7-Eleven, Family Mart, Mini Stop, Lawson – there are so many convenience stores, or “konbini,” in Japan. And there are so many things you can buy and do at them. You can pay utility bills, book a concert ticket, send packages or use an ATM, photo copier or just the restroom. Here are a few phrases to help you get the most out of your next stop at a konbini.

“Sumimasen, konbini wo sagashite imasu.” = Excuse me, I am looking for a convenience store. (“Sumumasen” = excuse me, “konbini” = convenience store, “wo sagashite imasu” = am looking for)

“Toile wo karitemo iidesuka?” = May I use the toilet? (It’s polite to make a small purchase afterward if that’s all you came in for.)

Ordering hot food at the counter “Nikuman wo hitotsu kudasai.” = Please give me one steamed bun. “… wo hitotsu kudasai.” = Please give me one …. “Nikuman” = Steamed bun (meat filled) “Karaage” = Fried chicken nuggets “Korokke” = Croquette (potato and meat filled) “Amerikan doggu” = Corn dog “Hitotsu” = One (of) “Futatsu” = Two (of) “Mittsu” = Three (of) “Spoon wo kudasai.” = Please give me a spoon? “ohashi” = chopstick

Buying cold precooked food (pasta, bento, etc.) “Atatame masuka?” = Do you want it warmed up? “Onegai shimasu.” = Please do so. “Daijyoobu desu.” = That’s OK (no).

Buying cigarettes or alcohol “Jyu ban no tabako wo hitotsu onegaishimasu.” = Please give me one pack of No. 10 cigarettes? (Cigarettes are stocked behind the counter and numbered by brand.) “Jyu” = 10 / “ban” = Number (“Ichi ban” = Number one, “Ni ban” = Number two, etc.) “Nenreikakunin wo onegaishimasu.” = Please confirm your (legal) age (by pushing the panel on the touchscreen at the register).

Buying fresh konbini coffee “Koohii no hotto wo kudasai.” = Please give me a cup of coffee? “Saizu wa doo shimasu ka?” = What size do you want? “M (emu) wo onegai shimasu.” = Give me the middle size. “L (eru) wo onegai shimasu.” = Give me the large size.)

Using your credit card or IC card “Kaado wo tsukaitai no desu ga.” = I would like to use my credit card. (“..wo tsukaitai” = I want use..) “SUICA wa tsukae masu ka?” = Can I use my SUICA card? (“..wa tsukae masu ka?” = can I use..)

Asking for help “Kopeeki no tsukaikata ga wakarimasen.” = I don’t know how to use the copier. (“tsukaikata” = how to use, “wakarimasen” = I don’t know) “Kono gomi wa doko ni sutetara iidesu ka?” = where can I dispose this trash? (“kono” = this, “ano” = that, “sono” = its, “gomi” = trash, “doko” = where, “sutetara” = dispose) “Kappumen ni oyu wo iretai no desu ga?” = Can I pour hot water in my cup noodles? (“oyu” = hot water, “mizu” = water, “iretai” = want to pour)