Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are amazing! This episode covers useful English phrases you can use at konbini — whether you’re working there or helping foreign visitors find what they need.
🗣️ Matsu-nee & Nobio’s Conversation
Nobio: “Matsu-nee, what should I say when a foreign customer comes to our konbini?”
Matsu-nee: “Don’t worry! The key phrases are pretty standard. Once you learn these, you’ll be fine!”
🏪 Scene①: Greetings
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| いらっしゃいませ！ | Welcome! | |
| いいお買い物を！ | Enjoy your shopping! | |
| ありがとうございました！ | Thank you very much! | |
| またお越しください！ | Please come again! | |
| どうぞ、お先に。 | After you, please. |
🛒 Scene②: Helping Customers Find Items
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| お探しのものはありますか？ | Can I help you find something? | |
| 飲み物はあちらです。 | The drinks are over there. | |
| お弁当はこちらです。 | The lunch boxes are right here. | |
| ATMは入口の近くです。 | The ATM is near the entrance. | |
| トイレはお使いいただけます。 | You are welcome to use the restroom. |
💳 Scene③: Payment
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 合計で650円になります。 | Your total is 650 yen. | |
| カードはご利用いただけます。 | We accept credit cards. | |
| ICカードもご利用いただけます。 | IC cards are also accepted. | |
| レシートはご入用ですか？ | Would you like a receipt? | |
| 袋はご入用ですか？ | Would you like a bag? |
🍱 Scene④: Heating & Services
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 温めますか？ | Would you like me to heat this up? | |
| 少しお待ちください。 | Just a moment, please. | |
| お箸はご入用ですか？ | Would you like chopsticks? | |
| スプーンはご入用ですか？ | Would you like a spoon? | |
| ポイントカードはお持ちですか？ | Do you have a point card? |
📚 More in This Series
📖 Episode 1: Restaurant Phrases
📖 Episode 2: Convenience Store Phrases (this page)
FAQ
Q. What basic English phrases are useful at a Japanese convenience store?
Key phrases include “Excuse me, where is…?” for finding items, “Can you heat this up, please?” for food, and “I’ll pay by card” at checkout. A smile and simple gestures go a long way even if your English isn’t perfect.
Q. How do you ask for a bag at a convenience store in English?
“Could I get a bag, please?” is the standard phrase. In Japan, plastic bags are charged, so you may also hear “Would you like a bag?” (Fukuro wa irimasu ka?). “No bag, thank you” works if you don’t need one.
Q. How can I practice convenience store English daily?
Try imagining real scenarios and speaking the phrases aloud for 5 minutes each day. Our “Daily 5-Minute Business English” page offers voice-enabled phrases updated every day.
Check out other episodes: EP3: Train EP4: Hotel
For daily English practice, try our Daily 5-Minute Business English.
