Picture this: you’re wandering through a neon-lit Tokyo market, baskets piled high with cute souvenirs. You spot a sleek gadget but aren’t sure how to ask its price. That’s where useful Japanese shopping phrases come in. In this ultimate guide, you’ll get everything from getting attention to completing payment, so your next purchase feels smooth and fun.
Prepare for shopping
Get attention politely
- Sumimasen （すみません）– Excuse me
Use this to catch a staff member’s eye or to politely interrupt. It’s your go-to phrase the moment you step into a shop.
Respond to welcome
- Irasshaimase （いらっしゃいませ）– Welcome
Staff say this to greet you. A simple nod or smile is all you need. For more ways to say hello, see Japanese greeting phrases.
Browse and inquire items
Ask what something is
- Kore wa nandesu ka? （これは何ですか？）– What is this?
Point at any unknown item and use this phrase to learn more.
Check for availability
Use “○○ wa arimasu ka?” to see if a product is in stock. Replace the blanks with your item.
- Kono hen ni hyakuen shoppu ga arimasu ka?
(この辺に百円ショップがありますか？) – Is there a 100-yen shop around here? MATCHA - Aka no fuku wa arimasu ka?
(赤の服はありますか？) – Do you have this in red? Swap “aka” with shiro (white), kuro (black), and so on.
Ask about product features
| Feature | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | ○○ wa arimasu ka? | Do you have this in ○○? |
| Sizes | Ōkii saizu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a bigger size? |
| Material | Kono shinamono wa nani de dekite imasu ka? | What is this made of? |
| Taste (food) | Oishii desu ka? | Is it tasty? |
Ask for price
Use the basic price phrase
- Ikura desu ka? （いくらですか？）– How much is it? JapanesePod101
This works in department stores, markets, and convenience stores.
Add extra politeness
- Oikura desu ka? （おいくらですか？）– May I ask how much this is? Japanese Stack Exchange
Clarify tax inclusion
- Kore wa zeikomi desu ka? （これは税込みですか？）– Is tax included in this price?
Try things on politely
Ask to try clothing
- Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka? （試着してもいいですか？）– Can I try this on? MATCHA
Confirm return policy
- Kōshin-seihin wa henpin dekimasu ka?
(セール品は返品できますか？) – Can I return items on sale?
Sale items are often final sale in Japan, so it’s smart to check first.
Complete your purchase
Indicate your choice
- Kore o kudasai （これをください）– I’ll take this
Use this to let the cashier know you’re ready to buy.
Choose payment method
- Kādo de onegai shimasu （カードでお願いします）– I’d like to pay by card
- Okane de ii desu ka? （お金でいいですか？）– Is cash okay?
Some smaller shops accept only cash, so it’s polite to ask. Learn more in japanese money phrases.
Ask for a bag or receipt
- Fukuro onegai shimasu （袋お願いします）– Could I have a bag?
- Ryōshūsho onegai shimasu （領収書お願いします）– Could I have a receipt?
Polish your politeness
Express gratitude
- Arigatō gozaimashita （ありがとうございました）– Thank you very much
Saying this as you leave shows real appreciation.
Respect local etiquette
Staff often place bills or cards on a small tray instead of accepting them by hand. Follow their lead to show respect Here There & Gone. Tipping isn’t customary and can actually cause confusion (Japan Living Guide). For insight into honorifics and politeness, see Japanese politeness levels.
Collect loyalty points
You might hear “Pointo kādo wa omochi desu ka?” (ポイントカードはお持ちですか？) – Do you have a point card? Carry yours or simply say “Motte imasen” (I don’t have one).
Practice pronunciation tips
Keep vowels clear
Japanese vowels (a, i, u, e, o) stay pure.
- Say “kore” (ko-reh), not “kuh-ray.”
Mind the doubled consonants
A small っ (tsu) doubles the next sound.
- shichaku (しっちゃく) – hold the “ch” longer than a single consonant.
Dig deeper resources
Sharpen your skills with our Japanese pronunciation guide and review characters in katakana hiragana basics.
Frequently asked questions
-
How do I ask for a different color?
Swap the color in “○○ wa arimasu ka?” like “Midori wa arimasu ka?” (Do you have green?). -
Can I bargain in Japanese stores?
Prices are generally fixed. Haggling is uncommon and can be seen as rude (Japan Living Guide). -
What if I don’t need a bag?
Simply say “Fukuro wa kekkō desu” (袋は結構です) – I don’t need a bag. -
How do I know if a price includes tax?
Use “Kore wa zeikomi desu ka?” (これは税込みですか？). -
Where can I find more Tokyo travel phrases?
Check out our basic japanese phrases tokyo travel guide.
Key takeaways
- Start with “sumimasen” to get help, then smile at “irasshaimase.”
- Use “○○ wa arimasu ka?” to check colors, sizes, and nearby shops.
- Ask “ikura desu ka?” to learn price, then confirm payment with “kādo de onegai shimasu.”
- Follow local etiquette: use money trays, skip tipping, and say “arigatō gozaimashita.”
- Practice clear vowels and doubled consonants for confident conversation.
With these handy Japanese shopping phrases, you’ll breeze through your next Tokyo spree. Which phrase will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!
