Renata's Sadhana

When in Japan, it is highly recommended to experience the diverse and delicious cuisine the country has to offer. All over the country, whether in the big and sprawling urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka or in the quiet and remote parts of Hokkaido and Okinawa, you can find diners, cafes, and restaurants where you can feast on some good tasting, local specialties. However, while there are many places that provide English menus, there are also several that do not. Before your trip to Japan, it is best to memorize a number of Japanese words and phrases that are useful when dining out. Below are 13 of them: Upon arriving at the restaurant 1. “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) – You can use this phrase to call the attention of a staff or employee, if there is no one by the door as you enter. When you say it, slightly raise your hand, similar to what students usually do in class when they have questions for the teacher. 2. “Hitori desu” (For one person) – This phrase is valuable to solo travelers. With ...

GreetingsHello [Konnichiwa] Hi [Yo] To be used with close friends onlyWelcome [Youkoso] How are you? [O-genki desu ka?] Good morning [Ohayou gozaimasu] Good afternoon [Kon’nichiwa] Good evening [Konbanwa] Good night [Oyasumi] Goodbye! (informal) [Ja ne!] Ja ne is informal, more like ‘see you’. Goodbye! (formal) [Sayounara ]is ‘good bye’ in a formal way. See you tomorrow! [Mata ashitane!] What is your name? [Anatano namae wa nan desu ka?] My name is ___ [Watashi no namae wa ___ desu] Congratulations! [Omedetou!] Happy birthday! [Tanjoubi omedetou!] Good luck!/Do your best! [Ganbatte!] CourtesyYes [Hai] No [Iie] Please [Onegai shimasu] Sorry [Sumimasen] This is the sorry you use when bumping into people, rather than a heartfelt apology. Thank you [Arigatou gozaimasu] You’re welcome [Doo itashimashite] I do not speak Japanese [Nihongo ga hanasemasen] I do not understand [Wakarimasen] Are you okay? [Daijobu desu ka?] Yes, I am okay [Hai, daijobu desu] Numbers and Counting 1 [ichi] 2 [ni] 3...