Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, are very useful during a trip to Japan.
You can buy rice balls, bento boxes, drinks, snacks, coffee, daily items, and many other things.
However, when you stand at the cashier, the staff may ask you questions in Japanese very quickly.
Do not worry.
You do not need perfect Japanese to shop smoothly at a convenience store.
In this guide, Keiko will show you simple Japanese phrases you can use at Japanese convenience stores.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}🌟 3 Key Points to Remember
Before learning the phrases, remember these simple points.
1. Short phrases are enough
You do not need to speak long sentences.
Simple phrases like “Kore o kudasai”, “Fukuro o kudasai”, and “Arigatou” are enough for many situations.
2. Pointing is okay
If you do not know the name of an item, you can point to it and say “Kore”, which means “this.”
This is very useful when you are buying food, drinks, or snacks.
3. Smile and stay calm
Convenience store staff are used to many kinds of customers.
Even if your Japanese is not perfect, a polite tone, a smile, and a simple phrase can help a lot.
🛒 Useful Shopping Phrases
These phrases are useful when you want to buy something at a convenience store.
これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
This means, “Please give me this.”
You can use this phrase when pointing at an item, food, drink, or product near the cashier.
For example, if you are not sure how to say the item name in Japanese, simply point and say:
“Kore o kudasai.”
It is simple, polite, and very useful for travelers.
袋をください。
Fukuro o kudasai.
This means, “Please give me a bag.”
In Japan, plastic bags may cost a small fee.
If you need a bag, you can say this phrase at the cashier.
If you do not need a bag, you can say “Daijoubu desu”, which means “No, thank you” or “It is okay.”
温めてください。
Atatamete kudasai.
This means, “Please heat this up.”
You can use this phrase when buying a bento box, pasta, rice dish, or other ready-made meal.
Many convenience stores can heat food for you using a microwave behind the counter.
If the staff asks whether you want your food heated, you can also answer with “Onegaishimasu”, meaning “Please.”
いくらですか？
Ikura desu ka?
This means, “How much is this?”
Most prices are shown clearly on the shelf or register screen, but this phrase is useful when you are unsure.
You can point to an item and ask:
“Kore wa ikura desu ka?”
This means, “How much is this?”
カードで払えますか？
Kaado de haraemasu ka?
This means, “Can I pay by card?”
Many convenience stores in Japan accept credit cards, IC cards, and cashless payments.
However, it is still useful to check before paying, especially if you are using an international card.
If card payment is accepted, the staff may point to the card reader or payment screen.
レシートをください。
Reshiito o kudasai.
This means, “Please give me a receipt.”
Receipts can be useful for checking your spending, confirming a purchase, or keeping travel records.
If you need one, say this phrase before leaving the cashier.
🍙 Popular Items You May See
Convenience stores in Japan have many easy and affordable items for travelers.
Here are some common words you may see or hear.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| おにぎり | Onigiri | Rice ball |
| お弁当 | Obentou | Bento box |
| 飲み物 | Nomimono | Drinks |
| お菓子 | Okashi | Snacks |
| アイスクリーム | Aisukuriimu | Ice cream |
If you are hungry during sightseeing, an onigiri or bento box from a convenience store can be a quick and easy meal.
If you need a small break, drinks, snacks, and ice cream are also easy to find.
💬 Phrases You May Hear from Staff
At the cashier, the staff may ask you short questions.
These questions can sound fast, but once you know the pattern, they become much easier to understand.
これ、温めますか？
Kore, atatamemasu ka?
This means, “Would you like this heated?”
You may hear this when buying a bento box, pasta, rice dish, or other prepared food.
If yes, say:
- “Hai, onegaishimasu.” — Yes, please.
If no, say:
- “Daijoubu desu.” — No, thank you.
袋は必要ですか？
Fukuro wa hitsuyou desu ka?
This means, “Do you need a bag?”
If you need a bag, say “Hai, onegaishimasu.”
If you have your own bag or do not need one, say “Daijoubu desu.”
レシートはご利用ですか？
Reshiito wa go-riyou desu ka?
This means, “Would you like the receipt?”
If you want the receipt, say “Hai, onegaishimasu.”
If you do not need it, say “Daijoubu desu.”
○○はどこですか？
___ wa doko desu ka?
This means, “Where is ___?”
You can use this phrase when looking for something inside the store.
- “Onigiri wa doko desu ka?” — Where are the rice balls?
- “Nomimono wa doko desu ka?” — Where are the drinks?
- “ATM wa doko desu ka?” — Where is the ATM?
- “Toire wa doko desu ka?” — Where is the restroom?
If you do not know the Japanese word, show a picture and say:
“Kore wa doko desu ka?”
This means, “Where is this?”
ありがとうございます
Arigatou gozaimasu.
This means, “Thank you very much.”
You can say this after paying, receiving your food, getting a bag, or asking for help.
A simple thank you makes the interaction polite and friendly.
💡 Quick Reply Guide
Here are simple replies that work in many convenience store situations.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| はい | Hai | Yes | When agreeing |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please | When asking politely |
| 大丈夫です | Daijoubu desu | No, thank you / It is okay | When refusing politely |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me | When asking for help |
| ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you very much | After receiving help or service |
📌 Keiko’s Tip
If you cannot understand everything, listen for key words.
“Fukuro” means bag.
“Reshiito” means receipt.
“Atatamemasu” means heat up.
“Kaado” means card.
Even if you miss the full sentence, these words can help you understand what the staff is asking.
If you are not sure, you can smile, point, and say “Sumimasen.”
It is okay to communicate simply.
Final Thoughts
Convenience stores in Japan are easy to use once you know a few basic phrases.
You can ask for an item, request a bag, ask for food to be heated, check the price, pay by card, and request a receipt.
You may also hear questions from the staff about bags, receipts, and heating food.
With these simple phrases, your shopping experience in Japan will feel much smoother and more comfortable.
Start with just one or two phrases, and enjoy your konbini experience step by step.
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