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First-trip starter pack

Japan First Trip Japanese: the phrases that make the whole country feel friendlier.

Your first trip to Japan does not require perfect grammar. It requires a small number of strong phrases: asking where something is, getting help, buying something, and recovering when you do not understand.

Five quick win first-trip phrases

すみません。
Sumimasen.
Excuse me. / Sorry.
Example: すみません、トイレはどこですか。
Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: Before almost any question to a stranger.
ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much.
Example: ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimasu.
When to use it: After directions, help, or service.
〜はどこですか。
~ wa doko desu ka.
Where is ~ ?
Example: 駅はどこですか。
Eki wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: For stations, hotels, restrooms, exits, and more.
これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
This one, please.
Example: これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
When to use it: When pointing at food, tickets, or shop items.
わかりません。
Wakarimasen.
I do not understand.
Example: すみません、わかりません。
Sumimasen, wakarimasen.
When to use it: When things move faster than your Japanese.

Three travel words you need early

えき
eki
station
Example: 駅はどこですか。
Eki wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When moving around cities and towns.
でぐち
deguchi
exit
Example: 出口はどこですか。
Deguchi wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: In stations, malls, and big buildings.
トイレ
toire
restroom / toilet
Example: トイレはどこですか。
Toire wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: Everywhere in daily travel.