Knowing a few essential phrases goes a long way when visiting a foreign country.

It shows that you are trying to understand what's going on, rather than expecting everyone to understand you.

Locals are more forthcoming and eager to help, if they see you making an effort to communicate.

As with most metropolitan cities, English is generally understood in Tokyo, but as you travel outside into smaller towns and villages, where the means of communication is only Japanese, it will help if you know some essential phrases.

1. Everyone should know basic greetings, and yes and no:

Konichiwa: Hello

Sayohnara: Goodbye (Konbanwa: Good evening)

Hai: Yes

Iie: No

Hajimemashite: How do you do?

O genki desu ka?: How are you?

2. Dozo arigatou gozaimasu: Thank you, very much.

3. Sumimasen, michi ni mayoi mashita. Watashi wa Nihongo ga hanasemasen: Excuse me I am lost. I do not speak Japanese.

4. Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?: Do you speak English?

Tokyo e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai: Please show me how to get to Tokyo.

5. Otearai (toire) wa doko desu ka: Where is the bathroom?

6. Eki wa doko desu ka?: Where is the train station?

7. Taxi drivers might not know of all the places in the city, so you may need to guide them back to your hotel.

A few essential directional phrases are beneficial:

Hidari: Left

Migi: Right

Massugu: Keep going straight.

8. Byoki desu, isha o yonde kudasai: I am sick, please call a doctor.

9. Kore-wa ikura desu-ka: How much is this?

10. Iie, wakarimasen: I don't understand.

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