Q&A

How To Say “Thank you for the update” In Japanese?

Published:26th April 2020

I’ve received more emails than usual due to rescheduling of meetings and business trips caused by the coronavirus outbreak. How do I say “Thank you for the update” in Japanese when I want to reply to my Japanese clients?

How To Say “Calm down” In Japanese?

Published:15th April 2020

We are facing hard times with the corona virus situation everywhere in the world. I live in Tokyo and things are flying off the shelves in supermarkets.

How To Say “Where are the electric sockets?” In Japanese?

Published:22nd March 2020

Question: I had just checked in at a Japanese inn and the staff was showing me my room. I did not seem to notice any electric sockets around and my phone battery was dying. How do I ask “where are the electric sockets?”

How To Say “Can I pay by credit card?” In Japanese?

Published:14th March 2020

Question: I went shopping at an electronics store in Japan and bought a camera. I want to ask whether I can pay by credit card as I do not have enough cash with me. How do I ask this?

Why do Japanese say “そうですね Soo desu ne” when they don’t agree with me?

Published:4th March 2020

Question:  I was making a presentation to my Japanese boss. At the end of my presentation, my boss said “そうですねSoo desu ne”. I thought he agreed to my proposal but then he said “じゃ、もう一度(いちど)考(かんが)えて見(み)ますJa, moo ichido kangaete mimasu” (let's think about it). Isn't “soo desu ne” agreeing to what a person has said?

How To Say “Do you have a heater?” In Japanese?

Published:22nd February 2020

Question: We went to Japan for a holiday last December. Having come from a tropical country, Japan was very cold to us. When we first arrived at our accommodation, the staff was showing us around the apartment. She switched on the air-con for ventilation but it was already freezing for us. I wanted to ask whether the apartment has a heater instead of the air-con. How do I ask “Do you have a heater?” in Japanese?

How To Say “Thank you for listening” In Japanese?

Published:12th February 2020

Question: I am attending a short course at a Japanese university. I am going to give a presentation in front of Japanese students at my tutorial. The presentation is in English but I want to use some Japanese expressions. How should I say “Thank you for listening” at the end of presentation?

How To Say “Thank you for the food” After The Meal In Japanese?

Published:10th February 2020

I went to Japan for holiday and stayed at a Japanese inn for the first time. We were served dinner at our room and the food was so delicious. The inn staff came after dinner to clear away the plates. I’ve learned the phrase “itadakimasu” which is said before mealtimes. I want to say “Thanks for the food” after the dinner. How should I say it in Japanese?

How To Say “Thank you for the food” In Japanese?

Published:7th February 2020

I went to Japan for holiday and we stayed at a Japanese inn for the first time. When we were there, the staff served us dinner in our room. We had sashimi and even a small hotpot, just like what my friends had been posting on their Instagram! When the staff said “さあ、どうぞ召し上がってください saa, doozo meshiagattekudasai” (Enjoy your food), I wanted to reply “Thanks for the food” but how do I say it in Japanese?

How To Say “Thank you for coming” In Japanese?

Published:6th February 2020

My parents have acted as host parents for many years to Japanese overseas students who came to study at our local universities. When my father passed away, a few of these former overseas students whom he had previously hosted actually came all the way from Japan for his funeral. I was very touched by their kind gesture. I cannot speak any Japanese, but I want to say “Thank you for coming” in a thank-you letter. What should I say?