Guide • High frequency
High frequency Japanese first: the words that unlock daily life
I used to chase rare words because they sounded interesting. Then I realized that the same few phrases show up every day in shops, trains, and clinics. Once I learned those, daily life got easier fast.
The idea is simple. Learn the words that appear the most, then use them in real situations.
TL;DR: Start with high frequency phrases. They unlock the most real life situations.
What to do today: Learn three phrases you will hear every day and use one today.
Why frequency first works
A small set of words covers a big chunk of daily conversations. You do not need thousands of words to survive in Japan. You need the ones that appear constantly.
That is why frequency lists are useful. They give you the best return on time.
Tier 1: beginner survival phrases
Excuse me / sorry.
sumimasen. すみません。
Works for getting attention, apologizing, or starting a question.
Please.
onegaishimasu. お願いします。
Use it when you order, ask, or request help.
Is this OK?
kore de ii desu ka? これでいいですか？
Works for tickets, forms, and small confirmations.
I am OK / no thanks.
daijoubu desu. 大丈夫です。
Say this when you do not need a bag or want to decline politely.
Thank you.
arigatou gozaimasu. ありがとうございます。
You will say this constantly. It keeps interactions smooth.
Yes.
hai. はい。
Simple, but you need it for every confirmation.
No.
iie. いいえ。
Useful when you are declining politely, or correcting a misunderstanding.
I understand.
wakarimashita. 分かりました。
A clean way to end instructions and move on.
Tier 2: keep the conversation moving
One more time, please.
mou ichido onegaishimasu. もう一度お願いします。
A lifesaver when you miss a word at a counter or on the phone.
Please speak slowly.
yukkuri hanashite kudasai. ゆっくり話してください。
This buys you time without switching to English.
What does this mean?
kore wa nan no imi desu ka? これは何の意味ですか？
Useful for signs, forms, or menus.
I do not understand.
chotto wakarimasen. ちょっと分かりません。
Honest and polite. It often leads to a simpler explanation.
Where is ___?
___ wa doko desu ka? ___はどこですか？
The fastest way to get directions. Swap in 駅, トイレ, 出口, ホテル.
How much is it?
ikura desu ka? いくらですか？
Works for tickets, food, and fees.
Which one?
dochira desu ka? どちらですか？
Useful when there are two options and you want clarity.
That is wrong / not that.
chigaimasu. 違います。
Short and useful for correcting forms, orders, and misunderstandings.
Tier 3: service Japanese you hear every day
Payment is at the exit.
oshiharai wa deguchi desu. お支払いは出口です。
A common store sign and staff line.
Please wait a moment.
shoushou omachi kudasai. 少々お待ちください。
You will hear this at counters and on the phone.
Here is your receipt.
reshiito desu. レシートです。
Short and common. Good for listening practice.
Card or cash?
kaado desu ka, genkin desu ka? カードですか、現金ですか？
A typical question at checkout.
This way, please.
kochira e douzo. こちらへどうぞ。
You will hear this at restaurants, clinics, and shops.
Understood.
kashikomarimashita. かしこまりました。
Staff say this when they accept your request.
Please insert it here.
koko ni irete kudasai. ここに入れてください。
Machines and staff use this for cards, tickets, and trash.
Next person, please.
tsugi no kata douzo. 次の方どうぞ。
Common in clinics, city offices, and counters with numbers.
The frequency ladder
- Day 1: pick three tier 1 phrases.
- Day 2: use one of them in real life.
- Day 3: add two tier 2 phrases.
- Day 4: shadow a short exchange using them.
- Day 5: add one tier 3 phrase you keep seeing.
- Day 6: review all six phrases for five minutes.
- Day 7: repeat with a new place or situation.
In TabiTalk, I run the ladder with a Scenario drill so I can hear the phrases in a real back and forth.
Related guides to practise with
Sources
If you want high frequency phrases in real scenarios
TabiTalk focuses on the phrases you actually use. You can try it on iOS or Android.