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In this lesson you will learn how to agree with people in Japanese. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation.

Main Dialogue (Japanese)

A: 今日めっちゃ暑いよね。

B: だよね。

A: なんか、夏は好きだけど湿気が嫌い。

B: わかる、わかる。

A: 今年の夏は猛暑が続いたよね。

B: 本当だよね。

Main Dialogue (Pronunciation)

A: Kyō meccha atsui yo ne.

B: Da you ne.

A: Nanka, natsu wa suki dakedo, shikke ga kirai.

B: Wakaru, wakaru.

A: Kotoshi no natsu wa mōsho ga tsuzuita da yo ne.

B: Hontō da yo ne.

Main Dialogue (English)

A: It’s really hot today isn’t it?

B: Right.

A: So, I like the summer but I don’t like the humidity.

B: I know, I know.

A: This year’s summer heat has been extreme hasn’t it?

B: That’s true.

Extra phrases

Please note that you can listen to the example sentences in the dialogue-only audio file which is on our podcast feed. The podcast feed can be subscribed to by visiting the Learn Japanese Pod website.

1. そうだね– Sō da ne – That’s right.

The first phrase you should know is そうだねsō da ne or そうだよsō da yo which means that’s right or I agree. You can even shorten that to だよねDa yo ne, which is a casual way to agree with someone and means something like, “right?”. If you want to be more polite you would say そうですね Sō desu ne.

2. 僕もそう思う– Boku mo sō omou – I think so too,

This means something like, ”yeah I think so too”.

For example:

a. この試験は難しすぎ – Kono shiken wa muzukashi sugi

This test is too hard.

b. うん、僕もそう思う – Un, boku mo sō omou

Yup, I think so too.

3. 確かに- Tashika ni – Certainly / Absolutely

Here’s an example using 確かに:

a. あの映画超怖かったよね – Ano eiga chō kowakatta yo ne

That movie was so scary

b. 確かに – Tashika ni

It certainly was.

4. 賛成できる– Sansei dekiru – I can agree / I agree

This means that you can agree with an idea or you agree to doing something. For example:

そのアイディアは賛成できる – Sono aidia wa sansei dekiru

I can agree with that idea / I second that

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その提案は賛成できる – Sono teian wa sansei dekiru

I can agree to that plan.

5. 間違いない / 間違いなく– Machigai nai / Machigau naku – No doubt

This means something like without doubt, or no question about it.

For example:

a. 今日めっちゃ寒い – Kyō meccha samui

Today’s really cold.

b. うん、 間違いない – Un, machigai nai

Yup, no question about it.

6. もちろん – Mochiron – Of course

もちろん is used as an affirmative response to a statement someone makes.

For example;

a. 今日の晩御飯は簡単なものでいい？- Kyō no bangohan wa kantan na mono de ii?

Do you mind if we just do something simple for dinner tonight?

b. もちろん – Mochiron

Of course.

7. 当たり前じゃん – Atarimae jan – Obviously / That goes without saying

This phrase means something like obviously, that goes without saying or that’s a given.

Here’s an example:

a. 彼女の誕生日プレゼント忘れちゃだめだよ – Kanojo no tanjōbi puresento wasureccha dame.

You cannot forget your girlfriend’s birthday present.

b. 当たり前じゃん – Atarimae jan

Well, obviously

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This post includes only Japanese dialogues and sentence examples from podcast #44 “Hanpa nai”.

This lesson focuses on the phrase 半端ないhampa nai which means something like amazing, epic or unbelievable.

Here are example sentences from the podcast:

Example 1:

半端ないよね – Hampa nai yo ne

That’s really awesome

Example 2:

あの人半端ないよね – Ano hito hampa nai yo ne

That person is really awesome

Example 3:

あの人の料理マジ半端ない – Ano hito no ryōri maji hampa nai

That person’s cooking is incredible

Example 4:

あの人の筋肉マジ半端ない – Ano hito no kinniku maji hampa nai

That guy is seriously muscly

Example 5:

彼女のダンス超半端ない – Kanojo no dansu chō hampa nai

Her dancing is incredible

Example 6:

ロブは５ヶ国語話せる。彼は半端ないね – Robu wa go ka kokugo hanaseru. Kare wa hanpa nai ne.

Rob can speak 5 languages. He’s amazing.

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These are just the Japanese dialogues and example sentences taken from podcast #43 “Receiving compliments in Japanese”.

This lesson focuses on how to receive compliments in Japanese. We’ll teach you some useful phrases you can use to respond to people who say nice things to you. We’ll also discuss Japanese attitudes towards compliments, why they make them and what they really mean. Spoiler alert, the cultural mindset in Japan might be quite different from your own, so be mindful of the differences!

But the best way to learn about compliments is in context so check out the dialogue and example sentences below.

Main dialogue (Japanese)

A: 日本語上手だね！

B: いやいや。まだまだだよ。

A: いやあ、日本人みたいに喋ってる！

B: そんなことないよ。勉強中だよ！

A: でもすごいよ！

B: 是非もっと教えてください。

Main dialogue (Pronunciation)

A: Nihongo jōzu da ne

B: Iyaiya. Mada mada da yo.

A: Iyaa, nihonjin mitai ni shabetteru.

B: Sonna koto nai yo. Benkyō chuu da yo.

A: Demo sugoi yo.

B: Zehi motto oshiete kudasai.

Main dialogue (English)

A: Your Japanese is great!

B: No, no. Not yet.

A: No, but you speak just like a Japanese person!

B: Not at all. I’m still studying.

A: But it’s amazing.

B: Please teach me by all means.

Example sentences

Example 1:

A: 料理が上手いね

B: いやいや

A: Ryōri ga umai ne

B: Iya iya

A: Your cooking is great

B: No, no.

Example 2:

A: お洒落だね

B: そうかな

A: Oshare da ne

B: Sō kana

A: You’re stylish

B: Is that really true?

Example 3

A: 料理が上手いね

B: 全然

A: Ryōri ga umai ne

B: Zenzen

A: Your cooking is great

B: Not at all

Example 4

A: あみ先生お洒落だね

B: とんでもないです

A: Ami Sensei, oshare da ne

B: Tondemonai desu

A: Ami Sensei, you are so stylish

B: No, not at all. (Don’t be silly now)

Example 5

A: 料理が上手い

B: そんなことないけど嬉しい

A: Ryōri ga umai ne

B: Sonna koto nai kedo ureshii

A: Your cooking is great

B: That’s not true but I’m happy to hear that.

Example 6

A: お洒落だね

B: おかげさまで

A: Oshare da ne

B: Okagesama de

A: You’re so stylish

B: Thanks to you!

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This lesson focuses on the word Toriaezu, what it means and how to use it naturally in conversation in Japanese.

What does Toriaezu mean?

とりあえず Toriaezu roughly translates as “for the time being” or “for now we’ll do so and so”. This is a useful phrase to use when you want to make a temporary decision before committing to a more substantial or permanent solution. This phrase is often used when you are ordering food at an Izakaya, which is Japanese style pub. You can use とりあえず Toriaezu to order drinks or small snacks while you are deciding what to order for your
main dishes.

Let’s look at the example sentences below:

Example Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use とりあえず Toriaezu naturally in Japanese conversation. You can listen to the following example sentences with the extra listening practice audio file that
is included in the podcast feed.

1. とりあえずビールで
Toriaezu biiru de
We’ll have beer for now

2. とりあえずワインで
Toriaezu wain de
We’ll have wine for now

3. とりあえずお冷で
Toriaezu ohiya de
We’ll have water for now

4. とりあえずなんか食べよう
Toriaezu nanka tabeyō
Let’s eat something for now

5. とりあえず買う
Toriaezu kau
I’ll buy it for now

6. とりあえず行く
Toriaezu iku
I’ll go for now

7. とりあえずやってみる
Toriaezu yatte miru
I’ll try it for now

8. とりあえず映画見よう
Toriaezu eiga o miyō
I’ll watch the movie for now

9. とりあえず生で
Toriaezu nama de
We’ll have a beer for now

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These are the dialogues for podcast 41 “Cheering someone up in Japanese”.

In this podcast you will learn some useful phrases to cheer someone up in Japanese. Check out the dialogues below:

Main Dialog 1 – Cheering someone up (Japanese)

A: もういやだ。
B: どうしたの？
A: 仕事がうまくいってなくて。
B: 大丈夫だよ。元気出して。
A: ちょっと自信ないんだよね。
B: 君ならできるよ。頑張って！

Main Dialog 1 – Cheering someone up (Pronunciation)

A: Mō, iya da.
B: Dō shita no?
A: Shigoto ga umaku ittenakute.
B: Daijōbu yo. Genki dashite.
A: Chotto jisshin nain da yo ne.
B: Kimi nara dekiru yo. Gambatte!

Main Dialog 1 – Cheering someone up (English)

A: Ugh, this sucks.
B: What’s the matter?
A: Work isn’t going well.
B: It’s OK. Cheer up!
A: I’m kinda losing my confidence.
B: You can do it! Do your best!

Extra Useful phrases for cheering someone up in Japanese

Here are some extra phrases you can use to cheer people up in Japanese

1. 心配しないで – Shinpai shinai de
Don’t worry about it

2. 応援してるよ – Ōen shiteru yo
I support you / I’ve got your back

3. なんとかなるよ – Nantoka naru yo
It’ll work out / Let it be / It’ll be fine

4. 仕方ないよ – Shikata nai yo
It can’t be helped / That’s life

5. しょうがない – Shō ga nai
It can’t be helped / That’s life

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In this lesson you will learn all about Japanese onomatopoeia which are words that resemble sounds. Some examples in English are splash, bang, zap and beep and you will learn how similar words are used in daily Japanese conversation. Check out the dialogue and grammar notes below.

Main Dialog 1 – Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia (Japanese)
A: ね、外見て、雨がザーザー降っているよ。

B: 雷もゴロゴロ鳴ってる。ハラハラする。

A: え?どうしたの?大丈夫?

B: 天気が悪くなると頭がクラクラするんだ。

A: ちょっと休んだら?

B: うん、そうする。

Main Dialog 1 – Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia (Pronunciation)
A: Ne, soto mite, ame ga zaa zaa futteru yo.

B: Kaminari mo gorogoro natteru. Hara hara suru.

A: E? Dōshita no. Daijōbu?

B: Tenki ga waruku naru to atama ga kurakura surun da. A: Chotto yasundara?

B: Un, sō suru.

Main Dialog 1 – Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia (English)
A: Hey, look outside, it’s raining really hard.

B: The thunder is rumbling too. I feel kinda nervous. A: Eh? What’s the matter? Are you OK?

B: When the weather turns bad my head gets dizzy. A: Why don’t you have a rest?

B: Yup, I’ll do that.

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In this lesson you will learn how to make a suggestion to your friends in natural sounding Japanese. It’s better to be indirect with your language as being too pushy can make you come off as being arrogant or rude. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Just check out the main dialogue and extra example sentences and you should get a good idea of how to give your ideas and advice to other people.

Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (Japanese)
A: いや〜もうだめだ。
B: どうしたの？
A: 彼女と喧嘩したんだ。まだ怒ってるみたい。
B: じゃあ、花でもプレセントしたらどう？
A: そうだね。そうしよう。
B: 彼女きっと喜ぶよ。
A: わかった、じゃあ、そうしてみるよ。

Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (Pronunciation)
A: Iyaa, mō dame da!
B: Dō shita no?
A: Kanojo to kenka shitan da. Mada okotteru mitai.
B: Jaa, hana demo purezento shitara dō?
A: Sō da ne. Sō shiyō.
B: Kanojo kitto yorokobu yo.
A: Wakatta, jaa, sō shite miru yo.

Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (English)
A: Argh, this sucks.
B: What happened?
A: I had a fight with my girlfriend. It seems she’s still angry.
B: How about giving her flowers as a present?
A: Right. I’ll do that.
B: I’m sure she’ll be happy.
A: Got it. I’ll give that a try.

Extra sentence examples:
Example 1
A: 頭痛いな。

Atama itai na – I have a headache

B: 薬飲んだらどう？

Kusuri nondara dō? – How about taking some meds?

A: そうだね。そうするよ。

Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that.

Example 2
A: いいアイデアが思い浮かばないな

Ii aidea ga omoi ukabanai na – I can’t think of any good ideas.

B: 少しやすんだらどう？

Sukoshi yasundara dō? – How about taking a break?

A: そうだね。そうするよ。

Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. Right. I’ll do that.

Example 3
A: 肩凝ってるな。

Kata kotteru – I’ve got stiff shoulders

B: マッサージ受けたらどう？

Massaaji shitara dō? – How about getting a massage?

A: そうだね。そうするよ。

Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that.

Example 4
A: お腹が空いたな

Onaka ga suita na – I’m hungry

B: おやつ食べたらどう？

Oyatsu tabetara dō? – How about having a snack?

A: そうだね。そうするよ。

Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that.

Example 5
A: 退屈だな。

Taikutsu da na – I’m bored

B: 映画みたらどう？

Eiga mitara dō? – How about watching a movie?

A: そうだね。そうするよ。

Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that.

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In this lesson you’ll learn how to use the verb kureru. Kureru is a verb you use when asking someone to do something for you. It translates roughly as do something for me. Check out the
main dialogue on the next page to see how it is used naturally in conversation in Japanese.

Main Dialog 1 – Kureru
A: あのね、ちょっとお願いしていい
B: 何
A: 今日晩御 作ってくれる
B: え また
A:  料は僕が って来るから
B: まあいいけど、次は作ってね
A: はああい

Main Dialog 1 – Kureru (Pronunciation)
A: Ano ne, chotto onegai shite ii?
B: Nani?
A: Kyō bangohan tsukutte kureru?
B: Eh? Mata?
A: Shokuryō wa boku ga katte kuru kara!
B: Maa, ii kedo, tsugi wa tsukutte ne!
A: Haai!

Main Dialog 1 – Kureru (English)
A: Hey, can I ask a favor?
B: What?
A: Can you make dinner tonight?
B: Eh? Again?
A: I’ll buy the ingredients.
B: Well, OK but next time you make it.
A: Yes!

Kureru – Grammar break down
When asking to do something for you, using the verb くれるkureru is really helpful. Here are a few examples of how you can use it.

1) Noun + kureru = Please give me something
Simple say the thing you want followed by kureru like this:
a) 水くれる – Mizu kureru – Could you give me some water?
b) 本くれる – Hon kureru – Could you give me the book?

2) Noun + shite kureru
You can create a lot of verbs using a noun + shite. For example, sōji means cleaning but sōji shite means, do the cleaning. Add kureru to the end and you can ask people to carry out actions for you like this:

a) 掃除してくれる – Sōji shite kureru – Could you do the cleaning for me?

b) 予約してくれる – Yoyaku shite kureru – Could you make a reservation for me?

c) 注文してくれる – Chuumon shite kureru – Could you order for me?

d)  い物してくれる – Kaimono shite kureru – Could you do some shopping for me?

3) ~TE form verbs + Kureru
You can use the TE form of a verb + kureru to ask people to do things for you like this:

a) 作ってくれる – Tsukutte kureru – Can you make it for me?

b)  ってくれる – Katte kureru – Can you buy it for me?

c) やってくれる – Yatte kureru – Can you make it for me?

Note:
Don’t forget:
1) Using kureru is casual
2) It should be used between friends and family
3) If you are using kureru to ask someone to do a favor for you, remember to make the intonation of your voice go up at the end to show it’s a question.

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These are just the Japanese dialogues from podcast #36 “Describing people’s appearance in Japanese”.

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In this lesson you’ll learn common useful Japanese phrases used to cheer up and motivate your
friends. Everyone struggles from time to time and a word of encouragement can always mean a
lot to someone. And in Japan, where teamwork is seen as a virtue, motivating other members in
your group to do their best is an important part of building relationships.
You’ll find motivational phrases in manga, anime, J-pop and also in casual conversation with
your friends. So check out the dialogue and extra phrases in this lesson.

Main Dialogue (Japanese)

A:　どうしたの？元気なさそうだね。
B:　最近日本語が全然上達しないんだ。
A:　日本語上手じゃん！
B:　いや、思うように話せないんだよね。もうだめだ。
A:　大丈夫、大丈夫。塵も積もれば山となる、だよ。
B:　それどういう意味？
A:　少しずつ頑張って行けば願いは叶うという意味だよ。
B:　わかった！頑張るよ！

Main Dialogue (Pronunciation)

A: Dōshita no? Genki nasasō da ne.
B: Saikin, Nihongo ga zenzen jōtatsu shinain da.
A: Nihongo jōzu jan!
B: Iya, omou yō ni hanasenain da yo ne. Mō dame da.
A: Daijōbu, daijōbu. Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru da yo.
B: Sore dōiu imi?
A: Sukoshi zutsu gambatte ikeba negai wa kanau toiu imi da yo.
B: Wakatta! Gambaru yo!

Main Dialogue (English)

A: What’s the matter. You don’t seem very well/happy.
B: Recently my Japanese hasn’t improved at all.
A: Your Japanese is great!
B: No, I can’t express myself the way I want to. It’s no good.
A: It’s OK, it’s OK. Even dust when piled up becomes a mountain.
B: What does that mean?
A: It means if you try little by little you can realize your dreams.
B: Got it. I’ll give it a shot!

Extra Motivational Phrases

Here are some extra motivational phrases. These phrases are featured in both the main podcast lesson and the extra drill audio file. Check out Learn Japanese Pod to download the podcast and extra drill audio.

1. 頑張って！ Gambatte!
Do your best.
2. ファイト！ Faito!
Come on, you can do it!
3. 元気出して。 Genki dashite.
Cheer up!
4. 大丈夫、大丈夫。君ならできるよ。Daijōbu, daijōbu. Kimi nara dekiru yo.
It’s OK. You can do it.
5. 前向きにね。Mae muki ni ne.
Be positive.
6. 焦らないでね。少しずつね。Aseranaide. Sukoshi zutsu.
Don’t rush. Do it little by little.
7. 願えば叶うよ。 Negaeba, kanau yo.
If you wish it, it will come true.

Random Phrase of the Week

なんとかなる – Nan toka naru
Things will work out somehow

今の会社を辞めてもなんとかなるよ – Ima Kaisha o yamete mo nan toka naru yo
Even if you quit your job things will work out

そんな心配しないで、なんとかなるさ – Shinpai shinai de, nan toka naru sa
Don’t worry, things will work out you know.
Learn

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In this podcast lesson you’ll learn about 相槌 Aizuchi, which are words used to show interest during a conversation. In English you might say things like “Uh-huh” and “really?” during a conversation to show you are listening to the speaker. Japanese is no exception and has a lot of these Aizuchi which are used frequently in conversation. So if you can learn and use these when speaking to your friends, your conversations will go more smoothly and you’ll sound a lot more natural in Japanese. 

Main Dialog (Japanese)

A:　ね、お茶の入れ方教えてくれる？

B:　まず、急須に茶葉をいれる。

A:　うん

B:　で、沸騰したお湯を湯呑みにいれる。

A: 　本当？湯呑みにいれるのか。

B:　そう、温度を下げるのがポイントだよ。

A:　そうなんだ。

B:　渋みがとれるから。

A:　ヘェ〜。

B:　次に湯呑みのお湯を急須にいれる。

A:　ふぅん。

B:　30秒後お茶を注ぐ。

A:　なるほどね。お茶って奥が深いよね。

B:　まあね。

Main Dialog (Pronunciation)

A:　Ne, ocha no irekata oshiete kureru?

B:　Mazu, Kyuusu ni chaba o ireru. 

A:　Un.

B:　De futtō shita oyu o yunomi ni ireru. 

A:　Hontō? Yunomi ni ireru no ka.

B:　Sō, ondo o sageru no ga point da yo. 

A:　Sō nan da. 

B:　Shibumi ga toreru kara.

A:　Heeh.

B:　Tsugi ni yunomi no oyu o kyuusu ni ireru.

A:　Fuun.

B:　Sanjuu byō go ocha o sosogu. 

A:　Naruhodo ne. Ocha te oku ga fukai yo ne. 

B:　Maa ne. 

Main Dialog (English)

A:　Hey, will you teach me how to make tea?

B:　First put tea leaves in the teapot. 

A:　Uh huh. 

B:　Then put boiling water in the tea cups.

A:　Really? You put it in the tea cups?

B:　That’s right. The trick is to lower the temperature. 

A:　Oh really. 

B:　You can take away the bitterness. 

A:　Ahh. 

B:　Next, put the water from the cups into the teapot. 

A:　Uh huh. 

B:　Pour the tea after 30 seconds. 

A:　I see. Tea’s really deep. 

B:　Yeah, I guess so.  

List of Aizuchi

Here’s a list of the Aizuchi featured in this lesson. Use these phrases to show you are really listening to the speaker. 

うん – Un – Uh huh

本当？ – Hontō – Really?

そうなんだ – Sō nan da – Is that so?

ヘェ〜 – Heeh – Ahh

ふぅん – Fuun – Uh huh

なるほどね – Naruhodo ne – I see

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These are the dialogues for podcast #33 “Talking about a trip to Japan.

In this lesson you will learn how to talk about a past trip to Japan with your friends.

Main Dialog (Japanese)

A: 日本の旅行はどうだった？

B: 超楽しかったよ。

A: 何をしたの？

B: 東京と京都で観光してきた。

A: 食べ物はどうだった？

B: 寿司が美味しかったけど…

A: 高かった？

B: いや、そうじゃなくて、メニューが読めなかったんだよね。

A: 食べたい物に指差して、「これください」そう言えばいいじゃん。

B: そうだね。覚えとく。

Main Dialog (Pronunciation)

A: Nihon no ryokō wa dō datta?

B: Chō tanoshikatta yo. 

A: Nano o shita no?

B: Tōkyō to kyōto de kankō shitekita.

A: Tabemono wa dō datta?

B: Sushi wa oishikatta kedo…

A: Takakatta?

B: Iya, sō janakute, menyuu ga yomenakattan da yo ne. 

A: Tabetai mono ni yubi sashite, kore kudasai sō ieba ii jan.

B: Sō da ne. Oboetoku. 

Main Dialog (English)

A: How was your trip to Japan?

B: It was so fun.

A: What did you do?

B: I did some sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto. 

A: How was the food?

B: The sushi was delicious but…

A: It was too expensive?

B: No, not that. I couldn’t read the menu you know. 

A: Just point at the food you want and say “this please”.

B: Right. I’ll remember that!

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These are the Japanese dialogues for podcast #31: Convenience Store Japanese.

Introduction 

In this podcast you will learn useful Japanese phrases for shopping at a convenience store. Understanding the polite language used by convenience store staff can be a little confusing at first. However, if you learn common set phrases it’s not that hard to understand. 

Main Dialog (Japanese)

A: いらっしゃいませ、お次の方どうぞ.
B: ファミチキを一つとハッシュポテトを一つお願いします。
A: こちら温めますか。
B: はい、お願いします
A: お箸をお付けしますか。
B: はい、お願いします。
A: 袋お分けしますか。
B: 大丈夫です。
A: ポイントカードはお持ちですか。
B: はい。
A: 1500円になります。1万円からでよろしいですか。
B: はい
A: ありがとうございました

Main Dialog ( Japanese pronunciation)

A: Irasshaimase, otsugi no kata dōzo.
B: Famichiki o hitotsu to Hasshu potato o hitotsu onegaishimasu.
A: Kochira atatamemasu ka.
B: Hai, onegai shimasu.
A: Ohashi o otsuke shimasu ka.
B: Hai, onegai shimasu.
A: Fukuro owake shimasu ka.
B: Daijōbu desu.
A: Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka.
B: Hai.
A: Sen gohyaku ni narimasu. Ichi man en kara yoroshii desu ka.
B: Hai
A: Arigatō gozaimasu.

Main Dialog (English)
A: Welcome, next customer please.
B: One Famichiki (fried Family Mart chicken) and one hashed potato please.
A: Would you like it heated?
B: Yes, please.
A: Would you like chopsticks with that?
B: Yes, please/
A: Would you like to use seperate bags?
B: No, that’s fine.
A: Do you have a point card?
B: Yes.
A: That’ll be 1500 yen. Shall I give you change from this 10,000 yen bill?
B: Yes.
A: Thanks.

Extra Phrases
Saying Yes and No 
To recap, when talking to Konbini staff you’ll mostly say:
はい、お願いします – Hai, Onegai shimasu – Yes please
大丈夫です – Daijōbu desu – No, it’s OK

Ordering stuff
One useful phrase is これ一つお願いします Kore o hitotsu onegai shimasu – which means I’ll have one of that. When you aren’t sure of the name for something, you can point and say that. So usually at the register or レジ reji – there’ll be a glass case with hot food such as fried chicken, potato and other foods. Sometimes the kanji can be hard to read so just point and say これ一つお願いします Kore o hitotsu onegai shimasu

Bags
One thing you’ll definitely be talking about is plastic bags. Here are some useful phrases:

袋にお入れしますか
Fukuro oire shimasu ka.
Do you need a bag?

袋お分けしますか
Fukuro owake shimasu ka.
Shall I put these in separate bags?

このままでよろしいでしょうか
Kono mama de yoroshii deshō ka
Do you want it just like this. You don’t need a bag right?

袋は結構です
Fukuro wa kekkō desu
No, I don’t need a bag.

Asking if you want chopsticks and other cutlery
Another thing you will almost definitely be asked is if you want chopsticks, a spoon, a straw etc.

お箸はご利用ですか
Ohashi wa goriyō desu ka
Will you be using chopsticks

お箸をお付けしますか
Ohashi o otsuke shimasu ka
Do you want chopsticks? (Shall I add chopsticks?)

スプーンをお付けしますか
Supuun o otsuke shimasu ka
Do you want a spoon?

ストローをお付けしますか
Sutoroo o otsuke shimasu ka
Do you want a straw?

Point card
Another thing that might throw you off is point cards. Many konbini have customer loyalty point cards which allow you to build up points every time you make a purchase. So they’ll usually say:

ポイントカードはお持ちですか
Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka
Do you have a point card?

Random Phrase of the Week

居留守 Irusu – To pretend to not be at home

or

居留守を使う Irusu o tsukau – To pretend to not be at home

You use this when someone rings on your doorbell and you pretend to not be in. You can also use it for the telephone when someone rings and you don’t answer. 

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If there is one thing Japanese love to talk about, it’s the weather. Apart from discussing the forecast, it’s quite common to mention the weather in small talk or when striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know so well. Also, as you’ll probably be checking the weather on a daily basis, it makes sense to study related vocabulary and grammar as it’s so useful. Simply listen to the podcast and read along with the dialogues below.

Main Dialogue (Japanese)

A:　今日暑いよね。

B:　そうだね。超ジメジメしてるね。

A:　今週の天気予報は？

B:　今週はずっと３５度だよ。

A:　うそ！マジで？！もう我慢できない。

B:　だけど週末は雨が降りそう。

A:　あ、良かった、こんな猛暑だと北極に引っ越ししたくなるな。

Main Dialogue (Pronunciation)

A: Kyō atsui yo ne.

B: Sō da ne. Chō jime jime shiteru ne.

A: Konshuu no tenki yohō wa?

B: Konshuu was zutto sanjuu go do da yo.

A: Uso! Majide? Mō gaman dekinai.

B: Dakedo, shuumatsu wa ame ga furi sō.

A: A, yokatta, konna mōsho da to hokkyoku ni hikkoshi shitakunaru na.

Main Dialogue (English)

A: It’s hot today isn’t it?

B: It sure is. It’s so hot and sticky.

A: What the weather forecast for this week?

B: It’s going to be 35 degrees all week.

A: No way! Seriously?! I can’t take this anymore.

B: But it looks like it might rain on the weekend.

A: Ah good. This kind of heat makes me want to move to the Arctic!