Japanese is indeed quite challenging, with its three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji, as well as a structure that is quite different from languages like English. However, in recent years, Japan has become a very popular tourist destination. With its temples, Mount Fuji, and delicious food, it's a highly attractive place to visit.

In this article, we'll introduce 10 basic phrases for those who are thinking of visiting Japan and 10 more specialized phrases for those who want to work in Japan frequently. (Since we're a job search site😆)

First and foremost:

はい (hai) - Yes

いいえ (iie) - No

With just these, you can convey your intentions on your own!

Basic Japanese

ありがとう(ございます): (Arigatou (gozaimasu)) - Thank you

Adding "gozaimasu" makes it more polite.

おはよう(ございます): (Ohayou (gozaimasu)) - Good morning

Adding "gozaimasu" makes it a polite greeting for the morning.

こんにちは: (Konnichiwa) - Good afternoon

This is polite enough as it is. Tricky, isn't it?

おいしい(です): (Oishii (desu)) - Delicious

Let the staff know at the restaurant! Adding "desu" makes it polite.

いらっしゃいませ: (Irasshaimase) - Welcome in

You might not say this yourself. It's what you'll hear from the staff when you enter a shop, so I included it so you won't be surprised when you hear it. Just a light bow is fine when it's said to you.

おねがいします: (Onegaishimasu) - Please

Used when requesting something. You can say it when handing something you want to buy to the cashier at a store.

これください: (Kore kudasai) - Could I get this one?

Say this when you want to order something. Pointing at the menu and saying this would work well.

すみません: (Sumimasen) - Sorry

Used to apologize. You'd use this when you accidentally bump into someone or something like that. As a personal anecdote, in Tokyo, escalators have a rule where you stand on the left and walk on the right, which is opposite to some other places. I used this when I accidentally stood on the right without knowing.

やばい: (Yabai) - ♾️

This has infinite meanings. It can mean something is delicious, cute, strong, fun, cool, beautiful, wonderful, moving, and more. Just say this and you'll be fine.

Japanese phrases commonly used in the workplace:

おつかれさまです: (Otsukaresama desu) - How’s it going?

A greeting used in the workplace. Use it when starting work and change it to past tense "おつかれさまでした" (otsukaresama deshita) at the end.

よろしくおねがいします: (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - I look forward to workking with you.

Its original meaning is "please," but in the workplace, you use it when starting work or when meeting new people.

きゅうけいいただきます: (Kyukei itadakimasu) - Let me get a break.

Said to colleagues when taking a break.

おねがいがあります: (Onegai ga arimasu) - I have a favor

Used when seeking help.

できません: (Dekimasen) - I can not do that.

Used when you can't do a task you were asked to do.

おさきにしつれいします(あがります): (Osakini shitsurei shimasu(agarimasu)) - I'm off. See you tomorrow.

Used when leaving the workplace while others are still working.

おまちください: (Omachi kudasai) - Please wait.

Used when you want someone, like a customer, to wait for a bit.

わかりました(りょうかいしました): (Wakarimashita(ryoukaishimashita)) - I got it

Said when confirming something. Either phrasing is fine.

おくれます: (Okuremasu) - I'm running late

Used when you're going to be late for work. You'd probably convey this over the phone.

とおります: (Toorimasu) - Behind you

Said when passing behind someone in narrow spaces like the kitchen.

Now You Ready!

How was it? If you're going to visit Japan anyway, you'd want to communicate effectively with the locals, right? If you can remember the phrases I introduced today, you might be able to live and work in Japan at least minimally.

For those who want to efficiently study Japanese, check out the following article.

How I Mastered Japanese! 5 Essential Tips for Learning Japanese!