Japanese phrases: Eating out
Tipping is not done in Japan. To call the staff, raise your hand and say *すみません* (sumimasen).
Speed:
- 二人です。Futari desu.Two people, please. · The answer to (nanmeisama desu ka), how many are you? One person: (hitori desu).
- メニューをお願いします。Menyū o onegai shimasu.Could I have the menu, please?
- 英語のメニューはありますか。Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka.Do you have an English menu?
- おすすめは何ですか。Osusume wa nan desu ka.What do you recommend?
- これをください。Kore o kudasai.I'll have this, please. · Pointing at the menu, or at the plastic food models in the window, is perfectly normal.
- ビールを二つお願いします。Bīru o futatsu onegai shimasu.Two beers, please.
- お水をください。Omizu o kudasai.Could I have some water, please? · Water and green tea are usually free.
- 肉が食べられません。Niku ga taberaremasen.I can't eat meat. · Fish: (sakana); pork: (butaniku). Many broths contain fish stock (, dashi).
- いただきます。Itadakimasu.(said before eating) · Everyone says it before a meal, often with hands together.
- ごちそうさまでした。Gochisōsama deshita.Thank you for the meal. · After eating, to your host, and to the staff when you leave a restaurant.
- お会計をお願いします。Okaikei o onegai shimasu.The bill, please. · In many restaurants you take the bill to the till by the door and pay there.
- カードで払えますか。Kādo de haraemasu ka.Can I pay by card? · Small restaurants may only take cash.