Japanese for a Homestay: Greetings, House Rules and Living with a Host Family

For a homestay in Japan, the Japanese that matters most is a small set of daily greetings, a polite self-introduction and the phrases for asking about house rules. Learn to say “I’m home” and “thank you for the meal”, ask before using the bath or washing machine, and tell your host family when you’ll be late. Those few habits do more for your relationship than advanced grammar, and a few weeks of conversation practice before you leave makes the first days much easier.

The daily greetings

Japanese homes run on set phrases said at the same moments every day. Your host family will notice and appreciate them.

Your first meeting

Prepare a short self-introduction and practise it until it feels natural. For example:

はじめまして。〇〇です。〇〇から来ました。これからお世話になります。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. ○○ desu. ○○ kara kimashita. Korekara osewa ni narimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
“Nice to meet you. I’m ○○, from ○○. Thank you in advance for looking after me.”

お世話になります is the key phrase: it thanks someone for the care they are about to give you. Our guide to Japanese self-introductions has more to add.

Many students bring a small gift from home, such as sweets or something typical of your region. Hand it over with つまらないものですが or the simpler これ、〇〇のお土産です (“this is a gift from ○○”).

Asking about house rules

Every family is different, and it is normal to ask in the first days. Useful questions:

• お風呂は何時ごろ入ってもいいですか。 (Ofuro wa nanji goro haitte mo ii desu ka?) “Around what time can I take a bath?”
• 洗濯機を使ってもいいですか。 (Sentakuki o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?) “May I use the washing machine?”
• ゴミはどうやって分けますか。 (Gomi wa dō yatte wakemasu ka?) “How do you sort the rubbish?” See living in a Japanese neighbourhood.
• 門限はありますか。 (Mongen wa arimasu ka?) “Is there a curfew?”

A few habits avoid most misunderstandings: take your shoes off at the entrance, wear the toilet slippers only in the toilet, and keep the bath water clean, because the family often shares it. Wash before you get in.

Telling them your plans

Host families worry if you are late without warning, and they may cook dinner for you. Let them know in advance:

• 今日は晩ご飯はいりません。 (Kyō wa bangohan wa irimasen.) “I won’t need dinner tonight.”
• 今日は9時ごろ帰ります。 (Kyō wa kuji goro kaerimasu.) “I’ll be home around nine today.”
• すみません、遅くなります。 (Sumimasen, osoku narimasu.) “Sorry, I’ll be late.” A good message to send by LINE.

Food and allergies

If you have an allergy or don’t eat certain foods, tell your host family on the first day, clearly. 私は〇〇のアレルギーがあります (watashi wa ○○ no arerugī ga arimasu) means “I am allergic to ○○”. For anything serious, bring a card written in Japanese. Our guide to Japanese at the doctor covers health vocabulary.

Casual Japanese at home

Your host family will probably speak casually with each other and may switch to casual Japanese with you after a few days. It is fine to stay polite at first and follow their lead. Our guide to casual vs polite Japanese explains the difference.

Common questions

How much Japanese do I need for a homestay?

Many homestay programmes accept beginners. Basic greetings and simple questions are enough to start, and you will learn quickly at home.

What if I don’t understand my host family?

Say もう一度お願いします (“once more, please”) or ゆっくりお願いします (“slowly, please”). Families who host students expect this.

Should I help with chores?

Offer: 何か手伝いましょうか (“can I help with anything?”). Clearing your own dishes is a good start.

If you are going on a homestay or study trip, our online Japanese tutors can help you practise these conversations before you arrive. See also studying abroad in Japan.