Learn essential Japanese restaurant phrases for dining in Japan. Includes polite expressions, ordering language, questions, and responses with examples and tips.
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Essential Japanese Restaurant Phrases With Meanings and Use
Eating out is one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling or living in Japan. Whether you are at a casual ramen shop, a sushi counter, or a family restaurant, knowing the right Japanese phrases helps you order with confidence, communicate politely, and enjoy the full dining experience.
This guide introduces common phrases used in restaurants, explains their meanings, and shows when and how to use them. You will find expressions for greeting staff, ordering food, asking about ingredients, requesting the bill, and expressing thanks — all presented in a clear table format.
Here is a table of useful Japanese expressions you can use in restaurants. Each entry includes the phrase in Japanese, romaji, English meaning, and advice on when to use it.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| いらっしゃいませ | irasshaimase | Welcome (to the store) | Said by staff; you listen when entering a restaurant or shop. |
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello / Good afternoon | Polite greeting when arriving, especially at lunch or dinner. |
| すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry | Use to get a waiter’s attention politely before ordering. |
| メニューをお願いします | menyuu o onegaishimasu | The menu, please | Ask when you need a menu after being seated. |
| これをください | kore o kudasai | Please give me this | Point at an item and say this to order a specific dish. |
| おすすめは何ですか？ | osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? | When you want staff suggestions or popular dishes. |
| ベジタリアンメニューはありますか？ | bejitarian menyuu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a vegetarian menu? | Use to ask about vegetarian options. |
| 注文をお願いします | chuumon o onegaishimasu | I’d like to order | Say this when you are ready to place your order. |
| もう一品お願いします | mou ippin onegaishimasu | One more dish, please | Use when adding another item to your order. |
| お水をください | omizu o kudasai | Water, please | Ask for water or tap water politely. |
| これは辛いですか？ | kore wa karai desu ka? | Is this spicy? | Ask about spiciness or flavor before ordering. |
| 会計をお願いします | kaikei o onegaishimasu | The bill, please | Ask for the bill when you are ready to pay. |
| ごちそうさまでした | gochisousama deshita | Thank you for the meal | Say this after eating to show appreciation. |
How to Use These Phrases Naturally in Restaurants
Greet and Get Seated
When you enter a restaurant in Japan, staff will typically say いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase). You don’t need to reply — a smile and a nod are enough. When you are seated, you can say こんにちは (konnichiwa) or こんばんは (konbanwa) depending on the time of day.
Asking What to Order
If you are unsure what to pick, try おすすめは何ですか？ (osusume wa nan desu ka?) to ask for recommendations. Many restaurants have seasonal or chef’s specials worth trying.
Ordering Food
Use これをください (kore o kudasai) while pointing to the item on the menu if you want something specific. To order multiple items, count first (like 二つ or 三つ) and then add お願いします (onegaishimasu) — for example, みそラーメン二つお願いします (miso ramen futatsu onegaishimasu).
Dietary Questions
Asking about spice level or ingredients shows politeness and prevents misunderstandings. For example, これは辛いですか？ (kore wa karai desu ka?) means “Is this spicy?” You can also ask Allergies? — アレルギーはありますか？ (arerugii wa arimasu ka?) — if needed.
Paying and Saying Thanks
When you are ready to pay, say 会計をお願いします (kaikei o onegaishimasu). Once your meal is finished, the phrase ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita) shows respect and gratitude to the chef and staff.
Tips for Polite Dining in Japanese Restaurants
- Always say ありがとう (arigatou) or ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita) when leaving. Politeness counts in Japan.
- Avoid talking loudly or using your phone in casual dining areas.
- Cash is still common in many traditional restaurants, so be prepared to pay with yen even if credit cards are accepted.
- Tipping is not customary; saying ごちそうさまでした and leaving with a smile is enough.
Learning these restaurant phrases makes dining in Japan more enjoyable and less stressful, especially in local eateries where English may be limited.
Conclusion
Knowing essential Japanese restaurant phrases takes your dining experience in Japan to another level. From ordering food confidently to expressing thanks after a meal, these expressions help you interact with staff naturally and politely. Use the table of phrases above to practice before your trip or before dining out, and soon you will feel more comfortable navigating menus, making requests, and enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine.
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