How to Connect with Locals in Japan: Tips for Starting Conversations #241

In this episode, we explore how to start conversations with Japanese people, especially when visiting or living in Japan. Get tips on finding the right spots, overcoming nervousness, and making memorable connections during your stay.

How to Connect with Locals in Japan: Tips for Starting Conversations #241
Silver Penguin+ Members: Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

単語 (Vocabulary)

Locations & Areas (場所)

  • 地元 (じもと) - Local area
  • 穴場 (あなば) - Hidden gem
  • 観光地 (かんこうち) - Tourist spot
  • 住宅街 (じゅうたくがい) - Residential area
  • 繁華街 (はんかがい) - Downtown

Emotions & Reactions (感情・反応)

  • 諦めない (あきらめない) - Don’t give up.
  • 感動する (かんどうする) - To be moved, To be impressed
  • 緊張する (きんちょうする) - To feel nervous
  • 恥ずかしがる (はずかしがる) - To feel shy, To be embarrassed
  • 爆笑 (ばくしょう) - Loud laughter

People & Relationships (人・関係)

  • 常連 (じょうれん) - Regular customer
  • 人柄 (ひとがら) - Personality, Character
  • 輪に入る (わにはいる) - To join a group, To join in

Actions (行動)

  • 話を振る (はなしをふる) - To bring up a topic
  • 寄り道する (よりみちする) - To make a detour
  • 期待する (きたいする) - To expect
  • 無性に (むしょうに) - To be craving for
  • 勇気 (ゆうき) - Courage

Others (その他)

  • 定型文 (ていけいぶん) - Set phrase
  • お客様は神様 (おきゃくさまはかみさま) - The customer is always right. (lit. "The customer is God.")
  • 本格的 (ほんかくてき) - Authentic, Genuine
  • 端っこ (はしっこ) - Corner, Edge
  • 運 (うん) - Luck
  • 思い出づくり (おもいでづくり) - Memory-making

会話の話題 (Conversation Topics)

日本(にほん)で、店員(てんいん)さんや地元(じもと)(ひと)(はな)したことがありますか?その(とき)、どんな会話(かいわ)をしましたか?
Have you ever talked to store staff or locals in Japan? What kind of conversation did you have?

日本(にほん)で、(おも)いがけない交流(こうりゅう)がありましたか?場所(ばしょ)はどこですか?
Have you had any unexpected interactions in Japan? Where did it happen?

(はじ)めて()(ひと)(はな)すときに、なにか質問(しつもん)用意(ようい)していますか?
Do you prepare any questions when talking to someone for the first time?

「お客様(きゃくさま)神様(かみさま)」という文化(ぶんか)について、どう(おも)いますか?あなたの(くに)ではどうですか?
What do you think about the concept of "the customer is God" in Japan? How is it in your country?

日本人(にほんじん)との会話(かいわ)で、(すこ)緊張(きんちょう)したけど勇気(ゆうき)()して挑戦(ちょうせん)してみて()かった!と(おも)った瞬間(しゅんかん)はありますか?
Have you ever felt nervous speaking with a Japanese person, but were glad you took the courage to try?

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Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

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