In Japanese, the word “どうも” (doumo) is a very versatile and frequently used word that can mean a few different things depending on the context. どうも, pronounced “dou-mo,” is a phrase you’d come across when you’re eating in at an izakaya or a restaurant. You can also use it to thank someone. You can also use it as the English version of “very much” and “very”. In many situations, the word is used to express appreciation.
Is it just a casual “thanks”? Or can it mean “hello,” “sorry,” or even something else entirely? In this post, we’ll unravel the many meanings of doumo, show you exactly when and how to use it, and share real-life examples so you can speak like a native and sound natural in everyday Japanese conversations.
What Does “Doumo” Mean in Japanese?
In Japanese, どうも (doumo) is a flexible and commonly used word that can express gratitude, serve as a greeting, emphasize an apology, or convey uncertainty. Its meaning changes depending on context, tone, and the words it’s paired with. While often translated as “thanks” or “very,” it has a much broader range of use in real-life conversation.
Different Meanings of Doumo in Japanese
1. Doumo as a “Thank You”
One of the most frequent uses of doumo is to express gratitude. It can be used on its own to casually say “thanks” in Japanese or combined with other expressions to show more formality. For example, どうもありがとう (doumo arigatou) means “thank you very much,” while どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu) is an even more polite and respectful version. Saying just どうも by itself is common among friends or acquaintances when you want to thank someone casually, such as when receiving a small favor or gift.
Tip: Adding doumo makes your thank you sound warmer and more polite.
カードをどうもありがとう。 Kaado o doumo arigatou. Thank you for your card.
If you know Japan, you have probably come across the phrase “Arigato” at some point. If you’re a foreigner traveling to Japan, “Arigato” is a phrase you cannot avoid using. On the other hand, doumo is a much shorter way of saying arigato.
Let’s say that you’re leaving the restaurant with your friend. A conversation between you and the shopkeeper could sound like this:
You: ごちそうさまでした。 Gochisousama deshita. It was very delicous.
Shopkeeper: どうもありがとうございました。 Doumo arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you for eating at our place.
You: どうも。 Doumo. Thanks.
2. Doumo as a casual greeting
In casual situations, doumo can also be used as a brief, informal greeting in Japanese, similar to saying “hi” or “hey” in English. You might hear someone say どうも when they run into a coworker or friend. It’s short, friendly, and relaxed, but it’s not appropriate in formal or professional introductions.
For example, at work, when you see a colleague you are close with, you can simply say:
どうも！ Doumo! Hey!
Keep in mind that this is less formal and shorter than full greetings like “konnichiwa” (こんいちは), so you should only use it to people you know. Otherwise, it can sound a bit rough or blunt.
3. Doumo as an apology
Doumo can soften the tone of an apology when paired with expressions like すみません (sumimasen) or 失礼しました (shitsurei shimashita). Phrases like どうもすみません or どうも失礼しました convey a stronger sense of sincerity — roughly translating to “I’m really sorry” or “I truly apologize.” In this context, doumo works as an intensifier, adding politeness and humility to the apology.
Of course, the tone here matters! Remember that doumo (どうも) can also mean “thank you,” and this word can be used all by itself. To avoid miscommunication, pay close attention to how you say it when you want to express that you’re sorry.
For example, if you bump into someone and say doumo with a lowered voice or while bowing your head, it means “sorry.” The intonation is usually falling or flat in this case.
In contrast, when saying doumo to mean “thank you,” the intonation often rises or fluctuates and sounds more cheerful and bright.
どうも申し訳ありません Doumo moushi wake arimasen. I deeply apologize
Another function of doumo is to express vague feelings or emphasize a state of uncertainty. This is because when placed at the beginning of a sentence, doumo can soften what you say, signaling you’re not 100% sure or you want to be polite but indirect. It’s like saying “Well…” or “I’m afraid that…” or “Somehow…” in English, often to avoid being too direct. Take a look at the example below. どうも調子が悪いみたいです。 Doumo choushi ga warui mitai desu. Somehow, I don’t feel well.
With that said, doumo often appears in implicitly negative phrases like どうも変だね (“That seems weird”) or どうも調子が悪い (“Something feels off”). In these cases, it communicates a sense of something being unclear, wrong, or difficult to explain. It’s often used when the speaker can’t quite put their finger on the issue.
5. Doumo to make an emphasis
Doumo can also emphasize a feeling or state, often meaning “very,” “quite,” or “really” when placed before adjectives or verbs. This is because when used at the start of a sentence or phrase, doumo acts like a little intensifier. It gives extra weight to the verb or adjective that follows.
Using doumo adds a polite but clear emphasis without sounding too dramatic or strong. It’s a natural part of Japanese conversation that helps speakers express their feelings more precisely and politely. どうも分かりません。 Doumo wakarimasen. I really don’t understand.
6. Doumo as a polite softener
In Japanese, politeness is very important, and speakers often use certain words to soften requests or statements, making them sound more gentle and less direct. Doumo can be used at the start of a sentence or phrase to add this softening effect, making the speaker sound more humble, polite, or considerate.
It’s like adding “please” or “kindly” in English to make a request sound more courteous.
What’s an interesting fact about “Doumo”?
In Japan, mascot characters are created to represent many companies and regions. In fact, Japan has a “Domo-kun（どーもくん）” mascot. He is an official mascot created by Japan’s public broadcaster (NHK). His concept derives from the greetings on Japanese morning television.
When (and When Not) to Use Doumo
Expression
Meaning
Context
どうも
Thanks / Hi
Very casual
どうもありがとう
Thank you very much
Casual but polite
どうもありがとうございます
Thank you very much (formal)
Formal, respectful
どうもすみません
I’m very sorry
Polite apology
どうも調子が悪い
I don’t feel right
Expressing uncertainty
あ、どうも〜
Hey there!
Casual greeting
Doumo is safe to use in casual and semi-formal situations, especially when you’re talking with people you know well. It’s great for friendly conversations, everyday gratitude, and casual greetings. However, in formal situations, such as business meetings or speaking with someone older or of higher status, you should avoid using doumo alone. Instead, use full expressions like ありがとうございます (thank you) or 失礼しました (excuse me).
Examples of Using Doumo in Japanese
To help you better understand how どうも (doumo) is used in real life, here are several example sentences across different situations, each with an English translation and short explanation.
Example 1:
Japanese: A: これ、落としましたよ。 B: あ、どうも！
English: A: You dropped this. B: Oh, thanks!
Example 2:
Japanese: ご来店いただき、どうもありがとうございます。
English: Thank you very much for visiting our store.
Want to master Japanese? Start taking Japanese lessons with us!
If you love learning Japanese, consider starting at top language schools like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.
We offer both part-time and intensive courses across four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama. Not in Japan? No problem! We have interactive online lessons so you can learn Japanese wherever you are.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach: classes are small, with only 8 students per classroom, so you get plenty of speaking practice and individual attention.
Interested? Fill out the form below for a free level check! You can also schedule a free consultation or chat with our team to find the best learning path for you.
FAQ
What does domo mean in Japanese?
“Domo” (どうも) is a versatile word meaning “thanks,” “hello,” “sorry,” or used for emphasis depending on context.
How do you say thank you in Japanese?
The most common way is “arigatou” (ありがとう) or more politely “arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます).
How do you use domo?
You use “domo” alone for casual thanks or greetings, or combined with phrases like “domo arigatou” to say thank you politely.
How do you write doumo?
“Domo” is written in hiragana as どうも.
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Kanji can be beautiful, but some of them can also be downright intimidating. While most learners start with simple characters like 日 (day) or 木 (tree), Japanese writing also hides a few monsters: characters so complex and rare that even native speakers may pause before reading or writing them.
So what are the most difficult Japanese kanji characters? Japanese kanji are hard to learn on itself, but let’s take a look at the world’s most difficult Japanese kanji with the most number of strokes!
What is kanji?
Originating from China, kanji takes a significant part in the Japanese language. It is widely used in the daily life of the Japanese people. Usually, a Japanese person grown up speaking Japanese knows about 3500 to 4000 Kanji.
Although kanji can be replaced with kiragana or katakana, it only makes a sentence harder to read and comprehend. For example, how do you differentiate between 橋 (はし), 箸(はし), or 端(はし) if expressing them in hiragana? As a result, learning kanji is very important. Just started learning Japanese? Head to our main article about the Japanese writing system for a more comprehensive guide on hiragana, katakana, and kanji!
The Most Difficult Japanese Kanji on Record: たいと(Taito)
たいと(taito) is the most difficult Japanese Kanji on record, with a total of 84 strokes. It is formed by combining 3 雲 (くもkumo) with 3 龍 (りゅうRyuu). 雲 means cloud and 龍 means dragon in English. たいと is said to be a type of Japanese surname. Although this kanji is recorded in the Rare Surname Dictionary, its true existence is still unverifiable. Feeling mindblown? There are more extremely difficult Japanese kanji! Take a look at each of them, and you will understand how complicated kanji can be.
Hardest Kanji Characters with Most Strokes
Of course, the kanji with the most strokes isn’t always the hardest, but it does tend to get more complicated as the stroke count increases. More strokes mean more details to memorize, and when writing them by hand, you have to be even more careful to keep every line precise and balanced.
1. びゃん (Biang)
Arguably the most famous “difficult kanji” in the world, the character for biang boasts over 50 strokes and doesn’t exist in the standard Japanese or Chinese character sets. It appears in the name of a regional noodle dish from Shaanxi Province in China called biángbiáng noodles. Although it’s mostly used as a linguistic curiosity, it has become a kind of cult symbol for fans of complex characters. Thankfully, the more common kanji for noodles, 麵 (men), is far simpler—though still on the elaborate side.
2. いわ (Iwa)
The common kanji for iwa (rock) is 岩, which is simple and widely used. But there’s another rare version of iwa that means “residence of the gods” and clocks in with a staggering 53 strokes. This kanji is visually arresting: it stacks three 岩 (rock) characters above another complex base, forming an imposing symbol.
While not in daily use, it serves as a poetic way to represent sacred ground or spiritual locations.
3. ほう (Hou)
The kanji 雷 (kaminari or rai) means “thunder,” but what happens when you multiply it by four? You get a visually dramatic compound. This version isn’t used in official writing systems and is more of a creative or poetic invention. It emphasizes loudness, repetition, and the raw force of nature
4. かぜ (Kaze)
The everyday kanji for kaze (wind) is 風, which is relatively simple. However, the version shown here is an ornate, stacked compound incorporating repeated radicals like 飛 (fly) and 流 (flow). We think this is to evoke the swirling and dynamic movement of strong winds.
5. ほう (Hou)
At first glance, the complex kanji for hou may seem like it represents fire, but its root character, 興, actually means “to rise” or “to flourish.” In this case, 興 is repeated three times, perhaps to suggest intensity or prosperity. Though it’s sometimes associated with flames or passion, it doesn’t directly mean “fire.” Instead, this triple-stacked variation seems to be a poetic exaggeration.
6. ぎょう (Gyou)
This character features a triple stacking of 魚 (fish), much like how the forest kanji 森 is made from three trees. While 魚 alone simply means “fish,” stacking it three times symbolizes abundance and prosperity, like a thriving underwater world. Though not in official use, this visual shorthand for “many fish” is sometimes used symbolically.
7. ゆう (Yuu)
The character for yuu, meaning “garden,” may be a decorative or stylized alternative to 園 (en), the standard kanji used today. It appears to incorporate common garden-related radicals such as 艸 (grass), 門 (gate), and 囗 (enclosure).
8. じん (Jin)
Although sometimes translated as “dust,” the rare character 麤 (so or sou) more accurately means “rough” or “coarse.” It’s formed by stacking the kanji for “deer” (鹿) three times. Used in classical Chinese texts, this character conveys the idea of something impure or unrefined. Its towering complexity makes it a challenge to write, but its meaning is more textured than it first appears.
9. れん (Ren)
This fictional kanji combines 糸 (thread), 子 (child), and two 勇 (bravery) characters to symbolically represent “twins.” While it doesn’t appear in any official dictionaries, the intention is clear: children, connected like a thread, and reinforced with a sense of strength and duality.
Other Difficult Everyday Kanji
So far, we’ve looked at archaic kanji that rarely appear in daily life or writing. But what about the challenging kanji you actually encounter on the go? Japanese writing still features plenty of difficult characters in everyday situations. Here’s a breakdown of real-life kanji that stand out for their high stroke count, obscure readings, or unusual components:
1. 機械 (Kikai)
Meaning: Machine
Stroke counts: 27
The kanji for machine is high in strokes and contains radicals like 木 (tree) and 戈 (halberd). These are common in technical or formal writing, especially in manuals or product descriptions, but they trip up learners due to their complexity and similar appearance.
2. 綺麗 (Kirei)
Meaning: Beautiful
Stroke count: 28
These kanji are often learned later in study, but they appear frequently in daily language. Their complex structure and unusual radicals (like 糸 for thread and 鹿 for deer) make them harder to write from memory, even though the word itself is common.
In fact, the kanji for きれい (kirei) is somewhat annoyingly difficult for Japanese people, so they also tend to spell it out in either katakana (キレイ) or furigana.
3. 鬱 (Utsu)
Meaning: Depression, gloom, or melancholy.
Stroke count: 28
One of the most complex kanji in standard use, 鬱 has 29 strokes. It appears in psychological and medical terms such as 鬱病 (うつびょう), meaning depression. Though difficult to write and recognize, it’s crucial in Japan’s mental health contexts.
You’ll also frequently see it paired with the character 憂 (ゆう/うれ/うれ/う) in the compound 憂鬱 (ゆううつ), which means gloomy, melancholy, or sad.
The kaji is so complicated that often, it is replaced by kana or the simpler form ウツ in informal writing.
4. 薔薇 (Bara)
Meaning: Rose
Stroke count: 38
Though the word bara (rose) is well-known, the kanji is so complicated that most Japanese people use it in kana (バラ) or with furigana. The characters 薔 and 薇 both involve the 艸 (grass/plant) radical and many strokes. You’ll still see the kanji in fancy menus, botanical texts, or poetry.
5. 橄欖 (Kanran)
Meaning: Olive
Strokes: 34
While this word refers to olives, it’s mostly used in Chinese or academic contexts. Japanese more commonly uses the katakana form オリーブ. But you might see this in scientific texts or ingredient labels.
6. 紅鶴 (Koukaku)
Meaning: Flamingo
Strokes: 30
紅 means red or crimson, and 鶴 means crane. While each kanji is readable on its own, 鶴 is not commonly encountered in everyday writing. The compound 紅鶴 (こうかく) literally means “red crane,” but it’s used poetically to refer to a flamingo.
You might come across this term in zoos, nature books, or literary works, where it’s used as a majestic or symbolic expression.
7. 馬鹿 (Baka)
Meaning: Fool, Idiot
Strokes: 21
You’ve probably heard baka before, one of the most common Japanese insults out there. It means “fool” or “idiot,” and while it’s usually written in hiragana (ばか) or katakana (バカ), the kanji version consists of two animals: horse (馬) and deer (鹿).
So what do a horse and a deer have to do with being an idiot? Some say it comes from an old story about mistaking a deer for a horse, like a metaphor for blind obedience or just plain foolishness.
Either way, its kanji form feels kind of stiff or old-school. Most people stick with kana when writing it, unless they’re going for a dramatic or literary vibe.
Start taking Japanese lessons and master kanji skills with us!
The great news is that nowadays, you’re more likely to read kanji than write them by hand. That said, we still recommend practicing your kanji strokes.
If you love learning Japanese and want to master kanji, consider starting at top language schools like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.
We offer both part-time and intensive courses across four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama. Not in Japan? No problem! We have interactive online lessons so you can learn Japanese wherever you are.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach: classes are small, with only 8 students per classroom, so you get plenty of speaking practice and individual attention.
Interested? Fill out the form below for a free level check! You can also schedule a free consultation or chat with our team to find the best learning path for you.
FAQ
What is the hardest kanji in Japanese?
たいと(taito) is the most difficult Japanese Kanji on record, with a total of 84 strokes. It is formed by combining 3 雲 (くもkumo) with 3 龍 (りゅうRyuu). 雲 means cloud and 龍 means dragon in English. たいと is said to be a type of Japanese surname. Although this kanji is recorded in the <Rare Surname Dictionary>, its true existence is still unverifiable.
Where does kanji characters come from?
Originating from China, kanji takes a significant part in the Japanese language. It is widely used in the daily life of the Japanese people.
How many kanji characters do you need to know?
Usually, a person who grows up speaking Japanese knows about 3500 to 4000 kanji.
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A commuter pass, or 定期券 (teikiken), is an incredibly practical option for anyone who regularly travels the same route in Japan. This is particularly true if you’re a company employee commuting to work, a student heading to university or a Japanese language school, or someone traveling to a part-time job. While the upfront cost might seem high, it offers unlimited travel between two stations for a set period.
How do you get a commuter pass in Japan? And does it help you save money on transportation? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about getting the commuter pass!
What is a commuter pass or 定期券 (Teikiken)?
A commuter pass, or 定期券 (teikiken), is a prepaid train or subway pass in Japan that allows unlimited travel between two designated stations for a fixed period. You purchase it on your prepaid IC card (Pasmo or Suica if you’re in Tokyo) and the route is saved directly on the card.
The commuter pass can be purchased for the following periods: 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months.
If you are working in Japan, your company will likely cover your transportation costs by paying for a commuter pass that covers your route to and from the office.
This most commonly happens for trains, but bus commuter passes are also available and can often be used in combination with train routes.
Anyone with an IC transportation card, which is either Pasmo or Suica, can get a commuter pass in Japan. If you have a route that you regularly travel for work or work, you can apply for the commuter pass to save money since you can travel without limit between your home and destination.
Types of commuter pass
There are 2 main types of commuter passes that are available: the adult commuter pass and the student commuter pass. They both have the same fundamental functions but differ in functions and where they can be integrated.
1. Adult Commuter Pass
The adult commuter pass is the standard pass that can be purchased by any adult. Whether you are a tourist, long-term or short-term resident you can get this pass to travel as many times as you want in the route you applied. The pass is meant to be convenient for anyone to use so you do not need to provide any ID or documents.
2. Student Commuter Pass
The Student Commuter Pass is limited to students or anyone who is enrolled in an educational institution of some form. This could include university, graduate, vocational, high school, or grade school students. In order to receive the Student Commuter Pass, you need to present a student ID and documents proving you are currently enrolled as a student. You also need to provide a document with an approved route to and from your school.
The student pass is usually cheaper than the adult version which already helps save money in the long term. However, there are stricter rules about the usage of student passes including the following:
The pass can only be used by the student pass holder
You can only use the pass to go between your home and school
Cost comparison: Commuter pass vs normal IC card
How does the commuter pass compare in price versus just using the IC card? The commuter pass will require you to pay for 1, 3, or 6 months in advance, which can seem pretty expensive for a single upfront cost. However, the overall price is lower compared to charging the IC card for the route each time. Additionally, you can use the route you saved as many times as you like.
So, let’s take a common route from Kichijoji Station (吉祥寺駅) to Shinjuku Station (新宿駅) using the JR Chuo Line (Rapid):
Using an IC card (e.g. Suica or Pasmo)
One-way fare: ¥230
Round trip per day: ¥460
Fare for 1 month assuming you commute five days a week for four weeks: ¥9,200 (¥460 × 20 days)
Using a 1-Month Commuter Pass
1-month pass (Kichijoji ↔ Shinjuku): approx. ¥6,510 (price based on JR East fare simulator)
Monthly Savings
Transportation Option
Monthly cost
IC Card:
¥9,200
Commuter Pass:
¥6,510
If you commute five days a week, Total savings using Commuter Pass = ¥2,690 per month
That’s nearly 30% savings, and if you commute more than 20 days per month (e.g. weekends, overtime), the savings increase even more. The best part is the more you use the commuter pass, the more you save!
Bonus Tip: Use Within the Route
The great thing about commuter passes is that you can freely get on or off at any station between your starting and ending stations. For example, if your pass covers the route between Shinjuku and Kichijoji, you can stop at Nakano or Koenji without having to pay an extra fee!
If you travel beyond your designated route — like getting off early to meet a friend outside the covered zone — you’ll only be charged for the portion outside your commuter pass area, making it cheaper overall to travel around Tokyo or the city you live for leisure.
Where to purchase a commuter pass
There are three ways you can purchase the commuter pass which includes buying at the ticket machine, the station counter, or online through apps. For the ticket counter or the ticket machine, you will need to also buy an IC card, which includes Suica or Pasmo. The online option allows you to buy the pass via apps on your phone.
1. At ticket counter
Going to the actual ticket counter with staff is very helpful when buying a commuter pass for the first time. The staff will take you to the ticket machine and help you select the correct stations for the route you want to save. Also remember, the Student Commuter Pass can only be purchased via the ticket counter since the staff will need to ask for student documents.
Quick Tip: Buying commuter passes at the counter during the start of the school year, April or September, will be the most busy. Try getting the pass ahead of time if you are a student, you can set the period for the commuter pass to start at a later date.
2. At the ticket machine
The ticket machine features a touch screen interface (note you may have to press with a bit of force sometimes) and is pretty easy to use. The good news is that the ticket machine offers English. At the top corner of the screen you should see an option to change the language.
How to buy a Japanese commuter pass using the ticket machine
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase the pass on a ticket machine:
1. Select “Commuter Pass” on the display screen
First, head to the ticket machine. Make sure the machine allows for you to issue a commuter pass.
If the screen is displayed Japanese, you have to select 定期券 (teikiken) button to set up your commuter pass. In English, the button will say “Commuter Pass” instead. You can also change the language at the top corner of the screen.
2. Select commuter pass type
Once you press the “Commuter Pass” button, you will be given 3 options: Train Commuter pass, KEIO Bus Commuter pass, and Reserved pass. In our case we will select the “Train Commuter pass” option to save a train route onto our IC card.
3.Select “New commuter pass”
Select “新規” (shinki), or in English “new commuter pass”, if this is your first time making a commuter pass route.
4. Set up your commuter pass route
When setting up your route, the machine will display 2 options for your departing station:
The current station you are at, in this case 神泉 (Shinsen)
その他 (sono hoka) or “other”, meaning a different station from where you are currently making the commuter pass
You can create a commuter route at any station, even ones that are not on the route you wish to save. If you are currently at the station you wish to depart from, select the button on the left.
Since I usually depart from 吉祥寺 (Kichijouji) station and not 神泉 (Shinsen) I will select, “その他” (other), the button on the right.
If you selected “その他”, you will need to input the name of the station you wish to depart from, followed by which station you wish to arrive. If your arrival and departure stations are not direct routes (if you need to transfer in between), you can also choose between available transfer stations options.
The keyboard will only be in hiragana, so being familiar with Japanese writing systems will be very helpful. You can refer to our hiragana chart if needed!
After you input your departure and arrival stations, you just select either 通常の定期券 (tsuujou no teikiken) or ドッチーモ (docchii mo). Tsuujou no teikiken is just the regular commuter pass, so selecting this option will save the route you made. The second option, doochii mo, translates to “both”, which is an add-on service where you can also include a commuter route to Shinjuku for an additional price.
For now, we will select the top option, “Tsuujou no Teikiken” or the regular commuter pass route.
Now, your departing and arrival station including transfer stations in between should be displayed on this screen. You can only get the “adult” commuter pass from the ticket machine, so you must select the おとな (adult) button. If you wish to purchase a child or student commuter pass, you would need to go to the station staff.
5. Buy New Card or Use Current Pasmo Card
The top option, PASMO定期券 (Pasmo Teikiken) will create a new IC card with your saved commuter pass route. Just like buying a new IC card, you will also need to deposit 500 yen. Credit cards cannot be used.
The bottom option is for those who already own a Pasmo IC card. Choose this option if you just need to save your Commuter Pass route on the card you already own.
6. Agree to registering your personal information
The policies just discuss how your personal information will be handled and used by Pasmo (the Commuter Pass issuing company). The terms just state the company may use your personal info to confirm changes or refunds of your commuter pass, to share your information with bus, train operators, or other transportation companies, and to contact you for specific purposes (like if you lose your Pasmo card). You have tap 同意する (doui suru) or “Agree” to continue with purchasing the commuter pass.
7. Input your personal information
First you have to input your last name in the top box and your first name in the bottom box. You also have the option to change the keyboard to English letters so you can input your name in English (don’t forget to check our guide on how to convert your name to katakana if you are curious!)
Choose your sex which is either 男性 (dansei or male) or 女性 (josei or female).
Now enter your birthday, displayed as 生年月日 (seinengappi), starting with the year, month, and day. For months and days that are single digit, include a zero before the actual number (e.g. 09 for september). Also make sure the year is set to 西暦 (seireki) or Western year calendar.
8. Select validity
First select the desired amount of months you want the commuter pass for, you can choose between: 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
Then choose from which date you would like the commuter pass to start. Note that the dates are formatted by 月 (gatsu or month) then 日 (nichi or day).
9. Confirmation and payment
Check that all the details you input are correct and press 確認 (kakunin or confirm).
Now the total fee should be displayed including the deposit for a new card if you are getting a new IC card. If you need a receipt (for work or personal records) you can press 領收書 (receipt) before inserting the money and paying.
Congratulations! You have successfully made a commuter pass on your IC card! Now all you have to do is hop on the train and make sure you are following the train announcements in Japanese correctly.
How to buy commuter pass in Japan online
Buying the commuter pass has never been easier since you can purchase online and have it saved directly to your phone! There are apps available for both Apple and Androids phones. Below we will break down how to download either Pasmo or Suica digital commuter pass:
1. Pasmo App
The PASMO Mobile is only available on Apple, via Apple wallet, or Pixel Phones. First you set up a Pasmo card on your Apple wallet or app on pixel. Then follow the following steps to set up the Commuter Pass:
Apply for Commuter Pass: In the app, go to 定期券購入
Enter stations, duration, and pass type
Payment & Activation, you can purchase the commuter pass via Apple Pay (iPhone) or credit card
Now the commuter pass route has been added and saved to your digital PASMO card! You can type your smart phone at the ticket gate (just like a physical IC card)
2. Suica App
The Mobile Suica app is available for both Apple and Android. Like PASMO, for Apple you can add the Suica through the Apple wallet function. Here are the steps to setting up the Commuter Pass using Suica:
Install the Mobile Suica app and link it with Apple Pay (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android) with a supported device
Create a Suica account (email, name, password) and register your personal information
Choose 新規購入 (Purchase New Pass) or 定期券購入
Input Commute Route: Select your start and end stations, choose duration of either 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months and then select the commute type of either “Work” or “Student”.
Pay via credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
Great! Now your virtual commuter pass is activated within the app. Tap your smartphone at ticket gates (just like a physical IC card)
How To Transfer a Physical IC Card to Digital
If you already have a physical IC card, you are able to transfer it to your Iphone or Android. The process is very simple, since all you need to do is register the card on the app. So, here is how you can transfer the IC card to both Iphone and Android.
Transferring to iPhone:
Open Wallet, tap “+” icon to add the card
Choose either PASMO or Suica
Then you can select transfer or transit physical card
Input your card information
hold the card to your iPhone wait for the balance to be transferred to you phone
Now you have transferred your card to your Iphone! The physical card will now be disabled and can no longer be used.
Transferring to Android (Pixel Only for PASMO):
Install Mobile PASMO or Mobile Suica
Requires Osaifu-Keitai compatible device (most Japanese Android phones or Pixel)
Follow app instructions to import your card by placing it on the back of the phone
Conclusion: Navigate Japan’s transportation system easier by learning Japanese!
Getting a commuter pass in Japan is one of the smartest ways to save money and simplify your daily travel. But with language barriers at stations, even simple tasks can become stressful. That’s why learning Japanese can make a huge difference.
Join classes at Coto Academy, a leading Japanese language school in Japan. Our courses focus on real-life conversation skills that help you handle daily situations like commuting, shopping, and more. Check out our intensive Japanese courses in Tokyo or Yokohama, or better yet, fill out the contact form below immediately for a free level check!
FAQ
Who can buy a commuter pass in Japan?
Anyone living in Japan including workers, students, and long-term residents can buy a commuter pass. Tourists who are living in Japan for more than a month and regularly traveling the same route may find the commuter pass worth purchasing.
How much can I save with a commuter pass?
Commuter passes could provide 20 to 40% savings compared to paying individual fares daily. The more frequently you commute, the more you save.
How long is a commuter pass valid?
You can choose between 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month passes. The longer the duration, the greater the overall discount.
Can I use a commuter pass on weekends or holidays?
Yes, you can travel freely along your registered route at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays without paying extra. So, if you have to go to your office for an event on the weekend, you won’t have to pay any additional fees.
Can students get a discount on commuter passes?
Yes, student commuter passes are available at reduced rates. However, you’ll typically need school documentation to apply or verify eligibility at a station.
Want to know more about Japanese train system? You might be interested in:
Being able to tell time in Japanese is a survival skill, especially if you’re living in or visiting the country.
How else can you catch a train, book a meeting, or talk about your daily routine? Understanding how to tell time in Japanese is essential for navigating schedules in Japan. As we know, in Japan, punctuality is key, so minutes — and even seconds — matter. It could be the difference between coming home and missing the last train.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. This guide will teach you everything you need to know: how to ask for the time, tell time accurately, describe durations, and use time expressions naturally in conversation. Let’s dive in and master the art of telling time in Japanese and never miss a moment!
The basics of telling time in Japanese
We wanted to preface this by saying that you should first learn how to say numbers in Japanese. After all, time is built on numbers, no matter the language.
The good news is that telling the time in Japan uses a simple Japanese counter or measure of units. You can either tell time using the 24-hour clock or a 12-hour clock that includes 午前 (ごぜん) gozen, and pm, 午後(ごご) gogo.
To say the time in Japanese, you combine numbers with specific counters — a common pattern in the language. Here is how you can conjugate numbers into hours and minutes for time:
Basic time structure
The basic time structure in Japanese is very similar to English: you say the hour first, followed by the minute. Unlike some languages, Japanese does not reverse this order, so it’s always hour, then minute.
Hour
Minute
時 (ji)
分 (fun/pun)
For hours, simply add 時(じ) ji at the end after the number. For example, to say 10 o’clock, simply say:
10時 じゅうじ juuji
Of course, in this case, some people might find it vague if you are talking about 10 o’clock in the morning or at night. If you are following a 12-hour format, you can always include the word 午前 (ごぜん) gozen, and pm, 午後(ごご) gogo.
Japanese
Furigana
Furigana
Example
午前
ごぜん
AM / Morning
午前10時 (10 AM)
午後
ごご
PM / Afternoon
午後3時 (3 PM)
For minutes, you just need to add the word fun or pun (分). If you are following the 12-hour format, you will add the 午前 (ごぜん) gozen, and pm, 午後(ごご) gogo first. For example, to say 10:15 am in Japanese, you say the hour first, then the minutes:
午前10時15分 ごぜん じゅうじ じゅうごふん gozen juuji juugofun
This breaks down as:
午前 (ごぜん・gozen) = AM
10時 (じゅうじ・juuji) = 10 o’clock
15分 (じゅうごふん・juugofun) = 15 minutes
Hours, minutes, and time in Japanese
Japanese hours chart
When learning to tell time in Japanese, one of the first things you’ll need to master is how the hours are pronounced. Unlike English, some hours have unique or irregular pronunciations that don’t follow the usual number reading. For example, 4 o’clock isn’t yonji but yoji, and 7 o’clock is shichiji instead of nanaji.
To help you get comfortable with these differences, an hour chart is a great tool. It shows you the correct way to say each hour, so you can avoid common mistakes and speak more naturally. Once you’re familiar with the hour chart, telling time in Japanese will become much easier and more intuitive.
Hour
Japanese (Kanji + Kana)
Reading (Romaji)
Notes
1時
いちじ
ichiji
2時
にじ
niji
3時
さんじ
sanji
4時
よじ
yoji
Irregular reading
5時
ごじ
goji
6時
ろくじ
rokuji
7時
しちじ
shichiji
Irregular reading
8時
はちじ
hachiji
9時
くじ
kuji
10時
じゅうじ
juuji
11時
じゅういちじ
juuichiji
12時
じゅうにじ
juuniji
When speaking, both 12-hour and 24-hour formats are used depending on the context, but the 24-hour clock is very common in written schedules and formal settings. Remember that if you use the 24-hour clock, you should not use the
Using the 24-hour format can help avoid confusion about AM and PM times, especially when catching trains or flights.
Here’s a table showing Japanese hours in the 24-hour format:
24-Hour
Kanji
Furigana
Romaji
0:00
0時
れいじ
reiji
1:00
1時
いちじ
ichiji
2:00
2時
にじ
niji
3:00
3時
さんじ
sanji
4:00
4時
よじ
yoji
5:00
5時
ごじ
goji
6:00
6時
ろくじ
rokuji
7:00
7時
しちじ
shichiji
8:00
8時
はちじ
hachiji
9:00
9時
くじ
kuji
10:00
10時
じゅうじ
juuji
11:00
11時
じゅういちじ
juuichiji
12:00
12時
じゅうにじ
juuniji
13:00
13時
じゅうさんじ
juusanji
14:00
14時
じゅうよじ
juuyoji
15:00
15時
じゅうごじ
juugoji
16:00
16時
じゅうろくじ
juurokuji
17:00
17時
じゅうしちじ
juushichiji
18:00
18時
じゅうはちじ
juuhachiji
19:00
19時
じゅうくじ
juukuji
20:00
20時
にじゅうじ
nijuuji
21:00
21時
にじゅういちじ
nijuuichiji
22:00
22時
にじゅうにじ
nijuuniji
23:00
23時
にじゅうさんじ
nijuusanji
24:00
24時
にじゅうよじ
nijuuyoji
Tips: After-hours time in Japan
In standard timekeeping, hours only go up to 24 (midnight). However, in some contexts like TV schedules, nightlife, or bars, you might see times listed as 25時 or 26時 to mean 1 AM or 2 AM the next day. This helps avoid confusion by extending the “day” past midnight without switching the date.
For example, you might see the “closing” hours of a night bar in Tokyo as below:
25時 = 1 am (next day)
26時 = 2 am (next day)
This means the bar closes at 1 or 2 AM, but it’s still considered part of the previous day’s schedule.
Reminder:
When using the 24-hour time format in Japanese, you do not use 午前 (ごぜん, gozen) or 午後 (ごご, gogo). Instead, simply state the hour followed by 時 (じ, ji). For example, 15:00 is said as 15時 (じゅうごじ, juugoji) — “15 o’clock.” This format is commonly used for schedules like train timetables and official announcements.
Japanese minute chart
To say minutes in Japanese, you simply add the counter 分 (fun or pun) after the number. However, the pronunciation changes depending on the number you use. For example, 1 minute is pronounced いっぷん (ippun), while 2 minutes is にふん (nifun). When saying 10 minutes, the pronunciation changes to じゅっぷん (juppun), and this pun sound pattern also applies to other multiples of ten, like 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes.
To better understand, please refer to the Japanese minute chart below:
English
Kanji
Furigana
Romaji
1 minute
一分
いっぷん
ippun
2 minutes
二分
にふん
nifun
3 minutes
三分
さんぷん
sanpun
4 minutes
四分
よんぷん
yonpun
5 minutes
五分
ごふん
gofun
6 minutes
六分
ろっぷん
roppun
7 minutes
七分
ななふん
nanafun
8 minutes
八分
はっぷん
happun
9 minutes
九分
きゅうふん
kyuufun
10 minutes
十分
じゅっぷん
juppun
15 minutes
十五分
じゅうごふん
juugofun
30 minutes
三十分
さんじゅうぷん
sanjuupun
40 minutes
四十分
よんじゅうぷん
yonjuupun
50 minutes
五十分
ごじゅうぷん
gojuupun
The shift between fun and pun comes from a phonetic phenomenon called rendaku, where a sound becomes voiced (or changes) when repeated or combined with certain words. It’s a bit complex, so this isn’t the place to dive deep (for that, check out our guide on Japanese long vowels and double consonants).
The conjugation may seem confusing at first, but you will soon develop an instinct for what sounds right. For now, try to remember the following numbers have the pun pronunciation:
1 minute: 一分 (ippun)
3 minutes: 三分 (sanpun)
6 minutes: 六分 (roppun)
8 minutes: 八分 (happun)
10 minutes: 十分 (juppun)
For now, just know that sometimes 分 is pronounced fun and sometimes pun, depending on the number it follows.
Japanese seconds chart
It’s pretty rare to need to tell the exact time, including seconds, in everyday Japanese. However, knowing how to use seconds (秒・びょう・byou) can be useful when you’re using it as a counter — for example, when heating food for 30 seconds or seeing a countdown with 10 seconds left. Understanding this helps you talk about short durations clearly and naturally.
Kanji
Hiragana
Romaji
English
1秒
いちびょう
ichibyou
1 second
2秒
にびょう
nibyou
2 seconds
3秒
さんびょう
sanbyou
3 seconds
4秒
よんびょう
yonbyou
4 seconds
5秒
ごびょう
gobyou
5 seconds
6秒
ろくびょう
rokubyou
6 seconds
7秒
ななびょう
nanabyou
7 seconds
8秒
はちびょう
hachibyou
8 seconds
9秒
きゅうびょう
kyuubyou
9 seconds
10秒
じゅうびょう
juubyou
10 seconds
20秒
にじゅうびょう
nijuu byou
20 seconds
30秒
さんじゅうびょう
sanjuu byou
30 seconds
40秒
よんじゅうびょう
yonjuu byou
40 seconds
50秒
ごじゅうびょう
gojuu byou
50 seconds
60秒
ろくじゅうびょう
rokujuu byou
60 seconds
Putting it all together
Now that we have learned each element of time in Japanese, let’s put it all together!
Time
Kanji
Furigana
Romaji
7:00 AM
午前7時
ごぜん しちじ
gozen shichiji
12:15 PM
午後12時15分
ごご じゅうにじ じゅうごふん
gogo juuniji juugofun
3:30 PM
午後3時30分
ごご さんじ さんじゅっぷん
gogo sanji sanjuppun
6:45 PM
午後6時45分
ごご ろくじ よんじゅうごふん
gogo rokuji yonjuugofun
9:10:30 AM
午前9時10分30秒
ごぜん くじ じゅっぷん さんじゅうびょう
gozen kuji juppun sanjuubyou
The good news is that in most public places in Japan, time is usually displayed using familiar Arabic numerals. However, when speaking or listening to time expressed in Japanese, it’s still important to know how to say it properly.
At first, telling time in Japanese can feel overwhelming — even like a tongue twister! The best way to get comfortable is to practice regularly. Try picking random times throughout the day and quickly say them out loud in Japanese as much as possible. With practice, it will soon feel natural and easy.
Phrases for asking the time in Japanese
How do you ask someone for the time? Or find out when the next train is departing? In Japan, telling time isn’t just about stating the hour. You also need to know how to ask the right questions and understand the answers
Here are some useful phrases for asking about the time in Japanese to help ensure you don’t miss your train or your important meeting.
1. 何時ですか?
なんじですか？ Nanjidesuka What time is it?
2. 次の電車は何時ですか？ tsugi no densha wa nanjidesuka? When is the next train?
3. 何時に集合ですか？ nanji ni shuugou desuka? What time do we meet up?
Here is another handy list of time-related statements and answers you can use to answer these questions.
Japanese
Romaji
English Translation
午後３時です。
Gogo sanji desu.
It’s 3 PM.
電車は５分後に出発します。
Densha wa gofun go ni shuppatsu shimasu.
The train departs in 5 minutes.
次の電車は１０時１５分に来ます。
Tsugi no densha wa juuji juu-go fun ni kimasu.
The next train arrives at 10:15.
電車はもうすぐ来ます。
Densha wa mousugu kimasu.
The train is coming soon.
あと３０分待ってください。
Ato sanjuppun matte kudasai.
Please wait another 30 minutes.
Don’t forget that learning the dates is just as important as telling time. Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about days and months in Japanese!
Other ways to tell time in Japanese
Sometimes it’s a bit of a mouthful to say the time in Japanese. So, just like in English, there are useful and simpler ways to tell the time. Something like 12:30 — juuniji sanjuuppun — might be a lot to say in Japanese.
While Japanese doesn’t use expressions like “quarter past” or “quarter to,” there is a simple and common way to say “half past” the hour! Instead of saying 30 minutes, you can use 半 (はん, han), which means “half.”
For example:
12時半 Juuniji han Half past 12
You can also express minutes before an hour by adding 前 (まえ, mae), which means “before,” after the minutes counter 分 (ふん, fun/pun). This creates the pattern 〜分前 (〜fun mae), meaning “~ minutes until” the hour.
For example, 6時5分前 (rokuji gofun mae) means “5 minutes before 6,” or “5 minutes till 6.”
6時5分前 Rokuji gofunmae 5 minutes before 6
While Japanese doesn’t have a specific expression for “quarter till,” you can simply say 15 minutes before using the same pattern:
6時15分前 Rokuji juugofun mae 15 minutes (quarter) till 6
Describing time durations
Now that you know how to tell the time, how do you talk about durations — like how long you sleep or how long it takes to get to work?
When 時 (じ, ji) is attached to a number, it refers to the hour on the clock. But the word 時間 (じかん, jikan) means “time” in the sense of a duration or length of time. For example, if you want to ask, “Do you have time today?” you would use 時間 (jikan):
今日時間はありますか? Kyou jikan wa arimasuka. Do you have the time today?
You can use jikan to describe a time duration as well. If you want to say you study for 3 hours, you would say:
3時間勉強します Sanjikan benkyou shimasu I will study for 3 hours.
To describe the duration in minutes, it is the same as telling the time. You don’t need to add 間 (kan), for minutes; you just need to use the minute counter, like 5分 (gofun). If you want to say you walk 20 minutes to get to school, you can say:
20分学校に歩きます Nijuupun gakkou ni arukimasu. I walk to school in 20 minutes.
Here’s a clear and useful table of common Japanese expressions for time duration, including kanji, kana, romaji, and English meanings:
Kanji
Furigana
Romaji
English
1時間
いちじかん
ichijikan
1 hour
2時間
にじかん
nijikan
2 hours
3時間
さんじかん
sanjikan
3 hours
半時間
はんじかん
hanjikan
Half an hour
30分
さんじゅっぷん
sanjuppun
30 minutes
10分
じゅっぷん
juppun
10 minutes
数分
すうふん
suufun
A few minutes
数時間
すうじかん
suujikan
A few hours
長い時間
ながいじかん
nagai jikan
A long time
短い時間
みじかいじかん
mijikai jikan
A short time
一晩
ひとばん
hitoban
One night
一週間
いっしゅうかん
isshuukan
One week
一ヶ月
いっかげつ
ikkagetsu
One month
Check out some more example sentences below!
ここから駅まで30分かかります。 Koko kara eki made sanjuuppun kakarimasu.
It takes 30 minutes from here to the station.
映画は2時間半でした。 Eiga wa nijikan han deshita.
The movie was two and a half hours long.
5分待ってください。 Gofunkan matte kudasai. Please wait for 5 minutes
Saying “from” and “until” in Japanese
To describe when something starts and ends in Japanese, you can use 〜から (~kara) meaning “from,” and 〜まで (~made) meaning “until.” When making plans or scheduling events, these expressions help you clearly state the exact time an activity begins and finishes.
For example, to say “The meeting is from 2 pm to 4 pm,” you would say:
会議は午後2時から午後4時までです。 Kaigi wa gogo niji kara gogo yoji made desu. This meeting is from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Check out some more example sentences below!
9時から5時まで働いています。 Kuji kara goji made hataraiteimasu. I work from 9 to 5.
授業は10時から11時半までです。 Jugyou wa jyuuji kara jyuuichiji han made desu. The class is from 10:00 to 11:30.
パーティーは6時からです。 Paatii wa rokuji kara desu. The party starts at 6 o’clock.
Common time frequency expressions
Here are some useful time expressions to describe frequency — how often something happens, like how many times you eat or how many nights you practice basketball. The table below introduces key vocabulary that will help you talk about how often events occur in Japanese.
Kanji
Furigana
Romaji
English
毎日
まいにち
mainichi
every day
毎朝
まいあさ
maiasa
every morning
毎晩
まいばん
maiban
every night
時々
ときどき
tokidoki
sometimes
大抵
たいてい
taitei
usually
いつも
itsumo
always
いつ
itsu
when
よく
yoku
often
毎日ご飯を食べます。 Mainichi gohan o tabemasu. I eat rice every day.
時々公園へ散歩に行きます。 Tokidoki kouen e sanpo ni ikimasu Sometimes I go on walks to the park.
ステーキは一番好きな肉なので、よく食べます Suteeki ha ichiban sukina nikunanode, yoke tabemasu. I often eat steak since it’s my favorite meat.
Telling time in Japanese is a vital part of daily communication. With a few simple rules and key expressions, you’ll be able to confidently read clocks, schedule plans, and talk about time just like a native speaker.
To get more practice around practical everyday Japanese, such as telling the time, why not join fun, flexible lessons at Coto Academy! We offer both offline and online Japanese part-time and Japanese intensive lessons to help you speak confidently and smoothly!
Fill out the form below for a free level check and consultation
FAQ
How do you tell the time in Japanese?
To tell time in Japanese, simply add the hour counter 時 (ji) and the minute counter 分 (fun/pun) after the numbers. For example, 9:20 is said as: 9時20分 (kyuuji nijuu-pun) ＝ 9 o’clock and 20 minutes
Can you say 分間 (funkan) for the duration of minutes?
You don’t need to say 分間 (funkan)—just 分 (fun) is usually enough. However, 分間 can be used to emphasize the duration
Do Japanese people usually use the 24-hour time or am/pm?
In Japan, the 24-hour clock is commonly used, especially for things like train schedules or business hours. However, am and pm are also used, especially in conversation.
Is it kuji or kyuuji?
It’s Kuji (くじ) for 9 o’clock when telling time in Japanese.
How do you write 9 am in Japanese?
9 am is written as 午前9時 (gozen kuji) in Japanese.
How do you say 2:30 in Japanese?
You say 2時半 (ni-ji han), which means “half past 2.”
Gratitude and appreciation for the little things are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but did you know that saying “thank you” in Japanese isn’t as simple as it seems?
Depending on who you’re speaking to, the phrase you use can change significantly. And we’re not just talking about the difference between “arigatou” and “arigatou gozaimasu.” For example, the way you thank a friend differs from how you thank a client. The social proximity and status between the speaker and the degree of politeness determine the best manners and phrases to use. From the formal kansha shimasu to the English loanword that’s popular among young men, sankyuu, every situation calls for a different “thank you”.
But don’t worry! Here’s a practical guide to 20 different ways to say “thank you” in Japanese. We’ll break down when to use each phrase (and when not to), explain the nuances behind them, and give you example situations so you can express gratitude naturally in Japan.
What is Thank You in Japanese?
The most basic and commonly used way to say “thank you” in Japanese is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). However, Japanese is a language rich in nuance and politeness, so there are several variations of the phrase depending on the level of formality, the situation, and who you are speaking with.
Kanji for Arigatou（ありがとう）
The kanji for arigatou is 有り難い. The word was originally used in Buddhism, where 有る (aru) means “existing; being”. If you’ve learned a few kanji, you will probably be familiar with the second character, 難, which is also used for the Japanese adjective muzukashii (難しい), which means “difficult”.
Here, 難い comes from gatou (難う), which carries the same meaning (muzukashii) and is derived from the Japanese adjective “difficult.”
Together, they both can be translated to “something that rarely exists,” “difficult to have,” or “something rare and precious.“
Think of the phrase arigatou as a Japanese proverb: Having someone do something for you is a rare and precious thing.
Now, the word arigatou is often written in hiragana. ありがとう or, if you’re familiar with the more formal and long way to say thank you, ありがとうございます(arigatou gozaimasu).
History of Arigatou（ありがとう）
It’s interesting to look at the kanji characters that trace their historical roots back to the 8th Century.
According to the kokugo dictionary (national dictionary), arigatashi originally meant “difficult to exist”, which later had its meaning changed to “something rare”. It wasn’t until the 15th century that it eventually came to mean welcome or thankful.
Culture of Saying Thank You in Japan
Japanese culture and way of living are reflected in its language. Different pronouns, honorific titles and verb forms are used depending on the relationship between speaker and listener, ranging from downright rude to the utmost respect.
Similar to saying sorry, expressing the basic arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) is tightly related to the Japanese culture of groupthink, humility and compassion. In Japan, people try to put the priority of their in-group (uchi) ahead of their own personal desires.
Ironically, one “ありがとうございます” in a Japanese work setting can come off as curt and insincere. Instead, say thanks a second time is necessary to show one’s sincere feelings of appreciation for receiving a kind gesture.
For example, instead of saying “Thank you for waiting,” Japanese people might opt to say “Sorry for keeping you so long.” They might not necessarily seek forgiveness, but this apology is a token of politeness and humility.
This is because “thank you” and “sorry” fits nicely with one another — or, at least, in Japan’s structured society. Sometimes, it seems like a few minutes of Japanese thank-yous amongst a group of recipients will last an eternity.
Keep in mind that in formal writing and business situations, the word can be written as either 有り難う or 有難う followed by ございます.
It’s perfectly acceptable and quite common in business situations to say thank you in its hiragana form as ありがとうございます. And if you feel really appreciative of what you have received, you can add どうも or おおきに to the beginning of the previous word.
Casual and Everyday Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese
1. Sankyuu (サンキュー)
Sounds familiar? The word sankyuu is a loanword taken too literally from the English phrase “thank you”. The Japanese alphabet doesn’t recognize the consonant “th, so the “s” is used (full table on converting English to Japanese consonants here).
And because it’s a loanword, it means it’s written in katakana, too. There are typically two written versions: サンキュー (with a long “u” vowel sound at the end) and サンキュ (with a short “u” vowel).
It goes without saying, but never use サンキュー to someone socially higher or older than you. Only use this on your friends whom you are close to, as even saying it to a same-aged classmate or colleague can give the wrong impression of being “too friendly”.
Most of the time, this casual way of saying thank you in Japanese is used by young Japanese people.
2. Azassu (あざっす)
Sankyuu is a loan word, but azassu is a popular Japanese slang. The word actually comes from the original ありがとうございます. If you try saying it fast, you’ll notice that you’re going to skip some vowels and consonants. That’s how azassu was born.
This is one of the slang words that are popular among Japanese men. In the same way saying ore sounds more rough and masculine, あざっす has a light and casual tone. It can be written as あざーす、あざーっす or あざす. It depends on the length of the vowel you might want to emphasize.
3. Azamasu (あざます)
Another branch of the same slang word above, あざます is popular among young people in Japan. Other variations include ざす(zasu) and あざお(azao). You’ll notice that men tend to use these slang words more often than women, too.
4. Doumo (どうも)
Domo and arigatou tend to have similar formality levels expressed in quite casual situations. Domo is used more often by male speakers and is less often heard among Japanese women.
It’s a quick, shortened way to say thank you to your friends or family if you don’t want to use slang words. Keep in mind that, rank-wise, doumo is more casual than the shortened arigatou. Because of this, save this for someone who has the same social status, if not lower than you.
This phrase for saying thank you is extremely casual. It’s an even more casual way to say thank in Japanese than “arigatou”. Because of its extreme light tone, this phrase is often used with people at the same social status level as you or lower, like your friends and younger siblings. It’s also okay to say it to the cashier or restaurant staff.
5. Sumimasen (すみません)
すみません (Sumimasen) literally means “excuse me” or “sorry,” but in Japanese it’s also commonly used to say thank you, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or do you a favor. This expression conveys a mix of gratitude and a slight feeling of apology for causing trouble or inconvenience.
For example, if someone holds the door open for you or helps you carry something heavy, saying sumimasen shows you appreciate their effort while acknowledging you might have caused them a little extra work.
Sometimes, sumimasen is even more natural than just saying “thank you” directly.
6. Sumanai (すまない)
You know how “azasu” is a slangy, shortened version of “arigatou gozaimasu”? Well, “sumanai” works the same way for “sumimasen.” It’s an informal, rougher-sounding way to say sorry or even thank you, depending on the context.
You’ll often hear guys using it more than girls, but it’s not a gendered phrase. It just carries a slightly tougher or blunt tone. Like with most casual Japanese slang, this one’s best reserved for close friends or peers. Definitely don’t use it with your boss or in any formal situation!
7. Arigatou (ありがとう)
Arigatou is really an archetypical way to express a friendly-casual thank you in Japanese. Arigatou has an identical meaning to the English “thanks”, which means that you probably know that it shouldn’t be used in formal situations.
However, because it’s less casual than doumo, you can still use it with someone older than you, like your senpai, parents or ojiisan. Keep in mind that, while it’s acceptable, the most important thing is the relationship distance you have with them.
8. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Adding gozaimasu signifies an even more formal situation, the distance between the speakers and is typically used in business encounters. It shows respect and politeness. You can also use this form for strangers, like a waiter, the konbini clerk or a distant acquaintance.
Notice sometimes people switch between the present and past tense of arigatou gozaimasu? You say arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) when someone has already helped or done a favor.
For example, if someone is offering a hand to carry your luggage, you will use the present tense.
荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございます。 Nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you for carrying my luggage.
However, if that person has carried the luggage yesterday, you’d opt for arigatou gozaimashita instead.
昨日, 荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございました。 Kinou, nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you for carrying my luggage yesterday.
9. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)
In this case, adding doumo on the front emphasizes your appreciation further and makes it more polite. Besides that, you can use hontou ni (本当に), which means truly.
本当にありがとうございます。 I am truly thankful.
10. Doumo arigatou ( どうも ありがとう)
This expression is a small step up from a simple “arigatou,” but it’s a bit more casual and friendly than “arigatou gozaimasu.” It’s best used with friends, family, or younger people to show your gratitude in a warm, informal way. “Doumo” by itself can also be used casually, but we’ll cover that shortly.
11. Kurete arigatou (～くれてありがとう)
～くれてありがとう is used when you want to say “thank you for [doing something]” and attach a verb to show what action you’re thankful for. It’s commonly used in casual situations with friends, family, or people close to you. Use this structure when you’re directly thanking someone for an action they did for you or someone in your inner circle.
To use it, attach it to the て-form of a verb, which acts like a “connector” in Japanese grammar.
手伝ってくれてありがとう Tetsudatte kurete arigatou Thanks for helping me.
How to Say Thank You in Business Japanese
Now that we’ve gone over some casual and everyday ways to express appreciation in Japanese, let’s shift to how to say thank you in professional or workplace settings. These phrases are typically reserved for office communication and are especially common in business emails. Using them for everyday situations might come across as overly formal or stiff.
12. Kansha shimasu (感謝します)
This is usually used in business emails, more often written than spoken, as you can come off as stiff or “old-school” if you attempt to say it. The word kansha (感謝) means thanks or gratitude, which is, of course, the same as the other thank-yous above, but it has a more polite tone to it.
In business Japanese emails, you can start off withitsumo sapoto shiteitadaki, kansha shimasu (いつもさーポッとしていただき、感謝します), which means “thank you for your continued support”
You will need to add the verb する after the end. If you want to level up the formality and flex your business Japanese skill, you can use Japanese keigo instead and follow the typical rule of adding a prefix on the noun and changing する to its humble form: いたす.
The highest degree you can get from using 感謝します as an alternative to arigatou gozaimasu is ご感謝いたします(gokansha ita shimasu).
心の底からご感謝いたします。 Kokoro no soko kara gokansha ita shimasu. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
13. Osoreirimasu (恐れ入ります)
Lastly is the most formal phrase 恐れ入ります (おそれいります), used to thank someone for the trouble they went through to help you. The word osore (恐れ) means uneasiness, reverence or concern.
Like sumimasen, 恐れ入ります doesn’t translate immediately as “thank you” in Japanese. Even Japanese people don’t use it often, as it’s only used in super formal situations like in meetings. You can think of this phrase as something like, “Would you be so kind?”
Unlike sumimasen, which can be used as an apology, osoreirimasu is used to only acknowledge the trouble someone has done for you.
恐れ入りますが、私手紙を出してくれませんか？ Osoreirimasuga, watashi tegami o dashitekuremasenka? Would you be so kind as to post my letter?
14. Arigataki shiawase (ありがたき幸せ)
We can’t help but sneak this one in. If you’ve never heard of it before, that’s completely understandable. Arigataki shiawase is an old-fashioned way used by Japanese samurai to show gratitude to their lord. If you like to watch Japanese historical drama, you’ve probably come across it a few times.
Now, some people still like to use it in a sarcastic way. It is sometimes used as an old-fashioned expression with humor when you catch a person doing something they don’t usually do.
まさか、お弁当を作って下さるなんて、誠にありがたき幸せにござります。 Masaka, obentou o tsukutte kudasaru nante, makoto ni arigataki shiwase ni gozarimasu. No way… I am very grateful and happy that you made me a lunchbox.
15. Haisha moushiwagemasu ( 拝謝申し上げます)
“拝謝申し上げます” is a very polite and formal way to express gratitude. It is often used in business settings or formal written communication to show deep respect and sincere thanks to the other person.
The meaning is similar to saying, “I humbly express my heartfelt thanks” or “I sincerely offer my gratitude.” This Japanese thank you phrase uses keigo, with an implied meaning that you are putting yourself socially below the person you are thanking.
16. Otsukare sama desu (おつかれさまです)
This isn’t technically an official way to say “thank you” in Japanese, but otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です) is a versatile phrase widely used in the workplace. It carries several meanings—it can be a greeting, a way to say “good job,” or a polite way to express appreciation for someone’s effort. In many cases, it functions as a congratulatory or thankful phrase.
For example, you might say it after finishing a presentation with a coworker or to thank someone for sending out an important email. It’s a go-to phrase for acknowledging and appreciating someone’s hard work in a professional setting.
17. Itadaite arigatou (~いただいてありがとうございます)
いただいてありがとうございます is a very polite and formal way to say “thank you for giving me [something]” in Japanese. It uses the humble verb いただく, which means “to receive,” typically used when you’re talking about receiving something from someone of higher status or when you want to sound respectful.
The phrase is formed by taking the て-form of いただく (いただいて) and attaching ありがとうございます, the polite form of “thank you.” This construction is commonly used in business settings, emails, or formal conversations to express gratitude for something you’ve been given, such as a message, a reply, or documents.
For example, you might say ご連絡をいただいてありがとうございます to mean “Thank you for contacting me.”
Saying Thank You When Eating in Japan
While you can always say arigatou gozaimasu to thank someone for the food, did you know that Japanese dining etiquette has specific phrases to use depending on whether you are about to start or have just finished your meal?
18. Itadakimasu (頂きます)
Itadakimasu is a polite phrase traditionally said before eating a meal in Japan. While it literally means “I humbly receive,” it carries a much deeper cultural meaning. Saying itadakimasu is a way of expressing gratitude, not just to the person who prepared the food, but also to the farmers, animals, plants, and everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table.
Though there’s no direct equivalent in English, it’s sometimes compared to saying “Let’s eat” or “Bon appétit.”
19. Gouchisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした)
Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is the standard phrase you say after finishing a meal in Japanese to thank the person who prepared, treated, or served the food. Literally, 馳走 once meant “to run about” (as in going to great lengths to prepare a feast), so the phrase conveys appreciation for all the effort behind the meal.
Don’t get mistaken between itadakimasu and gouchisousama deshita! Itadakimasu is said before you eat the food. Gouchisousama deshita is said after you finish eating!
Bonus: Bowing to say Thank You in Japanese
Showing appreciation in Japan isn’t always about words—nonverbal gestures like bowing, or ojigi, play a huge role in expressing gratitude and respect. Bowing is a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years and remains an essential part of Japanese culture today.
Typically, bowing is done from the waist with a straight back. The angle of your bow conveys how humble or respectful you are being: a slight 15-degree bow is casual and common for everyday situations, such as acknowledging a shopkeeper. A deeper 30-degree bow is more formal and often used in professional settings, like greeting clients or coworkers. The deepest bows—around 45 degrees—are reserved for expressing deep gratitude, sincere apologies, or when meeting someone very important.
Of course, if someone just did you a small favor, you don’t need to perform a formal bow. A quick nod or a brief bow can still effectively show your sincerity and thanks.
How to Use Sumimasen and Arigatou in Context
If you live in Japan, you’ll probably realize that sumimasen might as well be Japanese people’s favorite word. That’s because すみません is a versatile word with multiple meanings, ready to be used across different social contexts. It can be said in situations where the English “excuse me” and “sorry” would fit.
遅くてすみませんでした！ Osokute sumimasen deshita! I’m sorry for being late!
Besides these two functions, sumimasen can be used to express gratitude for someone who’s gone through all the trouble helping us. Think of the word as “sorry for being a nuisance.” In other words, when you’re thanking someone, you’re also making a fuss or bothering them. You thank them for allowing you to inconvenience them. This is why, oftentimes, “thank you” goes hand in hand with “I’m sorry”.
Because of this, Japanese people actually use sumimasen a lot more than arigatou. For example, instead of being grateful that someone is holding the elevator for you, you’d say sumimasen. In this case, you’re implying, “Sorry (but thank you) for holding the elevator for me.”
Sumimasen and arigatou don’t have to be used separately, though. You can combine domo, sumimasen and arigatou together when speaking Japanese.
Occasionally, you can attach the word wazawaza (わざわざ ), which means “purposefully”. When you do, it emphasizes your appreciation for bothering someone.
And there you have, a quick guide on how the Japanese use all these permutations to specifically show their appreciation and thanks based upon the situation at hand. Pay particular attention to the situation for which you have been thanked, and you will gradually develop a greater sensitivity to how the expression “thank you” is properly used in Japanese. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?
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FAQ
What is the most common way to say thank you in Japanese?
The most common way is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). It’s polite and appropriate in most situations, especially when speaking to people you don’t know well.
What does ありがとう (arigatou) mean?
「ありがとう」(arigatou) is a casual way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It’s typically used with friends, family, or people of the same age or lower status.
What's the difference between arigatou and arigatou gozaimasu?
Arigatou is casual and best for informal situations, while arigatou gozaimasu is more polite and respectful. Use the polite version when talking to someone older, in a professional setting, or with people you don’t know well.
Is it rude to only say arigatou?
It’s not rude if you’re speaking casually with friends or people you know well. But in formal or unfamiliar settings, it’s better to use arigatou gozaimasu to sound more polite and respectful.
Saying sorry in Japanese is often much more than simply apologizing. Once you start living here and having daily conversations, you’ll notice that phrases like sumimasen(すみません) appear in situations where — from a Western point of view — a simple “thank you” might seem more appropriate. For example, if you hold the elevator door open for someone, they might respond with sumimasen instead of arigatou. This can be confusing at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the cultural nuance behind the phrase.
That is because in Japanese culture, apologies are not just about guilt — they’re a way to show humility, politeness, and consideration. And subsequently, there are many ways to say sorry, each with different levels of formality and subtle meaning. It’s good to understand the significance of each apology. In this article, we’ll look at the many ways to say sorry in Japanese, when to use each one, and how understanding these expressions can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.
Before we proceed with the article, please note that it will utilize hiragana, so prior knowledge of this script is necessary. If you’re still learning them, don’t worry. Take a look at our hiragana chart to review them.
The Culture of Apologizing in Japanese Society
As you might know, Japanese people are known for their collectiveness and emphasis on harmony and coexisting with others. Individuals are expected to be mindful of how their actions affect those around them and to take responsibility accordingly. This mindset is deeply woven into daily life, from how people express gratitude and greet each other to how they navigate both personal and professional relationships. Even if an individual is born with a unique set of personalities, in Japanese culture, the group comes before the individual. Because of this, harmony inside the group — which, in this case, is a society in general — should be maintained as much as possible.
In Japan, it’s expected to avoid causing meiwaku (迷惑), which means to trouble or annoy others, is one of the bases of Japanese politeness in public spaces. You can see it from small things, like people getting off their phone calls as soon as they go on public transport.
Being polite and courteous is the key to keeping social harmony intact in Japan. Along the way, people make “mistakes”.
Let’s revisit the elevator scenario. Why did the man say sumimasen instead of arigatou?
In Japanese, sumimasen isn’t just used to apologize — it also acknowledges that someone has gone out of their way for you. In this case, the man is essentially saying, “I’m sorry to have made you wait,” showing both apology and gratitude at the same time. That subtle mix of feelings is deeply rooted in Japanese communication.
In other words, it’s common for people in Japan to say sorry even for the smallest inconveniences. It’s a way of showing awareness of how your actions affect others — not just following social norms, but actively reflecting on them.
When Do I Need to Apologize in Japan?
1. When You Made a Mistake
This is obvious, but many of us might feign ignorance when we make a small mistake. It’s important to know that no matter how small, you need to give a genuine apology. Using respectful or humble Japanese form in particular when saying sorry, will come across as more intense.
2. When You’re Causing “Inconvenience”
When someone does a favor for you, like holding a door open and working an hour late to help you, it’s considered polite to “apologize” for causing an inconvenience.
3. When You Want to Show Appreciation
A lot of times, it’s acceptable — encouraged, even — to apologize to someone as a thankful gesture. It’s a way to show appreciation for someone who put thought and effort into you. Think of it like saying, “I’m sorry you have to go all this way for me.”
How to Apologize in Japanese: Everyday Use and Casual
When you accidentally step on your friend’s foot, we don’t expect you to do a full 90-degree bow and use very formal Japanese to apologize. It’s important to know that the Japanese language has several levels of formality, from casual to super polite. This all depends on who you’re talking to and the social context.
When you want to make a casual apology, we recommend using a casual Japanese form, or 丁寧語 (teinieigo). These versions of “I’m sorry” are more commonly used for everyday situations and small inconveniences.
For a deep dive into the difference between keigo (polite) and tameguchi (casual), head to our article here.
1. ごめんなさい (gomennasai): Sorry
The most common and straightforward way to apologize in Japanese comes in a lot of variations. Either way, be careful not to use it when you’re trying to apologize to your boss or superiors. While in English, there’s only one “sorry”, think of gomenasai as the most casual apology that translates directly to, well, sorry. If you want to add more sincerity, you can add the Japanese adverb 本当に:
本当にごめんなさい。 Hontou ni gomennasai. I am so sorry.
私のせいで、ごめんなさい。 Watashi no sei de, gomennasai. It was my fault, I’m sorry.
2. ごめんね (gomen ne): Sorry, man.
Now, this word is actually the shortened version of gomennasai, but you really need to use it with great caution. There’s a slightly playful and casual undertone when you use this. Depending on the situation too, it minimizes the intensity of your apology, so you shouldn’t use the phrase in a serious situation. You can say this when you bump on your friend or use their pen by mistake, but not when you accidentally kick a ball through your neighbor’s window.
Note: In casual conversations among friends, Japanese people usually omit particles like を or は.
3. すみません (sumimasen): Excuse me
People usually rotate between sumimasen and gommenasai, so what’s the difference? ごめんなさい (gomennasai) is strictly used to apologize for something you did wrong. すみません (sumimasen) is used to apologize, too, but the word itself is so much more versatile. In fact, sumimasen can be used for non-apologetic situations, like telling someone you’re passing by or letting them go ahead first when entering a room.
すみません、後ろに通ります。 Sumimasen, ushiro ni toorimasu. Excuse me, I’m passing from behind.
すみません、どうぞ。 Sumimasen, douzo. Excuse me, go ahead.
So while すみません often seems interchangeable with ごめんなさい, the prior is a broader expression. In terms of nuance, gomennasai has a slightly more apologetic tone to it.
4. 悪い (warui): My bad
Similar to gomen ne that we discussed above, 悪い (warui) is another casual way to say sorry in Japanese. You’re not directly apologizing. Rather, you’re acknowledging you did something wrong, like saying “My bad!” in English.
You should only use warui to apologize to friends and peers for non-serious matters. Think of this as slang words between two very good friends.
悪い悪い! Warui warui! My bad!
Instead of saying warui na, you might also hear people say 悪い悪い (warui warui), which has the same meaning. Doubling the word adds a more casual, conversational feel, like quickly saying “Sorry, sorry!” in English.
Formal Ways to Say Sorry in Japanese
Stepping on your friend’s foot is one thing, but sending the wrong email draft to your Japanese boss is another thing. In this scenario, you want to express how deeply sorry you are. Saying sorry in Japanese humble form will help intensify your apology.
Remember that when you use these phrases in a casual context, you’ll come across as sounding stiff or, worse, trying too hard. Only save these apologies for moments where you really mess up badly.
1. 申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen): What I did was inexcusable.
申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen) is perhaps the humblest and most formal way to say sorry in Japan. Literally, 申し訳 (moushiwake) means “excuse” or “reason,” and ございません is the humble, polite form of “there is not.” So, when put together, it roughly translates to “There is no excuse.”
There are other variations of moushi wake gozaimasen, depending on the level of formality you’d like to achieve. For example, ございません is the most polite form of ありません, so you can replace it when you feel like using gozaimasen feels too stiff.
申訳わけありません。 Moushi wake arimasen.
Other variations include:
大変申訳わけありませんでした. Taihen moushi wake arimasen deshita.
申し訳ない. Moushi wake nai. I’m sorry!
The word moushi wake nai is the same, but it’s a slightly more casual form than using ございません or ありません. You can use it when you’re trying to make a sincere (but still friendly) apology to your friends.
Unlike gomen nasai or warui, which are more casual apologies we discussed earlier, 申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen) is reserved for the most serious situations, often used in professional or formal settings. It expresses a deep sense of remorse and responsibility.
However, using this phrase for minor inconveniences—like accidentally bumping into a friend—can feel overly formal or excessive. In those cases, a lighter apology would be more appropriate.
2. ご迷惑をかけてすみません (gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen): I’m sorry to have caused you trouble
The Japanese word meiwaku can be built into an apology phrase in the event you have created an issue or trouble with someone. In the business context, this means in the event that you’re causing the slightest inconvenience to the other party. This phrase means, “I am deeply sorry to have caused you trouble.”
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。 Go meiwaku o okake shite moushi wake gozaimasen. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
The phrase above is a combination of ご迷惑 and 申し訳ございません, which further intensifies the apology. It is commonly used as a formal greeting in emails and announcements. Other variations include:
ご迷惑をかけてすみません。 Gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen.
ご迷惑めいわくをかけてごめんなさい。 Gomeiwaku o kakete gomennasai.
3. 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu): I’m sorry
Similar to sumimasen, 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) isn’t used as an actual apology, but as a way to excuse yourself. However, osoreirimasu is a more polite and formal way to say sumimasen.
Usually, the phrase 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) is followed by another sentence, connected by が to show contrast.
恐れ入りますが、おかわりを頂けますか？ Osore irimasu ga, okawari o itadakemasuka? Excuse me, but can I have another serving?
4. 謝罪いたします (shazai ita shimasu): I apologize
This is a formal way of apologizing. You’ll see politicians and celebrities saying this when they did something scandalous or needed to make a public apology. Sometimes, this is followed by a 90-degree bow.
5. ご面倒をお掛けして、すみません (gomendou o okakeshite, sumimasen): I’m sorry for the trouble
Similar to 迷惑, this variation of Japanese apology isn’t used when you’re actually begging for forgiveness. Instead, it’s a way to thank someone in Japanese for helping you. This is a formality when someone does something for you.
6. お詫び申し上げます (Owabi moushi agemasu): I apologize.
The word お詫び (owabi) means “I offer my deepest apologies.” This phrase is among the other things Japanese public figure says when they want to apologize to the public. Unlike 申訳わけありません (owabi moushi agemasu), お詫び申し上げます is a strictly formal form, and there’s no way to make it casual. It may even sound too stiff in conversations, so owabi moushi agemasu is mostly used in written language.
Fun fact: Owabi moushi agemasu is the chosen phrase used by Prime Minister Murayama in his infamous apology speech on behalf of Japan for their involvement in World War II.
There are alterations to change the level of humility owabi moushi agemasu. You can instead say:
お詫びいたします Owabi ita shimasu. I apologize.
7. 謝罪いたします (shazai itashimasu): I apologize
More commonly used in written form rather than speech, you should reserve this way of saying “I’m sorry” in Japanese for written statements in emails or letters to work, school or other formal recipients. It’s also quite a sincere apology.
The word shazai means ‘apology’, and itashimasu is the Japanese humble form of suru. This phrase translates to “I’m sorry for my actions.”
8. お許しください (o yurushi kudasai): Please forgive me.
If you’re already familiar with the Japanese language, kudasaiis used to make a request. The apology using お許しください (o yurushi kudasai) literally means, Please forgive me in Japanese. Unlike casual apologies, o yurushi kudasai carries a tone of earnestness and respect, making it suitable for situations where you want to show deep remorse and hope for understanding.
This can be both a formal and informal way to say sorry. If you want to use it to apologize to a friend or peer, you would say 許してください (yurushite kudasai).
9. 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu): I regret (what I have done)
The word 反省 means regret, and しております is the humble form of ~ている. Hansei can also be replaced by 後悔, but both are accepted as a heartfelt way to say sorry in Japanese: by showing regret. The phrases 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu) and 後悔しております (koukai shite orimasu) are heartfelt but polite ways to say sorry in Japanese.
You can switch the しております with しています to make the phrase less formal, but it’s unlikely you’ll use it in everyday situations.
10. 勘弁してください (かんべんして ください): Please show me mercy
This one might sound funny. No one in modern-day society asks someone to show “mercy” when they did something wrong unless they’re being threatened. The word kanben (勘弁) means ‘forgiveness’ or ‘pardon’, but it’s more intense than 許して (yurushite).
However, you’ve probably heard this in anime or drama. Don’t use it for half-urgent situations, because you might sound like you’re trying too hard to apologize.
11. 合わせる顔がない (あわせる かおが ない): I cannot face you
This can also be read as “I am too embarrassed to face you.”
The expression can be used interchangeably with 弁解の余地がない, but it’s mostly used when apologizing via text or email, hence the “too embarrassed to face you” meaning.
12. べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai): There’s no excuse
べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai) translates to “there’s no excuse” or “I have no excuse.” It’s a formal yet heartfelt way to apologize, often used when you want to express sincere remorse for a serious mistake.
Like many formal Japanese apologies, you should reserve this for only the most dire situations, like when you have made a major error at work or in personal relationships.
Other Variations of “I’m Sorry” in Japanese
By now, you’re probably tired of us mentioning, “This phrase is not used to actually apologize.” In fact, most of the time you hear someone apologize in Japanese is unnecessary, as they’re not making a mistake of any sort.
Granted, the Japanese culture places great importance on avoiding inconvenience. Here are a couple of other ‘apologies’ that are considered polite to use as part of social etiquette.
1. 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu): Pardon me
The phrase “ 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu)” is used in a variety of contexts, although the meaning strays from its original use. The expression literally translates to “I’m being rude.” 失礼 means rude or impolite.
You don’t say this when you are in the wrong. Shitsurei shimasu is a form of apology when you’re trying to be polite or excuse yourself. For example, when you enter a room, you will knock and say “失礼します” to apologize for the interruption. If you have to answer an important phone call during a meeting or dinner, you will excuse yourself with 失礼します.
If you do want to use this phrase to say sorry, it’s best to use it in the past tense: shitsurei shimashita.
この間は、失礼しました. Kono aida wa, shitsurei shimashita. I am sorry for the other day.
Say you bumped into a coworker at the office whom you’re unfamiliar with and knocked the binder right out of his arms. While helping him pick it up, you’d say これは失礼しました.
An interesting use of of失礼しました is more commonly heard in the office situation, when you’re going inside the office and when you’re leaving your workplace. When you finish your tasks early, leaving your co-workers behind, you say:
お先に失礼します。 Osaki ni shitsureishimasu! Sorry for leaving before everyone else!
For a more in-depth explanation of the Japanese business お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu), head to this article.
2. お邪魔します(Ojama shimasu): Pardon the intrusion.
お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) literally means “pardon the intrusion.” While it’s not technically an apology phrase, it carries a similar nuance of politeness and consideration. The word 邪魔 means “hindrance” or “obstacle”. お邪魔します literally means, “I am intruding”, but in many contexts, this is interpreted as “Forgive me for intruding.”
When do you use ojama shimasu? Japanese people use it when they are visiting another person’s home or office room. When you’re leaving the room, you can also use its past tense.
お邪魔しました. Ojama shimashita. Pardon me for intruding (before).
Another way of reading this is as “Excuse me for disturbing you” or “Sorry for interrupting you.” It can also be used when calling someone on the phone.
Saying Sorry in Japanese for Specific Scenarios
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say sorry in Japanese and when to use each phrase, let’s explore how to apply them in real-life situations
1. When you want to say thank you in Japanese
In Japanese, it’s quite common to use apology phrases like すみません (sumimasen) or 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) to express gratitude, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or caused some inconvenience on your behalf.
This usage might seem confusing at first because these phrases literally mean “I’m sorry,” but culturally, they also carry a sense of “thank you for the trouble” or “thank you for your effort.”
To offer condolences, a common phrase is ご愁傷様です (goshuushou-sama desu), which literally means “I’m sorry for your loss.” It’s a respectful and appropriate expression for many situations.
To further convey sincerity, you might add 心からお悔やみ申し上げます (Kokoro kara o-kuyami mōshiagemasu), which means “please accept my sincerest condolences.”
3. When you want to decline an offer
Another common reason to say sorry in Japan is when you’re offered something or invited somewhere but need to decline. Since it’s very polite to make an offer or invitation, simply saying “no” without any apology can come across as rude or inconsiderate.
Another situation where you might apologize is when you’re offered food but don’t want to eat it. Food and hospitality hold special meaning in Japan, so declining can feel delicate. In these cases, you can say すみません.
How to properly say sorry in Japanese: Manners and gestures
In Japan, apologizing goes far beyond just saying the words. You’ve probably seen politicians or public figures issue a formal apology speech and then finish with a deep, 90-degree bow. This gesture, known as ojigi (お辞儀), is a crucial part of expressing sincere regret in Japanese culture.
A light mistake may only require a simple nod of the head or a slight bow of about 15 degrees. However, for serious offenses — like causing a major loss to your company — a formal deep bow is expected. These bows can range from 30 to 90 degrees, with the depth reflecting how grave the situation is. There is also an extreme form of apology called dogeza (土下座), where you kneel and bow deeply to the ground, showing the utmost humility. This gesture is rarely used in daily life today and is mostly seen in manga, anime, or historical contexts.
You may notice public figures and everyday people apologizing repeatedly. While not a strict rule, this repetition emphasizes sincerity and humility. Saying sorry multiple times helps show that the person truly acknowledges their mistake and regrets any inconvenience caused.
Conclusion: Master apologizing in Japanese
Alright! This guide is longer than we expected, but we just want to make sure we have everything covered. Now that you know the basics of apologizing in Japanese, make sure you’re ready for the appropriate response the next time you do something wrong — or right.
There’s a lot more to the list on how to say “I’m sorry” in Japanese. Like Japanese culture, we’re just scraping the surface. Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?
If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here or fill out the application form.
FAQ
How do you say “I’m sorry” in Japanese?
You can say ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) to apologize sincerely.
What is sumimasen in Japanese?
すみません (sumimasen) means “I’m sorry,” “excuse me,” or “thank you” depending on context.
What is shitsurei shimasu in Japanese?
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) means “excuse me” or “sorry for the interruption,” often used when entering or leaving a room.
What is moushiwake arimasen in Japanese?
申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) is a very formal way to say “I’m truly sorry” or “I have no excuse.”
Japanese is considered to be one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Studies have shown that on average, it takes about 2,200 classroom hours to learn Japanese on a proficient level, which is equivalent to 88 consecutive weeks. That being said, it remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful languages to learn as well.
So, if you have ever caught yourself thinking, “Why is Japanese so hard to learn?” you are not alone. This article breaks down the main reasons why the Japanese language may feel difficult and shares encouragement as well as practical tips to help you power through. Whether you are just starting or stuck mid-way, here is what makes Japanese so tough — but why it is still absolutely worth learning.
Is Japanese really a hard language to learn?
Yes, Japanese is considered a hard language to learn, but only if your native language is vastly different from Japanese. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which focuses on teaching languages and cultures to US diplomats and government officials, has a system that ranks languages based on how difficult they are to learn. FSI classified Japanese as a “Super-hard language.”
But you should take this with a grain of salt: FSI ranks languages based on how long native English speakers learn them. If you speak languages like Spanish, French, and Italian, among others that are in the same language family as English, the study hours are probably close to that.
This has numerous reasons, one of the biggest ones being that English and Japanese have very few words with a common etymological origin.
On the other hand, those who speak Chinese or Korean, or languages that come from similar roots to Japanese, can learn Japanese more quickly.
This is not to be mistaken that the Chinese and Korean languages originate from Japan. In fact, it’s Japanese and Korean that borrow words from the Chinese language. 50% of Japanese words come from Chinese.
Let’s compare “university” in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
Japanese
Chinese
Korean
大学 Daigaku
大学 Dàxué
대학교 daehaggyo
The Japanese, Chinese, and Korean words for university are not exactly the same, but there is a close phonetic resemblance between the three words. For reference, it takes 3,900 hours to study JLPT N1 without kanji knowledge. For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 2,150 hours of JLPT study to pass — almost half the time!
Reasons why learning Japanese is hard
1. Complex writing systems
The Japanese language is made up of 3 different writing systems. The hiragana, katakana, and kanji system all have their own characters and complexities, but are very necessary when learning the language.
Hiragana
Hiragana is usually the first writing system that you will encounter on your learning journey. In this system, the symbols represent whole syllables rather than individual sounds or words. In Japanese, words are made up of a combination of syllables, thus taking away the need for singular letter symbols. This system is the most traditional and dates back to the 9th century.
Katakana
Katakana is very similar to hiragana when it comes to word formation. Once again, the symbols are meant to represent syllables; this system was mainly adopted in order to introduce syllables and sounds that were not originally part of the Japanese language. Most of the Katana symbols are inspired by those of the Hiragana system, making it easier to decipher.
Kanji
Kanji is usually the last system taught throughout the learning curve of the language, as it is the one with the most complexity. The symbols used were originally Chinese characters and made up the first writing system in Japan. Both hiragana and katakana are evolutions of this writing system. Rather than representing syllables and sounds, these symbols are meant to represent complete words or ideas on their own, meaning that there are approximately 50,000 kanji symbols to learn before fully mastering this system.
One of the first things English speakers notice while learning Japanese is the change in sentence structure. While the English language typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order — for example, “I eat sushi” — the Japanese language uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern.
So, the same sentence we previously saw in English becomes: Watashi wa sushi o tabemasu, meaning “I sushi eat” in Japanese. This reversal often surprises learners and requires a shift in thinking. Adjusting to this word order takes time, but it is a fundamental part of mastering Japanese grammar.
English Word Order
Japanese Word Order
Subject + Verb + Object
Subject + Object + Verb
Let’s try to translate a Japanese sentence literally, based on its word order.
Subject
Subject Particle
Location
Location particle
Object
Object Particle
Verb
田中さん
は
喫茶店
で
コーヒー
を
飲んでいます。
Tanaka-san
wa
kissaten
de
koohii
o
nondeimasu
Tanaka
cafe
at
coffee
is drinking
Confusing, right? With time, you’ll get used to the sentence structure, but you might need time to adjust to it when translating whatever Japanese sentence you hear or see into your native language.
The Japanese language often omits the subject in a sentence if it is already clear from the context, which can lead to ambiguity and confusion for English speakers who are used to always including a subject.
私は公園へ行きます。 Watashi wa kouen e ikimasu. I am going to the park.
Imagine that you are leaving the house, and your mom asks you where you are going. In this case, it’s obvious that your answer indicates yourself, and no one else. A correct sentence often does not require a subject in Japanese, since the subject is usually implied in the context of the conversation.
園へ行きます kouen e ikimasu. (I am) going to the park!
Japanese particles
In Japanese, small words called particles play a huge role in showing how each part of a sentence functions. These particles indicate the subject, object, direction, or even topic of a sentence. Because they carry so much meaning in such a small form, even tiny mistakes with particles can lead to big misunderstandings. Learning to use them correctly is a crucial step in becoming comfortable with Japanese.
Examples:
Wa: indicates the topic of a sentence
Ga: marks the subject of the sentence
Ni: indicates a point in time or direction
De: indicates the location of an action
Wo: marks the direct object of a verb
Verb conjugations and politeness
Japanese verbs change not only based on tense but also depending on the level of formality. There are multiple ways to say the same action depending on whether you are speaking casually with friends, politely to a stranger, or respectfully to someone of higher status. This can feel overwhelming at first, but it is all part of Japan’s nuanced communication style. A helpful tip for beginners is to start with the masu-form, which is the standard polite form, and gradually expand to casual or honorific forms later.
Japanese is deeply rooted in social hierarchy, and the way you speak changes drastically depending on who you are talking to. This aspect of the language, also known as keigo (honorific speech), is divided into three main categories: teineigo (polite speech), sonkeigo (respectful speech), and kenjougo (humble speech). These are not just vocabulary swaps; they involve changes in verb conjugation, word choice, and even tone. Navigating these levels of formality is essential for effective and respectful communication in Japanese society.
Quick Tip: Do not feel pressured to master all forms of keigo at once. Focus first on polite speech (teineigo), and then gradually learn the reasoning behind honorific and humble expressions.
At first glance, Japanese pronunciation seems relatively straightforward since there are fewer sounds compared to many other languages, and most syllables stay consistent. But the real challenge lies in pitch accent. Unlike English, which relies mostly on word stress, Japanese uses pitch to differentiate words that otherwise would sound identical.
For example, hashi can mean “bridge” (橋) with a high-low pitch pattern or “chopsticks” (箸) with a low-high pitch. These subtle differences are not always highlighted in textbooks but can lead to confusion if they are not understood.
Quick Tip: The best way to internalize pitch accent is simply by listening to native speakers and shadowing real conversations.
Language and culture are closely intertwined, and this is especially true in the Japanese language. Directness is often avoided; people rarely say “no” outright. Instead, soft refusals such as “chotto…” (meaning “a little…”) are used to politely decline in Japanese while avoiding all confrontation. Japanese also relies heavily on context, so what is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken. This means learning Japanese is not just about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, but also about understanding the social cues and unspoken norms that guide communication skills in Japanese.
Quick Tip: To get a feel for these small changes, it can be really helpful to immerse yourself in Japanese media. For example, watching TV shows, anime, or dramas with subtitles helps you pick up on tone, timing, as well as the cultural nuances behind everyday language.
6. Learning and practice challenges
1. You cannot “Cram” Japanese
Unlike some fields that respond well to last-minute studying, Japanese is not one you can cram. Mastery in this skill comes from consistent, steady effort over time. This is especially true for memorizing kanji symbols and vocabulary, as they require daily review to truly stick.
Speaking practice with native speakers is just as important, not only for fluency, but for building confidence and a natural rhythm. Keep in mind that setbacks are to be expected; they are a normal part of learning this language. The key is patience and persistence. Progress may feel slower at times, but with regular practice, it can build up in really powerful ways.
2. Not Enough Immersion
Unless you live in Japan or attend an immersive school such as Coto Academy, finding chances to practice Japanese in real-world situations can be really tough. Classroom Japanese often focuses on polite, structured language rather than real-life speech, which is full of slang, casual phrasing, and nuances. What may sound natural in a textbook might come off as overly formal in a regular conversation.
Reading also presents its own unique challenges. For example, Japanese does not use spaces between words, which makes it tricky to separate and understand phrases at a glance. And then there are also loanwords that are borrowed from English but used in ways that can be confusing.
Quick Tip: To bridge the gap between the textbook and natural Japanese, it is helpful to immerse yourself in level-appropriate content such as NHK News Easy, manga, or graded readers. And in order to keep your speaking skills sharp, you can try online conversation lessons or join a Japanese-speaking community.
Ready to overcome the challenges of learning Japanese?
Join Coto Academy today and turn your Japanese learning challenges into achievements! At Coto Academy, we understand that Japanese can be tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. Our experienced teachers provide personalized lessons tailored to your level and goals, helping you master everything from kanji to conversation, honorifics to pitch accent.
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FAQ
Why is Japanese considered the hardest language to learn?
Japanese is considered to be the hardest language because it involves complex writing systems, grammar vastly different from English, and cultural nuance that you cannot find in many other languages.
How long does it take to learn Japanese fluently?
According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, around 2,200 hours of study are needed to reach working fluency.
Is Japanese harder than Chinese or Korean?
While each language has unique challenges, Japanese is often seen as harder than Korean for its kanji and honorifics, but easier than Chinese in pronunciation.
What’s the hardest part of learning Japanese?
Most learners struggle with kanji and understanding when to use polite vs. casual speech.
Can I learn Japanese without living in Japan?
Yes, of course! Online classes, language partners, and immersion tools (such as those from Coto Academy) make it very possible to learn from anywhere.
Once you’ve turned your name into a Japanese version, you might start thinking about what kind of cool Japanese nickname you can use. In Japan, nicknames go beyond simple shortened versions of names. They are sweet, playful names to express the closeness of your relationship. Whether it is a couple calling each other by pet names, siblings teasing each other, or friends bonding over shared quirks, nicknames are a unique part of everyday life in Japan.
While formal Japanese names are used in settings such as school and work, it is common to switch to cute or affectionate nicknames in casual relationships. Want to start Japanese nicknames for yourself or your friends? Check out our guide and learn how to use them!
Understanding Japanese Names: Nicknames vs Japanese Suffixes
We want to ensure there’s no confusion between Japanese nicknames and Japanese suffixes. While they may sometimes overlap, they serve different purposes.
Japanese honorifics like -chan or -kun are primarily used to indicate social relationships or levels of familiarity. For instance, -chan is often used as a term of endearment for someone younger, close, or considered cute. If someone’s name is Mako, you might affectionately call them Mako-chan. But honorifics are not nicknames in the traditional sense. Their main function is to express social nuance rather than to create a playful or affectionate variation of a name.
In contrast, nicknames in Japanese often involve modifying the actual name. You can do this by shortening it, altering its sounds, or adding creative endings. Japanese nicknames for girls often use cute, soft-sounding suffixes. Japanese nicknames for guys are usually more casual or cool, depending on the relationship.
What makes a nickname considered cute in Japan? It most often comes down to the use of affectionate suffixes, creative wordplay, as well as a sense of closeness.
Common Nickname Suffixes
Adding suffixes to names is a popular way to create nicknames that feel friendly and affectionate. Let’s explore some of the most common Japanese nickname suffixes and how they’re used.
1. 〜ちゃん (-chan)
A very common and cute suffix for girls, younger kids, pets, and close friends. It is meant to soften a name and add affection. Example: Momo → Momo-chan
2. 〜くん (-kun)
Typically used for boys, especially among classmates and coworkers. It is casual but respectful. Example: Taro → Taro-kun
3. 〜たん (-tan)
An even cuter, more babyish variation of -chan, it is often used jokingly or to express strong affection. The suffix -tan began in otaku internet culture, used for anime characters. Example: Risa → Risa-tan
These name endings allow people to express warmth and are a big part of what makes a Japanese nickname feel kawaii (cute)!
4. ～ちん (-chin)
The suffix -chin (～ちん) in Japanese is a very informal, affectionate, and often playful way of addressing someone, similar to -chan (～ちゃん) but even more cutesy or intimate.
Chin is not commonly used in most social or professional settings. Using it with someone you’re not close to could sound overly familiar or even awkward. It’s mostly seen among younger people or in specific subcultures like idol fandoms or otaku culture.
How to create a Japanese Nickname
Of course, similar to English, Japanese nickname creativity goes far beyond the basic patterns! Nicknames in Japanese often come from shortening names, adding suffixes, or even playful mispronunciations. Below are a few ways to create one:
1. Shorten the name
This is the simplest first step of creating a nickname. Much like “Jennifer” becomes “Jen” in English, many Japanese names can be shortened in a casual context.
This sound contraction makes nicknames smoother and often cuter in casual speech. Take a look at some examples below!
Actual Name
Shortened Form
Haruka
Haru
Sakura
Saku
Yuki
Yu
Daiki
Dai
2. Add a cute Japanese suffix
Once a name is shortened, it’s time to add a playful or affectionate touch. This is where the cute Japanese suffixes we just discussed come in handy!
If the last syllable of the name or the nickname base ends in “chi” (ち) or “tsu” (つ), something special happens. Instead of just adding “-chan,” Japanese speakers often contract or collapse the sounds, using what’s called a sokuon (促音) — a small “tsu” (っ) that doubles the following consonant.
Take the name Katsuki as an example. First, we shorten it to Katsu. When we add the cute suffix “-chan,” it would normally be “Katsu-chan.” But because the name ends with the sound “tsu,” the words blend together and change to “Katchan” or “Kacchan.” This makes the “t” sound stronger and the nickname sounds shorter and cuter.
Similarly, with a surname like Uchimura, the nickname base “Uchi” plus “-chan” normally becomes “Uchi-chan.” However, the “chi + chan” merges into a contracted form like “Utchan” or “Ucchan,” where the consonant sound doubles.
For names that don’t end with “chi” or “tsu,” adding “-chan” is straightforward and doesn’t change the name much. For example, Shouto becomes Shou-chan, and Takumi becomes Taku-chan (sometimes people also say Takkun, using a different cute suffix “-kun”). For Takashi, people usually just use the full name, but sometimes say Taka-chan.
Examples:
Name
Shortened Base
Add “-chan”
Sound Contraction / Final Nickname
Katsuki
Katsu
Katsu-chan
Katchan / Kacchan
Uchimura
Uchi
Uchi-chan
Utchan / Ucchan
Shouto
Shou
Shou-chan
(No contraction) Shouchan
Takumi
Taku
Taku-chan
(Sometimes) Takkun
Takashi
Taka
Taka-chan
(Usually no contraction) Takachan
3. Get even more creative with nickname endings
Of course, the more naturally you speak Japanese, the more you’ll notice that nicknames don’t have to follow a fixed pattern or use the same suffix every time! In fact, many Japanese nicknames use a variety of cute, playful-sounding endings to give them a more personal and affectionate feel.
Some people may take it a step further by making their nicknames unique or personalized.
Examples:
Name
Nickname
Miho
Mii-tan
Kouta
Ko-chan
Rina
Ri-rin
Some nicknames do not necessarily follow any rules; they might come from a person’s favorite food, personality trait, or even how they laugh. That is part of the fun!
4. Combine the Japanese surname and given name
An optional step, one of the most unique nickname styles in Japan, is combining parts of both the family name and the given name to create a catchy nickname. This is quite rare in Western cultures, but quite common in Japan.
For example, the famous actor Kimura Takuya is affectionately called “Kimu-Taku” by fans. (Remember, in Japanese, the family name comes first.) Similarly, many men named Kato Kenji or Kato Kenichi often go by “Kato-Ken” because it sounds smooth and natural in Japanese.
This combining method only works if the resulting nickname sounds good and flows well in Japanese, which is why not every name can be shortened this way.
Cute Japanese Nicknames
Now that the rules have been explained, here are some examples of commonly used but cool nicknames in Japan:
A-chan: A common nickname for anyone whose name starts with “A,” such as Ayaka or Airi.
Yuki-pi: A trendy, girly nickname variation often used by teens.
Kazu-kun: A classic male nickname for boys named Kazuki, Kazuo, etc.
Mii-chan: A name essentially used for girls named Miho, Mika, or Miharu.
Tomo-tan: A super-cute nickname twist for Tomoko or Tomoya.
These nicknames are heard in classrooms, on social media, and even in various anime!
Not all Japanese nicknames are cute, some are short, stylish, and just plain cool. These types of nicknames are especially popular among teens, young adults, or in pop culture and celebrity circles. They often rely on abbreviations, stylish blends, or nicknames that give off a confident or laid-back vibe.
Some cool nicknames, often used for guys, incude:
Taku (from Takuya)
Hiro (from Hiroshi, Hiroki)
Yuki (from Yukihiro, Yukiko)
Aki (from Akira, Akiyama)
Ryo (from Ryosuke)
Cute Japanese Nicknames for Couples
Among couples in Japan, the nicknames they use for each other often combine Western-style terms of endearment with a uniquely Japanese sense of cuteness. Check out some of the cool Japanese nicknames for boyfriends or girlriends, or general terms of endearment to show affection for couples.
1. あなた (Anata)
Technically, anata means “you” in Japanese, but if you watch anime or read Japanese dramas, you’ll often notice that spouses, especially wives, call their significant others anata.
Why is that? In Japanese culture, it’s less common to use someone’s first name directly, even in close or intimate relationships. Instead, married women often use anata to address their husbands.
This way of speaking feels gentle, respectful, and affectionate, especially when said softly or lovingly.
あなた、ごはんできたわよ。 Anata, gohan dekita wa yo. Darling, dinner’s ready.
2. ダーリン (Daarin)
This nickname is taken directly from the English nickname “Darling.” This is a romantic nickname for boyfriends or husbands. It is a little playful and retro.
3.ハニー (Hanii)
This nickname means “Honey” in katakana. This nickname is often used by couples aiming to sound sweet and flirty.
4. 〜くん / ちゃん (kun or chan)
Many couples just use a cute version of their partner’s first name. Kenta becomes Ken-kun. Ayumi becomes Ayu-chan
5. 〜りん:
The “〜りん” pattern involves repeating the ending syllable of a name and adding “りん”, turning ordinary names into sweet nicknames. By adding “りん”, the name sounds more playful and affectionate, giving it a cute, bubbly vibe.
Examples:
Mari → Maririn (まりりん)
Yuri → Yuririn (ゆりりん)
Rin → Rinrin (りんりん)
Cute Japanese Nicknames for Family
Japanese families also have their own nickname traditions. Children often use affectionate and hierarchical titles for their siblings and parents.
1.おにいちゃん (Onii-chan): This nickname means “Big brother,” and is usually used by younger siblings. This nickname may also be shortened to にいに (Nii-nii).
2. あねちゃん (Ane-chan): This nickname means “Big sister,” although it is less common than onee-chan, it is still used in casual, childlike speech.
3. じいじ (Jiiji) / ばあば (Baaba): These are cute names for grandpa and grandma; they are the most similar to “Gramps” and “Nana” in English.
4. かーくん (otou-san) / まーちゃん (okaa-san): These names are theshortened versions of “Dad” and “Mom” using parts of their names or nicknames within the family.
Some regional differences exist, too. For example, in Okinawa, siblings may call each other by different terms like アニキ (aniki) for big brother, which carries more respect or toughness.
Tips for Creating Japanese-Style Nicknames from Western Names
If you have a Western name and want to create a cute or natural-sounding Japanese nickname, you might have to convert your name into katakana. The rest of the nickname creation follows the same rule, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use Katakana Sounds: Write your name in Japanese katakana first to understand how it sounds in Japanese. For example, “Michael” becomes “Maikeru (マイケル).” This helps when shortening or adding suffixes.
Shorten Your Name Naturally: Japanese nicknames often shorten names by cutting off syllables. From “Maikeru,” you could get “Mai-chan” or “Maiku.” Try to keep the nickname easy to pronounce in Japanese.
Add Familiar Suffixes: Adding “-chan” (cute/friendly), “-kun” (for boys or casual), or “-san” (polite) can make your nickname feel more natural. For example, “Mai-chan” or “Mike-kun.”
Blend Name Parts if Possible: If your name has two parts (like a first and middle name), you can combine parts to make a catchy nickname, similar to the Japanese style. For example, “John Paul” might become “Jo-Pa.”
Keep It Simple and Sweet: Japanese nicknames usually avoid complicated sounds and try to keep things easy to say, short, and cute.
Conclusion: Learn to Make Japanese Nicknames with Coto Academy!
In Japanese culture, nicknames are more than just fun; they are a great way to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether you are making new friends, getting closer with a partner, or even bonding with family, experimenting with cute nicknames adds playfulness and affection to your conversations.
Next time you are talking to a Japanese friend, try a nickname! You might just earn one in return.
Want to learn more about casual Japanese for daily life? Learn how to make your own nickname in Japanese by taking practical Japanese lessons at Coto Academy.
FAQ
What are cute Japanese nicknames?
A cute Japanese nickname usually involves shortening a name and adding an affectionate suffix like -chan, -kun, or -tan. These nicknames are usually used among friends, couples, and family.
How do you say darling in Japanese?
You can say “ダーリン” (daarin). It is borrowed from English and is a popular nickname among couples.
Can you use -chan for a boy?
Although it is more common for girls, it can, in fact, be used for a boy as well. Young boys or very close male friends may be called -chan affectionately.
What does -tan mean in Japanese nicknames?
The suffix -Tan is a cuter, more childish version of -chan. It is used to express extreme affection, often in baby talk or with pets and anime characters.
Are nicknames common in Japan?
Yes, they are extremely common, especially among close friends and family. While formal language is highly important in Japan, nicknames are popular in casual and intimate relationships.
What is nickname in Japanese?
A nickname in Japanese is called あだ名 (adana). The katakana for nickname is ニックネーム (nikkuneemu).
How to make Japanese nicknames?
Japanese nicknames can be created by blending parts of the name, using repetition, or adding playful endings like -rin or -pi.
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Downloading and using Anki decks can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to learn Japanese. Anki is a free, open-source flashcard program that uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), allowing you to revisit new vocabulary repeatedly but in a programmed time frame. Through this, you can spend more time on words you have a harder time remembering and less on easier ones.
Though Anki is extremely versatile, we strongly recommend Anki to learn new Japanese words and building vocabulary over time. Still, when you are just starting out, you should use pre-made Anki decks. Once you know your learning preference, you can then customize it. Anki decks can easily be downloaded from the Anki website.
So, what are the best options? Check out our recommendations for the 15 best Japanese Anki decks below!
How to choose the right Anki deck?
An Anki deck is essentially a set of flashcards grouped together. You can have multiple decks for different topics (e.g., “JLPT N5 Vocabulary”, “Medical Terminology”, “GRE Prep”). Each card typically has a front (question, prompt) and a back (answer). You can also include audio, images, and formatting.
When learning Japanese with Anki, the front of the card is often the Japanese word, and the back shows the English meaning. As you become more familiar with Anki, you can start customizing your cards to suit your learning style. You can add audio, pictures, tags, custom fields, or other types of media to make your flashcards more engaging and effective!
With there being hundreds of Japanese Anki decks for learning, choosing the right one can be difficult and confusing. This is especially so for first-time users of Anki who are still figuring out how to use the software. It’s not hard when you get used to it, but we don’t want to add more to your full bowl.
On the Anki website, there is a section under ” Popular categories: Languages ” where you can see links to landing pages for different languages.
Click on the “Japanese” link, and it will bring you to a page full of different Japanese Anki decks. If you already have a topic in mind that you want to study, there is a manual search option in the top right corner.
If you have a problem choosing, click on each Anki deck and look at the reviews. A rating column also shows the ratings of the different tabs.
Once you have chosen the Anki Deck you want to use, just simply click the “download” button to open Anki on your device.
Japanese Core 2000 Step 01 is one of the most popular and used Anki decks to memorize Japanese vocabulary. Specifically customized for beginners to Japanese, this Anki Deck has over 2,000 Japanese words for you to learn.
The contents in this Anki deck are well-structured, with images provided for easier memorization. The deck contains 405 audio files and 235 images, and example sentences for the Kanji.
It would probably take 2-3 months to complete this Anki deck if you practice consistently. As we know, consistency is the number one thing for improvement.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
Japanese Core 2000 Step 02 is the second part of the Japanese Core 2000 Anki series. Make sure you start with Step 01 before you visit Step 02. Still, for beginners, this Anki Deck is a more advanced version with audio files, English translations, and images provided in the flashcards.
There are Japanese Kanji, verbs, and example sentences that are used in everyday life. This Anki Deck has over 404 Audio files and 236 Images.
Similar to Step 01, it would probably take you 2-3 months to complete this Anki Deck if you practice consistently.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
If you have already learned the basic Japanese writing system, you can skip this. But if you are just a beginner, we recommend Japanese Basic Hiragana. Unlike the Japanese Core Series Anki Deck, this Anki deck does not have any pictures, but it is particularly helpful if you want to remember hiragana characters.
The deck was modified from the TextFugu Hiragana deck and only includes 46 basic audio hiragana character files.
However, you can type in romaji under particular hiragana characters. You can easily complete it as the contents are basic and simple for beginners. Since there are only 46 notes, the deck is a good refresher for new learners.
Since it only covers fundamentals, it does not have all the hiragana characters. So, you might want to move on to more advanced Japanese Anki Decks once you have completed the Deck.
This is the all-in-one Anki deck if you want to focus on grammar. The Jtest4you Anki Deck is a JLPT grammar-focused flashcard. It includes example sentences, romaji, and translations that can be added to the front and back of the flashcards.
What’s good about this Anki deck is that the vocabulary is divided into different JLPT levels, so you can study words relevant to your current situation.
In most flashcards, the front would be the kanji and example sentence in Japanese, while the back of the flashcard would be the furigana, romaji, and English translation.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. The flashcards will appear on your screen once the deck is imported to your device. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
5. Japanese Visual Novel, Anime, Manga, LN Vocab – V2K
If you are interested in Japanese visual media, Japanese Visual Novel, Anime, Manga, LN Vocab – V2K Anki Deck could be perfect for you.
This Anki Deck has over 2,000 common words in popular Japanese media, such as novels, anime, and manga. In Japanese media, words and phrases often serve various contexts and examples.
Hence, this Anki deck helps users link the particular kanji and familiar English translations.
It is a beginner-focused Anki deck where users will learn kanji and furigana, along with a pre-recorded audio that can be found at the front of the flashcard.
You will be able to pick up heaps of useful words, such as 全然駄目だ、結構, that are frequently mentioned in anime and manga. It will also significantly improve your reading and listening comprehension.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
Katakana Reading Practice is an Anki deck that acts as a guide for beginners in learning katakana. With over 1,000 words and phrases in Katakana, the contents of the flashcard focus a lot on foreign loanwords, proper names, onomatopoeia, animal names, as well as brand names.
Many users of this Anki deck have found it very helpful in improving their speed and confidence in speaking and writing katakana.
English speakers might think it’s unnecessary to learn katakana. After all, they are loan words from English — but you’d be surprised by some Japanese katakana words that don’t sound similar to the original English words.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
KanjiDamage is the ultimate deck to learn Kanji with the KanjiDamage method, which is basically learning Kanji using mnemonics. There are over 1,700 Kanji to learn from in this Anki Deck.
You will learn a mix of commonly used Kanji as well as uncommonly used Kanji that have been put in random order. The stroke order of how to write the Kanji is also included.
If you want to learn kanji frequency instead, check out another Anki Deck made by the same user, which is a reordered version of this Anki deck. It has been reordered based on the frequency of each Kanji character so that you can more common characters first, followed by the uncommon ones.
Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
Looking to learn pretty much everything there is to learn about Kanji? All in One Kanji deck is one of the most comprehensive and informative collections out there. It is perfect for those looking to practice writing the Kanji and gaining more knowledge on kanji meaning and readings.
The Anki deck is nicely formatted. With over 10,000 flashcards, you will learn how to read each kanji in onyomi, kunyomi, and nanori as well as learn the number of strokes and stroke orders.
It also teaches you how each Kanji has been changed from its original Chinese elements to become a Japanese character.
This Anki deck created by Tofugu helps you learn Hiragana through Mnemonics. In this Anki Deck, you will be able to learn the basics of Japanese pronunciation.
This Anki deck, created by Tofugu, helps you learn Katakana through Mnemonics. In this Anki Deck, you will be able to learn the basics of Japanese pronunciation.
Through descriptive and animative mnemonics, they make learning fun and interactive, and are a perfect method for memorization! Visit the Anki website to download the Anki Deck onto your computer. Once the deck is imported to your device, the flashcards will appear on your screen. You can edit the cards by clicking on the “edit” button.
11. Japanese Course Based on Tae Kim’s Grammar Guide & Anime
This is a self-contained Japanese course for beginners, built around Tae Kim’s Grammar Guide, a popular free resource known for its clear explanations of essential grammar points. The creators also developed a companion Anki deck, making it easy to study and review.
The course places a strong focus on listening comprehension, using real anime scenes to reinforce learning. Each flashcard shows a Japanese phrase on the front, along with a video clip of the sentence used in an anime. The back of the card includes the English translation and a detailed grammar breakdown, helping learners understand both meaning and structure.
If you’ve taken a Japanese class, chances are you’ve used the well-known Genki textbook series. This Anki deck is a simple but effective tool I created to help me learn how to write the kanji introduced in Genki I and Genki II.
The deck covers individual kanji characters from Lesson 3 to Lesson 23, following the exact order presented in the textbooks. Each flashcard shows the English meaning, along with the on-yomi and kun-yomi readings on the front, and the kanji character on the back.
It’s perfect for reinforcing writing practice and memorizing readings in context with the Genki curriculum.
Reading katakana can be surprisingly challenging, even if you’ve already memorized the characters. Unlike hiragana, katakana is often used for foreign loanwords and names, which don’t always follow typical Japanese word structure.
This Anki deck features 1,000 cards designed to help you read katakana with speed and confidence. It focuses on loanwords from English, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and more, along with wasei-eigo (English-inspired words made in Japan like salaryman). You’ll also find cards with onomatopoeia, company names, animal names, and other real-world katakana usage to give you the exposure you need.
14. Remembering the Kanji 1, 6th Edition (2200 Kanji)
This Anki deck includes all 2,200 kanji from the 6th edition of Remembering the Kanji 1 by James W. Heisig. It was created to offer a complete and accurate companion to the book, as many existing shared decks were either incomplete, based on older editions, or lacked consistency in format and content.
The deck focuses solely on kanji characters, excluding primitive elements that are not kanji themselves. Each card includes a link to an external website for stroke order diagrams, allowing for easy reference and writing practice. It’s an ideal tool for learners following the Heisig method who want a streamlined, comprehensive study aid.
This comprehensive Anki deck includes the full set of 2,136 Jouyou Kanji — the official list of kanji designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education for daily use. These are the characters taught in Japanese schools and used in newspapers, books, and official documents. In addition to the Jouyou Kanji, the deck covers JLPT N5 to N1 kanji, 861 Jinmeiyou Kanji (used primarily in names), the 2,500 most frequent kanji, 3,007 kanji from Heisig’s Remembering the Kanji, and more.
Each card contains rich, detailed information: the English meaning, readings (on-yomi, kun-yomi, and nanori—name readings, listed separately), stroke count, stroke order, and an example compound word. It also includes kanji classification levels such as JLPT level, Jouyou grade, and usage frequency. Note that a lower frequency number indicates more common usage, while “Grade S” refers to kanji taught in Japanese secondary school.
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Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi, Tokyo and Yokohama. We offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learners. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on the creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo or Yokohama, please visit our contact page.
FAQ
What is Anki?
Anki is a powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize information more efficiently. For Japanese learners, it’s especially useful for retaining kanji, vocabulary, grammar points, and listening comprehension.
Can I customize the Japanese Anki deck?
Yes! Anki is very flexible—you can edit cards, add audio, images, mnemonics, or even create your own card types to match your study style.
What’s included in this Japanese Anki deck?
That depends on the deck, but typically you’ll find:
Listening and reading practice (optional with media decks) Some decks are based on popular resources like Genki, Tae Kim, or Heisig, and include JLPT-level tagging (N5 to N1).
Kanji cards (with meanings, readings, stroke order, and examples)
Vocabulary cards (with context sentences and audio)
Grammar explanations
As you get ready to explore Japan, it’s not just about packing your suitcase or making sure you have enough yen. One of the smartest ways to prepare is by downloading the best travel apps for Japan.
For a place like Japan, with numerous mobile app options, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth using, especially if they require payment for certain features. So here’s a list of must-have travel apps in Japan — tested and updated for 2025 — to make your trip as stress-free as possible.
Starting a new life in Japan often begins with learning the language. If you’re thinking about studying Japanese in Japan, let Coto School Finder support you every step of the way — from your first inquiry all the way through your visa application, completely free! Contact our team to get started.
Best Japanese Travel App for Navigation & Transit
Understanding the transit system in Japan can seem super hard to understand from afar, but these apps will help you to understand step-by-step where you need to go and how to get there!
1. Google Maps
If there is one app to download from this list, it will be Google Maps. They give the most accurate updates when it comes to travel time, crowd size, and delays occurring.
It’s particularly useful because you will most likely use public transportation when traveling around Japan. Google Maps can also tell you how much it will cost to go on your routes, how far something is within walking distance, and store hours, making it one of the most used apps by foreigners by far!
2. Japan Travel by Navitime
If you really wanna feel like a local, this is the app for you. Japan Travel by NAVITIME helps users travel around Japan by train, transit, and the Shinkansen. You can also use their online website version and read about the best ways to explore Japan for yourself and your needs.
As the most used taxi app in Japan, Go Taxi is used very similarly to Uber! It serves 45 of Japan’s 47 prefectures. You can reserve rides ahead, or use them in a hurry! It has an easy-to-use format and is overall well-used among foreigners and locals alike.
Yahoo Transit is the most localized for Japanese people, making it the most accurate platform of all your options! It is traditionally in Japanese, but can be translated on Yahoo/Google easily. They include time for walking through the train station and transferring platform, which Google Maps often doesn’t have! So if you’re looking for a step-by-step guide, this is the app for you!
Thinking about taking the Shinkansen? This app will help you with every step of the process. You’ll need to register your account on their website prior, but once your account is made, you can use both the app and the website with ease. It is worth noting that you will be logged out of the app if you don’t use it often, but if you have already purchased your ticket, just add it to your digital wallet and you won’t need to get back in. Once you purchase your Shinkansen tickets, the website says you should also print out your tickets just in case it cannot read your QR code.
6. Suica or PASMO app
If you plan on using the transit system in Japan, plan to have a Suica orPASMO either physically or on your phone’s digital wallet. I find it easier to have it on your phone, so that way you can see all your charges and your remaining balance whenever you’d like. It’s very easy to add money back onto it as well, rather than having to stop at the station to refill your card.
Best Japanese Apps for Translation & Language
Traveling to cities like Tokyo may be more English-friendly, but things can still get lost in translation. While we also cover the best Japanese dictionary apps in another blog, here are some of our favorite travel apps for Japan.
7. Google Translate
Google Translate has a lot of key features that make it exemplary for translating apps. Their camera text scanning is great for signs and menu translations, you can also hold your phone up to listen to native speakers talk to better know how to reply back (I’ve had to use this a few times when in sticky situations!), and the app allows for users to use it even in offline mode.
8. DeepL
This app is better for more natural translations, especially for Korean/Chinese speakers
These translation apps allow for more natural translations rather than the literal meaning. This works especially for Korean and Chinese speakers. With Papago, you’re able to translate text, images, documents, and websites, plus listen to how to speak it. DeepL has a glossary feature that is super helpful, as well as AI-powered tools to help you write in another language!
9. Yomiwa
Yomiwa is a modern (and offline!) Japanese dictionary that has kanji recognition and real-time translation. It uses a diverse number of sources to provide the most complete dictionary app. You are able to input words and sentences using kanji, hiragana, katakana, and romaji. There are many options for translating that users have loved since its creation.
Best Travel Apps for Accommodation & Booking in Japan
10. Airbnb
If you are tired of hotels and want something like a Japanese homestay, Airbnb is a good compromise. Airbnb is known for its short-term stays with a local flavor for foreigners to fall in love with. With its easy-to-navigate app and ability to contact the owner directly to make your stay more at home, it’s easy to see why most people pick this over a hotel. Depending on the area, too, you may be able to see lower prices for your stay.
Booking.com has a lot of different filters for last-minute or discounted rates with things like hotels, flights, and car rentals. Though known for its cost-effective measures, if you use this site, it is said to make sure you do your research ahead of time to ensure everything is in order before you arrive. While most users state they have no problems with the website, it is warned that new users read through what they are selecting before purchasing.
12. Klook
Klook has been on the rise in recent years due to the wide variety of bookings you can make through it. You can book tours, hotels, museum tickets, and more through them. They have discounted rates or promotional codes you can use to lower your costs. Their website and app are easy to use and have been proven to work, especially for the Shinkansen!
Best Apps for Food & Restaurant Search
Getting to try new foods in a new country is super exciting and a great new experience. But in a place like Japan where the population is over 126,000,000 people, getting a reservation or two might be the move. Here are our top apps for finding restaurants.
13. Tabelog
As the ‘Yelp’ of Japan, this app is the most used by locals for user reviews and ratings. Users can book restaurants directly from Tabelog! It is worth noting, though, that most reviews and places will be primarily in Japanese, so just make sure you are looking at the star review rating!
14. Google Maps (Restaurants)
Less used than Tabelog for locals, Google Maps is still able to provide thorough details for restaurant searches that include English reviews, photos, and hours. If you’re looking for popular tourist attractions/foods, this is definitely the app to use more often!
15. Omakase
Ready for some high-end restaurant experiences? Omakase will be exactly what you’re looking for! This app helps users set up reservations at some of the best high-end restaurants in Japan for meals like omakase sushi, wagyu, or traditional Japanese foods. Log in, and enjoy some of the best culinary experiences you can get!
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Recently, Japan has been shifting from a cash-based society to digital payment systems. There are a lot of mobile payment apps in Japan we recommend, but we have also selected a few apps for money exchanges.
16. Wise
Wise is a multi-currency travel account that is the perfect solution for travelers. Making an account is completely free; you only pay for transactions! It is transparent and cheap, with fast transfers. For Japan, this is a good way to watch conversion rates with how you use your money!
17. XE Currency
Another great currency tool that has real-time exchange rates. You can send money to over 190 countries across 130 currencies. It also tracks your historical currency rates to analyze rate trends and to stay on track of spending.
18. PayPay
Another popular cashless app in Japan, this app can be used at stores nationwide and helps people to save money while shopping by earning PayPay points! This is a commonly used app amongst the locals, especially while grocery shopping, and is used for paying bills.
Other Travel Apps for Japan You Can Download
19. Weather app
There are many good weather apps to be used while in Japan, but just remember that the weather is usually more humid than you expect, and to always bring a UV umbrella with you– whether that’s for rain or sun! Personally, we use Tenki or Yahoo Weather!, which can give you daily weather maps as well as information about earthquakes and more.
20. MyMizu
While most restaurants will give you free water when you’re seated, sometimes finding free water can be hard! Bringing your own water bottle around is a good idea to help reduce plastic usage. This app helps users to find places where they can get free water, as well as keep track of the money they’ve saved by refilling their bottle!
21. LINE or WhatsApp
These two apps are the most commonly used messaging apps in Japan (for keeping in touch with locals or services). Some restaurants or services offer discounts if you add them on LINE! Both are completely free, and you can register using your normal phone number, rather than needing a phone number from the country you’re in (in this case, you don’t need a Japanese phone number)!
22. Japan Official Travel App
This app has it all. It can give you emergency information, guides, etiquette tips, and can also tell you other apps to download based on your needs. If there is an app to start with, start with Japan’s Official Travel App!
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Whether you’re aiming to build a career in Japan or enroll in a top university, the journey often begins by enrolling in a Japanese language school.
If you’re planning to come to Japan, let the team at Coto School Finder handle your visa application and help you find the perfect school. Partnering with nearly 20 of Japan’s top language schools, we’ll match you with the right program, assist with your student visa application, and ensure your admission process is smooth and hassle-free! If you are ready, get the full support you need and contact us today!
Yes, it is completely free! It is made specifically for tourists visiting Japan, both for iOS and Android users.
Can I travel to Japan without Google Maps?
There are many options out there for travel, making it so Google Maps does not have to be what you solely rely on. However, Google Maps does a good job of updating users on delays and other situations while also giving step-by-step routes for their destination.
What is the Best Travel App for First-Time Travelers in Japan?
Google Translate is usually said to be the best and most convenient app for first-time travelers. If you’re looking to bridge the language barrier through text, voice, or image translation, this is the app to use!
What is the most popular messaging app in Japan?
LINE is the most popular messaging app in Japan, with over 80 million users. It allows for global messaging and voice, and video calling!
Why is Apple Maps not recommended to tourists?
Apple Maps is not usually recommended to tourists because it does not provide users with the most up-to-date information, especially for companies that do not use any English. Travelers looking for a similar app should use Google Maps or Japan Travel by Navitime.
What are the best free travel planning apps?
TripIt, Klook, and TripAdvisor have been known to be very easy planning apps. All three serve similar means, but make sure to check out each one as they have different abilities to make things happen.
