Emergency Japanese Phrases — Words You Need to Know

Even if you don't speak Japanese, knowing a handful of key phrases can make a huge difference — especially in situations where clear communication matters. Here are the most important words and phrases for your trip, including ones that are useful in intimate settings.

Essential Phrases

The Most Important Phrases

If you remember nothing else, memorize these three:

• やめて (yamete)— "Stop." Clear and universally understood. Use this if anything feels wrong.
• 大丈夫 (daijoubu)— "I'm OK" or "Are you OK?" The most versatile word in Japanese. If someone asks you "daijoubu?", they are checking on you.
• ゆっくり (yukkuri)— "Slowly." Very useful if things are moving too fast. Works in any context.

Pronunciation Tips

Japanese pronunciation is relatively straightforward for English speakers:

• Vowels are always the same: a (ah), i (ee), u (oo), e (eh), o (oh)
• Double vowels are held longer: kyuukyuushahas long "u" sounds
• The "r" sound is between an English "r" and "l" — a light tap of the tongue
• Stress is relatively flat — do not emphasize syllables the way you would in English

Emergency Phone Numbers

Save these numbers in your phone before you arrive in Japan:

• 110 — Police (for crimes and emergencies)
• 119 — Fire and ambulance
• #9110 — Police consultation line (for non-emergency questions and concerns)
• 050-3816-2787 — Japan Visitor Hotline (tourist helpline with English support, available 24/7)

When calling 110 or 119, operators may not speak English, but stay on the line — they can connect you to an interpreter. The tourist hotline at 050-3816-2787 has English-speaking staff and can help you navigate any situation.

Using Google Translate

If you need to communicate something more complex, Google Translate works surprisingly well for Japanese. The camera feature can translate signs and menus in real time, and the conversation mode allows two-way spoken translation. Download the Japanese language pack before your trip so it works offline.