Travelling to a foreign country you have never visited before can be quite daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language. Every international traveller has at least some level of anxiety about communicating effectively with Japanese residents, and it can add unnecessary stress to an otherwise fun vacation. If you’re worried about not being able to order for yourself or to keep a conversation going at a restaurant, it doesn’t have to be that difficult! Arigato Travel is here to help you out! We’ve gathered together fifteen essential phrases you can use when going out to eat in order to ease your anxiety. Be sure to remember these and bookmark this article for easy access once you come to Japan!
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Entering a restaurant
Whether you already have a reservation, or you are stopping by a restaurant in the spur of the moment, these phrases will help you out.
…を予約しています。(…wo yoyaku shiteimasu)
I have a reservation at…
2/3/4 人のテーブルはありますか？ (2/3/4 nin no teeburu wa arimasuka)
Do you have a table for 2/3/4 persons ?
Image from Canva
Ready to order?
You’ve now been seated with your party—or by yourself—and you have decided what you want to eat.
すみません。(sumimasen)
Excuse me? (to call the waiter)
注文いいですか？ (chuumon iidesuka)
Can I order please?
これをお願いします。(kore wo onegai shimasu)
I would like this one, please.
…アレルギーです。(…arerugii desu)
I am allergic to…
おすすめは何ですか。(osusume wa nan desuka)
What do you recommend?
この料理には….が入ってますか？ (kono ryori niwa ….ga haitte masuka)
Does this dish contain any… ?
辛いですか？ (karai desuka)
Is it spicy?
Enjoying the meal
おいしい！ (oishii)
It’s delicious!
Oishii is a term used by Japanese people very often while eating, so you can’t go wrong!
うまい (umai) is another word for ‘delicious’, however, this term is mainly used by men.
お水をいただけますか？ (omizu wo itadakemasuka)
Can I have some water please?
Image from Canva
Wrapping things up!
お会計お願いします。(okaikei onegaishimasu)
May I have the bill, please?
クレジットカードで払えますか？ (kurejitto kaado de haraemasuka)
Can I pay by Credit Card?
別々に払っていいですか？ (betsubetsu ni haratte iidesuka)
Can we pay separately?
ごちそうさまでした。 (gochisou sama deshita)
Thank you for the meal, it was a feast!
You may be aware that the most common way to say ‘thank you’ in Japanese is ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu). However, “gochisou sama deshita” is a much more effective way to truly show the restaurant staff how you really enjoyed your meal.
Hopefully travel to Japan will resume soon. In the meantime, prepare yourself and join our Plan for Japan Online Experience! Our host will share tips & tricks to enjoy Japan like a local, advice about the amazing—but sometimes complicated—transportation systems, and much more! You will also be updated on what to expect for Post-COVID travel including requirements and protocols.
Preparing a trip can be stressful sometimes but no worries, we’re here for you! Book a call with a local expert to make your next trip to Japan perfect!
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