# Many Japanese people can’t speak English, but they can un... ## Quick Navigation - [Find Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners.md): Discover language exchange partners worldwide - [Language Exchange](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange.md): Practice with native speakers worldwide - [Moments](https://www.hellotalk.com/moments.md): Share your language learning journey - [Topics](https://www.hellotalk.com/topics.md): Explore trending topics and discussions - [Chat & Messaging](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/chat.md): Text, voice, and video conversations - [Voice Rooms](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/voiceroom.md): Join live audio conversations - [Live Streaming](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/live-streaming.md): Interactive classes and language sessions - [Certified Teachers](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/certified-teachers.md): Learn from professional language instructors - [Immersive Learning](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/immersive-learning.md): Learn everywhere with instant translations - [Translation Tools](https://www.hellotalk.com/features/translation.md): Instant translation between any languages - [AI-Powered Apps](https://www.hellotalk.com/aiapps.md): Access specialized learning tools - [Language AI Apps](https://www.hellotalk.com/aiapps.md): Discover our AI-powered language learning applications - [All Features](https://www.hellotalk.com/features.md): Explore all learning features and tools - [Download](https://www.hellotalk.com/download.md): Get HelloTalk on iOS and Android ## Author - **Name**: あんこ anko - **Username**: @a_elisa392 ## Content Many Japanese people can’t speak English, but they can understand simple phrases. 多くの日本人は英語を話せませんが、簡単なフレーズなら理解できます。 I think short and simple phrases are easier to understand than polite ones. 丁寧なフレーズよりも、短くてシンプルな表現の方が理解されやすいです。 For example, “Photo OK?” is easier to understand than “Would you mind if I take a photo?” 例えば「写真を撮ってもよろしいですか？」よりも「写真、オッケー？」の方が伝わりやすいです。 Words and Phrases Likely to Be Understood in Japan 日本で通じると思われる単語とフレーズ： Thank you / No thank you / Yes / You’re welcome / I’m sorry / Please / Excuse me / No problem / Of course / How much? / What time? / Help me / Can you speak English? / English OK? / I have… / I can… / One… (Up to ten is OK) / I can’t speak Japanese *It might be hard for Japanese people to tell the difference between “can” and “can’t.” ※“can” と “can’t” の違いは聞き分けづらいかもしれません。 Some English words are commonly used as “katakana English” in Japan. 日本では「カタカナ英語」として通じる英単語もあります。 ticket (chiketto) train (torein) station (sutēshon) bus (basu) taxi (takushī) hotel (hoteru) toilet (toire) water (wōtā) menu (menyū) coffee (kōhī) beer (bīru) shopping (shoppingu) sale (sēru) credit card (kurejitto kādo) Wi-Fi (waifai) passport (pasupōto) staff (sutaffu) Most Japanese people study English for at least six years at school, so they know a fair number of words. But since pronunciation is rarely taught, understanding native speech or speaking clearly can be difficult. 日本人は学校で最低6年英語を学んでいるので、それなりに単語を知っていますが、発音の指導が少ないため、ネイティブの発音を理解したり話したりするのは難しいです。 Also, since English and Japanese grammar are very different, many people guess meaning from individual words. また、英語と日本語の文法は大きく異なるため、多くの人は単語から意味を推測しようとします。 That’s why it helps to speak slowly, in short sentences, and without linking words too much. だから、単語をつなげすぎず、短い文でゆっくり話すと理解されやすくなります。 But don’t worry. Many Japanese people will try to understand you using gestures or translation, and will do their best to communicate. でも心配しないで。多くの日本人はジェスチャーや翻訳を使って理解しようとし、一生懸命コミュニケーションをとろうとしてくれます。 ## Learning Language **Japanese** ## Topics #149880 #973898 #155147 ## Metadata - **Posted**: 3/29/2025 - **View on HelloTalk**: [https://www.hellotalk.com/moments/zFIzMEORqbA5DD.md](https://www.hellotalk.com/moments/zFIzMEORqbA5DD.md) ## Engagement - **Comments**: 2 --- ## Language Exchange Partners - [English Exchange Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange/english.md): Connect with native English speakers - [Spanish Exchange Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange/spanish.md): Connect with native Spanish speakers - [French Exchange Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange/french.md): Connect with native French speakers - [Japanese Exchange Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange/japanese.md): Connect with native Japanese speakers - [German Exchange Partners](https://www.hellotalk.com/partners/exchange/german.md): Connect with native German speakers - 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