A little language

As with other cultures, it is considered a courtesy if you learn a few words in Japanese, it shows you have made an effort. The standard of form of Japanese is Tokyo dialect (Tokyo-ben) a sort of Japanese equivalent of BBC or Oxford English. Each region still has its own dialect but it is always safest to stick to Tokyo dialect.

Pronunciation is rather like Italian, with a regular consonant and vowel pattern in the language. There are no tones as in Chinese or Thai but there are many homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings, like bear and bare. This is one of the reasons that you may see Japanese writing characters with their fingers when they speak, it helps the listener to be sure which meaning is intended. Japanese homophones are kaki and kaki, oyster and persimmon, hashi and hashi, bridge and chopsticks. Usually you can tell the difference by the context, I eat with chopsticks not bridges, but occasionally it is difficult to be sure, he either makes bridges or chopsticks.

Try and learn one or two phrase in Japanese. Japanese people generally love proverbs and puns and some jokes. It might be useful to have one or two prepared, you can explain them over dinner or drinks. Try this Japanese tongue twister. Nama mugi, nama gome, nama tamago, (pronounced nama moogi, nama gomay, nama tamago - raw wheat, raw rice, raw egg - very difficult for the Japanese). You can listen to any phrase on this page via Real Player by clicking on the Japanese characters.

Or try a proverb - "like father like son" in Japanese the frog's child is a frog. (pronounced kairu no ko wa kairu).

Some useful phrases - listen to them pronounced in Japanese

Some Useful Phrases

Good Morning	Ohayo gozaimasu (Pronounced Ohio goes eye mass)	お'≠謔､ございます
Good Afternoon / Good day	Konnichi wa	今"冾ﾍ
Good Evening	Komban wa	今"ﾓは
Goodbye	Shitsurei shimasu (Sheets ray she mass)	失-轤ｵます
Thank you - very polite	Arigato gozaimasu	-L"�､ございます
Thank you - polite	Arigato	-L"�､
Thank you - very informal and casual - women do not use it	Domo	どうも
Not at all, thank you	Iie, kochira koso	いいえこちらこ�"
I am sorry	Sumimasen	済みません
I am sorry	Gomenasai	ごめんなさい
It tastes good	Oishii desu ne	"�-｡しいですね
Thanks for a lovely meal	Gochisosama deshita	ご'y'--lでし�1/2
Wait a moment	Chotto matte kudasai	ちょっと'ﾒってくづさい
You are welcome	Doo itashimashite	どう'vしまして
Do you speak English	Eigo ga wakarimasu ka	英語が分�(c)りま�*�(c)
Please do	Dozo	どう�1/4
Say it again please	Moo ichi do itte kudasai	もう一"x�3/4ってく�3/4さい
Say it again please	mo ichi do osheaytay kudasai	もう一"xおしゃってく�3/4さい
Say it again please	mo ichi do onegai she mass	もう一"xお願いします
Where is the Grand Hotel	gurando hoteru wa doko desu ka	グラ�"ドホテルは�1/2処で�*�(c)
I want to go to the Grand Hotel	gurando hoteru he ikitain desun ga (he pronounced hay)	グラ�"ドホテルへ行�"�1/2いのですが

Simple Rules when you are speaking

Keep to a reasonable speed when you speak.
Avoid is it A or B questions ? The answer may be yes!
Avoid slang, figurative speech, cliches, you may get a polite nod and complete incomprehension.
Don't expect familiarity with British political figures, sports figures, entertainers.
Avoid humorous comments, your sense of humour may not travel well.
Modesty in expression. don't boast or blow your own trumpet, it's seen as immature.
Think Metric, feet and inches, pounds and ounces are not easy for the Japanese.
Don't use first names, nicknames (unless they give you permission - even then be careful).
Send a schedule of appointments, pick-up places, times in writing in advance.
Follow up, follow up, follow up.