What are some phrases you should know for a Japanese exchange student?

Answer 1

Here are some helpful phrases:

Introducing yourself:

"How do you do?

I'm [insert name]

Nice to meet you."

-slight bow.

Hajimemashite - [hah-gee-meh-mah-she-teh]

[insert name] desu. - ["name" deh-zz]

dozoyoroshiku [doh-zoe-yo-low-she-ku]

*slightly bow*

Tip: Keep your eyes down when bowing. Don't stare at them when bowing!

• Often, Japanese Exchange students are very polite, so they might need to be prompted to sit or eat or sleep.
• Even if they are tired, they will often stay up and wait until the family goes to bed.
• Or wait until they are asked for food, instead of saying they are hungry.

To make them feel comfortable, reminding them they can get snacks, or sleep whenever they want would be polite.

It's okay to eat, (now).

(Ima), tabetemoii desu yo. [(ee-mah)/tah-beh-teh-moe-ee/deh-zz/yo]

It's okay to sleep, (now).

(Ima), netemoii desu yo. [(ee-mah)/neh-teh-moe-ee/deh-zz/yo]

It's okay to sit down.

suwattemoii desu yo. [sue-wah-slight pause-teh-moe-ee/deh-zz/yo]

Tip: The first "t" above in suwattemoii, indicates a slight pause in speech before saying the rest of the word. This pause should only last less than a second.

Please eat.

tabetekudasai. [tah-beh-teh-ku-duh-sigh]

Please sit.

suwattekudasai. [sue-wa-slight pause-teh-ku-duh-sigh]

I will treat you (to a meal).

gochisoushimasu.[go-chi-soo-she-mah-sue]

Tip: This expression only works for meals.

Would you like to try this food?

Kono tabemono wo tabetemitai desu ka? [koe-no/tah-beh-moe-no/wah/tah-beh-teh-me-tie/deh-zz/kah?]

Let's go! (somewhere)

Ikimashou! [ee-key-mah-show]

Are you feeling alright (sick)?

Daijobou? [die-joe-boo?]

What do you want to do?

Nani wo shitai desu ka? [nan-ee/oh/she-tie/deh-zz/kah?]

Tip: Remember, your exchange student may be fluent in English, or just a beginner. To be polite and make effective communication use these tools:

• Speak slowly in English, but not to offend them.
• Throw slang out the door. IE: Saying that you are "going to run to the store" and then grabbing your car keys, will not make sense to them. Also, "gunna", "wanna", etc, maybe unknown to them, so remember to use the full words. :)
• Use simple words. Their vocabulary may be limited. Avoid using unnecessary difficult or lengthy words, so they can understand.
• Avoid lengthy questions. It's really embarrassing to not be able to understand questions. Make them simple, and avoid restating too many times in a row. Asking "What is your school's name?" May be easier than "what school do you go to in Japan?"
• Invest in an English to Japanese Handbook. I've given you a few helpful hints, but a little dictionary or full phrase book will help with any misunderstandings, and you'll also be able to learn Japanese while they learn English!

Answer 2

Comah sey yamma