Learning Japanese can seem overwhelming at first, especially with its unique writing system and complex honorifics. But the truth is, you don’t need to master all of it to start speaking. By learning some common Japanese phrases and their English meanings, you can handle everyday situations with ease—whether you’re traveling, watching anime, or talking to a Japanese friend.
In this guide, you’ll find over 100 useful Japanese expressions translated into English, organized by topic to help you learn fast and apply immediately.
Why Learn Common Japanese Phrases
Memorizing Japanese vocabulary is helpful, but learning full phrases has several advantages:
You can communicate faster and more naturally.
You’ll be better prepared for travel, dining, shopping, or emergencies.
You gain confidence when speaking in real situations.
It’s more enjoyable when watching anime, dramas, or listening to J-pop.
Basic Greetings in Japanese
Japanese
English Meaning
こんにちは
Hello / Good afternoon (“こんにちは in English” means “Hello” or “Good afternoon”)
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
Good morning
こんばんは (Konbanwa)
Good evening
はじめまして (Hajimemashite)
Nice to meet you
おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai)
Good night
さようなら (Sayounara)
Goodbye
またね (Matane)
See you later
Essential Phrases for Travelers
Japanese
English Meaning
駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?)
Where is the station?
これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
How much is this?
トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)
Where is the restroom?
チケットをください (Chiketto o kudasai)
One ticket, please
写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?)
Can I take a photo?
Dining and Shopping Phrases
Japanese
English Meaning
メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai)
May I have the menu, please?
これをください (Kore o kudasai)
I’ll take this one
おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)
What do you recommend?
おいしいです！ (Oishii desu!)
It’s delicious!
クレジットカードは使えますか？ (Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?)
Can I use a credit card?
Emergency and Help Phrases
Japanese
English Meaning
助けて！ (Tasukete!)
Help!
警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai)
Please call the police
医者が必要です (Isha ga hitsuyou desu)
I need a doctor
英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)
Do you speak English?
迷いました (Mayoimashita)
I’m lost
Casual Everyday Expressions
Japanese
English Meaning
すごい！ (Sugoi!)
Amazing! / Wow!
かわいい (Kawaii)
Cute
大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu)
It’s okay / I’m fine
本当に？ (Hontou ni?)
Really?
よかった！ (Yokatta!)
That’s great!
ありがとう (Arigatou)
Thank you
どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite)
You’re welcome
Hotel and Accommodation Phrases
Japanese
English Meaning
チェックインをお願いします (Chekkuin o onegaishimasu)
I’d like to check in
予約があります (Yoyaku ga arimasu)
I have a reservation
部屋を変えてもらえますか？ (Heya o kaete moraemasu ka?)
Can I change the room?
朝食は何時ですか？ (Choushoku wa nanji desu ka?)
What time is breakfast?
荷物を預けられますか？ (Nimotsu o azukeraremasu ka?)
Can I leave my luggage here?
Transportation and Directions
Japanese
English Meaning
地下鉄はどこですか？ (Chikatetsu wa doko desu ka?)
Where is the subway?
この電車は東京に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka?)
Does this train go to Tokyo?
切符を買いたいです (Kippu o kaitai desu)
I want to buy a ticket
降りる駅はどこですか？ (Oriru eki wa doko desu ka?)
Which station should I get off at?
タクシーを呼んでください (Takushii o yonde kudasai)
Please call a taxi
Numbers, Dates & Time
Japanese
English Meaning
今は何時ですか？ (Ima wa nanji desu ka?)
What time is it now?
今日の日付は何ですか？ (Kyou no hizuke wa nan desu ka?)
What is today’s date?
一つください (Hitotsu kudasai)
One, please
三人です (San-nin desu)
Three people
五分待ってください (Gofun matte kudasai)
Please wait five minutes
Feelings and Reactions
Japanese
English Meaning
嬉しいです！(Ureshii desu!)
I’m happy!
悲しいです (Kanashii desu)
I’m sad
疲れました (Tsukaremashita)
I’m tired
怒っています (Okotteimasu)
I’m angry
びっくりした！(Bikkuri shita!)
I was surprised!
Phone and Internet Use
Japanese
English Meaning
Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?)
Is there Wi-Fi?
パスワードは何ですか？ (Pasuwaado wa nan desu ka?)
What is the password?
携帯の充電がありません (Keitai no juuden ga arimasen)
My phone battery is dead
電話をかけてもいいですか？ (Denwa o kakete mo ii desu ka?)
Can I make a call?
電波が悪いです (Denpa ga warui desu)
The signal is weak
Weather and Nature
Japanese
English Meaning
今日は暑いですね (Kyou wa atsui desu ne)
It’s hot today, isn’t it?
雨が降っています (Ame ga futteimasu)
It’s raining
雪が降りそうです (Yuki ga furisou desu)
It looks like it will snow
天気はどうですか？ (Tenki wa dou desu ka?)
How’s the weather?
桜がきれいですね (Sakura ga kirei desu ne)
The cherry blossoms are beautiful
Making Friends and Small Talk
Japanese
English Meaning
お名前は何ですか？ (Onamae wa nan desu ka?)
What’s your name?
初めまして (Hajimemashite)
Nice to meet you
どこから来ましたか？ (Doko kara kimashita ka?)
Where are you from?
旅行ですか？ (Ryokou desu ka?)
Are you here on vacation?
よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)
Please take care of me / Nice to meet you
Common Verbs in Useful Phrases
Japanese
English Meaning
行きたいです (Ikitai desu)
I want to go
食べたいです (Tabetai desu)
I want to eat
飲みたくないです (Nomitakunai desu)
I don’t want to drink
忘れました (Wasuremashita)
I forgot
覚えていません (Oboeteimasen)
I don’t remember
Anime and Otaku Culture Expressions
Japanese
English Meaning
すごくかっこいい！(Sugoku kakkoii!)
Super cool!
かわいすぎる！(Kawaisugiru!)
Too cute!
推しです (Oshi desu)
He/she is my favorite (idol/character)
神回だった！(Kamikai datta!)
That was a god-tier episode!
続きが気になる！(Tsuzuki ga ki ni naru!)
I can’t wait for the next episode!
At the Doctor / Pharmacy
Japanese
English Meaning
頭が痛いです (Atama ga itai desu)
I have a headache
熱があります (Netsu ga arimasu)
I have a fever
お腹が痛いです (Onaka ga itai desu)
My stomach hurts
薬をください (Kusuri o kudasai)
I need medicine
保険は使えますか？ (Hoken wa tsukaemasu ka?)
Can I use insurance?
Polite Phrases and Responses
Japanese
English Meaning
すみません (Sumimasen)
Excuse me / Sorry
申し訳ありません (Moushiwake arimasen)
I deeply apologize
お願いします (Onegaishimasu)
Please
本当にありがとうございます (Hontou ni arigatou gozaimasu)
Thank you very much
とても助かりました (Totemo tasukarimashita)
That really helped me
Restaurant Dialogue Simulation
Japanese
English Meaning
何名様ですか？ (Nan-mei sama desu ka?)
How many people?
二人です (Futari desu)
Two people
禁煙席でお願いします (Kin’en seki de onegaishimasu)
Non-smoking, please
注文してもいいですか？ (Chuumon shite mo ii desu ka?)
Can I order?
ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita)
Thank you for the meal
Bonus: Expressing Preferences
Japanese
English Meaning
好きです (Suki desu)
I like it
嫌いです (Kirai desu)
I don’t like it
大好きです (Daisuki desu)
I love it
興味があります (Kyoumi ga arimasu)
I’m interested
興味がありません (Kyoumi ga arimasen)
I’m not interested
Final Additions to Reach 100+
Japanese
English Meaning
忙しいです (Isogashii desu)
I’m busy
暇です (Hima desu)
I’m free
お久しぶりです (Ohisashiburi desu)
Long time no see
頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai)
Do your best / Good luck
気をつけて (Ki o tsukete)
Take care
行ってきます (Ittekimasu)
I’m leaving (for now)
行ってらっしゃい (Itterasshai)
Take care (response to above)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Japan, chatting with Japanese friends, or just starting your language learning journey, these 100+ common Japanese phrases in English will give you a strong head start. You don’t need perfect grammar—just a few key expressions can open the door to meaningful interactions.
Start with simple phrases like こんにちは, which in English means “Hello,” and build your confidence from there. Mastering a new language starts with one word at a time—and you’re already on your way.
