STORY Polish Up Your Japanese Learn key words and phrases before going out shopping
Navigating the world of shopping in Japanese
Most major department stores and shopping centers in big cities have staff that speak some English, however in less touristy areas as well as the suburbs, you may find yourself in a situation where there are no English speakers available to help. A little Japanese goes a long way. Practice and learn some of the phrases and words below before venturing out to the shops, markets and stores.
Do you sell ____?
Koko de __wa utte imasuka?
ここで____は売っていますか？
| Examples of the items | Japanese pronunciation |
|---|---|
| antiques | kottou-hin (骨董品) |
| batteries | denchi (電池) |
| clothes | fuku (服) |
| cosmetics | keshou hin (化粧品) |
| electrical appliances | denka seihin (電化製品) |
| food | shoku hin (食品) |
| Japanese swords | nihon tou (日本刀) |
| jewelry | houshoku hin (宝飾品) |
| kimonos | kimono (着物) |
| kitchenware | kicchin youhin (キッチン用品) |
| lacquer ware | shikki (漆器) |
| medicine | kusuri (薬) |
| picture postcards | e-hagaki (絵葉書) |
| pottery | touki (陶器) |
| shoes | kutsu (靴) |
| stationery | bunbougu (文房具) |
| traditional crafts | dentou kougeihin (伝統工芸品) |
| ukiyo-e | ukiyo-e (浮世絵) |
Do you have a ( bigger / smaller ) one?
Motto (ookii / chiisai) no wa arimasuka?
もっと（大きい／小さい）のはありますか？
Do you have the same one in a different ( color /design )?
Hokano (iro / dezain) wa arimasuka?
ほかの（色／デザイン）はありますか？
Could you change this for me please?
Torikaete morae masuka?
取り替えてもらえますか？
Is this made in Japan?
Kore wa nihon-sei desuka?
これは日本製ですか？
Can I try this on?
Korewo shichaku dekimasuka?
これを試着できますか？
I want a __ one. (color)
__iro no ga hoshii desu
__色のが欲しいです。
Fill in the blank with one of the colors below
| Examples of colors | Japanese pronunciation |
|---|---|
| black | kuro (黒) |
| blue | ao (青) |
| brown | cha (茶) |
| beige | beeju (ベージュ) |
| gray | guree (グレー) |
| green | midori (緑) |
| khaki | kaaki (カーキ) |
| orange | orenji (オレンジ) |
| pink | pinku (ピンク) |
| purple | murasaki (紫) |
| red | aka (赤) |
| white | shiro (白) |
| yellow | ki (黄) |
Do you have instructions in English?
Eigo no setsumeisho wa arimasuka?
英語の説明書はありますか？
Could you send this overseas?
Kore wo kaigai ni okutte morae masuka?
これを海外に送ってもらえますか？
Could you gift wrap this please?
Gifutoyou ni rappingu shite moraemasuka?
ギフト用にラッピングしてもらえますか？
Can I buy this duty free?
Kore wa menzei de kaemasuka?
これは免税で買えますか？
Can I use this overseas?
Kore wa kaigai demo tsukae masuka?
これは海外でも使えますか？
