Day 5: Learn Real-Life Japanese Conversations - Japanese in 7 Days Course | proenglishguide.info

Real-Life Japanese Conversations: Day 5

Master practical Japanese for shopping, dining, traveling, and social interactions. Build confidence through immersive dialogues and real-world scenarios designed for English speakers.

90-105 Minutes Audio Guides Real-World Focus Cultural Notes
Your 7-Day Japanese Learning Journey Day 5 of 7 - Real-Life Conversations
Conversation Skills Complete Certificate: 2 days away

Interactive Pronunciation: Click on any Japanese phrase, dialogue, or the 🔊 button to hear the correct Japanese pronunciation!

Shopping Dining Out Travel Directions Social Situations Practice Exercises

Your Day 5 Learning Plan

Welcome to Day 5 of your Japanese learning journey! Today, we'll focus on practical conversation skills for real-world situations you'll encounter in Japan or when interacting with Japanese speakers. These skills will build your confidence in actual Japanese-speaking environments.

Shopping Conversations

Master buying, bargaining, and inquiries in Japanese stores

Dining Out

Order food and handle restaurant situations in Japanese

Travel Japanese

Navigate transportation and accommodations in Japan

Directions & Locations

Ask for and give directions confidently in Japanese

Real-Life Practice Strategy

Practice these conversations in real situations! Visit Japanese restaurants, shops, or interact with Japanese speakers. Start with simple interactions and gradually build complexity. Real practice is the fastest way to fluency.

Cultural Note for English Speakers

In Japan, politeness and respect are extremely important. Service staff always use polite language (keigo). When starting conversations, it's common to begin with "Sumimasen" (Excuse me). Also, always say "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you) after receiving service or making a purchase.

Shopping & Store Conversations

Master essential shopping vocabulary and dialogues for various shopping scenarios in Japan, from local markets to modern department stores.

Shopping Dialogue Practice

Click to see a complete shopping conversation in Japanese

Practice this common scenario for English speakers
Buying Clothes in Japan

Customer: "すみません、このシャツはいくらですか？" 🔊

(Sumimasen, kono shatsu wa ikura desu ka?)

"Excuse me, how much is this shirt?"

Shop Staff: "1500円です。" 🔊

(Sen gohyaku en desu.)

"It's 1500 yen."

Click to flip back
Essential Shopping Phrases for English Speakers
Asking Price
これはいくらですか？
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
"How much does this cost?"
これは: This is
いくら: How much
ですか: Question particle
Asking for Discount
もう少し安くできますか？
Mou sukoshi yasuku dekimasu ka?
"Can you make it a little cheaper?"
もう少し: A little more
安く: Cheaper
できますか: Can you do?
Payment Methods
クレジットカードは使えますか？
Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
"Do you accept credit cards?"
クレジットカード: Credit card
使えますか: Can I use?
Browsing (Not Buying)
ただ見ているだけです、ありがとう。
Tada miteiru dake desu, arigatou.
"I'm just looking, thank you."
ただ: Just/Only
見ているだけ: Just looking
ありがとう: Thank you
Grammar Note for English Speakers

Japanese sentence structure is different from English. The basic order is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV), while English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). For example, "I eat sushi" in Japanese becomes "Watashi wa sushi o tabemasu" (I sushi eat). Notice how the verb comes at the end.

Shopping Dialogue Practice

Practice this complete shopping conversation. Read both parts aloud:

Scenario: Buying Electronics in Japan

Customer: "すみません、このスマートフォンに興味があります。機能について教えていただけますか？" 🔊

(Sumimasen, kono sumaatofon ni kyoumi ga arimasu. Kinou ni tsuite oshiete itadakemasu ka?)

"Excuse me, I'm interested in this smartphone. Can you tell me about its features?"

Salesperson: "はい！このモデルは128GBのストレージ、高品質カメラ、長持ちバッテリーが特徴です。" 🔊

(Hai! Kono moderu wa 128GB no sutoreeji, kouhinshu kamera, nagamochi batterii ga tokuchou desu.)

"Certainly! This model has 128GB storage, a high-quality camera, and long battery life."

Customer: "値段はいくらですか？保証はついていますか？" 🔊

(Nedan wa ikura desu ka? Hoshou wa tsuite imasu ka?)

"What's the price? And do you offer any warranty?"

Salesperson: "35,000円で、メーカー保証が1年ついています。" 🔊

(San man go sen en de, meekaa hoshou ga ichi nen tsuite imasu.)

"It's 35,000 yen, and it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty."

Japanese Shopping Culture for Foreigners

In Japan, bargaining is generally not common in chain stores or department stores (unlike some other Asian countries). However, you might negotiate in small shops or markets. It's polite to ask before touching merchandise. When paying, hand money with both hands and receive change the same way. Many stores will beautifully wrap your purchase even for small items.

Dining Out & Restaurant Japanese

Learn essential phrases for ordering food, making special requests, and handling restaurant situations confidently in Japanese restaurants.

Restaurant Conversation Flow for English Speakers
Getting a Table

二人です。 🔊

Futari desu.
"Table for two."
Ordering Food

チキンのカレーをください。 🔊

Chikin no karee o kudasai.
"I'd like the chicken curry, please."
Special Requests

辛くないようにできますか？ 🔊

Karaku nai youni dekimasu ka?
"Can you make it less spicy?"
Asking for Bill

お会計お願いします。 🔊

Okaikei onegaishimasu.
"Could we have the bill, please?"
Complete Restaurant Dialogue
Situation Japanese Dialogue Romaji & English Translation
Arrival こんばんは。四人です。 🔊 Konbanwa. Yonin desu.
"Good evening. Table for four."
Ordering 今日のおすすめは何ですか？ 🔊 Kyou no osusume wa nan desu ka?
"What do you recommend today?"
Special Request 玉ねぎ抜きでお願いできますか？ 🔊 Tamanegi nuki de onegai dekimasu ka?
"Can I get this without onions?"
During Meal お水をもう少しいただけますか？ 🔊 Omizu o mou sukoshi itadakemasu ka?
"Could we get some more water, please?"
Paying 別々でお願いします。 🔊 Betsubetsu de onegaishimasu.
"We'd like to pay separately, please."
Restaurant Etiquette Tip for English Speakers

Use "kudasai" (please) and "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you) frequently in Japanese restaurants. Saying "___ o kudasai" or "Oishikatta desu, arigatou gozaimasu" (That was delicious, thank you) makes interactions more pleasant and shows good manners.

Japanese Dining Culture

In Japan, it's customary to say "Itadakimasu" before eating (similar to "Bon appétit") and "Gochisousama deshita" after finishing. Learn to use chopsticks properly - don't pass food from chopstick to chopstick. It's acceptable to slurp noodles, but try not to make too much noise. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (this resembles funeral rituals). Also, it's considered rude to use your phone during meals.

Restaurant Role Play for English Speakers

Practice this restaurant scenario. Fill in your responses in Japanese:

Waiter: "いらっしゃいませ！何名様ですか？" 🔊

(Irasshaimase! Nan mei sama desu ka?)

"Welcome! How many people?"

You: ___________________________________

Waiter: "メニューをお見せしましょうか？" 🔊

(Menyuu o omise shimashou ka?)

"Would you like to see the menu?"

You: ___________________________________

Waiter: "ご注文はお決まりですか？" 🔊

(Gochuumon wa okimari desu ka?)

"Are you ready to order?"

You: ___________________________________

Travel & Transportation Japanese

Master essential travel vocabulary for airports, hotels, public transportation, and tourist situations in Japan.

Travel Scenarios and Phrases for English Speakers
Buying Tickets
切符はどこで買えますか？
Kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka?
"Where can I buy a ticket?"
Transport Timing
バスは何時に到着しますか？
Basu wa nanji ni touchaku shimasu ka?
"What time does the bus arrive?"
Hotel Check-in
チェックインをお願いします。
Chekkuin o onegaishimasu.
"I'd like to check in, please."
Hotel Amenities
無料Wi-Fiはありますか？
Muryou Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?
"Is there free WiFi available?"
Airport Dialogue Practice

Practice this airport check-in conversation in Japanese:

Airline Staff: "おはようございます。パスポートとチケットを見せていただけますか？" 🔊

(Ohayou gozaimasu. Pasupooto to chiketto o misete itadakemasu ka?)

"Good morning. May I see your passport and ticket, please?"

Traveler: "はい、どうぞ。窓側の席をお願いできますか？" 🔊

(Hai, douzo. Madogawa no seki o onegai dekimasu ka?)

"Here you go. I'd like a window seat if possible."

Airline Staff: "かしこまりました。お預けになる荷物はいくつですか？" 🔊

(Kashikomarimashita. Oazuke ni naru nimotsu wa ikutsu desu ka?)

"Certainly. How many bags are you checking in?"

Traveler: "このスーツケース一つだけです。重量制限はありますか？" 🔊

(Kono suutsukeesu hitotsu dake desu. Juuryou seigen wa arimasu ka?)

"Just this one suitcase. Is there a weight limit?"

Japanese Transportation Culture

Japanese public transportation is extremely punctual and clean. On trains and buses, talking loudly or on the phone is considered rude. Turn off your phone near priority seats. On escalators, stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka. Taxi doors open and close automatically - don't try to open them yourself. When boarding trains, wait in line and let passengers exit first.

Asking for & Giving Directions

Learn how to ask for directions clearly in Japanese and understand the responses you receive.

Direction Vocabulary for English Speakers
Asking for Directions
  • "すみません、一番近い病院はどこですか？" 🔊

    • Sumimasen, ichiban chikai byouin wa doko desu ka?

    "Excuse me, where is the nearest hospital?"

  • "駅へはどう行けばいいですか？" 🔊

    • Eki e wa dou ikeba ii desu ka?

    "How do I get to the station?"

Giving Directions
  • "まっすぐ行ってください。" 🔊

    • Massugu itte kudasai.

    "Go straight ahead."

  • "信号を左に曲がってください。" 🔊

    • Shingou o hidari ni magatte kudasai.

    "Turn left at the traffic light."

Direction Dialogues
Situation Japanese Dialogue Romaji & English Translation
Finding a Hotel "すみません、パシフィックホテルを探しているんですが、ここから遠いですか？" 🔊 Sumimasen, Pasifikku hoteru o sagashiteirun desu ga, koko kara tooi desu ka?
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the Pacific Hotel. Is it far from here?"
Getting Response "車で約10分です。まっすぐ行って、二つ目の信号を右に曲がってください。" 🔊 Kuruma de yaku juppun desu. Massugu itte, futatsume no shingou o migi ni magatte kudasai.
"It's about 10 minutes by car. Go straight, then turn right at the second traffic light."
Confirming "では、まっすぐ行って二つ目の信号を右に曲がるんですね？" 🔊 Dewa, massugu itte futatsume no shingou o migi ni magarun desu ne?
"So I go straight and turn right at the second traffic light?"
Thanking "ご親切にどうもありがとうございます！" 🔊 Goshinsetsu ni doumo arigatou gozaimasu!
"Thank you so much for your kindness!"
Direction Practice Exercise

Create directions in Japanese for these locations:

1. From your hotel to the nearest convenience store:

Japanese Directions: ___________________________________

2. From the station to a popular temple:

Japanese Directions: ___________________________________

3. From a department store to the post office:

Japanese Directions: ___________________________________

Social Situations & Greetings

Master appropriate greetings and conversations for different social contexts and relationships in Japanese culture.

Social Greetings for Different Contexts
Casual Greeting
こんにちは！お元気ですか？
Konnichiwa! Ogenki desu ka?
"Hello! How are you?"
Formal Greeting
こんにちは、部長。
Konnichiwa, buchou.
"Good afternoon, manager."
First Meeting
はじめまして、よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
"Nice to meet you. Please treat me well."
Parting
また明日！
Mata ashita!
"See you tomorrow!"
Japanese Greeting Culture for English Speakers

In Japan, bowing (ojigi) is an important part of greetings. In business situations, deeper bows are used. Handshakes are also accepted, but Japanese people generally prefer bowing over handshakes. When addressing someone, add "san" after their last name (e.g., Tanaka-san). For superiors or elders, "sama" may be used. For first meetings, business card exchange (meishi koukan) is an important ritual.

Social Conversation Practice

Practice these common social interactions in Japanese:

Scenario: Meeting a Friend

Person A: "やあ！久しぶり！元気だった？" 🔊

(Yaa! Hisashiburi! Genki datta?)

"Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?"

Person B: "元気だったよ！仕事で忙しかっただけ。君は？" 🔊

(Genki datta yo! Shigoto de isogashikatta dake. Kimi wa?)

"I've been good! Just busy with work. How about you?"

Person A: "同じく！近いうちにちゃんと会って話さないと。" 🔊

(Onajiku! Chikai uchi ni chanto atte hanasanai to.)

"Same here! We should meet up properly soon and talk."

Create Your Own Social Dialogues in Japanese

Write complete conversations in Japanese for these social situations:

  • Introducing yourself to a new colleague at work
  • Meeting your friend's parents for the first time
  • Making small talk with a neighbor
  • Thanking someone who helped you

Day 5 Practice Exercises

Apply what you've learned with these comprehensive real-life conversation exercises in Japanese.

Exercise 1: Shopping Role Play in Japanese

Create a complete shopping dialogue in Japanese for buying a mobile phone. Include these elements:

  • Greeting the shop staff
  • Asking about features in Japanese
  • Discussing price and warranty in Japanese
  • Bargaining for a better price
  • Completing the purchase
Exercise 2: Restaurant Ordering in Japanese

Write a dialogue in Japanese for ordering food at a restaurant. Include:

  1. Getting a table
  2. Asking for recommendations in Japanese
  3. Placing your order in Japanese
  4. Making special requests (less spicy, no onions, etc.)
  5. Asking for the bill in Japanese
Exercise 3: Travel Scenarios in Japanese

Create dialogues in Japanese for these travel situations:

  1. Checking into a hotel in Japanese
  2. Asking for directions to a tourist attraction
  3. Buying tickets at a bus station in Japanese
  4. Asking about flight information at an airport
Exercise 4: Social Interaction Practice in Japanese

Write appropriate responses in Japanese for these social situations:

  1. Someone says: "ご昇進おめでとうございます！" → Your response: _________________________
  2. Someone says: "ご愁傷様です。" → Your response: _________________________
  3. Someone says: "夕食に一緒にいかがですか？" → Your response: _________________________
  4. Someone says: "お手伝いいただき、本当にありがとうございます！" → Your response: _________________________
  5. Someone says: "お仕事は何をされていますか？" → Your response: _________________________
Real-Life Practice Strategy for English Speakers

Take these Japanese dialogues into real situations! Visit Japanese restaurants, shops, or interact with Japanese speakers. Start with simple interactions like greetings and asking prices, then gradually try more complex conversations. Real practice is the most effective way to build confidence in speaking Japanese.

Congratulations!

You've completed Day 5 of your Japanese learning journey. You now have practical conversation skills for real-world situations including shopping, dining, travel, and social interactions in Japanese.

Tomorrow, we'll focus on listening comprehension and advanced communication strategies in Japanese.

Back to Day 4 Continue to Day 6

Want to review? Go back to Shopping or redo exercises