Go Beyond 'Kore Kudasai': Conversation Skills to Make Shopping 10x More Fun
Every traveler to Japan quickly learns the magic phrase: "これをください (Kore o kudasai)" - "This, please." It's incredibly effective! But what if you want to know if a shirt comes in another color? Or if you want to try it on? What if you're looking for a specific item?
Learning just a few extra phrases can transform your shopping experience from a simple transaction into a fun and memorable interaction. Engaging with the famously helpful Japanese store staff can lead you to discover the perfect item you didn't even know you were looking for.
This guide will give you the conversational tools to go beyond just pointing. Let's level up your shopping Japanese!
1. Finding What You Want
Before you can buy it, you have to find it. Here’s how to ask for help.
To say you're looking for something:
すみません、[Item] を探しています。
(Sumimasen, [Item] o sagashite imasu.)
Excuse me, I'm looking for [Item].
To ask where a section is:
すみません、[Item Section] はどこですか？
(Sumimasen, [Item Section] wa doko desu ka?)
Excuse me, where is the [Item Section]?
Example: 靴売り場はどこですか？ (Kutsu uriba wa doko desu ka?) - Where is the shoe section?
2. Asking About an Item
You've found something you like. Now it's time to get more details.
| What you want to ask | Japanese Phrase | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Can I take a look at this? | これを見せてもらえますか？ | Kore o misete moraemasu ka? |
| Do you have this in another size? | 他のサイズはありますか？ | Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka? |
| Do you have this in another color? | 他の色はありますか？ | Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka? |
3. Trying Clothes On (The Fitting Room)
This is a crucial step for buying clothes. The staff are always happy to let you try things on.
You: すみません、これを試着してもいいですか？
(Sumimasen, kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?)
Excuse me, may I try this on?
Staff: はい、どうぞ。試着室はこちらです。
(Hai, dōzo. Shichakushitsu wa kochira desu.)
Yes, please. The fitting room is this way.
After you've tried it on, you can give feedback:
- ぴったりです。 (Pittari desu.) - It fits perfectly.
- ちょっと大きいです。 (Chotto ōkii desu.) - It's a little big.
- ちょっと小さいです。 (Chotto chiisai desu.) - It's a little small.
4. Making the Purchase
You've found the perfect item! Here's how to seal the deal.
To buy it:
これをください。
(Kore o kudasai.)
I'll take this one, please.
To ask about payment:
カードは使えますか？
(Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?)
Can I use a credit card?
💡 Cultural Tip: The Money Tray
In Japan, it's very common to place your cash or credit card on a small tray at the counter rather than handing it directly to the cashier. They will do the same when giving you your change. It's considered a polite and hygienic practice.
Conclusion
Shopping in Japan is an experience in itself, thanks to the amazing product quality and world-class customer service. By using these simple conversational phrases, you can do more than just buy things—you can connect with people and have a much richer cultural experience.
So, next time you're in a store, don't be shy. Ask a question and see what happens. Happy shopping!