24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Shopping at the Supermarket
Heading to the supermarket in Japan? Having a handful of essential phrases up your sleeve can make the experience so much smoother and more fun.
Whether you’re browsing fresh produce or checking out at the register, knowing how to communicate can really boost your confidence. Plus, it shows respect for the local culture, which is always appreciated.
This list is perfect for beginners and travelers who want practical, easy-to-remember Japanese phrases tailored for supermarket shopping.
From casual questions to polite requests, we’ll cover expressions that help you ask about prices, request help, and even chat a little with the friendly staff. It’s all about making your shopping trip a breeze.
Learning these phrases not only makes shopping easier but also helps you feel more connected and immersed in your surroundings. Plus, it’s a fun way to practice Japanese in a real-world setting.
Ready to shop like a local? Let’s dive into these 24 essential Japanese phrases for your next supermarket adventure!
Getting Ready to Shop
Before you dive into the aisles, a few foundational phrases can set you up for success.
These basics help you ask questions, understand responses, and keep interactions friendly and smooth while shopping in Japan.
It’s all about breaking the ice and making small talk with store staff or fellow shoppers.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
These phrases will make your first steps inside the store much easier.
Try practicing them out loud before you go—it’s an easy trick that makes a big difference.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?) – Where is it?
Simple and direct, this phrase helps you ask where something is located.
“Doko” means “where,” and “desu ka” turns it into a polite question. It’s easy to remember because it’s short and very useful.
Knowing this phrase saves time wandering around looking confused.
Use it whenever you can’t find an item—staff are happy to point you in the right direction.
A related phrase is “トイレはどこですか？” (Toire wa doko desu ka?) which means “Where is the restroom?”
Don’t hesitate to use this phrase early and often—it’s a shopper’s best friend.
2. いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
This phrase is perfect for checking prices quickly.
“Ikura” means “how much,” and again “desu ka” makes it a polite question. It’s easy to practice by pointing to items and asking the price.
Price checking is crucial to avoid surprises at checkout.
A common mistake is forgetting the “desu ka” at the end, which can sound less polite.
For example, you might say: “このりんごはいくらですか？” (Kono ringo wa ikura desu ka?) — “How much is this apple?”
Getting comfortable with this phrase builds your confidence to ask about anything on the shelves.
3. これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll take this, please
This phrase comes in handy when you’re ready to buy something.
“Kore” means “this,” “o” is the object particle, and “kudasai” means “please give me.” It’s a straightforward way to show what you want.
Using it helps you avoid awkward pointing or guessing games.
It’s polite and clear—perfect for beginners.
You can pair it with a number, like “これを二つください” (Kore o futatsu kudasai) meaning “I’ll take two of these, please.”
This phrase can turn a simple purchase into a smooth, friendly interaction.
4. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much
Always good to show appreciation! This phrase is polite and commonly used.
“Arigatou” means “thank you,” and “gozaimasu” adds extra politeness. It’s easy to say and will make a great impression.
Expressing gratitude is a universal way to connect.
Be sure not to skip the “gozaimasu” in formal settings like stores.
It’s also used when staff help you find something or answer questions.
Keep this phrase in your pocket to leave a positive vibe after every interaction.
5. 袋はいりますか？ (Fukuro wa irimasu ka?) – Do you need a bag?
This question is often asked by cashiers, but it’s good to know how to respond.
“Fukuro” means “bag,” “wa” marks the topic, and “irimasu ka” means “do you need?” It’s a handy phrase to understand and use if you want to ask.
You can reply with “はい、ください” (Hai, kudasai) for “Yes, please” or “いいえ、けっこうです” (Iie, kekkou desu) for “No, thank you.”
Knowing this helps you avoid confusion at the checkout.
It’s also environmentally friendly to say no if you brought your own bag!
Practice this phrase so you’re ready when they ask—it’s a common part of the shopping flow.
6. ポイントカードはお持ちですか？ (Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?) – Do you have a point card?
This phrase is used by cashiers to ask if you have a loyalty or point card.
“Pointo kaado” means “point card,” “wa” is topic marker, and “omochi desu ka” means “do you have?” It’s a polite way to check.
If you have one, you can respond with “はい、あります” (Hai, arimasu) meaning “Yes, I have one.”
If not, you can say “いいえ、持っていません” (Iie, motte imasen) meaning “No, I don’t have one.”
Knowing this phrase helps you not miss out on discounts or points.
It’s also a nice way to engage with store staff and learn about local shopping perks.
7. 試食できますか？ (Shishoku dekimasu ka?) – Can I try a sample?
Sampling is common in Japanese supermarkets, and this phrase lets you ask politely.
“Shishoku” means “tasting” or “sampling,” and “dekimasu ka” means “can I?” It’s short and sweet.
Trying samples can help you discover new favorite foods.
Be sure to ask before taking a sample to be polite.
If you want to say no thanks, you can say “結構です” (Kekkou desu) meaning “No, thank you.”
Using this phrase shows good manners and curiosity—both appreciated in Japan.
8. 重いですか？ (Omoi desu ka?) – Is it heavy?
This phrase helps when you’re unsure about carrying something bulky or heavy.
“Omoi” means “heavy,” and “desu ka” is a polite question ending. It’s simple to use whenever you ask for help.
Staff often assist with heavy items if you ask politely.
It’s better to ask than struggle alone!
An alternative is “持てますか？” (Motemasu ka?) meaning “Can you carry it?”
Knowing this phrase makes shopping large items less stressful and more comfortable.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. すみません、助けていただけますか？ (Sumimasen, tasukete itadakemasu ka?) – Excuse me, could you help me?
This is a polite way to ask for help when you need it.
“Sumimasen” means “excuse me,” “tasukete” means “help,” and “itadakemasu ka” is a humble request form. It’s a bit more formal and respectful.
Using this phrase shows good manners in any customer service situation.
It’s especially useful if you’re unsure where to find something or need a recommendation.
You can also say “手伝ってもらえますか？” (Tetsudatte moraemasu ka?) for “Can you assist me?”
Practicing this will help you navigate polite interactions with ease.
10. これの説明をお願いします (Kore no setsumei o onegaishimasu) – Please explain this
Use this phrase when you want to know more about a product.
“Kore” means “this,” “no” connects possession, “setsumei” means “explanation,” and “onegaishimasu” is a polite “please.”
It works well for unfamiliar items or ingredients.
Don’t be shy to ask if you’re curious—it’s welcomed.
For example, “この商品は何ですか？説明をお願いします” (Kono shouhin wa nan desu ka? Setsumei o onegaishimasu) means “What is this product? Please explain.”
This phrase helps deepen your knowledge and shopping confidence.
11. 返品できますか？ (Henpin dekimasu ka?) – Can I return this?
Good to know if you’re unsure about a purchase.
“Henpin” means “return,” and “dekimasu ka” asks “can I?” It’s a straightforward, polite question.
Knowing this can prevent future hassles.
Some stores have strict return policies, so asking first is smart.
You can also ask “交換はできますか？” (Koukan wa dekimasu ka?) if you want to ask about exchanges.
Using this phrase shows you’re aware and responsible as a shopper.
12. 支払いはカードでいいですか？ (Shiharai wa kaado de ii desu ka?) – Is card payment okay?
This phrase checks if you can pay by card.
“Shiharai” means “payment,” “wa” topic marker, “kaado” is “card,” and “ii desu ka” means “is it okay?”
It’s especially useful as some places prefer cash.
Asking politely avoids awkward moments at checkout.
A simple reply to “yes” is “はい、大丈夫です” (Hai, daijoubu desu) meaning “Yes, it’s fine.”
Try this phrase to stay prepared for any payment situation.
13. 量を少なめにしてください (Ryou o sukuname ni shite kudasai) – Please make the amount smaller
This is handy when ordering freshly prepared food or produce by weight.
“Ryou” means “amount,” “sukuname” means “smaller,” and “kudasai” means “please.”
It helps avoid buying more than you need.
Be clear and polite to get exactly what you want.
For example, “もう少し少なくしてください” (Mou sukoshi sukunaku shite kudasai) means “Please make it a little less.”
Using this phrase makes your shopping more tailored and efficient.
14. もう一つお願いします (Mou hitotsu onegaishimasu) – One more, please
Great for when you want extra of something.
“Mou” means “more” or “another,” “hitotsu” means “one (thing),” and “onegaishimasu” is “please.”
It’s a polite and quick way to ask for an additional item.
Useful at counters or when buying packaged goods.
Remember to use the right counter word for different items, but “hitotsu” works well for general things.
This phrase makes adding to your cart easy and polite.
15. 薄い/濃い味にできますか？ (Usui / Koi aji ni dekimasu ka?) – Can it be light/strong flavored?
Perfect for customizing food purchases like soups or sauces.
“Usui” means “light” or “thin,” “koi” means “strong” or “rich,” “aji” means “taste,” and “dekimasu ka” is “can it be?”
Asking this shows you want food tailored to your preferences.
It’s polite and thoughtful, appreciated by staff.
Example: “味を薄めにできますか？” (Aji o usume ni dekimasu ka?) means “Can you make the flavor lighter?”
Using this phrase enhances your food experience while shopping.
16. 袋に分けてください (Fukuro ni wakete kudasai) – Please put these in separate bags
This phrase is helpful when you want to keep items apart.
“Fukuro” means “bag,” “ni” is a particle indicating direction, “wakete” means “separate,” and “kudasai” means “please.”
Great for fragile or easily mixed groceries.
Clear instructions here avoid mix-ups and spills.
You can say “別々にしてください” (Betsubetsu ni shite kudasai) as an alternative for “Please separate.”
Using this phrase keeps your shopping organized and stress-free.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. これ、いい？ (Kore, ii?) – Is this okay?
This is a very casual and friendly way to ask if something is okay.
“Kore” means “this,” and “ii?” means “is it good/okay?” It’s short and used among friends or in informal situations.
Great for shopping with Japanese friends or family.
Not suitable for store staff, but perfect for casual chats.
Related phrase: “これでいい？” (Kore de ii?) also means “Is this fine?”
Using casual phrases helps you sound more natural once you’re confident in Japanese.
18. ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) – Wait a moment
Quick and helpful when you need a moment to decide.
“Chotto” means “a little,” and “matte” is the casual command form of “wait.”
It’s easy to remember and widely used in daily life.
Avoid sounding rude by using soft tone and possibly adding “ください” (kudasai) for politeness.
For example, “ちょっと待ってください” (Chotto matte kudasai) is more polite.
Perfect for managing small delays during shopping trips.
19. もういいです (Mou ii desu) – That’s enough
This phrase means you don’t need more or you’re done.
“Mou” means “already” or “enough,” “ii” means “good,” and “desu” is the polite ending.
Useful when a clerk offers more samples or help and you want to politely decline.
It’s a gentle way to say “no thanks.”
Be sure to keep your tone friendly to avoid sounding abrupt.
A great phrase for keeping interactions polite and clear.
20. それ、見せて (Sore, misete) – Show me that
Use this when you want a closer look at something.
“Sore” means “that,” and “misete” is the casual command form of “show.”
Helpful in casual settings with friends or informal staff.
If you want to be polite, say “見せてください” (Misete kudasai).
Great for checking details or ingredients up close.
This phrase makes shopping more interactive and fun.
21. これ、安いね (Kore, yasui ne) – This is cheap, isn’t it?
A friendly way to comment on a good deal.
“Kore” means “this,” “yasui” means “cheap,” and “ne” is a sentence-ending particle used for confirmation or agreement.
Great for casual conversations with friends or fellow shoppers.
It’s a fun phrase for bonding over bargains.
You can also say “安いですね” (Yasui desu ne) for a slightly more polite tone.
Using such expressions helps you sound more like a local.
22. ちょっと多いかな (Chotto ooi kana) – Maybe this is a bit too much
This phrase is useful for talking about quantity.
“Chotto” means “a little,” “ooi” means “many” or “much,” and “kana” is a soft ending particle indicating uncertainty or wonder.
It’s casual and commonly used among friends or family.
Not for formal situations but perfect for easygoing shopping trips.
Try pairing it with “少ないかな” (Sukunai kana) meaning “maybe it’s too little.”
It’s a great phrase for sharing opinions casually.
23. もう買った？ (Mou katta?) – Did you already buy it?
A casual question to check if someone has bought something.
“Mou” means “already,” and “katta” is the past tense of “buy.”
Used among friends or family shopping together.
It’s informal and easy to remember.
Perfect for coordinating group shopping or sharing tips.
Using this phrase helps keep your conversations light and natural.
24. レジはどこ？ (Reji wa doko?) – Where’s the checkout?
A quick and casual way to ask where the register is.
“Reji” means “register” or “checkout,” “wa” topic marker, and “doko” means “where.”
It’s straightforward and super useful when you’re ready to pay.
Adding “ですか” (desu ka) makes it more polite: “レジはどこですか？” (Reji wa doko desu ka?)
Staff will appreciate your effort to ask politely.
Use this phrase to find your way smoothly at the end of your shopping trip.
Concluding Thought
Shopping in a Japanese supermarket can be an exciting adventure with the right phrases in your toolkit.
These 24 essential phrases cover everything from casual chats to polite requests, helping you navigate aisles with ease and friendliness.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the rich experience of shopping like a local—it’s a wonderful way to connect with Japanese culture every day.