36 Japanese Survival Phrases: With Audio


Listed below are 36 essential phrases that make up the basic Japanese language survival guide. The audio and a PDF worksheet can be downloaded for offline use. Get the PDF here.

Hi!

Nice to meet you.

How are you?

Thank you.

Thank you for your help.

I’m sorry.

Excuse me.(It is used when you accidentally hit or touch someone.)

Yes, please.

No, thank you.

Yes, I am.

No, I am not.

Excuse me. (It is used when you want to say “Hello!”to a stranger.)

Who’s calling, please.(over the phone) OR Who is it?(can be used in a hotel room)

(Coffee), please.

Could you pass the (salt), please?

Can I ask you a favor?

May I take a picture here?

Pardon me? (What did you say?)

I don’t understand.

I don’t understand (Japanese).

I don’t know what to do.

I lost my (passport).

I’m in a hurry.

I have an emergency.

Help me!

Stop it!

Stop, thief!

Freeze!/Hold it!

Where am I?

What time is it?

Do you have any (batteries)?

What’s this?

Good luck!

That’s right.

Where’s the (station)?

It doesn’t matter.