A simple phrase.
It can help someone.
The other day, I was dining at a restaurant near Kyoto Station.
Two English-speaking tourists walked in.
However, the staff only spoke Japanese.
Travelers can not to speak any Japanese at all.
The staff tried to guide them to a table.
She said “Kochira e douzo.”
“Kochira e douzo.” means “This way, please.”
But even that simple phrase didn’t seem to get across.
The two looked confused and stood still near the entrance.
I caught their eye and made a quick gesture.
It’s pointing toward the seat.
They understood, smiled with relief, and walked over.
Misunderstandings Continue After Seating
That wasn’t the end of the confusion.
One of them asked, “Can we just order drinks?”
The staff didn’t reply clearly.
Perhaps unsure what to say.
That restaurant use a call button to call staff.
Then we can oeder.
But, the explanation was likely given only in Japanese.
They don’t understand that. So they kept waiting for staff.
They don’t know they had to press the button.
Travelers Stuck Behind the Language Barrier
The staff wasn’t being cold or unkind.
In fact, they were doing their best to be polite.
But, Japanese alone just wasn’t enough.
The travelers also tried hard to say something.
But as time passed, their faces showed growing unease.
“We just want to order drinks…”
Even such a simple request got no real reply.
The staff might have explained the button, but only in Japanese.
So the travelers didn’t know what it meant.
A small misstep had created a bigger problem.
They couldn’t even place an order.
Just one missing phrase, and everything came to a stop.
Even Simple phrase Can Reach Someone
I quietly walked over to their table.
“If you want to order, push this button.”
Just one simple line—along with a gesture toward the button.
They looked at me, then at the button.
“Oh, I see!”—their faces lit up with relief.
It didn’t have to be perfect English.
Even if the grammar wasn’t great, the meaning was clear.
And just like that, the message got through.
Desire to Communicate
They didn’t speak Japanese.
I am also a Japanese person who is not good at English.
Both sides felt unsure and hesitant.
Still, the desire to connect was clearly there.
Maybe that’s where communication truly begins.
By the way, what I said was,
“If you want to order, push this button.”
It wasn’t textbook-perfect English.
Still, it worked.
Sometimes, what really matters is the feeling behind the words.
Sharing the Power of Simple Phrase
This experience made me realize something again.
Just one phrase can ease someone’s worries or change a situation.
It doesn’t require advanced English or great fluency.
Just a bit of courage, and a few simple words.
For example:
- “Do you have an English menu?”
→Eigo no menyu ha arimasu ka? - “This one, please.”
→Kore o kudasai. - “Check, please.”
→Okaikei o onegai shimasu.
Even a short phrase like these can be a big help when traveling.
That’s why I create Japanese phrase materialsnot only for tourists.
Also for foreigners living in Japan.
You don’t need to speak perfectly.
Just having a few phrases can be enough to help someone.
I want to share those words with you.
Introducing the Color & Learn Japanese Series
It all began when a student of mine said.
“I want to learn Japanese with my child.”
Then, this kind of moment happened.
When someone wants to say something but can’t.
That’s when I thought,
I want to create something that helps in those situations.
It’s simple, easy to use phrases.
Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect?
That’s okay.
With just one helpful word, you can support someone.
Color & Learn Japanese Vol.1Dining & Shopping
This series helps you learn useful phrases through cute illustrations and coloring.
It covers scenes like dining out and shopping.
All phrases come with English and Chinese translations.
Audio versions are also available.
You can simply point and speak—.
Perfect for foreigners.
Download it on Gumroad:
Basic one-phrase expressions-Free PDF
Free Download.
Useful Travel Phrases.
If you want to take a quick look, start here.
Are you interested in Japanese culture?
you might enjoy this article too.
Difference Between Shrines and Temples.
Is there a phrase you’d like to learn?
Have you ever felt stuck in a situation like this?
If so, I’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to leave a comment or contact me anytime!
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