Essentials きほん · Stop E03
いくらですか
How much? Asking prices and counting in Japanese
Dotonbori is Osaka's neon food street, and the takoyaki is calling. Time for prices and numbers. Ask how much something is, order one, two or three, and say how many people.
Phrases
いくらですか？
ikura desu ka?
How much is it?
Point at the item and ask. Listen for the number before en (yen).
一つください
ひとつください
hitotsu kudasai
One, please.
Hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu: the all-purpose way to count things.
二つください
ふたつください
futatsu kudasai
Two, please.
Hold up two fingers as you say it for extra clarity.
三つください
みっつください
mittsu kudasai
Three, please.
The count goes on: yottsu (4), itsutsu (5). Works for most things.
一人です
ひとりです
hitori desu
Just one person.
Your answer when staff ask how many. People have their own count: hitori, futari…
二人です
ふたりです
futari desu
Two people.
From three on it's regular: sannin (3), yonin (4), gonin (5).
What you’ll hear
Staff talk fast. Here’s what they are likely to say at this stop, and a good answer.
何名様ですか？
nanmei-sama desu ka?
How many people?
The first question at almost every restaurant door.
二人です
futari desu
Two people.
いくつにしますか？
ikutsu ni shimasu ka?
How many would you like?
Asked at a takeout counter or bakery after you point at something.
三つください
mittsu kudasai
Three, please.
千五百円になります
sen gohyaku en ni narimasu
That'll be 1,500 yen.
How cashiers often tell you the total. Listen for the number before en.
これでお願いします
kore de onegaishimasu
Here you go. (as you put your cash or card in the tray)
Culture tip
Use the Tray
Many registers have a small tray next to the till. Place your cash or card in it instead of handing it over, and your change may come back the same way. Some shops have a machine where you insert the cash yourself.
“If there's a small tray at the register, you should put your money in it.”
That's exactly what it's for. It's the smooth, polite way to pay.
Practise scene
Takoyaki for Two
A takoyaki shop on Dotonbori with a few seats inside. You and a friend are starving.
Mr. Yamada · Takoyaki shop staff
-
いらっしゃいませ！何名様ですか？
irasshaimase! nanmei-sama desu ka?
Welcome! How many people?
-
Your turn: You're with a friend. Tell him how many.
二人です
futari desu
Two people.
-
二名様ですね。こちらへどうぞ。
nimei-sama desu ne. kochira e douzo.
Two of you. This way, please.
-
Your turn: The menu has a photo of takoyaki, but you can't read the price. Point and ask.
いくらですか？
ikura desu ka?
How much is it?
-
一つ六百円です。
hitotsu roppyaku en desu.
600 yen each.
-
Your turn: Perfect. Order one each for you and your friend.
二つください
futatsu kudasai
Two, please.
-
二つで千二百円です。少々お待ちください。
futatsu de sen nihyaku en desu. shoushou omachi kudasai.
Two comes to 1,200 yen. One moment, please.
Scene complete! You earned the Dotonbori, Osaka stamp.
Phrases from Ekiben content v3