Top 10 Japanese Izakaya Phrases: Your Complete Guide to Japanese Pub Culture
Master these essential izakaya phrases and navigate Japan’s lively pub scene with confidence
A great way to discover local Japanese cuisine and culture, and try your Japanese out is to visit an Izakaya or Japanese style pub. This guide will teach you the top 10 most useful phrases to help you get the most out of partying at an Izakaya.
What is an Izakaya? Understanding Japan’s Beloved Pub Culture
Planning to visit Japan and immerse yourself in authentic local culture? An izakaya (居酒屋) – a traditional Japanese-style pub – offers the perfect opportunity to practice your Japanese while experiencing the country’s vibrant social scene.
Picture a lively restaurant filled with groups gathered around tables or traditional tatami mats, celebrating the end of a long workday. These popular watering holes typically cluster near train stations in major business districts, reaching peak energy on Friday nights when overworked salarymen and office workers unwind over beer and sake.
What makes izakayas truly special is their incredibly diverse menu of food and drinks, making them one of the best ways to sample Japan’s exceptional cuisine. Beyond the food, you’ll gain insight into Japanese dining etiquette – from proper seating arrangements to the art of pouring beer and correct chopstick placement. Don’t worry about making mistakes; once the sake flows, Japanese people relax and the evening’s focus shifts to pure enjoyment.
To help you navigate your izakaya adventure, we’ve compiled 10 essential phrases that will help you order food, connect with locals, and sound naturally fluent in Japanese.
Essential Izakaya Phrases for Ordering Drinks and Food
1. “Who’s Having Beer?” in Japanese
ビール飲む人？ (Biiru nomu hito?)
After being seated, it’s customary to order drinks before diving into the menu. The most popular choice is ビール (biiru) – beer – or 生 (nama) – draft beer.
Simply ask your group “ビールを飲む人？” (biiru o nomu hito?) meaning “Who’s drinking beer?” and count the raised hands.
Variations for Other Drinks:
- ワインを飲む人？ (wain o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking wine?
- お水を飲む人？ (omizu o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking water?
- 日本酒を飲む人？ (nihonshu o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking sake?
Pro tip: When sharing bottles of sake or beer, always pour drinks for others, starting with the most senior person in your group. This is an important part of Japanese drinking etiquette.
Bonus phrase: Use お冷 (ohiya) as a polite way to order water at izakayas – this insider term will impress locals!
2. “For Now, We’ll Have Beer” in Japanese
とりあえず生 (Toriaezu nama)
Want to sound like a native Japanese speaker? This authentic phrase is rarely found in textbooks but constantly heard in izakayas.
とりあえず (toriaezu) means “well, for now…” while 生 (nama) means draft beer. Call this out to the staff (don’t be shy about volume in a bustling izakaya!) and you’ll be well on your way to earning your black belt in izakaya culture.
Using this phrase will genuinely impress your Japanese friends with your natural, fluent Japanese skills.
3. “Cheers!” in Japanese
乾杯！ (Kanpai!)
When your drinks arrive, raise them high like victorious samurai warriors after battle and enthusiastically shout “Kanpai!” (乾杯) – the Japanese word for “Cheers!”
This celebratory moment marks the official start of your izakaya experience and sets a fun, convivial tone for the evening.
4. “Can I Have the Menu Please?” in Japanese
メニューお願いします (Menyū onegaishimasu)
Requesting the menu – or anything else – is simple with one of Japanese’s most versatile words: お願いします (onegaishimasu).
If you could only learn one Japanese phrase, this would be it. It essentially means “please” or “would you do this for me?” The formula is straightforward: state what you want + onegaishimasu.
5. “What Do You Recommend?” in Japanese
おすすめは？ (Osusume wa?)
While most izakaya menus feature helpful pictures, some present extensive options or complex kanji that can feel overwhelming.
The best strategy? Ask for recommendations with おすすめは？ (osusume wa?) This allows you to quickly order with minimal fuss while discovering off-menu specials or signature dishes the izakaya is famous for.
This phrase is particularly useful when ordering sake, given the vast variety available at most establishments.
6. “I’ll Have This Please” in Japanese
これください (Kore kudasai)
Here’s a foolproof ordering method: これ (kore) means “this” and ください (kudasai) means “please.”
Most izakayas provide photo menus, so simply point at what looks delicious and say “kore kudasai.” If you’re pointing at someone else’s meal, use “それください” (sore kudasai) – “that please.”
Bonus tip: This phrase works perfectly when shopping too – “kore kudasai” means “I’ll take this one please.”
7. “I’ll Have the Yakitori Platter for Now” in Japanese
とりあえず焼き鳥盛り合わせで (Toriaezu yakitori moriawase de)
Want to sample a variety of Japanese cuisine efficiently? Order a 盛り合わせ (moriawase) – an assortment or sampler platter.
The most popular option is 焼き鳥盛り合わせ (yakitori moriawase) – an assortment of grilled chicken skewers. You’ll find samplers for sushi, sashimi, and even Western items like sausage and cheese.
Sashimi Platter (Highly Recommended)
とりあえず刺身盛り合わせで (Toriaezu sashimi moriawase de)
Sashimi platters are perfect for sharing and provide an authentic taste of Japan’s finest cuisine.
8. “Excuse Me, Where’s the Bathroom?” in Japanese
すみません、お手洗いは？ (Sumimasen, otearai wa?)
This essential phrase will come in handy during your evening. The challenge? Understanding the directions over the noise of a packed Friday night izakaya!
Pro strategy: Walk in the direction the staff points, and don’t hesitate to ask again if you get lost. It happens to everyone!
9. “I’ll Have One More Glass of This Please” in Japanese
もう一杯同じ物ください (Mō ippai onaji mono kudasai)
This practical phrase lets you quickly reorder drinks. 一杯 (ippai) refers to one glass or cup of something.
Drink Counter Words:
- 一杯 (ippai) – one glass
- 二杯 (nihai) – two glasses
- 三杯 (sambai) – three glasses
- 四杯 (yonhai) – four glasses
- 五杯 (gohai) – five glasses
General Counter for Food Items:
- 一つ (hitotsu) – one
- 二つ (futatsu) – two
- 三つ (mittsu) – three
- 四つ (yottsu) – four
- 五つ (itsutsu) – five
Simplified Version:
もう一杯同じ物 (Mō ippai onaji mono) – “One more (glass)”
10. “Can I Have the Bill Please?” in Japanese
チェックお願いします (Chekku onegaishimasu)
When your evening winds down, you’ll need to settle the bill. You can say either チェックお願いします (chekku onegaishimasu) or お会計ください (okaikei kudasai).
Paying Your Bill: Important Notes
The staff may ask: ご一緒ですか？ (goissho desu ka?) – “Would you like to pay together?”
It’s common to pay separately in Japan. Respond with 別々 (betsu betsu) – “separately.”
Many modern izakayas feature electronic menus that automatically split bills among your group, making payment easier.
Important payment tips:
- While most izakayas accept credit cards, smaller establishments (especially in rural areas) may be cash-only
- Remember that Japan remains largely a cash-based society
- Always carry sufficient yen when exploring local izakayas
Your Izakaya Adventure Awaits
Master these 10 essential phrases and you’ll navigate any izakaya experience with confidence. Whether you’re a Japanese language beginner or looking to polish your conversational skills, these expressions will help you connect with locals and fully enjoy Japan’s vibrant pub culture.
Ready to practice? Share your izakaya experiences or questions in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your adventures in Japanese dining!
🇯🇵 Planning a Trip to Japan? Get Our Complete Travel Japanese Guide
Mastering izakaya phrases is just the beginning of your Japanese adventure! Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets, ordering at restaurants, checking into hotels, or making friends with locals, our comprehensive Travel Japanese Guide gives you all the essential phrases you need.
What You’ll Learn:
- ✈️ Airport and transportation phrases to get around with ease
- 🏨 Hotel check-in/check-out vocabulary
- 🍜 Restaurant ordering beyond izakayas (ramen shops, sushi bars, cafes)
- 🛍️ Shopping and bargaining phrases
- 🗺️ Asking for directions and getting help
- 💬 Essential conversation starters to connect with locals
- 🚨 Emergency phrases (just in case!)
Don’t let the language barrier hold you back from experiencing the real Japan. Our guide includes audio pronunciations, cultural tips, and real-world scenarios to prepare you for every situation.
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