Archive List for Q&A

How to say “How is it going?“ in Japanese?

Updated:26th July 2020
Published:17th July 2020

Question: I feel lonely as I must stay home all the time during this period of self-restraint caused by COVID-19. I have been sending messages to many people. I want to send a message “How is it going?” to a Japanese girl whom I used to go out with. How shall I say it in Japanese?

How to say “so-so “ in Japanese?

Published:17th July 2020

Question: My Japanese ex-boyfriend recently sent me a message saying “最近(さいきん)どう？ Saikin doo?” (How are you?). I thought of blocking him as he sends such messages only when it’s convenient for him but as I don’t have a boyfriend anyway, I ended up replying him. I want to say “So-so” to sound uninterested at least. How should I say it in Japanese?

How to say “Don’t worry” in Japanese?

Published:17th July 2020

Question: We are facing hard times with the coronavirus crisis in the world. My girlfriend is Japanese and she is a worrier. She gets worried everyday as she watches the news. I want to tell her “Don’t worry”. How do I say that in Japanese?

How to say “I am proud of you” in Japanese?

Published:17th July 2020

Question: I’m a New Zealander and a host mother to Japanese students. My host son graduated from his university. He has done well, and I am very proud of him. How do I tell him this in Japanese?

How to say “Thank you for your patience” in Japanese?

Published:23rd May 2020

Question: I’m working as a hotel concierge. A Japanese guest asked me to make reservations for him at a restaurant, but I can’t get through the line of the restaurant. Meanwhile, the guest seems to be losing his patience. What should I do?

How to say “Thank you for your guidance” in Japanese?

Published:23rd May 2020

Question: I have judo classes in America. My sensei is a Japanese. Unfortunately, the class is closing because he is going back to Japan. We would like to write him a thank-you card. How should I say “Thank you for your guidance” in Japanese?

Why do the Japanese people not complete their sentences when talking?

Published:17th May 2020

Usually in a Japanese conversation, you do not have to spell out the whole sentence if the context is very clear to the speaker and listener. In your example, it is clear that your team would fall behind in the schedule if the other team does not deliver on time.

How To Say “Do you have any recommended restaurants here?” In Japanese?

Published:17th May 2020

Question:  I had arrived quite late at my accommodation in Japan and I was tired and hungry. I wanted to ask the staff for any nearby restaurants to recommend for a quick dinner. How do I ask this question?

Why does my Japanese neighbour always ask me where I’m going?

Published:17th May 2020

Question:  Whenever I happen to see my elderly Japanese neighbour while leaving home, she would ask me where I'm going (dochirae?). Why is she so concerned about my whereabouts? I don't know how to reply her so I usually just smiled. How do I reply her?

Why do Japanese people say I’m good at speaking Japanese even though I’m just a beginner?

Published:17th May 2020

Question: We had a Japanese visitor in our company today. When I introduced myself in Japanese, he was surprised and said that I was good at it (Nihongo ga joozudesune. 日本語が上手ですね。). I was a bit embarrassed as I could only manage simple greetings. Does he really mean it?