Japanese for Convenience Store Jobs
Register, stocking, customer service, and break room phrases for konbini work.
Working at a konbini is one of the most common part-time jobs for foreigners in Japan. The pace is fast and customers expect smooth service. This guide covers the phrases you'll actually use — from ringing up purchases to restocking shelves during quiet hours.
At the Register
いらっしゃいませ。
Irasshaimase.
Welcome!
ポイントカードはお持ちですか？
Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?
Do you have a point card?
袋はご利用ですか？
Fukuro wa goriyou desu ka?
Would you like a bag?
お弁当は温めますか？
Obentou wa atatamemasu ka?
Would you like the bento heated up?
合計で550円になります。
Goukei de gohyaku gojuu en ni narimasu.
That'll be 550 yen total.
Stocking Shelves
品出しお願いします。
Shinadashi onegaishimasu.
Please restock the shelves.
この商品はどこに並べますか？
Kono shouhin wa doko ni narabemasu ka?
Where should I put this product?
賞味期限を確認してください。
Shoumi kigen wo kakunin shite kudasai.
Please check the expiration date.
前出しをしてください。
Maedashi wo shite kudasai.
Please pull the products to the front.
在庫は裏にあります。
Zaiko wa ura ni arimasu.
The stock is in the back.
Customer Service
お箸はおつけしますか？
Ohashi wa otsuke shimasu ka?
Would you like chopsticks?
トイレはあちらです。
Toire wa achira desu.
The restroom is over there.
申し訳ございません、ただいま品切れです。
Moushiwake gozaimasen, tadaima shinagire desu.
I'm sorry, that's currently out of stock.
こちらで少々お待ちください。
Kochira de shoushou omachi kudasai.
Please wait here a moment.
ありがとうございました。またお越しくださいませ。
Arigatou gozaimashita. Mata okoshi kudasaimase.
Thank you. Please come again.
Break Room
休憩に入ります。
Kyuukei ni hairimasu.
I'm going on break.
休憩終わりました。戻ります。
Kyuukei owarimashita. Modorimasu.
Break's over. I'm back.
シフトの交代お願いします。
Shifuto no koutai onegaishimasu.
Please take over my shift.
来週のシフトを確認したいです。
Raishuu no shifuto wo kakunin shitai desu.
I want to check next week's schedule.
Cultural Tips
- Konbini staff always greet every customer with "Irasshaimase!" even if you're busy stocking shelves. Failing to do this is considered rude and your manager will notice.
- Handling change: always count bills in front of the customer and say the amount out loud. Japanese retail culture values visible accuracy — don't just hand back money silently.
- Bowing when apologizing is not optional. Even a small mistake like bagging slowly should come with a quick "Sumimasen" and a slight bow.
FAQ
Do I need to speak fluent Japanese to work at a konbini?
Not fluent, but you need to handle basic customer interactions. Most chains have manuals with set phrases. With SayLy, you can practice these phrases beforehand and look up words on the spot during slow periods.
What visa allows me to work at a convenience store?
Student visas (留学) allow up to 28 hours per week of part-time work. Working holiday visas and dependent visas also allow konbini work. Tourist visas do not.
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