It is recommended that you learn a few Japanese phrases before going to Japan since very few people speak English there. Here are some Japanese phrases you might find useful:
Ohayo gozaimasu – Good morning
Konnichiwa – Good day
Konbanwa – Good evening
Oyasumi nasai – Good night
Namae wa nan desu ka? – What is your name?
Watashi no namae wa — desu – My name is…
Hajimemashite – Pleased to meet you
Arigatou – Thank you (Arigatou gozaimasu in formal situations)
Onegaishimasu – Please
Gomen nasai – Sorry
Sumimasen – Pardon me
Ganbattene – Good luck
Omedetou – Congratulations
Ikura desu ka? – How much?
Miteru dake desu – Just looking
Sore de zenbu desu – That’s all
Takasugimasu – Too expensive
Waribiki wa arimasu ka? – Any discount?
Yatte mitemo ii desu ka? – May I try?
Itadakimasu – Thanks for the meal (before eating, similar to Bon Appetit)
Gochisosama deshita – Thank you for the meal (when leaving a restaurant)
Okanjou o onegaishimasu – Can I have the check please?
Oishi – Delicious
Kampai – Cheers!
Doushite? – How come?
Nanji desu ka? – What is the time?
Dono houkou? – Which way?
Sore wa doko? – Where is that?
Kore wa nani? – What is this?
Dou shita no? – What happened?
Daijoubu? – Are you alright?
Kore de ii no? – Is this okay?
Wakarimashita – Got it
Wakarimasen – I don’t understand
Hai – Yes
Mochiron – Of course
Ie – No
Yamete kudasai – Please stop
Itai – Ouch
Hayaku – Hurry up
Yukkuri shite – Slow down
Ja ne – See you later (casual; Note: it is more respectful to say doumo as parting)
Ki o tsukete – Take care
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