Before going to Japan I downloaded a Japanese survival phrase podcast to my iPod (download podcast here). For several months when I was driving to and from work I would practice my basic Japanese phrases. Being able to speak basic Japanese phrases was a really amazing tool when we were in Japan. Locals really appreciated the effort that it took to learn their language. It was a bit out of my comfort zone to try to speak Japanese to a local but after a couple of tries it was much easier (plus you use the same phrases over and over. I said “thank you” and “excuse me” many, many times during our trip).
Phrases I learned:
“Where is the bathroom?”
“Excuse me”
“It’s no big deal”
“Thank you” (in three different forms)
“This, please”
“That, please”
“I don’t understand Japanese”
“Do you understand English?”
“It’s nice to meet you”
“Hello, my name is Megan”
“Two people in my party and non-smoking please”
“Check please”
“That was delicious”
“Good morning/afternoon/evening”
