The ROAMies Podcast

Japanese Made Simple: Essential Phrases for Respectful Travel

• The ROAMies • Season 7 • Episode 260

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Ready for your Japanese adventure? Before you pack your bags, let's talk about something crucial that most travelers overlook—understanding Japanese culture as the foundation for learning the language.

Our special guest Rahel, who is half-Swiss and half-Japanese, shares invaluable insights from her bicultural perspective. She explains that at the heart of Japanese society lies a deep commitment to community awareness: "Everything is about understanding that my actions, my words will have an effect on the people." This mindset shapes every social interaction, including how language is used.

One fascinating revelation is how Japanese people rarely say a direct "no." Instead, they might respond with "at this point, it might not be a good time for this"—a polite buffer that communicates refusal without confrontation. For travelers accustomed to direct communication, recognizing these cultural nuances prevents misunderstandings and demonstrates respect.

Rahel guides us through essential phrases like "konnichiwa" (hello), "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you), "sumimasen" (excuse me/sorry), and "onegaishimasu" (please). Beyond just memorizing words, she emphasizes pronunciation and context, explaining which phrases are appropriate in different situations. Need to find a bathroom or train station? Learn to ask "doko desu ka?" (where is?) after naming what you're looking for.

The most powerful takeaway? Japanese people watch visitors closely, looking for intention rather than perfection. They understand when tourists make mistakes but deeply appreciate those who show genuine respect for their culture. By learning even a few phrases and approaching Japan with cultural awareness, you'll transform from just another tourist to a welcomed visitor.

Have you started learning phrases for your next international adventure? Share your language learning tips and follow along as we continue our language series around the world!

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Speaker 1:

Hi, I'm Alexa and I'm Rory, and together we are the Romies. We are married To each other, right?

Speaker 2:

We are a touring musical duo.

Speaker 1:

And our music has taken us to all kinds of places all around the world and keeps us always on the go. So we hope you enjoy our stories and adventures while running around working to keep all your plates spinning, and we hope to facilitate your busy lifestyle and feed your inner travel bug. Hi everyone, we are so excited to be launching a series on languages. We want to give you some just basic tips so you can go into a foreign country, foreign to you country, and at least not be completely rude, right, Like no, some of like the hello and the how are you or whatever the greetings are and all that stuff. So we are launching. I am so ready to get to Japan because we still have not gone. We've talked about this before and so we are so excited to have Rahel with us today and she is part. We are actually in Switzerland. We're at a little cafe outside and it's super cool out here, so you might hear some road noise or some cafe noise. We're just keeping it because we're on the road and we're traveling.

Speaker 1:

So you're traveling with us. But it's so fun because Rahel is half Swiss, half Japanese, and so it's really, really fun. She's lived in Japan for quite a long time and most of her life, and so what is really cool is the premise of learning Japanese is you're going to, like you can't separate language and culture, right, and so she just felt it was really important before before we dive into like actual, like this is how you pronounce the word hello Maybe there are a few cultural things we should be aware of as we dive into the language. Well, they frame the entire language, so it's important to know these cultural things so the language can be used properly. So, as we go through this series, you might learn excuse me in one language, but you might not need it so much in a different one. So, rahel, thank you so much for helping us like, appreciate and understand the Japanese culture a little bit better, so that when we go visit, we're not going to be completely clueless tourists, but we're going to have, just like this basic premise to get us going.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, thanks for having me on. Yeah, I was trying to think of what to start with, but I think the one of the biggest differences, depending on where you come from, is probably the understanding that everything in Japan is about community. Everything is about the understanding that my actions, my words will have an effect on the people, and so you are trying to keep that as positive as possible, and so it goes through everything in their behavior, in the way that they talk to one another. It is about how do I not offend, how do I not make anybody uncomfortable I guess the actions of the other Japanese around you, but also when you think about how do I want to act in a specific situation. Hopefully that will help you get an understanding of what will be something that the Japanese will appreciate about you or something that they will be annoyed by you, which is not going to be helpful.

Speaker 1:

Well, and we had like maybe some proposed words that maybe you could consider sharing, and one of the words that really doesn't make sense to share is the word no, and so that could be maybe offensive to someone, so you know. So just kind of like throwing that in there.

Speaker 2:

So just kind of like throwing that in there. Yeah, I think we don't usually just say no, we don't do it. We like to sort of buffer it by saying, oh, at this point it might not be a good time for this. And sometimes you have these conversations where, yeah, the Japanese is trying to politely decline, and then you have the other person saying, well, if now is not a good time, when is?

Speaker 2:

And so that brings you know a Japanese person into a real pickle because they're trying to politely say no, this is not happening, we cannot do this. And the other person is trying to follow up on it and trying to figure out. Ok, when can we and?

Speaker 1:

so those are things that Can you just say no.

Speaker 2:

Can you just say no, just say no I don't know, can't do it Exactly, and so, yeah, we don't usually say just no, so we will describe how it's a difficult task or how it's not, yeah, a good time or anything like that. So I guess teaching you how to say no is more important rather than how to say no as the word no I would say yeah, that's great.

Speaker 1:

So what else should we know before we dive into our little language lesson here?

Speaker 2:

I think sometimes what I've observed being in Japan and observing a lot of different tourists as well I think sometimes people forget that they are going to a place where people actually live, where people actually work, rather than just being the theme park for you, where you get to discover stuff. I have seen this so many times when people just walk into places or they walk into temples, they walk into businesses and think they just are free to take pictures, they can do everything, they just try stuff, they touch things, and oftentimes I think there's just a lack of awareness that it's actually like in a temple, for example, you don't go in there and munch on stuff, you don't have drinks. You know it's a sacred place for people in Japan, and so to really show the respect that they have for that place and understand where it is that you're going, I think that is a very crucial topic for a lot of the things and people that I have seen and observed in Japan, and because the Japanese are very non-confrontational, they will often not actually tell you that they don't like you doing that, but just be aware that people are going to be annoyed. They might even smile at you, but they'll still be annoyed and they'll still. You'll leave a bad taste in their mouth.

Speaker 2:

And so if we can just try to be more aware of the fact that, yeah, it is people's businesses, it's people's lives, it's people's livelihoods, it's you know, it's sacred places that you are entering in, I think that would go a long way and I know a lot of people have, you know, this fear of potentially offending somebody. But I think the Japanese people are, in general, people that watch you very closely and will look for your intention. And if they see the intention and you are being, you're trying at least to be accommodating, you're trying to be respectful, that will go a long way. Rather than you always making the right step, you know you might sometimes step in it, but if it is accidental and they know that you're trying to be respectful of their culture, that already goes a long way. So just be aware, people are watching and they may not say things flat into your face, but they will have their thoughts.

Speaker 1:

And so if you're wanting to represent your country and your culture as well, very well then yeah, just be aware of those things I'd say, that's good, and I think that's one reason learning the language that's good, and I think that's one reason learning the language. To me, that is such a way that, in wherever you travel, that you're showing respect by at least trying to learn the language. Maybe you can't say everything correctly and that's what you're going to help us with, but the fact that you're trying, I think with any culture, any culture would appreciate that. So just the language alone is one good way to make that initial step.

Speaker 2:

I think, with the whole, being aware and being respectful. Yeah, I think choosing even if it's a few words to say in their language really shows them that you acknowledge, first of all, that you're not in your own country, that you cannot expect everything to be and function and work the same way as in your country. And so I think, yeah, and you don't show them that you expect them to speak your language rather than you, being a guest in their country, you know, really, at least put some effort into being able to speak their language and speak something that they would understand, that they don't have to think stuff through, right, yeah, cool, so what would some of those things be? So in Japan, it's very important the greetings to greet one another well is important, and so I thought starting with the word hello is always a good place, and so I know a lot of people sort of have heard this word before and they say it.

Speaker 2:

The intonation, I think, is a little different usually from what I hear, but we would say konnichiwa, and so this means hello. You can pretty much say it throughout the day. Technically, we do have, you know, good mornings and good evening and all of these things, but I don't know if that is so, so vital at this point. So even if you can just say konnichiwa, then that'll be a good start.

Speaker 1:

Can you say it slow?

Speaker 2:

one more time Konnichiwa, nice, all right start, can you?

Speaker 1:

say it slow one more time all right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I think in any language um being able to thank people correctly is very important. Now I do have to say in japan we have very different levels of politeness in our language, so the shorter it is usually the less polite it is.

Speaker 1:

So I'm going to go with the middle ground.

Speaker 2:

To not be completely rude, but also not to be too casual, but still polite. So, thank you. We would say arigato gozaimasu. And again, if it's more casual, if you're just with friends, arigato would technically do, but if you're wanting to be a little bit more polite, then you would want to say arigato gozaimasu Really slow, arigato gozaimasu.

Speaker 1:

Can you say it even slower, because that was a fast slow to me, okay.

Speaker 2:

Arigato gozaimasu. Was that good? That's very helpful.

Speaker 1:

Yes, okay, and then now say it normal again.

Speaker 2:

Arigato gozaimasu.

Speaker 1:

Great, All right. Now all of y'all are repeating that, practicing that right Okay?

Speaker 2:

Or to say excuse me if you're trying to get somebody's attention in a restaurant, or yeah, if you're walking down the street, or you're also saying excuse me because you bumped into somebody, for example, you would say and that means excuse me, sorry, kind of that direction. One more time. Sound good so far. Sound good so far.

Speaker 1:

Awesome. Okay, we've got our three phrases. Got some more for us, right?

Speaker 2:

I thought maybe to ask, to say please. Sometimes the word please is maybe not used in the same sentence structure as we think of maybe in English, but when you, for example, you could actually say this as well, like if you're trying to get somebody's attention at a restaurant, or if you're just you're taking something to the register and you're trying to pay for it, for example, you can say おねがいします。, おねがいします。 and this, yeah, if you're saying something, something おねがいします, it's just a phrase that you use to ask for something.

Speaker 1:

So it's kind of like please.

Speaker 2:

So if I'm in a grocery store let's say I go to the register I want to buy anything then when I place it on the counter I can say that word to the clerk Right. They'll know they will know yeah, I mean usually they will. Just you know, obviously if you go to the cashier, then it's pretty self-explanatory.

Speaker 1:

We can point to the picture or the word in the menu Right.

Speaker 2:

And say and then they'll understand, and that'll be a very polite way of asking please can I have this?

Speaker 1:

All right great.

Speaker 2:

Yes, now, sometimes you are probably looking for things whether it's the bathroom, whether it's the train station, whatever it is, and so then you would have to use the word train station, for example, which is eki, so you can say eki doko desu ka. And doko desu ka is asking for where it is, so you have to use the word something, something, train station eki doko desu ka. So first the word of the thing you're looking for Exactly, exactly, okay, so please pronounce those slowly.

Speaker 2:

Eki is the train station and doko desu ka is where is.

Speaker 1:

And again slow.

Speaker 2:

Eki doko desu ka, doko desu ka.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So then if we want to know, I would be asking for the toilets, so how would we say that? And then I usually want some water to drink, like is there a water fountain? So are there something that we can use for those two things Like water or toilet?

Speaker 2:

So water? If you go into a Japanese restaurant, most likely they'll just serve you water or tea right off the bat and oftentimes also with a hot towel or a cool towel depending on the season. So you shouldn't have to ask necessarily separately, unless you just want more. So water would be omizu. Omizu is water, so you wouldn't want a water fountain if you're walking over. That's not something that we would have a whole lot of water fountains, although I do have to say I think in some tourist areas this year, especially having so many tourists but also having a very, very hot summer, there have been a few fountains established. But in general people will tend to just buy at the convenience store, for example, or at a supermarket. You'll just bring your own water bottle.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, yeah, okay.

Speaker 1:

But okay, so can you say water again お水 is water.

Speaker 2:

Okay, toilets, technically, if you say toilet, they will understand. However, there is a nicer, a more beautiful word, I guess, if you want, where you say, and that is a more polite way of saying bathroom. So I guess it's similar to restroom versus bathroom or toilet. Yeah, so the nicer way of saying it would be otearai, otearai.

Speaker 1:

So if we want to say where is the restroom, you would say otearai doko desu ka, which then slowly would be ote. So that's where is the bathroom and then where is water, if you're mostly buying water.

Speaker 2:

You would probably ask for where can I buy water would be probably the more likely scenario that you would need, and then they'll just. You might as well just ask for where is the closest convenience store or whatever, and I think people have come Store where is?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2:

But then, yeah, I think most convenience stores we have so many in Japan, especially when you're in the city area Family Mart, 7-eleven, you know, mini Stop, all sorts of Lawsons they're very, very popular and yeah.

Speaker 1:

If you look around, you'll see one. Yes, we also have. So you could say 7-Eleven, where is?

Speaker 2:

7-Eleven doko desu ka, doko desu ka. Yeah, the doko desu ka you can use behind anything that you're really looking for. And, yeah, that would be the question to ask that's great, all right.

Speaker 1:

Does that get us going, or do you have any other words or things you think you want to share?

Speaker 2:

I think that should be good enough for to be able to say hello, to be able to thank people, to apologize to people and to get the attention correctly, and then also just knowing where you can find what. I think that's a good basic thing. I noticed a lot of people use Google Translate. A lot of the stores have started having, like these, pocket talk devices that will translate for you. So, yeah, we're trying to find ways of communicating with people, I think. What? Maybe one word to the Japanese and their English. I've heard people being upset about the lack of English speakers in Japan sometimes and I'm just like well, they live in Japan.

Speaker 2:

But also because in Japanese life we just really, really don't use English as much. If you are not anywhere in the industry or if you're not constantly, you know in that you just don't need English as much as you would probably hear or use it, for example, being here in Switzerland, you know.

Speaker 1:

You're on an island.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, right, it is separate from the rest. So hello, you're on an island.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, All right, well, do you mind, just give us a quick review of what we learned, real quick, and we will wrap it up.

Speaker 2:

Okay, so I'm going to start from the top with hello. It'll be konnichiwa konnichiwa. Then thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu. Arigatou gozaimasu. Then I think we had excuse me sumimasen, sumimasen. Then I think we had excuse me, すみません。 and please おねがいします。. Then, where is どこですか? I hope this helps. Then, where is どこですか? どこですか? I hope this helps.

Speaker 1:

It super helps, thank you so much. Okay, rory, this is our next step in getting ready to go to Japan, learning these words Yep, learning these words. Now we got to book our tickets and get on over there. Thank you so much, rahal. We really appreciate the insight into the culture and the language so that we can go and enjoy ourselves but also be respectful of the people we're visiting.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, who'd have thought we could have done it in Switzerland.

Speaker 1:

I love it, love it.

Speaker 2:

Love it.

Speaker 1:

It's a small world. We hope we've inspired you this episode, so join us next time. Please subscribe to rate and share our podcast with your friends or you know whomever, and please like and follow us on Instagram, youtube and Facebook.

Speaker 2:

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Speaker 1:

We are at TheRomies, that's T-H-E-R-O-A-M-I-E-S, and our main hub is our website At wwwtheromiescom, that's right, that's. T-h-e-r-o-a-m-i-e-scom. We'll be there until next time. Yeah, thanks for listening. No-transcript.