Living in Tokyo as a student is an exciting adventure, full of new experiences, delicious food, and cultural immersion.

However, the language barrier can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or making new friends, knowing key Japanese phrases will make your life significantly easier.

Japan has over 140,000 international students enrolled in its universities and language schools each year, and Tokyo is home to the majority of them.

With the city’s fast-paced environment and unique customs, mastering essential Japanese expressions can help you adapt quickly. In this guide, you'll learn practical phrases that will enhance your experience while living in Tokyo.

Greetings and Everyday Expressions

Using the right greeting at the right time shows respect and helps you connect with locals.

Here are some must-know phrases:

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – "Hello" or "Good afternoon"
   A polite and widely used greeting, perfect for casual or formal situations.

   
   

2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – "Good morning"
   Use this greeting before noon. Among close friends, you can simply say おはよう (Ohayou).

   
   

3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – "Good evening"
   When greeting someone after sunset, this is the phrase to use.

   
   

4. さようなら (Sayounara) – "Goodbye"
   Although common in textbooks, locals often say じゃね (Ja ne) or バイバイ (Baibai) for a more casual farewell.

   
   

5. ありがとう (Arigatou) – "Thank you"
   To express gratitude politely, say ありがとう ございます (Arigatou gozaimasu).

   
   

6. すみません (Sumimasen) – "Excuse me" / "I'm sorry"
   This phrase is versatile! Use it when apologizing or catching someone’s attention.

Asking for Directions in Tokyo

Tokyo’s public transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world, but navigating it can be a challenge at first. Knowing how to ask for directions will save you a lot of time.

1. 📍 〜はどこですか？ (~ wa doko desu ka?) – "Where is ~?"
   Example: トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) → "Where is the bathroom?"

   
   

2. 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – "Where is the station?"
   Essential for finding Tokyo’s vast train network.

   
   

3. 〜までの行き方を教えてください (~ made no ikikata o oshiete kudasai) – "Please tell me how to get to ~."
   Example: 新宿までの行き方を教えてください (Shinjuku made no ikikata o oshiete kudasai) → "How do I get to Shinjuku?"

   
   

4. タクシーを呼んでもらえますか？ (Takushii o yonde moraemasu ka?) – "Can you call a taxi for me?"
   Useful if you need help finding a ride late at night.

Ordering at Restaurants and Cafés

Tokyo is home to over 160,000 restaurants, ranging from sushi bars to ramen shops. Here’s how to order like a pro:

1. メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) – "Please give me the menu."
   Useful when entering a restaurant and looking for food options.

   
   

2. これをください (Kore o kudasai) – "I'll have this."
   Pointing at a dish on the menu and saying this is the easiest way to order.

   
   

3. カードで払えますか？ (Kaado de haraemasu ka?) – "Can I pay by card?"
   While cash is still common in Japan, more places accept credit cards now.

   
   

4. おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – "What do you recommend?"
   Perfect for when you're unsure what to order.

   
   

5. お会計をお願いします (Okaikei o onegaishimasu) – "The check, please."
   Use this when you're ready to pay and leave.

Final Tips and Resources

Practicing these phrases will help you navigate life in Tokyo with ease. The more you use them in daily situations, the more confident you’ll feel when interacting with locals.

Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or shopping in a convenience store, knowing basic Japanese phrases can make your experience in Tokyo smoother and more enjoyable.

📱 Language Learning Apps:

If you’re serious about learning Japanese, using language learning apps can be incredibly helpful. Duolingo is great for beginners, offering daily exercises on vocabulary and grammar to build a strong foundation.

LingoDeer is another excellent option, focusing on Asian languages and providing structured lessons specifically designed for Japanese learners. Anki, a powerful flashcard app, is widely used for memorizing kanji, vocabulary, and phrases, making it a great tool for long-term retention.

Apps like Tandem and HelloTalk allow you to chat with native Japanese speakers, giving you the opportunity to practice real-life conversations and improve your speaking skills.

By consistently using these apps, you’ll reinforce your learning and build confidence in speaking Japanese.

📺 Watch Japanese Shows:

Immersing yourself in Japanese media is one of the best ways to improve your listening skills and become more familiar with natural speech patterns. Watching anime with subtitles can be a fun and effective way to expose yourself to spoken Japanese.

Popular series like Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan), Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer), and One Piece provide a great mix of everyday conversation and action-packed dialogue. Following Japanese YouTubers such as That Japanese Man Yuta and Abroad in Japan is another excellent way to gain language insights while learning more about Japanese culture.

Listening to podcasts like Nihongo con Teppei or Learn Japanese Pod allows you to hear native speakers in everyday situations, making it easier to pick up new words and phrases. Switching your phone’s language settings to Japanese is also a practical method to reinforce vocabulary in a natural and consistent way.

👥 Join Local Events:

One of the fastest ways to improve your Japanese is through real conversations with native speakers. Tokyo offers numerous international meetups and language exchange events where you can practice speaking with locals and fellow students.

Mosaic Language Exchange provides a welcoming environment for both Japanese and international learners to connect and practice different languages. Tokyo International Meetup hosts various networking and social events that bring together people from different backgrounds who are looking to improve their language skills.

In areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku, you can find English cafés such as Tomo Café, where visitors can have relaxed conversations with Japanese locals while enjoying a drink. Engaging in these social interactions not only helps improve your speaking ability but also allows you to build meaningful connections and experience Japanese culture firsthand.

If you're looking for a Japanese language school to improve your skills, LALALA Nihon offers personalized counseling to help you find the best programs tailored to your needs. Check out our counseling page today!

Conclusion

Mastering these essential Japanese phrases will not only help you communicate effectively but also immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant culture. Japanese people appreciate foreigners who make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. Don’t be afraid to practice, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy your experience in Japan!