Comments on: 3 tips for Japanese when talking to that Big Ugly Gaijin

By: Chris B

Chris B — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 04:29:28 +0000

I always tend to reply to #2 with a sarcastic “Oh, and you’re so good at using a knife and fork!”

They never get it.

By: firef0x

firef0x — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 15:17:17 +0000

Here’s one:

how about the Japanese people learn to oblierate the word “sugoi” from their lexicon? It’s the most overused, tired, waxing thin on patience expression? And to top it all off, it’s used for the most benign and mundane things.

Ex: you speak two languages? Sugoi!
You can write Kanji? Sugoi!
You can use chopsticks? Sugoi!
You can dress yourself after you get up, from your futon? Sugoi!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 03:40:34 +0000

In response to “Can you eat raw fish?” , I usually respond, “Well, I have a mouth…” The irony is almost always lost on the interlocutor, but really it’s for my own amusement.

I was told the thing about not hearing how good your Japanese is once you reach acertain level as well. I still get told (by people that don’t know me) that my Japanese is good after they hear me say only “Konnichiwa”.

Go figure.

By: Mutant Frog Travelogue » Blog Archive » Eikaiwa Teacher Nabbed for Marijuana Possession, Yukan Fuji Makes fun of His Japanese

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 22:22:45 +0000

[...] For you gaijin in Japan who get hot under the collar when Japanese people praise your Japanese, maybe you should try getting arrested! I can guarantee no one will tell you how smart you are for learning such a hard language, certainly not the press. [...]

By: Jason Truesdell

Jason Truesdell — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 23:34:08 +0000

Someone once pointed out that Japanese only compliment you on your Japanese skills until you actually speak the language well.

Most people I know who are actually proficient in Japanese never hear such praise…

By: Adamu

Adamu — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 20:52:58 +0000

Dude, they’re not going to stop. That’s just how it works. Get over it, move on, and start thinking of some good backhanded compliments of your own: “It’s so good to meet someone who knows how to talk to foreigners!” or “Where’d you get that sweater? It looks cheap… I hate it,” might work.

BTW, your banner for this blog is somewhat… bleak. I hope “rusty parking lot” doesn’t sum up your experiences in Japan!

By: nat

nat — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 04:37:20 +0000

haha, i’ll stick in an extra vote for Eddy’s 4..

and a #5 from my week “You’re so cuuuuute!! I thought everybody from your country was big and ugly!!”

um. Thank you? and ouch..

By: w00kie

w00kie — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 18:09:26 +0000

6. don’t systematically ask me when I’m going back to my country

By: paulXray

paulXray — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 16:34:22 +0000

Haha -I agree with #2 especially

5. Don’t say “umai” or “atama ga ii” when it is apparent that I totally suck at attempting anything ie: singing karaoke.

By: Eddy

Eddy — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 04:38:31 +0000

4. Learn how the word “no” works, it is the opposite of “yes”.

On the flip side, I like the japanese softly softly style of reaching a compromise when this issue is important.

Does anyone know how the Japanese get on with “do you want fries with that”?