How to Say ‘Would you like a bag?’ in Japanese
袋はご利用ですか？
fukuro wa go riyou desu ka
[foo-KOO-roh wah goh ree-yoh dess ka]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Plastic bags in Japan cost a few yen, so cashiers ask before giving you one. Many people carry their own bag, or simply hold small items.
Phrase Breakdown
袋は
fukuro wa
As for a bag,
袋 (fukuro) means 'bag'. は is the topic particle, pronounced 'wa'. The 'fu' is soft, made by blowing lightly between your lips.
袋はいりません。
I don't need a bag.
Words in this phrase
袋
fukuro
[foo-KOO-roh]
bag
A bag or sack, such as a shopping bag or plastic bag given at stores.
袋をください。
A bag, please.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker; as for
Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'
本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for giving me your time today.
ご利用ですか？
go riyou desu ka
will you be using one?
ご利用 (goriyou) is a polite word for 'use'. The Japanese 'r' is a light tap, close to a soft 'd'. Say 'ri-yoo' with a long 'o'.
駐車場はご利用ですか？
Will you be using the parking lot?
Words in this phrase
ご
go
[goh]
polite prefix (adds respect)
Honorific prefix used to make a noun more polite. Common in neighbor-related phrases to sound considerate.
ご近所の方には、いつでも言ってくださいと伝えました。
I told the neighbors, “Please tell me anytime.”
利用
riyou
[ree-yoh]
use
To use or make use of a service; in restaurants, it politely means to dine or visit.
何名様でご利用ですか。
How many people will be dining?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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