- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good afternoon
- Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you
- Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / I’m sorry (Also used to get attention, e.g., from a waiter)
- Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) – Sorry (Apologizing)
- Hai (はい) – Yes
- Iie (いいえ) – No
- Daijoubu (大丈夫)* - "it's okay," "I'm fine," or "no problem."
- Kore o kudasai (これをください) – I would like this, please.
- Omizu o kudasai (お水をください) – Water, please.
- Gochisosama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – Expression of gratitude after eating
- Okaikei onegai shimasu (お会計お願いします) – Check, please!
- Genkin de (現金で) – I’ll pay with cash.
- Kaado de (カードで) – I’ll pay with a card.
- Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (英語が話せますか?) – Can you speak English?
- Wakarimasen (わかりません) – I don’t understand.
*If you're asked if you want something, such as a bag, at the convenience store and don't need one, it's better to say "daijoubu" rather than "iie" as it's more polite.