by Akemi

Created on: June 06, 2008

Are you planning a trip to Japan? If you are you might want to learn the real basic phrases in Japanese since not many people in Japan can speak English. I am half Japanese myself and was brought up in Japan most of my life. I can tell you that Japanese people are very polite and extremely shy. During your trip you might come across some moments that might make you wonder if Japanese people are rude because they ignored you but the truth is they are just acting like they can't hear you because they are so shy. A lot of Japanese people are very shy, but most people are very nice. They will try to help you more than they need to if you really need the help so don't worry! The culture, cities, food, history and shopping! I think it is a wonderful place to visit if you have a chance! I will promise you will love the country!

-Here are some phrases that you might want to practice-

Good morning- Ohayo-gozaimas
Hi, Hello- Konnichiwa
Good evening- Konbanwa
Goodnight- Oyasumi-nasai
Goodbye- Sayonara
Nice to meet you- Hajime mashite
How are you?- Genki deska?
Thank you- Arigato
Please- Onegai shimas
Excuse me- Sumimasen
Help me- Tasukete kudasai
Where- Doko
Who- Dare
What- Nani
This- Ko-re
That- A-re
Yes- Hai
No- Ii'e
I or Me- Watashi (for both male and female)
You- Anata
We- Watashi tachi
How much- Ikura deska?
Delicious- Oishii
Fun!- tanoshii
Very- totemo
Very fun- totemo tanoshii
Very delicious- totemo oishii
I don't know- wakarimasen
I am lost- michini mayoimashita
Its hot- Atsui-desu
Its cold- Samui-desu
Let's go- Ikimashou
Take a picture please- Shashin totte kudasai
Can I take a picture with you?- Isshoni shashin totte kudasai
Check please- Okaikei onegaishimas
I am- Watashi-wa ___________.
My name is- Watashi-no Namae-wa__________.
Japan is wonderful!- Nihon-wa subarashii-des!
I love/like Japan!- Nihon-ga daisuki-des!
You are very kind- anata-wa totemo yasashii-des.
Please tell me- Oshi-ete kudasai
How to go- ikikata
How to eat- tabekata
How to use- tsukaikata
Where is the? _______-wa doko desuka?
Good luck!- Ganbatte!

Few tips-

In Japan when you enter any stores, you will hear the staffs say IRASHAIMASE which means "welcome". Everybody just ignores it and that is totally normal in their culture, the staffs are just saying IRASHAIMASE to acknowledge you and there is no need to respond, if you feel uncomfortable you can make I contact and smile.

Keep in mind that if you are invited to a house you will have to take your shoes off. All Japanese families take their shoes off in the house. You will also have to take your shoes off in most dressing rooms, small clinics, restaurants with private rooms, and also in some Japanese style hotels too. Be sure to have nice socks on at all time during your trip in Japan so you won't have to embarrass yourself!

There is no need to give tips in Japan since there is no tipping system. But they will still give you great service at most places!

If you have never been to Japan you probably have no idea how many non-Japanese food restaurants there are in Japan. Japanese people can cook all variety of food, they cook Japanese food of course, but Chinese and Italian foods are also very popular dishes that most people can cook. I would say 70 to 80% or more are non-Japanese food restaurants in Japan. So if you were worried about what to eat in Japan don't waste your time worrying any more cause you will be able to find steak, hamburgers, pasta, pizza, Chinese food, Korean BBQ, Mac Donald's, Denny's (pretty different from the U.S but they are good) Wendy's, Subways, Starbucks (of course), and so on and on and on! Not because I am half Japanese but I really thin k Japan has the best food so don't worry! I can guarantee you this for sure.

Have a great trip and enjoy!
Ganbatte!

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