Convenience stores in Japan are everywhere — and they’re full of useful Japanese phrases you’ll hear in real life. From shopping for an umbrella to paying at the register, these expressions are short, practical and perfect for daily conversation.
This article is based on a video by Fun Fun Nihongo, our Japanese learning content series.
Essential Convenience Store Phrases
1. Clerk いらっしゃいませ
Irasshaimase.
Welcome.
This is the classic greeting in Japanese stores. Clerks will often call it out when you enter — not necessarily directed at you personally, but to welcome all customers at once.
2. Customer 傘はありますか？
Kasa wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any umbrellas?
You can replace “kasa” (umbrella) with any other item(s) you need.
サンドイッチはありますか？
Sandwich wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any sandwiches?電池はありますか？
Denchi wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any batteries?
3. Clerk そこの棚にあります。
Soko no tana ni arimasu.
Yes, they’re on the shelf there.
Instead of “tana” (shelf), a clerk might also say “reizōko” (refrigerator), “kauntā” (counter) or “reji no yoko” (beside the register). Listening for these place words will help you find items more easily.
4. Clerk 袋はいりますか？
Fukuro wa irimasu ka?
Do you want a plastic bag?
Plastic bags used to be free in Japan, but now they usually cost a few yen. That’s why clerks ask every time. Many shoppers bring their own reusable bag, often called an " ekobaggu”(ecobag). Bring one with you when you go shopping — it will save you money and reduce waste.
- Customer お願いします。
Onegai shimasu.
Yes, please.
This phrase is super flexible. You can use it whenever accepting something politely.
6. Clerk 温めますか？
Atatamemasu ka?
Would you like me to heat it up?
A unique service in Japan: ready-to-eat meals like bentos or sandwiches can be heated up in-store. The clerk will always ask first.
7. Customer 大丈夫です。
Daijōbu desu.
No, thank you.
This is the go-to polite refusal. Swap the situation and it still works.
8. Clerk お箸はいりますか？
Ohashi wa irimasu ka?
Do you need chopsticks?
Japanese convenience stores often provide utensils for free — chopsticks, spoons, forks or even straws. Sometimes the clerk won’t ask, but if you need something, just say “Ohashi o kudasai” (Please give me chopsticks), “Supūn o kudasai” (Please give me a spoon), or “Fōku o kudasai” (Please give me a fork), and they’ll hand it to you right away.
9. Clerk ポイントカードはありますか？
Pointokādo wa arimasu ka?
Do you have a loyalty card?
Many stores in Japan run their own point systems. It’s common to be asked even if you’re a first-time customer.
10. Customer ありません。
Arimasen.
No, I don’t have it.
This phrase simply means “I don’t have [something].” If you want to be more specific, just add the item before “arimasen.” For example, you could say “Pointo kādo wa arimasen” (I don’t have a loyalty card).
11. Clerk 1500円です。
Sen gohyaku en desu.
It’s 1,500 yen.
Clerks usually say the total out loud when you pay. This happens in many countries, but in Japan it’s very consistent — even when the amount is shown on the screen, the clerk almost always states it clearly.
12. Customer クレジットカードでお願いします。
Kurejittokādo de onegai shimasu.
Can I use a credit card?
You can replace kurejittokādo with other payment methods.
現金でお願いします。
Genkin de onegai shimasu.
Cash, please.PayPayでお願いします。
Peipei de onegai shimasu.
PayPay, please.
PayPay is one of the most widely used cashless payment services in Japan.
13. Clerk ありがとうございました。
Arigatō gozaimashita.
Thank you.
This is the standard farewell after payment. It’s a polite phrase you’ll hear at almost every store in Japan.
Quick Tip
At convenience stores, you don’t need long sentences — short phrases are enough! Even just saying “Onegai shimasu” or “Daijōbu desu” with a smile will make you sound polite and natural.
And remember, many Japanese convenience stores are open 24 hours a day — super convenient, with almost anything you might need inside!
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Performer, Fun Fun NihongoKotone 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.
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