Shopping in Japan can be exciting but also a little confusing if you don’t know the language. From browsing politely to asking for sizes or colors, these simple Japanese phrases will help you enjoy your shopping experience with confidence.
This article is based on a video by Fun Fun Nihongo, our Japanese learning content series.
Phrases You’ll Use While Shopping
黒いスカートを探しています。
- Kuroi sukāto o sagashiteimasu.
I’m looking for a black skirt.
You can change the item or color easily: “青いシャツを探しています。” (Aoi shatsu o sagashiteimasu. / I’m looking for a blue shirt.)
見ているだけなので、大丈夫です。
- Miteiru dake nanode, daijōbu desu.
I’m just looking, thank you.
A soft refusal when staff approach you — natural for “just browsing.”
これはいくらですか？
- Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much is this?
A basic price check used in any store.
もっと安いものはありますか？
- Motto yasui mono wa arimasu ka?
Do you have a cheaper one?
A price-range inquiry when comparing similar items—use it to explore budget options without naming a specific brand or model. If you want to sound extra soft, add “すみません” (sumimasen) at the beginning.
Example:
“すみません、もっと安いものはありますか？” (Sumimasen, motto yasui mono wa arimasu ka? / Excuse me, do you have a cheaper one?)
他の色はありますか？
- Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any other colors?
A variant search question. You can also say “他のデザインはありますか？” (Hoka no dezain wa arimasu ka? / Do you have other designs?)
これを試着してもいいですか？
- Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
May I try this on?
A permission request for the fitting room. Staff may respond with “どうぞ” (Dōzo / Please go ahead) or guide you: “試着室はこちらです。” (Shichakushitsu wa kochira desu. / The fitting room is this way.)
もっと大きいサイズはありますか？
- Motto ōkii saizu wa arimasu ka?
Do you have this in a larger size?
もっと小さいサイズはありますか？
- Motto chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka?
Do you have this in a smaller size?
A size availability check. Helpful after trying on an item that’s close but not quite right.
他のも見てみます。
- Hoka no mo mite mimasu.
I’d like to look around a little more.
A de-escalation line to pause the purchase and keep browsing without closing the conversation.
これをください。
- Kore o kudasai.
I’ll take this.
A commit phrase that signals your decision to buy.
裾上げしてもらえますか？
- Susoage shite moraemasu ka?
Can you do hemming?
A service request. Many stores offer on-site hemming; timing varies (while you wait / pick up later).
カードは使えますか？
- Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I pay by credit card?
You can replace kādo with Suica or PayPay for other payment methods.
包装してもらえますか？
- Hōsō shite moraemasu ka?
Can you wrap it?
Say this if you’re buying a gift. Many stores provide free or paid wrapping service.
Extra Phrases
These are helpful expressions that don’t appear in the video, but are still very useful when shopping for clothes in Japan. They’ll help you handle real-life situations—from finding the fitting room to politely leaving the store.
試着室はどこですか？
- Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka?
Where is the fitting room?
Use this when you’re ready to try something on. The staff may guide you with “こちらです” (Kochira desu / This way).
これと同じものはありますか？
- Kore to onaji mono wa arimasu ka?
Do you have another one like this?
This phrase can mean the same item (for example, in a different size or color) or something similar to the one you’re holding. It’s a flexible way to ask the staff to find matching or look-alike options.
鏡を使ってもいいですか？
- Kagami o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?
May I use the mirror?
Use this when the mirror is not right next to you — for example, if it’s across the store or near the fitting area. In many boutiques, it’s polite to ask before walking over to use it.
もう少し考えます。
- Mō sukoshi kangaemasu.
I’ll think about it a bit more.
A polite way to step away without buying immediately — or to gently say you’ll pass for now without sounding rude.
これはセールになっていますか？
- Kore wa sēru ni natte imasu ka?
Is this on sale?
Use this when you’re not sure whether the item you’re looking at is included in a sale. You might see “SALE” signs, but asking helps confirm if this specific item has a discount.
領収書をお願いします。
- Ryōshūsho o onegai shimasu.
Could I have a receipt, please?
Useful for business trips or if you plan to claim a tax refund.
袋に入れてもらえますか？
- Fukuro ni irete moraemasu ka?
Could you put it in a bag, please?
Many stores in Japan charge a few yen for plastic bags. Use this phrase if you’d like to purchase one or need your items packed together.
また来ます。
- Mata kimasu.
I’ll come again.
A natural, friendly way to end your visit—especially if you didn’t buy anything this time.
Quick Tips
- Staff often speak quickly, but you can always ask “もう一度お願いします (Mō ichido onegai shimasu)” — it means “Could you say that again, please?”
- Use short, clear phrases like “これください (Kore o kudasai)” — it means “I’ll take this,” or “見てるだけです (Miteru dake desu)” — it means “I’m just looking.” They sound perfectly natural—no need for long or overly polite speech.
- Department stores and boutiques may offer tax-free shopping for visitors—look for the “TAX FREE” sign!
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Performer, Fun Fun Nihongo
Kotone is a Tokyo University of Foreign Studies graduate, where she majored in Philippine Studies. After studying abroad in Brunei and interning at a startup in Malaysia, she now works as a model while continuing to explore the world.
X (Formerly Twitter): @kotonefromjapan
