Commonly used to get attention or apologize.

Japanese culture values politeness, making [すみません] frequent in daily life.

Add a noun like [カード] after to specify what you want to use.

Confirming payment methods is crucial as not all places accept cards in Japan.

Refers to credit or debit cards; say [クレジットカード] for credit card.

Credit card penetration in Japan is less than in many Western countries.

Simple and direct, suitable for most negative responses.

Japanese people might avoid directly saying [いいえ] to maintain harmony.

Vital word in transactions, pronounced (genkin).

Even today, cash is king in Japan.

Often used to imply limitation, like [現金のみ] (cash-only).

When seeing [のみ], expect no other options are available.

Adds emphasis that only cash is accepted, no cards.

Expect this phrase in small shops or local taxis.

Expresses surprise or confusion, often with a rising intonation.

Shows genuine surprise; politer than it sounds in English.

Link contrasting information; similar in use to 'however.'

Signals a shift in conversation, showing disagreement or surprise.