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How to Say ‘The staff’ in Japanese

店員さん

ten'in san

[TEN-een san]

🇯🇵 In Japan: 店員さん "staff member" is how customers address or refer to restaurant and bar staff. Calling out すみません "excuse me" is the normal way to get their attention.

Phrase Breakdown

店員

ten'in

[TEN-een]

store staff; clerk

An employee working in a shop, bar, or restaurant.

Example

店員に水を頼んだ。

I asked the staff for water.

さん

san

[san]

Mr.; Ms.; polite suffix

A polite suffix added to a person's name or role.

Example

お医者さんが来ました。

The doctor came.

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