When you enter a restaurant in Japan, you’d probably be asked whether you’d smoke or not.
This is because most Japanese restaurants have a “smoker zone” and a “non-smoker zone”, and you’d be assigned to whichever you prefer.

The restaurant clerk would ask you “おタバコは吸われますか？(O-tabako wa suware masuka?)” which means “Do you smoke tobacco?”.

If you somehow manage to understand this question, the answer is quite simply “Yes” which is はい(Hai) or “No” which is いいえ(iie).

However, unless you are familiar with the language, it is quite difficult to understand what is being said.

In that case, you should simply tell them whether you want the smoking seat or the non-smoking seat.

Smoking is “Kitsu-en” (喫煙), and non-smoking is Kin-en (禁煙).

If you want the non-smoking seat, just tell the restaurant clerk “Kin-en de onegaishimasu” = “Non-smoking please”.


Although many restaurants have designated seats for both smokers and non-smokers, there are some restaurants where they completely prohibit smoking, or allow it in every seat.

If you have a strong preference and want to make sure that no one smokes while you are dining, make sure to ask the restaurant clerk “Koko kin-en desuka?” which means “Is this please non-smoking?”

Be sure to remember these terms to make the best out of your stay!


■■■ Back Number Articles ■■■
Check All Fun! Japan WORDS

Previous Word
Aki(秋) Fun! Japan Words vol.70