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Essentials きほん · Stop E05

わかりません

“I don’t understand”: phrases for when Japanese gets too fast

A busy café near Shibuya Crossing. Japanese comes at you fast, and these phrases buy you time. Say you don't understand, ask for a repeat, and ask someone to slow down or write it down.

  • 渋谷 · Set in Shibuya
  • 6-minute lesson
  • Free in the app

Phrases

にほんごがわかりません

nihongo ga wakarimasen

I don't understand Japanese.

Yes, it's funny to say this in Japanese. It works, and usually gets a smile.

日本語がnihongo ga · Japanese (subject)わかりませんwakarimasen · don't understand

もういちどおねがいします

mou ichido onegaishimasu

One more time, please.

Didn't catch it? This is the polite way to ask for a repeat.

もう一度mou ichido · one more timeお願いonegai · please (request)しますshimasu · (I) do

ゆっくりはなしてもらえますか？

yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka?

Could you speak slowly?

People are happy to slow down. You just have to ask!

ゆっくりyukkuri · slowly話してhanashite · speakもらえますかmoraemasu ka · could you (for me)?

えいごははなせますか？

eigo wa hanasemasu ka?

Do you speak English?

Ask before switching to English. It's polite and saves you both some stress.

Pattern: 〜は話せますか？

英語はeigo wa · English (topic)話せますかhanasemasu ka · can (you) speak?

wakarimashita

I understand. / Got it.

Lets people know you followed along. Add a nod and you're golden.

かいてもらえますか？

kaite moraemasu ka?

Could you write it down?

Great for prices, times and addresses. Hand over your phone or a pen.

書いてkaite · writeもらえますかmoraemasu ka · could you (for me)?

What you’ll hear

Staff talk fast. Here’s what they are likely to say at this stop, and a good answer.

nihongo, ojouzu desu ne!

Your Japanese is great!

A kind compliment you'll hear even after one word. A modest reply is the classic answer.

You

ie ie, mada mada desu

Oh no, I'm still learning.

wakarimasu ka?

Do you understand?

Staff checking that you followed what they just explained.

You

hai, wakarimashita

Yes, I understand.

Culture tip

Write It Down

Many people in Japan read English better than they speak it. If talking stalls, type or write your question on your phone. Translation apps help too, and some stations and big stores keep translation devices at the counter.

“Many people in Japan read English better than they speak it.”

Practise scene

Say That Again?

A busy café near Shibuya Crossing. You've just paid, and the barista tells you something very fast.

Kenta · Café staff

  1. oseki made omochishimasu node, kochira no bangoufuda o omochi kudasai.

    We'll bring it to your seat, so please take this number tag.

  2. Your turn: That was way too fast. Ask him to say it again.

    mou ichido onegaishimasu

    One more time, please.

  3. hai. oseki made omochishimasu node, bangoufuda o omochi kudasai.

    Sure. We'll bring it to your seat, so please take the number tag. (just as fast)

  4. Your turn: Still too fast! Ask him to speak slowly.

    yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka?

    Could you speak slowly?

  5. hai. kono bangou o motte, seki de matte kudasai.

    Sure. (slowly) Take this number, and wait at your seat.

  6. Your turn: Now it makes sense. Tell him you understand.

    wakarimashita

    Got it.

  7. arigatou gozaimasu. shoushou omachi kudasai.

    Thank you. It'll be just a moment.

Phrases from Ekiben content v3