Essential Japanese Shopping Vocabulary & Phrases Guide

Whether you're exploring Tokyo's bustling department stores or navigating a local konbini, having solid Japanese vocabulary for shopping is essential. This guide covers the most useful Japanese words for shopping that will help you communicate confidently in any retail situation.

Essential Shopping Vocabulary

These core words form the foundation when you learn Japanese shopping language. Memorize these first for immediate practical use.

Word	Pronunciation	English	Example
買い物	kaimono	shopping	今日は買い物に行きます。(Kyō wa kaimono ni ikimasu.) - I'm going shopping today.
店	mise	store/shop	あの店は安いです。(Ano mise wa yasui desu.) - That store is cheap.
値段	nedan	price	値段を教えてください。(Nedan wo oshiete kudasai.) - Please tell me the price.
レジ	reji	cash register/checkout	レジはどこですか。(Reji wa doko desu ka.) - Where is the checkout?
お金	okane	money	お金が足りません。(Okane ga tarimasen.) - I don't have enough money.
セール	sēru	sale	今セール中です。(Ima sēru-chū desu.) - There's a sale now.
割引	waribiki	discount	割引はありますか。(Waribiki wa arimasu ka.) - Is there a discount?
袋	fukuro	bag	袋は要りません。(Fukuro wa irimasen.) - I don't need a bag.
現金	genkin	cash	現金で払います。(Genkin de haraimasu.) - I'll pay with cash.
カード	kādo	card (credit/debit)	カードは使えますか。(Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka.) - Can I use a card?
領収書	ryōshūsho	receipt	領収書をください。(Ryōshūsho wo kudasai.) - Please give me a receipt.
試着	shichaku	trying on (clothes)	試着してもいいですか。(Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka.) - May I try this on?
サイズ	saizu	size	もっと大きいサイズはありますか。(Motto ōkii saizu wa arimasu ka.) - Do you have a bigger size?
色	iro	color	他の色はありますか。(Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka.) - Do you have other colors?
お釣り	otsuri	change (money)	お釣りをどうぞ。(Otsuri wo dōzo.) - Here's your change.
免税	menzei	tax-free	免税で買えますか。(Menzei de kaemasu ka.) - Can I buy this tax-free?

Common Phrases

Beyond individual words, these phrases will help you navigate real shopping situations smoothly.

• いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) - Welcome (said by staff when you enter)
• 見ているだけです (Mite iru dake desu) - I'm just looking
• これをください (Kore wo kudasai) - I'll take this, please
• いくらですか (Ikura desu ka) - How much is it?
• 高すぎます (Takasugimasu) - It's too expensive
• もう少し安くなりますか (Mō sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka) - Can you make it a little cheaper?
• これでお願いします (Kore de onegaishimasu) - With this, please (when paying)
• 別々に包んでください (Betsubetsu ni tsutsunde kudasai) - Please wrap them separately
• プレゼント用です (Purezento-yō desu) - It's for a gift
• 返品できますか (Henpin dekimasu ka) - Can I return this?

Usage Notes

Understanding Japanese shopping culture will help you use this vocabulary appropriately.

Bargaining: Unlike some countries, bargaining is generally not practiced in Japan except at flea markets, secondhand shops, and some electronics stores in areas like Akihabara. The phrase "Mō sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka" should be used sparingly and politely.

Bag charges: Since 2020, plastic bags cost money at most stores in Japan. Staff will ask "Fukuro wa irimasu ka?" (Do you need a bag?). Many shoppers bring their own エコバッグ (eko baggu) - eco bag.

Payment etiquette: When paying, place your money or card in the small tray provided rather than handing it directly to the cashier. This is considered polite.

Tax-free shopping: Foreign tourists can shop tax-free (消費税免除 - shōhizei menjo) at stores displaying the "Tax Free" sign when spending over ¥5,000. Bring your passport and ask "Menzei de kaemasu ka?"

Wrapping: Japanese stores are known for meticulous wrapping. If buying a gift, mention "Purezento-yō desu" and staff will often wrap it beautifully at no extra charge.

Practice Sentences

Use these example sentences to practice combining vocabulary in realistic contexts.

• すみません、このシャツのMサイズはありますか。
  (Sumimasen, kono shatsu no M saizu wa arimasu ka.)
  Excuse me, do you have this shirt in size M?
• クレジットカードで払ってもいいですか。
  (Kurejitto kādo de haratte mo ii desu ka.)
  Is it okay to pay by credit card?
• この靴を試着したいんですが。
  (Kono kutsu wo shichaku shitain desu ga.)
  I'd like to try on these shoes.
• セールはいつまでですか。
  (Sēru wa itsu made desu ka.)
  Until when does the sale last?
• 赤い色のはありますか。
  (Akai iro no wa arimasu ka.)
  Do you have one in red?
• これとこれを別々の袋に入れてください。
  (Kore to kore wo betsubetsu no fukuro ni irete kudasai.)
  Please put these in separate bags.
• 千円札でお釣りはありますか。
  (Sen-en satsu de otsuri wa arimasu ka.)
  Do you have change for a 1,000 yen bill?
• 返品の期限は何日ですか。
  (Henpin no kigen wa nan-nichi desu ka.)
  What's the return deadline?

With this Japanese vocabulary for shopping mastered, you'll be ready to confidently navigate any store in Japan. Practice these words and phrases regularly, and don't be afraid to use them—shop staff appreciate the effort!