Just for reference, I started studying Japanese last year (2023) in June from zero, basically. I've been studying Korean for more than 10 years, so that gave me a big leg-up in terms of grammar and vocabulary, I think.
My main language-related goal in coming to Fukuoka this time was to have more conversations with people, so I really tried to put myself out there. I tried to have little mini-conversations whenever possible, especially with employees/shop owners. For example, I told the hamburger steak curry restaurant owner that we came there by chance, how much I enjoyed it, she asked me where I was from, etc. Very basic stuff.
One of the best experiences in terms of language practice was going to a standing bar. If you don't know what that is, you basically stand next to strangers and have drinks (usually beer). I ended up next to a guy in his 50s, and (while internally freaking out) I asked him if he was from the area or not. That turned into a pretty long convo, and I'm really happy I took the first step. I realized I need to work on listening, because I frequently needed him to restate some things. But I didn't have too many issues when it came to communicating my ideas or thoughts. I did get snagged on very simple vocabulary though (I temporarily forgot how to say "tomorrow," kind of embarrassing).
Anyway, I highly recommend putting yourself out there as much as possible if you visit Japan. I've found Japanese people to be very receptive to having short conversations in Japanese. In fact, they're often very thrilled. I'm continuously surprised by the kindness and warm-heartedness of many of the people I meet here!
by mentalshampoo
4 comments
Happy for OP having opportunity to practice the language. Great job
Went to a bar like this in Tokyo. Most of the drinks and food were 300¥ a pop so it was economical. Funnily enough, most of the friends I made there were other foreigners, so I wouldn’t say I got to practice Japanese as much but it was still a great way to socialize
Man, language immersion just fucking skyrockets your learning when you’re actually trying. And you can also meet some really fun and interesting people.
Reminds me of my time in Kyoto when my friends and I stopped at a small restaurant for some okonomiyaki and the owner of the restaurant, upon seeing three really tall white dudes walking through the door, wanted to chat with us after we had out meal. She was an incredibly sweet tiny old lady that explained to us that it was a family restaurant and when she learned we were from Brazil, she happily told us she had family there too.
Fun experience all around. 😁😁😁
Some people get discouraged from the 日本語上手 thing, but IMO it’s not really meant as sarcastic or awkward or anything. Japanese is a damn hard language and I think most of the folk who sya that are just happy you’re making the effort to talk to them in their own language.
When I first started learning Japanese I would just construct sentences in Korean in my head and then switch out all the words for Japanese. After I got enough practice it would just come out naturally. Glad you had a good experience