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Essentials きほん · Stop E01

すみません

Sumimasen: the magic word, and four more you will use all day

You've just landed at Narita. Before anything else, meet the one word you'll use all day, every day. Get someone's attention, say thank you, and answer yes or no.

  • 成田空港 · Set in Narita Airport
  • 5-minute lesson
  • Free in the app

Phrases

sumimasen

Excuse me. / Sorry.

Your Swiss-army word: get attention, apologize, even say thanks when someone goes out of their way.

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you very much.

Polite thanks for anyone. Plain arigatou is for friends.

ありがとうarigatou · thank youございますgozaimasu · (polite ending)

hai

Yes.

Also means 'I'm listening' or 'got it'. You'll hear it nonstop.

iie

No.

Clear but a little strong. For a soft 'no thanks', locals often say daijoubu desu.

おねがいします

onegaishimasu

Please. (when asking for something)

Point at what you want and say this. Instant polite request.

お願いonegai · please (request)しますshimasu · (I) do

What you’ll hear

Staff talk fast. Here’s what they are likely to say at this stop, and a good answer.

irasshaimase

Welcome! (to our shop)

Called out by staff the moment you walk into a shop or restaurant. No reply needed: a small nod or smile is perfect.

douzo

Here you go. / Go ahead.

Said when someone hands you something or lets you go first.

You

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you.

Culture tip

The Small Bow

No need for deep bows. A small nod while saying sumimasen or arigatou gozaimasu is perfect in daily life. Staff will bow to you a lot, and a nod back is the polite reply.

“You should bow deeply to every shop clerk.”

Practice scene

Which Way to the Train?

Narita arrivals hall. You need directions from a staff member at the info desk.

Ms. Sato · Information desk

  1. Your turn: Get the staff member's attention.

    sumimasen

    Excuse me.

  2. hai, dou shimashita ka?

    Yes, how can I help?

  3. Your turn: Point at the train icon on your map and ask politely.

    onegaishimasu

    Please.

  4. densha desu ne. achira desu.

    The train? It's over there.

  5. Your turn: Thank her.

    arigatou gozaimasu

    Thank you very much.

  6. iie, dou itashimashite.

    Not at all, you're welcome.

Phrases from Ekiben content v3