24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Trying on Clothes

Shopping for clothes in Japan can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of language challenges.

Knowing the right phrases to use when trying on clothes not only makes the experience smoother but also more fun. You’ll feel more confident chatting with store staff and expressing exactly what you want.

Whether you’re browsing a trendy boutique or a big department store, these phrases will help you communicate clearly and politely.

From asking where the fitting rooms are to expressing if something fits well or if you want a different size, mastering these essentials is a game changer. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your Japanese in a real-life setting.

Learning these phrases will save you time and avoid any awkward moments. Plus, it shows respect and appreciation for the local culture, which is always a win!

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 24 essential Japanese phrases for trying on clothes that will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Getting Started: Basic Phrases for Your Fitting Room Visit

Before you jump into trying things on, it’s helpful to know how to ask where to go and what to expect.

These first few phrases focus on finding the fitting room and letting staff know your needs politely. They’re perfect for easing into the shopping experience.

Knowing these basics will make you feel right at home in any store.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These handy phrases also help you avoid confusion and awkwardness when navigating a new store.

Just a little practice with these will boost your confidence immediately.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 試着してもいいですか？ (Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?) — Can I try this on?

This is your go-to phrase for politely asking if you can try on an item.

It’s simple and clear: 試着 (shichaku) means “trying on,” してもいいですか (shite mo ii desu ka) means “is it okay to do?” This phrasing shows respect and is widely understood.

Using this phrase helps you avoid assuming you can just try on clothes immediately, which is a good cultural practice.

It’s a perfect way to start your interaction with the staff.

If you want to be even more casual, you might hear いいですか (ii desu ka) alone, but it’s nicer to add the full phrase.

Once you get comfortable with this, you’ll find yourself asking to try on clothes with ease and politeness.

2. 試着室はどこですか？ (Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the fitting room?

When you’re ready to head to the fitting room, this phrase will come in handy.

試着室 (shichakushitsu) means “fitting room,” and どこですか (doko desu ka) means “where is it?” It’s a straightforward question that’s easy to remember and say.

Asking this helps you avoid wandering around uncertainly and respects the store’s layout.

Don’t forget to use polite tone—it’s appreciated.

Common mistake: don’t confuse 試着室 (shichakushitsu) with just 試着 (shichaku); the former specifically means “fitting room.”

You might hear staff respond with directions or gestures, so be ready to follow along!

3. これを別のサイズで見せてください。 (Kore o betsu no saizu de misete kudasai.) — Please show me this in a different size.

This phrase is perfect when you want to try a different size.

これ (kore) means “this,” 別のサイズ (betsu no saizu) means “different size,” and 見せてください (misete kudasai) means “please show me.” It politely requests assistance.

Using this phrase shows you’re interested and engaged, which staff appreciate.

It’s a helpful phrase to know because sizes can vary in Japanese stores.

If you want to be more casual, you can shorten it to 見せて (misete) when talking with friends.

Keep this phrase in your pocket; it makes the shopping experience much smoother.

4. これ、試着してみたいです。 (Kore, shichaku shite mitai desu.) — I want to try this on.

Use this when you want to express your interest in trying something on directly.

試着してみたい (shichaku shite mitai) means “want to try on,” with みたい (mitai) indicating desire or wish. It sounds friendly and clear.

This phrase is slightly more assertive but still polite, good for when you’re sure about your choice.

It’s a natural way to communicate your intentions without hesitation.

Often paired with これ (kore), meaning “this,” so it’s very specific and practical.

Feel free to use this phrase to show your enthusiasm for the clothes you like.

5. もう少し大きいサイズはありますか？ (Mou sukoshi ookii saizu wa arimasu ka?) — Do you have a slightly bigger size?

If the size you tried feels a bit tight, this phrase helps you ask for something bigger.

もう少し (mou sukoshi) means “a little more,” 大きいサイズ (ookii saizu) means “big size,” and ありますか (arimasu ka) is “do you have?” It’s polite and specific.

It’s a gentle way to express your need without sounding demanding.

Using this phrase shows you’re paying attention to fit and comfort.

A common mistake is mixing up 大きい (ookii) meaning “big” with 小さい (chiisai) meaning “small,” so be careful.

Practice this phrase to negotiate sizes smoothly in stores.

6. 試着してみましたが、ちょっと小さいです。 (Shichaku shite mimashita ga, chotto chiisai desu.) — I tried it on, but it’s a bit small.

This phrase is useful when giving feedback about the fit after trying something on.

試着してみました (shichaku shite mimashita) means “I tried it on,” ちょっと (chotto) is “a little,” and 小さい (chiisai) means “small.” It’s honest and polite.

It helps staff understand your sizing needs better.

Being clear about fit helps you find the perfect item faster.

You can also switch 小さい (chiisai) for 大きい (ookii) if the item is too big.

Use this phrase to communicate fit issues smoothly and respectfully.

7. これを試着してもいいですか？ (Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?) — Is it okay if I try this on?

This is a polite way to ask permission specifically about a certain item.

これを (kore o) means “this (object),” and the rest is the polite request we saw earlier. It’s slightly more formal and respectful.

Perfect for when you want to be extra courteous in smaller or formal shops.

Asking permission like this shows good manners and cultural awareness.

Remember to use the correct particle を (o) to mark the object you want to try on.

This phrase is a great addition to your polite conversation toolkit.

8. 似合いますか？ (Niaimasu ka?) — Does it suit me?

Want to ask for a quick opinion? This phrase is a natural choice.

似合います (niaimasu) means “suit” or “look good on,” and か (ka) makes it a question. It’s simple but effective.

Use this to get feedback from staff or friends while trying on clothes.

It opens up friendly interaction and helps you make confident choices.

Just be ready for honest answers—they might suggest trying something else!

It’s a fun way to engage and learn more about style preferences.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. すみません、試着してもよろしいでしょうか？ (Sumimasen, shichaku shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) — Excuse me, may I try this on?

This phrase is a very polite and formal way to ask permission, perfect for upscale stores.

すみません (sumimasen) means “excuse me,” and よろしいでしょうか (yoroshii deshou ka) is a very respectful “is it alright?” It’s more formal than いいですか.

Using this phrase shows great respect and is appreciated in Japan.

It’s especially useful if you want to leave a good impression.

Be mindful not to sound too stiff in casual settings—match the tone to the store.

Mastering this phrase will boost your confidence in formal shopping scenarios.

10. 試着室はどちらでしょうか？ (Shichakushitsu wa dochira deshou ka?) — Where is the fitting room? (formal)

This is a polite, formal way to ask for the fitting room location.

どちら (dochira) is a polite form of “where,” and でしょうか (deshou ka) softens the question.

It works well in luxury or professional environments.

Using formal language here reflects good manners and awareness of social context.

Don’t confuse どちら (dochira) with どこ (doko), which is casual “where.”

Practice this to sound polished and respectful.

11. こちらのサイズはございますか？ (Kochira no saizu wa gozaimasu ka?) — Do you have this size? (formal)

This phrase is a respectful way to inquire about available sizes.

こちら (kochira) means “this one” politely, and ございますか (gozaimasu ka) is a formal “do you have?”

Use this phrase in formal shops or when you want to sound extra courteous.

It’s a great phrase to add professionalism to your shopping language.

Remember ございます is more formal than あります (arimasu).

Perfect for when you want to blend politeness with clarity.

12. 申し訳ありませんが、もう少し大きいサイズはありますでしょうか？ (Moushiwake arimasen ga, mou sukoshi ookii saizu wa arimasu deshou ka?) — I’m sorry, but do you have a slightly bigger size? (formal)

This very polite phrase is great when you want to apologize softly while requesting a bigger size.

申し訳ありませんが (moushiwake arimasen ga) means “I’m sorry, but,” adding formality and humility.

It’s perfect for delicate requests that require respect.

Use it when you want to soften your ask and show consideration for the staff.

Be careful not to overuse—it’s best in formal or sensitive situations.

It demonstrates excellent etiquette and language skill.

13. こちらの服を試着させていただけますか？ (Kochira no fuku o shichaku sasete itadakemasu ka?) — May I try on this clothing? (formal)

This is a very formal and humble way to say you want to try on clothes.

試着させていただけますか (shichaku sasete itadakemasu ka) means “may I be allowed to try on,” showing humility and respect.

It’s excellent for high-end stores or formal occasions.

Using this phrase makes you sound very polite and considerate.

Remember that this structure is more complex, so practice it slowly.

It elevates your Japanese and impresses native speakers.

14. サイズが合いません。 (Saizu ga aimasen.) — The size doesn’t fit.

This straightforward phrase helps you communicate that the size isn’t right.

サイズ (saizu) means “size,” and 合いません (aimasen) means “doesn’t fit.”

It’s polite and to the point, useful when returning or exchanging items.

Clear communication about fit saves time and frustration.

You can also say 合いすぎます (ai sugimasu) if something is too big.

Keep this phrase ready for honest feedback during shopping.

15. 返品できますか？ (Henpin dekimasu ka?) — Can I return this?

Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and this phrase is essential.

返品 (henpin) means “return,” and できますか (dekimasu ka) is “can I do?”

It’s polite and direct, which helps clarify store policies.

Knowing this phrase prevents confusion if you change your mind.

Always check the store’s return policy, but this phrase opens the conversation.

Using it calmly and politely keeps the interaction smooth.

16. ありがとうございます、助かりました。 (Arigatou gozaimasu, tasukarimashita.) — Thank you, you’ve been very helpful.

Ending your interaction kindly is just as important as starting it well.

ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) means “thank you,” and 助かりました (tasukarimashita) means “you helped me.”

This phrase leaves a positive impression and shows appreciation.

It’s a lovely way to build rapport with staff.

Using polite thanks can even lead to better service next time.

Don’t underestimate the power of genuine gratitude in any language.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. これ、着てみていい？ (Kore, kite mite ii?) — Can I try this on? (casual)

This is a casual way to ask permission, perfect among friends or in informal shops.

着てみて (kite mite) means “try wearing,” and いい? (ii?) is a casual “is it okay?”

It’s short, friendly, and easy to remember.

Great for situations where formality isn’t necessary.

Be mindful not to use this in formal or unfamiliar settings.

It makes your Japanese sound natural and relaxed.

18. これ、どう？似合う？ (Kore, dou? Niau?) — How’s this? Does it suit me?

Want quick feedback from friends? This phrase is casual and to the point.

どう (dou) means “how,” and 似合う (niau) means “suit.”

It’s common in everyday conversation and sounds very natural.

Using casual language helps build friendly rapport.

Great for shopping trips with friends or peers.

This phrase invites honest, informal opinions.

19. ちょっとキツイかも。 (Chotto kitsui kamo.) — It might be a little tight.

This casual phrase expresses that something feels tight.

ちょっと (chotto) means “a little,” キツイ (kitsui) means “tight,” and かも (kamo) softens it to “might be.”

It’s informal but clear, perfect for chatting with friends or informal staff.

Helps you express fit issues without sounding too serious.

Useful for honest and relaxed conversations.

Try this phrase to sound more like a native speaker.

20. もうちょっと大きいサイズある？ (Mou chotto ookii saizu aru?) — Do you have a slightly bigger size? (casual)

This casual phrase is an easy way to ask for a bigger size.

もうちょっと (mou chotto) means “a little more,” and ある? (aru?) is a casual “do you have?”

It’s straightforward and friendly, great for less formal stores.

Keep your tone light to avoid sounding demanding.

Common mistake is mixing polite and casual language, so stick to one style.

Use this phrase to keep conversations easy-going.

21. これ、試してみるね。 (Kore, tameshite miru ne.) — I’ll try this on.

This casual phrase shows your intent to try something on.

試してみる (tameshite miru) means “try out,” and ね (ne) adds a friendly tone.

It’s a natural, conversational way to express your plans.

Great for informal shopping with friends.

It sounds relaxed and smooth, like a native speaker.

Practice this to sound casual and confident.

22. これ、どう思う？ (Kore, dou omou?) — What do you think of this?

Want honest opinions? This casual phrase works perfectly.

どう思う (dou omou) means “what do you think?”

It’s short, friendly, and invites open feedback.

Use this when shopping with friends or informal staff.

It shows you value others’ opinions in a casual way.

Perfect for easy, natural conversations.

23. サイズ合ってるかな？ (Saizu atteru kana?) — Does this size fit? (casual)

This informal phrase is a quick way to check fit.

合ってるかな (atteru kana) means “does it fit, I wonder?” with a casual, questioning tone.

It sounds natural and curious, good for casual chats.

Great for getting feedback from friends.

Use かな (kana) to soften questions and sound less direct.

It’s a handy phrase to keep the conversation light.

24. これ、買おっかな。 (Kore, kaok kana.) — I think I’ll buy this.

This casual phrase expresses your decision to buy something.

買おっかな (kaok kana) is a shortened, casual form of “I think I’ll buy it.”

It’s friendly and relaxed, perfect for chatting with friends or informal staff.

Using this phrase shows you’re comfortable and confident.

Great for celebrating your shopping success in Japanese.

Try this phrase to sound like a native when wrapping up your shopping trip.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 essential Japanese phrases will truly transform your clothes shopping experience in Japan.

With these phrases, you’ll feel more confident, polite, and ready to engage with store staff and friends alike.

So go ahead, try them out, and enjoy the wonderful world of Japanese fashion with ease and flair!