When shopping in Japan, it’s helpful to be familiar with some essential phrases to enhance your retail experience and, if applicable, engage in polite bargaining. Whether you’re browsing traditional markets or exploring modern shopping districts, these Japanese shopping phrases will prove invaluable:
1. いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is this?
This phrase is perfect for inquiring about the price of an item you’re interested in.
2. もう少し安くしてください。(Mou sukoshi yasuku shite kudasai.) – Please give me a little discount.
When you want to politely request a discount, this phrase can come in handy.
3. これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) – How much is this one?
If you’re pointing to a specific item and want to know its price, use this phrase.
4. これは何ですか？(Kore wa nan desu ka?) – What is this?
When you come across an unfamiliar item and want to know what it is, this question will be useful.
5. 試着できますか？(Shichaku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try this on?
If you’re interested in trying on clothes before buying them, use this phrase.
6. これをください。(Kore o kudasai.) – I’ll take this one, please.
When you’ve found what you want to buy and are ready to make the purchase, use this phrase.
7. カードで払えますか？(Kaado de haraemasu ka?) – Can I pay with a card?
If you prefer to pay with a credit or debit card, you can use this question to inquire about the payment options.
8. バッグに入れてください。(Baggu ni irete kudasai.) – Please put it in a bag.
After purchasing an item, you can request the shopkeeper to put it in a bag for you using this phrase.
9. お会計はこちらでございます。(O-kaikei wa kochira de gozaimasu.) – The total amount is here.
When you’re ready to pay and the shopkeeper indicates the total, this phrase acknowledges that you understand the amount.
10. もう少し見て回ります。(Mou sukoshi mite mawarimasu.) – I’ll look around a bit more.
If you’re still browsing and not yet ready to make a purchase, you can politely inform the shopkeeper with this phrase.
11. ありがとうございます。(Arigatou gozaimasu.) – Thank you very much.
Express your gratitude to the shopkeeper, especially after making a purchase.
12. すみません、値段は高すぎます。(Sumimasen, nedan wa takasugimasu.) – Excuse me, the price is too high.
If you feel that the price is too steep, you can use this phrase during polite bargaining.
13. 他のお店でこれより安いです。(Hoka no omise de kore yori yasui desu.) – It’s cheaper at another store.
During bargaining, if you’ve found a similar item at a lower price elsewhere, you can mention it with this phrase.
14. もう少し安くしていただけませんか？(Mou sukoshi yasuku shite itadakemasen ka?) – Could you give me a little more discount, please?
Politely ask for a further discount using this phrase.
15. 最後の値段をお願いします。(Saigo no nedan o onegaishimasu.) – Please give me your final price.
If you’ve reached the final stages of bargaining and want the shopkeeper’s last offer, this phrase can be used.
Remember that polite behavior and respectful language are highly appreciated in Japanese culture. Politeness goes a long way in making your shopping experience enjoyable and successful. Happy shopping!