Are you planning a trip to Japan? Or maybe you’re interested in learning the Japanese language and want to expand your vocabulary? Whatever the reason may be, knowing how to say “cashier” in Japanese can be quite helpful when you find yourself needing assistance during your travels or when you simply want to communicate with local Japanese speakers. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “cashier” in Japanese, offering various tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say Cashier in Japanese
When it comes to communicating formally in Japanese, there are a couple of ways to refer to a cashier:
- Kaishain (会社員): This is a commonly used term in formal situations to refer to an employee or staff member of a company. While the term doesn’t specifically mean “cashier,” it is often used in contexts where the person is working at the cash register, such as in department stores or supermarkets. It is pronounced as “ka-ee-sha-in.”
- Orushi-ya (お主屋): This term is bit more formal and specifically refers to the cashier of a store. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but you might come across it in some traditional or specialized shops. The pronunciation of “orushi-ya” is “oh-roo-shee-yah.”
Keep in mind that using formal language and addressing someone politely is highly valued in Japanese culture, so using these terms appropriately would be much appreciated in formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say Cashier in Japanese
If you find yourself in a casual or informal setting, such as a small local shop or when you’re speaking casually with friends, you can use the following terms to refer to a cashier:
- Orisari (おりさり): This is a commonly used term in everyday conversation to refer to a cashier. It is pronounced as “oh-ree-sa-ree.” It is worth noting that this term might be considered slightly colloquial, so using it with close friends or in casual situations would be more appropriate.
- Kasai (かさい): Another informal term to refer to a cashier is “kasai.” It is pronounced as “ka-sa-ee.” This term is frequently used in informal settings and can also be used when ordering food at counters or cafes.
Tips and Examples
While knowing the translation of “cashier” in Japanese is useful, it’s also essential to understand some tips and examples to enhance your communication skills. Here are a few tips and phrases related to cashiers in Japanese:
Tips:
- If you need the attention of a cashier in a shop, you can use the phrase “Sumimasen” (すみません), which means “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry,” followed by “Kore o kudasai” (これをください), meaning “Please give me this.”
- When you want to ask if the cashier accepts credit cards, you can say “Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?” (クレジットカードは使えますか？). This translates to “Do you accept credit cards?”
- If you have a special discount coupon, you can ask the cashier, “Kono kupon de waribiki ga arimasu ka?” (このクーポンで割引がありますか？), which means “Is there a discount with this coupon?”
Examples:
Here are a few examples of how the words and phrases mentioned above can be used in real-life situations:
You: Sumimasen, orisari desu ka?
Cashier: Hai, orisari desu. Nan o nasaimasu ka?
You: Kore o kudasai.
Cashier: Arigatou gozaimasu.
This conversation translates to:
You: Excuse me, are you the cashier?
Cashier: Yes, I am the cashier. What would you like?
You: Please give me this.
Cashier: Thank you very much.
In this example, the term “orisari,” which is a casual term for cashier, has been used to initiate the conversation. Polite phrases such as “Sumimasen” and “Arigatou gozaimasu” are also included to maintain courtesy.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “cashier” in Japanese, along with some tips and examples, you’re better equipped to navigate your way through shops and establishments in Japan. Remember to use the appropriate terms based on the formality of the situation or your relationship with the speaker. Enjoy your interactions and make the most of your time in Japan!
