Level Up Your Japanese: Intermediate Phrases for Shopping
In this guide, we’ll introduce intermediate-level Japanese phrases that will help you communicate more confidently and naturally while shopping in Japan. Master them, and you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable shopping experience in Japan!
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Buying Several Pieces of the Same Item
Our Top Tips
Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets
Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.
Don't you end up buying multiples of the same thing when souvenir shopping?
That's when this phrase comes in handy.
Sumimasen. Kore to onaji mono jukko arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Do you have ten of these?
個（Ko）is a measure word used for counting items.
Example)
Counting Method
Ikko / Niko / Sanko / Yonko / Goko / Rokko / Nanako / Hakko / Kyuko / Jyukko
1 item / 2 items / 3 items / 4 items / 5 items / 6 items / 7 items / 8 items / 9 items / 10 items
Trying On Clothes
When buying clothes, it's a given that you'll want to try them on to see if they fit you well first. Check with the staff to see if you can try on the clothes, and then have them guide you to the fitting room. It's normal to remove your shoes before entering the fitting room in Japan.
Sumimasen. Shichaku wa dekimasu ka?
Excuse me, can I try this on?
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JR Pass for Whole Japan
Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR.
Checking For Other Sizes
Finding out that the piece of clothing you held and tried on is too big or too small is a rather common occurrence. Use these phrases when that horrible situation happens!
Sumimasen. Kore yori oki na saizu wa arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Do you have a bigger size than this?
Sumimasen. Kore yori chiisa na saizu wa arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Do you have a smaller size than this?
Searching For Other Colors
If you're looking for something in a specific color, use this phrase when speaking with the staff.
Sumimasen. Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Does this come in other colors?
Please take a look at the YouTube video below to further cement these phrases into your head. Those of you who haven't checked out the beginner level phrases should take the time to do so!
Next time you visit Japan, use these phrases to discover great items that you'll fall in love with!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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