye |
| ありがとう | Arigatō | Thank you |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me, sorry |
| はい、いいえ | Hai, iie | Yes, no |
| 英語ができますか | Eigogadekimasuka | Do you speak English? |
| 中国語ができますか | Chūgokugogadekimasuka | Do you speak Chinese? |
| 分かりません | Wakarimasen | I don’t know |
| いくらですか | Ikuradesuka | How much is this? |
| トイレはどこですか | Toirewadokodesuka | Where is the toilet? |
| 駅はどこですか | Ekiwadokodesuka | Where is the station? |
| どうぞ | dōzo | Please (offering something) |
| お願いします | onegaishimasu | Please (requesting something) |
If you are lost in the street, try the following phrase when asking a Japanese person for help:
“Konnichiwa! Sumimasen ‘JR Ueno Eki’ wadokodesuka.” This translates to “Hello! Excuse me, where is ‘JR Ueno Station’?” If the person’s explanation of where to go is too difficult to follow, you should just try walking in the direction they pointed. Then after walking for a little while, ask the same question to a different person. You’ll eventually find your way to your destination!
Let’s use “Onegaishimasu”.
You can make polite requests by putting whatever you want with “onegaishimasu”.
| Pronunciation | Meaning | |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please |
| コーヒー | Kōhī | Coffee |
| 水 | Mizu | Water |
| 英語のメニュー | Eigo no menyu | English menu |
| 中国語のメニュー | Chugokugo no menyu | Chinese menu |
| タクシー | Takushī | Taxi |
| 東京駅 | Tokyo eki | Tokyo Station |
“Kōhīonegaishimasu” –“Could I get a coffee, please?”
“Mizuonegaishimasu” – “Could I get some water, please?”
“Eigo no menyuonegaishimasu” – “Could I get an English menu, please?”
“Chugokugo no menyuonegaishimasu” – “Could I get a Chinese menu, please?”
“Takushionegaishimasu” – “Could you please get a taxi for me?”
“Tokyo ekionegaishimasu” – “Please take me to Tokyo Station.”
Learning greetings and useful phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting can provide a real sense of satisfaction and belonging when you communicate with the locals. This couldn’t be more true than in Japan.