10 MORE Japanese phrases to know before travelling Japan

This time, we're diving in a bit further, for those who are planning to travel Japan a little longer than a week or for people that already knew all the phrases last week. Never catch the wrong train or seat again!
I have to apologise! I made two small typos in the video:
1. Not "youyaku" but "yoyaku"
2. Not "Noriba" but "noriban"
They're only small errors and Japanese people will still understand you but yes, technically the above words are correct!
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[@faylehmann]

Hi Hannah, I came back from 2 weeks in Japan this morning. Just wanted to say that I used all the Japanese phrases on your list of top 20! On my last day, I used my credit card, just so I could use the final phrase you had given, before I left! The shop assistants were laughingly impressed and got what I was saying very quickly. I used the Shinkansen and was able to ask for an unreserved seat (and get one). I loved being able to put into practice all that you offered and seemed go be understood quickly whenever I asked something. Offering heaps of appreciation for your lessons!

[@akiogoto9469]

Hi, Hannah. Love your vid. By the way, about the question #8, the correct Japanese expression to ask the number of the platform where the traveler’s train arrives is “Nanban Noriba desu ka?（何番乗り場ですか？)”. Not “Noriban”. Probably most of Japanese can understand what you try to say and this is a very tiny mistake. But knowing the right word will make communication more smooth and travel more fruitful. So I wrote this. Anyway I like your very professional and informative vid and am looking forward to seeing you in another one. Thank you.❤️

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh woops! That’s a little typo on my behalf! Sorry about that. It’s definitely “Noriban”

[@akiogoto9469]

CurrentlyHannah Thank you for quick reply, Hannah. But what I wanted to say is the correct word is “Noriba”. The Japanese word “noru” is the verb which means “get on (something)” and “ba (場)” means “place”. The combined word “Noriba” means “the place where you can get on the train (or bus, taxi, or other public transportation system)”. On the other hand the word “ban (番)” means “number”, so the word “Noriban” could be assumed to indicate “the number (of the platform) where you can get on the train”. But actually such a word isn’t written on any Japanese dictionary. So the right word is “Noriba”, not “Noriban”, although “Noriban” sounds very humorous, especially when the word comes out of the mouth of an intelligent person like you. Maybe “Noriban” could be a kind of regional slang among young generation. People live in Osaka are very fond of jokes and playing on word. Maybe “Noriban” was brought to your ear through one of those “Kansaijins”. Anyway as I have already mentioned this is just a minor flaw which makes your travel vlog only more interesting, funnier, more intriguing, more lovable, only better. So please don’t be offended. I keep watching your vid. See you and take care. ❤️

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oooooooooo well that's very interesting! I learnt nearly all of my Japanese from Kansai so maybe that's the case, OR I've just misheard it all my life and I've been saying the wrong thing. Thanks for your correction though! I never would've known!

[@Couch-Tomato]

CurrentlyHannah I think you might have been played prank on by Kansai friends ha ha

[@Nynke_K]

Oh hey, noriba! That one I recognise from bus stops! So train platforms get the same word. Good to know!

[@TheBlueDrums]

I’m native Japanese. Few correction for leaners *yoyaku arimasu ->yoyaku shitemasu * nanban noriban desuka? ->nanban noriba desuka? *jiuuseki->jiyuseki But thanks so much for great video!! Your videos are very helpful to teach Japanese. I really appreciate you :)

[@waihwangtan1662]

Does yoyaku shitemasu mean ‘I want to make a reservation?’

[@puddles5280]

@@waihwangtan1662 はい (Yes) Hai

[@WatchJapan]

It's learners not leaners, btw...

[@hurmaes]

Does yoyaku shitemasu mean "I want to make a reservation" or "I have a reservation"?

[@stilesy00]

Once again Hannah another fantastic video, keep them coming!

[@chiaxys]

Looking forward to part 3!

[@ThisMusicIsToogood]

Congrats on 500K!

[@summercairns8589]

Love these videos!!! My partner and I will be travelling to japan next year and your videos are so helpful! Thank you!! ☺️💕

[@Davesmi78]

Travelling to Japan soon and have made a notebook with your phrases, Great video Hannah!

[@ayazayy]

I did the same!

[@vanessaahcolt4182]

AMAZINGLY HELPFUL! Thank you for doing what you do! Definitely learnt so much from these two vids

[@paros320]

This one and the first video are so useful. Thanks for making these.

[@tekjim]

Your lessons are great and easy to follow!

[@jakecolbran4853]

Mate these videos are great! I’m from Australia and heading to japan in a couple months with my brother so these phrases will come in super handy. All your other videos are great too, they save me from many hours of boredom while I’m tractor driving.

[@beachchika88]

Thanks for the video! I am coming to Japan in December! I am visiting for several weeks and am scouring your videos!

[@catherinequynh9457]

This is so helpful! I'm travelling to Japan with my school next year and these phrases ought to come in handy :D Much love from Sydney xx

[@jenaturk7909]

Are you the cutest youtuber or what?? 😩🌷 I really was nervous about my trip to Japan next month and how to communicate with ppl there, but I got excited and you made it so simple thanks

[@alextruong2309]

i used some of those sentences with my Japanese collegue at work and they were freaked out. Really like this episode.Wish you could do another one!

[@BjornPennenburg]

Thank you! Great video. Very helpful

[@andreastalder5216]

Thank you! I have these and the other 10 posted at my desk for practice!

[@ww3k]

Thank you for making these videos! I just came back from Japan last week and used many the phrases from your first video. It was really helpful and I could tell the locals appreciated the effort. Thank you!

[@pamelasmith4671]

Thank you Hannah, These are great. Arigato gosaimasu. Please do more ( fromUKI, Australia)

[@mikebailey9543]

Arigato gozaimas Hannah for your informative video! You have a very pleasant and soothing voice. I like how you left your on-screen phrases on longer. Thank you for teaching the helpful phrases. Sutekina tsuitachi o! Thumbs up!

[@ba8yluvs]

Hi Hannah! Traveling to Japan this Saturday from California. Your videos have been very helpful! Especially when you spell the phrases out I'll be practicing these phrases on the plane ride over there. Thank you! =]

[@user-dh8sk5fd5t]

Your Japanese is pretty good!! To be honest you really understand Japanese!! I was so surprised at you XD I'm always enjoying your amazing videos

[@ShawnStengel]

Going to Japan next week. Found your videos clear and very helpful. Can’t wait to put some of it into action! Arigato gozaimas!

[@domportera]

Thanks so much for these videos!

[@melroylopez4030]

Superb explanation, please do some more, very articulate and interesting!!

[@Nynke_K]

These are great, thanks!

[@Mitsuru243]

Jiuuseki is very important word when riding the shinkansen. I like your video so much!

[@dominicthedominator2796]

Hi Hannah. I'm going to visit Japan for a few weeks later this year. This video will be very helpful!

[@synergistics1]

Hannah!!! Thank you for this!!! I'm heading out in a few weeks, and this is going to be sooo clutch! I'm literally making flashcards for these 20 phrases!

[@moeyali123]

How was it?

[@edwardjski]

The thing that really sets your Japanese word/phrase videos apart and makes them more useful is the display of the word/phrase in English. It really helps the English speaker understand what is being said. Also, being able to visualize the word really helps with memorization. I'm visiting Osaka and Tokyo with the band Greta Van Fleet. Our first night in Osaka, several of us went out to eat (prior to watching this second video). At the end of our meal, we thought we had asked for the bill and even thought we had effectively communicated 'one bill' (rather than split it up). A few minutes later, a single beer was delivered. lol.

[@jihingday1169]

We need more videos like this.

[@kristycousins2706]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@tracymiller4306]

I’ve learned more in your Top 20 than over 200 days with an online program. Thanks for making them so easy to understand. I’ll try to be brave and use them all.

[@williamrichards9681]

It's so practical, thank you 🙂

[@chaitealover]

So timely! I'm leaving for Japan this Thursday ❤️😍🇯🇵

[@Ahguang85]

same here. I'm leaving tomorrow night! enjoy stranger =)

[@chaitealover]

HK Wong have a safe trip!

[@Gantorin]

I am visiting in June, and I just saw you on Tokyo Lens. This was super helpful since I am still learning things like pillow (まくら) and other things that are new to me, but may not be used widely. Reservations for trains, hotel, and train gates will come in handy. Thank you!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Hey! Welcome! I'm so glad this has been useful! It's always nice to learn things that you know you're gonna need!

[@daniellafinn]

super helpful, I'm flying out tomorrow, so excited, wish you had more, would love to know a few more words, like window, view, etc.

[@SunfireGTX25]

I've been learning Japanese for a little over a year now and I actually didn't know most of the ones you mentioned here :) ありがとうございます。

[@helendowney4950]

I concur with others who have said a numbers video. Numbers/time/money for sure. Very helpful videos.

[@D3mager]

Now this I call something very useful for travelers, who are visiting Japan. You're an awesome friendly well behaved young talented woman. Keep it going girl! ;) The same goes for Yosshi. Hopefully we'll see you two now a bit more often in your videos. By the way Hannah might I ask you which background sound did you use for this video. I scrolled in your playlist for more than 45minutes and couldn't find it. This particular soundtrack is so chill in combo with you or Yosshi and you. (I apologize in advance for my very poor english. Also I am sorry for, if I spelled Yosshi's name wrong.) Greetings from Switzerland

[@golu600]

Thank you very much :) for the video and i hope it will help me when i visit Japan next month

[@Lavoner-rs2fj]

So useful thanks so much

[@DarkAngel-nc9yp]

Great simplified videos. Arigatou gozaimas.

[@nanavillamisaa4072]

Thank you for taking the time to help us learn nihongo

[@duchong9677]

Hi Hannah, thank you for a quick lesson on Japanese language. I’m looking forward to my trip next month.

[@stvsueoka1]

hahaha, you're right! I absolutely consider myself a charades expert now... "ii deska" is a GREAT one btw! arigato gozaimasu Hannah :)

[@tansimayesha6644]

I am going to japan soon for the first time. Thank you very much for your vedio...it really really helped me to learn the things I wanted to learn. Arigatou gozaimasu

[@TokyoLens]

I 100% second this 😉

[@post1mark]

Thank you for these...lessons! I write these down and then re-write them phonetically. My wife does not pick up languages well. She watched your first video and said she could do this. Thank you.

[@pear1333]

Very helpful to me.. thank you very much ☺️👍

[@zhongshenming8578]

oh dear this vid is what I expected for😍😍😍

[@glennaa11]

It's nice to finally know what "ii deska" means after all of those CNBLUE concerts I've watched over the years

[@yvonnechew4572]

Feel very motivated to learn Japanese after watching your videos. Sweet voice, clear pronounciation & cute expression. Pls make more videos

[@wehanvanzyl621]

Yes, super helpful, and waaaay better than those god-awful CDs of generic phrases I listen to in the car! Now all we need is a ‘Numbers Round’! Thanks a million for these and your time put into them!

[@diamondzamora]

Loved this video! I wrote down all the phrases and will practice for my trap to Tokyo in October this year! How did you learn the language?

[@Camilla718]

Hello, Hannah! ^_^ Thank you so much!! The phrases in your video are incredibly helpful!! Haven't heard many of them :D I'm studying Japanese language and really would appreciate anything related to this awesome and beautiful language!! :) Also I love your videos about some places in Japan!! It always interesting to see the country from different perspective!! :)

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I'm so glad they've been helpful to you! Thanks for watching :)

[@TheTishbite]

Ha! Just found these. I've been a subscriber a while and >currently< following you around America (No No Through your videos, not literally) . Anyway, I have learned more in these two videos than several of the so-called "Learn Japanese" channels. Thanks, wish there were more. You and Yoshi (sp?) be safe. Travel Blessings.

[@EmiriChan94]

I studied Japanese for over 3 years and still watch this video just because it's so pleasant~

[@thaliadelpilar5442]

Hey girl I am looking all over your page to see If i can find a video about how you learned Japanese, if there are certain books you can recommend or apps! Id love to know, I really appreciate your channel, I am planning to visit japan during Momiji in oct/ nov! Super excited and am doing my best to learn the language! Any who thank you for all the videos and content you do, you inspire me to start my solo journey too!

[@ginapino2857]

This is so helpful in my future travel... hopefully next year...😢

[@hniro1]

I appreciate your videos. Have a nice day.

[@ashikazu5140]

I'm japanese. your pronanciation is prety good!!

[@michaelsims6278]

Very helpful! Arigatou gozaimas!

[@Lireoec]

I am having a wonderful morning. Thanks for these helpful phrases.

[@LEWIS1992]

You should link this to the first part to find easier, it took a lot of hunting through your channel to find this!

[@PatKan1794]

this is much more better :) didn´t have to do 2 videos, though

[@LUISFERNANDEZ-bk2qn]

I like it, thanks

[@jacifafernandes1418]

Hey Hannah , thank you . Your vedios are very informative and helpful. I'd like to hear your experience as a student in Japan. And how different living is in Japan . Cause I wanna do my masters in Japan. So I wanna have more idea about whats it like.

[@korosuke1788]

Love how you say calculatah.

[@chinaiscoming1017]

助かります!

[@CHAOTICREATIONS]

Please, Please, Please MORE phrases PLEASE..I am going to Tokyo in August and am learning from you as we speak (dallas texas here)

[@Mt-wb3gg]

Me encantan tus videos.

[@Bippy55]

GREAT so helpful video! Other phrases I'd like to be sure of: • "Where is the toilet?" • "What time is it?" • "I have been to Japan __ times!" • "I am a little tired." • Today • Tomorrow • Yesterday • Two or three years ago. • "It is sooo good to see you!"

[@desireev.2227]

Dave Boyer sumimasen, toire wa doko desuka? (su-me-ma-sen, to-ire wa do-ko de-su-ka?)- pardon, where is the toilet located? un chotto tsukareta- i am a little tired kyo (ki-yo) -today ashita (ash-ta)- tomorrow kino (kee-no)- yesterday hiisashi burine! (he-sa-shi-bu-rii-ne)- it’s been a long time since i’ve seen you, hi! ninenmae to sannenmae (desu). (knee-nen-maye, toh sahn-nen-maye)- (it has been) 2 or 3 years.

[@Mhike177]

Righto! More to add on my list again. I forgot to ask on your other vid with markets info. I was wondering, does any of the Japanese market sell vegemite? I hope so.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

It’s kinda hard to come by so maybe bring a little tub over haha

[@Mhike177]

CurrentlyHannah hahaha I wish I could. Limited to what I could bring with me. Military transfer regulations 🙄 I’m sure I’ll figure something out. I’m quite sure amazon can ship them out lol. I recently figured out a way to watch NRL with an app while in Japan which is why I was glad with your ivideo recommendation. You’re the best 🤙🏽

[@Panggor46]

Arigato... Very very helpful...

[@spark_6710]

If you ask " dorekurai desuka?" to a cab driver,he wouldn't understand it.He would think you are asking how much is it? Lol.So,it's important to put words near,or far in the sentence as well." Dore kurai toii desuka?"= how far." Dorekurai chikai deduka?" =How near is it?

[@redoctober6521]

ありがとうございました. (Hope I got that right). I'll be in Tokyo next week for a Nippon-Ham Fighters game, at Tokyo Dome vs. the Seibu Lions, and an afternoon of Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan. I can't wait

[@zedamex]

ありがとうございました is correct but seems way too formal for me, its like 3x levels of formal どうも informal, almost like "ta". I hear a lot of people say this when receiving drinks at bars etc ありがとう "thanks", hear this a lot. どうもありがとう kinda like "thanks a lot" ありがとうございます formal current form (eg for something happening now) ありがとうございました formal past, for something that has completed. But I would more expect this to be said like from a student to a teacher or a shop to a customer. Or from the person you never met that you pointed out their phone fell out of their pocket onto the train seat. They are super relieved and also don't know you so super thankful. すみません can also be used for thanks if used in the right tone.

[@kahorimatsuo9006]

Hi Hannah, This is my first comment of your video I love your videos so much! By the way this is right type of Japanese. Okaikei(お会計) so not Okaike Anyway I’m looking forward to new videos;)!!

[@StMyles]

Cool 😎

[@connormcleod9595]

Legend

[@thegraemekell]

I’m heading to Japan in two weeks time with my son and his friends. I’ve been watching all your videos trying to get all the words right, but my memory is hopeless lol

[@destinationnew]

We're off to Japan for 3 months in May so this is very useful, thanks. My most useful phrase in French is "Comme ça SVP" = "Like that please". I use it a lot when I want something but I've run out of linguistic skills. What would be the equivalent in Japanese please?

[@dabloonkitty]

can you give context of when you would use “like that please”? i can try to give you a phrase

[@destinationnew]

​@@dabloonkitty - thanks. I use Comme Ca SVP most often in a restaurant when I see somebody eating something I like the look of but I don't know what it is.

[@zedamex]

Hannah going to Ultra Japan this year? Tickets on sale now... (No I'm not trying to advertise, hence no links. I'm not affiliated at all, just that I've been the past 3 years and loved it) This year I'll be going on the Monday, VIP. At this rate I think I'll keep this a tradition until I'm a grandpa.

[@waihwangtan1662]

Lols on that part about getting very good at charades.

[@shannontaylor495]

Thank you ★★★★★

[@starr99]

Hi Hannah, very useful, thank you! So... quick question, if I get a jiuuseki (unreserved seat) on a train, how do I know which empty seats are available to sit on (during non-peak times)?

[@tinal8414]

Easy: if it's nonreserved, any vacant seat is fine.

[@starr99]

@@tinal8414 Gotcha. I went! Loved it. Day train to BKK, sleeper train back to Chiang Mai after 3 luxurious days on Koh Chang. Figuring out all the connections after the train was hilarious! Bus, songtaew, ferry, tuk-tuk... 🤪

[@mPDC-gh8jy]

CurrentlyHannah, 5:00 Noriban doesn't mean platforms. Remove the last "n" when you talking about train station platforms/bus terminals/air port boarding gates.

[@mohitthakur79]

Hi Hannah thanks for the video. Really helpful. How can I say "I know very little Japanese" in Japanese ?

[@aliceridley2016]

Mohit Thakur ninhongo chotto (Japanese language a little bit)

[@daioshou008]

Oh you are good Japanese speaker !

[@mahieumahieu6398]

Nice

[@ch4rl1e0]

Hello. I just wanna say that I think some of these phrases are informal(I think). you can still use them though. I'm learning Japanese and some of these *might* sound rude.

[@joekearnan7008]

Forgot most important one. Nomihodi - all you can drink

[@thaliadelpilar5442]

Hey Hannah, I am wondering is it best to bring japanese currency when traveling in japan?

[@erelahrayy_]

Hey! I'm learning Japanese because I want to travel to Japan in a few years. I've been watching many videos but can't find anyone saying "Can you tell me where the restroom (bathroom) is?" or "Where is the restroom (or bathroom)?" Can someone please tell me how to say this?

[@adamblacktopp2107]

Things to avoid/not to do so as to not cause offense. What scares you about Japan, area's, intense places, sort of thing...

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oooo great topics! Thanks for the suggestionsb

[@DeadUnicorns27]

If you don't end up getting a seat on a non-reserved ticket does it just roll over to the next shinkansen leaving for that destination?

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Yep!

[@JANGARIAN]

Nanban Noriban × -noriban- → ○ noriba

[@user-lc4tv2zq4g]

BTW Chicken Nanban and Noriben are foods' names 😁

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Yes I’m sorry I made a typo!

[@JANGARIAN]

Almost all Japanese can understand the meaning so it's OK. ✌️

[@user-fi2zs6de6f]

「Nanban Noriban」　Good euphony.　Is cute sound.

[@jackcunningham5689]

I'm planning to move to Japan soon. I need some polite language lessons, so I don't sound like an asshole when I am there. I want every Japanese brother and Sisters respect and love.

[@bakeryyakisobabread]

Youyaku arimasu × youyaku ○ yoyaku

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh you’re right. My mistake!

[@bakeryyakisobabread]

Good video! I am looking forward to watch your other videos!