i no it sounds dumb bt i have no idear coz i wanna go their bt i dunno if i should learn the language or if they speak english
2006-12-22 22:33:46 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Most of the younger generation would understand some verbs and nouns, but you may encounter some problem in Tokyo City itself as most of the locals would be too "afraid" to speak to you while feeling inferior.
Meanwhile, you may wanna stick to speaking to them. Don't think they will understand what you're writing as well.
Very important word you have to learn is - Toire (Tore-Ray) = Toilet.
Cheers!
2006-12-22 22:41:00 · answer #1 · answered by Geo C 4 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Most Japanese speak little English, unless they are overseas graduate, or working in the service sector. But due to lack of practice, their command of English are rather rusty.
They would understand some simple English phrases, but when you wanna ask for directions, it's difficult.
So try to learn some Japanese before going there if possible.
Traveling in train stations in Tokyo is rather easy because their train stations have signs in English, and the operator will make announcements in the train in English too.
2006-12-24 12:30:42 · answer #2 · answered by Wyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I liked in Hong Kong when I was younger, and traveled to a bunch of places in Asia. The majority of all places where you buy things they will speak english enough where you can figure out what is going on. There are a lot of people from english speaking countries in Asia, and they don't all have to learn the native language. As for making friends or something like that, if you visit an international school then they're primary language is English. I lived in Hong Kong for two years and the only Chinese I got from it is han bao bao (hambuger).
On the other hand, if you're wanting to move there/work there then there is NO WAY you can not know the language... unless I guess you work as a teacher at an international school... or for an english speaking company....
2006-12-22 22:46:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I was stationed there in the Marine Corps from 1980 - 1983 and travelled most of the country while a member of the Silent Drill Team. In general it's fairly easy to find someone who can speak enough english to help you with directions. Most of the police speak it fairly well and it's usually easy to find them. In Tokyo it's pretty easy to find other people from America or other english speaking countries. Closer to military bases and in the larger cities you will find more english speaking Japanese. In the smaller cities and rural areas it can be very difficult. I once had a guy lead me blocks out of his way to the Budokan concert hall because he couldn't explain it in english.
It's a good idea to learn the basic questions like where is the train station, bathroom etc. Beautiful country and very friendly and helpful people.
Here is a site that will help.
http://users.tmok.com/~tumble/japlan.html
2006-12-22 23:07:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You don't sound dumb but trust me people in Tokyo don't speak English or Japanese they are all robots at least most of them.
they speak with minds all unison to each other like the Borg.
I'm not talking about Asian people just those tokians they will take over the planet in about 15 years they already have terms with all superpowers hence the war on Iraq is really a secret plan by tokians to control oil and the world!!!
2006-12-22 22:38:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
well, they know how to say hello and thank you and stuff. but not fluent. But then, there are a lot of people from diff countries in Japan, so you could find many people speak English. in every junior/high school, at least one or two teachers who speak English.
2006-12-22 22:42:11 · answer #6 · answered by rain ;';';';'; 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
many people do speak english especially in the service sector. If you have a degee and wish to travel you can get a job teaching english as many yearn to learn english and many companies have formed to the demand.
2006-12-22 22:38:33 · answer #7 · answered by gasmanfart 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
learn at least some words so that they see that you are trying to speak the language, but they will help you, a lot of them speak english. when tourist go to your country they speak your languague
2006-12-22 22:36:38 · answer #8 · answered by Eddie 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, some do. But if you want to communicate with the Japanese and they don't understand, try writing it down. Some can read English fluently but understand spoken very well.
2006-12-22 22:36:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Some Japanese people speak English - but I believe that it would be very helpful to you to understand Japanese.
Good Luck!!!
2006-12-22 22:35:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋