It is also helpful to remember the phrase “Dou iu imi desu ka?” (“What does (it/this/that) mean?”)Īlthough English has become more widely available in many accommodation facilities, there may be some that are not as convenient for foreign visitors, such as a lack of multilingual staff and signs. If you can’t hear or understand the other person’s reply the first time, you can ask them to repeat it with this phrase. Mou ichido onegaishimasu (もう一度お願いします): Can you please say that again? You can change the word “Eigo” to match your own language if different from English.ġ3. You may want to ask the other person if they can speak English with the following phrase: “Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?” (“Can you speak English?”) “Eigo” means English. This phrase lets the listener know that you cannot speak Japanese very well. Nihongo wa hanasemasen (日本語は話せません): I can‘t speak Japanese Here are some other useful-to-know phrases:ġ2. If you have a map, you can show it to someone while asking this question so they can point out where you are. “Koko” is the word for “here,” or your current location. If you get lost, or don’t know where you are, this expression is used to ask the name of the current location. Koko wa doko desu ka? (ここはどこですか？): Where is this?/Where am I? If you have pen and a paper, you can politely hand it to them as you ask “Kaite moraemasu ka?” (“Can you please draw it?”)ġ1. If you have trouble understanding directions that are given to you in Japanese, you can ask someone to draw you a simple map. Chizu o kaite moraemasu ka? (地図を書いてもらえますか？): Can you please draw a map for me? Insert the name of the place you’re looking for where indicated by the ~.ġ0. Use this expression to ask the location of your destination. But if they say “Gomen nasai” or “Sumimasen” (both meaning “I’m sorry”), they may not be able to help you, so thank them and look for someone else to ask.ĩ. If they can help you, they will probably respond, “Hai, ii desu yo” (Yes, that’s fine), and stop to help you. Alternatively, you can use the previously mentioned “Sumimasen” (Excuse me). When asking someone for directions, this is a good phrase to begin the interaction with. O-tazune shite mo ii desu ka? (おたずねしてもいいですか？): May I ask you a question?
Even if this is the only thing you are able to say in Japanese, it will be much easier for someone to help you out.Ĩ. Here are some useful phrases for if you happen to lose your way. Its nuance is quite similar to the English equivalent “excuse me.” This useful phrase can be used as both an apology and as thanks, as well as to address a stranger or unfamiliar person. Use “hai” as a positive/affirmative response in conversation. If somebody tells you “Arigatou gozaimasu,” you can reply with “Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして),” or “You’re welcome.” You can shorten the phrase to “arigatou” in a casual situation, but “arigatou gozaimasu” is more polite. This is a phrase to express thanks and gratitude. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): Thank you ‘Good morning), during the day say “Kon’nichiwa,” and in the evening/at night, “Konbanwa” (lit. In the mornings, say “Ohayou-gozaimasu” (lit.
In Japan, the words used in greeting vary depending on the time of day: morning, noon/daytime, and evening/night. Konbanwa (こんばんは): Good evening/hello (during evening/night)
Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは): Hello (during daytime only)ģ. The following are some essential, must-know phrases when communicating with Japanese people.ġ.
0 kommentar(er)
