(Real Japanese You’ll Hear Daily)
Living in Japan means you’ll hear Japanese everywhere — but convenience stores (コンビニ) are where most learners hear real, repeated Japanese every single day.
 | |
| japanese-phrases-convenience-store |
In this guide, you’ll learn actual Japanese phrases used in convenience stores, what they really mean, and how to reply naturally — not textbook Japanese.
Why Learn Convenience Store Japanese?
Convenience stores are perfect for beginners because:
- The phrases repeat every day
- Sentences are short and fixed
- You hear polite Japanese used in real life
If you understand convenience store Japanese, your listening skills improve fast.
Most Common Japanese Phrases Used by Cashiers
1. いらっしゃいませ
Romaji: irasshaimase
Meaning: Welcome
✔ You don’t need to reply
❌ Don’t say it back
This is the first thing you hear when you enter a store.
2. 温めますか？
Romaji: atatamemasu ka?
Meaning: Would you like it heated?
Used for bento, onigiri, and fried food.
Your reply:
- はい、お願いします (Yes, please)
- いいえ、大丈夫です (No, it’s okay)
3. お箸はつけますか？
Romaji: ohashi wa tsukemasu ka?
Meaning: Would you like chopsticks?
Possible answers:
- はい、お願いします
- いりません (I don’t need them)
4. 袋はいりますか？
Romaji: fukuro wa irimasu ka?
Meaning: Do you need a bag?
Because of plastic bag charges, this question is very common.
Simple replies:
- はい
- いりません
5. ポイントカードはお持ちですか？
Romaji: pointo kādo wa omochi desu ka?
Meaning: Do you have a point card?
If you don’t have one:
持っていません (I don’t have one)
6. お支払い方法は？
Romaji: oshiharai hōhō wa?
Meaning: How would you like to pay?
Common answers:
- 現金で (By cash)
- クレジットカードで (By credit card)
- 電子マネーで (By e-money)
7. レシートはいりますか？
Romaji: reshīto wa irimasu ka?
Meaning: Do you need a receipt?
Reply: はい / いりません
Full Example Conversation (Realistic)
Cashier: いらっしゃいませ。
Cashier: 温めますか？
You: はい、お願いします。
Cashier: 袋はいりますか？
You: いりません。
Cashier: お支払い方法は？
You: クレジットカードで。
Japanese Learners’ Common Mistakes
- ❌ Saying 「ありがとう」 too early
✔ Say it after payment - ❌ Replying too long
✔ Short answers sound more natural - ❌ Panicking when you don’t understand
✔ Say: すみません、もう一度お願いします
Final Tip for Learning Faster
Next time you go to a convenience store:
- Listen for one phrase
- Repeat it in your head
- Use it next time
This is how Japanese is learned naturally — not from textbooks.