Useful Japanese for Parents Visiting Japan
Traveling to Japan with young children is exciting! But you'd be forgiven for having a few misgivings about navigating the language barrier. Japanese is often considered a difficult language, which isn't necessarily true, but the existence of three writing systems that have no immediate similarities with the roman alphabet does make it more complicated.
Image credit: Rie Takeda Calligraphy
The most famous of the three is kanji, the Chinese character system. Without a doubt, kanji is a challenge that takes most learners years of intensive study to master. While you might pick up a few kanji during your trip, it’s not practical to focus on learning this script for a short holiday. The second writing system is hiragana, which is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements. With only 46 basic characters, hiragana is much more accessible than kanji, and learning a few characters for commonly seen words or phrases could be helpful. However, it isn’t essential.
The third system, katakana, is used for foreign loanwords and is probably the most practical for travelers. Many baby- and toddler-related items, such as strollers (ベビーカー) and diapers (オムツ), are written in katakana. And to top it off, the pronunciation of these words is often similar to their English counterparts, making katakana relatively easy to recognize and useful for navigating stores and facilities in Japan. Get an intro to learning katakana with mochidemy!
As a parent, knowing some katakana words commonly used in Japan can make your trip smoother and help you find what you need more easily. Many baby-related items and terms are written in katakana, a script often used for foreign loanwords, making these terms relatively easy to recognize. Here are some essential katakana words and phrases to know:
Baby Essentials
These are everyday items you might need for your little one:
- オムツ (Omutsu) – Diapers
- ベビーカー (Bebīkā) – Stroller
- おしゃぶり (Oshaburi) – Pacifier (ok, this one is hiragana, but it is an important one, so I included it!)
- ミルク (Miruku) – Baby formula (or milk)
- ボトル (Botoru) – Bottle
- ウェットティッシュ (Wetto Tisshu) – Wet wipes
- オモチャ (Omocha) – Toy
- ベビーシャンプー (Bebī Shanpū) – Baby shampoo
When shopping at drugstores or supermarkets, look for these words on packaging or ask store staff if you can’t find them. Many stores in Japan have a baby products section that will be your go-to area. You can even get many of these products delivered to your hotel before you arrive with a Little Nomads Japan travel box, making your journey hassle-free.
Feeding Time
Mealtimes with a toddler in Japan can be stress-free with these handy words:
- ベビーフード (Bebī Fūdo) – Baby food
- ジュース (Jūsu) – Juice
- カップ (Kappu) – Cup
- ベビースプーン（Bebī supūn) – Baby spoon
- ベビースナック (Bebī sunakku) – Baby snack
- ベビーチェア（Bebī chea) – Baby chair
- アレルギー (Arerugī) – Allergy
Drugstores and supermarkets in Japan often stock baby food in easy-to-use pouches, as well as snacks that are suitable for toddlers. Family-friendly restaurants will often have kid-friendly meal options and may also provide baby utensils or high chairs. If your child has food allergies, learning the word "アレルギー (Arerugī)" can be particularly useful when dining out.
Places and Facilities
Finding baby-friendly spaces will make life much easier when out and about. Here are some terms to look for:
- ベビールーム (Bebī Rūmu) – Baby room (for nursing or diaper changes)
- トイレ (Toire) – Toilet
- キッズスペース (Kizzu Supēsu) – Kids’ space or play area
- ファミレス (Famiresu) – Family restaurant
Baby rooms are typically equipped with changing tables, nursing areas, and sometimes even vending machines for diapers or baby formula. Many large shopping malls, train stations, and airports in Japan have these facilities. (Have a read of my blog post about baby rooms in Japan here). Family restaurants like Gusto or Saizeriya often cater to young children with special menus and toys or colouring.
Tips for Parents
1. Look for katakana on signs and packaging: Many baby-related products are labeled in katakana, making them easier to recognize even if you don’t read kanji. Keep a list on your phone to compare with.
2. Ask for help: Japanese staff in stores or restaurants are generally very helpful. Simply showing the katakana word on your phone or saying it aloud can go a long way. If you're feeling particularly brave, you can say "[katakana word] arimasuka?", which means "Do you have [word]?" or "Is there [word]?"
3. Make use of baby-friendly facilities: Many shopping malls and train stations in Japan have baby rooms (ベビールーム), so keep an eye out for signs or ask staff where you can find them. Download the mamapapamap app to locate the nearest ones by yourself.
4. Bring a travel-friendly dictionary or app: Apps like Google Translate or other Japanese-English dictionaries can help you quickly identify katakana terms if you’re unsure.
5. Take note of drugstores: Stores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tomods, and Cocokara have basic baby supplies like diapers, snacks, and wet wipes.
6. Consider a Little Nomads Japan travel box: You can have essential baby products delivered to your hotel before you arrive, saving time and effort.
Knowing these katakana words can save you time and effort during your trip, helping you focus on enjoying your family adventure in Japan. Did we miss any important words? Let us know in the comments!