24 Essential Japanese Phrases to Ask for a Receipt

Asking for a receipt in Japan might seem simple, but knowing just the right phrases can make your experience smoother and more polite.

Whether you’re shopping, dining, or grabbing a quick coffee, having a few key expressions up your sleeve will boost your confidence. It’s all about blending courtesy with clarity.

In Japan, receipts aren’t always automatically handed over, so knowing how to ask politely or casually is a handy skill.

Plus, learning these phrases connects you deeper with the culture — it’s a small but meaningful way to show respect and make your interactions friendlier.

Mastering these expressions also helps you avoid awkward misunderstandings and will leave a great impression on store staff.

Ready to learn 24 essential Japanese phrases to ask for a receipt? Let’s dive in!

Why Knowing Receipt Phrases Matters

Asking for a receipt is more than a transactional act; it’s part of everyday etiquette in Japan.

Japanese customers often request receipts politely, and stores appreciate the respect shown through proper language. This small interaction can make your visit much more pleasant.

It’s also a practical skill—whether for expense tracking or returns, a receipt is essential.

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

With these phrases, you’ll know how to ask in casual, polite, and very natural ways.

Let’s get your Japanese receipts game on point!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. レシートください (Reshīto kudasai) – “Receipt, please”

This is the simplest and most straightforward way to ask for a receipt.

“レシート” (reshīto) means “receipt,” borrowed from English, and “ください” (kudasai) means “please give me.” Just combine them for a polite yet casual request.

It’s easy to remember and works in almost any situation.

Keep it short and sweet.

If you want to be a bit softer, you can say “レシートをください” (reshīto o kudasai), adding the particle “を” for the direct object.

Perfect for beginners who want a quick and polite phrase without fuss.

2. お会計のレシートをお願いします (O-kaikei no reshīto o onegaishimasu) – “Receipt for the bill, please”

This phrase is slightly more formal and polite.

“お会計” (o-kaikei) means “bill” or “payment,” “の” (no) is a possessive particle, “レシート” (reshīto) is “receipt,” and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) means “please (request).” Together, it asks specifically for the receipt of the payment.

It’s great for restaurants or when you want to sound extra courteous.

Remember to use “お願いします” instead of “ください” to sound more formal.

Watch out not to mix “お会計” with “領収書” (ryōshūsho), which is a formal receipt used for business purposes.

Try this phrase at your next dinner out to impress the staff with your politeness.

3. 領収書をいただけますか？ (Ryōshūsho o itadakemasu ka?) – “Could I get a receipt?”

This is a polite and humble way to request a formal receipt.

“領収書” (ryōshūsho) means “official receipt,” “いただけますか？” (itadakemasu ka?) is a humble way of asking “could I receive?”

Use this phrase when you need a receipt for official or business expenses.

It’s very respectful and appropriate for professional settings.

Keep in mind, some shops might only offer simple receipts unless you specifically ask for a “領収書.”

This phrase elevates your language and is a must-know for business travelers.

4. レシートはありますか？ (Reshīto wa arimasu ka?) – “Do you have a receipt?”

Sometimes you want to check if a receipt is available before requesting one.

“レシート” (reshīto) is “receipt,” “は” (wa) is the topic marker, and “ありますか？” (arimasu ka?) means “do you have?”

It’s a helpful phrase when unsure if the store provides receipts automatically.

Use it to gently inquire without sounding demanding.

It also opens up dialogue if the store has specific receipt policies.

Great for first-time visitors who want to understand local customs.

5. レシートをもらえますか？ (Reshīto o moraemasu ka?) – “Can I get a receipt?”

This phrase is casual yet courteous.

“もらえますか？” (moraemasu ka?) means “can I receive?” and it’s a natural way to ask for something.

It’s easy to say and sounds friendly.

Avoid using “ちょうだい” (chōdai) here, as it’s very casual and might be rude in stores.

This phrase fits well in everyday shopping situations.

Keep practicing to sound more natural when requesting things.

6. レシートをくださいませんか？ (Reshīto o kudasaimasen ka?) – “Would you please give me a receipt?”

This is a very polite and somewhat formal way to ask.

“くださいませんか？” adds a softer, more respectful tone than just “ください.”

Use this when you want to show extra politeness without being too formal.

It’s often appreciated in customer service interactions.

Try this phrase when you want to be especially courteous.

It’s a nice way to show gratitude in advance.

7. レシートをいただけますか？ (Reshīto o itadakemasu ka?) – “May I receive a receipt?”

This polite phrase is similar to #3 but more casual since it uses “レシート” instead of “領収書.”

“いただけますか？” is a humble way to ask “may I receive?” making it polite and respectful.

It’s a great middle-ground phrase for polite everyday use.

Try it to sound considerate and clear.

It fits many casual or semi-formal shopping scenarios.

Practice aloud to get comfortable with the rhythm.

8. すみません、レシートをお願いします (Sumimasen, reshīto o onegaishimasu) – “Excuse me, receipt please”

Adding “すみません” (sumimasen) is a polite way to get attention before your request.

“お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is the polite “please.”

It’s a very natural and courteous way to ask.

Perfect for busy or crowded stores.

Helps soften the request and shows good manners.

Use this often to sound friendly and respectful.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 領収書を発行していただけますか？ (Ryōshūsho o hakkō shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you issue a receipt?”

This phrase is very formal and polite, ideal for business transactions.

“発行していただけますか？” means “could you issue (for me)?”

It’s respectful and clear about your request.

Use it when you need an official document for expenses.

Avoid casual terms here to maintain professionalism.

Great phrase for meetings, hotels, or corporate purchases.

10. 領収書をお願いできますでしょうか？ (Ryōshūsho o onegaidekimasu deshou ka?) – “May I kindly request a receipt?”

This is an extra polite and humble way to ask for a receipt.

“お願いできますでしょうか？” is a very respectful request form.

It’s perfect for formal occasions or when you want to be very courteous.

Use it with hotel staff, government offices, or high-end stores.

It conveys genuine respect and care.

Practice this to impress with your politeness skills.

11. 領収書を発行していただけますでしょうか？ (Ryōshūsho o hakkō shite itadakemasu deshou ka?) – “Would you be able to issue a receipt?”

Another very formal expression combining polite request and “issue a receipt.”

It’s a bit longer but perfect for very formal business or official situations.

Shows humility and respect simultaneously.

Useful when clarity and politeness are both priorities.

Practice this one when you want to sound professional.

It’s a go-to phrase in corporate Japan.

12. 領収書をいただけますでしょうか？ (Ryōshūsho o itadakemasu deshou ka?) – “Would it be possible to receive a receipt?”

Similar to #11 but slightly shorter.

This phrase is polite and humble, great for formal requests.

It’s a nice balance of respect and simplicity.

Use it in business or government transactions.

Helps you sound considerate and professional.

Practice this to build confidence in formal situations.

13. 領収書をいただけますか？ (Ryōshūsho o itadakemasu ka?) – “May I have a receipt?” (formal)

A polite and straightforward way to ask for an official receipt.

“いただけますか？” is humble and respectful.

Use this phrase in semi-formal to formal contexts.

Works well in restaurants, hotels, or stores.

Keep it simple but polite.

Good phrase for business travelers and tourists alike.

14. 領収書は必要ですか？ (Ryōshūsho wa hitsuyō desu ka?) – “Do you need a receipt?”

Sometimes staff will ask you this, but it’s useful to know how to say it yourself.

“必要ですか？” means “is it necessary?” or “do you need?”

Great for clarifying if you want a receipt or not.

Use it when helping friends or in casual conversations.

It shows you understand the process well.

Try to recognize this phrase when you hear it in stores.

15. 領収書はお付けしますか？ (Ryōshūsho wa otsuke shimasu ka?) – “Shall I attach a receipt?”

This is a polite way for staff to offer a receipt, but it’s good for you to recognize it.

“お付けしますか？” means “shall I attach/give?” politely.

Understanding this helps you respond appropriately.

Say “はい、お願いします” (Hai, onegaishimasu) to accept politely.

Use it to sound natural when interacting with shop staff.

Recognizing this phrase helps you navigate polite exchanges smoothly.

16. お支払いの際、領収書をお渡しします (O-shiharai no sai, ryōshūsho o o-watashi shimasu) – “We will give you a receipt when you pay”

This phrase is often used by staff to explain the receipt policy.

“お支払いの際” means “at the time of payment,” and “お渡しします” means “we will hand over.”

Knowing this helps you understand when to expect your receipt.

Useful when shopping or dining in Japan.

It helps you avoid confusion during checkout.

Keep an ear out for this helpful info.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. レシートちょうだい (Reshīto chōdai) – “Give me a receipt” (very casual)

This is super casual and used among friends or in very informal settings.

“ちょうだい” (chōdai) means “give me,” but it can sound rude in stores.

Only use with close friends or in relaxed environments.

Not recommended for stores or formal places.

Great to know, but use with caution.

It’s a fun phrase but best kept for casual conversations.

18. レシートお願いね (Reshīto onegai ne) – “Receipt, please (casual, friendly)”

This is casual and polite, with a friendly tone.

“お願いね” softens the request, making it sound warm and approachable.

Good for casual shops or cafes.

Not too formal but still respectful.

Try this phrase with younger staff or friends.

It’s a nice way to sound natural and kind.

19. レシート取っておいて (Reshīto totte oite) – “Keep the receipt” (casual)

This phrase is casual and used when asking someone to hold onto the receipt.

“取っておいて” means “keep/take for now.”

Great for friends or when speaking to family.

Not used directly with store staff.

Useful phrase for managing receipts together.

Good for everyday casual conversations.

20. レシートある？ (Reshīto aru?) – “Got a receipt?” (very casual)

This is a very casual way to ask if someone has a receipt.

“ある？” means “do you have?”

Use only with close friends or family.

Not appropriate in stores or with strangers.

It’s quick and easy to say.

Good phrase for informal chats about purchases.

21. レシート持ってる？ (Reshīto motteru?) – “Do you have the receipt?” (casual)

Similar to #20 but a bit more specific.

“持ってる” means “have/holding.”

Used casually among friends or colleagues.

Not for formal situations.

Useful for confirming possession of a receipt.

Sounds natural in daily conversations.

22. レシートほしいな (Reshīto hoshii na) – “I want a receipt” (casual, slightly soft)

This phrase expresses wanting a receipt in a casual and gentle way.

“ほしいな” adds a soft feeling of desire.

Use among friends or casual settings.

Avoid in formal or business contexts.

It’s a friendly and relatable expression.

Great for casual shopping talks.

23. レシートちょうだいね (Reshīto chōdai ne) – “Please give me a receipt” (casual, friendly)

A more friendly version of #17 with “ね” to soften the request.

Sounds like you’re asking nicely among friends.

Not for formal use.

Good for casual conversations.

Shows you know some native expressions.

Use it to sound more natural in informal talks.

24. レシートお願いしまーす (Reshīto onegaishimāsu) – “Receipt, please!” (very casual, upbeat)

This is a very casual and cheerful way to ask for a receipt.

The stretched “しまーす” adds a playful, friendly tone.

Great with younger people or in fun, casual settings.

Not suitable for formal or business environments.

It makes the interaction light and friendly.

Try it when you want to sound approachable and relaxed.

Concluding Thought

Learning how to ask for a receipt in Japanese is a small but valuable step in mastering everyday communication.

Whether you choose polite, casual, or native-like phrases, each one helps you connect better with people and situations in Japan.

Keep practicing these expressions, and soon they’ll feel as natural as your own native language—opening doors to smoother, friendlier interactions wherever you go.