24 Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Shopping at a Konbini

Heading to a konbini (Japanese convenience store) can be a fun and convenient experience, but knowing some key phrases can make it even better.

From grabbing a quick snack to paying for your items, having a few Japanese phrases ready will boost your confidence and smooth your shopping trip.

Konbinis are everywhere in Japan, and the staff are usually super friendly, but they appreciate it when you try a little Japanese.

This list will help you understand what to say and how to interact naturally, whether you’re a beginner or just want to sound like a local.

Learning these phrases will also give you a better sense of the culture and make your konbini visits more enjoyable and less stressful.

So, let’s dive into these 24 must-know Japanese phrases for shopping at a konbini, packed with helpful pronunciation and easy explanations!

Getting Ready to Shop: Basics Before You Start

Before you approach the counter, it’s good to know some basics.

These simple phrases will help you ask questions, request help, and get comfortable navigating the konbini environment.

They set the stage for a smooth interaction with the staff.

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

These initial phrases are easy to memorize and super practical for your first konbini trips.

Try repeating them out loud to get used to the sounds—it’s an easy trick that can be applied right away.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. これ、ください。 (Kore, kudasai.) — “This, please.”

This is the simplest way to ask for an item you want to buy.

Just point at the product and say “kore, kudasai.” “Kore” means “this,” and “kudasai” means “please give me.”

It’s direct, polite enough, and works perfectly for beginners.

Using it shows you know the basics of polite requests in Japanese.

If you want to say “that one,” use “sore, kudasai” (それ、ください, soh-reh, koo-dah-sigh).

Feeling confident with this phrase opens the door to asking for anything you want in the store.

2. いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) — “How much is it?”

This phrase helps you ask for the price of an item.

“Ikura” means “how much,” “desu” is a polite copula (like “is”), and “ka” turns it into a question.

It’s short and easy to remember for daily practice.

A common mistake is leaving out “ka,” which makes it sound like a statement instead of a question.

Example: “このおにぎり、いくらですか？” (Kono onigiri, ikura desu ka?) — “How much is this rice ball?”

Mastering this will help you check prices without confusion.

3. 袋は要りますか？ (Fukuro wa irimasu ka?) — “Do you need a bag?”

Often, the clerk will ask this question when you’re ready to pay.

“Fukuro” means “bag,” “wa” marks the topic, and “irimasu ka” means “do you need?”

Replying “はい、お願いします” (Hai, onegaishimasu) means “Yes, please,” or “いいえ、結構です” (Iie, kekkou desu) means “No, thank you.”

It’s polite and shows respect for the environment by declining bags when possible.

Practice this phrase so you’re ready when the clerk asks.

It’s a nice way to engage in the checkout process and sound natural.

4. 温めますか？ (Atatamemasu ka?) — “Would you like me to heat it up?”

Many konbinis offer to heat up ready-to-eat meals.

“Atatamemasu” means “to warm up,” and “ka” makes it a question.

Simply answer “はい、お願いします” (Hai, onegaishimasu) or “いいえ、結構です” (Iie, kekkou desu) as before.

This phrase is key if you want your food warm and fresh.

Don’t worry about pronouncing it perfectly—just being understood is enough.

Using this phrase shows you’re comfortable with konbini services.

5. ポイントカードはありますか？ (Pointo kaado wa arimasu ka?) — “Do you have a point card?”

Many konbinis have loyalty or point cards for discounts and rewards.

“Pointo kaado” is the Japanese pronunciation of “point card,” and “arimasu ka” means “do you have?”

Asking this can help you save money in the long run.

Make sure not to confuse “arimasu” (to have) with “imasu” (to exist for living things).

Example: “ポイントカードはありますか？” (Pointo kaado wa arimasu ka?)

This phrase is practical and shows you’re aware of konbini perks.

6. 電子マネーで払えますか？ (Denshi manee de haraemasu ka?) — “Can I pay with electronic money?”

Electronic money (like Suica, Pasmo, or PayPay) is very popular in Japan.

“Denshi manee” means “electronic money,” “de” means “by/with,” and “haraemasu ka” is “can I pay?”

Asking this helps you avoid confusion at checkout.

Don’t forget to listen for yes/no answers so you’re prepared.

Example: “電子マネーで払えますか？” (Denshi manee de haraemasu ka?)

Knowing this phrase means smoother, faster payments.

7. レシートをください。 (Reshiito o kudasai.) — “Please give me the receipt.”

Always good to ask for a receipt if you want one.

“Reshiito” is the Japanese pronunciation of “receipt,” “o” marks the object, and “kudasai” means “please give me.”

It’s quick and polite, and helps if you need proof of purchase.

Don’t hesitate to say it at the end of your transaction.

Example: “レシートをください。” (Reshiito o kudasai.)

Using this phrase is a simple way to practice polite requests.

8. ポテトチップスはどこですか？ (Poteto chippusu wa doko desu ka?) — “Where are the potato chips?”

This phrase helps you ask the location of an item.

“Poteto chippusu” is “potato chips,” “wa” marks the topic, “doko” means “where,” and “desu ka” makes it a question.

It’s great for when you want to find something specific.

Tip: Swap “ポテトチップス” with any item you want to find.

Example: “ジュースはどこですか？” (Juusu wa doko desu ka?) — “Where is the juice?”

Getting comfortable with this phrase is handy in any store.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. すみません、これを見せてください。 (Sumimasen, kore o misete kudasai.) — “Excuse me, please show me this.”

This is a polite way to ask the clerk to show or explain an item.

“Sumimasen” means “excuse me,” “kore” means “this,” “o” marks the object, “misete” is “show me,” and “kudasai” is “please.”

Use this when you want to see something up close or clarify details.

It’s respectful and great when you’re unsure about a product.

Example: “すみません、これを見せてください。”

Politeness here helps build good rapport with staff.

10. もう一つください。 (Mou hitotsu kudasai.) — “One more, please.”

Use this to ask for an additional item.

“Mou” means “more” or “another,” “hitotsu” means “one (thing),” and “kudasai” is “please.”

It’s a neat phrase to add on to your order politely.

Be careful not to confuse “hitotsu” with numbers for multiple items.

Example: “おにぎりをもう一つください。” — “One more rice ball, please.”

Practicing this phrase helps you sound natural when ordering multiple things.

11. お勧めは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) — “What do you recommend?”

Great for when you want suggestions from the staff.

“Osusume” means “recommendation,” “wa” marks the topic, “nan” means “what,” and “desu ka” is a question marker.

It invites friendly interaction and helps you discover new favorites.

Don’t confuse “nan” (what) with “nani,” though they are similar.

Example: “お勧めは何ですか？”

Use this phrase to engage and learn more about konbini goodies.

12. すみません、トイレはどこですか？ (Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka?) — “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”

A polite way to ask for the restroom location.

“Sumimasen” is “excuse me,” “toire” is “toilet,” “wa” topic marker, “doko” is “where,” and “desu ka” makes it a question.

Essential phrase for comfort during your konbini visits.

Many konbini have restrooms, so it’s handy to know this.

Example: “すみません、トイレはどこですか？”

Being polite here makes a good impression.

13. お釣りはいりません。 (Otsuri wa irimasen.) — “No change needed.”

Use this when you want to donate your change or avoid receiving coins.

“Otsuri” means “change,” “wa” topic marker, and “irimasen” means “don’t need.”

It’s polite and handy for quick transactions.

Don’t confuse “irimasen” with “imasen” (not exist for people or animals).

Example: “お釣りはいりません。”

This phrase makes your payment smooth and appreciated.

14. すみません、袋はいりません。 (Sumimasen, fukuro wa irimasen.) — “No bag, please.”

Perfect for politely declining a bag to reduce waste.

“Sumimasen” is “excuse me,” “fukuro” means “bag,” “wa” topic marker, “irimasen” means “don’t need.”

It shows environmental awareness and politeness.

Make sure to say it clearly to avoid confusion.

Example: “すみません、袋はいりません。”

Try this phrase to sound considerate and polite.

15. こちらで食べてもいいですか？ (Kochira de tabete mo ii desu ka?) — “Is it okay to eat here?”

Ask this if you want to eat your purchase inside or nearby.

“Kochira” means “here,” “de” indicates location, “tabete” is “eat” in te-form, “mo ii desu ka” means “is it okay?”

It’s a polite way to check rules before eating.

Many konbinis have limited seating or none, so asking is respectful.

Example: “こちらで食べてもいいですか？”

Use this phrase to avoid awkward situations and be polite.

16. お願いします。 (Onegaishimasu.) — “Please.”

A versatile phrase used to politely request or thank someone.

It’s often added after orders or requests to sound more polite.

Short but powerful in daily konbini interactions.

Don’t confuse it with “arigatou” which means “thank you.”

Example: “これをお願いします。” (Kore o onegaishimasu) — “This, please.”

Adding this makes your requests sound much more natural.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. これ、ちょうだい。 (Kore, choudai.) — “This, please.” (casual)

A casual, friendly way to say “this, please.”

“Choudai” is a casual equivalent of “kudasai” used among friends or in relaxed settings.

Great when you want to sound more native and less formal.

Not recommended in formal situations or with strangers.

Example: “これ、ちょうだい。”

Use this to blend in with younger people or casual shoppers.

18. お釣りはいいよ。 (Otsuri wa ii yo.) — “Keep the change.” (casual)

A casual way to tell the clerk to keep your change.

“Otsuri” means “change,” “wa” topic marker, “ii” means “good/okay,” and “yo” adds friendliness.

Use this with friends or when the setting is informal.

Avoid in formal situations to maintain politeness.

Example: “お釣りはいいよ。”

This phrase makes your conversation sound natural and easygoing.

19. これ、どこ？ (Kore, doko?) — “Where’s this?” (casual)

A super casual way to ask where something is.

“Kore” means “this,” and “doko” means “where.”

It’s short and direct, sound like a native friend.

Not polite enough for formal use, but great with friends or young staff.

Example: “これ、どこ？”

Try it when you want to sound relaxed and informal.

20. これ、温めて。 (Kore, atatamete.) — “Heat this up.” (casual)

A casual way to ask for food to be heated.

“Atatamete” is the te-form command for “warm up.”

Use with friends or in informal situations.

Remember, it’s less polite, so avoid with older or unfamiliar people.

Example: “これ、温めて。”

Practice this to sound more natural and native-like.

21. これ、持って帰る。 (Kore, motte kaeru.) — “I’m taking this home.”

Use this to say you will take your purchase with you.

“Motte kaeru” means “to bring/take home.”

Useful when asking about to-go options or clarifying your plan.

It’s casual but clear and understood everywhere.

Example: “これ、持って帰る。”

Great phrase for casual conversations at konbini.

22. お釣り、いらないよ。 (Otsuri, iranai yo.) — “I don’t need change.” (casual)

Another casual way to refuse change.

“Ira nai” means “don’t need,” and “yo” adds a friendly tone.

Good for informal exchanges or with younger staff.

Not recommended in formal or serious contexts.

Example: “お釣り、いらないよ。”

Try this phrase to sound laid-back and natural.

23. これ、試食してもいい？ (Kore, shishoku shite mo ii?) — “Can I try this?”

Use this to ask if you can sample a product.

“Shishoku” means “taste test,” “shite mo ii” means “is it okay to do?”

Not all konbinis allow samples, but this phrase is polite and clear.

Example: “これ、試食してもいい？”

Great for discovering new snacks politely.

24. ごちそうさまでした。 (Gochisousama deshita.) — “Thank you for the meal.”

Say this after eating to express gratitude.

It literally means “It was a feast,” a polite way to thank for food.

Using it shows good manners and respect for the food and service.

Great phrase to use if you eat at or near the konbini.

Example: “ごちそうさまでした。”

It’s a warm and appreciated phrase to know.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 phrases turns konbini shopping from a simple errand into a cultural experience.

Each one helps you connect better with the people and the place, making your visit easier and more enjoyable.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy your konbini adventures with these handy Japanese phrases!