Japanese politeness for tourists: what to say, and when

You can get around Japan with very little Japanese, as long as the little you use is polite. People are patient with visitors, and a handful of words, said at the right moment, does more than a long phrase list.

The five words that do most of the work

Sumimasen: excuse me, sorry, and thank you for the trouble

The most useful word in Japan. Use it to get attention ("sumimasen" to call a waiter), to squeeze past someone, to apologise, and even to thank someone who went out of their way for you.

Arigatō gozaimasu: thank you

With strangers, staff and anyone older, add gozaimasu. Plain arigatō is for friends.

Onegai shimasu: please (when asking for something)

Name the thing, then add it: menyū o onegai shimasu, "the menu, please". Kudasai also means please, as in o-mizu o kudasai, "water, please".

Itadakimasu and gochisōsama deshita: at meals

Say itadakimasu before you eat. As you leave a restaurant, gochisōsama deshita ("thank you for the meal") to the staff is always welcome.

Daijōbu desu: I'm fine, no thank you

A soft, polite way to decline a bag, a receipt or a second helping.

Habits that matter as much as words

• Paying: put cash or your card on the small tray by the till rather than handing it over.
• No tipping: leaving money on the table can confuse staff, and someone may chase you to return it.
• Trains: keep your voice down, set your phone to silent and don't take calls on board.
• Shoes: take them off where you see a step up at the entrance or slippers waiting.
• Bowing: a small nod with your thanks is enough. Nobody expects a visitor to bow deeply, and handshakes are fine.
• "Irasshaimase": shop staff call out this welcome as you walk in. You don't need to answer; a smile or a nod is enough.

When you need more than a few words

The Japanese phrasebook has 30 phrases for taxis, restaurants, shops and emergencies, with pronunciation and audio. For a real conversation, the hands-free interpreter keeps Japanese polite forms (desu and masu) when it translates, so you sound respectful without having to think about it. See also the Japan travel tips.