Global Major Cities Guide

An introduction to essential Japanese words and phrases used in daily life in Osaka.

Here are some essential phrases categorized for practical use during your trip:

Delicious: おいしい (Oishii)
Menu, please: メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai)
Check, please: お会計をお願いします (Okaikei o onegaishimasu)
Do you have vegetarian options?: ベジタリアンの料理はありますか？ (Bejitarian no ryouri wa arimasu ka?)
Water, please: お水をください (Omizu o kudasai)

How much is this?: これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
Do you have this in a different size?: 違うサイズはありますか？ (Chigau saizu wa arimasu ka?)
Can I pay with a credit card?: クレジットカードで払えますか？ (Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka?)

Osaka Dialect (Osaka-ben): Osaka has its own regional dialect, which is more casual and lively compared to standard Japanese. For example:
- Instead of "ありがとう" (Arigatou), locals might say "おおきに" (Ookini) to mean "thank you."
- "だめ" (Dame, meaning "no" or "not allowed") might be replaced with "あかん" (Akan).
- "Very" or "a lot" is often expressed as "めっちゃ" (Meccha) instead of "とても" (Totemo).
Pronunciation: Japanese is a phonetic language, so words are pronounced as they are written. Practice speaking slowly and clearly.
Non-verbal Communication: Bowing is a common way to show respect. A slight bow when saying "thank you" or "sorry" is appreciated.
Politeness Levels: Use polite forms (e.g., adding "gozaimasu" or "onegaishimasu") when speaking to strangers, shopkeepers, or restaurant staff.

Focus on these categories to make your trip smoother:

Transportation: Learn how to ask for directions and understand train announcements.
Dining: Familiarize yourself with food-related vocabulary, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Shopping: Practice numbers and phrases for bargaining or asking about products.
Emergency Phrases: Be prepared with phrases for medical or safety-related situations.

If you want to invest in learning Japanese, here are some options:

Phrasebooks: Around ¥1,000–¥2,000 at bookstores like Kinokuniya or Tsutaya in Osaka.
Language Apps: Free or subscription-based apps like Duolingo, LingoDeer, or Memrise (¥500–¥1,500/month for premium features).
Online Courses: Websites like WaniKani or JapanesePod101 offer structured lessons for ¥1,000–¥3,000/month.
Local Classes: Community centers in Osaka often offer affordable Japanese classes for foreigners, ranging from ¥500–¥2,000 per session.
Private Tutors: ¥3,000–¥5,000/hour for one-on-one lessons.

Respect for Local Customs: Japanese people value politeness and humility. Always use honorifics like "san" (e.g., Tanaka-san) when addressing someone.
Body Language: Avoid pointing directly at people or objects; instead, gesture with an open hand.
Volume: Speak softly in public spaces like trains or buses.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan, so a simple "thank you" (or "Ookini" in Osaka) is sufficient.

Language Exchange Cafes: Visit places like "Osaka English Cafe" or "LanCul" where you can practice Japanese with locals in a casual setting.
Osaka International House Foundation: This organization offers Japanese language classes and cultural exchange programs for foreigners.
Local Libraries: Libraries like the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library often have free Japanese learning materials and resources.
Osaka Dialect Workshops: Some cultural centers in Osaka offer workshops specifically on Osaka-ben, which can be a fun way to learn the local dialect.

Google Translate: Useful for quick translations, but be cautious of inaccuracies.
Voice Translation Apps: Apps like iTranslate or Papago can help with real-time communication.
Flashcards: Use apps like Anki to memorize key phrases and vocabulary.
Tourist Information Centers: Staff at Osaka’s tourist centers (e.g., at Namba or Umeda) often speak English and can provide language assistance.

By learning these basics and keeping cultural nuances in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Osaka with confidence. Enjoy your trip!

Osaka