Whereas translation apps have made touring overseas an awesome deal simpler, it by no means hurts to have just a few phrases memorized for politeness and comfort. If you’re headed to Japan, you in all probability already know konnichiwa (whats up) and arigatō (thanks), however what different phrases come in useful? As a long-term resident, this is my quick listing of what each traveler ought to know.
Sumimasen
Similar to English “Excuse me,” this versatile phrase can be utilized to get somebody’s consideration, to ask them to repeat one thing you didn’t catch, to apologize for small errors, and to ask somebody to make approach. Which implies that is an precise dialog you may hear on the prepare:
A: Sumimasen.
B: Sumimasen?
A: [gestures at blocked exit]
B: Oh, sumimasen!
Intonation and pronunciation are key right here. Talking up with clear enunciation is extra more likely to be a name for consideration, a softly spoken and elided suimasen in all probability a request to get by.
Daijōbu
Probably essentially the most helpful phrase in all the Japanese language, daijōbu means one thing like “tremendous” and has a variety of purposes. In the event you stumble upon somebody, for instance, you’ll be able to ask if they’re OK with Daijōbu? The response: Daijōbu! If somebody affords you one thing you don’t need, you’ll be able to gently refuse with daijōbu. If somebody asks if preparations are passable? Daijōbu! If somebody apologies? Daijōbu! Are you able to eat uncooked fish? You guessed it: Daijōbu!
Mata ne!
You could have heard that sayonara means goodbye in Japanese, however that phrase will not be used a lot in every day life as a result of it really means one thing nearer to “Farewell, ceaselessly! We might by no means meet once more!” So, until you’re headed off to conflict or need to come throughout as a complete drama queen, the extra informal mata ne (so long) will suffice.
A Few Bonus Bits
In Japanese, a vocabulary listing is usually referred to as kotoba no takarabako or a treasure field of phrases. Listed below are just a few jewels vacationers might need to have of their hoard.
- hōdai (all-you-can): As in nomihōdai (all-you-can-drink) and tabehōdai (all-you-can-eat). These budget-friendly choices are generally discovered at bars and eating places.
- manseki (totally booked): Indicators with the characters 満席 imply don’t even trouble coming in, we’re full up.
- nihonshu (sake): In Japanese, sake means alcohol broadly, not simply the brewed rice beverage the nation is known for. Strolling right into a bar and asking for sake is like strolling right into a Starbucks and simply asking for espresso.
- sugoi (unimaginable/wonderful): An all-purpose response phrase for something you want
- Nihongo jōzu! (Your Japanese is nice!): Put together to listen to this each time you utilize even essentially the most fundamental Japanese with any competency …