Do they speak English?
English in Japan: great signs, shy speakers
Japan is easy to navigate: train stations, signs and many menus are in English. Spoken English is limited, though, and people may be shy to try. A translation app and a few phrases help a lot.
- English is the main language
- Widely spoken
- Fine in tourist areas
- Limited
Restaurants often have picture menus or plastic food displays, so you can point. Ticket machines have English buttons. If you're lost, station staff and police boxes (koban) are very helpful.
Where it differs
- Tokyo, Kyoto, OsakaFine in tourist areas
English signs everywhere. Hotel staff speak English.
- Rural areas and ryokanLimited
Little English. Use a translation app.
Phrases worth learning
- Konnichiwakon-nee-chee-wahHello
- Arigatou gozaimasuah-ree-GAH-toh go-ZAI-masThank you
- Sumimasensoo-mee-mah-senExcuse me / sorry
- Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?AY-go ga ha-na-se-mas kaDo you speak English?
- Okaikei onegaishimasuoh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai-shee-masThe bill, please
Tips for getting by in Japan
- Point at plastic food displays or picture menus to order.
- Use ticket machines at ramen shops, which often have English buttons.
- Ask at a koban (police box) if you're lost. Officers are very helpful.
- Download offline Japanese in your translation app before you go.
Politeness goes a long way
A small bow with 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) and 'sumimasen' (excuse me) covers most situations. Tipping isn't expected and can confuse people. Speak quietly on trains, and don't talk on the phone in carriages.
Before you go
- Camera translation works brilliantly on Japanese menus.
Stay and do
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