Learning Japanese: Shopping and Asking Prices – JLPT N5

This article focuses on practical conversational skills for the JLPT N5 exam, specifically centered around shopping scenarios. We’ll cover common phrases, vocabulary, and how to ask for prices in Japanese. Don’t worry about complex grammar; we’re focusing on getting you comfortable with simple interactions.

Essential Phrases & Vocabulary

• Hello / Excuse me: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Good afternoon (generally used during the day). すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me/I’m sorry.
• Good morning / Good evening: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) / こんばんは (Konbanwa)
• Thank you: ありがとうごさいます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – More polite, good to use when buying something. ただ、ありがとう (Arigatou) is also perfectly fine with shopkeepers.
• You’re welcome: どういたしまして (Douitashimashite)
• How much does it cost?: いくらですか？(Ikura desu ka?)
• Expensive / Cheap: 高い (Takai) – Expensive. 安い (Yasui) – Cheap.
• Japanese Yen: 円 (En) – Used to indicate currency, e.g., 100円 (Hyaku En) = 100 yen
• Size: サイズ (Saizu) – Size
• Color: 色 (Iro) – Color

Typical Shopping Conversations

Scenario 1: Asking about the Price of an Item

You’re looking at a shirt in a shop. Here’s how you can ask the price:

Customer: すみません、このシャツ いくらですか？ (Sumimasen, kono shatsu ikura desu ka?) - Excuse me, how much is this shirt?
Shopkeeper: 1500円です。 (Hyouran-go-hyaku en desu.) – It’s 1500 yen.
Customer: ありがとうごさいます！(Arigatou gozaimasu!) - Thank you!

Mistake Alert: Saying “Ikura desu ka?” alone isn’t always enough. Adding “kono” (this) and the item’s name makes it clearer.

Scenario 2: Asking about Sizes & Colors

You want to buy a skirt but need to check the available sizes and colors:

Customer: すみません、このスカート サイズはどれがありますか？ (Sumimasen, kono sarasu saizu wa dore ga arimasu ka?) – Excuse me, what sizes does this skirt come in?
Shopkeeper: S, M, L があります。 (Esu, Emī, Eru ga arimasu.) - S, M, and L are available.
Customer: 色は何がありますか？(Iro wa nani ga arimasu ka?) – What colors does it come in?
Shopkeeper: 黒と白があります。 (Kuro to shiro ga arimasu) - Black and white are available.

Useful Tip: Remembering “S, M, L” is super helpful! They’re almost universally used.

Asking if Something is on Sale

It’s polite to ask if something is discounted:

Customer:  これはセールですか？(Kore wa seruu desu ka?) – Is this on sale?
Shopkeeper: ええ、今だけ特別価格です。(Ee, ima dake tokubetsu kagi desu.) - Yes, it’s a special price only for today. (Special Price) 

Key Takeaways & Practice

• Focus on simple greetings and asking about prices.
• Practice saying “Ikura desu ka?” frequently!
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – shopkeepers are usually patient and appreciate your effort.

To help you practice, try these phrases aloud: “こんにちは、このペン いくらですか？ (Konnichiwa, kono pen ikura desu ka?)” – Hello, how much is this pen?