Japanese Phrases To Learn For An Enjoyable Shopping Experience

Shopping in Japan can be a delightful experience, but it can also be intimidating if you don't speak the language. Learning a few essential Japanese phrases can make your shopping trip much more enjoyable and respectful.

Basic Phrases for Shopping

Asking for Products

When looking for a specific item, it's helpful to know how to ask if it's available. Use the phrase:

• "___ wa arimasuka?" (___はありますか？) – "Do you have ___?"
  • Example: "Tokyo Banana wa arimasuka?" (東京バナナはありますか？) – "Do you have Tokyo Banana?".

Inquiring About Prices

To ask for the price of an item, say:

• "Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka?" (すみません、これはいくらですか？) – "Excuse me, how much is this?".
  • Tip: Adding "Sumimasen" before your question shows politeness.

Requesting to Touch or Try On Items

Before touching fragile or luxury items, ask:

• "Kore wo sawattemo ii desu ka?" (これを触ってもいいですか？) – "May I touch this?".
• For trying on clothes, use:
  • "Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka?" (試着してもいいですか？) – "May I try this on?".

Interacting with Shop Staff

Entering a Shop

When entering a shop, you'll often hear:

• "Irasshaimase!" (いらっしゃいませ！) – "Welcome!"
  • You can respond with a smile, a nod, or a polite "Konnichiwa" (こんにちは) – "Hello".

Responding to Staff Questions

If asked if you're looking for something specific, you can say:

• "Hai, ___ wa arimasuka?" (はい、___はありますか？) – "Yes, do you have ___?" if you're looking for something.
  • "Mite iru dake desu, arigatou" (見ているだけです、ありがとう) – "I'm just looking around, thanks" if you're not looking for anything specific.

Making a Purchase

Selecting an Item

To indicate you want to buy an item, say:

• "Kore wo onegaishimasu" (これをお願いします) – "This one, please".
  • "Kore o kudasai" (これをください) – "I'd like this, please".

Payment

To ask if you can use a card, say:

• "Kaado wa tsukae masuka?" (カードは使えますか？) – "Can I use a card?".
  • If you need to ask where the cash register is, use:
    • "Reji wa doko ni arimasuka?" (レジはどこにありますか？) – "Where is the cash register?".

Expressing Gratitude

After paying, thank the cashier with:

• "Arigatou gozaimashita" (ありがとうございました) – "Thank you very much".

Additional Useful Phrases

Asking About Sizes and Colors

If you're looking for different sizes or colors, ask:

• "Saizu chigai wa arimasu ka?" (サイズ違いはありますか？) – "Are there other sizes?"
  • "Iro chigai wa arimasu ka?" (色違いはありますか？) – "Are there other colors?".

Inquiring About Tax-Free Shopping

To ask if the store offers tax-free shopping, say:

• "Menzei tetsuzuki wa dekimasu ka?" (免税手続きはできますか？) – "Do you offer tax-free shopping?".

Finding Specific Shops

If you're looking for a particular type of shop, use:

• "Kono henni ___ arimasuka?" (この辺に___ありますか？) – "Is there a ___ around here?"
  • Example: "Kono henni kombini arimasuka?" (この辺にコンビニありますか？) – "Is there a convenience store around here?".

By learning these phrases, you'll be able to navigate shopping in Japan with confidence and respect for the culture.