Useful Japanese Words & Phrases for Visiting Japan

Japanese might seem like an extremely diffificult language to learn but if you have a trip to the far East on the horizon we have put together some basic words and phrases to get you started.

Whether you are planning a short break, or a longer gap year to Japan then learning at least the basic phrases is recommended and we hope our list will help. If you have an interest in picking up more than just the basics then we highly recommend booking a Japanese language course in Japan where you will get to spent time living and practising the language in country.

Or if the language barrier is putting you off visiting this magic country you might want to book a tour to Japan where you will get an experienced local guide who speaks English.

Check out our essential Japanese phrases for tourists below.

Basic Greetings

Hi - Konnichiwa
Good morning - Ohayō
Good night - Oyasumi

Conversational

How are you - O genki desu ka
I'm fine. Thank you - Genki desu
Happy to meet you - Hajimemashite
What is your name - O-namae wa nan desu ka
Sorry - Gomen nasai
Thank you - Arigatō
I don't understand - Wakaranai
Please speak slowly - Yukkuri itte kudasai
Do you speak English - Eigo wa dekimasu ka?
Do you speak English? - Eigo o hanasemasu ka
I only speak a little Japanese - Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemasen
What is your name? - O-namae wa nan desu ka
My name is (Jenny) - Watashi no namae wa (Jenny) desu
Can you speak more slowly? - Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai
Sorry - Gomen nasai