Tokyo

Use itA polite greeting used until late morning.

Use itA safe daytime greeting for shops, hotels, and new acquaintances.

Use itUse when greeting someone in the evening.

Use itAlso signals that you are listening; it does not always mean agreement.

Use itA clear negative; a softened phrase is often more natural when declining an offer.

Use itUse when making a request or choosing an item.

Use itThe dependable polite form for service encounters and strangers.

Use itA warmer, more emphatic expression of thanks.

Use itExtremely useful for getting attention, apologising lightly, or thanking someone for their trouble.

Use itA direct apology for a mistake; sumimasen is more flexible in public interactions.

Use itMeaning depends on context and tone; it can reassure or politely decline.

Use itA neutral way to say you do not understand.

Use itAsk someone to repeat what they said.

Use itUseful when you recognise some Japanese but need more time.

Use itAsk politely rather than assuming English is available.

Use itSets expectations while showing that you are willing to try.

Use itA polite introduction question; in formal settings, wait for the other person to introduce themselves first.

Use itInsert your name or role before desu.

Use itUse only when meeting someone for the first time.

Use itA conventional close to an introduction; there is no single exact English equivalent.

Use itNatural when reconnecting after time apart, though less routine than English small talk.

Use itA simple positive reply.

Use itFriendly introductory small talk.

Use itPut your country or city at the beginning.

Use itA natural conversation starter with local people or staff.

Use itUse for an activity, outing, or your trip.

Use itA warm comment about scenery, design, or a place.

Use itA versatile approving response.

Use itAsk before photographing people, private interiors, or sensitive spaces.

Use itA polite invitation; make it easy for the other person to decline.

Use itA friendly parting phrase when you genuinely hope to reconnect.

Use itUse when leaving after someone has helped or hosted you.

Use itAdd the station name before eki when needed.

Use itWidely understood in stations, shops, and restaurants.

Use itPoint to a map, address, or place name.

Use itShow the written address to a taxi driver.

Use itUse after naming or showing your destination.

Use itChecks whether walking is practical.

Use itWorks for travel time or walking time.

Use itA compact direction or confirmation.

Use itA compact direction or confirmation.

Use itUseful when giving or confirming a direction.

Use itUse in a taxi once you have reached a safe stopping point.

Use itReplace Shibuya with your destination.

Use itAsk station staff after naming your train or destination.

Use itUseful when the announcement or display is unclear.

Use itState the destination as well if the fare is not obvious.

Use itUseful for transit, lockers, shops, and some taxis.

Use itAsk before boarding when the route is unclear.

Use itAsk for the transfer station.

Use itLarge Tokyo stations have many numbered exits, so show your destination if possible.

Use itAsk at a station, hotel, or terminal information desk.

Use itSay this when entering a restaurant alone.

Use itChange the number as needed when asking for a table.

Use itFollow with the booking name.

Use itA standard restaurant request.

Use itMany central Tokyo venues have one, but not all do.

Use itAsk for the house or staff recommendation.

Use itPoint clearly to the menu item.

Use itA polite request for water.

Use itThe type and temperature may depend on the venue.

Use itClarify individual ingredients because stock and sauces may contain fish or meat.

Use itSay this alongside specific ingredient questions.

Use itUseful because fish stock is common in Japanese cooking.

Use itAsk about a specific dish while pointing to it.

Use itAsk about a specific dish; recipes and cross-contact vary.

Use itInsert the allergen and carry a detailed translated allergy card for a serious allergy.

!Do not rely on this short phrase alone for severe allergies or cross-contact requirements.

Use itAsk before the dish is prepared; some recipes may not be adjustable.

Use itA warm compliment to staff, a cook, or a host.

Use itSaid just before eating; it expresses appreciation for receiving the food.

Use itSay after eating, including when leaving a small restaurant.

Use itAsk when you are ready to pay; some venues expect payment at the register.

Use itAsk rather than assume; takeaway may not be offered for every dish or leftover.

Use itA straightforward utensil request.

Use itUseful at an izakaya, where an automatic appetizer may be part of a table charge.

Use itPoint to the item if needed.

Use itUse for an item behind a counter or in a case.

Use itAsk staff first; fitting-room footwear rules vary.

Use itShow the item and indicate the size you need.

Use itA standard product question.

Use itCheck before purchase because accepted payment methods vary.

Use itUseful at smaller shops, ticket machines, and restaurants.

Use itAsk at the register.

Use itPlastic and paper shopping bags may carry a fee.

Use itAsk before payment when possible.

Use itEligibility and purchase procedures vary; follow the shop's current instructions.

Use itA polite response when staff offer help.

Use itPut the item you need at the beginning.

Use itUse when you have made your choice.

Use itGive the name on the booking.

Use itInsert the booking name.

Use itUse at reception with your reservation details ready.

Use itUseful if you arrive around check-in time.

Use itAsk reception or your host.

Use itAsk whether an additional room key is available.

Use itA concise housekeeping request.

Use itReport the issue to reception or your host.

Use itA direct maintenance request.

Use itAsk reception before check-in or after checkout.

Use itConfirm the property's own checkout time.

Use itAsk when the entrance or floor change is unclear.

Use itCall out clearly in a genuine emergency.

Use itA direct request for police help.

Use itUse for an urgent medical emergency.

Use itSay this clearly when reporting a fire.

Use itAsk staff or authorities and show a map if useful.

Use itA general statement; add symptoms if you can.

Use itPoint to the injury if appropriate.

Use itUse for non-emergency pharmacy needs.

Use itReport it to nearby staff or a police box.

Use itReport it to nearby staff or a police box.

Use itShow your destination or accommodation address.

Use itAsk staff, police, or bystanders when details are hard to communicate.

Use itA firm boundary when someone's behavior must stop.

Use itUse firmly when needed; context determines whether it refers to you or an object.

Use itAn enthusiastic reaction to a sight, skill, or story.

Use itStrong, upbeat praise among friends.

Use itCommon praise for designs, animals, food presentation, and fashion; be thoughtful when applying it to people.

Use itA friendly compliment about style, skill, or appearance.

Use itVery casual surprise among peers.

!Avoid with staff, elders, or in formal conversation.

Use itA softer casual reaction of surprise.

Use itQuick approval among friends.

Use itMeaning changes with intonation; it can agree or gently hold the floor while thinking.

Use itShows understanding; with a superior, naruhodo desu ne is safer but can still sound evaluative.

Use itCommon among colleagues or after a shared effort; not a universal greeting for strangers.

Use itSay when raising drinks with a group.

Use itA warm comment at the end of an activity or evening.

Use itFriendly and informal.

Use itA relaxed goodbye for friends.

Use itSay to someone who is leaving or traveling.

Use itHighly context-dependent slang that can be positive or negative.

!Use only after you understand the group's tone; avoid in formal settings.

Use itAsk before the transaction; separate checks may not be possible for a large group or at a busy time.

Use itAsk when the contactless symbol is not visible; support varies by card, wallet, and terminal.

Use itUseful at a hotel or higher-end restaurant; routine tipping is not customary in Japan.

Use itUse politely only when cash change appears to have been missed.

Use itAsk about an advertised discount, visitor pass, or coupon.

!Do not haggle at ordinary fixed-price shops or restaurants.

Use itAsk calmly when you need to understand how the total was calculated.

Use itConfirm the terminal result with staff before trying again or switching payment methods.