35+ Japanese Shopping Vocabulary & Phrases

Whether you're a tourist, student, or expat living in Japan, shopping is a daily necessity. However, without knowing key Japanese shopping vocabulary, even buying a bottle of water or asking for the right size can become a challenge. This guide will walk you through essential words and phrases to help you shop smarter and communicate more effectively in Japanese stores.

General Japanese Vocabulary for Shopping

These basic shopping terms will help you navigate any type of store in Japan:

📍 Tip: Many small stores in Japan still prefer cash. Always carry some yen with you!

Essential Shopping Phrases: Questions & Common Responses

Memorize these common phrases that you’ll often use or hear in Japanese shops. Each one includes both the customer’s question and the likely shopkeeper’s reply, with English translations for both.

1. これをください。
   “Kore o kudasai.” – I’ll take this, please.
   → 店員: かしこまりました。 (Kashikomarimashita.) – Certainly.

2. いくらですか？
   “Ikura desu ka?” – How much is it?
   → 店員: ○○円です。 (___ en desu.) – It’s ___ yen.

3. 他のサイズはありますか？
   “Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka?” – Do you have another size?
   → 店員: 少々お待ちください。お調べします。
   (Shōshō omachi kudasai. Oshirabe shimasu.) – Just a moment, I’ll check.

4. 試着してもいいですか？
   “Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?” – May I try this on?
   → 店員: はい、こちらへどうぞ。
   (Hai, kochira e dōzo.) – Yes, this way please.

5. 他の色はありますか？
   “Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?” – Do you have this in another color?
   → 店員: こちらが他の色になります。
   (Kochira ga hoka no iro ni narimasu.) – These are the other colors available.

6. カードは使えますか？
   “Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?” – Can I use a credit card?
   → 店員: はい、使えます。 (Hai, tsukaemasu.) – Yes, you can.
   → hoặc: 申し訳ありません、現金のみです。
   (Mōshiwake arimasen, genkin nomi desu.) – Sorry, cash only.

7. レシートをください。
   “Reshīto o kudasai.” – Please give me a receipt.
   → 店員: どうぞ。 (Dōzo.) – Here you are.

8. もっと安いのはありますか？
   “Motto yasui no wa arimasu ka?” – Do you have something cheaper?
   → 店員: こちらがセール品です。
   (Kochira ga sēru-hin desu.) – These are on sale.

9. ギフト用に包んでもらえますか？
   “Gifuto-yō ni tsutsunde moraemasu ka?” – Can you wrap this as a gift?
   → 店員: はい、無料でお包みいたします。
   (Hai, muryō de o-tsutsumi itashimasu.) – Yes, we offer free gift wrapping.

10. 返品できますか？
    “Henpin dekimasu ka?” – Can I return this?
    → 店員: レシートがあれば可能です。
    (Reshīto ga areba kanō desu.) – It’s possible with a receipt.

Japanese Grocery Store Vocabulary

Shopping for food? Here’s a list of useful words when visiting a Japanese supermarket:

🔗 Learn more about Japanese food terms at this post.

Convenience Store (Konbini) Vocabulary

Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are packed with useful items. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

 

Fashion & Clothing Store Vocabulary

Here are the most helpful words when shopping for clothes in Japan:

Bonus: Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists—ask for “免税 (Menzei)”!

Tips for Shopping in Japan

• Tax-Free Shopping: Show your passport for tax exemption at qualifying stores.

• Bring Your Own Bag: Many places charge for plastic bags.
   
• Politeness Wins: Even if you don’t speak Japanese well, a smile and “Arigatou” go a long way.
   
• Check for Coupons: Apps like Rakuten or store flyers often have deals.
   
• Watch for “セール” signs: These indicate items on sale!

Did this guide help you feel more prepared for shopping in Japan?
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💬 Drop a comment if you’d like us to create more vocabulary lists for other situations like restaurants, hospitals, or transportation!