Can you teach me Japanese?

Question

I love everthing japanese, from the ancient traditions right through to the latest technology cming out of the country today. Ive always wanted to go to Japan but havent had the chance yet, but when i do go there (as soon as ive scraped the money together and am old enough) id like to be able to communication with the wonderful japanese. Romaji would be fine, i dont need to know how to wirte it, just to speak and communicate. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

(1) when you meet someone for the first time and you want to introduce yourself, you say:

"Hajimemashite, watashiwa (insert your own name here) desu. yoroshiku onegai shimasu."

(note: the "u" at the end of "desu" is silent, and the "u" at the end of shimasu is also silent, so effectively "desu" sounds sth like "dehs" and "shimasu" sounds sth like "shi-ma-ss")

(2) When you want to say thank you, you can say either:

(a) Arigatou gozaimasu
(note: for the word "gozaimasu", the "u" is silent here again, and the "za" should be kept separate from the "i" in so it sounds like "go-za-i-ma-s")
(b) Domo arigatou

(3) When you want to say sorry, you say:

"Gomenasai" (note: the "me" is pronounced "meh" not the english "me", so it sounds like "go-meh-na-sai")

(4) When you want to say excuse me, you say:

"Sumimasen"

(5) When you want to address someone, you add the word "san" behind the person's name, e.g. Takashi is the person, you address him as Takashi-san.
(note: the "a" in "san" is pronounced "ah" so it sounds like "sah-nn")
(note 2: you should never address yourself with the word san, for e.g. saying 'hi, i'm Tom-san' is a strict no no.)

Answer 2

There are several reasons why Japanese isn't offered much in schools in the US. First, there just aren't that many qualifed teachers of Japanese. Second, most kids aren't interested in taking it It's a lot of work and who in your neighborhood speaks Japanese? Is it neat to learn Japanese language and culture? Sure! But, it's just not overwhelmingly popular in most schools where the big trick is to teach English!!! Shop around for a school that offers Japanese, or get a language program for your computer and learn it on your own. It may also be available in after school programs in your area such as a junior college. Komban Wa.

Answer 3

Hi
My Japanese is very limited. I know "O hi O, go sai e mas eew." This means good morning. Arigato, go sai e mas eew-Thank you. There is a language exchange website that might help you better. www.mylanguageexchange.com or you can practice by getting a book or CD out of the local library.

Answer 4

Nope.

Answer 5

try about.com