24 Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Coffee Shops

Heading into a coffee shop in Japan can feel a bit intimidating if you don’t know the lingo. But don’t worry, learning a handful of key phrases will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Whether you’re ordering your favorite latte or asking about the menu, these phrases will help you connect with baristas and fellow coffee lovers. Plus, they’re super easy to pick up!

Japanese coffee shops often have their own vibe, and using the right phrases can help you blend right in and even impress the locals. It’s all about making your visit feel more authentic and fun.

From casual chats to polite requests, we’ve got you covered with the essential expressions that cover every step of your coffee run. Learning these will boost your confidence and create a more personal experience.

And hey, practicing these phrases can also sharpen your Japanese skills in a real-world setting. Nothing beats learning while sipping your favorite brew!

Ready to sound like a local the next time you visit a Japanese café? Let’s dive into 24 must-know Japanese phrases for coffee shops.

Getting Started: Why Knowing These Phrases Matters

Before we jump into the phrases, let’s talk about why these specific expressions are so handy.

They cover the basics like ordering, asking questions, and being polite—all crucial for a smooth coffee shop visit. Knowing these will help you avoid confusion and make your interaction pleasant.

Plus, they’re simple enough to remember and practice right away.

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

With these phrases, you’ll be able to confidently navigate ordering and chatting in any Japanese coffee shop.

It’s easy to start small and build your skills with daily practice—plus it makes your coffee stops way more fun!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. こんにちは、コーヒーをください (Konnichiwa, kōhī o kudasai) – Hello, can I have a coffee, please

This is a simple and polite way to start your order with a greeting and a request.

“こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) means “hello,” and “コーヒーをください” (kōhī o kudasai) means “please give me coffee.” It’s straightforward and effective for beginners.

Adding “ください” (kudasai) turns a request into a polite ask, making it perfect for customer service situations.

It’s a great phrase to memorize because it covers both greeting and ordering in one go.

You can swap “コーヒー” (kōhī) with other drinks you want to try, like “ラテ” (rate) for latte.

Practice this phrase and you’ll feel confident walking up to the counter anywhere in Japan.

2. メニューを見せてください (Menyū o misete kudasai) – Please show me the menu

Use this phrase to politely ask for the menu if it’s not readily available.

“メニュー” (Menyū) means “menu,” “を” (o) marks the object, “見せて” (misete) means “show me,” and “ください” (kudasai) adds politeness. It’s easy to remember because it follows a simple verb + request pattern.

Make sure to use polite tone to avoid sounding too direct.

Don’t forget to say “ありがとう” (Arigatō) after receiving the menu to show appreciation.

For example, you might say: “すみません、メニューを見せてください。” (“Sumimasen, menyū o misete kudasai.”) meaning “Excuse me, please show me the menu.”

This phrase helps you explore options without guessing, making your order smoother.

3. カフェラテを一つお願いします (Kafe rate o hitotsu onegaishimasu) – One café latte, please

This phrase is perfect for ordering a specific drink politely and clearly.

“カフェラテ” (kafe rate) is “café latte,” “を” (o) marks the object, “一つ” (hitotsu) means “one” (counting item), and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) means “please.”

It’s easy to swap “一つ” (hitotsu) with other numbers if you want more than one.

Remember, “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is a very polite way to make a request and is widely used.

If you want to add a size or temperature, you can say “ホット” (hotto) for hot or “アイス” (aisu) for iced before the drink name.

This phrase will help you sound polite and clear when ordering your favorite coffee.

4. 砂糖とミルクは入れますか？ (Satō to miruku wa iremasu ka?) – Do you want sugar and milk?

This question is useful when baristas ask about your preferences.

“砂糖” (Satō) means “sugar,” “と” (to) means “and,” “ミルク” (miruku) means “milk,” “は” (wa) is the topic marker, “入れます” (iremasu) means “put in,” and “か” (ka) marks it as a question.

It’s a polite way to clarify your coffee taste preferences.

Don’t confuse “入れますか” with “入れませんか” which would be negative and confusing.

If you want to say no, simply reply with “いいえ、けっこうです” (Iie, kekkō desu) meaning “No, thank you.”

Knowing this phrase helps you understand and respond naturally to common coffee shop questions.

5. おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?

Use this phrase to get recommendations from the barista or staff.

“おすすめ” (Osusume) means “recommendation,” “は” (wa) is the topic marker, “何” (nan) means “what,” and “ですか” (desu ka) turns it into a question.

It’s a great phrase to discover popular drinks or specials.

Make sure to listen carefully and try new things—it’s part of the fun!

For a more casual tone, you can say “おすすめは？” (Osusume wa?) but the full phrase is safer for beginners.

Using this phrase shows interest and can start a friendly conversation.

6. テイクアウトでお願いします (Teikuauto de onegaishimasu) – For takeout, please

This phrase is handy if you want your coffee to go.

“テイクアウト” (teikuauto) means “takeout,” “で” (de) indicates the method or place, and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is “please.”

It’s simple and commonly used in cafés and restaurants.

Avoid confusing it with “ここで” (koko de) which means “here” or “for here.”

Example: “アイスコーヒーをテイクアウトでお願いします。” (“Aisu kōhī o teikuauto de onegaishimasu.”) means “Iced coffee to go, please.”

Using this will make your intentions clear and speed up your order.

7. お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – The bill, please

When you’re ready to pay, this phrase is your go-to.

“お会計” (Okaikei) means “bill” or “check,” and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) adds politeness.

It’s a polite, standard way to ask for the check without confusion.

Avoid saying just “チェック” (chekku), which is borrowed from English but less common in Japan.

After paying, it’s nice to say “ごちそうさまでした” (Gochisōsama deshita), meaning “Thank you for the meal.”

Mastering this phrase helps you smoothly end your café visit.

8. すみません、もう一杯ください (Sumimasen, mō ippai kudasai) – Excuse me, one more cup, please

Use this when you want to order another drink without hesitation.

“すみません” (Sumimasen) means “excuse me” or “sorry,” “もう” (mō) means “more” or “another,” “一杯” (ippai) means “one cup,” and “ください” (kudasai) is the polite request.

It’s a polite way to grab attention and order again.

Make sure to use “もう一杯” not just “もう” to specify another cup.

Example: “すみません、もう一杯コーヒーください。” (“Sumimasen, mō ippai kōhī kudasai.”)

This phrase keeps things friendly and casual while showing good manners.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. すみません、少々お待ちください (Sumimasen, shōshō omachi kudasai) – Excuse me, please wait a moment

This polite phrase is often used by staff but great to know as a customer.

“すみません” (Sumimasen) means “excuse me,” “少々” (shōshō) means “a little,” “お待ちください” (omachi kudasai) means “please wait.”

It’s very polite and formal, suitable for any situation.

Knowing this phrase helps you understand when a wait is expected.

It’s a good idea to respond with a nod or “はい” (hai) to show you understand.

Using or recognizing this phrase shows respect for the café’s service process.

10. 注文をよろしいでしょうか？ (Chūmon o yoroshii deshō ka?) – May I take your order?

This formal phrase is what staff say but is good to recognize and emulate in polite situations.

“注文” (Chūmon) means “order,” “を” (o) marks the object, “よろしいでしょうか” (yoroshii deshō ka) is a very polite way to ask “Is it alright?” or “May I?”

It’s a respectful way to confirm readiness before taking an order.

When you want to politely ask if someone is ready, this phrase is perfect.

It’s also a great example of how to be formal in Japanese conversation.

Using this phrase can show your politeness and respect in professional or formal café settings.

11. こちらでお召し上がりですか？ (Kochira de omeshiagaridesu ka?) – Will you be eating/drinking here?

This formal question helps clarify if you want to enjoy your coffee on-site or take it away.

“こちらで” (Kochira de) means “here,” “お召し上がり” (omeshiagari) is a polite way to say “eat/drink,” and “ですか” (desu ka) turns it into a question.

It’s important to answer clearly with “はい” (hai) for here or “テイクアウトで” (teikuauto de) for takeout.

Avoid confusion by listening carefully and responding politely.

For example: “はい、ここでお召し上がりです。” (“Hai, koko de omeshiagari desu.”)

This phrase is often heard in cafés and knowing it helps you respond smoothly.

12. お飲み物はいかがなさいますか？ (Onomimono wa ikaga nasaimasu ka?) – What would you like to drink?

This is a very polite and formal way to ask about drink preferences.

“お飲み物” (Onomimono) means “drink” with honorific prefix, “はいかがなさいますか” (ikaga nasaimasu ka) is a formal “how about” or “would you like.”

It’s often used in upscale or traditional coffee shops.

Respond politely with your choice and a “お願いします” (onegaishimasu).

For example: “カプチーノをお願いします。” (“Kapuchīno o onegaishimasu.”)

Using this phrase shows you are familiar with polite Japanese and sets a respectful tone.

13. こちらの席でよろしいでしょうか？ (Kochira no seki de yoroshii deshō ka?) – Is this seat okay?

This phrase is used when seating you, but knowing it helps you understand polite offers.

“こちらの席” (Kochira no seki) means “this seat,” “で” (de) marks the location, “よろしいでしょうか” (yoroshii deshō ka) is a polite way to ask permission.

It’s polite to respond with “はい、ありがとうございます” (Hai, arigatō gozaimasu) if you accept.

Understanding this phrase helps you navigate seating arrangements smoothly.

You can also politely decline by saying “別の席はありますか？” (Betsu no seki wa arimasu ka?) meaning “Is there another seat?”

Using this phrase or recognizing it shows your awareness of Japanese etiquette.

14. 店内でお召し上がりですか、それともお持ち帰りですか？ (Tennai de omeshiagari desu ka, soretomo omochikaeri desu ka?) – Dine in or take out?

This is a common formal question in cafés and restaurants.

“店内で” (Tennai de) means “inside the store,” “お召し上がりですか” (omeshiagari desu ka) is “will you eat/drink,” “それとも” (soretomo) means “or,” and “お持ち帰りですか” (omochikaeri desu ka) is “takeout?”

Answer clearly to avoid confusion.

It’s polite and helpful to know this phrase so you can respond appropriately.

For example, “店内でお願いします” (“Tennai de onegaishimasu”) means “For here, please.”

Knowing this phrase helps you avoid mix-ups and shows your polite language skills.

15. もう少々お時間をいただけますか？ (Mō shōshō ojikan o itadakemasu ka?) – Could you please give me a little more time?

Use this phrase when you need more time to decide your order.

“もう少々” (Mō shōshō) means “a little more,” “お時間” (ojikan) means “time” with honorific, “をいただけますか” (o itadakemasu ka) is a polite request form.

It’s very polite and shows good manners.

Avoid rushing and use this phrase to keep the interaction smooth.

Example: “すみません、もう少々お時間をいただけますか？” (“Sumimasen, mō shōshō ojikan o itadakemasu ka?”)

Knowing this phrase helps you communicate your needs politely in any dining situation.

16. お手洗いはどこですか？ (Otearai wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the restroom?

Always useful to know when you need a break.

“お手洗い” (Otearai) means “restroom” with honorific, “は” (wa) marks the topic, “どこですか” (doko desu ka) means “where is it?”

It’s a polite and straightforward question.

If you want to be extra polite, add “すみません” (sumimasen) at the start.

Example: “すみません、お手洗いはどこですか？” (“Sumimasen, otearai wa doko desu ka?”)

Knowing this phrase will make navigating any café more comfortable.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. コーヒーちょうだい (Kōhī chōdai) – Coffee, please (casual)

This is a very casual, native way to ask for coffee among friends or in informal settings.

“ちょうだい” (chōdai) is a casual “please give me,” often used with close people.

It’s not polite in formal settings but great for casual chats.

Use it only when you’re sure the situation is relaxed.

For example, friends hanging out might say “コーヒーちょうだい” instead of the polite version.

It’s useful to recognize and understand to sound more natural when appropriate.

18. これ、ください (Kore, kudasai) – This one, please

A short, casual phrase that’s easy to use when pointing at something on the menu or display.

“これ” (kore) means “this,” and “ください” (kudasai) is “please.”

Perfect when you don’t know the exact name but want to order something.

Keep your tone friendly but not too blunt.

It’s a quick, practical phrase that works well in busy or noisy environments.

Learning this helps you sound natural and efficient.

19. ブラックで (Burakku de) – Black (coffee)

A casual and very common way to order black coffee.

“ブラック” (Burakku) is the borrowed word for “black,” and “で” (de) means “as” or “in.”

It’s short and used daily by locals.

Don’t confuse it with “ブラックコーヒー” (Burakku kōhī) which is more formal.

Example: Just say “ブラックでお願いします” (“Burakku de onegaishimasu”) to sound natural.

Knowing this phrase helps you blend in and order like a local.

20. アイスで (Aisu de) – Iced (coffee or drink)

Use this short phrase to specify you want your drink iced.

“アイス” (Aisu) means “ice” or “iced,” “で” (de) indicates the form.

It’s quick and widely understood.

Make sure not to confuse with “あつい” (atsui) which means “hot.”

Example: “コーヒー、アイスでください。” (“Kōhī, aisu de kudasai.”)

This phrase is perfect for hot days or refreshing orders.

21. おかわり (Okawari) – Another cup/refill

“おかわり” (Okawari) is a casual way to ask for a refill or another serving.

It’s very common in casual cafés and informal settings.

Use it with a smile to sound friendly.

It can also be used for food, not just drinks.

Example: “コーヒーのおかわりください。” (“Kōhī no okawari kudasai.”)

It’s a handy word to know for repeat orders.

22. ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) – Wait a moment

A casual and common phrase meaning “wait a little.”

“ちょっと” (chotto) means “a little,” and “待って” (matte) is “wait.”

Great for signaling you need a moment without sounding rude.

Avoid using it too brusquely; tone matters!

Example: “ちょっと待ってください。” (“Chotto matte kudasai.”) is more polite.

Knowing this phrase helps keep conversations smooth.

23. おいしい！ (Oishii!) – Delicious!

A simple and enthusiastic way to compliment your drink or food.

“おいしい” (Oishii) means “delicious.”

It’s a great phrase to share joy and connect with staff or friends.

Using it naturally shows your appreciation.

Try saying it with a smile to make it more heartfelt.

This phrase brightens up any coffee experience.

24. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita) – Thank you for the meal/drink

This polite phrase is said after finishing your food or drink.

“ごちそうさまでした” (Gochisōsama deshita) expresses gratitude for the meal/service.

It’s an important part of Japanese dining etiquette.

Using it leaves a great impression and shows respect.

Try to say it sincerely to end your visit on a positive note.

Knowing this phrase helps you connect warmly with café staff and culture.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 Japanese coffee shop phrases is like having a friendly chat with your barista, no matter where you go in Japan.

They’ll help you feel confident, polite, and ready to enjoy every sip and moment in the café culture.

So go ahead, practice them, have fun, and let your next coffee shop visit be a delicious language adventure!