Hello,
I'm trying to learn some Japanese words and phrases before heading over to Japan next month. Beyond the obvious phrases that websites/phrasebooks typically recommend for travelers, are there any other specific words or phrases that you've found especially helpful to know?
I would learn the kanji for "male" and "female", for the toilets:
男 - Male
女 - Female
What else do you want to say?
This phrase was always rewarded with a smile (hope it was the sentiment expressed and not my pronunciation!):
Go chi so sa ma desh ta - thanks, it was good.
Since you aren't going to master Japanese in a short time available, just say hello, goodbye and thankyou. Be polite, and smile a lot. Eigo hanashimasuka? Do you speak English? is also useful.
Toilets are labeled with universal symbols or like these, so you really don't have to know the kanji for male and female. Various places might use odd symbols, but not in widely used public locations like train stations or hotels.
They might be useful for onsen, though. Those 2 kanji might be accompanied by ゆ which stands for hot water (spa, get it?), or they might have an additional symbol after the male/female symbol.
Japanese tend to be very accepting of mistakes in their language as used by foreigners. You don't want to give the impression you know TOO much upon opening your mouth for the first time. Just speak English slowly and avoid slang.
Perhaps learning how to ask for your drink in a meal to be served with the meal or afterward would be helpful. But this is all included in standard travelers' phrases. What do you plan to see and do? That might help us provide more accurate advice.
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