50 Phrases That Make Locals Think You’re Fluent (10 Min/Day!)

Planning a trip to Tokyo? Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or just an adventure, knowing a few key Japanese phrases can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. You don’t have to be fluent, but if you use the right expressions, locals might just assume you are!

In this Tokyo survival kit, we’ve compiled 50 essential phrases that will help you navigate the city like a pro. Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to learning them, and you’ll be amazed at how confident you feel!

🏙️ Everyday Essentials (Daily Conversations)

These common expressions will make basic interactions effortless.

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello (Used during the day)
2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning (Polite)
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
4. ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
5. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry / To get attention
6. お願いします (Onegai shimasu) – Please (When requesting something)
7. どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) – You’re welcome
8. 元気ですか？ (Genki desu ka?) – How are you?
9. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – It’s okay / I’m fine
10. わかりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand

🍣 Eating Out in Tokyo (Ordering Food Like a Local)

Eating in Tokyo’s restaurants and street stalls is an adventure in itself. Here’s how to order like a pro.

11. メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) – Can I have the menu, please?
12. おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
13. 〇〇をください (___ o kudasai) – I’d like ___, please.
14. お水をください (Omizu o kudasai) – Can I have some water, please?
15. お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegai shimasu) – Check, please.
16. これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?) – What is this?
17. おいしいです！(Oishii desu!) – It’s delicious!
18. 辛いですか？ (Karaidesu ka?) – Is it spicy?
19. お腹いっぱいです (Onaka ippai desu) – I’m full.
20. 持ち帰りできますか？ (Mochikaeri dekimasu ka?) – Can I get this to-go?

🚆 Navigating Tokyo’s Train System (Travel Made Easy)

Tokyo’s train and subway system is world-class but can be overwhelming. These phrases will help.

21. 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the station?
22. 〇〇線はどこですか？ (___ sen wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the ___ line?
23. 〇〇駅に行きたいです (___ eki ni ikitai desu) – I want to go to ___ station.
24. この電車は〇〇に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa ___ ni ikimasu ka?) – Does this train go to ___?
25. 切符をください (Kippu o kudasai) – I’d like a ticket, please.
26. いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
27. Suica / Pasmo は使えますか？ (Suica/Pasmo wa tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use Suica/Pasmo?
28. 降ります (Orimasu) – I’m getting off (Helpful when moving past people).
29. すみません、降ります (Sumimasen, orimasu) – Excuse me, I need to get off.
30. 次は何駅ですか？ (Tsugi wa nan eki desu ka?) – What’s the next station?

🏨 Checking into a Hotel (Smooth Check-Ins)

Checking into a Tokyo hotel? These phrases will help.

31. 予約しています (Yoyaku shiteimasu) – I have a reservation.
32. チェックインお願いします (Chekku in onegai shimasu) – I’d like to check in.
33. パスポートをどうぞ (Pasupooto o douzo) – Here’s my passport.
34. Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) – Is there Wi-Fi?
35. チェックアウトは何時ですか？ (Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is checkout?

🛍️ Shopping in Tokyo (Finding the Best Deals)

Whether you’re in Shibuya or Akihabara, shopping is an experience!

36. これを見てもいいですか？ (Kore o mite mo ii desu ka?) – Can I look at this?
37. 試着してもいいですか？ (Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?) – Can I try this on?
38. 他の色はありますか？ (Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have other colors?
39. サイズはありますか？ (Saizu wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have this in my size?
40. カードは使えますか？ (Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?) – Do you accept credit cards?

🚑 Emergency Phrases (Stay Safe!)

It’s always good to know a few phrases in case of emergencies.

41. 助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) – Help me!
42. 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai) – Please call the police.
43. 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
44. 気分が悪いです (Kibun ga warui desu) – I don’t feel well.
45. 落とし物をしました (Otoshimono o shimashita) – I lost something.

🎌 Sounding Like a Local (Bonus Phrases)

Want to impress locals even more? Try these!

46. すごい！(Sugoi!) – Amazing!
47. なるほど (Naruhodo) – I see / That makes sense.
48. 本当に？ (Hontou ni?) – Really?
49. 久しぶり！(Hisashiburi!) – Long time no see!
50. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegai shimasu) – Please take care of me (Common in many situations).

🏆 Final Tips for Mastering These Phrases

• Practice every day for 10 minutes – Consistency is key!
• Use them in real situations – Don’t be afraid to speak!
• Watch Japanese videos or anime – Hearing these phrases helps with pronunciation.
• Keep a small phrasebook or app handy – Google Translate and apps like Duolingo can be lifesavers.

By learning these 50 essential phrases, you’ll blend in seamlessly in Tokyo, impress locals, and make your trip unforgettable. Happy travels! 🇯🇵✨

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