If you have plans to visit Japan anytime soon, you will probably have a lot of questions to ask at the moment. Due to the language barrier, one of the common questions you will probably be asking is – how much Japanese do I need before visiting Japan? Well, don’t worry; we have got an impeccable answer to the question.
you don’t need any specific amount of Japanese before visiting Japan. As explained earlier, many people in big Japanese cities understand some basic English language words and phrases. Additionally, tourist centers and areas have English translations for most things. However, outside of the big cities or tourist areas, you need to learn some common Japanese words and phrases.
There are various reasons for this.
- Many Japanese people understand English
Lots of individuals living in Japan understand the English language; hence, you will likely find those that can help you when necessary. Also, if your trip to Japan involves a guide; you may not need the Japanese language to visit the country. However, it is worthwhile to note that this only applies to visit as you will not need to stay in the country for a long period and most of the places you will visit are touristic sites with English translations on most signposts. For someone planning to stay, work, or school in Japan, the case is entirely different.
- Most locals are friendly
If you have ever visited Japan, you would agree that most locals are very friendly. As a consequence of this, they will come to your aid if they notice that the language barrier is inhibiting you from enjoying your stay. In fact, if they notice you are lost as a foreigner in the country, they will endeavor to offer you some assistance.
- Most transportation modes have English translations
If you are visiting one of the big cities, you can rest assured that you cannot have a problem with moving from one place to another. This is mainly because the majority of the train stations have Japanese signs translated into English. Also, the trains come with maps that ensure that you can check out where you are going and avoid being lost. Also, displays, announcements, and signs in trains and some buses change from one language to another to make sure no one has a problem with boarding them.
Where you are going matters
Having said that you can do without understanding Japanese during your visit to Japan, it is worthwhile to note that where you go matters. If you are going for touristic reasons, touristic sites are often designed with the needs of tourists in mind. As a result of this, the sites will probably have English translations of most things. Therefore, you may not any problem with understanding the descriptions and other things.
Also, you are likely going to find people that speak English in big cities than remote areas. This same applies to English translations for signposts, banners, etc. For instance, if you are visiting Tokyo, it will be easier for you to enjoy your short stay in this cosmopolitan city without knowing Japanese. However, the same will not apply to a small town with petty traders or farmers that don’t understand the English language or any other foreign language.
Learning a few Japanese words will be helpful
Although you can visit Japan without knowing the Japanese language, you should note that there are times when you will be lost in translations. In other words, the translations may not give you the exact meaning of the Japanese words spoken or written. However, you will be able to get by without understanding Japanese.
Also, there are some places you may not even find translations. For instance, if you are eating out, the food menus of some restaurants may not have English translations. This will put you in a difficult situation if you don’t know any Japanese words.
Therefore, as you are preparing to visit Japan, you are advised to learn some simple Japanese phrases and words that can ease your visit. In view of this, you should learn Japanese words and phrases that fall into the following categories.
- Question words
Question words are probably the biggest words that you will need during your visit to any Japanese city. Whether you are in the market, hotel, train, etc., knowing question words can save you from lots of stress. The most essential question words to know include doko (where), nanjikan (what time), itsu (when), nan ikura (how much), and dare (who).
You should consider adding “I want…” to your list so that you can request anything.
- Directions
In case you need to ask directions to get to some places you want to visit in Japan, you need to learn basic things you can say. For instance, when you say “Doko desu ka?”, you must understand the simple answers you can get from the other person. Therefore, you should learn the Japanese words for right, left, behind, in front, go straight, inside, outside, etc.
- Date and time
Of course, boarding a train depends on time. So, you learn numbers that will make it easy for you to know when a train will arrive or leave the station. Also, this can come in handy when you want to know the check-in time of your hotel. In addition, you may need numbers for buying goods in the market, if you plan to go to one during your visit.
- Basic greetings or compliments
Many Japanese are respectful people; hence, knowing some Japanese words for simple compliments and greetings can do the magic for you. In fact, it can make several locals willing to assist you when you need any help in the country. Some of the essential words and phrases to learn include please, thank you, it was fun, and welcome.
Regardless of the areas you are visiting in Japan, consider learning question words, directions, dates and time, as well as greetings or compliments in Japanese. These words and phrases can make your visit more enjoyable.