Japanese may seem intimidating at first, but Japanese people are incredibly patient with foreigners who try. This kit gives you the tools to survive in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, even without a single kanji under your belt.
Japanese is spoken by roughly 125 million people, mostly in Japan, with sizeable diaspora communities in Brazil, the United States, Peru and East Asia. It is a language isolate, with no clear ties to other language families, which makes it uniquely structured. You will quickly discover three writing systems used at the same time: hiragana (syllabary for native words), katakana (syllabary for foreign words) and kanji (Chinese-origin characters for nouns and roots). Learning a few hiragana and katakana before your trip will boost your autonomy enormously. Japanese grammar relies on particles (wa, ga, wo, ni, de, e) that mark the role of each word, with a subject-object-verb order. Keigo, the polite and honorific register, shapes every interaction: depending on your interlocutor, their age and status, you adjust your phrasing. As a traveller, the polite -masu and -desu register is more than enough and will be warmly received. Social codes matter as much as the words themselves: bowing punctuates greetings and thanks, silence on the subway is a sign of collective respect, and attention to elders remains central. This kit will guide you through Tokyo and its electric neighbourhoods, the temples of Kyoto, the markets of Osaka and the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido. A few well-pronounced phrases, a smile and a small bow will open unexpected doors wherever you go.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You have just landed in Japan. Before heading into town, you greet the agent at the counter, ask if they speak English and politely share your first Japanese words. A small bow accompanies your phrases.
The driver welcomes you with great courtesy. You give your destination, ask about the likely fare and indicate the exact spot where you want to be dropped off, showing the address on your phone if needed.
You push the noren curtain of an izakaya in Shinjuku. You ask for a table, browse the menu with the server, mention your dietary restrictions and end with a sincere compliment on the dish.
You feel unwell after a long walk. A passer-by stops to help. You explain the situation, ask for the nearest hospital and specify whether you need a doctor or an ambulance.
It is your departure morning. You confirm the check-out time at reception, ask for the bill, warmly thank the team and take your leave with a fitting goodbye.
What you need to know before travelling to a japanese-speaking country.
Bowing is an art in Japan. A slight nod is fine for foreigners. Don't be surprised if Japanese people bow deeply: that's their way of showing respect.
Removing shoes before entering a home is mandatory. Watch for the "genkan" (entrance area) and aligned shoes: that is the signal.
Eating or drinking on the street is frowned upon in many cities, except at festivals and matsuri. Eating is done while seated or near a kiosk.
Public transport is sacred: no phone calls, speak quietly, do not eat. The silence on the subway is impressive and worth respecting.
"Sumimasen" is your magic word. It means "excuse me" but also "sorry", "thank you" and "may I have your attention". Use it liberally.
Giving and receiving objects with both hands is a sign of respect. Business cards, gifts, the bill: take them with both hands.
Convenience stores (konbini) are your best friends: 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are open 24/7, sell excellent food and have toilets.
Onsen (hot springs) are mixed or segregated depending on the establishment. Tattoos are generally forbidden: check before you go.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
はい
Hai
Yes
いいえ
Iie
No
ありがとう
Arigatou
Thank you
どういたしまして
Dou itashimashite
You're welcome
ごめんなさい
Gomen nasai
Sorry
水
Mizu
Water
食べ物
Tabemono
Food
ホテル
Hoteru
Hotel
空港
Kuukou
Airport
病院
Byouin
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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