A Friendly Guide to Basic Japanese Words and Phrases for UK Visitors

Why Learning a Few Japanese Phrases Matters

When planning a trip to Japan, many UK travellers ask themselves: “Do I really need to learn Japanese?” The truth is that you don’t need to be fluent to enjoy your trip, but knowing a handful of basic phrases can transform your experience.

Japanese people are often happy to help tourists, but English is not as widely spoken as in many European countries. Even simple words like “hello” or “thank you” in Japanese can open doors, earn you smiles, and make interactions smoother. In a culture where politeness is central, showing effort goes a long way.

Think of it this way: if a Japanese tourist came to London and tried saying “thank you” in English, you would probably feel warmer towards them. It’s the same in Japan. A little effort communicates respect for local culture, and it can help in situations where English support is limited, like at a small ramen shop or when buying a train ticket in the countryside.

Essential Greetings and Polite Phrases

Greetings are the first step to making a good impression. Luckily, Japanese greetings are simple and easy to pick up.

Hello / Good morning / Good evening

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good afternoon

• Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning (polite)

• Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening

These greetings are often accompanied by a light bow. Don’t worry about the exact angle—just a small nod of your head shows respect.

Thank you & You’re welcome

• Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you (polite)

• Domo arigatou (どうもありがとう) – Thanks a lot (slightly casual)

• Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして) – You’re welcome

When in doubt, “arigatou gozaimasu” is always safe.

Excuse me / Sorry

• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / Sorry

• Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) – I’m sorry (more casual, personal)

“Sumimasen” is extremely versatile—you can use it to get someone’s attention, to apologise lightly, or even to call a waiter in a restaurant.

Polite endings: -masu & -desu

You’ll often hear verbs ending in “-masu” and sentences ending in “-desu.” This is the polite form of Japanese. You don’t need to master grammar, but recognising these endings will help you understand when people are speaking politely.

Getting Around: Transportation Phrases

Japan’s transport system is famous for its punctuality, but navigating it in a foreign language can feel overwhelming. These phrases can make your journey smoother.

Asking for directions

• [Place] wa doko desu ka? (〜はどこですか？) – Where is [place]? Example: “Eki wa doko desu ka?” = “Where is the station?”

• Kono chikaku ni [place] arimasu ka? (この近くに〜ありますか？) – Is there a [place] nearby?

Using trains & buses

• [Station] made ikura desu ka? (〜までいくらですか？) – How much is it to [station]?

• Kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka? (切符はどこで買えますか？) – Where can I buy a ticket?

• Suica wa tsukaemasu ka? (スイカは使えますか？) – Can I use a Suica card?

Note📝: Suica is a rechargeable contactless smart card widely used in Japan for trains, buses, and even convenience store payments. It works similarly to London’s Oyster card.

Most major stations have English signage, but in rural areas, these phrases are helpful.

Taxi & ride-hailing phrases

• Koko made onegaishimasu (ここまでお願いします) – Please take me here (show map/phone)

• Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) – How much is it?

Always carry the address of your destination in Japanese—drivers may not understand English place names.

Eating Out: Restaurant Survival Phrases

Food is one of the highlights of travelling in Japan, but menus can sometimes be intimidating. These phrases help you navigate restaurants with confidence.

Ordering food & drinks

• [Dish] o kudasai (〜をください) – I’d like [dish], please

• Kore o kudasai (これをください) – This one, please (pointing at menu)

• Birru o kudasai (ビールをください) – Beer, please

Pointing at pictures or displays is completely normal in Japan.

Dietary restrictions

• Watashi wa bejitarian desu (私はベジタリアンです) – I’m a vegetarian

• Arerugii ga arimasu (アレルギーがあります) – I have an allergy

• Niku nashi de onegaishimasu (肉なしでお願いします) – Without meat, please

Allergies are taken seriously, so learn the specific word for your restriction.

Paying the bill

• Okanjou onegaishimasu (お勘定お願いします) – The bill, please

• Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか？) – Can I use a credit card?

Note📝: In Japan, you usually pay at the counter rather than at the table.

Shopping Made Easy: Useful Japanese for Stores

Shopping in Japan can be a delightful experience, from traditional markets to high-tech malls.

Asking for price / size / colour

• Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) – How much is it?

• [Size] saizu arimasu ka? (サイズありますか？) – Do you have this in [size]?

• Kono iro arimasu ka? (この色ありますか？) – Do you have this in this colour?

Duty-free shopping phrases

• Menzei arimasu ka? (免税ありますか？) – Is there duty-free?

• Pasupooto ga hitsuyou desu ka? (パスポートが必要ですか？) – Do I need my passport?

Cash vs. card culture in Japan

Although Japan is modern, cash is still widely used. Always carry some yen, especially in smaller towns or markets.

Emergency and Safety Phrases

Hopefully you won’t need them, but it’s reassuring to know key emergency phrases.

Asking for help / police / hospital

• Tasukete! (助けて！) – Help!

• Keisatsu wa doko desu ka? (警察はどこですか？) – Where is the police?

• Byouin wa doko desu ka? (病院はどこですか？) – Where is the hospital?

Saying you don’t understand

• Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語が分かりません) – I don’t understand Japanese

• Eigo hanasemasu ka? (英語話せますか？) – Do you speak English?

Contact numbers

• 110 – Police

• 119 – Ambulance / Fire

Cultural Tips: Using Japanese Phrases Naturally

Learning the words is one thing, but using them naturally makes a big difference.

When to bow & when not to

A light bow is common when greeting, thanking, or saying goodbye. You don’t need to overdo it—just a slight nod works.

Formal vs informal language

Japanese has levels of politeness. As a tourist, you only need to use polite Japanese (desu/masu). Avoid slang, as it may sound rude if used incorrectly.

Gestures & body language differences

• Pointing at people is considered rude.

• Silence is not awkward in Japan—it’s often a sign of respect.

• Handing over money or items with two hands is polite.

Quick Reference: Japanese Phrase Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick table you can save on your phone:

English	Japanese	Romaji
Hello	こんにちは	Konnichiwa
Thank you	ありがとうございます	Arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse me / Sorry	すみません	Sumimasen
Where is the station?	駅はどこですか？	Eki wa doko desu ka?
This please	これをください	Kore o kudasai
The bill, please	お勘定お願いします	Okanjou onegaishimasu
Help!	助けて！	Tasukete!
I don’t understand Japanese	日本語が分かりません	Nihongo ga wakarimasen

Do You Really Need to Speak Japanese in Japan?

The short answer: not really, but it helps. In big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, English signs are common, and many young people can understand basic English. But in rural areas or smaller shops, English may not be available.

Even if you forget the phrases, a smile and some polite body language go a long way. But if you can say “thank you” or “excuse me” in Japanese, you’ll connect with locals on a deeper level.

Conclusion

Travelling in Japan is more enjoyable when you can connect with locals, and even the simplest Japanese phrases can make a big difference. From greetings to restaurant survival language, these expressions help UK travellers feel more confident and respectful during their trip.

Why not enhance your journey by learning more Japanese before you go? Join one of our travel-focused Japanese lessons today and discover how fun and rewarding it can be. With just a little preparation, your adventure in Japan will be smoother, friendlier, and truly unforgettable!