Japanese is probably one of the languages that people want to learn these days. I don't really get it but I'm here to help! :) See, as a Japanese, people expect me to know my language fully. Not gonna happen. I mean, we, Japanese do have a dictionary too and we have it for something. For reference. But the good news is you wouldn't be needing that to survive. Say you would stay in Japan for five days, these five words would be enough for you to survive. This is like learning these the lazy way. I mean, I'm gonna make it easy for everyone.
1. Hi! My name is (Mikie).
Google Translate: こんにちは！私の名前はミキエです。Kon'nichiwa! Watashi no namae ha (Mikie) desu.
- Bad news is you have to memorize that because there's no easy way out. You could actually say
"Watashi no namae ha (Mikie)" or "Namae ha (Mikie)".
But that's like your last resort. So if you're going ever going to Japan, you have to at least know this. And! Unless we have the same name, don't say Mikie, alright? LOL. Japanese people are quite familiar with "What is your name?" so that would make it a lot easier for you but if you heard the word NAMAE, it has something to do with name. Pretty easy, right? NAME=NAMAE.
2. I can't speak Japanese.
Google Translate: 私は日本語を話すことができません。Watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasen.
- Seriously? Nope! You don't say that. I mean, if you would like to be an interpreter for the Prime Minister then you might need to say that but because you're a tourist who can't really speak the language, this is how I would recommend you say it.
"Watashi nihongo wakaranai"
Which literally means I don't know Japanese but it'll make sense, trust me. It's still crazy long but relatively shorter.
3. I am a Foreigner.
Google Translate: 私は外国人です。Watashi wa gaikoku hitodesu.
- If you're not from South East Asia, there's a big chance that Japanese people would already know but just keep going. Anyways, this is still quite long. Not really conversational so what the heck?
"Watashi wa gaikokujin desu"
4. How much is this?
Google Translate: これはいくらですか？Kore wa ikuradesu ka?
- Or you could just hold the thing up and say,
"Ikura?"
This is actually just applicable when you're in a flee market or when it's not indicated but you know, it's usually indicated somewhere. Oh one more thing! There are some Ramen restaurants which put Japanese numbers instead so if you want to know, say you're budgeting your money and stuff, you could point the ramen on their menu and ask away. If they answered in Japanese, just get them answer you in sign language. You have to guess first and show them your hands. And ask "OK?" as a follow up question. Also comes handy when you're bargaining.
5. Thank you.
Google Translate: ありがとう。Arigatou.
- I think Japanese people are nice in general so I think it is just right to thank them for like, exerting a little effort to talk to you or help you or when you got a discount or just about anything you're thankful for. Just say "Arigatou" or "Domo". Actually, you'll do fine already with the word "thank you."
I will come up with an advance course for everyone soon! That's all! :)
