Learning Just Three Japanese Words Can Improve Communication
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Learning Just Three Japanese Words Can Improve Communication
While many people in Tokyo speak at least a little bit of English, learning just three Japanese words will greatly improve communication and your stay in Japan. These words are sumimasen (sue-me-mah-sen), arigato (ah-ree-gah-toh), and doko (doh-koh).
Sumimasen means “excuse me” and can be used to get the attention of workers in stores, restaurants, or anywhere else you plan to go. Arigato means “thank you”. Doko means “where?”.
If you want to get directions, simply ask “(place you want to go) doko?” The person you are asking will probably respond in Japanese, but will point you in the direction that you want to go.
Japanese people don't expect foreigners to speak Japanese, so they are very impressed when they see that you are trying and the quality of service that you receive will improve.
If you wish to improve communication even more, buy a small English-Japanese phrasebook that you can easily carry with you. This will have many other useful phrases that you can use in Japan. In addition, it will have the Japanese printed on the pages as well so that if the person you are speaking to cannot understand your Japanese, you can let them read it in Japanese.
