First Move
Keep walking into the shop and look around. A small smile or nod is optional; a spoken reply is not required.
Quick steps
- Enter normally. You do not need to reply.
- Respond only when staff speaks to you directly.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Use if staff asks whether you need help.
Mite iru dake desu.
見ているだけです。
I’m just looking.
Point to the item while saying this.
Kore o kudasai.
これをください。
This one, please.
Use when staff helps you or completes your purchase.
Arigatou gozaimasu.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
If You See or Hear This
Irasshaimase.
いらっしゃいませ。
It means: Welcome.
Your move
Enter and look around. No formal reply is expected.
Nanika osagashi desu ka?
何かお探しですか？
It means: Are you looking for something?
Your move
Show the item, photo, or name—or say you are just looking.
Go-yukkuri goran kudasai.
ごゆっくりご覧ください。
It means: Please take your time looking around.
Your move
Continue browsing. The conversation is finished for now.
If You’re Stuck
If you cannot tell whether staff is speaking to you personally, look for eye contact or a direct question. “Irasshaimase” may float across the whole shop. A question usually lands on one customer.
Tiny Culture Note
In English, a greeting often creates a tiny obligation: someone says hello, so you say hello back. “Irasshaimase” welcomes you without giving you homework. You may enter, hear it, say nothing, and continue peacefully toward the snacks.