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Japanese in Real Life

Survive a Japanese restaurant

By the end you'll build say-it-out-loud habit.

N5-N4 N5 to early N4 · 5 phrases

Part of the guide: How to Order Food in Japanese: A Script for Your First Restaurant Visit →

  1. 1

    sumimasen

    Excuse me / Sorry, the universal Japanese opener.

    Use when getting attention, light apology, thanking a stranger

    sumimasen.

    Excuse me.

  2. 2

    onegaishimasu

    Please / Yes please, the polite request closer.

    Use when accepting an offer, making a request, asking for something

    onegaishimasu.

    Yes, please.

  3. 3

    daijōbu desu

    I'm fine / No thanks, the soft all-purpose reply.

    Use when declining, confirming, reassuring

    daijōbu desu.

    I'm fine.

  4. 4

    wakarimashita

    Understood / Got it, the polite acknowledgment.

    Use when receiving instructions, confirming understanding

    wakarimashita.

    Got it.

  5. 5

    arigatō gozaimasu

    Thank you, the polite default.

    Use when thanking anyone in a polite context

    arigatō gozaimasu.

    Thank you very much.

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