Japanese Shopping: Complete Phrase List

Every phrase you’ll hear and every phrase you can say while shopping in Japan, grouped by when you’ll actually need it. Find your situation and get the exact line in seconds.

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Jump to Section

Browsing & Getting Help:

• Getting Attention & Asking Questions
• Sizes & Colors
• Prices & Discounts

Trying It On & Checking Out:

• Fitting Rooms
• Payment
• Tax-Free Shopping

After You Buy:

• Gift Wrapping
• Returns & Exchanges

Bonus Vocabulary

FAQ

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Browsing & Getting Help

Shopping in Japan usually starts with browsing, asking questions, and checking whether an item comes in your size or preferred color. These phrases cover the conversations that happen before you’re ready to buy.

Getting Attention & Asking Questions

Whether you need help finding something or simply want to let the staff know you’re just browsing, these are the most common phrases you’ll hear and use.

Staff might say:

You can say:

Sizes & Colors

Finding the right size or color is one of the most common parts of shopping. These phrases will help you ask what’s available and understand the staff’s answers.

Staff might say:

You can say:

Prices & Discounts

Before deciding to buy, you may want to check the price or ask whether an item is on sale. These phrases cover the most common conversations about pricing and discounts.

Staff might say:

You can say:

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Trying It On & Checking Out

Once you’ve found something you like, it’s time to try it on, pay for it, and, if you’re eligible, complete the tax-free process. These phrases cover every step from the fitting room to the register.

Fitting Rooms

Trying on clothes in Japan often follows a few store-specific rules. These phrases will help you ask to use the fitting room and request a different size if needed.

Staff might say:

You can say:

Payment

Paying in Japan is usually quick and straightforward. These are the phrases you’ll hear at the register and the ones you’ll need to ask about payment methods or receipts.

Staff might say:

You can say:

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors to Japan can often shop tax-free on eligible purchases. These phrases will help you understand the process from showing your passport to completing the paperwork.

Step 1: Show Your Passport

Staff might say:

You can say:

Step 2: Sign the Form

Staff might say:

Step 3: Keep Your Receipt

Staff might say:

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After You Buy

Even after you’ve paid, you may still want to wrap a gift or return to the store later for an exchange. These phrases cover the conversations that happen after your purchase.

Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping is a common service in Japan and is often offered at checkout. These phrases will help you request wrapping or answer the staff’s questions.

Staff might say:

You can say:

Returns & Exchanges

If an item doesn’t fit or you change your mind, these phrases will help you ask about returns, exchanges, and refunds.

Staff might say:

You can say:

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Bonus Vocabulary

Here are some of the most useful shopping vocabulary words to know. While many appear throughout the phrase list above, having them all in one place makes them easy to review whenever you need a quick refresher.

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FAQ

How does tax-free shopping work for tourists? Bring your passport, since most stores require it to process the exemption, and there’s usually a minimum purchase amount, often around 5,000 yen. You’ll sign a form at checkout and need to keep the attached receipt until you leave Japan.

Can I return items bought in Japan? Policies vary a lot by store. Some allow returns or exchanges with the receipt, while sale items and many boutiques don’t accept returns at all, so it’s worth asking with 『こちらは返品可能ですか？ (Kochira wa henpin kanou desu ka?)』 before you buy.

Do stores in Japan let you haggle over prices? No, haggling isn’t part of retail culture in Japan outside of some flea markets and secondhand shops. Listed prices are generally fixed.

How do I ask for a different size? Say 『他のサイズはありますか？ (Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka?)』, meaning do you have another size, or specify with 『少し大きいサイズはありますか？ (Sukoshi ookii saizu wa arimasu ka?)』 for something bigger.

Are fitting rooms common in Japanese clothing stores? Yes, most clothing stores have them, though some ask you to remove shoes or wear a face cover to protect the garment, so it’s worth watching for posted instructions near the entrance.

Is it normal for a staff member to stay near me while I shop? Yes, and it’s meant as attentiveness rather than suspicion. Saying 『ちょっと見ているだけです (Chotto mite iru dake desu)』, meaning I’m just looking, is a polite way to signal you don’t need help yet.

Can I pay by card everywhere? Most department stores and chains accept cards, but smaller boutiques and local shops are sometimes cash-only, so it’s worth asking 『カードで払えますか？ (Kaado de haraemasu ka?)』 before you start shopping.

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Related Phrase Lists

• Japanese Restaurant Phrase List
  Ordering food, asking questions, paying the bill, and everything in between.
• Japanese Convenience Store Phrase List
  Shopping, paying, using the ATM, buying tickets, and every other konbini situation.
• Japanese Taxi Phrase List
  Hailing a taxi, telling the driver where to go, paying the fare, and everything in between.
• Japanese Airport Phrase List
  Arriving, immigration, finding your way, checking in, boarding, and every other airport situation.
• Japanese Hotel Phrase List
  Checking in, requesting amenities, solving room problems, checking out, and every other hotel situation.
• Japanese Train Phrase List
  Buying tickets, using IC cards, finding your platform, riding the train, making transfers, and every other train travel situation.

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Shopping in Japan is usually a smooth and enjoyable experience once you know the most common phrases. Save this page for your next trip to Japan, and you’ll always have the right phrase ready whether you’re browsing, trying something on, or paying at the register.

Happy shopping!
お買い物を楽しんでください！
Alex 🛍️✨