Travel Essentials

These phrases cover the moments that come up constantly while traveling: asking where something is, getting help when you are lost, and handling basic logistics like taxis and flights. Keep them short and direct. In most Japanese-speaking places, a clear question said slowly gets you further than a long, hesitant sentence. If you are not understood the first time, do not switch to English immediately. Repeat the phrase once more, a little slower, before falling back on gestures or a translation app. That extra attempt is usually all it takes, and it signals that you are actually trying to communicate in Japanese, which most people respond well to. Once a phrase feels natural to read, say it out loud a few times before you actually need it. Reading a phrase silently and producing it under pressure are different skills, and the gap between them is exactly what a few minutes of AI conversation practice closes.

• トイレはどこですか？

  Toire wa doko desu ka?

  Where is the bathroom?

• いくらですか？

  Ikura desu ka?

  How much does this cost?

• すみません。

  Sumimasen.

  Excuse me.

• わかりません。

  Wakarimasen.

  I don't understand.

• 英語を話せますか？

  Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

  Do you speak English?

• 駅はどこですか？

  Eki wa doko desu ka?

  Where is the train station?

• タクシーを呼んでください。

  Takushī o yonde kudasai.

  Please call a taxi.

• ここに連れて行ってください。

  Koko ni tsurete itte kudasai.

  Please take me here.

• 助けてください。

  Tasukete kudasai.

  Please help me.

• ゆっくり話してください。

  Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.

  Please speak slowly.

• 予約があります。

  Yoyaku ga arimasu.

  I have a reservation.

• ありがとうございます。

  Arigatō gozaimasu.

  Thank you very much.