This guide is designed for travelers who already have the basics of Japanese under their belt, like hiragana and katakana. It’s for those who are ready to go beyond the essentials and start learning the key words and phrases you’ll use when you’re actually exploring Japan. If you’re just in Japan for a short trip and aren’t too focused on learning the language, this might feel like a lot to take in. In that case, you might want to focus on a few survival phrases that will help you.
Practice Japanese with this Online Game:
Japanese Vocabulary for Travelers
| # | English | Hiragana | Romaji | Katakana | Kanji |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restaurant | れすとらん | Resutoran | レストラン | (None) |
| 2 | Menu | めにゅー | Menu | メニュー | (None) |
| 3 | Order | ちゅうもん | Chuumon | チュウモン | 注文 |
| 4 | Dish | りょうり | Ryouri | リョウリ | 料理 |
| 5 | Food | たべもの | Tabemono | タベモノ | 食べ物 |
| 6 | Toilet | トイレ | Toire | トイレ | 洋式トイレ |
| 7 | Restroom | べんき | Benki | ベンキ | 便器 |
| 8 | Hotel | ほてる | Hoteru | ホテル | (None) |
| 9 | Reservation | よやく | Yoyaku | ヨヤク | 予約 |
| 10 | Check-in | チェックイン | Chekkuin | チェックイン | (None) |
| 11 | Check-out | チェックアウト | Chekkuauto | チェックアウト | (None) |
| 12 | Room | へや | Heya | ヘヤ | 部屋 |
| 13 | Key | かぎ | Kagi | カギ | 鍵 |
| 14 | Train | でんしゃ | Densha | デンシャ | 電車 |
| 15 | Train Station | えき | Eki | エキ | 駅 |
| 16 | Ticket | きっぷ | Kippu | キップ | 切符 |
| 17 | Flight | こうくうびん | Koukuubin | コウクウビン | 航空便 |
| 18 | Airport | くうこう | Kuukou | クウコウ | 空港 |
| 19 | Baggage | にもつ | Nimotsu | ニモツ | 荷物 |
| 20 | Customs | かんゆう | Kan’yuu | カンユウ | 関税 |
Essential Japanese Phrases
- Sumimasen – “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” This comes in handy when you’re trying to grab someone’s attention or apologize for a small mistake.
- Arigatou – “Thank you.” Simple, but you’ll use this one a lot! It’s your go-to for expressing gratitude.
- Kore o kudasai – “This please.” Whether you’re pointing at something you want to buy or order at a restaurant, this phrase is super useful.
- Daijoubu desu – “I’m fine / It’s okay.” If someone asks how you’re doing or if you need help, this is your friendly way of saying you’re good.
- Ikura desu ka? – “How much is it?” Perfect for shopping when you want to ask the price without fumbling.
- Eigo o hanasemasu ka? – “Do you speak English?” This will be a lifesaver when you’re stuck and need some help in English.
- Toire wa doko desu ka? – “Where is the bathroom?” You’ll definitely want this one in your back pocket for those moments when nature calls!
For Learners Who’ve Mastered the Basics
If you’ve already covered the basics, like hiragana and katakana, then you’re in the perfect spot to level up your Japanese. This guide isn’t just about memorizing words, it’s about using them to connect with Japan in a meaningful way. The goal is to help you feel empowered to navigate Japan confidently, whether you’re buying a ticket, ordering food, or asking for directions.
Why Going Beyond Basics Matters
Learning a few more words and phrases can significantly transform your journey. Going beyond the basics means you’ll be able to engage with the local culture on a deeper level. You’ll start to feel like more than just a tourist you’ll become part of the conversation, part of the experience. Locals will appreciate your effort, and that connection will make your travels all the more rewarding.
Make Learning Fun with Langlandia
Learning travel vocabulary doesn’t have to feel like a chore. From my own experience (this still blows my mind lol), I ended up meeting this super smart and patient boyfriend while learning through a language app, not even kidding. It’s called Langlandia. Not trying to promo or anything, lmao, you can totally use other apps too. I just vibed with this one because it’s set up like a game and made learning actually addictive. Instead of just memorizing words, you actively engage with them, which makes the process way more fun. As you unlock new words and phrases, you’re not just advancing you’re preparing for a more authentic and confident travel experience in Japan. Langlandia really makes learning travel vocabulary feel like an adventure, and who knows? You might just end up learning and finding a soulmate at the same time, LOL.
The Power of Language in Your Journey
When you make an effort to speak the local language, the difference it makes is profound. Not only will you feel more confident in your interactions, but locals will appreciate your efforts and that can lead to some unexpected, meaningful moments. You’ll be able to ask for recommendations, engage in conversations, and even discover hidden gems that might otherwise remain off the beaten path.
Tech Helps Too: Google Translate & Data Plans
While learning some travel vocabulary will enhance your experience, tech can be your backup when you forget a word or phrase. Google Translate is an invaluable tool for those unexpected situations, helping you navigate language barriers with ease. Don’t forget to have a reliable data plan for your phone—this will be a game-changer for directions, ticket purchases, and finding the best spots in Japan. You can either arrange for roaming data through eSIM before your trip or pick up a Japanese SIM card or pocket WiFi when you arrive.
A Journey of Connection
In the end, this isn’t just about getting through the trip; it’s about truly connecting with Japan. The more vocabulary you learn, the more you’ll feel at home. You’ll unlock the true spirit of travel one that’s about more than just sightseeing. It’s about forging real connections, experiencing a culture with depth, and leaving with memories that last a lifetime.
Quick Tips for Your Japanese Travel Journey
Master the basics first: Know key phrases like “Sumimasen” and “Arigatou” to help you in everyday situations.
Embrace learning as a game: Use Langlandia to make learning fun and engaging.
Don’t forget technology: Have Google Translate and a reliable data plan ready for backup.
Enjoy the culture: The more Japanese you know, the more meaningful your interactions will be.
