Useful Japanese Phrases for Restaurant Work in Japan

“Is my Japanese too hard for a part-time job?”
“I feel nervous talking to customers…”
If you feel this way, you’re not alone.

Good news! In restaurant part-time jobs, you use the same phrases again and again.
This guide teaches must-know Japanese phrases you can use right away.

Read this before you start, and you’ll feel safer when speaking to customers—
and your Japanese will improve little by little.

Even if it’s your first job in Japan, you can start with confidence!

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🧍【1】Basic Greetings

Greetings are the phrases you’ll use most.
A good greeting makes customers feel comfortable. Start with these:

・When customers enter
Phrase: いらっしゃいませ（Irasshaimase） — Welcome!
Tip: Say it brightly and clearly.

・When customers leave
① Phrase: ありがとうございました（Arigatou gozaimashita） — Thank you very much.
Tip: This is the final greeting. Say it politely.
② Phrase: またお越しくださいませ（Mata okoshi kudasaimase） — Please visit us again.
Meaning: A very polite way to invite them back.

🚪【2】Guiding Customers to a Seat

Ask the party size first, then guide them to a seat. Remember these common lines:

・Asking party size
Phrase: 何名様ですか？（Nan mei-sama desu ka?） — How many people?
Note: Polite version of “How many?”

・If no table is ready
Phrase: 少々お待ちください（Shoushou omachi kudasai） — Please wait a moment.

・Showing the way
Phrase: こちらへどうぞ（Kochira e douzo） — This way, please.
Tip: Use a hand gesture to make it clear.

・If seating is free-choice
Phrase: お好きな席へどうぞ（Osukina seki e douzo） — Please choose any seat you like.

📋【3】Taking Orders

When customers are seated, take their order. Confirming details helps prevent mistakes.

・Asking for the order
Phrase: ご注文はお決まりですか？（Go-chuumon wa okimari desu ka?） — Are you ready to order?
Tip: Ask gently and with a friendly tone.

・Repeating to confirm
Phrase: ご注文をくり返します（Go-chuumon o kurikaeshimasu） — Let me repeat your order.
Effect: Reduces mistakes by confirming together.

・Asking to wait
Phrase: 少々お待ちください（Shoushou omachi kudasai） — Please wait a moment.
Use: When checking with another staff member or the kitchen.

🍴【4】Serving Food and Drinks

Use polite expressions when placing items on the table. It helps customers feel at ease.

・When serving a dish or drink
Phrase: お待たせしました、○○です（Omatase shimashita, ○○ desu） — Thank you for waiting. Here is your ○○.
Tip: Replace ○○ with the item name, e.g., “カレー（curry）”.

・Inviting them to enjoy
Phrase: ごゆっくりどうぞ（Goyukkuri douzo） — Please take your time.

・If an item is hot
Phrase: 熱いので気をつけてください（Atsui no de ki o tsukete kudasai） — It’s hot, please be careful.

💴【5】At the Cashier

Money handling requires extra politeness. These phrases are standard at checkout.

・When accepting a request
Phrase: かしこまりました（Kashikomarimashita） — Certainly.
Meaning: A very polite “Understood.”

・Stating the total
Phrase: ○○円です（○○ en desu） — The total is ○○ yen.

・Asking about a receipt
Phrase: 領収書は必要ですか？（Ryoushuusho wa hitsuyou desu ka?） — Do you need a receipt?
Note: Often used for company expense claims.

🍵 Useful Restaurant Vocabulary

Some words are commonly used in restaurants. Knowing them makes work easier.

・お冷（Ohiya） — Cold water
Usually free in many restaurants.

・おしぼり（Oshibori） — Wet hand towel
Sometimes a paper towel.

・あがり（Agari） — Hot tea
Often used in sushi restaurants.

・生（Nama） — Draft beer
Example: “生、1つください（Nama, hitotsu kudasai） — One draft beer, please.”

・おあいそ（Oaiso） — The check / bill
Example: “おあいそお願いします（Oaiso onegaishimasu） — Check, please.”

・領収書（Ryoushuusho） — Receipt for reimbursement
A paper to prove payment, often for company use.

💬 Tips & Reassurance

Don’t worry if everything feels difficult at first—learn step by step.

・Phrases and manners can differ by shop.
If unsure, ask a senior staff member.

・Polite Japanese makes a good impression.
Examples: お願いします（Onegaishimasu — Please） / ありがとうございます（Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you）

・Mistakes happen!
Say すみません（Sumimasen — I’m sorry / Excuse me） and keep going.

 

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💼 Start Your Part-Time Job Using These Japanese Phrases

Try these Japanese phrases in real restaurant jobs in Japan.
Even if your Japanese is basic, it’s okay—learn while you work!
>> Browse café / food jobs

Want to see the customer side, too? Check Japanese phrases customers use.

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