The 100 most useful Japanese words for your trip

For daytime. Shop staff usually greet you first; this is your reply.

Add a small nod. Arigatō on its own is the casual version.

Point at the menu, then say it. That is a whole order.

The most useful word in Japan: call a waiter, squeeze past, apologise.

Also means "I am listening", so you will hear it constantly.

Put the place first: toire wa doko desu ka? means "where is the toilet?"

This is what the sign on the door says.

For a real allergy, carry a written card checked by a native speaker. Do not rely on a phrase you said once.

Often dropped entirely; Japanese leaves "I" out when it is obvious.

Rarely used to someone's face. Use their name plus -san instead.