【Japan’s 5 Magic Words】 Unlock Easy Travel & Connect with Locals!

You might find that not many Japanese people speak fluent English.

This is often because English education in Japan has traditionally focused more on reading and writing.

Therefore, it’s helpful to know some basic Japanese when speaking with locals.

But don’t worry.

You only need to remember five magic words.

Learn and use these, and Japanese people will feel a deeper connection with you.

Table of Contents

This word means “Thank you.”

You can say it whenever you want to express your gratitude.

There is also “Arigatō gozaimasu,” which is an even more polite version, perfect for speaking with staff or people you don’t know.

This word means “Hello” and is generally used during the daytime.

While there are other greetings, “Kon’nichiwa” is universally understood as a friendly greeting at any time of day from a visitor.

This versatile word has several meanings, mainly “Sorry” and “Excuse me.”

You can use it to get a waiter’s attention, when someone lets you pass, or for a minor apology.

A slight bow of your head when you say it will make you appear more polite.

This word is used when you agree with or understand what someone is saying. It means “Got it,” or “Okay.”

If you don’t understand, you can say “Wakarimasen.”

Using these phrases shows you are engaged in the conversation.

This word is similar to “Please” and is incredibly versatile.

You can use it when you ask someone to do something for you, or when placing an order (e.g., “Kore, onegaishimasu” – “This one, please.”).

These five phrases are powerful, but sometimes you need to say something more complex.

For those moments, a dedicated voice translator device can be a true lifesaver.

It allows for smooth, two-way conversations without the awkwardness of passing a phone back and forth, making your interactions feel more natural.

A dedicated device is fantastic, but it’s also smart to have a backup on your phone.

Learn about the best translation apps for your trip.

If you found this guide helpful, please give it a like!