So.
You’re in Japan, and want to buy something from the local convenience store. You grab your jacket and exit the hotel/AirBnB/apartment to find your nearest Lawson, Family Mart, 7/11, or even Daily Yamazaki. You find what you’re looking for in no time, and heave a sigh of relief.
But when you head to the register, the store staff speaks in rapid-fire Japanese, and between the mask, the store announcements, and your own struggles with the language, you have no idea what they just said.
Too awkward? Do you want to at least give some response to move the process forward instead of staring blankly at the equally nervous person on the other side of the counter? Well, look no further! Today, I’m here to help you discern some frequently used words at Japanese convenience stores (or conbini for short); even if you hear just that one word or phrase, you can figure out what to do next, even if it’s just a simple nod or shake of your head, and finish buying whatever it is you came to get.
Here are 5 commonly-used words and phrases you’ll likely hear when a convenience store clerk asks you questions at the register:
- Rejibukuro: If you hear this, then it means the store staff are asking you if you’d like a plastic bag. Since 2020, all supermarkets and convenience stores have begun charging for plastic bags, with starting prices being around 3 yen. If you need more than one, you can specify how many you’d like. Usually, the staff will bag your items, so there’s nothing to worry about on that front.
- Ohashi: The word “hashi” means chopsticks, with “ohashi” being a more formal word used in stores or restaurants. If you’re buying a meal from the conbini, then chances are the staff might ask you if you need this, or a spoon or fork. Some stores, however, keep disposable cutlery near the register for you to take on your own after you’ve paid for your items, so if your conbini does that, it makes things a little easier.
- Oshibori: If you’ve bought any food at the conbini that you might eat right away – be they bentos or the hot stuff at the counter – staff will often hand you a single packet containing a wet towel for you to wipe your hands/mouth before eating. While many conbinis give them to customers by default (no extra cost), some staff might ask you first.
- Atatame: Sometimes, when you buy a refrigerated meal, store staff will ask you if you want it warmed up. Conbinis usually have microwaves with higher power than the ones we’ve got at home, meaning you can get a hot dinner from them in just 30 seconds. Check if the meal packaging has the microwave symbol, and how much time you need to heat it for at home versus at the conbini. You’ll be surprised at the difference!
- Oshiharai houhou: This phrase is used to check what your payment method will be: cash, transportation IC card, online payment, or something else. Many 7/11 outlets now have touch screens in Japanese and English which allow you to select the payment method without store staff having to ask, but most manned conbini registers still go the traditional way of staff telling you the total amount before inquiring about your preferred payment method. Just show them whatever you’ll be using, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Of course, conbinis aren’t the only place you’d visit during your stay here, be it short or long. Chances are you’ll drop into supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centers, and more! But to start with, you’ll want a quick and convenient experience at a convenience store, and having some idea about what the staff are saying can go a long way.
Stay tuned for another handy cheat sheet of phrases that you’ll hear at other stores in Japan!
