Eating out in Japan is a wonderful experience, but sometimes the language barrier can feel tricky. Don’t worry! Here’s a handy guide of phrases that will help you navigate Japanese restaurants like a local.

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1. Greeting and Getting a Table

When you enter, staff will usually greet you with いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) – “Welcome!”

To answer the common question: 何名様なんめいさまですか？ (Nan-mee sama desu ka?) – “How many people?”

• ひとりです。 – Hitori desu. – “One person.”
• ふたりです。 – Futari desu. – “Two people.”

Other useful phrases:

• テーブルをお願ねがいします。 – Teeburu o onegaishimasu. – “A table, please.”

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2. Asking for the Menu

• 英語えいごのメニューはありますか？ – Eego no menyuu wa arimasu ka? – “Do you have an English menu?”
• おすすめは何なんですか？ – Osusume wa nan desu ka? – “What do you recommend?”

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3. Ordering Food and Drinks

• これをください。 – Kore o kudasai. – “I’ll have this, please.”
• ビールをひとつください。 – Biiru o hitotsu kudasai. – “One beer, please.”

Removing ingredients:

• 〜抜ぬきでお願ねがいします。 – ~nuki de onegaishimasu. – “Please make it without ~.”
  • Example: 玉たまねぎ抜ぬきでお願ねがいします。 – Tamanegi nuki de onegaishimasu. – “Please make it without onions.”

If you have dietary restrictions:

• ベジタリアンです。 – Bejitarian desu. – “I’m vegetarian.”
• アレルギーがあります。 – Arerugii ga arimasu. – “I have an allergy.”

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4. During the Meal

• おいしいです！ – Oishii desu! – “It’s delicious!”
• すみません、お水みずをください。 – Sumimasen, omizu o kudasai. – “Excuse me, water please.”

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5. Asking for the Bill

• お会計かいけいをお願ねがいします。 – Okaikee o onegaishimasu. – “The bill, please.”
• 別々べつべつに払はらいます。 – Betsu-betsu ni haraimasu. – “We will pay separately.”

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6. Polite Expressions to Remember

• ありがとうございます。 – Thank you.
• ごちそうさまでした。 – Said after finishing a meal, “Thank you for the meal.”

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7. Tips for Dining Etiquette in Japan

1. No tipping – Service is included. Just say ごちそうさまでした.
2. Cash is king – Some small restaurants don’t accept credit cards.
3. Etiquette tips:
   • Don’t stick chopsticks upright into rice (resembles funeral ritual).
   • Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

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With these phrases, you’ll feel confident ordering, asking questions, and enjoying meals in Japan. 🍣🍜 Even in busy izakayas or small ramen shops, these expressions will help you communicate politely and smoothly.

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