Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but there are still situations where English is hard to communicate. Memorizing these 15 phrases will make your trip 100 times smoother.
1. Transportation: Trains and Taxis
Tokyo's trains are complex. If you get lost, ask immediately.
- "Sumimasen, 〇〇-eki wa doko desu ka?" (Excuse me, where is 〇〇 Station?)
- "Kono densha wa 〇〇 ni tomarimasu ka?" (Does this train stop at 〇〇?)
- "Koko made onegaishimasu." (Please take me to here - pointing at a map).
2. Ordering: Restaurants and Cafes
Pointing and saying "Kore o kudasai" (This, please) works, but adding these is more polite:
- "Menu o kudasai." (Menu, please.)
- "Osusume wa nan desu ka?" (What is your recommendation?)
- "O-kaikei o onegaishimasu." (Check/Bill, please - at the register).
| Phrase | Meaning | Where to use |
|---|---|---|
| Sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry | Multi-purpose |
| Arigatou | Thank you | Everywhere |
| Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? | Shops |
| Tsukaemasu ka? | Can I use...? (Card etc) | Register |
[!WARNING] Manner Alert: Making phone calls on trains in Tokyo is prohibited. Also, when using escalators, it is common to stand on the left and leave the right side open for people in a hurry.
Charge Up Your "Confidence" Before Traveling 🗼
In the EasyLangs "Survival Japanese Course," you can master phrases you can use immediately on your trip in a short time. Just having your pronunciation corrected will drastically change the response you get locally.
Let's make it the best Japan trip ever.
Book an Intensive Pre-travel Lesson
Survival Words for Trouble
| Word | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | Toire | Restroom |
| English | Eigo | English |
| Help | Tasukete | Help |
| Lost Item | Otoshimono | Lost item |
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