Crash Course in Japanese: 15 Essential Phrases for KaizenTour Participants

Travelling to Japan with KaizenTour is a unique experience, but a little language knowledge can make your trip even better! Here’s a humorous crash course in Japanese with 15 phrases you can easily use during your journey. We’ve included both pronunciation and an english translation:

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”.

Arigato (ah-ree-gah-toh)

Meaning: Thank you

Used often, preferably with a slight bow. If you want to sound extra polite, you can say “arigato gozaimasu” (“thank you very much”).

Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen)

Meaning: Excuse me / Sorry

Indispensable when you accidentally bump into someone on the metro, or if you want to get a waiter’s attention.

Hai (hah-ee) / Iie (ee-eh)

Meaning: Yes / No

Simple and straightforward. Useful when answering questions or deciding whether to try that mysterious squid dish.

Oishii (oh-ee-shee)

Meaning: Delicious!

Say this when tasting Japan’s fantastic food. You’ll impress the chef or waiter if you praise their food in Japanese.

Doko desu ka? (doh-koh dess kah)

Meaning: Where is it?

Useful when you’re lost or looking for a landmark, toilet, or the nearest sushi restaurant.

Ikura desu ka? (ee-koo-rah dess kah)

Meaning: How much does it cost?

A must when shopping for souvenirs or visiting a local market.

Wakarimasen (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)

Meaning: I don’t understand

A polite way to explain that you’re completely lost language-wise. Use this with a smile and you’ll probably get help anyway.

Onegaishimasu (oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs)

Meaning: Please

Often used to ask for help or to order something. It works as a versatile “please”.

Sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah)

Meaning: Goodbye

A classic way to end your conversation or say farewell after a day full of adventures.

Daijobu desu (dai-joh-boo dess)

Meaning: It’s okay

Use this to signal that everything’s fine, or when you want to politely decline help.

Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ay-goh oh hah-nah-seh-mahs kah)

Meaning: Do you speak English?

A good question when you need help and hope someone can answer you in English.

Totemo ii desu (toh-teh-moh ee dess)

Meaning: That’s really good

Say this when you see something impressive, like a beautiful view or a tasty dish.

Kore wa nan desu ka? (koh-reh wah nahn dess kah)

Meaning: What is this?

Handy when exploring Japanese markets or trying new dishes.

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 photo?

Polite and useful when you want to take photos of your surroundings or local attractions.

Bonus:

Ganbatte! (gahn-baht-teh)

Meaning: Good luck! / Go for it!

Say this to your fellow travellers when they’re about to try something new and exciting.

Use them with confidence

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