Looking to operate your Google Home or Nest device in Japanese? It’s not hard to do at all, and learning how to say “Ok Google” in nihongo is a great first step. We’ve got you covered with all the translations and pronunciations that you need. Not sure how to configure your device to a new language in the first place? We’ve got you covered there, too. We’ve also included some handy Japanese commands that you can try, so you can get the most out of your Google Home device.

Section 1 of 5:

How do you say “OK Google” in Japanese?

  1. 1
    Ne, Guuguru (ね、グーグル): “ね” (ne) is a Japanese particle that means “hey,” “look,” or “listen.”[1] When paired with “guuguru” (グーグル), the Japanese word for Google, you’re essentially saying “Hey Google,” which will activate your device.
    • Even though it’s not technically the same as “OK Google,” it’ll still get your device working.
  2. 2
    Oke, Guuguru (オケ、グーグル): “Oke” (オケ) isn’t technically a Japanese word, but it’s the closest phonetic equivalent to the English word “okay.” When combined with “guuguru” (グーグル), the Japanese word for Google, you’re literally saying “OK Google.”
    • “Oke, Guuguru” (オケ、グーグル) is spelled using katakana, which is a Japanese alphabet mostly dedicated to loan (non-native) words. However, the official Japanese Google Home site spells it as “OK Google,” using English words.[2]
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Change Your Google Assistant’s Language (Android and iOS)

Section 5 of 5:

Other Japanese Google Home Commands

  1. 1
    “Kyou no tenki wa?”: What’s the weather? Curious about the forecast for the day? Say “Ne, Guuguru” or “OK Guuguru,” followed by “Kyou no tenki wa?” Your device will then share the current weather for your area.
    • Japanese Translation/Spelling: 今日の天気は?
  2. 2
    “Netflix de ___ wo saisei shite”: Netflix, play ___. In the mood to watch a particular TV or movie? Start up your Google Nest or Home device with “Ne, Guuguru” or “OK Guuguru,“ and follow up with “Netflix de ___ wo saisei shite.”[5] Feel free to switch out “Netflix” with another streaming platform of your choice, too!
    • Japanese Translation/Spelling: Netflixで___を再生して.
  3. 3
    “Kyou no tsookin rooto no joukyou wa dou?”: What’s the status of today’s commute route? About to head out for work? Wake up your Google Home or Nest device and ask “Kyou no tsookin rooto no joukyou wa dou?” to get the lowdown on the local traffic.[6]
    • Japanese Translation/Spelling: 今日の通勤ルートの状況はどう?
  4. 4
    “___ wo shoppingu risto ni tsuika shite”: Add this to my shopping list. Maybe you’re heading out to the grocery store later, or you’re swinging by the mall to pick up a few things. The command “___ wo shoppingu risto ni tsuika shite” is a quick, easy way to assemble whatever items you need to get on your digital shopping list.[7]
    • Japanese Translation/Spelling: ___をショッピング リストに追加して.
  5. 5
    “Hirune shite nijuu-bu tattara okoshite”: Wake me up 20 minutes after taking a nap. Didn’t catch a lot of zzzs last night? Hop into bed for a little while and say “Hirune shite nijuu-bu tattara okoshite” to get your Google Home or Google Nest device to wake you up in 20 minutes.[8]
    • Feel free to replace “nijuu-bu/20 minutes” with the time amount of your liking!
    • Japanese Translation/Spelling: 昼寝して 20 分たったら起こして.
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About This Article

Language Academia
Co-authored by:
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This article was co-authored by Language Academia and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Language Academia is a private, online language school founded by Kordilia Foxstone. Kordilia and her team specialize in teaching foreign languages and accent reduction. Language Academia offers courses in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. This article has been viewed 10,651 times.
17 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: January 29, 2023
Views: 10,651
Categories: Japanese
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