Overview of the Japanese Language
Japanese is a unique language considered a linguistic isolate, although it borrows some words of East Asian and European origin. There are many regional dialects, but 98% of the population speaks standard Japanese.
Today, there are few representatives of the ancient Japanese ethnic groups. The most well-known is the Ainu ethnic group, a minority located in northern Japan and Russia, currently with only about 300 speakers.
Japanese is the official language of Japan, but it is also spoken on Angaur Island (Palau, Micronesia). Additionally, there are significant Japanese-speaking communities in Brazil, Peru, Taiwan, and South Korea.
The introduction of Chinese writing in the 4th century deeply influenced the language. Even today, Japanese people use Chinese characters (kanji), complemented by two syllabaries called kana: hiragana and katakana. These systems greatly facilitate learning to read, allowing children from a very young age to gain a certain autonomy in written comprehension.
To prepare for your trip to Japan and experience local life more authentically, it is invaluable to master essential Japanese expressions and understand the subtleties of politeness. Japanese people genuinely appreciate travelers who make an effort with their language, especially if you take care with tone and etiquette.
Basic Japanese Vocabulary for Travel
Greeting, thanking, and polite requests
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning (formal)
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
- ありがとう (Arigatou) / ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you (informal / formal)
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry (use for getting someone's attention, ordering, or polite small apologies)
- ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – I'm sorry (for more personal or heavier apologies)
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please (softens requests, used frequently in shops, restaurants, and stations)
Tip: Always use polite forms and a gentle tone—ending with “-masu” or “-desu” is safe with strangers or in official contexts.
Extra for etiquette: Use the title “-san” after names to show respect, and offer a small bow when greeting or thanking someone.
Additional useful expressions
- はい (Hai) – Yes
- いいえ (Iie) – No ("Iie" is rarely used directly to refuse; use more nuanced ways to decline politely, see below)
- 分かりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand
- 日本語を話せません (Nihongo o hanasemasen) – I don’t speak Japanese
- もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegai shimasu) – Please say that one more time
- ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai) – Please speak slowly
Practical daily expressions
| English |
Japanese (romaji) |
Japanese |
| Good morning |
Ohayou gozaimasu |
おはようございます |
| Hello / Good afternoon |
Konnichiwa |
こんにちは |
| Good evening |
Konbanwa |
こんばんは |
| Goodbye |
Sayonara |
さようなら |
| See you later |
Mata kondo |
また今度 |
| Thank you |
Arigatou gozaimasu |
ありがとうございます |
| I don’t understand |
Wakarimasen |
分かりません |
| Do you speak French / English? |
Furansugo / Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? |
フランス語／英語が話せますか？ |
| How are you? |
O genki desu ka? |
お元気ですか？ |
| Excuse me |
Sumimasen |
すみません |
| I’m sorry |
Gomen nasai |
ごめんなさい |
| Yes |
Hai |
はい |
| No |
Iie |
いいえ |
| Please |
Douzo |
どうぞ |
Useful expressions at restaurants
- …をください (… o kudasai) — I would like…
- おまかせで (Omakase de) — "Chef’s choice" (useful at sushi or izakaya)
- お会計をお願いします (Okaikei o onegai shimasu) — The check, please
- おいしいです (Oishii desu) — It’s delicious
- いただきます (Itadakimasu) — Expression before eating
- ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) — Thank you for the meal (after eating)
- アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu) — I have an allergy (add the specific allergen)
Tip: Use "itadakimasu" before starting your meal and "gochisousama deshita" when you're finished to show appreciation for the food—these phrases are highly valued in Japanese dining etiquette.
In transport and getting around
- この電車は___に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa ___ ni ikimasu ka?) – Does this train go to ___?
- に行きたいのですが ( ni ikitai no desu ga) – I want to go to ___
- 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the station?
- チケットをください (Chiketto o kudasai) – A ticket, please
- 止めてください (Tomete kudasai) — Stop, please (for taxi or bus)
- 近いですか？ (Chikai desu ka?) – Is it close?
- 遠いですか？ (Tooi desu ka?) – Is it far?
Note: In large cities, English signage is common, but knowing these phrases is especially critical in rural or less touristic areas.
- これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?) – How much does this cost?
- …を試着したいです (… o shichaku shitai desu) – I want to try on…
- 高いです (Takai desu) – It’s expensive
- 安いです (Yasui desu) – It’s cheap
- 見せてください (Misete kudasai) – Please show me
- Wi-Fi ありますか？ (Wi-Fi arimasu ka?) – Is there Wi-Fi?
Emergencies and essential needs
- 助けてください！(Tasukete kudasai!) – Help!
- 警察を呼んでください！(Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!) – Please call the police
- 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
- 薬局はどこですか？ (Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the pharmacy?
- 私は具合が悪いです。(Watashi wa guai ga warui desu.) – I don’t feel well
- 私は[allergie]アレルギーがあります。(Watashi wa [allergy] arerugī ga arimasu) – I’m allergic to [allergy]
- 緊急番号は何ですか？ (Kinkyū bangō wa nan desu ka?) – What is the emergency number?
Emergency: Dial 110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire in Japan.
Asking for directions
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) — Where are the restrooms?
- [Place]へ行きたいです ([Place] e ikitai desu) — I want to go to [place]
- この道をまっすぐ行ってください (Kono michi o massugu itte kudasai) — Go straight ahead
- 右に曲がってください (Migi ni magatte kudasai) — Turn right
- 左に曲がってください (Hidari ni magatte kudasai) — Turn left
- ここからどれくらいですか？ (Koko kara dorekurai desu ka?) — How far is it from here?
Cultural Codes, Indirectness, and Common Communication Pitfalls
Indirect Communication and Politeness
Politeness is the heart of Japanese communication, often valued even above perfect grammar or pronunciation. Direct refusals are generally avoided; instead, Japanese people express disagreement or uncertainty using gentle, indirect phrases.
Examples of nuanced refusal or expressing doubt:
- ちょっと… (Chotto...) – "Umm, it’s a bit…" (acts as a soft refusal)
- 難しいです (Muzukashii desu) – "It’s difficult" (implies "no" in a polite way)
- 今はちょっと… (Ima wa chotto...) – "Now is a bit..." (soft way to decline)
- できかねます (Dekikanemasu) – "I'm afraid I can't do that" (formal)
- 申し訳ありません (Moushiwake arimasen) – "I'm truly sorry" (deep apology, often used to politely refuse)
- 恐れ入りますが (Osore irimasu ga) – "I'm afraid but..." (polite preface to refusal or bad news)
These expressions help keep interactions smooth and preserve harmony ("wa").
Nonverbal Communication Linked to Language
- Bowing accompanies greetings and thanks—depth and length convey formality.
- Gentle tone and soft facial expression reinforce polite intent. Eye contact is usually brief.
- Nodding is common to show you are listening, even if you don’t fully understand. "Yes" (hai) often means "I hear you," not always agreement!
Common Foreigners’ Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
- Direct translations: Avoid translating English phrases literally. For example, Japanese rarely use “you” (anata)—opt for names or titles instead.
- Vowel length matters: Words like “kawaii” (cute) and “kowai” (scary) sound similar. Pronounce vowels carefully to avoid confusion.
- Using casual/informal forms: When in doubt, use the polite “-masu” or “-desu” forms.
- Failing to read context: In Japan, hesitation, pauses, or ambiguity can signal refusal or doubt. Don’t push for direct answers.
- Misusing “iie” or blunt refusals: Instead of an outright “no,” use softer phrases like “chotto…” or “sumimasen, muzukashii desu.”
Tips for Pronunciation and Quick Learning
- Japanese is syllabic: each character represents a simple sound (often a consonant + vowel). Practice clear division: “su-mi-ma-sen.”
- All vowels are short and crisp: “a,” “i,” “u,” “e,” “o.”
- Pay special attention to vowel length—"obasan" (aunt, short 'a') vs "obaasan" (grandmother, long 'a').
- Mnemonic tip: For “kawaii” (cute), visualize a cute animal; for "kowai" (scary), imagine a ghost—this helps ingrain both the meaning and pronunciation.
- Learn and practice key verbs in the polite “–masu” form to handle most situations respectfully.
- Practice aloud, listen to native examples, and try context-based study (using short phrases in full sentences rather than lists).
Regional Phrase Notes for Travelers
- While standard Japanese is universally understood, regions like Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto) have unique expressions. For example, “ookini” replaces “arigatou” for “thank you.” Stick to the standard polite forms if uncertain—they are welcome everywhere.
- English signage is common in big cities, but much rarer in the countryside. A small phrasebook or language app is invaluable for rural travel.
Bonus: Useful Verbs for Travel—In Context
| Verb (Japanese) |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
| 行く (iku) |
To go |
日本に行きます (I am going to Japan) |
| 見る (miru) |
To see |
絵を見ます (I look at a painting) |
| 食べる (taberu) |
To eat |
寿司を食べます (I eat sushi) |
| 飲む (nomu) |
To drink |
お茶を飲みます (I drink tea) |
| 買う (kau) |
To buy |
お土産を買います (I buy a souvenir) |
| 話す (hanasu) |
To speak |
英語を話します (I speak English) |
| 聞く (kiku) |
To ask/listen |
道を聞く (Asking for directions) |
This essential Japanese expressions kit, combined with a respectful approach to local culture, will ensure meaningful encounters during your stay in Japan. Practice a few phrases each day, be receptive to communication nuances, and remember: respect and a smile speak volumes!
To further prepare for your adventure, consult this French/Japanese glossary for additional vocabulary and practical travel insights. For immersive and responsible travel in Japan, our expertise at Shanti Travel is always at your service.
