In this workshop, you will practice speaking Japanese for common tourist situations. You will learn how to ask for an English menu, ask where the restroom is, ask for a recommendation, and say you will take an item. You will use recorded native examples to guide your speaking. Each recording is referenced so you can listen and repeat. You will also practice understanding replies and choosing the correct response. By the end, you should feel more confident using these phrases in restaurants or shops.
Asking for an English Menu and the Restroom
When you enter a restaurant or shop, you may need an English menu. The line «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» means 'Excuse me, do you have an English menu?' Use it to politely ask staff. If you need to find the restroom, use «トイレはどこですか。», which means 'Where is the restroom?' Practice saying both lines slowly, then at a natural speed. Pay attention to the polite tone. These phrases are useful in many public places. Listen to the recording and repeat. Remember to keep your voice clear and friendly.
Asking for Recommendations and Ordering
If you are unsure what to order, you can ask for a recommendation. The line «おすすめは何ですか。» means 'What do you recommend?' Use it when you want staff to suggest a dish. When you are ready to order, say «これをください。», which means 'I'll take this one, please.' You can point to the item as you say it. In a conversation, you might hear «ありがとうございます。おすすめは何ですか。», which means 'Thank you. What do you recommend?' This shows how the question fits after thanking someone. The reply «日替わりランチがおすすめです。» means 'The daily lunch special is recommended.' This gives you an example of a recommendation. Practice these lines to feel comfortable ordering.
Understanding Replies and Polite Exchanges
When you ask for an English menu, you may hear a reply like «はい、あります。こちらです。», which means 'Yes, we do. Here you are.' This confirms the menu is available and offers it to you. Notice how «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» and «はい、あります。こちらです。» form a polite exchange: you ask, and the staff replies. Similarly, after you ask for a recommendation, you might hear «日替わりランチがおすすめです。». These recorded lines show natural polite responses. Practice listening to the replies and responding appropriately. You can also practice both roles: one person asks, the other replies. This helps you understand the flow of a conversation.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。
Excuse me, do you have an English menu?
Su-mi-ma-sen, eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka.
トイレはどこですか。
Where is the restroom?
Toire wa doko desu ka.
おすすめは何ですか。
What do you recommend?
Osusume wa nan desu ka.
これをください。
I'll take this one, please.
Kore o kudasai.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。
Excuse me, do you have an English menu?はい、あります。こちらです。
Yes, we do. Here you are.ありがとうございます。おすすめは何ですか。
Thank you. What do you recommend?日替わりランチがおすすめです。
The daily lunch special is recommended.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Asking for an English Menu
You are at a restaurant entrance. You want to ask if they have an English menu. A staff member is nearby.
Your task: Listen to «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» and repeat it aloud. Then listen to «はい、あります。こちらです。» and repeat it aloud. Now practice the exchange: say «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。», then imagine the staff replies with «はい、あります。こちらです。». Finally, say «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» again and pause for the reply.
Reply Comprehension: Choosing the Right Response
You have just asked «おすすめは何ですか。» (What do you recommend?). The staff member replies with «日替わりランチがおすすめです。» (The daily lunch special is recommended.).
Your task: Listen to «おすすめは何ですか。» and «日替わりランチがおすすめです。». Then choose the correct follow-up: A) Say «これをください。» (I'll take this one, please.) B) Say «トイレはどこですか。» (Where is the restroom?). C) Say «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» (Excuse me, do you have an English menu?). The correct answer is A, because after hearing a recommendation, you can order by saying «これをください。». Options B and C are not suitable here because they ask for a location or a menu, not for ordering the recommended item.
Recall with Correct Roles: Asking and Replying
You will practice both roles in a conversation. First, you are the customer asking for an English menu. Then, you are the staff replying.
Your task: Listen to «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» and «はい、あります。こちらです。». Practice saying «すみません、英語のメニューはありますか。» as the customer. Then practice saying «はい、あります。こちらです。» as the staff. Next, listen to «ありがとうございます。おすすめは何ですか。» and «日替わりランチがおすすめです。». Practice saying «ありがとうございます。おすすめは何ですか。» as the customer, and «日替わりランチがおすすめです。» as the staff. Finally, perform both exchanges without looking at the text.
Common questions
Can I use these phrases in any restaurant or shop?
These phrases are polite and useful in many places where you need to ask for an English menu, find the restroom, ask for a recommendation, or order an item. However, staff may not always speak English, so speaking clearly and politely helps.
What if I don't understand the reply?
If you don't understand, you can politely ask the person to repeat or speak slowly. You can also use gestures or point to what you need. The recorded lines «はい、あります。こちらです。» and «日替わりランチがおすすめです。» are examples of replies you might hear, so practicing them can help you recognize them.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: japanese phrases for tourists with pronunciationChecked September 2026
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