Moving to Japan? Start with These 3 Essential Polite Phrases!

Planning a move to Japan is exciting! Alongside figuring out visas and packing lists, learning a few key Japanese phrases can make a world of difference in your daily interactions right from day one. While fluency takes time, mastering basic politeness shows respect and opens doors.

At Aya’s Japan Move Guide, we believe language is a key part of settling in. Let’s dive into three absolutely essential Japanese politeness phrases you’ll find yourself using constantly.

Mastering Essential Japanese Phrases for Moving: The Top 3

1. Arigatou Gozaimasu – The Polite “Thank You”

This is arguably the most important phrase!

• Meaning: Thank you (polite form)
• Pronunciation: Ah-ree-gah-toh Go-zah-ee-mahs
• When to use: Use it generously! When someone holds a door, gives you directions, provides service in a shop or restaurant, hands you something – basically anytime you want to express gratitude. While you might hear the casual “Arigatou,” using the full “Arigatou Gozaimasu” is always appropriate and appreciated, especially when interacting with strangers, staff, or elders.

2. Using Sumimasen : A Basic Japanese Politeness Tip

Think of Sumimasen as the Swiss Army knife of Japanese politeness.

• Meaning: Excuse me / Pardon me / Sorry / (Sometimes used as a light ‘thank you’ for troubling someone)
• Pronunciation: Soo-mee-mah-sen
• When to use:
  • Getting Attention: Need to flag down a waiter or shop assistant? A polite “Sumimasen!” works wonders.
  • Apologizing (Lightly): Bumped into someone accidentally? “Sumimasen.”
  • Prefacing a Request: Before asking for directions or help: “Sumimasen, [your question]?” (Excuse me, …?)
  • Acknowledging Trouble: If someone picks up something you dropped, you might say “Sumimasen” acknowledging the effort they went to for you (often followed by “Arigatou Gozaimasu”).

3. Onegaishimasu (お願いします) – The Essential “Please”

When you need to make a request, Onegaishimasu is your go-to phrase.

• Meaning: Please (when requesting something) / If you would / Please take care of it/me.
• Pronunciation: Oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs
• When to use:
  • Ordering/Shopping: Pointing to an item and saying “Kore o onegaishimasu” (This one, please).
  • Requesting Service: When asking someone to do something for you.
  • Introductions: It’s part of the standard self-introduction closing: “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (meaning something like “Please treat me favorably” or “Pleased to make your acquaintance”).

Next Steps: More Japanese Learning for Your Move

Don’t stress about perfect pronunciation immediately. Japanese people are often very understanding and appreciative when they see foreigners making an effort to communicate in Japanese. Using Arigatou Gozaimasu, Sumimasen, and Onegaishimasu correctly will instantly make your interactions smoother and show respect for the local culture. Practice them out loud!

What other basic Japanese phrases are you curious about? Share your questions in the comments below!

And if you haven’t already, grab our free “Top 7 Japan Move Guide!” to kickstart your planning!