6 Useful Japanese Words You Can Use in Conversations

Wakarimasen- I don't know
photo credit: from Photobucket

I've been in Japan for more than 3 years but my Japanese speaking skills is still horrible. I can rarely string a full grammatically-correct sentence. When I speak in Japanese, I just usually throw Japanese words that I think can convey what I mean. This is accompanied with lots of hand movements, sound effects and, sometimes, even drawings. 

On the other hand, I think my listening skills and vocabulary are great. I usually understand what the people are telling me. I know how I should respond- in English. The problem is, most Japanese people I've talked to would suddenly shut off once I respond to them in English. They would stop whatever they're telling me or they would look rattled. *sigh* To avoid this from happening, I've learned to use five common words that Japanese people usually say in conversations and one word that would end conversations. 

You can use the following words in various situations: 

1. Kawaii! 

Meaning: cute, beautiful, nice

How to say it: Ka-wa-yiiiieeee! in a high pitched voice. 

When to use it: 

• When a Japanese shows or points something nice to you, you can say "Kawaii!"
• When you receive a gift, you can exclaim "Kawaii!"
• When somebody introduces their kids to you, just say "Kawaii!" even if it's not true. 
• When you want to compliment a coworkers clothes or appearance, say "Kawaii!"

Should You Visit Japan on Winter Vacation?

Japanese woman enjoying an onsen with monkeys
photo credit: http://www.smosh.com/

And we're at the end of another year. Where did the year go? Time flew so fast!

It's winter again, my 4th and last winter in Japan. How I survived the last three winters amazes me.

Anyway, a couple of people have asked me if winter vacation is good time to visit Japan. I'd like to say, it depends but I'd be required to give more explanations. So, I just wrote them the pros and cons of visiting Japan in winter. I'll share here what I wrote to them. 

A. Why You Should Visit Japan in Winter

1. It's a great time for winter sports.  

If you love skiing or snowboarding, then by all means, come to Japan on your winter break. The snow is simply perfect at this time. You don't need to go all the way to Hokkaido. You can enjoy winter sports along the slopes of Mt. Fuji, on the mountains in Nagano or in the northern prefectures from Tokyo. 

Best Ski Resorts in Japan

Just Moved to Japan: Where to Buy Affordable Things

Shopping in Japan
credit: http://www.destination360.com/

Someone emailed me recently about where to buy affordable clothes, mattresses and other household products. Her family just moved to Japan and they're just about to start their lives in a new place. 

If you're in the same situation as hers, I'm sure you can find the following tips useful: 

For clothes: 

If you're okay with second-hand clothes, the best place to buy is King Family. It has shops all around Japan. Get a free membership card from King Family. They have regular campaigns for card holder. For example, if you get 2 clothes they'll give you 20% discount, if three to four you'll get 50% discount. If you get more, you'll get as much as 70% discount. I usually buy 3-4 items and they only cost me less than a thousand Yen.

Japanese Transportation is Not Convenient, Really

A pokemon school bus!
credits: www.nintendolife.com

Japanese public transportation is not convenient.

It is efficient, reliable and even comfortable. But, it's not convenient.

How it is so?

Let's take the buses. From the main station, they leave on time. But from the bus stops, they're usually 2-5 minutes late because of traffic. Some areas also have few buses. They only pass once in an hour. Personally, I always have to take the 7:03 bus to go to work so I can arrive at around 7:45 in school. If I miss that, I'll be late. The next bus passing by my school leaves the station at 7:50.

Then there's the famous "on-time" trains of Japan. Sure, they're almost always on time. If a delay happens, it is still certain that the train operators will do their best to keep the trains running. However, most people have to walk, ride a bicycle or drive to the train station. With my own experience, I have to walk 20-25 minutes if I need to take the train. If I live near the train station, I'd have to deal with costly rent and constant sounds of the train. Also, not all local areas in Japan are accessible by trains. In smaller cities, a private car is still the primary mode of transportation.

Unlimited Pizza at Grazie Gardens

Craving for some pizza? Satisfy your cravings with Grazie's unlimited pizza.

Okay, that sounds like a sales pitch. But really, I love Grazie so much it's a sin not to share it.

Grazie is an Italian restaurant chain. I think they have three branches in Hamamatsu- one near where I live, one near where I work and I don't know where the other one is.

The one near my apartment is where I frequently go. It's along Nakatajima Road,  south of Hamamatsu Station. It's about 20 minutes from the station by bus or car. You can take Bus No. 4 to get there.

Grazie has the usual offerings of an Italian place- pasta, pizza, salad, dessert and wine. What makes them unique is their wide variety of pizza. They have the usual kinds and some rare ones. They have curry pizza which I highly recommend you try. They have dessert pizza which resembles a crepe. They have Japanese flavored pizza. Take note that the pizza are all thin crusts.