TLDR;
This lesson provides essential Japanese phrases for ordering food in restaurants, covering greetings, seating, ordering, and confirming the order. It includes a sample conversation, detailed breakdowns, and practice exercises like shadowing and role-playing to build confidence in real-life situations.
- Greetings and seating covered.
- Ordering food and drinks explained.
- Confirmation phrases provided.
- Shadowing and role-play exercises included.
Introduction [0:00]
Kana introduces a lesson designed to help people confidently order food in Japanese restaurants. The lesson addresses common concerns about understanding fast or formal speech used by restaurant staff. The session will cover useful phrases for customers and common expressions used by restaurant staff, suitable for both residents and travelers in Japan. The lesson is structured into three steps: listening to a sample conversation, reviewing key phrases, and practicing with shadowing and role-playing.
Full Conversation [1:06]
The dialogue begins with the staff greeting customers with "Irasshaimase," to which a slight bow is an appropriate response. The staff asks, "How many in your party?" using the polite term "Mei" to count people. The customers are then guided to a table with the phrase "Oseki go-annai shimasu." They are offered a choice of seating with phrases like "Osuki na oseki e doozo" or "Aite iru oseki e doozo." The staff provides menus and offers water, using the polite term "Ohiya" for cold water. Customers are told to call when ready to order: "Gochuumon okimarini narimashitara oyobikudasai". When the customers are ready, they call the staff with "Sumimasen" and ask, "Chuumon ii desu ka?" The order includes miso ramen, shoyu ramen, and gyoza. The staff asks if they would like something to drink using the phrase "Ikaga deshou ka." A draft beer is added to the order. The staff confirms the order with "Gochoomon wa ijyoo de yoroshii desuka?" and "Ijou de omachigai nai deshoo ka?" to ensure accuracy.
Step-by-step Conversation Breakdown [2:17]
When entering a restaurant and greeted with "Irasshaimase," a slight bow is sufficient. The staff counts people using "Mei," a polite term, further refined to "Mei-sama," though customers should only use "Mei" when stating the number in their party. "Oseki go-annai shimasu" means the staff will guide you to your table. Customers may be told "Osuki na oseki e doozo" or "Aite iru oseki e doozo," meaning they can choose any available seat. "Ohiya" is a polite term for cold water, which is usually free. The staff says "Gochuumon okimarini narimashitara oyobikudasai" to let you know to call them when you are ready to order. To call the staff, use "Sumimasen" and then ask "Chuumon ii desu ka?" to politely inquire if you can order. If the staff asks "Gochuumon okimari desu ka?" they are asking if you have decided. When ordering, state the item and quantity, followed by "onegaishimasu." If unsure of the item's name, point to it on the menu. The phrase "Ikaga deshou ka" is a polite way of asking if you would like something to drink. "Jaa" is often used while thinking. If you don’t want a drink, you can say, “ya, omizude daijyoobu desu(No, just water is fine.)” or “omizu de ii desu.” or “ya, daijyoobudesu(I’m okay.)”. To confirm if the order is complete, the staff may ask "Gochoomon wa ijyoo de yoroshii desuka?", to which you can respond with "Hai, ijyoode". The staff confirms the order using "Ijou de omachigai nai deshoo ka?", and you can confirm with "Hai" or "Hai, daijyoobudesu".
Review of Key Phrases [8:28]
Key phrases for ordering include: "Excuse me, can I order?" (Sumimasen, chuumon ii desu ka?), stating the order with "One order of gyoza, please" (Gyoza hitotsu onegaishimasu), pointing to an item on the menu with "This one, please" (Kore, onegaishimasu), and confirming the order is complete with "That's all" (Ijyo desu).
Shadowing with Subtitles [8:55]
This section involves repeating the phrases from the conversation while reading the subtitles.
Shadowing without Subtitles [10:10]
This section involves repeating the phrases from the conversation without the subtitles.
Role Play with Subtitles [11:24]
This section involves practicing the conversation by taking on the role of either the customer or the staff, while reading the subtitles.
Role Play without Subtitles [12:43]
This section involves practicing the conversation by taking on the role of either the customer or the staff, without the subtitles.
Outro [13:57]
Kana summarizes the lesson, expressing hope that viewers feel more confident about dining in Japanese restaurants. She directs viewers to the description for additional practice resources.
