Japanese Language

Understanding Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji and how to get around with limited to no skill

How Much Japanese Do I Need to Travel Japan?

You can travel in Japan with minimal Japanese, especially in tourist areas where English signage is common. Basic phrases such as greetings, numbers, and polite expressions can be helpful for communication. Additionally, having a translation app or phrasebook handy can assist in navigating daily interactions.
Japan has three styles of writing: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana - used to spell out Japanese words (each character has a sound)Katakana – used to spell out English words (each character has a sound)Kanji – derived from Chinese characters (each character has a meaning) To read websites in Japanese, download the Google Chrome App and make it your default app on your phone. As you access Japanese websites, it will automatically ask you if you want to translate them - select yes. Sometimes websites use formatting that cannot be translated. In addition, you may also come in contact with signs and wish to know what they mean. To get around this, download the Google Translate App on your phone and ensure you download the Japanese language for offline use before you go. All you need to do is take a photo or screenshot, upload it, and it will be translated for you. You can do this with full menus as well or just ask for “Eigo Menu” for an English version if available. Some other apps that may be helpful in learning the language before you arrive are Dr. Moku Hiragana & Katakana, and Duo Lingo.
Commonn Phrases
Spelled the terms phonetically for pronunciation. Many people understand “Hello, bye bye, and OK.
  • hi – Yes
  • iiiii-eh - No
  • su-mi-ma-sen – Excuse me is used ALL the time to start a conversation or get the servers attention
  • a-ri-ga-toe-go-zai-mas Thank you, give a slight bow when saying this.
  • Thanks is given often in Japan. DO NOT shorten this to arigato as it is only used for friends and is considered rude.
  • go-me-na-sai – I am sorry for something I did or a mistake
  • wa-ka-ri-ma-sen – I do not understand
  • wa-ka-ri-mas – I understand
  • o-hi-o-go-zai-mas – Good Morning, between 6am-10am, give slight bow when saying
  • ko-ni-chi-wa - Hello/ Good Afternoon said between 10am-5pm, give slight bow
  • kon-ban-wa – Good evening said between 5pm – late, give slight bow
  • ko-ray-wa-nan-des-ka? – What is this?
  • die-joe-boo – It is ok , also asked as a question to say “is it ok?”
  • doe-zoe – Please take (seat, item, walk ahead, etc.)
  • oh-ne-gai-shi-mas – Please may I have (as a request, ex. these please