Knowing how to ask someone to slow down can make the rest of a conversation possible. These 500 Japanese phrases cover daily life, travel and work, with English translations and notes beside the expressions that need context. Start with the situation you need today. The list gives you complete things to say; it does not replace learning how Japanese sentences work.

Start with a conversation you expect to have

Choose a section before trying to learn the whole list. Read the Japanese and its Latin-letter pronunciation guide, check its meaning and cover the translation to see what you remember. Names such as Alex are examples to replace with your own. Many requests use polite forms suitable for speaking to someone you do not know well; the notes identify casual wording and situations where the English translation alone is not enough. The Latin-letter guide is an approximate reading aid, and you can print this page from your browser and keep just the sections you need.

First contact

A goodbye should fit when you expect to meet again. さようなら can sound more final than a casual farewell; また明日 works when you will see someone tomorrow. For a first introduction, はじめまして belongs at the beginning. Practise your own name in アレックスといいます rather than memorising the example name.

First contact. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
こんにちは。konnichiwa.Hello.
おはようございます。ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning.
こんばんは。konbanwa.Good evening.
さようなら。sayounara.Goodbye.さようなら can sound more final than a casual goodbye. また明日 suits someone you will see tomorrow.
また後で。mata atode.See you later.A casual farewell. With a colleague you do not know well, では、また is another option.
また明日。mata ashita.See you tomorrow.
はじめまして。hajimemashite.Nice to meet you.Use はじめまして when meeting someone for the first time.
アレックスといいます。arekkusu to iimasu.My name is Alex.Replace アレックス with your name. といいます is a polite way to introduce yourself.
お名前は何ですか。o namae wa nani desu ka.What is your name?
どちらのご出身ですか。dochira no go shusshin desu ka.Where are you from?ご出身 asks about someone's place of origin, not their current address.
この近くに住んでいます。kono chikaku ni sunde imasu.I live near here.
ここに引っ越してきたばかりです。koko ni hikkoshite kita bakari desu.I've just moved here.
仕事で来ています。shigoto de kite imasu.I'm here for work.仕事で explains why you are visiting; it does not specify whether this is a short business trip.
学生です。gakusei desu.I'm a student.
家族と旅行しています。kazoku to ryokou shite imasu.I'm travelling with my family.
ここに来るのは初めてです。koko ni kuru no wa hajimete desu.It's my first time here.
ありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
すみません、今少しよろしいですか。sumimasen, ima sukoshi yoroshii desu ka.Excuse me, do you have a moment?Use this to get someone's attention before asking a question.
誘ってくださってありがとうございます。sasotte kudasatte arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for inviting me.
どういたしまして。douitashimashite.You're welcome.
すみません。sumimasen.I'm sorry.すみません can also get someone's attention. Here it is an apology.
遅れてすみません。okurete sumimasen.Sorry I'm late.
大丈夫ですよ。daijoubu desu yo.That's all right.Here 大丈夫ですよ reassures someone after an apology.
お久しぶりです。o hisashiburi desu.It's been a long time.Use お久しぶりです when seeing someone again after a long gap.
お先にどうぞ。osakini douzo.After you.Offer someone the turn to enter, pass or be served first.
はい、お願いします。hai, onegai shimasu.Yes, please.
いいえ、結構です。iie, kekkou desu.No, thank you.いいえ、結構です declines an offer politely. A simple 大丈夫です can be ambiguous without context.
おめでとうございます。omedetou gozaimasu.Congratulations!
お誕生日おめでとうございます。o tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu.Happy birthday!
お元気で。o genki de.Take care.お元気で is a farewell wishing someone well, especially before some time apart.

Understanding

Learn もう少しゆっくり話してもらえますか before trying to follow a long explanation. It asks for a slightly slower pace. わかりました acknowledges understanding, so use it after you have understood the point. Keep a request for repetition close at hand instead of treating every pause as something to hide.

Understanding. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
わかりました。wakarimashita.I understand.わかりました acknowledges that you have understood an explanation or instruction.
わかりません。wakarimasen.I don't understand.
もう一度言ってもらえますか。mou ichido itte moraemasu ka.Could you say that again?
もう少しゆっくり話してもらえますか。mousukoshi yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka.Could you speak more slowly?もう少し means a little more. ゆっくり asks for a slower pace.
書いてもらえますか。kaite moraemasu ka.Could you write it down?
これはどういう意味ですか。kore wa douiu imi desu ka.What does this mean?
これはどう発音しますか。kore wa dou hatsuon shimasu ka.How do you pronounce this?
例を挙げてもらえますか。rei o agete moraemasu ka.Could you give me an example?
もっと簡単な言葉で言ってもらえますか。motto kantan na kotoba de itte moraemasu ka.Could you use simpler words?
最後の部分が聞き取れませんでした。saigo no bubun ga kikitoremasendeshita.I didn't catch the last part.聞き取れませんでした means you could not make out what was said.
もう少し大きな声で話してもらえますか。mousukoshi ookina koe de hanashite moraemasu ka.Could you speak a little louder?
これで合っていますか。kore de atte imasu ka.Is this correct?
英語を話せますか。eigo o hanasemasu ka.Do you speak English?
間違えました。machigaemashita.I made a mistake.
そういう意味で言ったのではありません。souiu imi de itta no de wa arimasen.That's not what I meant.Use this to correct how your earlier words were understood.
もう一度やってみます。mou ichido yatte mimasu.Let me try again.
見せてもらえますか。misete moraemasu ka.Could you show me?
どれのことですか。dore no koto desu ka.Which one do you mean?どれ asks which item among several. For exactly two, どちら is also useful.
これのことですか。kore no koto desu ka.Do you mean this one?
質問があります。shitsumon ga arimasu.I have a question.
ちょっと聞いてもいいですか。chotto kiite mo ii desu ka.May I ask you something?
少し考える時間が必要です。sukoshi kangaeru jikan ga hitsuyou desu.I need a little time to think.
少し待ってください。sukoshi matte kudasai.Please wait a moment.
翻訳アプリを使います。honyaku apuri o tsukaimasu.I'll use a translation app.
ここに入力してもらえますか。koko ni nyuuryoku shite moraemasu ka.Could you type it here?Show the person the place to type, such as a translation app on your phone.
指で示してください。yubi de shimeshite kudasai.Please point to it.
これは日本語で何と言いますか。kore wa nihongo de nani to iimasu ka.How do you say this in Japanese?
日本語は少ししか話せません。nihongo wa sukoshi shika hanasemasen.I only speak a little Japanese.少ししか with a negative verb means only a little.
その言葉は知りません。sono kotoba wa shirimasen.I don't know that word.
やっとわかりました。yatto wakarimashita.Now I understand.やっと adds the sense of finally understanding after some difficulty.

Shopping

これにします tells the seller you have chosen an item. 試着してもいいですか asks to try on clothing; it is not the expression for testing an electronic device. Read the clothing and payment questions together so you can follow a purchase from choosing an item to paying for it.

Shopping. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
これはいくらですか。kore wa ikura desu ka.How much is this?
もっと安いものはありますか。motto yasui mono wa arimasu ka.Do you have anything cheaper?
見ているだけです。ありがとうございます。mite iru dake desu. arigatou gozaimasu.I'm just looking, thank you.
これにします。kore ni shimasu.I'll take this one.これにします tells the seller which item you have chosen.
これを二つください。kore o futatsu kudasai.Could I have two of these?
これの違う色はありますか。kore no chigau iro wa arimasu ka.Do you have this in another colour?
もっと大きいサイズはありますか。motto ookii saizu wa arimasu ka.Do you have a larger size?
もっと小さいサイズはありますか。motto chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka.Do you have a smaller size?
試着してもいいですか。shichaku shite mo ii desu ka.Can I try this on?試着 is trying on clothes. Trying out a device uses a different expression.
試着室はどこですか。shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka.Where is the fitting room?
きつすぎます。kitsu sugimasu.It's too tight.Here きつい describes clothes or shoes that fit too tightly.
ゆるすぎます。yuru sugimasu.It's too loose.
サイズがぴったりです。saizu ga pittari desu.It fits well.ぴったり means the size is just right here.
カードで払えますか。kaado de haraemasu ka.Can I pay by card?
現金で払います。genkin de haraimasu.I'll pay in cash.
この決済アプリは使えますか。kono kessai apuri wa tsukaemasu ka.Can I use this payment app?Show the app or its name. This does not assume any particular app is accepted.
レシートをもらえますか。reshiito o moraemasu ka.Could I have a receipt?レシート is an ordinary shop receipt. A formal receipt for expenses may be called 領収書.
袋はいりません。fukuro hairimasen.I don't need a bag.
袋をもらえますか。fukuro o moraemasu ka.Could I have a bag?
税込みですか。zeikomi desu ka.Is tax included?税込み means including tax; 税抜き means before tax.
棚に書いてある値段と違います。tana ni kaite aru nedan to chigaimasu.The price on the shelf is different.
お釣りが違うと思います。otsuri ga chigau to omoimasu.I think the change is wrong.お釣り means the money returned after you pay, not changing an item.
これは返品できますか。kore wa henpin dekimasu ka.Can I return this?返品 asks about returning a purchase. It does not imply a guaranteed right to a refund.
これを交換したいです。kore o koukan shitai desu.I'd like to exchange this.交換 asks to swap the item, for example for another size.
昨日買いました。kinou kaimashita.I bought it yesterday.
壊れています。kowarete imasu.It's broken.
部品が足りません。buhin ga tarimasen.A part is missing.
これの在庫はありますか。kore no zaiko wa arimasu ka.Do you have this in stock?
次はいつ入荷しますか。tsugi wa itsu nyuuka shimasu ka.When will it be back in stock?
プレゼント用に包んでもらえますか。purezento you ni tsutsunde moraemasu ka.Could you wrap it as a gift?

Phone and forms

携帯の電波が入りません describes a phone with no reception. That is a different problem from not knowing the Wi-Fi password. Pick the sentence that names what has actually stopped working. For forms, keep your own address and contact details beside the phrases rather than relying on an example answer.

Phone and forms. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
Wi-Fiはありますか。waifai wa arimasu ka.Do you have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか。waifai no pasuwaado wa nani desu ka.What is the Wi-Fi password?Wi-Fi is commonly pronounced ワイファイ.
インターネットにつながりません。intaanetto ni tsunagarimasen.I can't connect to the internet.
携帯の電波が入りません。keitai no denpa ga hairimasen.My phone has no signal.電波が入りません describes no mobile reception.
携帯の充電がもうすぐ切れます。keitai no juuden ga mousugu kiremasu.My battery is almost dead.
ここで携帯を充電してもいいですか。koko de keitai o juuden shite mo ii desu ka.Can I charge my phone here?
一番近いコンセントはどこですか。ichiban chikai konsento wa doko desu ka.Where is the nearest socket?コンセント means a power socket, not consent.
充電ケーブルは売っていますか。juuden keeburu wa utte imasu ka.Do you sell charging cables?
プリペイドのSIMカードが欲しいです。puripeido no SIM kaado ga hoshii desu.I'd like a prepaid SIM card.プリペイド refers to paying in advance, rather than a recurring contract.
このプランにデータ通信は含まれていますか。kono puran ni deetatsuushin wa fukumarete imasu ka.Does this plan include mobile data?
メッセージを送ってください。messeeji o okutte kudasai.Please send me a message.
折り返し電話してもらえますか。orikaeshi denwa shite moraemasu ka.Could you call me back?折り返し電話する means to return a call.
電話に出られませんでした。denwa ni deraremasendeshita.I missed your call.
後で電話します。atode denwa shimasu.I'll call you later.
電話番号をお間違えです。denwa bangou o o machigae desu.You have the wrong number.Use this when someone has called you by mistake.
電話を貸してもらえますか。denwa o kashite moraemasu ka.May I use your phone?
予約を取りたいです。yoyaku o toritai desu.I'd like to make an appointment.Use for an arranged time at a clinic, office or service provider.
予約を変更したいです。yoyaku o henkou shitai desu.I need to change my appointment.
予約をキャンセルしたいです。yoyaku o kyanseru shitai desu.I'd like to cancel my appointment.
この用紙はどこで記入すればいいですか。kono youshi wa doko de kinyuu sureba ii desu ka.Where do I fill in this form?
どの項目が必須ですか。dono koumoku ga hissu desu ka.Which fields are required?項目 means the entries or fields on the form.
これを書くのを手伝ってもらえますか。kore o kaku no o tetsudatte moraemasu ka.Could you help me fill this in?
ここに署名が必要ですか。koko ni shomei ga hitsuyou desu ka.Do I need to sign here?
どの書類が必要ですか。dono shorui ga hitsuyou desu ka.Which documents do I need?
コピーで大丈夫ですか。kopii de daijoubu desu ka.Is a copy enough?
これが身分証明書です。kore ga mibun shoumei sho desu.Here is my identification.Show an accepted identity document; this phrase does not specify which documents are valid.
住所が変わりました。juusho ga kawarimashita.I've changed my address.
確認のメールを送ってもらえますか。kakunin no meeru o okutte moraemasu ka.Could I get confirmation by email?
荷物を受け取りに来ました。nimotsu o uketori ni kimashita.I'm here to collect a parcel.Use at a collection counter or delivery office.
荷物がまだ届いていません。nimotsu ga mada todoite imasen.The parcel hasn't arrived.

Health

After naming a symptom, 昨日からです adds that it started yesterday. Its meaning depends on that preceding explanation. 吐き気がします describes nausea. These are ways to communicate a problem, not advice about diagnosis or treatment; use the notes to check that the phrase matches what you mean.

Health. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
医師に診てもらいたいです。ishi ni mite moraitai desu.I need to see a doctor.
一番近い薬局はどこですか。ichiban chikai yakkyoku wa doko desu ka.Where is the nearest pharmacy?
近くに診療所はありますか。chikaku ni shinryou sho wa arimasu ka.Is there a clinic nearby?
具合が悪いです。guai ga warui desu.I feel unwell.
熱があります。netsu ga arimasu.I have a fever.
頭が痛いです。atama ga itai desu.I have a headache.
お腹が痛いです。onaka ga itai desu.My stomach hurts.
喉が痛いです。nodo ga itai desu.My throat hurts.
めまいがします。memai ga shimasu.I feel dizzy.
吐き気がします。hakike ga shimasu.I feel nauseous.吐き気 describes feeling as though you may vomit.
咳が出ます。seki ga demasu.I have a cough.
昨日からです。kinou kara desu.It started yesterday.Use after naming the symptom; the symptom is understood from context.
ここが痛いです。koko ga itai desu.It hurts here.
痛みが強くなっています。itami ga tsuyoku natte imasu.The pain is getting worse.
足首をけがしました。ashikubi o kegashimashita.I hurt my ankle.
指を切りました。yubi o kirimashita.I cut my finger.
この薬にアレルギーがあります。kono kusuri ni arerugii ga arimasu.I'm allergic to this medicine.Show or name the medicine. An allergy and an ordinary side effect are not the same claim.
この薬を飲んでいます。kono kusuri o nonde imasu.I'm taking this medication.飲んでいます is the usual phrasing for medicine taken by mouth.
ぜんそくです。zensoku desu.I have asthma.
妊娠しています。ninshin shite imasu.I'm pregnant.
処方箋は必要ですか。shohousen wa hitsuyou desu ka.Do I need a prescription?
これは何回飲めばいいですか。kore wa nan kai nomeba ii desu ka.How often should I take this?This asks how many times to take it; also confirm the amount for each dose with the clinician.
食事と一緒に飲んだほうがいいですか。shokuji to issho ni nonda hou ga ii desu ka.Should I take it with food?
何日間飲めばいいですか。nan nichikan nomeba ii desu ka.How many days should I take it for?
使い方を書いてもらえますか。tsukaikata o kaite moraemasu ka.Could you write down the instructions?
眠くなりますか。nemuku narimasu ka.Does it make you sleepy?Ask about possible drowsiness from the medicine being discussed.
これを飲んだ後に運転してもいいですか。kore o nonda nochi ni unten shite mo ii desu ka.Can I drive after taking it?
これが保険証です。kore ga hoken shou desu.Here is my insurance card.This identifies an insurance card; it does not guarantee that it is accepted or covers treatment.
通訳が必要です。tsuuyaku ga hitsuyou desu.I need an interpreter.
次はいつ来ればいいですか。tsugi wa itsukureba ii desu ka.When should I come back?

Safety and home

救急車を呼んでください asks someone nearby to call an ambulance. 触らないでください states a direct boundary. Practise the words you may need to say clearly, and keep your location available separately. The sentences help you ask for assistance but cannot replace emergency services or an interpreter when one is needed.

Safety and home. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
救急車を呼んでください。kyuukyuu sha o yonde kudasai.Please call an ambulance.救急車 is an ambulance. This asks someone nearby to call one.
警察を呼んでください。keisatsu o yonde kudasai.Please call the police.
うまく息ができません。umaku iki ga dekimasen.I can't breathe properly.
胸が痛いです。mune ga itai desu.I have chest pain.
けがをしている人がいます。kega o shite iru hito ga imasu.Someone is injured.
火事です。kaji desu.There's a fire.
ガスのにおいがします。gasu no nioi ga shimasu.I smell gas.
一緒にいてください。issho ni ite kudasai.Please stay with me.
触らないでください。sawaranaide kudasai.Please don't touch me.A direct personal boundary. No apology is needed as part of this sentence.
一人にしてください。hitori ni shite kudasai.Leave me alone.
ここにいると不安です。koko ni iruto fuan desu.I don't feel safe here.
かばんを盗まれました。kaban o nusumaremashita.My bag was stolen.
パスポートをなくしました。pasupooto o nakushimashita.I've lost my passport.
落とし物の窓口はどこですか。otoshimono no madoguchi wa doko desu ka.Where is the lost property office?落とし物の窓口 is the counter handling lost items.
盗難の届け出をしたいです。tounan no todokede o shitai desu.I'd like to report a theft.
子どもがいなくなりました。kodomo ga inakunarimashita.My child is missing.
何が起きたか見ていました。nani ga okita ka mite imashita.I saw what happened.
気をつけてください。ki o tsukete kudasai.Please be careful.
床が滑りやすいです。yuka ga suberi yasui desu.The floor is slippery.
ドアの鍵がかかりません。doa no kagi ga kakarimasen.The door won't lock.
鍵を中に置いてきてしまい、入れません。kagi o naka ni oite kite shimai, hairemasen.I left my key inside and can't get in.
蛇口から水が漏れています。jaguchi kara mizu ga morete imasu.The tap is leaking.
停電しています。teiden shite imasu.The power is out.停電 describes an electricity outage, not just one appliance being switched off.
暖房が動きません。danbou ga ugokimasen.The heating isn't working.
修理に来てもらえますか。shuuri ni kite moraemasu ka.Could someone come to repair it?
家賃の支払日はいつですか。yachin no shiharai bi wa itsu desu ka.When is the rent due?
光熱費は家賃に含まれていますか。kounetsu hi wa yachin ni fukumarete imasu ka.Are the bills included in the rent?光熱費 means utility costs such as electricity, gas and water.
ごみはどこに出せばいいですか。gomi wa doko ni daseba ii desu ka.Where should I put the rubbish?ごみを出す is putting rubbish out for collection. Local sorting rules still need checking.
もう少し静かにしてもらえますか。mousukoshi shizuka ni shite moraemasu ka.Could you keep the noise down?
合鍵をもらえますか。aikagi o moraemasu ka.May I have a spare key?

Transport

往復切符 is a return ticket; 片道 means one way. Check that distinction before buying. In 何番ホームに行けばいいですか, ホーム means a station platform. The English-looking word is a useful reminder that familiar sounds do not always carry their English meaning into Japanese.

Transport. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
駅はどこですか。eki wa doko desu ka.Where is the train station?
空港にはどうやって行けばいいですか。kuukou ni wa dou yatte ikeba ii desu ka.How do I get to the airport?
切符はどこで買えますか。kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka.Where can I buy a ticket?
大人一枚お願いします。otona ichimai onegai shimasu.One adult ticket, please.
往復切符をお願いします。oufuku kippu o onegai shimasu.I'd like a return ticket.往復 is a journey there and back. 片道 means one way.
この切符は今日使えますか。kono kippu wa kyou tsukaemasu ka.Is this ticket valid today?
バスの中で切符を買えますか。basu no naka de kippu o kaemasu ka.Can I buy a ticket on the bus?
次の電車は何時ですか。tsugi no densha wa nan ji desu ka.What time is the next train?
何番ホームに行けばいいですか。nan ban hoomu ni ikeba ii desu ka.Which platform should I go to?ホーム means a station platform, not a house.
このバスは空港に行きますか。kono basu wa kuukou ni ikimasu ka.Does this bus go to the airport?
乗り換えが必要ですか。norikae ga hitsuyou desu ka.Do I need to change trains?
どこで乗り換えればいいですか。doko de norikaereba ii desu ka.Where do I change?
どのくらい時間がかかりますか。dono kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka.How long does the journey take?
この席は指定席ですか。kono seki wa shitei seki desu ka.Is this a reserved seat?指定席 asks whether this is reserved seating, rather than whether a particular passenger has booked the seat.
この席は空いていますか。kono seki wa aite imasu ka.Is this seat free?
電車に乗り遅れました。densha ni noriokuremashita.I missed my train.
切符を変更できますか。kippu o henkou dekimasu ka.Can I change my ticket?
電車が運休になりました。densha ga unkyuu ni narimashita.The train has been cancelled.
ほかに行く方法はありますか。hoka ni iku houhou wa arimasu ka.Is there another way to get there?
あと何駅ですか。ato nan eki desu ka.How many stops are left?
着いたら教えてください。tsuitaraoshiete kudasai.Please tell me when we get there.
ここで降ります。koko de orimasu.I need to get off here.
タクシー乗り場はどこですか。takushii noriba wa doko desu ka.Where is the taxi rank?タクシー乗り場 is a designated place to get a taxi.
この住所までお願いします。kono juusho made onegai shimasu.Could you take me to this address?
ここで止めてください。koko de tomete kudasai.Please stop here.
タクシー代はいくらぐらいですか。takushii dai wa ikura gurai desu ka.How much will the taxi ride cost?
スーツケースを運ぶのを手伝ってもらえますか。suutsukeesu o hakobu no o tetsudatte moraemasu ka.Could you help me with my suitcase?
バス停はどこですか。basutei wa doko desu ka.Where is the bus stop?
この交通系カードは使えますか。kono koutsuu kei kaado wa tsukaemasu ka.Can I use this travel card?
交通系カードにチャージしたいです。koutsuu kei kaado ni chaaji shitai desu.I'd like to top up my travel card.チャージ here means adding money to a transport card.

Places to stay

Use the name on the booking in アレックスの名前で予約しています. It may be someone else's name. 二泊したいです asks for two nights, so check arrival and departure dates separately. Keeping those details together helps you use the accommodation phrases for your actual stay rather than an imagined one.

Places to stay. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
予約しています。yoyaku shite imasu.I have a reservation.
チェックインをお願いします。chekkuin o onegai shimasu.I'd like to check in.
アレックスの名前で予約しています。arekkusu no namae de yoyaku shite imasu.The reservation is under Alex.Replace アレックス with the name used for the reservation.
先に部屋を見てもいいですか。saki ni heya o mite mo ii desu ka.Could I see the room first?
二泊したいです。nihaku shitai desu.I'd like to stay for two nights.二泊 counts nights, not days. Two nights is not necessarily a two-day stay.
今夜泊まれる部屋はありますか。konya tomareru heya wa arimasu ka.Do you have a room available tonight?
一泊いくらですか。ippaku ikura desu ka.How much is it per night?
朝食は含まれていますか。choushoku wa fukumarete imasu ka.Is breakfast included?
朝食はどこで食べられますか。choushoku wa doko de taberaremasu ka.Where is breakfast served?
チェックアウトは何時ですか。chekku auto wa nan ji desu ka.What time is check-out?
私の部屋は何階ですか。watashi no heya wa nan gai desu ka.Which floor is my room on?Japanese floors are numbered from 1 at ground level; check local floor numbering when travelling elsewhere.
エレベーターはありますか。erebeetaa wa arimasu ka.Is there a lift?エレベーター means a lift or elevator.
カードキーが使えません。kaado kii ga tsukaemasen.The key card doesn't work.
お湯が出ません。oyu ga demasen.There is no hot water.
部屋がうるさすぎます。heya ga urusa sugimasu.The room is too noisy.
部屋を変えてもらえますか。heya o kaete moraemasu ka.Could I change rooms?
エアコンが動きません。eakon ga ugokimasen.The air conditioning isn't working.
毛布をもう一枚もらえますか。moufu o mou ichi mai moraemasu ka.Could I have another blanket?
きれいなタオルをもらえますか。kirei na taoru o moraemasu ka.Could I have a clean towel?
今日は部屋の掃除はしないでください。kyou wa heya no souji wa shinaide kudasai.Please don't clean the room today.
ここに荷物を預けてもいいですか。koko ni nimotsu o azukete mo ii desu ka.Can I leave my luggage here?
少し遅くチェックアウトできますか。sukoshi osoku chekku auto dekimasu ka.Can I check out a little later?
宿泊を延長したいです。shukuhaku o enchou shitai desu.I'd like to extend my stay.
使える洗濯機はありますか。tsukaeru sentaku ki wa arimasu ka.Is there a washing machine I can use?
シャワーはどうやって使いますか。shawaa wa dou yatte tsukaimasu ka.How do I use the shower?
水道水は飲めますか。suidou sui wa nomemasu ka.Can I drink the tap water?
明日の朝のタクシーを予約してもらえますか。ashita no asa no takushii o yoyaku shite moraemasu ka.Could you book a taxi for tomorrow morning?
今チェックアウトしたいです。ima chekku auto shitai desu.I'd like to check out now.
宿泊料金の明細を見せてもらえますか。shukuhaku ryoukin no meisai o misete moraemasu ka.Could I see the bill for my stay?
部屋に忘れ物をしたと思います。heya ni wasuremono o shita to omoimasu.I think I left something in my room.

Eating out

二人です gives your party size when you arrive at a restaurant. Once seated, ingredient questions need to be specific: asking whether a dish contains fish does not settle whether it contains fish stock. Use the table to prepare the questions that matter to your own order and dietary needs.

Eating out. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
二人です。futari desu.A table for two, please.At restaurant reception, 二人です naturally tells staff your party size.
外の席に座れますか。soto no seki ni suwaremasu ka.Could we sit outside?
席が空くまでどのくらい待ちますか。seki ga aku made dono kurai machimasu ka.How long is the wait for a table?
メニューを見せてもらえますか。menyuu o misete moraemasu ka.Could we see the menu?
おすすめは何ですか。osusume wa nani desu ka.What do you recommend?
この料理には何が入っていますか。kono ryouri ni wa nani ga haitte imasu ka.What is in this dish?
肉は食べません。niku wa tabemasen.I don't eat meat.
これに魚は入っていますか。kore ni sakana wa haitte imasu ka.Does this contain fish?Ask separately about fish stock if that also matters; a visible piece of fish is not the only possible ingredient.
ピーナッツアレルギーがあります。piinattsu arerugii ga arimasu.I'm allergic to peanuts.Peanuts and tree nuts are different ingredients. Name the actual allergen rather than substituting a broad category.
ソースに牛乳は入っていますか。soosu ni gyuunyuu wa haitte imasu ka.Does the sauce contain milk?
卵を使わずに作れますか。tamago o tsukawazu ni tsukuremasu ka.Could you make it without eggs?
これは辛いですか。kore wa karai desu ka.Is this spicy?
辛さを控えめにしてもらえますか。kara sa o hikaeme ni shite moraemasu ka.Could you make it less spicy?
この料理をお願いします。kono ryouri o onegai shimasu.I'd like this dish, please.
水をもらえますか。mizu o moraemasu ka.Could I have some water?
砂糖なしのコーヒーをお願いします。satou nashi no koohii o onegai shimasu.A coffee without sugar, please.
カフェインレスのコーヒーはありますか。kafein resu no koohii wa arimasu ka.Do you have decaffeinated coffee?
私も同じものをお願いします。watashi mo onaji mono o onegai shimasu.I'll have the same.Use after someone else has ordered, to request the same item.
まだ注文していません。mada chuumon shite imasen.We haven't ordered yet.
これは注文したものと違います。kore wa chuumon shita mono to chigaimasu.This isn't what I ordered.
まだ一品来ていません。mada ippin kite imasen.We're still waiting for one dish.
お皿をもう一枚もらえますか。o sara o mou ichi mai moraemasu ka.Could we have another plate?
フォークをもらえますか。fooku o moraemasu ka.Could I have a fork?
おいしいです。oishii desu.It's delicious.
お腹がいっぱいです。onaka ga ippai desu.I'm full.
お会計をお願いします。o kaikei o onegai shimasu.Could I have the bill, please?お会計をお願いします asks to settle the bill, whether payment happens at the table or a counter.
別々に払えますか。betsubetsu ni haraemasu ka.Can we pay separately?
サービス料はかかりますか。saabisu ryou wa kakarimasu ka.Is there a service charge?
これは持ち帰れますか。kore wa mochikaeremasu ka.Can I get this to take away?持ち帰り means taking food away to eat elsewhere.
ラストオーダーは何時ですか。rasuto oodaa wa nan ji desu ka.What time is the last order?ラストオーダー is the last time the kitchen or bar accepts orders, which may be before closing.

Getting around

車いすで使えるトイレはありますか specifically asks for a toilet usable with a wheelchair. If you need another access feature, name that too. For a less urgent request, 私たちの写真を撮ってもらえますか asks someone to photograph your group. The object of the request matters as much as the polite ending.

Getting around. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
入り口はどこですか。irikuchi wa doko desu ka.Where is the entrance?
出口はどこですか。deguchi wa doko desu ka.Where is the exit?
トイレはどこですか。toire wa doko desu ka.Where is the toilet?
車いすで使えるトイレはありますか。kurumaisu de tsukaeru toire wa arimasu ka.Is there an accessible toilet?This Japanese wording specifically asks for a toilet that can be used with a wheelchair.
階段を使わずに行けますか。kaidan o tsukawazu ni ikemasu ka.Is there a route without stairs?
地図で教えてもらえますか。chizu de oshiete moraemasu ka.Could you show me on the map?
そこまで歩いて行けますか。soko made aruite ikemasu ka.Can I walk there?
この道で合っていますか。kono michi de atte imasu ka.Am I going the right way?
この住所を探しています。kono juusho o sagashite imasu.I'm looking for this address.
道に迷いました。michi ni mayoimashita.I'm lost.
次の角を左に曲がってください。tsugi no kado o hidari ni magatte kudasai.Turn left at the next corner.
まっすぐ進んでください。massugu susunde kudasai.Go straight on.
右側にあります。migigawa ni arimasu.It's on the right.
銀行の向かいにあります。ginkou no mukai ni arimasu.It's opposite the bank.
美術館は今日開いていますか。bijutsukan wa kyou aite imasu ka.Is the art museum open today?
何時に開きますか。nan ji ni hirakimasu ka.What time do you open?
何時に閉まりますか。nan ji ni shimarimasu ka.What time do you close?
入場料はいくらですか。nyuujou ryou wa ikura desu ka.How much is admission?
事前に予約が必要ですか。jizen ni yoyaku ga hitsuyou desu ka.Do I need to book in advance?
写真を撮ってもいいですか。shashin o totte mo ii desu ka.May I take photographs?
私たちの写真を撮ってもらえますか。watashi tachi no shashin o totte moraemasu ka.Could you take a photo of us?私たちの写真 asks for a picture of your group, not for someone to take away your photograph.
ガイド付きのツアーはありますか。gaido tsuki no tsuaa wa arimasu ka.Is there a guided tour?
ツアーはどこから出発しますか。tsuaa wa doko kara shuppatsu shimasu ka.Where does the tour start?
この近くの見どころはどこですか。kono chikaku no midokoro wa doko desu ka.What is worth seeing nearby?
近くに公園はありますか。chikaku ni kouen wa arimasu ka.Is there a park nearby?
ここで自転車を借りられますか。koko de jitensha o kariraremasu ka.Can I hire a bicycle here?借りる is borrowing or renting; at a rental business the paid-rental context is understood.
自転車はどこに返せばいいですか。jitensha wa doko ni kaeseba ii desu ka.Where should I return the bicycle?
ここに駐車してもいいですか。koko ni chuusha shite mo ii desu ka.Can I park here?
ここは一般の人も入れますか。koko wa ippan no hito mo hairemasu ka.Is this area open to the public?
入ってもいいですか。haitte mo ii desu ka.Is it all right to go in?

Meeting people

どんなお仕事をされていますか asks politely about someone's work. あなたも旅行で来ているんですか asks whether the other person is visiting as a traveller. Choose a question that fits what you already know about the conversation; the English gloss is a guide, not a reason to ask every question in order.

Meeting people. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
ご一緒してもいいですか。go issho shite mo ii desu ka.May I join you?
一緒にいかがですか。issho ni ikaga desu ka.Would you like to join us?
あなたも旅行で来ているんですか。anata mo ryokou de kite iru n desu ka.Are you visiting too?This Japanese line asks specifically whether the other person is also visiting as a traveller.
どのくらい滞在する予定ですか。dono kurai taizai suru yotei desu ka.How long are you staying?
前にここに来たことがありますか。mae ni koko ni kita koto ga arimasu ka.Have you been here before?
どんなお仕事をされていますか。donna o shigoto o sarete imasu ka.What do you do for work?お仕事をされていますか is a polite way to ask about someone's work.
時間があるときは何をするのが好きですか。jikan ga aru toki wa nani o suru no ga suki desu ka.What do you like to do in your free time?
料理をするのが好きです。ryouri o suru no ga suki desu.I like cooking.
どんな音楽が好きですか。donna ongaku ga suki desu ka.What kind of music do you like?
散歩をするのが好きです。sanpo o suru no ga suki desu.I enjoy going for walks.
何かおすすめはありますか。nani ka osusume wa arimasu ka.Do you have any recommendations?
面白そうですね。omoshiro sou desu ne.That sounds interesting.
それをやってみたいです。sore o yatte mitai desu.I'd like to try that.
まだやったことがありません。mada yatta koto ga arimasen.I've never tried it.
何か飲みますか。nani ka nomimasu ka.Would you like something to drink?
お酒は飲みません。o sake wa nomimasen.I don't drink alcohol.
乾杯！kanpai!Cheers!乾杯 is used when raising a glass for a toast.
友達を連れて行ってもいいですか。tomodachi o tsurete itte mo ii desu ka.Can I bring a friend?
靴を脱いだほうがいいですか。kutsu o nuida hou ga ii desu ka.Should I take my shoes off?
窓を開けてもいいですか。mado o akete mo ii desu ka.May I open the window?
ドアを閉めてもらえますか。doa o shimete moraemasu ka.Would you mind closing the door?
外の空気を吸いたいです。soto no kuuki o suitai desu.I need some fresh air.
その話はあまりしたくありません。sono hanashi wa amari shitakuarimasen.I'd rather not talk about that.
それは個人的なことです。sore wa kojin teki na koto desu.That's personal.
私は違う意見です。watashi wa chigau iken desu.I have a different opinion.
言いたいことはわかります。iitai koto wa wakarimasu.I see what you mean.Understanding someone's point does not necessarily mean agreeing with it.
お話しできてよかったです。ohanashi dekite yokatsu ta desu.It was nice talking to you.
とても楽しかったです。totemo tanoshikatsu ta desu.I had a lovely time.
これからも連絡を取り合いましょう。korekara mo renraku o toriaimashou.Let's keep in touch.
気をつけて帰ってください。ki o tsukete kaette kudasai.Have a safe trip home.

Making plans

明日は空いていますか asks about availability tomorrow. 土曜日は都合がいいですか checks whether Saturday is convenient. A proposed day is only part of a plan: use the surrounding expressions to agree a time and place, then check that you both mean the same arrangement.

Making plans. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
明日は空いていますか。ashita wa aite imasu ka.Are you free tomorrow?空いていますか asks about availability in your schedule.
一緒にコーヒーを飲みませんか。issho ni koohii o nomimasen ka.Would you like to have coffee?
ぜひお願いします。zehi onegai shimasu.I'd love to.
今晩は忙しいです。konban wa isogashii desu.I'm busy this evening.
また今度お願いします。mata kondo onegai shimasu.Maybe another time.
何時がいいですか。itsu ga ii desu ka.What time suits you?
土曜日は都合がいいですか。doyoubi wa tsugou ga ii desu ka.Does Saturday work for you?都合がいい asks whether a day or time is convenient.
七時に会いましょう。shichiji ni aimashou.Let's meet at seven.
どこで待ち合わせましょうか。doko de machiawasemashou ka.Where shall we meet?
駅の外で待ち合わせましょう。eki no soto de machiawasemashou.Let's meet outside the station.
場所を送ります。basho o okurimasu.I'll send you the location.
今向かっています。ima mukatte imasu.I'm on my way.今向かっています means you are heading towards the meeting place.
あと十分で着きます。ato juppun de tsukimasu.I'll be there in ten minutes.
少し遅れます。sukoshi okuremasu.I'm going to be a little late.
入り口のそばで待っています。irikuchi no soba de matte imasu.I'm waiting by the entrance.
どこにいるのかわかりません。doko ni iru no ka wakarimasen.I can't find you.
どんな服を着ていますか。donna fuku o kite imasu ka.What are you wearing?
もう少し遅い時間に会えますか。mousukoshi osoi jikan ni aemasu ka.Could we meet a little later?
急用ができました。kyuuyou ga dekimashita.Something has come up.
すみません、行けなくなりました。sumimasen, ikenakunarimashita.I'm sorry, I can't make it.行けなくなりました says that you can no longer attend as planned.
別の日にできますか。betsu no hi ni dekimasu ka.Could we make it another day?
何時に始まりますか。nan ji ni hajimarimasu ka.What time does it start?
何時に終わりますか。nan ji ni owarimasu ka.What time does it finish?
あとどのくらい時間がありますか。ato dono kurai jikan ga arimasu ka.How much time do we have?
急がなくて大丈夫です。isoganakute daijoubu desu.There's no hurry.
そろそろ出発したほうがいいですね。sorosoro shuppatsu shita hou ga ii desu ne.We should leave soon.
少し休みましょう。sukoshi yasumimashou.Let's take a break.
もう少しここにいたいです。mousukoshi koko ni itai desu.I'd like to stay a little longer.
もう行かなければなりません。mou ikanakereba narimasen.I need to leave now.
明日お知らせします。ashita oshirase shimasu.I'll let you know tomorrow.

Starting work

誰に報告すればいいですか asks who should receive your reports or updates. 配送を担当しています names deliveries as your responsibility. Replace the example responsibility only when you know the corresponding wording; these sentences are more useful when you can connect them to real people and tasks.

Starting work. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
今日が初出勤です。kyou ga hatsu shukkin desu.It's my first day.
新しく入りました。atarashiku hairimashita.I'm new here.
一緒に働くことになりました。issho ni hataraku koto ni narimashita.I'll be working with you.
誰に報告すればいいですか。dare ni houkoku sureba ii desu ka.Who should I report to?Ask who should receive your work reports or updates.
チームの皆さんを紹介してもらえますか。chiimu no minasan o shoukai shite moraemasu ka.Could you introduce me to the team?
ここでは何を担当していますか。koko de wa nani o tantou shite imasu ka.What is your role here?
配送を担当しています。haisou o tantou shite imasu.I'm in charge of deliveries.担当しています states your area of responsibility.
荷物はどこに置けばいいですか。nimotsu wa doko ni okeba ii desu ka.Where should I put my things?
どの机を使ってもいいですか。dono tsukue o tsukatte mo ii desu ka.Which desk can I use?
休憩室はどこですか。kyuukei shitsu wa doko desu ka.Where is the staff room?
制服はどこでもらえますか。seifuku wa doko de moraemasu ka.Where do I get my uniform?
安全靴を履く必要がありますか。anzen gutsu o haku hitsuyou ga arimasu ka.Do I need to wear safety shoes?
シフトは何時からですか。shifuto wa nan ji kara desu ka.What time does my shift start?
休憩はいつですか。kyuukei wa itsu desu ka.When is my break?
シフト表はどこで見られますか。shifuto hyou wa doko de miraremasu ka.Where can I see the shift schedule?
出勤の打刻はどうすればいいですか。shukkin no da koku wa dou sureba ii desu ka.How do I clock in?打刻 refers to recording when you start work, including electronic systems.
どうやってログインしますか。dou yatte roguin shimasu ka.How do I log in?
このシステムを使う権限が必要です。kono shisutemu o tsukau kengen ga hitsuyou desu.I need access to this system.
アカウントの設定は誰にお願いすればいいですか。akaunto no settei wa dare ni onegai sureba ii desu ka.Who can help me set up my account?
説明書はどこにありますか。setsumei sho wa doko ni arimasu ka.Where can I find the instructions?
これの使い方を教えてもらえますか。kore no tsukaikata o oshiete moraemasu ka.Could you show me how this works?
これは使ったことがありません。kore wa tsukatta koto ga arimasen.I haven't used this before.
仕事を始める前に研修はありますか。shigoto o hajimeru mae ni kenshuu wa arimasu ka.Is there any training before I start?
やってみるので見てもらえますか。yatte mirunode mite moraemasu ka.Could you watch while I try?
何か気をつけることはありますか。nani ka ki o tsukeru koto wa arimasu ka.Is there anything I should be careful about?
救急箱はどこですか。kyuukyuu bako wa doko desu ka.Where is the first-aid kit?
緊急のときは誰に連絡すればいいですか。kinkyuu no toki wa dare ni renraku sureba ii desu ka.Who do I call in an emergency?
メモを取ってもいいですか。memo o totte mo ii desu ka.May I take notes?
一緒に働けるのを楽しみにしています。issho ni hatarakeru no o tanoshimi ni shite imasu.I'm looking forward to working with you.
案内してくださってありがとうございます。annai shite kudasatte arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for showing me around.

Meetings

議事録を取ります offers to take the written record of a meeting. 一つ付け加えたいことがあります lets you introduce another point. Decide whether you need to ask, contribute or confirm something before choosing a line. The table includes different parts of a discussion, rather than a script to recite from beginning to end.

Meetings. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
始めてもいいですか。hajimete mo ii desu ka.Are we ready to start?
皆さん、聞こえますか。minasan, kikoemasu ka.Can everyone hear me?
声が聞こえません。koe ga kikoemasen.I can't hear you.
マイクがミュートになっています。maiku ga myuuto ni natte imasu.Your microphone is muted.
接続が不安定です。setsuzoku ga fuantei desu.The connection is unstable.
つなぎ直します。tsunagi naoshimasu.I'll reconnect.
画面を共有します。gamen o kyouyuu shimasu.I'll share my screen.
私の画面は見えますか。watashi no gamen wa miemasu ka.Can you see my screen?
文字を大きくしてもらえますか。moji o ookiku shite moraemasu ka.Could you make the text bigger?
前のスライドに戻ってもらえますか。mae no suraido ni modotte moraemasu ka.Could you go back to the previous slide?
今日の議題は何ですか。kyou no gidai wa nan desu ka.What is on the agenda today?
議事録を取ります。giji roku o torimasu.I'll take the minutes.議事録 is the written record of a meeting.
一つ付け加えたいことがあります。hitotsu tsukekuwaetai koto ga arimasu.I'd like to add something.Use to contribute another point in a discussion.
その点を説明してもらえますか。sono ten o setsumei shite moraemasu ka.Could you explain that point?
どう思いますか。dou omoimasu ka.What do you think?
その提案に賛成です。sono teian ni sansei desu.I agree with that proposal.
気になる点があります。ki ni naru ten ga arimasu.I have a concern.気になる点 identifies something you want to raise or query.
別の案も検討できますか。betsu no an mo kentou dekimasu ka.Could we consider another option?
その話は後にしてもいいですか。sono hanashi wa go ni shite mo ii desu ka.Could we come back to that later?
残り五分です。nokori gofun desu.We have five minutes left.
何が決まりましたか。nani ga kimarimashita ka.What have we decided?
これは誰が担当しますか。kore wa dare ga tantou shimasu ka.Who will take care of this?
次は何をすればいいですか。tsugi wa nani o sureba ii desu ka.What is the next step?
会議のメモを送ってもらえますか。kaigi no memo o okutte moraemasu ka.Could you send me the meeting notes?
次の会議の日程を決めましょう。tsugi no kaigi no nittei o kimemashou.Let's arrange another meeting.
カレンダーの招待を送ります。karendaa no shoutai o okurimasu.I'll send a calendar invitation.
会議を午後に変更できますか。kaigi o gogo ni henkou dekimasu ka.Could we move the meeting to the afternoon?
そろそろ通話を抜けなければなりません。sorosoro tsuuwa o nukenakereba narimasen.I need to leave the call now.
最後まで話させてください。saigo made hanasasete kudasai.Please let me finish.Use when interrupted; this asks to finish speaking, not to end the meeting.
お時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。o jikan o itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for your time.

Tasks

私が対応します says you will handle the matter. こちらのバージョンを使ってください directs someone to the version of a file or document you mean. Pair that sentence with the actual file or link. A useful instruction leaves the other person able to identify what you are referring to.

Tasks. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
最初に何をすればいいですか。saisho ni nani o sureba ii desu ka.What should I do first?
どの作業を優先すればいいですか。dono sagyou o yuusen sureba ii desu ka.Which task is the priority?
締め切りはいつですか。shimekiri wa itsu desu ka.When is the deadline?
いくつ必要ですか。ikutsu hitsuyou desu ka.How many do we need?
これはどこに届ければいいですか。kore wa doko ni todokereba ii desu ka.Where should I deliver these?
これはここに置けばいいですか。kore wa koko ni okeba ii desu ka.Should I put this here?
私が対応します。watashi ga taiou shimasu.I'll take care of it.対応します means you will handle the matter.
この作業は終わりました。kono sagyou wa owarimashita.I've finished this task.
次に何をすればいいですか。tsugini nani o sureba ii desu ka.What should I do next?
まだ作業中です。mada sagyou chuu desu.I'm still working on it.
もう少し情報が必要です。mousukoshi jouhou ga hitsuyou desu.I need more information.
詳細を送ってもらえますか。shousai o okutte moraemasu ka.Could you send me the details?
私の作業を確認してもらえますか。watashi no sagyou o kakunin shite moraemasu ka.Could you check my work?
数量を確認してください。suuryou o kakunin shite kudasai.Please check the quantity.
先に測る必要があります。saki ni hakaru hitsuyou ga arimasu.We need to measure it first.
どの大きさにすればいいですか。dono ooki sa ni sureba ii desu ka.What size should it be?
道具はどこにありますか。dougu wa doko ni arimasu ka.Where are the tools?
少しこれを持っていてもらえますか。sukoshi kore o motte ite moraemasu ka.Could you hold this for a moment?
これは重すぎて一人では持ち上げられません。kore wa omosugite hitori de wa mochiageraremasen.This is too heavy for me to lift alone.
一緒に運びましょう。issho ni hakobimashou.Let's carry it together.
使う前にこれをきれいにする必要があります。tsukau mae ni kore o kirei ni suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.We need to clean this before using it.
二回確認しました。nikai kakunin shimashita.I've checked it twice.
最新版を送ってもらえますか。saishin ban o okutte moraemasu ka.Could you send me the latest version?
どのファイルを使えばいいですか。dono fairu o tsukaeba ii desu ka.Which file should I use?
共有フォルダに保存しました。kyouyuu foruda ni hozon shimashita.I've saved it in the shared folder.
こちらのバージョンを使ってください。kochira no baajon o tsukatte kudasai.Please use this version.バージョン identifies the version of the file or document you want the other person to use.
これはもう送ってありますか。kore wa mou okutte arimasu ka.Has this already been sent?
確認が取れるまで待ってください。kakunin ga toreru made matte kudasai.Please wait for confirmation.
今日の午後に進み具合をお伝えします。kyou no gogo ni susumi guai o otsutae shimasu.I'll give you an update this afternoon.
残りは明日できます。nokori wa ashita dekimasu.We can do the rest tomorrow.

Work problems

この件をもう一度確認してもらえますか asks someone to check again on an unresolved matter. State which matter you mean before relying on この件. Choose the phrases that describe the problem you have, then use the deadline and help requests to explain what you need next.

Work problems. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
問題があります。mondai ga arimasu.There is a problem.
これを手伝ってもらいたいです。kore o tetsudatte moraitai desu.I need your help with this.
パスワードが使えません。pasuwaado ga tsukaemasen.My password doesn't work.
このファイルを開けません。kono fairu o akemasen.I can't open this file.
プリンターが動きません。purintaa ga ugokimasen.The printer isn't working.
機械が止まりました。kikai ga tomarimashita.The machine has stopped.
何か変な音がしています。nani ka hen na oto ga shite imasu.Something is making a strange noise.
電源を切ってください。dengen o kitte kudasai.Please turn it off.
まだ電源を入れないでください。mada dengen o irenaide kudasai.Don't switch it on yet.
いったん作業を止める必要があります。ittan sagyou o tomeru hitsuyou ga arimasu.We need to stop work for now.
安全に使える状態ではありません。anzen ni tsukaeru joutai de wa arimasen.It's not safe to use.
これは誰が修理できますか。kore wa dare ga shuuri dekimasu ka.Who can repair this?
備品がなくなりました。bihin ga nakunarimashita.We have run out of supplies.
納品がまだ来ていません。nouhin ga mada kite imasen.The delivery hasn't arrived yet.
数量が合いません。suuryou ga aimasen.The quantities don't match.
この商品は破損しています。kono shouhin wa hason shite imasu.This item is damaged.
書類に間違いを見つけました。shorui ni machigai o mitsukemashita.I found an error in the document.
間違った相手に送ってしまいました。machigatta aite ni okutte shimaimashita.I sent it to the wrong person.
今修正します。ima shuusei shimasu.I'll correct it now.
何が起きたか確認してもらえますか。nani ga okita ka kakunin shite moraemasu ka.Could you check what happened?
調べてお知らせします。shirabete oshirase shimasu.I'll find out and let you know.
今日中には終わりません。kyou juu ni wa owarimasen.I won't finish it today.
締め切りを延ばせますか。shimekiri o nobasemasu ka.Could we extend the deadline?
明日の午後までには終わらせられます。ashita no gogo made ni wa owaraseraremasu.I can finish it by tomorrow afternoon.
これは急ぎです。kore wa isogi desu.This is urgent.
これは明日でも大丈夫です。kore wa ashita demo daijoubu desu.This can wait until tomorrow.
別の方法を試しましょう。betsu no houhou o tameshimashou.Let's try a different method.
まだ返事が来ていません。mada henji ga kite imasen.I haven't received a reply yet.
この件をもう一度確認してもらえますか。kono ken o mouichido kakunin shite moraemasu ka.Could you follow up on this?This asks someone to check again on an unresolved matter.
問題は解決しました。mondai wa kaiketsu shimashita.The problem has been fixed.

Work admin

この控除について説明してもらえますか asks about a deduction from pay. It does not assume the deduction is wrong. 交通費はどうやって精算すればいいですか asks how to claim work-related travel costs. The answer depends on the workplace; the phrase itself promises neither reimbursement nor a particular procedure.

Work admin. Japanese phrases with the English meaning and a note.
JapaneseEnglishNote
契約書のコピーをもらいたいです。keiyaku sho no kopii o moraitai desu.I'd like a copy of my contract.
契約書のこの部分を説明してもらえますか。keiyaku sho no kono bubun o setsumei shite moraemasu ka.Could you explain this part of the contract?
給料はいつ支払われますか。kyuuryou wa itsu shiharawaremasu ka.When will I be paid?
給料がまだ振り込まれていません。kyuuryou ga mada furikomarete imasen.My pay hasn't arrived.
この控除について説明してもらえますか。kono koujo nitsuite setsumei shite moraemasu ka.Could you explain this deduction?控除 is money taken off the gross amount on a payslip.
交通費はどうやって精算すればいいですか。koutsuu hi wa dou yatte seisan sureba ii desu ka.How do I claim my travel expenses?精算する means settling or claiming back work-related costs here.
領収書の原本が必要ですか。ryoushuu sho no genpon ga hitsuyou desu ka.Do you need the original receipt?
休暇の申請はどうすればいいですか。kyuuka no shinsei wa dou sureba ii desu ka.How do I request time off?
金曜日に休みを取りたいです。kinyoubi ni yasumi o toritai desu.I'd like to take Friday off.
体調が悪いので今日は出勤できません。taichou ga warui node kyou wa shukkin dekimasen.I'm unwell and can't come in today.
診断書は必要ですか。shindan sho wa hitsuyou desu ka.Do I need a doctor's note?診断書 is medical documentation. Required evidence depends on the workplace and situation.
シフトを変えてもらえますか。shifuto o kaete moraemasu ka.Could I change my shift?
シフトを交代できますか。shifuto o koutai dekimasu ka.Can we swap shifts?Ask a colleague about exchanging assigned shifts; any required manager approval is separate.
明日は在宅勤務にしてもいいですか。ashita wa zaitaku kinmu ni shite mo ii desu ka.Can I work from home tomorrow?
これは誰の承認が必要ですか。kore wa dare no shounin ga hitsuyou desu ka.Who needs to approve this?
申請書はどこに提出すればいいですか。shinsei sho wa doko ni teishutsu sureba ii desu ka.Where do I submit the form?
それを書面にしてもらえますか。sore o shomen ni shite moraemasu ka.Could you put that in writing?書面にする asks for a written record rather than only a spoken agreement.
この件は個別に相談したいです。kono ken wa kobetsu ni soudan shitai desu.I would like to discuss this privately.
このことは内密にしてください。kono koto wa naimitsu ni shite kudasai.Please keep this confidential.内密に asks the other person not to share the information.
この件は誰に連絡すればいいですか。kono ken wa dare ni renraku sureba ii desu ka.Who should I contact about this?

Make a small selection your own

Pick a few sentences you expect to use, say them aloud and change an example name or time where appropriate. Come back later and try to recall them from their English meanings. Add the vocabulary your own work or trip requires. Being able to say a memorised sentence is a starting point; understanding a reply takes further listening and conversation.

Common questions

Are these Japanese phrases for beginners?

The list includes short greetings and everyday requests alongside longer workplace sentences. Begin with the sections you need and read the usage notes. It is a phrase collection, not a complete beginner course.

Why are there notes beside some translations?

A short translation may leave out the setting or level of politeness. For example, 二人です gives your party size at a restaurant, while 二泊 counts nights at accommodation.

Does the English collection contain these same sentences in reverse?

No. The English-learning collection uses our shared English 500 list, with Japanese translations and notes. It is selected for learning English, rather than produced by reversing this Japanese list.