How to Say ‘Welcome.’ in Japanese
いらっしゃいませ。
irasshai mase
[ee-rah-sshy-eye mah-seh]
💬 Usage Tip: Set phrase used by staff. You’re not expected to answer—just start ordering when ready.
🇯🇵 In Japan: You’ll hear this loudly and often in Japan. It’s more of an “We’re open / please come in” vibe than a personal greeting.
Phrase Breakdown
いらっしゃい
irasshai
[ee-rah-sshy-eye]
Welcome (to our store)
A polite phrase staff say to customers when they enter; you don’t need to reply.
いらっしゃい、こちらでご注文ください。
Welcome—please order here.
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
Polite ending (part of いらっしゃいませ)
A polite ending attached to make the welcome phrase more formal: いらっしゃいませ.
いらっしゃいませ。ご注文はこちらです。
Welcome. You can order here.
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