Hospitality Japanese is 80% fixed phrases used in fixed situations. Learn the expressions below and you can handle most day-to-day service interactions — even if your Japanese is still basic.
Hotel phrases
Check-in
- お名前を伺えますか (Onamae o ukagaemasu ka) — May I have your name?
- こちらにご記入ください (Kochira ni gokinyū kudasai) — Please fill out this form.
- こちらがお部屋の鍵です (Kochira ga oheya no kagi desu) — Here is your room key.
- 朝食は7時から10時です (Chōshoku wa shichi-ji kara jū-ji desu) — Breakfast is from 7 to 10.
Guidance & requests
- エレベーターは右手にございます (Erebētā wa migite ni gozaimasu) — The elevator is on your right.
- すぐお持ちします (Sugu omochi shimasu) — I'll bring it right away.
- タクシーをお呼びしましょうか (Takushī o oyobi shimashō ka) — Shall I call a taxi for you?
Check-out
- ご滞在はいかがでしたか (Gotaizai wa ikaga deshita ka) — How was your stay?
- お支払いは現金ですか、カードですか (Oshiharai wa genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka) — Cash or card?
- またのお越しをお待ちしております (Mata no okoshi o omachi shite orimasu) — We look forward to seeing you again.
Restaurant phrases
Seating & orders
- 何名様ですか (Nanmei-sama desu ka) — How many people?
- ご注文はお決まりですか (Gochūmon wa okimari desu ka) — Are you ready to order?
- お飲み物はいかがですか (Onomimono wa ikaga desu ka) — Would you like anything to drink?
- 少々お待ちください (Shōshō omachi kudasai) — Just a moment, please.
During the meal & payment
- お料理はいかがですか (Oryōri wa ikaga desu ka) — How is everything?
- お皿をお下げしてよろしいですか (Osara o osage shite yoroshii desu ka) — May I take your plate?
- お会計はレジでお願いします (Okaikei wa reji de onegai shimasu) — Please pay at the register.
Lifesaver phrases for any situation
- 確認いたします (Kakunin itashimasu) — Let me check.
- 申し訳ございません (Mōshiwake gozaimasen) — I'm very sorry. (the polite apology that fixes almost everything)
- 日本語を話せる者を呼んでまいります (Nihongo o hanaseru mono o yonde mairimasu) — I'll get a Japanese-speaking colleague.
A smile, a clear voice and gestures matter more than perfect grammar. Practice these out loud — and remember that working in a Japanese-speaking environment every day is the fastest way to improve.