It’s completely normal to feel nervous when trying to speak Japanese, especially when ordering at a restaurant! Many learners experience that familiar flutter of butterflies, and it’s important to remember you’re not alone. One helpful mindset to adopt when having a conversation in Japanese is to consider the situation from the other person’s perspective. Imagine someone in your country trying to learn your native language. Would you judge them for making an effort? Would you focus on their mistakes, or would you appreciate their willingness to learn and communicate?
Even if you stumble over words, Japanese people generally appreciate the effort you make to speak their language. While you might occasionally encounter someone who is less patient, most interactions will be positive. If you meet a Japanese person who speaks English, they might default to English, but if you politely request to practice Japanese, they will usually be happy to help. And if they don’t, it simply means they might not be the best person to practice with at that moment.
If you are fortunate enough to live in Japan, there are several excellent places to hone your Japanese conversation skills. Convenience stores and casual restaurants are fantastic starting points for simple interactions. These everyday exchanges can provide a significant confidence boost, making you realize, “Wow, I’m actually speaking Japanese!”
For those who enjoy a more relaxed and social atmosphere, consider visiting an izakaya regularly. By frequenting the same izakaya, especially one with regular customers, you’ll naturally find opportunities to engage in conversations and build your fluency.
Conversely, it’s also helpful to know where not to practice speaking Japanese, places where it might be less appropriate or even disruptive to others.
Ramen restaurants, libraries, and graveyards are generally less suitable environments for practicing conversational Japanese.
These are locations where you should prioritize not inconveniencing others. While restaurants, in general, can be good for practice, the type of restaurant matters. Fast-paced establishments like ramen shops, particularly those in busy areas like subway stations, are typically not conducive to conversations. People are there for a quick meal, especially during lunch hours, and are unlikely to want to engage in conversation while eating.
If you do find someone you’d like to talk to and are looking for conversation starters, try asking them questions about themselves. Drawing from principles similar to those advocated by Dale Carnegie, people generally enjoy talking about themselves. For example, you could ask if the kanji used in their name has any special meaning for them. Japanese people are also often delighted to explain aspects of their culture to foreigners. You can ask about holidays, festivals, or other cultural topics that pique your interest. However, always be mindful of the other person’s cues. If they seem busy or preoccupied, it’s best not to interrupt and practice your Japanese conversation skills at a more appropriate time. Remember, the key is to be respectful and observant while you Learn To Speak Japanese and engage with native speakers.
