Quick Guide to Japanese: 15 Essential Phrases for KaizenTour Participants

Traveling to Japan with KaizenTour is a unique experience, but a little language knowledge can make your journey even better! Here’s a humorous quick guide to Japanese with 15 phrases you can easily use during your trip. We’ve included pronunciation and English translations.

1. Konnichiwa (kohn-nee-chee-wah)
   Meaning: Hello Perfect for greeting the locals! You’ll be met with smiles if you start a conversation with a friendly “konnichiwa.”
2. Arigato (ah-ree-gah-toh)
   Meaning: Thank you Used often and best paired with a slight bow. If you’re feeling extra polite, you can say “arigato gozaimasu” (“many thanks”).
3. Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen)
   Meaning: Excuse me Essential when you accidentally bump into someone on the train or need to get a waiter’s attention.
4. Hai (hah-ee) / Iie (ee-eh)
   Meaning: Yes / No Simple and straightforward. Useful for answering questions or deciding whether to try that mysterious squid dish.
5. Oishii (oh-ee-shee)
   Meaning: Delicious! Say this when enjoying Japan’s amazing food. You’ll impress the chef or server by complimenting their cooking in Japanese.
6. Doko desu ka? (doh-koh dess kah)
   Meaning: Where is it? Helpful when you’re lost or looking for a landmark, restroom, or nearest sushi spot.
7. Ikura desu ka? (ee-koo-rah dess kah)
   Meaning: How much is it? A must-know phrase when shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
8. Wakarimasen (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)
   Meaning: I don’t understand A polite way to admit you’re linguistically lost. Say it with a smile, and you’ll likely get help anyway.
9. Onegaishimasu (oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs)
   Meaning: Please Frequently used to ask for help or place an order. It works as a versatile “please.”
10. Sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah)
    Meaning: Goodbye A classic way to end your conversation or bid farewell to a day full of adventures.
11. Daijobu desu (dai-joh-boo dess)
    Meaning: It’s okay Use this to signal that everything is fine or to politely decline help.
12. Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ay-goh oh hah-nah-seh-mahs kah)
    Meaning: Do you speak English? A handy question when you need assistance and hope someone can respond in English.
13. Totemo ii desu (toh-teh-moh ee dess)
    Meaning: It’s really good Say this when you see something impressive, like a stunning view or a delicious dish.
14. Kore wa nan desu ka? (koh-reh wah nahn dess kah)
    Meaning: What is this? Practical when exploring Japanese markets or trying new dishes.
15. Sumimasen, shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? (soo-mee-mah-sen, shah-sheen oh toht-teh moh ee dess kah)
    Meaning: Excuse me, may I take a picture? Polite and useful when you want to photograph surroundings or local attractions.
    
    

Bonus: Ganbatte! (gahn-baht-teh)

Meaning: Good luck! / Do your best! Say this to your fellow travelers when they try something new and exciting.

Use Them with Confidence

The locals will appreciate your efforts, and even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the attempt is always valued. Have a great trip, and remember: a KaizenTour isn’t just about Lean, but also about experiencing Japan’s rich culture and amazing people!