Traveling in Japan is an exciting experience. It's always nice to be able to say a few words to the locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Here are some basic words and meanings that will be helpful. All the Japanese equivalent words are in CAPS so they are easy to spot.
The Japanese word for train is: RESSHA. There are many trains that you can take in Japan so this is a word you may wish to learn if you are going to do a lot of travel within the country. And if you are looking for the fast train, or bullet train, be sure to ask for the, SHINKANSEN.
After arrival in the city, or, SHINAI. One will need to find a hotel or, HOTERU. And, of course night life is a must, so a visit to the karaoke bar is in order; just ask for the KARAOKE BAARU when you are on your way to the nearest restaurant, or RESUTORAN.
Also if you're in need of some local transport to any hot-spot, you may need to hire a taxi, or TAKUSHI. And when returning home be sure to stop off at the convenience store or, KONBINIENSUSUTOA, for snacks, TSUKIDASHI and aspirin, BAFARIN before going to sleep or NEMRU.
Of course whenever you wish to say please, try, KUDASAI, or thank you, ARIGATO and you'll never go wrong. Japanese culture is very polite so use these two words often and regularly to encourage better relationships and to deepen cultural understanding.
When meeting someone for the first time be sure to introduce yourself properly. In Japanese the proper order is, I am Smith, John or, BOKU WA, Smith, John, DESU.
If someone approaches you and blurts out, OGENKI DESUKA, they are asking you how you are doing? To which the proper response is, GENKI DESU, or I am fine. A bit tricky at first, but with practice anyone can be great at speaking Japanese.
Remember to slowly build vocabulary and keep in regular practice to make sure your Japanese language skills are always improving.
