Top 10 useful phrases to use at combini

  Japanese Conversation at Convenience Stores


When you come to Japan, whether it is living or just visiting, it is most probable that you will be shopping several times at a convenience store. Japanese convenience stores, or as they call it in Japan, “Konbini”.


 Knowing basic Japanese conversation will make your Konbini experience a much more enjoyable one. I also included how you could answer these questions so that your transaction can go smoothly.


I hope this helps you.


Phrases the employee might say (and how to respond)

1. “Irasshaimase!” (いらっしゃいませ!): Welcome!

This is the first thing you will hear when you enter a convenience store.


2. “Otsugi no kata douzo!” (お次の方どうぞ!): Next in line, please!

After you have picked the items to purchase, and you’re waiting in line to pay, you will hear the cashier say this while raising his/her arm high to let the next person in line know they can come forward.

3. “Pointo ka-do wa omochi desu ka?” (ポイントカードはお持ちですか? ): Do you have a point card? 

In most cases, this is the first thing they will ask you at the cash register. if you live in Japan and happen to have a point card, then your answer would be “Hai, mottemasu” (はい、持ってます) which means “Yes, I do have”, and you can give the employee the point card in that moment.


4. “Botan wo oshiete kudasai” (ボタンを押してください): Please press the button.

If you are buying alcoholic beverages or cigarettes, They will ask you to press a button to confirm that you are over 20 years old. Another way they could ask this question is “Nenrei kakunin botan wo oshite kudasai” (年齢確認ボタンを押してください).


5. “Obento atatame masuka?” (お弁当温めますか?) : Would you like for your bento box to be warmed? 

If you are buying a bento box, they will ask you this. Another way they could ask this is “Kochira atatamemasu ka?” (こちらあたためますか?).


6. “Sho sho omachi kudasai” (少々お待ちください): Please wait.

If you answered “yes” in the previous question, then they will say this to you.


7. “Omatase itashimashita.” (お待たせいたしました): Thank you for waiting.

After you have waited for the bento to be warmed up, you will hear the cashier say this as they’ll hand you the bento in a plastic bag.


8. “--- wa otsukai ni narimasu ka?” (〇〇はお使いになりますか?): Would you like a ---? 


If you buy a bento box, pasta, salad, sweats, or drinks, this is how they will ask you if you need a fork, spoon, chopsticks, or straw.


Just replace the following with the “---” in the phrase above.


Supu-n (スプーン): Spoon

fo-ku (フォーク): Fork

ohashi (お箸): Chopsticks

Sutoro- (ストロー): Straw


9. “Fukuro wo owake shimasu ka?” (袋はお分けしますか?): Would you like these items bagged separately?

They will ask you this if you’re buying both cold items and warm items. Some cashiers will separate bags without even asking.


10. “Fukuro ni oire shimasu ka?” (袋にお入れしますか?): Would you like a bag?

They will ask you this if you are buying only one or two items.


11. “Shi-ru de yoroshii desu ka?” (シールでよろしいでしょうか?): May I put a sticker?


12. “Ichiman-yen kara de yoroshii desu ka?” (一万円からでよろしいですか?): You’re paying with a 10,000 Yen bill. Is this correct?


13. “reshi-to wa yoroshii desu ka?” (レシートは宜しいですか?): Do you want your receipt?


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