Japanese Phrase Meaning Glossary

Meaning and usage

sumimasen

excuse me, sorry, or thank you depending on context

basic conversation

Meaning and usage

arigatou gozaimasu

thank you very much

basic conversation

Meaning and usage

onegai shimasu

please, or I would like to ask for this

basic conversation

Meaning and usage

daijoubu desu

it is okay, I am okay, or no thank you

basic conversation

Meaning and usage

wakarimasen

I do not understand

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

mou ichido onegai shimasu

please say it one more time

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

yukkuri hanashite kudasai

please speak slowly

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

kaite kudasai

please write it down

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

eigo o hanasemasu ka

can you speak English?

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

nihongo ga sukoshi wakarimasu

I understand a little Japanese

listening and asking again

Meaning and usage

kore wa nan desu ka

what is this?

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

ikura desu ka

how much is it?

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

card wa tsukaemasu ka

can I use a card?

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

genkin de haraimasu

I will pay in cash

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

ryoushuusho o kudasai

please give me a receipt

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

osusume wa arimasu ka

do you have any recommendations?

shopping, restaurants, and payment

Meaning and usage

doko desu ka

where is it?

transport and directions

Meaning and usage

eki wa doko desu ka

where is the station?

transport and directions

Meaning and usage

toire wa doko desu ka

where is the restroom?

travel and short stays

Meaning and usage

michi ni mayoimashita

I am lost

transport and directions

Meaning and usage

okuremasu

I will be late

work, interviews, and polite communication

Meaning and usage

tasukete kudasai

please help me

emergencies and trouble

Meaning and usage

kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai

please call an ambulance

emergencies and trouble

Meaning and usage

byouin ni ikitai desu

I want to go to a hospital

hospitals and health

Meaning and usage

taichou ga warui desu

I do not feel well

hospitals and health

Meaning and usage

allergy ga arimasu

I have an allergy

hospitals and health

Meaning and usage

yoyaku shitai desu

I would like to make a reservation or appointment

hospitals and health

Meaning and usage

hokenshou ga arimasu

I have a health insurance card

city hall and official procedures

Meaning and usage

zairyu card o motteimasu

I have my residence card

city hall and official procedures

Meaning and usage

juusho o kakimasu

I will write my address

city hall and official procedures

Meaning and usage

ginkou kouza o tsukuritai desu

I want to open a bank account

banking, phones, housing, and setup

Meaning and usage

keitai o keiyaku shitai desu

I want to sign up for a mobile phone contract

banking, phones, housing, and setup

Meaning and usage

heya o sagashiteimasu

I am looking for a room or apartment

banking, phones, housing, and setup

Meaning and usage

yoroshiku onegai shimasu

a polite phrase used when starting a relationship, request, or cooperation

work, interviews, and polite communication

Meaning and usage

chotto matte kudasai

please wait a moment

basic conversation

Meaning and usage

shashin o totte mo ii desu ka

may I take a photo?

travel and short stays