#8 Japanese phrases for Restaurant

Good morning! Are you planning a trip to Japan? If so, I highly recommend visiting a local Japanese restaurant to experience authentic traditional cuisine. It’s completely different from Japanese restaurants abroad! Once you try real Japanese food, you’re sure to be amazed.

Here are 10 useful Japanese phrases you can use at a restaurant. Let’s learn them together!

“Sumimasen” (すみません)

When you want to call a server, you can say “Sumimasen.” It means “excuse me.” In some countries, it’s considered impolite to call servers loudly, but in Japan, it’s a common practice. If you simply make eye contact, they might not notice you, so it’s polite to say this phrase while raising your hand to get their attention.

“Chumon wo onegaishimasu” (注文をお願いします)

When you want to order, you can say “Chumon wo onegaishimasu.” It means “May I take your order, please?” “Chumon” means “order,” and “onegaishimasu” means “please.” The phrase “onegaishimasu” is especially useful, so it’s a good one to remember!

“Kore wo onegaishimasu” (これをお願いします)

When you place an order, it’s easier to say “Kore wo onegaishimasu” than to mention the name of the dish. It means “This, please.” You can also point at the item while saying this to make your order clear and simple for the server.

“Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？)

It means “What do you recommend?” When you’re unsure of what to order, use this phrase to ask for their suggestions!

“Kore wa nan desu ka?” (これは何ですか？)

It means “What is it?” If you’ve never been to Japan, you’ll come across many new dishes. You can use this phrase to ask about them!

“Mizu wo onegaishimasu” (水をお願いします)

It means “Water, please.” In Japan, water is usually free, and servers bring it to your table when you are seated. If you finish your water and need a refill, you can ask for more by saying “Mizu wo onegaishimasu.”

“Itadakimasu” (いただきます)

Before starting your meal, you can say “Itadakimasu.” This phrase is a way to express gratitude for the food, as well as appreciation for the people who prepared it and the ingredients themselves. It’s an important part of Japanese dining culture, showing respect and mindfulness before enjoying a meal.

“Gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした）

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After finishing your meal, you can say “Gochisousama deshita.” which means “Thank you for the meal.” This phrase expresses appreciation not only for the food but also for the hospitality of the host or restaurant staff, acknowledging the effort that went into preparing and serving the meal.

“Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計をお願いします）

When you’re ready to pay, you can say “Okaikei wo onegaishimasu.” In Japan, it’s common to pay at the register rather than at the table. After finishing your meal, simply head to the register and use this phrase to request the bill.

“Betsubetsu ni dekimasuka? (別々にできますか？)

It means “Can we split the bill?” This phrase is helpful when you’re dining with a group and would like each person to pay for their own share.

In conclusion, be sure to try using these phrases next time you visit a restaurant in Japan! They’ll help you communicate smoothly and enjoy the experience even more.