Planning a trip to Japan? Or just fascinated by the Japanese language? Either way, these 20 phrases will serve you beautifully. I've selected them specifically with Arab travelers in mind — noting the pronunciations in a way that maps to Arabic sounds, and explaining the cultural context behind each one.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Arabic Sound Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello (daytime) | كون-نيتشي-وا |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning (formal) | أو-هايو غوزايماس |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening | كون-بان-وا |
| ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you (formal) | آري-غاتو غوزايماس |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry | سومي-ماسين |
Japanese "r" sounds are halfway between Arabic ر and ل — not a hard English "r". Try saying "r" while keeping your tongue light. The Japanese "u" at the end of words is often barely whispered — almost silent. So "desu" sounds like "dess".
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| これをください | Kore wo kudasai | I'll have this, please | Point at menu item |
| いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? | Shopping |
| トイレはどこですか？ | Toire wa doko desu ka? | Where is the bathroom? | Urgent and universal |
| 英語が話せますか？ | Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? | Do you speak English? | When stuck |
| わかりません | Wakarimasen | I don't understand | Politely signaling confusion |
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| おいしい！ | Oishii! | Delicious! (Use this a lot) |
| お会計をお願いします | Okaikei wo onegaishimasu | Check, please |
| ハラールですか？ | Harāru desu ka? | Is this halal? |
| 豚肉は入っていますか？ | Butaniku wa haitte imasu ka? | Does it contain pork? |
| アルコールは入っていますか？ | Arukōru wa haitte imasu ka? | Does it contain alcohol? |
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| よろしくお願いします | Yoroshiku onegaishimasu | Please treat me well / Nice to meet you | Any first meeting |
| お邪魔します | Ojama shimasu | Excuse me for intruding | Entering someone's home |
| いただきます | Itadakimasu | I gratefully receive (before eating) | Before every meal |
| ごちそうさまでした | Gochisousama deshita | Thank you for the meal (after eating) | After every meal |
| また会いましょう | Mata aimashou | Let's meet again | Farewell |
Always bow slightly when greeting, thanking, or apologizing. Even a small head nod goes a long way. Combine it with your Japanese phrase and Japanese people will be genuinely touched by your effort and respect.
These 20 phrases are your passport into Japanese hearts. You don't need to be fluent. You just need to try. In Japan, effort is everything. The attempt to speak Japanese — however imperfect — communicates respect, and that opens doors that money and English cannot.
Print this list, save it on your phone, and start practicing today. Your Japan trip is going to be extraordinary. がんばれ！(Ganbare — You can do it!)