Learn Japan in 30-second reels
Real phrases for the konbini, the restaurant, the train — each with romaji and English, ready to use the second you land.
All videos
Beginner
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Your App Says It Means "Nice to Meet You." People Say It to Their Dentist.
yoroshiku onegai shimasu · I'm in your hands, please treat me well
Beginner
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You Came for Conveyor Belt Sushi. Most Chains Stopped Rotating It.
chūmon wa tatchi paneru desu ka? · Do I order on the touch panel?
Beginner
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Your Etiquette Guide Said Always Use Chopsticks. Nigiri Was Built to Be Eaten With Your Fingers.
te de tabete mo ii desu ka? · Is it okay to eat this with my hands?
Survival
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Tell a Japanese Friend Good News and She'll Yell 'Liar' Right at You
hontō desu ka? · Really?! / For real?
Beginner
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You Rented a Car in Japan and Drove Into the Purple Lane. The Barrier Isn't Going Up.
ītīshī kādo wa kariraremasu ka? · Can I rent an ETC card?
Survival
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Everyone Here Cycles Under an Umbrella. Since April, That's a Ticket.
kasasashi unten · riding a bike while holding an umbrella
Survival
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A Siren Goes Off Over the Whole Neighbourhood in Japan. One Word in the Announcement Tells You Not to Run.
kore wa kunren desu · This is a drill.
Survival
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You Had a Bath at a Japanese Home and Pulled the Plug. Three People Were Still Waiting for That Water.
oyu wa nukanaide kudasai · Please don't drain the tub.
Survival
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You Locked Your Passport in the Hotel Safe Like Everyone Said. In Japan That's the Wrong Move.
pasupōto o misete kudasai · Please show me your passport.
Beginner
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You Asked for the English Menu in Japan. You Just Got the Short Version.
nihongo no menyuu mo onegai shimasu · The Japanese menu too, please.
Survival
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You Said No Meat, No Fish. They Said No Problem. Your Miso Soup Still Has Fish In It.
dashi ni sakana wa haitte imasu ka? · Is there fish in the broth?
Survival
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You Ordered One Coffee in an Old Japanese Cafe and Breakfast Turned Up. Nobody Charged You For It.
mōningu, yattemasu ka? · Are you doing the morning set?
Survival
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Your Anime Taught You to Call People chan. On a Stranger It Lands Like Calling Your Waiter Sweetie.
-san · the default polite name-ending for any adult
Beginner
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Your Textbook Taught You the Days of the Week Wrong. Well, Too Long.
kin'you · Friday (casual, dropping the last part of the full word)
Survival
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Everyone Says You Must Ask Before Reclining on the Shinkansen. The Railway Says There Is No Such Rule.
seki, taoshite mo ii desu ka? · Can I recline my seat?
Beginner
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Your Sushi Video Taught You an Insider Word for Tea. It Belongs to the Guy Behind the Counter.
ocha kudasai · Tea, please.
Beginner
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Haggling in Japan Does Not Work. There Are About Four Places Where It Quietly Does.
mō sukoshi yasuku narimasen ka? · Could it be a little cheaper?
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