Travel: Japan - General
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Dnls_mum:
Just wondering, in Japan, how often do we get a 'yes' when we ask 'can I speak in English'?My experience with learning one or 2 phrases of Japanese is that the answer comes back in a full stream of Japanese which will overcome you completely! It was quite funny. But the Japs are helpful and they do try very hard to help
The best experience I had was when someone used a google translate app. You speak into your phone with that app on and the equivalent comes out in Japanese or vice versa. Pretty accurate and quite helpful.
Someone shared with me a Japanese translator app - Jspeak. I'm gonna download the app when I make the trip
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bebebub:
Most younger Japanese are able to help when you ask in English and most menu have English translations.
Just wondering, in Japan, how often do we get a 'yes' when we ask 'can I speak in English'?
Someone shared with me a Japanese translator app - Jspeak. I'm gonna download the app when I make the trip
Helpdesk staffs at train stn also rather proficient in English.
Donch worry! -
Nebbermind:
Bebebub
Most younger Japanese are able to help when you ask in English and most menu have English translations.bebebub:
Just wondering, in Japan, how often do we get a 'yes' when we ask 'can I speak in English'?
Someone shared with me a Japanese translator app - Jspeak. I'm gonna download the app when I make the trip
Helpdesk staffs at train stn also rather proficient in English.
Donch worry!
Haha, I don't bother asking if I can speak in English. I ask in simple English slowly and their respond will normally be enough to let me know if they understand me.
Agree with Nebbermind. I never bother to learn the simple phrases of asking in Japanese. It is not so difficult to communicate in Japan. Don't really need to learn those little phrases. Some simple English, common sense and little hand actions help! In fact, when I travelled with my sister, even though she had learnt Japanese, she doesn't speak it, as the answers normally come quick and fast in Japanese in return and she'll be lost.
Most menus also have photos :). If you read chinese, it helps a little too. These days, I notice waitresses and translators in department store speak Chinese because of the tons of Chinese tourists, especially in major cities. I have experienced this in Shirakawago in a small eatery, in a kyoto ryokan, in department store and restaurant in Osaka for example. -
Nebbermind:
Noted with thanks. So I take it that I dun ask to speak in English if I meet an obasan or ojisan?
Most younger Japanese are able to help when you ask in English and most menu have English translations.bebebub:
Just wondering, in Japan, how often do we get a 'yes' when we ask 'can I speak in English'?
Someone shared with me a Japanese translator app - Jspeak. I'm gonna download the app when I make the trip
Helpdesk staffs at train stn also rather proficient in English.
Donch worry!
Hmmm... I'm going off-the-beaten-track in part of my trip, where I'll likely meet quite a number of obasan and ojisan
Will hv to rely on my travel partner who can speak some Japanese.
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bebebub:
Noted with thanks. So I take it that I dun ask to speak in English if I meet an obasan or ojisan?
Most younger Japanese are able to help when you ask in English and most menu have English translations.Nebbermind:
[quote=\"bebebub\"]
Just wondering, in Japan, how often do we get a 'yes' when we ask 'can I speak in English'?
Someone shared with me a Japanese translator app - Jspeak. I'm gonna download the app when I make the trip
Helpdesk staffs at train stn also rather proficient in English.
Donch worry!
Hmmm... I'm going off-the-beaten-track in part of my trip, where I'll likely meet quite a number of obasan and ojisan Will hv to rely on my travel partner who can speak some Japanese.[/quote]Ok one lah. I was in central japan, lots of obasan and ojisan in the family run ryokans that we stayed in and we all laugh together when we try to communicate, one in English, one in Japanese and we all get by.
Even if order wrong food also never mind lah. Just laugh about it lah! -
Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend’s home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups. -
Dnls_mum:
Thank you! I'm sure we will hv lots of fun
Ok one lah. I was in central japan, lots of obasan and ojisan in the family run ryokans that we stayed in and we all laugh together when we try to communicate, one in English, one in Japanese and we all get by.
Even if order wrong food also never mind lah. Just laugh about it lah!
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starlight1968sg:
Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend's home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups.
:rotflmao:
My husband say that just remember to observe the expressions of the Japanese. When they say \"sze\" like they have \"tooth ache\" or when they go say \"ah no....\" and look like in contemplation, that means no, cannot to whatever you are asking. They dunno how to say no. Hahaha -
Dnls_mum:
True. Saying Yes doesnt mean they agree or ok. It is better to observe their expression.starlight1968sg:
Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend's home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups.
:rotflmao:
My husband say that just remember to observe the expressions of the Japanese. When they say \"sze\" like they have \"tooth ache\" or when they go say \"ah no....\" and look like in contemplation, that means no, cannot to whatever you are asking. They dunno how to say no. Hahaha -
Hi,
I am looking for a 1 night stay at Ryokan in either Tokyo or Osaka with my family. I am also considering if to stay near Mt Fuji bcos of the nice scenery. Does anyone has any recommendation?
My plan is Tokyo->Ryokan Stay (maybe at Mt Fuji)? -> Osaka.
Is it troublesome to travel from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Mt Fuji and we leave there for Osaka? Or should we just do a day trip thing to Mt Fuji?
Is it dangerous due to earthquake? We are planning for Dec trip.
Thank you!
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