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Japanese Convenience Store Culture - コンビニ文化と日本語

Japanese Convenience Store Culture – コンビニ文化と日本語

Scene Description

A late-night scene at a Japanese convenience store. A student grabs a bento and an energy drink, an office worker pays a bill, and a foreign visitor hesitantly tries to use the copy machine. The bright, organized interior contrasts with the quiet street outside.

People shopping at a Japanese convenience store, buying bento and using services

Natural Japanese Expressions at the Konbini

At the Register

  • 「ポイントカードお持ちですか？」(Pointo kādo omochi desu ka?) – “Do you have a point card?”
  • 「温めますか？」(Atatamemasu ka?) – “Shall I heat it up for you?”

Self-talk or With Friends

  • 「夜中でも開いてるって最高」(Yonaka demo aiterutte saikou) – “It’s awesome that they’re open even at night.”
  • 「コンビニって何でもあるね」(Konbini tte nandemo aru ne) – “You can find anything at a konbini.”

Service Use

  • 「これ、払えますか？」(Kore, haraemasu ka?) – “Can I pay this here?”
  • 「コピー機の使い方わかんない…」(Kōpī-ki no tsukaikata wakannai…) – “I don’t know how to use the copier...”

Cultural Points and Expression Background

「ポイントカードお持ちですか？」 – Do you have a point card?

Point cards are common in Japan and encourage customer loyalty. This question is part of nearly every checkout interaction.

「温めますか？」 – Shall I heat it up for you?

Convenience store staff routinely ask this when customers buy bento or drinks. It's a small but thoughtful service.

「夜中でも開いてるって最高」 – They’re open even at night

Konbini are open 24/7, making them essential for students, workers, and night owls. This phrase reflects that appreciation.

「コピー機の使い方わかんない」 – I don’t know how to use the copier

Many konbini offer multifunction machines, but they can be intimidating for first-timers—especially foreigners.


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