Make Shopping Fun with These Japanese Phrases You Need

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!