Essential Japanese - Travel Phrases from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Handle basic travel & daily situations in japanese, and make simple sentences on your own.
Learn basic grammar and sentence structure so you have a deeper understanding of the sentences, and not just memorizing them.
Lots of optional, supplementary lectures that go more in-depth

Enjoy your travels in japan even more!
Continued support from a native japanese language speaker (taka-sensei). we'll take questions about both language and travel.

Handle basic travel & daily situations in japanese, and make simple sentences on your own.
Learn basic grammar and sentence structure so you have a deeper understanding of the sentences, and not just memorizing them.
Lots of optional, supplementary lectures that go more in-depth
Enjoy your travels in japan even more!
Continued support from a native japanese language speaker (taka-sensei). we'll take questions about both language and travel.

Syllabus

We give you an overview of the course and how to get the most out of it.

Welcome to Essential Japanese - Travel Phrases! Here we will tell you about the course, what makes our course unique, and what you can expect from it.

If you are not familiar with Udemy's system, please watch this one. We show you how to access your content and use some of the helpful functions of the video player.

Please watch this one! This will show you what you can do if you feel the audio is a bit too low.

This video shows you the various ways you can send in your questions, comments, requests, and suggestions.

You're going to need to learn how to pronounce Japanese words, so please watch this video! I know, it's a bit long, but just watch it. :)

You can skip this if you like, but this lecture contains all the most basic words and phrases you need in Japan.

We decided to also put up the list on a separate lecture in case it's more convenient than having to download a PDF file.

To help you learn the phrases more effectively, we've divided up each situation into three lectures:

Key phrases
Role-play
Grammar

In this lecture we show you what each lecture type is about and how to use them.

Also, attached to this lecture is a PDF file with a list of recommended free English-Japanese dictionary apps.

The important phrases you'll need when you enter a restaurant and get a table.

Here is where you role-play the previous lecture's phrases.

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip to the next lecture.

Some phrases you can use for ordering at a restaurant.

If you have some requests, these phrases can help you.

Japan they say has the best customer service in the world, so you probably won't be making any complaints here. But if you do have to, here are some phrases that could help you.

Here is where you practice the previous lecture's phrases.

Some useful phrases when you get what you ordered.

Time to pay for that bill. Here are some phrases you can use.

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip to the next section, which will be about shopping.

Some general shopping phrases focused on buying food at a store.

Here you'll be role-playing the phrases you learned in the previous lecture.

More shopping phrases, this time focused on clothing.

Here you'll be role-playing the phrases from the previous lecture.

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip to the next section, which will be about directions.

We show you some general phrases for directions and locations in this lecture.

Role-play the phrases you learned in the previous lecture.

Learn some phrases for asking questions about taking public transportation.

We hope you don't get lost, but if you do, here are some phrases that are useful.

Here we teach you a few phrases for taking a cab.

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip to the next section, which will be about hotels.

If you're making inquiries at a hotel from within Japan, these phrases should be helpful for you.

You'll likely not have to complain about anything in Japan. Customer service here is great. But if there is something bothering you, these phrases could help you out.

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip to the next section.

Some useful phrases when dropping by a cafe.

Traveling with your kids? These phrases will be helpful.

If you lose something in Japan, don't worry. Someone will likely turn it in. It's a very safe country. This lecture shows you phrases you can use to get your stuff back.

As you might have heard, Japan is a pretty safe country. But that doesn't mean it's totally safe. You should still be careful. And if you ever run into some trouble (which we hope you don't), here are some phrases you can use to ask for help from the police.

With the tourist boom, it is unlikely the police will check you for identification these days if you stick to major tourist areas. However, should you get asked for your ID, here are some useful phrases.

Getting sick in a foreign country where they don't speak your language is stressful. This lecture contains some basic phrases you can use should you fall ill in Japan. Hopefully you'll never have to use these phrases though!

Want to learn more phrases and the grammar of the role-play sentences? You'll want to watch this one. If not, skip this lecture.

This is the last lecture (for now), so if you want to learn more, check out the supplementary lectures!

A brief introduction to the three types of Japanese characters: Hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

Taka-sensei explains in more detail what hiragana is used for and how to read them.

Taka-sensei explains in more detail what katakana is used for and how to read them.

Taka-sensei explains in more detail what kanji is used for, and we'll show you a few basic kanji. However, learning kanji takes years and is really not necessary for tourists. So this lecture is just meant to give you a brief look at what kanji is.

Counting from 0 to 100

Counting from 100 to 100,000

Counting from 100,000 and up

We added the content of the pronunciation exceptions PDF file here as well in case you'd rather just see it on the course screen and not have to download it.

The Japanese use a variety of counters. There are counters for flat things, long things, people, animals, circular things, etc. In this lecture, we go over three of the most useful and often used counters.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Features a role-play system and shadowing exercises, which are effective methods for language acquisition and improving pronunciation skills, making the learning experience more engaging and practical

Includes cultural notes and insights about Japan, which enhances the travel experience by providing context and understanding of local customs and etiquette

Offers grammar explanations by a native Japanese teacher with over 20 years of experience, which ensures accurate and reliable instruction for learners

Focuses on practical phrases for various travel situations, such as restaurants, shopping, directions, and hotels, which equips learners with the language skills needed for common scenarios

Supplementary lectures delve into the Japanese writing system, including hiragana, katakana, and kanji, which provides a foundational understanding of the language's structure

Requires learners to download supplementary PDF files for grammar notes and pronunciation exceptions, which may be inconvenient for some learners who prefer all content within the course platform

Reviews summary

Practical japanese for travel

according to learners, this course provides highly practical Japanese phrases specifically for travel situations. Students found the native instructor, Taka-sensei, to be excellent and engaging, providing clear explanations that help understanding, not just memorization. The unique methods like role-play and shadowing are considered very helpful for practice. While many felt it was perfect for beginners and tourists, a few reviewers noted it doesn't teach sentence creation beyond examples and wished for more interactive exercises. Overall, it's seen as an essential tool for feeling confident during a trip to Japan.

Best for beginners needing survival basics.

"Great introduction for a complete beginner."

"As a complete beginner, this course was perfect."

"It's okay for absolute basics..."

Role-play and shadowing aid practice.

"The role-play was a great way to practice."

"The native pronunciation and shadowing exercises are invaluable."

"I loved the structure with phrase, role-play, and grammar for each situation."

Explains grammar clearly for understanding.

"...explains the grammar clearly, which helps you understand *why* you're saying things, not just memorize."

"I particularly liked the grammar explanations after the phrases and role-play."

"I appreciate the grammar breakdowns, they make the phrases stick better."

"The grammar explanations were helpful..."

Taka-sensei is praised as a great teacher.

"Taka-sensei explains the grammar clearly..."

"Taka-sensei is a fantastic teacher, very clear and easy to follow."

"Amazing course! Taka-sensei is engaging and knowledgeable."

"Taka-sensei's teaching is excellent, and the explanations are very clear."

Focuses on essential phrases for travel.

"This course was incredibly helpful for my trip to Japan! The phrases were exactly what I needed for restaurants and shopping."

"Very useful for travel purposes. The situational approach is effective."

"Excellent course for learning practical Japanese quickly for a trip."

"The essential phrases covered are spot on for travel."

"Exactly what I needed for my trip! Focuses on practical, real-world situations."

Some reviewers noted low audio volume.

"...sometimes the audio seemed a little low, but it was manageable."

Could benefit from more interactive practice.

"...I felt like I needed more practice opportunities built into the course."

"...I wish there were more interactive elements or quizzes."

Doesn't focus on building new sentences.

"...doesn't really teach you how to form your own sentences effectively beyond the examples given."

"...I'm not sure how much it helped me *create* sentences."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Essential Japanese - Travel Phrases with these activities:

Review Basic Japanese Grammar

Show steps

Reinforce foundational grammar concepts to better understand sentence construction and improve comprehension of travel phrases.

Browse courses on Japanese Grammar

Show steps

Review basic Japanese sentence structure.
Study common particles and their functions.
Practice conjugating verbs in different tenses.

Read 'Japanese for Dummies'

Show steps

Gain a broader understanding of Japanese language fundamentals to contextualize and retain travel phrases more effectively.

View Contemporary Japanese Textbook Volume 1 on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on basic grammar and vocabulary.
Practice the exercises provided in the book.
Refer to the book for clarification on grammar points.

Practice Hiragana and Katakana

Show steps

Master the Japanese writing systems to improve reading speed and recognition of travel phrases.

Show steps

Use online resources to practice writing Hiragana and Katakana.
Create flashcards to memorize the characters.
Read simple Japanese texts to reinforce character recognition.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Role-Play Travel Scenarios with a Language Partner

Show steps

Simulate real-life travel situations to practice using learned phrases and improve fluency.

Show steps

Find a language partner online or in person.
Choose travel scenarios from the course material.
Take turns playing different roles in the scenarios.
Provide feedback to each other on pronunciation and grammar.

Create a Travel Phrase Guide

Show steps

Synthesize learned phrases into a personalized travel guide for better retention and practical application.

Show steps

Compile a list of essential travel phrases from the course.
Organize the phrases by category (e.g., restaurants, shopping, hotels).
Add example sentences and cultural notes to each phrase.
Design a visually appealing layout for the guide.

Read 'Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary'

Show steps

Expand your vocabulary and gain exposure to a wider range of travel phrases for diverse situations.

View Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook and... on Amazon

Show steps

Browse the phrasebook to discover new phrases.
Focus on phrases related to your specific travel plans.
Use the dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.

Plan a Mock Trip to Japan

Show steps

Apply learned phrases in a realistic context by planning a hypothetical trip to Japan, solidifying knowledge and improving practical skills.

Show steps

Choose a destination in Japan.
Research accommodation, transportation, and activities.
Create a daily itinerary using Japanese travel phrases.
Practice ordering food, asking for directions, and making reservations in Japanese.

Career center

Learners who complete Essential Japanese - Travel Phrases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tour Guide

A tour guide in Japan can greatly benefit from a course like this, as direct communication with locals enriches the travel experience for visitors. This role often involves leading groups through various locations, handling logistics, and addressing the needs of the tourists, all of which become significantly easier with a foundation in basic Japanese. The role-playing system, grammar explanations, and focus on travel phrases in this course directly support the practical language skills needed for navigating daily situations and cultural nuances. This course is especially useful because it moves beyond simple memorization, ensuring that a tour guide understand the language and can adapt to varied scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

Hotel Concierge

A hotel concierge in Japan will find this course extremely beneficial for their interactions with guests. This professional must address guest needs, provide information about the local area, and handle reservations. The cultural insights, along with the essential travel phrases covered in this course, facilitates smoother communication and enhances the quality of service. The role-play exercises and grammar focus will help a hotel concierge understand and adapt their language to various situations. A course like this may be especially helpful for those working in hotels that cater to a diverse clientele, including those who may not speak English fluently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hotel Concierge

Travel Blogger

For a travel blogger focused on Japan, this course provides the conversational skills to engage more deeply with the culture and people, resulting in richer content. Travel bloggers often aim to convey the authentic experience of a place, and this course helps them interact with locals and understand cultural cues. The course's emphasis on role-playing, along with its focus on essential phrases and grammar, builds a foundation for more nuanced interactions. By learning how to make their own sentences, a travel blogger can go beyond the standard tourist experience and gain unique insights, making this course an invaluable tool for those looking to share their personal experiences of Japan.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Blogger

Flight Attendant

Flight attendants who work on international routes to Japan can use this course to better serve passengers. Although English is used in aviation, a flight attendant who can speak basic Japanese can enhance the travel experience for Japanese-speaking passengers. This course, focusing on practical phrases, grammar, and cultural notes, helps flight attendants handle basic travel situations with more confidence. The role-play system in the course allows them to practice real-life scenarios, such as making requests or addressing complaints. This course may be particularly useful for flight attendants who frequently work on routes to Japan and wish to show an added level of service and cultural awareness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Attendant

Study Abroad Advisor

Study abroad advisors who specialize in programs in Japan can benefit from this course, as it provides a foundation in basic Japanese for interacting with Japanese universities and students. This professional often advises students on cultural and logistical matters, and the course’s cultural insights, along with the essential travel phrases, helps advisors better understand the context in which their students will be living. The course’s emphasis on grammar helps the advisor build an understanding that transcends memorization. A study abroad advisor who takes this course can better prepare students for their time in Japan.

See salaries and explore the career path for Study Abroad Advisor

Hospitality Worker

Those working in the hospitality industry in Japan, such as restaurant staff or hotel employees, can significantly benefit from this course. The ability to comprehend basic requests and facilitate smoother interactions with non-Japanese speaking customers can elevate customer experiences. The course's coverage of essential phrases, role-playing scenarios, and cultural notes can help hospitality staff better manage various situations. This course may be particularly helpful for those who interact directly with tourists and other visitors. It provides a practical approach to learning the language skills needed for daily work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hospitality Worker

International Business Professional

For international business professionals who frequently travel to Japan, knowing basic Japanese can significantly enhance their experience and effectiveness. This course, which covers everyday situations such as restaurants, shops, directions, and hotels, helps a business professional navigate daily life. The focus on grammar and sentence construction, going beyond rote memorization, assists those interested in building a practical language foundation. The cultural notes also provide valuable insights into Japanese business practices. This course may be suitable for those who wish to establish better rapport and show respect to their Japanese counterparts.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Professional

Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative working for a company that has a presence in Japan may find this course valuable for improving their ability to interact with clients. While many interactions may occur in English, a customer service representative who understands basic Japanese can help break down language barriers, contributing to positive customer experiences. The course's focus on learning essential phrases, grammar, and sentence structure helps a representative build a foundation for basic communication. The cultural insights also allow for better handling of culturally sensitive situations. This course may be particularly useful for businesses looking to improve their cross-cultural customer service interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Translator

While professional translation often requires higher-level language proficiency, this course can serve as a starting point for individuals interested in moving into the field of translation, particularly in travel and tourism contexts. This course may be useful for those looking to initially handle basic translation tasks. The focus on grammar and practical phrases means the learner gains a foundational understanding necessary for more complex translation work. The cultural notes may add an additional layer of understanding for translators. The course's approach of teaching beyond just memorization helps the learner develop a more adaptable skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Cultural Liaison

Those interested in becoming cultural liaisons, acting as a bridge between cultures, can use this course to build a foundational understanding of the Japanese language. Cultural liaisons facilitate communication and understanding across cultural differences, and this course can equip them with basic conversational skills. The focus on role-playing, cultural notes, and essential travel phrases allows them to practice practical, real-world situations. A course like this may be particularly useful for cultural liaisons working with Japanese communities. The course’s emphasis on going beyond memorization provides a more robust means to understand cultural nuances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Liaison

Content Creator

A content creator focused on Japan or Japanese culture may find this course helpful, as it provides language skills to better understand the culture they're covering. Content creators need to connect with their audience in an authentic way. The course’s combination of grammar and practice using contextual phrases may enhance their ability to create engaging content. The cultural insights may also improve their ability to accurately portray the subject matter. By gaining a handle on basic Japanese, a content creator can deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and language, leading to more innovative content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Language Tutor

Individuals interested in becoming language tutors can benefit from this course, using it either to gain foundational knowledge or refine their existing skills. This course provides not only a practical knowledge of essential phrases, but also the grammar and explanations of how phrases are constructed. The teaching methods of this course may provide useful models for a language tutor when designing interactive lessons. The course’s emphasis on breaking down components of phrases and sentences may help a tutor communicate complex ideas to students. This course may serve as the starting point of a teaching career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Tutor

International Aid Worker

For international aid workers who may be stationed or travel to Japan, this course provides the basic language skills they need to connect with the local population. Aid workers often find themselves in situations where communication is crucial for both logistical and relational outcomes. The essential travel phrases and cultural notes in this course may help to better navigate daily life in Japan. The course's focus on giving a basic understanding of grammar helps an aid worker move beyond rote memorization to understand and adapt to various situations. This course may be especially useful for those who need basic practical Japanese for their duties.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker

Immigration Officer

An immigration officer stationed in Japan, or who regularly interacts with Japanese individuals, will find this course useful for basic communication. While official interactions may require interpreters, a basic understanding of Japanese can help ease communications in less formal situations or when initial contact is made. The course’s focus on travel phrases and the cultural context of these phrases may help an immigration officer understand the intent of those entering the country. The course helps build a basic understanding of the language in order to assist with basic daily interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immigration Officer

Teacher

This course provides a foundation for a teacher who is looking to teach English as a foreign language to Japanese speakers. While this course teaches Japanese, the methods it demonstrates can be useful for a teacher when designing lesson plans and teaching strategies. A teacher of English as a foreign language may also gain cultural insights from this course, enabling a more nuanced teaching approach. The course's emphasis on grammar explanations may assist with teaching English grammar to Japanese speakers. This course may be helpful for a teacher looking to become fluent in Japanese and better connect with their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Essential Japanese - Travel Phrases

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical japanese for travel

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses