袋はいりますか？
fukuro wa irimasu ka?
The English phrase "do you want a bag?" is translated into Japanese as 袋はいりますか？ (fukuro wa irimasu ka?)
This phrase is a standard question used in retail settings in Japan. It is typically asked by a shop assistant to see if a customer needs a bag for their purchases.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 袋 (fukuro) literally means "bag". The phrase いりますか？ (irimasu ka?) literally translates to "is it needed?" rather than "do you want?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 袋はいりますか？ is polite and suitable for use by shop staff toward customers. Other ways to express the same meaning include the formal かばんはいりますか？ and the informal versions かばんはいる？ or かばんがほしい？
How do you pronounce it?
fukuro wa irimasu ka?
When do people say it?
When a shop assistant asks if you need a bag, a natural way to accept is to say はい、お願いします (yes, please). To decline the bag, you can say いいえ、大丈夫です (no, I'm fine).
Did you know?
- The word 袋 (fukuro) is also used in the term 福袋 (fukurobukuro), meaning 'lucky bag'. These are mystery bags sold at New Year's sales containing a surprise assortment of goods.
- If a shop assistant asks 袋はいりますか？, you might notice they use a very high, melodic tone. This is part of 'customer service Japanese', a specific way of speaking designed to sound more welcoming and polite to shoppers.
- In many Japanese convenience stores, you will be asked if you want a bag because plastic bags are no longer free. Since a 2020 law change, shops are required to charge a small fee for single-use plastic bags.
Examples in context
- いらっしゃいませ。かばんはいりますか？Welcome. Do you want a bag?
- かばんいる？Do you want a bag?
Example conversation
At a convenience store checkout counter.
- 大翔 Hiroto袋はいりますか？fukuro wa irimasu ka?Do you want a bag?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、お願いします。hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
- 大翔 Hiroto承知いたしました。shouchi itashimashita.Certainly.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
