All the Japanese You Need to Eat
You're in another country, people, live a little!
Finding a restaurant is usually not hard, many of them have plastic food displays out front. You can pick what looks good and then just drag the waitress outside and point. They're used to it, don't worry. If you're in a touristy place, they may even speak some English or have an English menu.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could go into a smaller noodle or tonkatsu shop. They are recognizable from the flags outside, the half curtains in front of the door, and the door itself, which are usually wooden slats with glass behind it. If you walk inside and they greet you with an "irasshaimase!", then you're all good.
Okay, so you're inside, they don't speak English, you don't speak (much) Japanese, and you're actually not even sure what they serve. Don't worry. Japanese people are generally very helpful, and a nice meal is worth a little embarrassment. This is all the Japanese you need to eat:
Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen)
Pronunciation hint: when you're trying to get someone's attention, drag out the last syllable and make it nasal "Sumimaseeeennnnnn!" Otherwise, just say it fast and soft.
Meaning: Excuse me, thank you
When to use it: When you want them to take your order, when you spill something, when they hand you something, when they pour your water, when they're in your way or you're in theirs.
Cultural Notes: Japanese people actually don't say "Thank you" all that often in restaurants. This could be because the position of the customer is so high, but for whatever reason, the repeated "arigato gozaimas" of a tourist sticks out a mile. Of course, they appreciate the sentiment, but the savvy restaurant goer just mutters "sumimasen" when the waitress give him his salad, and saves the arigatos for the big stuff.
Domo (Doh-moe)
Pronunciation hint: let your lips round when pronouncing the "o"- form the sound in the front of your mouth, not in your throat.
Meaning: Thank you, sorry, nice to see you, hello, nice to meet you, goodbye
When to use it: When you get your food, in response to the "irasshai" when you walk in, when you leave
Cultural Notes: "Domo" is the most convenient word in Japanese. Literally it means "very", and is used before things like "arigato" or "sumimasen", but Japanese people often skip that part and leave it up to the imagination. So "Domo" can mean nearly anything. When in doubt, say domo.
Osusume arimasuka?- (Oh-soo-soo-meh a-ree-mahs-kah?)
Pronunciation guide- rising intonation at the end to indicate question, just like in English
Meaning: Do you have any recommendations?
When to use it: When you want their signature dish, when you can't read the menu
Cultural notes: This is a trick I often use when I have no idea what I want, or to conceal the fact that I can't pronounce some of the kanjiThe most complex of the three types of characters used in written Japanese. Sometimes called "Chinese characters." in a menu item. Japanese people resort to this quite often, especially older businessmen (perhaps because they are ill-used to making decisions? Anyway...) If they display reluctance to decide for you, just look at them pleadingly or say "onegaishimas", which in that situation would translate as "Come on, help me out here!"
Kore kudasai (koh-re koo-dah-saee)
Pronunciation Guide: Emphasize "kore", say "kudasai" quickly
Meaning: I want this
When to use: Pointing to a picture menu or plastic food display, or the plate of a fellow diner
Cultural notes: The farther away something is, the more you should use "are" (ah-re)instead of "kore" "Are Kudasai" would mean "I want that one over there"
Oishii! (oye-shee)
Pronunciation Guide: Say with enthusiasm, emphasis on the second syllable
Meaning: Delicious!
When to use it: After you've tried your food, if they ask you how it is, when you leave
Cultural notes: Japanese people may mutter this to each other as they eat, but they usually don't say it to the staff unless it was something exceptional. But you should say it, because Japanese people are almost obsessively preoccupied with whether or not a foreigner can eat Japanese food.
"Tekitou ni dashite kudasai" (Teh-kee-toh-nee dah-shteh koo-dah-saee)
Pronunciation: Precede with "jaaa" (well...)
Meaning: Just bring out whatever you think is appropriate
When to use: When you want a bunch of small dishes to share with friends over drinks. These are best at a really cheap or really expensive place. Point to the "Tsumami" (tapas, or appetizer) section of the menu and say it. If you don't know where that section is, and you're feeling brave say "O tsumami mitai na mono o tekitou ni dashite kudasai" (Just bring us whatever appetizer-ish things you deem appropriate.)
Another variation is "Oishii mono o tekitou ni dashite kudasai" (Just keep bringing us delicious things.)
Cultural notes: This is used all the time in izakayaJapanese drinking pub - popular after work spot for Japanese salary-men. and nice restaurants, but not so much at a lunch place, when you're expected to eat and get out fast. Its great for trying new things and to not agonize over the menu, just make sure you've got the funds for it.
So, no more excuses. Get out of the conbini and go get yourself a nice meal!
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