Before You Walk In: What Japanese Staff Will Say

Know it before it happens. Common phrases you may hear in shops, cafés and restaurants in Japan, in the order they usually come up — and what to do each time.

You walk in

Next, you’ll hear
いらっしゃいませ！

Irasshaimase!

Welcome!

Called out by staff as soon as you enter — sometimes by everyone in the shop, one after another.
What to do: Nothing. Customers don’t say it back. A small nod is plenty.

Why?
It is a greeting to arriving customers, not a question, so no reply is expected. In a busy izakaya several staff may call it out in turn; it just means a customer has arrived.
Next, you’ll hear
何名様ですか？

Nanmei-sama desu ka?

How many people?

At restaurants and cafés.
What to do: Hold up fingers, or say Hitori desu (one) or Futari desu (two).
Next, you’ll hear
こちらへどうぞ

Kochira e dōzo

This way, please.

The staff will show you to a table.
What to do: Just follow.
Next, you’ll hear
少々お待ちください

Shōshō omachi kudasai

Please wait a moment.

When the staff need a minute — for a table, or to check something.
What to do: Nothing needed. Hai (yes) is fine.

You order or shop

Next, you’ll hear
ご注文はお決まりですか？

Gochūmon wa okimari desu ka?

Are you ready to order?

What to do: Hai (yes) and point at the menu, or Mada desu (not yet).
Next, you’ll hear
店内でお召し上がりですか？

Tennai de omeshiagari desu ka?

Will you eat here?

At fast-food places, cafés and bakeries. The tax can differ for eating in and taking out.
What to do: Hai (yes, here) or Mochikaeri de (to take away).
Next, you’ll hear
お待たせしました

Omatase shimashita

Sorry to keep you waiting. / Here you are.

Said when your food or your turn arrives — even if you waited only seconds.
What to do: Nothing needed, or a quick Arigatō.
Next, you’ll hear
失礼します

Shitsurei shimasu

Excuse me (for interrupting).

When staff come to the table, take a plate away, or step past you.
What to do: Nothing needed.

You pay

Next, you’ll hear
〇〇円になります

… en ni narimasu

That will be … yen.

The total also shows on the register’s screen.
What to do: For cash, use the small tray on the counter if there is one. For cards or IC payments, follow the staff’s gesture or the payment terminal — it varies by store.

Why?
Cash trays are common and let both sides see and count the money. Some registers give change automatically from a machine.
Next, you’ll hear
〇〇円お預かりします

… en oazukari shimasu

I’ll take … yen (from you).

Staff repeat the amount you handed over, so both of you can check it.
What to do: Nothing needed.
Next, you’ll hear
〇〇円のお返しと、レシートです

… en no okaeshi to, reshīto desu

Here is your change and your receipt.

What to do: Take them from the staff, the tray or the change machine, depending on the register.

You leave

Next, you’ll hear
ありがとうございました！

Arigatō gozaimashita!

Thank you very much!

Called out as you leave, often by several staff at once.
What to do: A nod, or Gochisōsama deshita (after a meal) or Arigatō (anywhere).
Next, you’ll hear
またお越しくださいませ

Mata okoshi kudasaimase

Please come again.

What to do: No reply is needed. A nod, or Arigatō gozaimasu, is natural.

Other scenes

At an izakayaFrom the door to the bill: the few words you need in a Japanese pub, and what they really mean.At a ramen shopTicket machine, noodle firmness, a second helping of noodles: how a ramen counter works, and what to say.At a convenience storeHeat it up? A bag? Chopsticks? The questions you’ll hear at a konbini register, and how to answer them.On the trainWhich platform? Does this train stop there? What the announcements are saying, and how to ask.

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