Convenience stores in Japan are amazing because they gather life necessities in one place. Additionally, makers launch new products in convenience stores, allowing us to experience seasonal food through these stores.
However, sometimes the clerks speak in a unique form of the Japanese language. We, as Japanese people, understand what they are saying because there is a formula. However, it may be challenging for people from other countries. Let’s break down what they say.
Welcome! (Iirrasshai mase)
“いらっしゃいませ” (irasshai mase) is a Japanese word used to welcome customers. You will hear this word in almost every shop and restaurant when you enter.
Sometimes, a clerk may say variations like “asshai sei” or “irrashai sai” in a unique way. However, their intention is to greet customers by saying “irrasshai mase”. The clerks are busy to respond to many customers, so they need to shorten the word.
Do you need a bag? (fukuro wa irimasuka?)
The second question the clerk asks is “Do you need a bag? 袋はいりますか” (fukuro wa irimasuka)？ because the bag costs 3-5 yen, and they need to know if they should add the price to the total fee. If the customer needs a bag, the clerks will put the items away in the bag.
Sometimes they simply ask “Fukuro wa?” but which means “Do you need a bag?”
You can respond with “Daijoubu desu” or “Irimasen” (no thank you) if you don’t want a bag.
If you do want a bag, you can say “Onegai shimasu” which means “Yes, please.”
Do you want us to warm your lunch box? (obentou o atatane masuka?)
When you buy a pack of lunch set meals (bento/弁当), the clerk may ask you one or two questions.
The first question is, “Do you want us to warm the bento? お弁当を温めますか？” (obento o atatame masuka?) If you want them to do so, you can respond with “onegai shimasu,” which means “yes, please.” They will then put your bento in the microwave.
The second question is whether you need a fork or spoon. Please refer to the options below.
Do you need chopsticks, a spoon, or a fork? (Ohashiya spoon, fork wa otsukai ni nari masuka?)
When you purchase a bento or sweets, the clerk may ask, “Do you need chopsticks, a spoon, or a fork? お箸やスプーン、フォークはお使いになりますか？” (ohashi ya spoon, fork wa otsukai ni nari masuka?) If you require any of these utensils, simply inform the clerk of your preference.
Touch the age confirmation button (nenrei kakunin botan o tattchi shite kudasai)
To purchase alcohol, we are required to touch the screen, which asks, “Are you 20 years old or older?” Even if you clearly appear to be over 40, it is necessary to press the button.
The clerk may ask, “Please touch the button” by saying “年齢確認ボタンをお願いします” (Nenrei kakunin botan onegai shimasu) or ((Nenrei kakunin botan o tattchi shite kudasai). “Nenrei” means your age, and “Kakunin” is confirmation.
The total price is XX (okaikei wa XX yen desu)
After scanning all the items you purchase, the clerk will state the total price by saying “お会計はXX円です” (okaikei wa XX yen desu) or simply “XX yen です.” Some convenience stores have introduced self-checkout machines, where you can pay according to their cashing system.
Do you have any point cards? (XX card wa ari masuka?)
When you make a payment, the clerk may ask, “Do you have any point cards?” using the phrase “XXカードはありますか？” (XX card wa arimasuka?) Here, XX would be the name of the point card company. If you have the card, simply present it and say, “Hai, arimasu,” which means “Yes, I do.”
The change is XX (XX yen no okaeshi desu)
After making a payment and providing the exact amount, the clerk will give you the change. They will say “XX yen no okaeshi desu” (XX円のお返しです), indicating, the amount of change you will receive.
Thank you (Arigatou gozai mashita)
At the end of your transaction, it is customary to thank the clerk. You can express your gratitude by saying “arigatou gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました).
Also, the clerk would say “Arigatou gozaimashita” in unique ways like ‘Arigazaishita”, “Arigasshita” and “A〜shita〜”
If you are more interested in Japanese basics, refer to the below post.
