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Survival Japanese旅行者の日本語
Traveler’s Phrasebook · 여행자 구문집
Survival Japanese for Travelers
旅行者のための生存日本語
여행자를 위한 생존 일본어
Essential Japanese phrases every traveler needs — from first greetings to emergency situations. Includes pronunciation, romaji, and cultural tips.
💡How to use this guide: Japanese uses three scripts — Hiragana (ひらがな), Katakana (カタカナ), and Kanji (漢字). Romaji (Roman letters) shows pronunciation. Speak slowly and clearly — most Japanese people appreciate the effort even if your accent isn’t perfect.
01
Pronunciation Basics発音の基本 / Hatsuon no Kihon발음 기초
Japanese pronunciation is remarkably consistent — each syllable is spoken with equal length and stress. Master these sounds and you’ll be understood.
あalike “ah” in “father”
いilike “ee” in “see”
うulike “oo” but with lips barely open
えelike “e” in “bed”
おolike “o” in “go”
んnnasal “n” — a syllable on its own
っdouble consonantpause before the next consonant
長音long vowelshold vowels marked ō / ū twice as long
02
Greetings & Politeness挨拶と礼儀 / Aisatsu to Reigi인사 및 예절
おはようございますOhayō gozaimasuGood morning좋은 아침입니다
こんにちはKonnichiwaHello / Good afternoon안녕하세요 / 좋은 오후입니다
こんばんはKonbanwaGood evening좋은 저녁입니다
ありがとうございますArigatō gozaimasuThank you (formal)감사합니다 (공식)
すみませんSumimasenExcuse me / Sorry / Pardon실례합니다 / 죄송합니다
病院はどこですか？Byōin wa doko desu ka?Where is the hospital?병원은 어디에 있습니까?
薬局はどこですか？Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka?Where is the pharmacy?약국은 어디에 있습니까?
アレルギーがありますArerugī ga arimasuI have an allergy알레르기가 있습니다
熱がありますNetsu ga arimasuI have a fever열이 있습니다
救急車を呼んでくださいKyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasaiPlease call an ambulance구급차를 불러 주세요
英語を話せますか？Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?Do you speak English?영어를 하십니까?
保険がありますHoken ga arimasuI have insurance보험이 있습니다
Body parts: head 頭 (atama) · stomach 胃 (i) · back 背中 (senaka) · leg 足 (ashi) · chest 胸 (mune) · throat 喉 (nodo) · eye 目 (me) · tooth 歯 (ha)
Essential Culture Tips필수 문화 팁
🙇
Bowing
Bowing is the standard greeting. A slight nod (15°) is casual; a 30° bow shows respect; 45° is for deep apology or reverence. Never force a handshake on a Japanese person.
🚫
No Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in Japan and can even be considered rude. Excellent service is simply standard — express appreciation verbally with “Arigatō gozaimashita!”
👟
Remove Your Shoes
Always remove shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants (genkan), temples, and ryokan. Look for slippers provided at the entrance — and remember bathroom slippers stay in the bathroom!
🗑️
No Trash Bins
Public trash cans are rare in Japan. Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it at your hotel or convenience store. Streets are impressively clean because of this culture.
📱
Quiet in Public
Keep phone calls short or text instead on trains. Priority seats are for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. Eating while walking is frowned upon in most areas.
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Cash is King
Japan is still largely cash-based. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards. Always carry ¥5,000–10,000 in cash, especially outside major cities.
🆘 Emergency Phrases & Numbers긴급 표현 및 번호
助けてください！Tasukete kudasai!Help me!
泥棒！Dorobō!Thief!
火事だ！Kaji da!Fire!
警察を呼んでくださいKeisatsu wo yonde kudasaiPlease call the police
迷子になりましたMaigo ni narimashitaI am lost
パスポートをなくしましたPasupōto wo nakushimashitaI lost my passport
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