What staff say, and how to respond

What staff say, and how to respond

Here are common phrases you'll hear at restaurants, what they mean, and what to do when you hear them. You don't need to memorize them — just recognizing them is enough.

• Irasshaimase ("Welcome") — a greeting as you walk in — no reply needed
• Nanmei-sama desu ka ("How many people?") — asking your party size — holding up fingers works fine
• Osuki na seki e douzo / Kochira e douzo ("Please take any seat" / "This way, please") — being shown to a seat — sit where shown, or wherever you like if told to choose
• Shoushou omachi kudasai ("One moment, please") — a signal to wait briefly — just wait where you are
• Okimari desu ka / Gochuumon wa okimari deshou ka ("Have you decided?") — asking if you're ready to order — order if you are, or say you need a bit more time
• Ijou de yoroshii desu ka ("Will that be all?") — confirming your order — "yes" is fine if it's correct
• Omatase shimashita ("Thank you for waiting") — said when bringing your food — just accept the dish
• Osage shite yoroshii desu ka ("May I clear this?") — asking to take your dishes — say yes, or let them know if you're still using it
• Rasuto oodaa desu ("This is the last order") — the kitchen is about to stop taking orders — order anything more now
• Okaikei ___ en ni narimasu ("Your total comes to ___ yen") — stating the bill — hand over cash or your card
• Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka ("Do you have a point card?") — asking about a loyalty card — "I don't have one" works fine
• Fukuro wa goriyou desu ka ("Would you like a bag?") — asking if you need a bag — say yes or no
• Atatamemasu ka ("Shall I heat this up?") — asking if you want something microwaved — say yes or no
• Arigatou gozaimashita ("Thank you very much") — a thank-you as you pay or leave — a nod is enough
• Mata no okoshi wo omachi shite orimasu ("We hope to see you again") — a send-off — no reply needed; a nod or "gochisosama" is plenty

Related foods

For the full ordering flow, see How to read a ticket machine; for payment, see Cash-only shops are common.