How to Say ‘Welcome.’ in Japanese
いらっしゃいませ。
irasshai mase
[ee-rah-sshy-eye mah-seh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a set store greeting staff say to customers; you do not say it back. In shops and fast-food places, it often replaces any direct Hello.
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.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager