I would like to travel to Japan, but I only speak English....?

Show all answers

santo m

i am sure that some of the japanese out there knows how to speak english so don't worry too much!

flemmingbee2

Most Japanese studies English at school for at least six years. That doesn't mean most of us understand it very well, but there are usually someone who does where there are many foreign tourists - airports, hotels, etc.

Travelling in Japan without knowing Japanese is no more diffictul thatn travelling in any other country without the local language. Combined with the fact that Japan is a very safe country (common sense precautions apply) and that people are generally helpful, you`ll do fine. Learning a few essential phrases would make the trip easier and more fun, and the local people more friendly.

Asa Rica

It is always a good idea to learn some basic language for the country you're visiting. Japan is quite tourist-friendly. All the public transportation stations and trains are all marked in English.

The locals are friendly and will help you if you get lost.

There's also an English visitor hotline in Tokyo. Here's a link to more resources for visitors in Japan:

http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=374&pID=748

It is not true that most Japanese speak English. Most Japanese do not speak English. In Tokyo, some of them do speak English but only some. But also it is true that they want to try to speak English.

If you speak even some Japanese, it would be really nice and would make chance to talk to them. Otherwise, they are kinda scared of hearing English.

Funny story, my friend who is native English speaker but speaks Japanese very well asked time IN JAPANESE. He said "ima nanji desuka?(What time is it now?)" in Japanese but the woman he asked to said "no no no I can't speak English" and she didn't answer to him. He spoke Japanese though.

You can find some Japanese people who can speak English in a BIG CITY but you should not expect all of them to speak English fluently.

Besides, even though Japanese people learn English at school, they are forced to learn it and many of them don't really care about actually being able to speak English so well. It's kinda like many Americans who learn a foreign language at school but they will forget what they have learned and they don't really care about being able to remember or speak the language they have learned.

But anyway, If you are in Japan, you should learn some Japanese language. Many Japanese people don't like foreigners who don't even try to speak Japanese language. But if you want to be surrounded by people who can speak English, it's better to just attend a tour for Americans. So you don't need to worry about not being able to speak Japanese so well.

maryss

most japanese people will speak some english (they have to learn it at school) but they may be nervous speaking to a "native speaker". don't be alarmed if people shy away from you. remember to speak very slowly and keep you words simple. stick to short sentances with a few keywords rather than grammatically correct structures. for example, if you want to ask what platform the train to kyoto leaves from, find a station employee and simply say "kyoto" with rising intonation (or you can just show your ticket!) if they just answer in japanese, say "wakarimasen" (i don't understand) and they'll probably hold up some fingers to indicate the platform number. Also, keep a pen and notebook handy because some japanese can read (and understand) english but have trouble speaking to, so write down your question and they'll write the answer. its a good idea to keep a phrasebook handy as well.

they do offer english tours in some cities such as kyoto, you can do free tours with university students or you can pay for them, and the tours are usually of the major tourist destinations in the city.

learn a few key phrases of japanese, and things that you would often say (eg, if you always drink coca-cola, in a restaurant you just say "cola")

wakarimasen = i don't understand/i don't know
ohayoo gozaimasu = good morning
konnichiwa = hello
arigato gozaimasu = thank-you
eigo ga hanashimasuka = do you speak english?

its also a good idea to learn some numbers but be careful because they have different counters for different items. eg:

ichi = 1
ni = 2
san = 3 when counting

hitori = 1
futari = 2 when counting people

hitotsu = 1
futatsu = 2
mitsu = 3 when counting things

and so on... there are heaps of different counters. learn the "counting things" counters and you should be fine. you don't need to learn all the numbers either, just the number of people you're travelling with - if you're travelling with three others it would be unlikely that you would ask for 8 of the same item!

all unknowing

most other countries HATE americans, but you'll earn some kudos from them if you at least TRY to speak their language.

DaFinger

Its ok to go.
People all over the world speak english.
It is the most popular second language.
In japan people will love to try their english with you.
And there are lots of groups that go all the time.

The more Japanese you know is a sign of respect to them.
and the more helpful you will find them. No matter how much you know they will still find you to be silly until you are fluent

rick r

many japanese people speak english but it would be nice to learn some japanese

xxitzana

Well I just came to Japan, I knew a little Japanese, and i am staying with some family, it is a little hard to communicate if you dont know some words. Learning alittle would be alot of help for you. Overall its ok, you just may feel alot more comfortable if you know some Japanese.

Da Sna - Ke

There are english speaking japanese people. I am one of them, sorry though I do not live in japan. I live in Hawaii.
Try this website. ( http://www.tctour.co.jp/ )They offer tours of Tokyo with English speaking guides. I'm pretty sure its going to be expensive. I am not sure how much it is or if they accept american money for this tour. I do know that you're going to need quite a bit of yen though. As of right now its 120 yen per American Dollar.

Learning Japanese would be helpful but as with any language it is complex and there is no way to learn enough in time unless you got a couple of years til your trip. Otearai ni ikimasu ka (SP) which is where is the bathroom may come in handy lol.

My best suggestion is to pick up a basic Multi Language program (walmart or kmart may have it) at least to learn some basics. Some other Yahoo Answers Members have good suggestions as well!!!

Hope that helps

Seishi

Most of we Japanese can do English.
But it is not too good.
please talk to us slowly and simply.
We can understand you said and help you.

mya

im learning japanese @ GEOS

Jenny V

couldn't hurt to learn a little Japanese
You will be surprised as to how many Japanese people know English

psychokitty

I think that most people are right that
1. Yes many people speak English.....and ALSO
2. People may not speak it to you.

It`s not out of arrogance, more out of fear and nervousness. Learn some Japanese and try your best to speak no matter how mangled....and you will break through that first "oh my god I have to speak English, how will I manage" panic....and get a much better reaction.
Most people speak much better English than they think they can......most of them need to relax.

btw......my husband speaks English really fluently when he`s drunk!! I always know if he`s been drinking if he comes home and talks to me in English, not Japanese.
........of course too much alcohol can affect communication in any language!

Just_gone

They give courses in English on Japanese TV, and many there speak good English. Learn a few phrases.
Arigato= thank you

dick

ok, i have been to France and all these places that speak different languages I'm sure they will speak English like at restaurants or hotels. I don't think someone just from japan can walk in. they probably have to learn it.

roxiecat4200

Most Japanese people speak English, but don't expect them to always speak English to you. Learn a little Japanese, simple polite things and questions...when they see you are trying they will usually offer English. But if you go in and expect English many will refuse to speak to you on principle.

boxerslive

Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so.....sorry jus an old song that popped into my head.

ladylafemme1

most can speak english anyway

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: