Video summary

Japanese phrases you need for travelling Japan // Basic

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / lessons

  • Traveling in Japan is easier than it may seem—even if you don’t speak Japanese—because people are kind and helpful.
  • Showing respect and effort matters: learning a few key phrases improves communication and makes it easier to receive that kindness.
  • Pronunciation doesn’t have to be perfect. People will understand if you try.
  • The video focuses on a short, practical checklist of commonly useful Japanese phrases for everyday travel situations (politeness, getting attention, asking questions, and simple approvals).

Japanese phrases taught (practical checklist)

Note: The subtitles are auto-generated and contain noticeable spelling/wording errors. The intended phrases are described with common meanings.

  1. Thank you

    • “arigatō (gozaimasu)”
    • Use:
      • Casual: arigatō (“thanks”)
      • Polite/respectful (recommended): arigatō gozaimasu (“thank you”)
    • Tip: You’ll use it frequently, and pronunciation doesn’t have to be perfect.

  2. Excuse me / Sorry (attention-getting)

    • “sumimasen”
    • Meaning/uses:
      • “excuse me”
      • often used like “sorry” in many situations
    • Use examples:
      • If you bump into someone: say sumimasen
      • Getting a waiter’s attention at a restaurant: call out sumimasen
    • Reason given: Prefer sumimasen over saying “sorry” directly in many travel contexts.

  3. Yes

    • “hai”
    • Meaning: “yes”

  4. No / “It’s okay” (polite refusal)

    • Subtitles mention:
      • The direct “no” is “iie” (described as harsh/less commonly used for casual polite refusal)
    • More polite alternative:
      • “daijōbu”
    • Meaning/uses:
      • “it’s okay”
      • “alright”
      • “no thanks / I’m okay” (instead of refusing harshly)
    • Use examples:
      • When declining a bag: daijōbu
      • When someone asks if you’re okay or offers something: daijōbu

  5. Please

    • Intended idea: “(o) negai shimas(u)” (subtitles garble the phrase)
    • Meaning/uses (as described):
      • “please”
      • can also reflect “let’s do X together” / a cooperative request
    • Use example:
      • At a convenience store, when asked about getting a bag, this “please/yes-type” word comes up often (per the video framing).

  6. Do you understand English?

    • “Eigo wa wakarimasu ka?” (subtitles garble the phrase)
    • Meaning: “Do you understand English?”
    • Use:
      • Ask in Japanese rather than only in English to be more polite.
    • Alternative suggested:
      • If needed, point or act confused while asking.

  7. Where is X?

    • “X wa doko desu ka?”
    • Meaning:
      • “Where is X?” (e.g., “Where is the 7-Eleven?”)
    • Use:
      • Helps with navigation and asking about locations.

  8. Is there an X here?

    • “X ga arimasu ka?”
    • Meaning: “Is there X here?”
    • Use examples:
      • “Is there an ATM here?”
      • “Do you have Coca-Cola?” (the video notes that word order can differ from English)

  9. Do you have / accept credit cards?

    • Subtitle context:
      • Japan is cash-based, so credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
    • Intended phrase idea (subtitles garble actual wording):
      • “Can I use a credit card?” / “Is credit card okay?”
    • Simplified response suggested:
      • Use the “credit card” phrase plus “is it okay?” using the earlier daijōbu concept.

  10. Closing / next video promise

    • The speaker says they will make another video with additional travel Japanese words.

Speakers / sources featured

  • Main speaker (video creator / narrator): The person who narrates visiting from their parents’ guidance, teaches the phrases, and gives travel advice.
  • Parents of the narrator: Mentioned as guidance on which phrases tourists should learn (e.g., “thank you,” credit-card question, etc.).
  • YouTube / channel audience: The narrator addresses viewers; no additional named sources are listed.

Original video